5th September 2012 Sarah and Charlotte returned from their Parisian adventure, claiming they’d seen everything there was to see. Charlotte, ever resourceful, managed to masquerade as a student with Sarah’s Union Card, meaning they both enjoyed discounted entry to all the sights. They were especially smitten with the Eiffel Tower, and brought me back a… Continue Reading

25th August 2012 Roger Woolnough and I enjoyed a week-long vacation in Italy to visit our friends, Joan and Phil. Escaping the rainy weather in the UK, we had a sunny and relaxing trip. Upon arriving in Ancona, we were greeted by Joan and Phil, who drove us to their charming home in Santa Vittoria… Continue Reading

5th August 2012 The so-called heatwave was nothing more than a flirtation. It breezed in, flaunted its sunshine for a week, and then vanished without so much as a goodbye. Now we’re right back where we belong: soggy days, endless drizzle, and a nation collectively wondering why we ever bother with barbecues. Still, at least… Continue Reading

22nd July 2012 At long last, the weather gods have decided to take pity on us! After what felt like an eternity of drizzle and damp socks, the sun has finally made an appearance. I’m so giddy with excitement, I might even dust off my shorts and sandals. Of course, two days of sunshine do… Continue Reading

11th July 2012 Last Tuesday, Nan’s internet connection was finally installed. A minor triumph, but in this house, we take our victories where we can. Royal Mail, meanwhile, decided to amuse itself by hiding my parcels in plain sight. After several rounds of phone tag, I discovered the missing pieces had been lurking in the… Continue Reading

3rd July 2012 Since my last post, it has done little else but rain. Honestly, if Noah had popped by with a half-finished ark, I wouldn’t have been surprised. Jamie found himself in Birmingham during one of the more biblical downpours, where the streets turned into canals. He managed to paddle his car to safety,… Continue Reading

24th June 2012 The following Tuesday, I was up at the crack of dawn and on the road north to Thurcroft, arriving around 9 am. After reading the long list of instructions Nan had left for me, I dutifully planted some runner beans at her insistence while she popped off to have her hair done… Continue Reading

7th June 2012 Sarah spent the week back in Sheffield, fulfilling her duties as Social Secretary of the Scuba Diving Club by organising their end-of-year dinner/party/booze-up (delete as appropriate). She also had her final course meeting and the small matter of packing up her worldly goods from the Pinnacles. On Friday, we hosted the Rothwells… Continue Reading

30th May 2012 Since the last blog, the mercury has shot up into the high twenties, and the sky has been obligingly cloud-free, practically Mediterranean, only without the sangria. On Tuesday, Lee popped over for a visit. Charlotte and Ellis joined us, and we all headed to Dingley Woods to admire the bluebells and test… Continue Reading

22nd May 2012 The return drive from Heathrow to Harborough was remarkably smooth, with minimal traffic on a Sunday at 7 am. The rest of the day felt a little surreal, battling the cold weather while unpacking and trying valiantly to stay awake. We held out until 9 pm before surrendering to sleep, though we… Continue Reading