Golf at the Oxfordshire and celebrating Charlotte & Miles Engagement

Up bright and early this morning. Got a few bits sorted, then loaded the van and headed over to The Oxfordshire Golf Club for the game we’d originally organised for New Year’s Eve but had to cancel because of the fog.

In the sunshine it looked absolutely superb — a proper championship course, which makes sense given the professionals who’ve played there over the years. It really is a great setting.

It was me, Wayne, Julio and Jon Hawkins. Jon was late, but he’s going through a tough break-up at the moment, so completely understandable — when things aren’t going well personally, punctuality probably isn’t top priority.

Jon and I paired up against Wayne and Julio. Off we went. I really enjoyed the course — quite open in places but still challenging. I was especially pleased with my driving; it was consistent for a change. My follow-up shots gradually settled too, which made a big difference. It’s not an easy course by any stretch, but we held our own.

Jon and I were ahead most of the way through, though Wayne and Julio mounted a decent comeback towards the end. It came down to the 17th where I halved the hole with Wayne, which secured the win for us.

£5 richer… briefly.

They’ve got a brilliant halfway-house refreshment hut there — very smart set-up — and Wayne had already bought the bacon rolls, so my winnings went straight back to him. Easy come, easy go.

I had to head straight home rather than stopping for a drink, as we were hosting the Phelans to celebrate Charlotte and Miles’ engagement. When I arrived, people were already there. Tash had sorted a roast dinner and everything was in full swing.

It was really lovely having everyone round. Good conversation, lots of catching up, and a couple of bottles of champagne opened to mark the occasion. Even Jack and Jodie were there, which made it feel properly complete.

A relaxed afternoon and early evening. Terry does tire more easily these days, but he’s looking in good shape, which is great news for everyone — and it’s brilliant that he and Ru are planning a trip to India later this month.

Once everyone left, we tidied up, watched a bit of TV and then headed to bed.

A really good weekend overall — made longer by Friday night’s antics, which turned into a later one than most people would tolerate!

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End of Day Summary

Sport, family, champagne and celebration. A satisfying win on a championship course followed by marking a huge milestone for Charlotte and Miles. A full, happy weekend — the kind that leaves you tired but content.

Golf, Work and Charlotte’s Birthday Meal

Up early this morning and set off to Radley for a round of golf. The American chap was there before me, of course, and I started on the 4th again so I wasn’t stuck behind him. I didn’t play as well as I have been recently – no warm-up meant I was stiff going round. A bit of a wake-up call not to get complacent after a few good rounds. Playing again Saturday morning, so hopefully I’ll get back into the groove and post another solid score for the third week running.

Managed 9 holes before 8.00am and then set up in the clubhouse like usual to work. It was really busy with a Seniors’ match on, but I had a good chat with Dave Gubbins. He said he’d sold his campervan – a shame to hear, but I suspect they never fully took to the camping life. Stayed until about 11.00am, then made my way home and cracked on with work for the rest of the day without a break. It’s relentless at the moment.

Worked right through until the end of the day without a break, then got sorted for Charlotte’s birthday meal. She won’t be around at the weekend as she and Miles are "supposed to be" going to Ibiza for a few days. I say ‘supposed to be’ because Tash told me Miles has been having doubts about flying. That’s really worried me – Charlotte was so excited about it, and I just hope he doesn’t let her down. We’ll know soon enough, I guess.

Mum came over and Tash had made a shepherd’s pie, which was lovely. A really nice evening overall – Charlotte was happy with her presents and it felt good to celebrate together. We finished up around 9.00pm, tidied up, and were in bed by 10.00pm. A good day in many ways, though spoiled a little when Tash told me about Miles’s message just before bed.

Reflection:
The day had a nice balance – golf, a solid day’s work, and family time. But I can’t help worrying about Charlotte’s trip. It’s hard to switch off when you want the people you love to be happy, and things feel a bit uncertain.

Win of the Day:
A lovely family meal where Charlotte felt celebrated and appreciated – exactly what a birthday should be.

Charlotte’s 26th Birthday

Charlotte is 26 today…how does that happen?!? My kids are all grown up, I hate it. Looked through old photos of her and the kids and friends and saw them when they were about 5 & 8 and it’s so lovely, I even looked slim and fit!! Yes, I used to be…

Had a nice morning opening presents and breakfast, and throughout the day she got loads of love on social media. 

Everyone was working and we then had lunch in which Tash and I took her to Jacob's Inn and Sue met us there too with Bella. Had some fizz and nice food and was very relaxed, Charlotte got some nice presents too. Back to work and then signed off around 5.45pm - I am getting back into my stride and of course, all the shit work and atmosphere is coming back. I am desperately trying to distance myself from the emotion that comes with the role - we'll see. It did affect my evening if I am honest, I kept thinking about emails and work that is building up!

Anyway, enough of that - I have to compartmentalise it and forget it, it's just a means to an end..payday!

Got the fire going because it's getting colder now we're hitting Autumn, even put the heating on for 30 mins - sacrilege!!

Mum came over and then Tez, Rua and Harvey and it was a nice evening of wine and lasagne. 

More presents for Charlotte and then an earlyish night to bed.

It was a good day and she was suitably spoilt by everyone so that was lovely and she definitely deserves it, she's a good one and Tash and I are very, very proud of her.

Charlotte & Miles are Homeowners!

A bittersweet situation today, they’ve moved into their new home in Wootton  Charlotte has flown the nest!!

I'm updating this post quite some time after the event and they're settling down but no problem updating it now.

There were some worries and issues with the actual handover of the keys, the old gentleman (Keith?) was struggling with his health and the new place he was moving to the woman there was being awkward but in the end, all was good and they successfully got moved in.

The house needs quite a lot of work on it, mostly decorative, and they have plenty of time to do it all. They're doing all the rooms at the same time and have done the plastering and we've done painting for them and everyone has been going around and helping or visiting.

It's nice that they're only about a 17-minute drive away, and since they've moved in they've been back here a lot as a place to stay after nights out because it's a bit awkward to get to.

I went over there one day and cut all the hedges they have - made them look good if I say so myself! 

We'll see how things progress over time, there's loads of potential, but like anything - you need money to make the most of the potential. For example, they can build a side extension at a later date.

Charlotte made really good use of an app called Freegle which is where people can advertise (or ask) for free stuff they no longer need and as long as you can pick it up it's yours!! She's kept asking for help to pick up tables, chairs, cupboards, fridge/freezer and pretty much anything you can think of. It's great because she can then replace it in the future as and when they wish to.

But as per the first line of the post - it's a sad day that she's left home for good now, obviously, she was away for Uni but this is more permanent. We love having the kids at home so do lose them is bittersweet because it makes our lives quieter but of course, they grow up and need to start living their own lives and become independent.

Thankfully she's not too far away so I am sure we will be around there a lot!

Lewis’s house visit and chores over the weekend

Tash and I have come up to Manchester for the weekend to spend some time with Lewis in his new house having been settled in for about six weeks now I think.

He’s had the kitchen sorted but it still needs a bit of minor work in terms of tiling and the extractor fan etc. but it looks a vast improvement on what he had previously. He’s done really well for himself.

We spent time working on his front garden today and tomorrow we will work on the back garden and I am currently sat in the queue for the recycling centre to get rid of all of his kitchen crap. I can’t believe how incredibly busy it is at this recycle centre the queue goes right up to the turn into it we came here twice on Saturday and turned around and went home however at 9am on Sunday morning the queue is just as bad! However I need to get rid of all of this rubbish so I am sat here making diary notes!

Had a nice evening by playing games we went for a walk into Cheadle Hume got a coffee and some wine and had the evening getting a bit tipsy and staying up watching YouTube videos and having a nice evening.

Charlotte made good use of the spa/hot tub and sent through videos and photos and it looked lovely. She claims it has been an amazing investment so that’s good to hear.

Look forward to getting home to try it out which reminds me I should text her and tell her to turn the heating on so it’s nice and warm ready for when we get back.

Not sure what else today will bring, we will sort out the back garden the grass is terribly long and there’s some crap behind his shed which we will sort out, but I hope we will go for a walk across the mall or whatever is nearby we will have to have a quick Google search and see what there is.

During the course of dictating this diary note, I think I have moved perhaps 20m, if that!

Never mind, I need to clear out all of this kitchen rubbish from my car as it will be harder to get this offloaded at the dumps in Oxfordshire whereas the dump here in Manchester is So much better.

Charlotte’s 24th Birthday Party

On Monday there is a new enforced restriction of only 6 people allowed to meet up – so Charlotte very cleverly brought forward her Birthday party plans to today instead of in a fortnight’s time. Tash went out to Yoga in the morning and then she and Charlotte went to town for birthday shopping and then Bicester for Katie’s baby shower, so I was left to my own devices which was nice.

Got loads of jobs sorted to make the bar and garden etc all look good ahead of the party this evening. Then worked on trying to mend the leaking with the shower and then went out to collect Mum and go to Didcot for Jack’s FA Cup match.

They played Wootton Bassett and they were a tough side. Jack was left back and the winger got past him nearly all the time – Didcot looked very shaky and lacking ability and confidence. After a close game they ended up losing 2-1 and getting knocked out of the cup. I got a bit frustrated so need to reign that in, pissed off watching it though and think this is going to be a very long and quite painful season. Jack wasn’t pleased but he’s got to prove himself and improve on his defending and positioning to avoid being replaced.

We didn’t stay after the game and I dropped Mum home straight after and went back to ours. A few people were there already and gradually they all turned up – only about 10 people I think but it was enough and it was really enjoyable. Tash and I stayed involved the whole time and after the BBQ food we went inside the bar and had the usual sort of evening of drinking, singing and dancing so it was good fun.

A couple of scares when Freddie was behind the bar and knocked everything flying – a few broken glasses!

We left them to it around midnight (I think) and went off to bed – a nice end to the day

I was quite drunk if the truth be told!

Miles has finished University

So Miles has completed his last exam today – it’s strange how it’s been done because of the Virus lockdown, he was given the question and 24hours to complete it. I think they mark the papers more harshly because they’re free to research as much as they want and are not really regulated if you think about it.

His first two were completed last week and earlier this week – and he was happy with those, today’s last one was harder but I suspect he’s done well and we’ll hear that he’s got a first – hope so. Not sure what will happen with a graduation ceremony, they’ll have to sort something out when this virus all dissipates.

So that’s a huge relief for him and he can relax and move on with life now. Charlotte went to see him in the evening and I think they’ll be over tomorrow (Friday) for the weekend and we’ll have to celebrate with them and make it a nice day/evening/weekend – whatever they want.

I wonder what he’ll end up doing. I think he might stay with his family business, I don’t think he has the confidence to go out and work elsewhere but he should be able to, he’s confident with his DJ’ing so that should reflect in work-life as well. Perhaps he will just focus on music making and do well in that area, that would be amazing, having a role in something you love doing.

Oh to be young again eh??

Charlotte doing well

Charlotte is not being furloughed – pretty much everyone else in her company and certainly her department is though!

She’s taking on so much work and responsibility it’s incredible. All the people with more experience in the roles are being dropped but she’s not, she’s then given a bit of training and gets on with it. Very, very productive – she’s so similar to Tash in that regard it’s frightening.

I just hope she’s rewarded for all the work she’s putting in – she’s getting tired and stressed but pushes on regardless.

I can’t blame her getting a bit fed up hearing her furloughed colleagues on the conference calls saying they’ve only just got up, or have binge-watched XYZ programmes or out enjoying the sun and she’s working her bollocks off. I think they might have furloughed too many and will need to bring some back to help with the workload – we’ll see.

Anyway, thought I’d type this up because it’s really pleasing she’s doing so well.

Charlotte’s First Day at work – Oodle

As the title suggests – Charlotte started work today at her new proper job as a HR Assistant with Oodle. They’re a car finance company and they’re the ones that she initially turned down until her other job went wrong.

She’s started today with 12 other people and they all had balloons on their desks and welcomed and she’s got her own desk and laptop etc so she’s chuffed to bits

A good start and I think she’s going to love it – they’ve already told her of events and parties so she’s excited.

Hopefully she’ll do well.

Charlotte’s Dissertation Result…what will it mean overall??

Charlotte got a FIRST in her dissertation – she was almost crying, Tash said she was shaking she was so pleased and shocked about it – I am delighted for her and so very, very proud. She’s worked incredibly hard so to get the recognition now and the feeling that she’s capable is so pleasing for me, Tash and herself – she rightly deserves it too, she’s very good at what she does and I don’t think she has that confidence in her ability. She’s going to do so very well whatever it might be and I hope this result gives her that confidence. So what does that result mean?

Well, all this year she’s got mostly 2:1’s and a few 2:2 – I think this is her first time she’s got a 1st this year so I am expecting her to get an overall 2:1 which her and Tash are going to be delighted with. I really, really don’t think she will drop to a 2:2, that can’t possibly happen, we’d be stunned if that happened. But what about sneaking a First????? I don’t know, I think we all think that would be a real stretch, but we won’t rule it out and none of us are really thinking about it, so let’s hope for the best and that will be a 2:1 which like Charlotte said, she didn’t think she’d even get into University in the first place!

So proud of her – she’s lovely!

Lewis pay-rise, Charlotte in France, Jack in exams

Really pleased for Lewis – he’s been away in Croatia for a week’s break and had a great time. He was driving and there were no reports of problems or incidents and the photos on Facebook suggest it was a lovely place and they loved it. Back to reality now but he’s just advised the family group that work are really pleased with him and he’s been given a pay-rise again so he’s now on £34.7k – which is brilliant for his age!

Certainly a lot more than I am on. Told Tash about Peters Books and she wasn’t surprised at all, positive attitude and all that but I need to get more work and in touch with people to get more money coming in asap.

Charlotte is now in Nice, South of France, she travelled down yesterday by train of course because Miles is still scared of flying and they didn’t get there until about 10.30pm – they travelled all day, nightmare really but there you are. She’s been sending photos throughout today and it looks lovely and hot there and she’s spending money on perfume and clothes so she’s enjoying herself

Jack as Business and PE exams today, I’ve no idea how he’s doing, I don’t think he’s doing enough and last night he went off and played football and didn’t d anything in the evening claiming that he’d done all the work he could in the day. I’m not convinced!

That’s it, I am in day 4 of a new diet and fitness attempt to lose weight, it’s not working yet but I am really watching what I am eating and I am trying to be more mobile and doing exercises. I’ve given myself 8 weeks to lose a stone – I’d love to get under 12stone, currently I am about 13st 9lbs, that’s depressingly fat and heavy for someone my size. It’s early days yet but I am not missing eating loads of food so it might be something that I can stick to…again, I doubt it very much but it would be great to not be self-conscious and embarrassed when I am on the beach in Crete. I hate my moobs and stomach so much, getting really pissed off seeing me in photos looking so big…well,  it’s up to me to sort it!

Lewis on holiday in Croatia, and a quick family update

Lewis is in Croatia right now, he’s gone with some friends and he’s the designated driver! Not too sure how I feel about that because he’s responsible for about 9 people in a minibus. He’s pretty confident about it all so I am sure he will be fine. They’re just travelling around places and sight-seeing and enjoying a week away from work. Looks nice what I have seen of his photos so far so I hope he has a great time.

Not much else to report, work is desperately slow, I am getting fed up with a client who won’t pay me so that’s a stress I could do without and obviously I don’t have as much work as I’d like..so stress from all areas!

Charlotte is working at Anna Balance’s old school and she’s enjoying it but the real stress in the house is Jack’s A-Levels coming up thick and fast. He’s been working really hard with revision and such like but we have an argument almost daily because I still don’t think he’s doing enough and is too easily distracted. We will see soon enough, they start next week, I really hope he does well in them

Tash to see Lewis in Manchester & Charlotte in Nottingham

Tash was up bright and early as she was going to Manchester to see Lewis and was taking Zoe so I wasn’t going to go. She left about 9.00am and I just sat in bed reading Twitter and watching videos – just wasting time. I had a long list of jobs but only really got one sorted which was sorting through the footballs and I’ve now decided to get rid of all my kit but the rest of the morning I just pottered around and played my records and didn’t achieve much at all. Had some lunch and then went to Jack’s football, we stopped at the garden centre first to get some compost and then I went at sat in the bar at the clubhouse and had a couple of beers watching the rugby and reading articles on my laptop. Had a chat with a few parents from Ardley (Gilo and Waz) and then when the game started I was outside watching because Jack was starting.

Unfortunately the wind was blowing a gale and it made for difficult playing conditions, the game was fairly even and Jack was doing okay but it was hard for him to get involved and it was frustrating to watch, Wayne Holden also came along to watch so he and I stood together chatting and then at half time went inside for a drink. Second half started and after only about 5 minutes Ardley scored a wonder goal from about 7 yards (wind-assisted!) and Jack was substituted – that didn’t make any sense at all and pissed me off. It did mean we didn’t need to go back outside anymore and had another pint instead! The game finished 2-0, Ardley could easily have scored more, Abingdon are a poor side sadly and it frustrates me that Jack doesn’t get more minutes playing – I am sure it’s because they see him as the young player and don’t yet trust him. Waited for him to get changed and we left pretty quickly once he’d had some food and went back home. I drank a few more beers in the evening and just sat watching the rugby and a film and didn’t do anything else – very lazy! Went to bed at 10.00pm!

I lack any sort of enthusiasm to do anything at the minute, I think I am spending far too much time on social media so need to address that but also too much drinking as well which isn’t doing me any favours. Tash had a nice time with Lewis in Manchester and that was successful and she then also took a detour to Nottingham to see Charlotte as she lost her phone last night whilst out and very, very drunk. Really disappointing that’s happened, not good at all. We had a spare iPhone so Tash was taking that to her. When Tash got in around 10.45pm she made some snarky remark but I wasn’t in the mood to argue so ignored her, turned over and went back to sleep!

End of a nice weekend

Up and out of bed early and pottered around in the garden and cut some wood with the chain saw and in the evening burned everything I’d cut in the morning!!

Didn’t get up to much else really, Tash took Charlotte into town to get some more Xmas presents for her and I stayed home and worked through things I wanted to tick off – sad things like sorting out the PlayStation 2 games for Xmas, Singstar and Buzz!! Looked for a few things for presents of my own but didn’t order them, will wait to see what sort of budget we have. Got a fair amount done and then the girls were home and the four of us (Jack) had a really nice roast dinner.

Took Charlotte back to Bicester Village North and said our farewells and she went back to Uni seemingly a lot happier with things now.

Back home, we watched more dramas that we like, Jack went off to Max’s house as it was his 18th and we ended up in front of the fire with red wine in had and eventually had an early night because we’d eaten early and with the dark nights now it feels so much later than it is

A nice weekend and we think Charlotte is okay and back on track now – she needed to be home for a bit and it’s helped we’re certain

Charlotte a bit stressed out..

Charlotte came home from Uni today to recharge her batteries, she’s been up against things a bit the last few days at Uni and her home and was getting tired and stressed so she came home for a few days and is going back to Uni at the weekend, probably Sunday. I am updating this a couple of days later and it’s been the right thing for her to do and she’s a lot more relaxed and back to normal now, I think too many things had got to her and she needed to “run away” from it all and get her head straight at home near us and of course Miles! Whatever works.

She does have a lot on her plate and she’s had a night out to forget, then a tutor who’s a bit of an arsehole and a boiler next to her room that’s making a din and she’s unable to sleep so anyway, all#s well at the minute for her now.

This year is going to fly by – she’ll be at her graduation in no time!

Hangovers all round!

Tash woke up early this morning and kept going to the bathroom to be sick – not a great sound to hear first thin in the morning but there you go! I felt okay but just heavy-headed, not ill. We stayed in bed and dragged out leaving until the last minute and checked out about midday! Walked down to Charlotte’s house and it was quiet and everyone was just feeling lazy and some were being ill so we just chilled on the sofa and literally did nothing. Charlotte put on a film so we watched Limitless which seemed to go on for ages and Tash just slept though! We ordered some KFC via Deliveroo and that went down well!

We started to make a move when the film finished and we said our goodbyes etc. Drive home was uneventful, I didn’t feel tired or in difficulty at all and it was a good run home again, dropped Miles home and got back to ours – nothing happening so we crashed out and relaxed in front of the tv and did nothing whatsoever for the rest of the evening

Early night to bed and another successful and enjoyable weekend.

Student night out in Nottingham

Up nice and early today and got things sorted in the morning, Miles arrived in good time, sorted Jack and then got on the road for Nottingham – Lewis was leaving Manchester around the same time so we looked on course to all be there at the same time – perfect. The run up there was uneventful, in fact it was pretty quick to be honest. Stopped at McDonalds to get some breakfast and then were there at Charlotte’s house. Sat in the kitchen catching up with her and her house-mates that we know and planning how the evening would work out. Lewis arrived and we then walked into town. On the way was out hotel so we dropped our bags in there, once we were given the correct room and then continued into the shopping areas of Nottingham. Wandered round and it wasn’t overly successful but I think we got some ideas and some presents for the kids – that’s what Tash really wanted to pin down this afternoon so I think that worked.

People were getting hungry so we went to Pizza Express in amongst an area of the town centre I like, some great looking bars and Indie shops – meal was nice and we had a couple of drinks and then went from there to do some more shopping which was more successful and we then made our way to the Xmas Fair/Market they’d got set up. They’d done a ski lodge and it was great, we went upstairs and got a drink and then looked out over the balcony at all the shoppers and the snow machine kept blasting out the ‘snow’ and it was really enjoyable. We only stayed for a pint and then more shopping and made our way back to hotel and agreed meet up times and they all carried out home.

Just got ready in the hotel, Tash had a sleep and I watched TV and then we jumped on a tram for one stop before walking down to their house and we sat in the kitchen listening to music and drinking…we then went in the front room and got Ring of Fire going. It’s a card drinking game and it was enjoyable – the drinks were definitely flowing now and we were all getting a bit drunk. About 10.30pm we left and got a tram into town, quite a big crowd of us went and we all got in the same pub and the other parents that were taking there kids out were there too so that was nice. I went and got a round and for some reason did it for everyone - £65.00! Oops…although to be fair I didn’t have to get another drink all night..!

Stayed in this bar for a while chatting with the kids and parents and then made our way to the Bier Keller that was planned – got in with no issues and it was quite an eye-opener, no one was on the ground, all of them were on the benches singing and dancing to the DJ. We found a space and climbed aboard and joined in of course. That went on for the rest of the night and we stayed until closing time. Staggered out and went to get some food and find a taxi for us all.

Witnessed quite a nasty fight which I didn’t help by shouting “Fight! Fight! Fight!”…made me laugh anyway!! Taxi got us back to the hotel – can’t remember much and then crashed out fast asleep!

A really enjoyable day and night – I think everyone else had a good time as well and it was great to spend time with everyone

Charlotte’s Birthday weekend round-up

A nice long Birthday weekend is completed. We took Charlotte, Miles and Jack out for a meal at the Coconut Tree on Friday night and it was lovely. Great setting and the food was lovely, it was a really nice evening and a good start to the weekend. We tried to go to the Mad Hatter bar but that was a private party so we went to another bar along the Cowley Road and had a couple of drinks there – all very relaxed. Taxi home, another beer sat listening to music and then to bed not too late.

Saturday morning I was up and working all morning for 4 hours on a Help Guide, really productive actually as I got it done, but it meant that I wasn’t able to go out with Tash on a 2 hour run, I can’t see that I am going to be able to run this Half Marathon next week, which is a shame, my body just isn’t ready for it. I’ve let myself down badly here.

We then had all Tash’s family up for afternoon tea but I went to Jack’s football to try and video him but unfortunately he didn’t actually get on, we were both pissed off about that. I must admit I did keep a watch from the bar whilst the Ryder Cup was on having a couple of beers, very disappointing.

Back home and we then had a load of Charlotte’s mates coming over in the evening, they were supposed to get these for 7.00pm but didn’t come until 8.45pm and Charlotte was a bit miffed, but it was fine once they’d all arrived and it was the usual rowdiness that we’ve come to expect and it was a nice evening, had a few too many beers! They all left just after midnight to go clubbing and we tidied up afterwards.

Sunday morning I was up late and had a very heavy head, got some stuff tidied up and was then off to football for the vets. Said goodbye to Charlotte as she’s back up to Nottingham an Tash was taking her. Football was fine, we won a comfortable game against Headington Butchers (6-2) and I got a lot of football, we had a new signing in Jack’s old Woodstock Town manager, Matty, so that was interesting seeing him play (and vice versa)! Back home afterwards and had dinner and kept the new student entertained whilst doing various chores I’d been allocated!!

Tash came back about 7.30pm in not the best of moods and she went to bed early, I stayed up watching the highlights of the Ryder Cup – we won with something to spare so that was enjoyable.

So all in all a good weekend and to make it better I didn’t feel too bad following the football match, I did a lot of running about and my body doesn’t seem to have reacted badly…will see if that’s the case in the morning!!

Charlotte’s Birthday tomorrow

So she’s going to be 22 tomorrow, can’t believe how my kids are growing up, it’s a scary time it really is.

Mum popped round with some presents for her this afternoon but typically she was out walking the dog, but she had been out for afternoon tea yesterday so it wasn’t so bad, Mum also brought a nice cake round that looked like a Japanese fan so that was appreciated.

I think Charlotte is going to be celebrating in style yet again…we’re taking her and Miles out tomorrow for a meal, I think Jack is coming too now so that should be interesting as it’s at a Sri Lanka restaurant!, then we’ve got all the Bull family coming over for afternoon tea and then we’re hosting all her mates in the evening at our house – I didn’t know about that! Not sure I can handle a big piss up… They’ve already made jokes to Charlotte about fighting with the neighbours..oh dear!

Aside from that, all is ticking along fine, work is busy and I am getting behind with things even though it feels like I am working flat out. Talking of which, I’d better get some more done

Charlotte’s Funny…

We’re at Heathrow having something to eat and Charlotte hears the Pet Shop Boys singing “Go West” on the radio and asks…”Is this the American National Anthem?”

Of course Jack and Lewis didn’t wet themselves laughing…no not at all!

I love her so much!!