05-Nov to 11-Nov 2011

Sat 05-Nov: Here we all are having evening dinner at The Dolphin on what has now become an annual tradition... to watch the Hemingford fireworks through the restaurant window and then to stuff ourselves. Dusty and Doreen, Barry's mum and dad, joined us. David somehow got lost in transit (think he was probably having a night out with girlfriend Honor). Really hard to get a snap where the grandchildren aren't buzzing around. Fought down the urge to make a speech this time ~:0)

Sun 06-Nov: What on earth does John find to text about... here he is texting between pool shots, but he'll not only text in between games but even while he's mid-shot! I suspect nothing stops him keeping up a constant flow of communication, not even a visit to the loo. What with John's constant texting and David's regular attempts to squeeze even more money out of the hangman machine, my occasional whistling is pretty minor on the annoyance rating. Still get severe looks from them whenever I tune up though.

Mon 07-Nov: This aged 60 thing seems to creep up on you quite sneakily. Linda was inspecting the winter boots in the local shoe shop. In a bored state I was suddenly aware I was standing admiring the rows of mens slippers, particularly the dark brown pair with the wrap over velcros fasteners. Quickly got out of the shop before I was tempted to bring out a debit card.

Tue 08-Nov: The allotment's a bit muddy at present, lots of rain over the last week. Dying to get digging and stuff but would end up six inches taller with muddy soles if I did. But noticed on the brief visit today just how good the flower and herb areas are looking around the pond. Here we are fast heading for mid November and there's still loads of plants in flower. Just a pity we can't get the bench out and have a cup of tea and a biscuit watching the wildlife... not for another four months at least ~:0(

Wed 09-Nov: Linda and I wandered into Elphicks in Huntingdon this morning looking for a new dining room table, chairs and sideboard... in the middle of decorating the dining room. What a result! Very first display we saw just the job... nice design detailing, light oak, not too heavy looking. Took measurements and left convinced we'd found what we wanted. Got back home to find, although it would fit in the dining room unextended, it was too big when extended. Unfortunately they don't do a four seater extending to six, so the search goes on!

Thu 10-Nov: Quick pop up to the allotment this afternoon turned out to be very enjoyable... found the grandsons' squash was off, more time available, and the sun broke through at last. So to the heavenly sounds of Radio 3, managed to get the first row of wire support for the new raspberry frames set up. Works really well and will be a big improvement over the shambles visible at the far end of the polytunnel.

Fri 11-Nov: At last we chose the dining room suit this morning.... Ercol Mantua extending pedestal table, four padded back chairs and a two door sideboard. Lovely stuff, delivery in February, going to get a part time job to pay for it ~;0) After having tea at the Dolphin with Becky, our interior designer accompanied us to make the final choices, including the fabric for the chairs. Here's what we chose, gives us a fighting chance of getting something to match for carpet and curtains.