Only a sugary jam doughnut will do

Everyone is allowed a moment of weakness sometimes and this morning called for a reward in the shape of a disgustingly sugary jam doughnut!

Having cleared up cat sick at 7am, intervened on a wardrobe malfunction squabble, spent two hours buying food, stacking it on a conveyor belt, bagging it up, loading the boot, unloading into the house, emptying the bags and packing it all away, I was in need of a coffee.  Then I walked into the sitting room to find one of our dear furry friends had brought me a present, feathers everywhere.  

Luckily moments like this are fairly rare as both cats are really quite lazy, but when I see the delicate lifeless little face of a bird, I get very angry with the 'Lads', who were no doubt both to blame.

The vast sugar rush will be regretted later, but just at this moment nothing else will do.

Late Birthday presents are the best

Oh I do love having a late birthday present, I think all my friends are now going to have an iou, wrapped in something utterly gorgeous, then months later they can have an opportunity to feel special again.

On Sunday I was treated to afternoon tea at a London hotel by the Darlings and had a joyful day.  The gift had been presented to me on my birthday many months ago, in a bundle of brightly coloured ribbons and we were all able to decide on the best day to book the trip and enjoy the anticipation. 

Sir Joshua Reynolds wears a jaunty summer sash !

The Royal Academy summer exhibition has recently opened so this was an ideal chance for us all to take a stroll around the beautiful, weird, exotic, incomprehensible, rubbish, and simply stunning artworks, chosen by the Royal Academy to be displayed as a sample of art in Britain today. Always a good talking point as everyone has different views on what is talent, is it actual skill, visions, use of colour or simply the agile use of meaningful words to describe a scribble on a canvas.  Enough said I think.

Out of the front doors and onto Piccadilly we walked into a massive Hare Krishna celebration taking place. It was a wonderful and colourful scene with happy chanting people filling the streets which had been closed for the event.

Tea was utter indulgence starting with a glass of champagne to wind down after the mornings events. Delicious little sandwiches, the zucchini and pesto were delicious, warm scones with clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam and a massive variety of delicate little cakes.  All this washed down with ginger and lemongrass tea. 

The day didn't stop there, we arrived home and The Chief was taking on his favourite Sunday evening occupation, preparing a BBQ!  We all gathered around the table in the garden (wrapped in warm fleeces!) to eat and chat about the day’s events which finished the day off perfectly.


I felt like the Queen having my official birthday! 

Rain, rain and more rain

Phew!  All done, fridge full again, no more reason for The Darlings to continue their call for the sacking of the bad mother who doesn't feed her children!

The rain began just as I was loading up the boot, along with a blustery wind which resulted in a bit of an 'episode' with my wardrobe choice for today - I had decided to rebel again the miserable weather a wear a pretty floating skirt to celebrate a sunny morning.  Of course that was attempting to wrap around my head whilst I struggled to stuff the bags into the boot before all was washed away!  That gave the friendly car wash guys a good laugh, although the thick black tights couldn't have been much of a turn on!

By the time I was able to plonk down in the warmth of my car I was dishevelled and frozen, why do Sainsbury's keep their store so cold?  I was wearing a winter coat and vest and my fingers had turned blue.  Silly me, I should have remembered my gloves.

 

A Jubilee weekend to remember

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend was a resounding success and even enjoyed by those who began the four days with an air of cynicism.

Despite the typical British weather, or rather worse than typical summer weather, on Friday we visited the Avenue of Sail at Tower Bridge and popped over to Buckingham Palace just at the right time to see the Robbie Williams band rehearsing for the concert.

The Queen had a great day out at the Epsom Races on Saturday and we just happened to drive past her as she made her way home to Windsor down the A3!

Sunday was the river pageant, it was wet,  very wet!  My decision to carry on as planned was questioned several times, but I think The Chief soon realised my mind was not for changing and he joined me with vest, thick jumper, sturdy waterproof and comfortable shoes as we packed into the London bound trains.  It was certainly a different atmosphere to the usual commuter trains!

The big screens positioned all over the capital were a great idea and looking out across the river near the Houses of Parliament with a screen behind us, we were treated to a perfect view of all the proceedings.  These crowds are always so friendly and we were soon sharing sausage rolls and wine, this helped to pass the time during our two hour wait!

After such a tremendous spectacle on the Thames we decided to leave once the rain became torrential, along with thousands of others!  The journey home was not the best end to the day, a normal 20 minute journey took over three hours.  We walked, discovered we were lost in Stockwell, got on a bus to Clapham, tried to pack into the obscenely overcrowded South West Trains and gave up, tried to catch a bus to nearer home and had to give up with the sheer numbers trying to board.  Another attempt to get a train proved extremely lucky when a last minute platform alteration positioned a train in front of us with enough space to squeeze into and we were nearly home.  It had crossed my mind that the evening might have to be spent on a station bench in our damp clothes, with only a weather beaten union jack flag for protection!

No time to rest, a party to organise for Monday, friends and family to entertain and the weather was looking kind, but cool.  It was great to see old friends and then all sit around and enjoy the Jubilee concert on the TV.

Tuesday was the day for the Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul's Cathedral and the carriage procession and flypast.  Major Darling had won tickets for seats in the stands outside the Palace and they were away at 8am to be part of the celebrations.  As we cleared up after the party, we took time out to watch our dear old Queen as she took on another action packed day of engagements.  Sadlly without her husband at her side after he had been taken to hospital with a bladder infection, although I'm very pleased to say that Prince Philip has now been allowed home to recuperate.

The cheering and flag waving public exuded happiness as the Sovereign's Escort led the Royal party through the streets whilst the sound of a 60 gun salute from the King's Troop on Horseguards Parade boomed down the streets like thunder.  There were so many horses to accommodate that the Wellington Barracks had to turn an underground car park into temporary stables for the day!

Photo: Reuters

Once the Royal party were at the Palace the police led the public down to the gates and the roar went up as the family appeared on the balcony, looking slightly overawed by the enthusiasm and goodwill from the crowd.

Photo: PA

There had been a worry that the planned flypast would have to be cancelled due to the bad weather conditions, but at the last minute it was confirmed it would go ahead.  Breathtaking views of Spitfires and Hurricanes, a Dakota and Lancaster Bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial flight led the way for the Royal Air Force Red Arrows to stream their trail of red, white and blue smoke.

Photo: AP

It has been a wonderful opportunity for the public to let the Queen know how much affection they hold for her and also to feel united in happiness, despite the very difficult economic times we are suffering.

Our highly talented resident artist managed to find a few moments to start a sketched memory of the day.

My diary says it is June

When I woke this morning I thought I was back on one of those wonderful family holidays in Cornwall.  The rain was crashing against the windows, trees were bent low in the fierce wind and leaves and branches were scattered around the garden and roads.

Fond memories of walks along Carne beach in our pac-a-macs, rain dripping from our eyelashes, eating ice-creams at lightening speed to stop them from being blown away by the wind, but oh the utter joy and happiness when the sun did come out.  It was delightful, and there was nothing better than enjoying an indulgent cream tea with lashings of clotted cream, next to the swimming pool at the Nare Hotel.


I did three separate 'taxi' runs to the station before 8am, just to make sure my family started their journey with dry feet and a decent hairstyle.  Do you think they appreciate?  Do they notice when the empty honey jar is replaced, the almost finished soap is suddenly renewed, and my psychic powers tell me that the stock of toilet rolls in the family bathroom is low?  I do draw the line at providing a complete laundry service and putting away their clean washing, I just return a neat pile ready for them to iron and put away.


Of course they appreciate, it's just been a busy morning and it didn't help that I decided my fringe was too long and I took the dressmaking scissors to it!  Not a good idea to start the day!

We are ready to party!

The Diamond Jubilee weekend has arrived and the next few days are all set to be a joyful holiday, packed with pomp and ceremony, celebrations and smiles.

The streets have been cleaned, the horses groomed and the boats are shining, my cupcakes have been baked, patriotic clothes have been bought and we are ready to CELEBRATE!