25th February 2016

On the Friday following our return from a much warmer southern hemisphere climate, we entertained the Rothwells and Jamie with a couple of curries, one made using spices I’d purchased at the Spice Farm in Suva. No one complained, so I’ll take that as a sign they were acceptable. However, I had hoped for a distinctive Pacific kick to the flavour, and I think it fell short on that front.

The usual entertainment for the first family meal after a holiday is to subject everyone to the infamous ‘Holiday Video.’ However, I hadn’t found time to craft my Tarantino-esque masterpiece, so the clan had to endure an unedited 16 minutes and 22 seconds of the Australia Day fireworks display. The first five minutes of spectacular pyrotechnics held everyone’s attention, but after that, those with access to mobile phones seemed far more engrossed in their screens. How sad that the current generation struggles to focus on anything lasting more than a few minutes. Sue and I, however, sat mesmerised throughout.

Sue has thrown herself wholeheartedly into the U3A (University of the Third Age). Not a day goes by without her lacing up her boots for one ramble or another with one of the three walking groups she’s joined, or donning loose-fitting attire for Tai Chi or Wand (apparently led by Harry Potter). Let’s not forget the Local History group, which she attends regularly. I wonder if they’ll cover the development of local hostelries, now that would be interesting!

Since our return, I’ve looked after Mia on several occasions. Each time, we’ve managed a visit to the Black Horse in Foxton for lunch and refreshments. The staff now recognise her, and she’s always treated to biscuits and an ear scratch. Charlotte joined me on one occasion, and both sisters accompanied me on another.

As we’ll be away on the 18th, Charlotte, Jamie, and Sarah took Sue out for an early Mother’s Day lunch at an Italian restaurant in Kettering. A thoughtful gesture and well-planned. Meanwhile, Mia and I consoled ourselves with another trip to Foxton.

The following day, Sue and I joined Jamie at his workplace in Sutton Bassett, where they were trialling a new venture: hog roasts. That weekend, the company was hosting its first hog roast event in Cannock for over 1,000 people, and family members of the workforce were invited for a practice run. It was excellent, and very filling!

The day after, Sue and I went to see Fleetwood Mac in Northampton. This was Jamie’s Christmas present to me, and what a marvellous evening it was! Remember ‘Albatross’? Absolutely magical!

A few days later, Sue went to see the film ‘Brooklyn’ at the Odeon in Kettering. Meanwhile, Sarah came over with Mia to use the video equipment in my study for a presentation she was preparing for work. Charlotte also dropped by to see her sister, and we all went out for lunch at Mia’s favourite watering hole.

I’ve managed a couple of visits to the allotment and made a dent in the large acreage of leeks I planted earlier in the year. I’ve given half away, but the freezer is now bursting with leeks, and there are still 140 left to harvest. They’ll have to wait until we return in April; no doubt they’ll take the opportunity to grow even larger!

This week, I picked up a tummy bug, which was concerning as we’re heading off on a long trip soon. I visited the doctor and, as a precaution, was prescribed two sets of tablets, one of which, annoyingly, means no alcohol until the course is finished. Thankfully, I’m feeling fine now!

Not to be left out, Sue decided to join me in feeling under the weather. She spent a day on the sofa with the shivers but, being made of sterner stuff, shook it off with nothing more than paracetamol.

Breaking News:

• Sarah and Lee are making wedding plans, with a provisional date set for 16th August 2017. Still plenty of time, so no need to panic just yet.
• Jamie and Harley seem to be getting serious and are talking about getting engaged. They recently had dinner with Harley’s parents, watch this space!
• Lucas has followed in his grandad’s footsteps and written his first book. I haven’t had the chance to read it yet, but by all accounts, it’s quite amusing. He’s also taken up cross-country running and is doing rather well.