Just The Two of US

Wednesday 30 January 2008

Busy, Busy, Busy

Went to see Dan In Real Life on Friday, after a nice meal. It was a Very. Nice. Film. Michael was a bit sceptical as he felt it would be a girly chick-flik but was pleasantly suprised. He even laughed out loud in some places.

Saturday comprised of shopping for jeans (me) unsuccessfully I add. When I don't go looking for clothes I see loads that I would like but when I have money and am actively shopping, I find none. I then thought 'sod it' and went looking for some nice brown leather boots only to return every pair back to the shelves as they were 'not quite right'. ARGH! Michael tinkered with the Fiat and we met up for lunch and coffee. We both got haircuts. My haircut was a birthday present from Mum in November. It's my regular birthday present from her but I hadn't managed to get it done last year. I was told off by the very trendy (but incredibly sweet) young lad (twelve if he was a day) who was to attack my barnet, when I mumbled that it had 'probably been about a year' since my last haircut. I asked for the dead, split ends to be cut off and he happily informed me that I would need to lose nearly 4 inches! Serves me right I suppose.

On Sunday Michael's Sister Sarah and his two Nephews, Jake and Sam come over. There was a trip to the park (has a cool deathslide) and much Playstation playing followed by a huge roast lamb dinner.

Work is manic. The boss has returned from his weeks skiing and as usual the smooth running, quiet office has been launched into chaos! Ho-hum.

So, having given some thought to a City break, I have decided on Paris as i've never 'done' Paris and also a weekend in Cornwall in order to visit the Eden Project Eden Project and eat at Rick Steins. But when I get to do these trips is another matter.

Tuesday 22 January 2008

Chillingham Castle & Edinburgh


We had our annual jaunt up North this month. It's turning into a bit of a tradition.

We stayed at the wonderful Chillingham Castle again, this time in a different apartment (supposedly the most haunted one) but we were left alone by the spirits to enjoy. There were 90 mile an hour winds during one night and I did worry for the thin glass windows. I have to say the sound of the wind whistling up the round stone stairwell fron the open courtyard to our apartment was a little disconcerting at 2am! It was Michaels job to get a nice fire going in the wood burning stove each evening which he did with much enthusiasm and gesturing 'look what I have created!'. A lot of Scrabble and Yahtzee was played and I even won a few! It's very nice and relaxing to have a roaring fire, a glass of red wine and a game on the go...*sigh*

Lots of walks on the deserted beaches, especially Bamburgh, our favourite. We also went back to the Alnwick Gardens and had lunch in the tree house this time. I bought more books in Barter Books and more jewellery in a little gallery on the high street. The Percy Arms Hotel provided us with our evening meals and I was even given a box of local homemade fudge when we left!

We left for Edinburgh on the Friday and I had booked a hotel on the internet (I don't usually get it right and we end up with some dodgy place) and this time I got it right! The Point Hotel was very stylish and a little bit of luxury after the 'shabby chic' of the Castle. We finally made it to the Camera Obscura after a steep climb up the hill. We visited The Rosslyn Chapel and Edinburgh zoo (the only animals out braving the cold were the otters and penguins) and drove off into the Pentland Hills to find some snow and wildlife. Photos on Flickr.

So now I want a weekend break somewhere, possibly Europe. Any suggestions?

Sunday 20 January 2008

Third time lucky?

I have just fed Michael a scrummy dinner of beef bourguignon with honey roast parsnips and then panettone bread and butter pudding. Is that sufficient to reward him for spending a fortune in the Le Creuset shop yesterday? I have to return to buy their individual heart shaped pudding dishes and possibly the pots that look like vegetables (but i'll do that on my own).

I spring cleaned (most of) the house today and Michael washed the cars. We had planned to go to the cinema but just didn't make it. We are now sitting on the sofa, full of dinner, drinking red wine, wondering who will winch us off in time for bed!

I'll fill you in on our holiday 'up North' next time. Pictures on Flickr (once i've figured out the link).

So, a few of you may notice that this is my 3rd (?) attempt at a blog. Let's see how long it'll last this time. Bets anyone??