Feeling Fat Fat Fat!

Well my dear family and friends, I hope your feeling as fat as I am after all the goodies over Christmas! Omg I cannot fit another morsel in! Even though my eyes say yes and the brain says yes, the stomach has other ideas :(

What a wonderful Christmas I have had this year, despite all the bad weather and bad traffic trying to dampen my enthusiasm. I am soooo glad I went food shopping Sunday afternoon, in between showers. The weather wasn't too bad, but getting a trolley in Tesco's, a different matter. I think all of Shepton Mallet were shopping at the same time. I was on a mission, so I pushed my way through all the crowds. Finally got the shopping done, petrol in the car and off back home again, time for putting my feet up and having a cuppa. Ahhhhh much better :)

A quiet night in Sunday night, bit of final washing and cleaning up before I have to get Cate and Simon tomorrow, the weather is really settling in to be quite a stormy night, wind is howling, rain is teaming down. I think I will try and leave a bit earlier to go into the Bath Spa Train Station in the morning

Monday is a cold blustery day, I decide to wait until I hear from Cate, as I hear on the news that several of the trains from London Paddington Station have been cancelled or postponed due to the very high winds and there apparently is flooding in some low lying area's. I finally texted Cate and they had caught an earlier train, they seemed to be getting through alright, although the trains were going much slower. I drove into Bath, the roads weren't too bad, hate driving into the cente of Bath at anytime as the roads are all over the auction, lots of curves and you have to swap lanes very quickly to access the correct roads, finally made it into Southdown carpark. Run across the road to the train station, in between the shower of rain. Oh no there goes another of my Brolley's, oh well time to throw another one in the bin! I am in luck I see another brolley on the ground, not quite the state of my other one was in, so looks like I have been saved until I get to undercover :) I stand and wait out the front of the station for ages, but I am still early, the weather is getting worse, figure it will be awful for Cate and Simon to get across the traffic with their cases, so I make my way back, get the car and drive to the back of the station, hmmm quite a queue, I play tag with several cars all wanting the closest spot to the door, with motor running to keep the windows from fogging up, I concentrate on making a quick pounce on the next poll position, 1 car closer to the door! I am waiting and waiting, Cate should have come out by now? I decide to text her, still no message, I turn the car off, make a dash for the main entrance and no sign of them :( so dash back to the car, all fogged up, so on goes the motor, demist the windows again, and in about another ten minutes, I get a call from Cate, they had walked out the front of station and crossed over the road to the coffee shop, where we were going to meet originally. They then cam back to the station and finally saw me at the back of the station, cases in the car, we set off for home :) we all had a quiet night at home, as it was a very stormy night, so we went to bed early and listened to the rain smash against our windows and the wind howl, and just wished that it pasted by tomorrow, so we could go exploring :)

Tuesday morning we set off for Bradford on Avon late morning after we were all rested :) our journey was quite a long one, as in parts, the roads were quite flooded, almost to the point where I though will I be safe to drive through that. What seems like only a couple of centimetres is often much more. It seems that it was only to get much worse, as we were bumper to bumper going into Bradford on Avon only to see that the bridge had been closed off. We finally made the roundabout and turned off to go off to the carpark. Then we walked up around the shops towards the bridge and this is what we were met with:

The beautiful park that I have been in twice before was well submerged :(

 

Simon and Cate managing to stand against my favourite tree in the park, this was as far as we could walk :(

The park under water :(

 

Can you pick the edge of the park and the rivers edge?

After seeing The Bridge Tea Rooms under about 3 feet of water, it seemed that our Christmas Lunch that had been booked, was now cancelled :( I coundt even ring them as I didn't have their number. I would say that our deposit may now go towards flood appeal, which seems fair enough. I think many of these business' will be closed for so e time, they won't be happy that they have lost all their Christmas/new year clientele.

After realising we can't get across to the markets or the other cafe's, we decided we would go into Bath as the weather was a bit better today, clear sky's but a little chilly. Cate and Simon hadn't seen bath, so we had a bit of a look around the shops, but our bellies were hungry, so I took them to my favourite place "The Cosy Club" it's a really interesting place, took a couple of pics in here :)

 

My niece Cate and I

 

Aww isn't love Grand :)

Cate & Simon

 

So Cute :)

Wednesday (Christmas Day) we all had a lovely sleep in, I made us a nice cooked Brunch and made them listen to my Christmas cd! whilst I sang away or hummed to the songs! we all enjoyed breakie and then adjourned to the loungeroom, where we had the heater glowing in the background! my candied/spiced candles leaving a gentle aroma. Me being Father Christmas, making sure we all had a present, we all opened our presents, smiles all around :) Cate did model her new Pj's and Simon and I our new scarves and my new Jewellery :) in the afternoon we had a bit of a rest, then went for a drive to Glastonbury and I wanted to show Simon and Cate The Tor. I don't think Cate saw too much of it, she kept nodding off in the car and Simon read his book the whole way :) well they do have the blow up bed after all, so I guess it's a bit like a bouncy castle, not getting to much sleep, it could be other reasons for which I don't want to be reminded lol

Thursday we visited Wells, the main Catheral and had a wander around the City in the morning and later in the day, I took Cate and Simon to The Cheddar Gorge. I thought it wouldn't be very pretty in the middle of winter, but it still proved a great trip :) it was great to see, when there were not many people around as well, didn't have to pay for parking, so that was a plus :) we walked up and down the Main Street, found a great little pub to visit and Simon had a local Cider and Cate and I had a hot chocolate to warm up a little. Unfortunately the cheese factory was closed because the holiday, but it was still fun window shopping!

Friday I had to say goodbye to my gorgeous niece Cate and her fella Simon, it was so nice to have them stay with me. It was just so special to have some family with me. I did manage also to Face chat to my beautiful Helen and Robert late on Christmas Day, so that just topped off my day/week for me :) I also received a lovely online present from both Robert and Helen, I got a wonderful Twinnings box of Tea and biscuits :) more things to make me fatter :

So many yummy teas :)

Cute Tea canisters

My warm scented orange/cinnamon candles with star anise around base :)

Sunday Frosty morning:

 

This is 10.30/11am and still not melted! Thought it was snow at first lol

The ice was still on my neighbours lawn and fence! My car was still frozen over, glad I didn't have to take it out today :)

Well my lovelies, it's the last day of my week off, I'm sitting here thinking I don't want to go back to work tomorrow :( but the reality is that I can't holiday without the work, so onward and upward as they say. Even though I might only save a £100/month if I'm lucky, have decided to make it my goal, even if it means not shopping as much, I probably can live out of the fridge and freezer one week out of two :) if it means I can save for a small holiday every few months, I have to do it :) so with that in mind, I am telling myself, Paris and Venice in April :) I also want to go up to Shetland for The Up Helly Aa, which is the last Sat in jan I think, not sure I can manage that many holidays yet though. decisions, decisions lol

Anyway it's time for me to relax now and enjoy my last night before work for the next couple of days, then I will be off to celebrate the New Year. I wish each and every one of my beautiful family and friends a wonderful new year and a very happy and joyful new year. May all your dreams be a reality and love be all that there is. I love you all xxxxxxxxx

A late note here, my apologies for the delay in posting this, ran out of credit on my wifi, had two extra here over Xmas using it, it didn't last the distance :( anyway all fixed after buying my monthly £25 credit again and we're ready for action again :)

Enjoy xxxxxx

 

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Yayyyy have a week off!

Hello my lovelies :) hope all my family and friends are happy this week and getting all organised for the festive season! I must say since being here, there is much more Christmas spirit all around me than there ever was at home. I'm talking about in the community, all week this week as I rugged up, all warm and toastie in my midi coat and scarf wrapped up around my face to stop the cold air getting into my lungs, gloves on, as I prepared for a nice walk down to the post office in the late afternoon, I saw all the Christmas decorations light up in the street, I could see the kids at the school next door, making all kinds of decorations they proudly were taking home to place on their Christmas trees or in the windows of their homes. All the shop windows make an extra effort to adorn their windows with everything "Christmassy" as it's almost dark at four o'clock, the lights are all on and all sparkly. It kind of puts a bit of a spring in your step.

I stopped at one of my favourite charity shops on the way back to work, as I could see all their Christmas items in the window, so I popped in for a quick look, picked up a a couple of bargains, including a must have Cd of Christmas songs for £1.50 an oldie but a goodie :) a little surprise for my work colleagues. They didn't know it yet, but we were going to have an afternoon singing and humming along to Louis Armstrong and old blue eyes and various other artist's of that era.

I will miss my family at home this year, sitting down to a nice meal and making my special Christmas pudding and Brandy Sauce that has become my tradition each year. I think someone else in the family may have to give it a go in my absence as it's a bit difficult to send some over from here.

Hopefully I will be able to skype or Face Time with them all, miss my kids so much! One thing that brings me closer to them is when we have our video chats, it makes me feel like they are in the same room as me, only thing that is missing is a nice big hug and kiss xxxoxx But on the positive this Christmas I have one of niece's staying with me and her boyfriend, so I do have some family :) I have put up a few decorations, the flat is looking a little more cosier.

Just had a message from Cate, picking her and Simon up tomorrow from Bath :) so excited!

This week has gone pretty quick, Wednesday morning was a catch up with Victoria ( the lady whom I have taken over from, whilst she is on Maternity Leave. It was special as she had her little one on my birthday :) as she went over time. So me joking to Victoria before she left, actually became a reality. I received a gorgeous thank you card :)

Thursday when at work, all of us were looking forward to our Christmas work party on Thursday at the Salamander Pub in Bath. I managed to take my camera along and take a few shots :)

The breaking open of the christmas crackers!

 

Harry looking very pleased with herself :) I wonder what was in her cracker? I got a bag of doog's or marbles to those that aren't familiar :)

My two buddies I sit next to at work Ali, who is my son Rob's age and is lots of fun, has a sense of humour much the same as Rob too, as you will see by some of the pics! And Lizzie (another welsh Las) who is also lots of fun, keep me in check :)

 

From left my fellow Aussie Alex from Melboune :) then Harry or should I say Angharrad (her welsh name), Ruth and Ceri (another welsh name)

Emma, Ros & Louise

Harry, Ruth & Claire

Mary, Alex, Harry, Ruth, Ceri & Claire

 

Ruth, Ceri, Claire & Ros

Lizzie enjoying a Bath Cider :)

 

Roast Turkey

Mum, they pinched your veggie dishes!

Harry & Claire

Choc and stout cake with ice cream yummm

Ali, moi and Emma

 

 

Well I know there was an overkill of pics and you don't know them, but I just want to give you a taste of the night and the people I have been working with. It was a great night, but unfortunately a week night and we didn't get home till 12, so yes we were all pretty tired on Friday! The good news is that we only had to work half a day, so we all packed up at 1 pm, all out of there for just over a week. Yayyyy

Sat morning was sleep in time, I do need to shop this week end, but it is teaming down outside, not going anywhere at present. I'm just enjoying my cuppa and listening to the rain on my windows, maybe I will I spot our resident deer soon, my neighbour spotted two of then in the woods at lunch time the other day. Can't wait to see them in the snow!

Weather has eased off, time for a trip into the Wells markets, taking a card and some home made ginger biscuits into my friends that own Rosie's Tea Shop, Rosie and Mick. They have been very friendly to me, ever since I arrived and encouraged me, telling me I would find work soon, lovely couple. Mick use to be a butcher and they originally lived in Scotland I think. I have met two of their young son's, Tom seems mesmerised when he hears my Aussie accent, I think he is a neighbours fan lol After Mick making me a bacon bapp and a nice cappachino, I head off to the cheap warehouse for some bargains. Wow wells is really buzzing today, lots of music in the Main Street, can hear a brass band playing carols down the cathedral end, near the markets. I pass a cute black guy playing a violin, it's all happening today!

After getting a few bargains in the warehouse, I head down to the square near the markets and near whee I go to my hairdresser. Yes I have a Chrissy card and biscuits for Jess, my hairdresser. What a delightful girl she is, I say girl as she is still quite young, but so friendly and nothing is too much trouble and she is always happy to chat to me. Money a bit tight today, but hair needs a trim, leave off anything else for another day.

 

 

Playing a Christmas tune or two outside the PO.

Market time.

It's Sunday night now, I have been and faced the Tesco's carpark! God nearly as bad as the woollies carpark back home, yet this carpark is probably ten times the size or more, but was equally as busy, I knew the store would be busy, as when I got to the entrance, I could see about 5 trolleys, normally they have hundreds! Need to get some food shopping, as Cate and Simon get here tomorrow :) I still don't know what we will have for Christmas, looks like it will be a real mixture, so couldn't decide.

I think I will sign off now lovely people, I'm a bit late this week. I'm spending Christmas with Cate and Simon, so until my next post, will wish each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas and have the best time with you families and friends until my next post xxxxx love to you all xxxxx

 

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Mulled Wine, Roasted Chestnuts and Carols at the Bath Markets

Hello to my beautiful family and friends xoxox "Jingle Bells, jingle bells, jingle bells rock".... It's getting closer.... 10 days only till Santa visits, the Christmas spirit is well and truly alive here in Bath today :) spending the day with Rani and we have driven to the park and ride to get the double decker bus into the city. Very wise decision, considering that all the carparks were full in the centre of Bath. It would have been a nightmare trying to find somewhere to park :( Busy busy busy! The place was buzzing with people and the atmosphere was fun, everyone in a holiday mood. Debenhams is the biggest department store in Bath and very up market ( it reminds me of Myers or even classier, more your David Jones.) Rani had a few Christmas pressies to buy for her family so we wondered around several of the floors and she managed to get all she was looking for, I just did a lot of window shopping today, as I didn't have any dosh to actually blow, but I was going to buy a hat if I saw one, yes a hat! I have never worn a hat in my life lol but in this weather and with the weather we are meant to be having in the coming two months, I need something to keep my head and my ears warmer. I have a beenie, not so keen on that, look a bit of a prawn in it, so bought a bit more stylish woollen hat. You might be lucky enough for a photo along the journey somewhere to see me :)

After much traping around the department store, we then went for a walk, leisurely looking at all the Christmas Markets in all the little lanes and main mall of the centre of Bath. It wasn't quite dark yet and we decided that we would go find somewhere to eat. So I suggested The Cozy Club as I had been there before when Victoria from work was leaving on Maternity leave, so I thought that might be a great place to stop. Talk about being in the right place at the right time :) Omg, there is this hunk of a man smiling at me as soon as we sat down and as he was smiling at me and said hello, I suddenly realised I knew him! Jan and Gerry guess who? Hehe oh my heart was racing, I realised it was Chris, whom I had met in Tesco's, what a beautiful smile he gave me, if I didn't know any better? Would think he was into me lol We exchanged smiles and hello's and he was sitting on his own but I had a strong feeling he wasn't alone :( Sure enough his girlfriend or partner came and sat down, so we kind of said bye to each other and both tables ate our lunches in peace. Have to say seeing him again, stirred me up no end! Oh well forget about Chris now, he's taken :( Rani and I got up to leave and he looked up and wished us a Merry Christmas, I mouthed the same as we made our way out. God Alana, don't trip up the step, could feel eyes on me all the way out lol

Phew, outside now, deep breath :) ok onto the Christmas markets! Where's the mulled wine! We foundation the end of one of the markets mulled wine, a guy cooking chestnuts :) oh wow, now I really feel like I'm in the northern hemisphere!

Yum, this mulled wine was exceptional!

 

Mmmmmmm Cheers!

 

Both of us had to split up to stand in queues for the roasted chestnuts and the mulled wine. I was so excited about having these, all the times I saw them in Australia, either in tins or just raw in shell, never really knew what to do with them. They have the hard nut shell which you have to peel off.

Roasted Chestnut

Peeled Cooked Chestnut, yum, almost has a sweet potato taste but still different, certainly warmed us up with the mulled wine :)

In the Mall in Bath

Hmm it's starting to get a bit wet outside, we go hunting for a coffee shop, after several blocks of Bath, we make it back Costa Coffee :)

 

This was in the square where the Cathedral is and not far from the Bath Pumping Rooms

How cute is this guy? He even moved!

more deco's

 

Closest thing to snow!

Interesting Stalls along the street

Live Statue (this guy was totally amazeballs!) lol we watched him closely for ages and you would swear he wasn't real, until you would see the nerves twitching in his foot or his arm or hand. Even better than the "gold" statue guy in Fremantle if you have ever seen him :)

Look no chair!

Was hard to get good pics here, as the weather has now set in, it's blowing a gale, raining and it's damn cold! We wanted to go see Bath on Ice, I was rather disappointed, but I guess I got to see a few skating on ice.

After walking into the blowing gale, watching the Brolley flip inside out, madly trying to find my new hat, gloves on, we both headed towards the bottom roads towards the train station, bracing ourselves against the elements, we finally made it to M & Co for a dry off and a loo stop, dry off the coat a bit before heading off again.

Ah we get outside and it has settled a bit, we wait in the queue now for the double decker bus, back to Odd Down, then home James, er I mean Rani hehe

Tucked up now in my couch and glass of ginger wine :) life doesn't get any better than this! Only have one more week of work, before I am on holidays for a week!

Getting excited won't be long before Cate and Simon get here :)

Well I think I will relax now my lovelies xxxx until my next blog, lots of love to you all xxxxoxoxo

 

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