Last day of 2018.

I got up at 6.30 and put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. I hung the washing out when it was done and we had a coffee. Our son got up this morning and is feeling much better thank goodness. Ha had some breakfast, homemade soup for lunch and fish pie for dinner. We had green veg with the pie, asparagus, green beans, sprouts and peas. H turboed this morning but I went out on my bike on my own. I did the same ride as the 2 of us did yesterday. Yesterday’s took us 1 hour 32 minutes and 56seconds . So I thought I would try to beat the time and try to do it in under an hour and a half. I tried really hard and smashed it. It took me 1 hour 20 minuites and 47 seconds. I am so pleased with myself. Mind you it was really hard work. My washing got almost dry outside so that was a bonus.  This year has gone so fast!!
I have kept a record of the miles I cycle each year since 2005 and this year is the most I have ever done in a year. 3, 442. 24. I told H I am going to try to do 4 thousand miles next year but it’s an extra 600 miles which is a lot. I plan to start tomorrow by doing 20 miles on the turbo trainer.
           🎉🎊HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎊🎉

Sunday 30th December.

I got up at 6 o’clock and made myself a bowl of porridge for breakfast H got up at 7. We had  a coffee and I sat and read for a while. H went outside and cleaned the car while I washed up the big things and tidied the kitchen. When H had finished the car,(it looks nice) we had another coffee and got ready to go out on our bikes. It was just H and I because our son has the flu and is quite poorly. He has spent the day in bed. We went along the track and as we started out it began to rain!! We haven’t had any for a week now and it wasn’t forecast so we were disappointed but we had only gone a mile and it stopped. We did 17.2 miles and our average speed was 11.2. When we got home we had beans on toast for lunch with a cup of tea. This afternoon we watched a film that H found on u tube. It was rubbish! Our son has had nothing to eat all day! But he is drinking plenty of water. He is supposed to be back at work on Wednesday but I can’t see that happening. I had a bath and washed my hair and for dinner H and I had sausages,chips, grilled tomatoes, peas and eggs, it made a nice change. We are still eating nuts and chocolate washed down with wine! I think the sooner it’s all gone the better.

Saturday

I got up at 6 and put on a load of washing. H got up at the same time and we had our breakfast. Next we had a coffee and then just sat and read till son came down. I vacuumed downstairs and hung out the washing, it’s windy out there but I don’t think there is a lot of dry out. We all had a coffee and H went upstairs to turbo. He did 62 miles! I swept the kitchen floor and then read my book. I got lunch and we did nothing much all afternoon I  got the washing in and it’s much drier than when I put it out.  Our son has spent all afternoon in bed, he is not feeling well. He has a nasty cough but feel rough with it. He doesn’t want any dinner!! I cooked a spaghetti bolognese but he was having his with a jacket potato as he doesn’t eat spaghetti. I have made far too much for H and I but as I had taken the mince out of the freezer this morning I had to cook it. I will have to eat the rest tomorrow. There is the biggest load of rubbish on television you can possibly imagine! Everything is a repeat!!

Yesterday!!

We got up early and went grocery shopping. We had our breakfast before we went and I also put on a load of washing. As soon as we were home I unpacked and put everything away while H made the coffee. He also put on a loaf of bread. We just sat about watching rubbish u tube clips till our son got up and then I got on with a bit of clearing up ( like finishing a box of dates, half a bottle of wine and some festive biscuits!) we then all got ready to go out on our bikes. It was the first time I had ridden outside since my 80th birthday! We were very pleasantly surprised by how good the track was after all the rain we have had in the last few weeks. We rode to Reepham station where we had a drink, the men coffee and me an apple juice. They have repaired the bridge at Whitwell station so it can now be used but have closed the bridge before that one at Lenwade. We used a small detour which was fine. When we got home we had lunch, cheese and biscuits for H and I and a salad for our son. I sat and read my book all afternoon, it’s one my lovely sister in law bought me for Christmas and I can’t put it down! It’s called ‘ The Olive Tree’ by Lucinda Riley and I am loving it. For dinner we had fillet steak with mushrooms,peas and chips. H said it was the best steak he had ever tasted. It really did melt in the mouth. I sealed them in the frying pan and then grilled them but must have got the timing perfect which I always think is hard with fillet steak because it’s such a big lump of meat. I would have written this yesterday but I was writing an email earlier and just managed to finish it before my battery died.

Thursday.

I got up at5.34 and had my breakfast, I packed my lunch, dressed, made my bed, and got ready to go to work. I had to trim leeks all morning till 12.30 and then pack some till home time.
H made me a coffee when I got home and when I had drunk it I made a salad for our son who was out at the climbing centre. H and I sat and watched a ‘Columbo’ and after my bath I went into the kitchen to cook dinner. I made a turkey stew but it stuck to the bottom of my pressure cooker. All the bits that  weren’t stuck were lovely but that meant there wasn’t as much as there should be!! Luckily there was just enough. I am not going to work again till Wednesday. I was supposed to go next Monday but I told the boss that I didn’t want too because I had arranged to go out. He has never had me in on New Year’s Eve ever before so I had assumed he wouldn’t want me and have made other arrangements. Tomorrow Son and I hope to go out for a bike ride.

And now it’s all over for another year ( Boxing’s day)

We had a nice day and loads of lovely presents. All went well with my Christmas dinner, the turkey was cooked to perfection, dinner was on time even though I rode a ‘ Christmas 10’ on my bike in the morning. After dinner son and I went for a walk, we also played a game of crib which he won!! I went up at 7.15 pm to watch my soaps but mainly to rest my back which has played me up a bit over Christmas. It was nice and pain free when I was laying flat but the trouble then was that I was so comfortable that I fell asleep and missed them. H had turkey sandwiches for lunch, son had a turkey salad and I just ate a few bits of turkey because I am still feeling full from yesterday. Guess what we are having for dinner tonight? A roast again with leftover turkey 😄😊😄. Tomorrow I have to work so I have just sliced all the meat up and put it in freezer bags but before I froze it all I gave the 2 men a choice for tomorrow’s dinner, fillet steak or turkey stew and must admit I was very surprised when they both choose the stew.!!

Sunday. Nearly Christmas 🎄🍾🎄🦃

We both got up at 6.15 and had toast and tea for our breakfast. When we had done we got ready to go to the butchers. We were there before 8 and it was nice and quiet both inside the shop and on the roads. It was pouring with rain. I got our turkey and our daughters. I also bought sausage meat, chippolatas, bacon and fillet steaks. From the bakery end of the shop I bought 2 sausage rolls, a pork and Stilton pie and a giant shortcake. When we got home our son was just getting up. We all had a coffee and at 10 I went for a ride upstairs. I did 23.1 miles in an hour and a quarter. I had a shower and then our daughter came round to collect her turkey and brought us loads of presents to put under the tree. We had a cup of tea and she and I sat and talked till H had finished his ride, (he went up after me) we had another cup of tea and a sausage roll and then we got a message to say that James, who was moving Chloe and our grandson, had arrived with another load of furniture. The house Chloe has bought is just round the corner from us. So daughter, son and I all went round to have a look at the house. It’s very nice and has a decent sized garden which is unusual in new properties. I am so pleased they have now got their feet on the property ladder. I then sat about for most of the afternoon,H was watching rubbish on tv so I read some of my book. For dinner tonight we had gammon, peas and chips followed by stewed apple and ice cream. I did a load of washing this morning as usual but I wouldn’t hang it out so hopefully I will be able to tomorrow. 

My Mother would never hang out washing on a Sunday and she wouldn’t shake a rug either, it’s the Lords day. But I don’t think the Lord could less wether or not I am shaking mats and hanging out washing, I think he had much more important things to worry about.

Saturday

I got up at 7.20 !!! I had toast for my breakfast and a cup of tea. Next we had a coffee and then I dressed and hung out yesterday’s washing, it was so nice to see the sun. I stayed out in the garden for a while and did a bit of clearing up and some weeding and pruning. When I went in H had stopped his ride, he was going to ride 100 km ( 62.5 miles) he had only done 24 and a bit miles but said he didn’t feel like it so he gave up. He then changed the turbo over for me by putting my weight and height in and I had a ride. I did 22.3 miles and my average speed was 18.4 mph. It was quite hilly. I had a shower and then lunch. H had soup and I had cheese and biscuits. We both had a mince pie. No 2 son was coming home this evening and said he would be home for dinner but might not be home till around seven. If H eats that late it upsets his nights sleep so I decided to make a stew. H and I had ours at 5.30 and son got home just after 7. The stew was delicious, stewing steak with onions,carrots, peas, potatoes,parsnips, turnip, celeryand leek. The meat was really tender and melted in the mouth. This afternoon I did some cleaning up and lit my festive candles. I also lit a candle under one of my perfumed melts then I forgot it had melted wax in the top, moved it and tipped melted wax over my new table cloth!! Son looks well, he had to come home via the A12 rather than the M/A 11because of accidents.

Friday

We both got up at 5.45, I put on a load of washing while H put the kettle on and sliced off the bread for toast. We had our breakfast and then went shopping. When we got home I unpacked and put everything away while H made the coffee. Then at 8.30 we went to Reepham so I could get a few special beers 🍺. On the way home we called at the garden centre because H wanted some thick wellie boot socks. I bought a table decoration for the dining table and some birthday cards. We called into a cafe for a coffee and then came home again. We had cheese and biscuits for lunch and later on a glass of wine. I vacuumed the whole house and made up our sons bed because he should be home tomorrow. Next I got changed into my cycle gear for a turbo ride but for some reason the program didn’t load! H kept trying all to no avail. So I dusted, had a shower and cooked dinner. We had mince with onions, carrots,peas, courgette and tomato purée, a dash of red wine and an oxo cube all poured over a jacket potato. I will try again tomorrow to have a ride.

Last day at work before Christmas 🎄😊🍾

I got up at 5.40 and put yesterday’s washing into the tumble dryer. I made a pot of tea and had my breakfast ( egg). I packed my lunch, made the bed, dressed etc and got ready to go to work. First I had to pick 5 sacks of sprouts, it took me till 10 o’clock. I had my coffee break and then walked up to the carrots. I had to pick 20 bunches of purple ones and 156 bunches of orange ones. Also 3 boxes of loose carrots. I did the purple 20 first and then a box of loose. Next I began the orange bunches, I had done 120 bunches when the men joined me, they did 2 more boxes of loose and helped me finish the other 36. By then it was 12.50 so I got ready to go home. My boss gave me a Christmas present which I will open on Christmas Day and a nice bonus as well. I am really lucky. This morning I weighed myself and I was the same as last week, 133.4 lbs. I was pleased with this because I had toast for my breakfast every day. I had a coffee when I got home and a slice of corned beef. I had a bath and for dinner we had sausages, eggs, tomatoes and chips. I don’t have to go to work again till nex Thursday 🎉🎄🎊🍾.

Wednesday.

 I got up at 5.30 and put on a load of washing. I had toast for breakfast with a cup of tea. I packed my lunch, dressed, made the bed and got ready to go to work. When I got there we were really busy! I had to bunch carrots and did 24 bunches of purple ones and 120 proper ones before 10 am. We had our coffee break and then the body sent me to beetroot where I had to pick 80 bunches. Each bunch has 5 beetroot so that was 400 beet and each one had to have the leaves tidied up, they took me ages. I had been told to go back to carrots for another 24 purple bunches and then to carry on with orange bunches but by the time I had done the purple I only had time for another dozen. When I got home I had a coffee and a slice of corned beef. Oh, and a banana. At 2 o’clock the window men came and fitted a new bathroom window, it looks lovely and now matches the rest of the house. When they left I had a shower and we watched tipping point. For dinner tonight we had steak with a jacket potato, broccoli and cauliflower. I have to work again tomorrow.

Tuesday, one week to Christmas 🎄

I got up at 6.05 , put on a load of washing and had my breakfast, buttered toast. I dressed , we had a coffee and I hung out the washing. At 8.45 the gas man came round to service our boiler. While he was here I spent some time clearing up the garden. When he left H went up to turbo. We had our lunch, cheese and biscuits with pickles and hot chocolate. Then at 2 pm I went up to turbo. I did 25.3 miles. (23.7 in an hour and a quarter). It was a nice steady ride.
In our back garden I have a yew that  I have been pruning  into a ball but when we have the conservatory put up it will be in the way so this morning we thought we would dig it up. It’s not very big but the roots are unbelievable!! They went under the lawn for yards, under the paving slabs and way up the garden. We dug a huge hole where I wanted it put but I very much doubt it will survive. It’s taken me years to get it as it is but if it dies I will have to do another one, I have some more seedlings in the garden. For dinner tonight we had steak and kidney pie with new potatoes and cauliflower cheese. I have to work tomorrow.

Monday.

I got up at 6, made a pot of tea and had a slice of toast for my breakfast. I packed a tomato, a slice of cheese and a bottle of water, sorted my work bag, dressed, made the bed and went to work. I had to walk sthaight up the field and pick 16 bunches of purple carrots and 36 bunches of orange ones. The men came along just in time to save me walking all the way to the leeks we all rode down on the trailer. We all trimmed leeks till 9.30 whenwe went down to wash and pack everything. The boss was waiting with the van doors open so we could load it up and he went straight off to deliver it. That’s nice fresh veg in the shops on a Monday morning. We had our coffee break and I went back to the leeks and carried on trimming. Andrew joined me and later Andy also after he had harvested some cauliflowers, kale, turnips and fennel. We went back to the yard at 12.15 to wash it all. The men went for their lunch and I packed leeks till it was my home time. When I left off I met my sister in law and we exchange Christmas gifts. She is looking well. As soon as I got home H made me a coffee and for my lunch I had the leftover chicken pasta from yesterday. I didn’t do much this afternoon because after dragging my feet out of mud for 5 hours I am exhausted. I had a nice soak in the bath and for dinner we had pork chops, new potatoes, cauliflower and broccoli.

Sunday.

I got up at 6.40 and put on a load of washing, I had toast and tea for breakfast and then we had a coffee. I hung out the washing and made the bed. H went up to do a 100 km ride and I made some icing for my Christmas cake and then iced it. To make my icing I had to to use an egg white which left me with a yolk, so when I had finished the cake I made some melting moments which only need a yolk. They turned out well. I cooked some beetroot and when they had cooled I peeled, sliced and pickled them ready for Christmas. I wrote the last of my Christmas cards and brought my diary up to date. When H had finished his ride we had a coffee and a pot noodle for lunch. I got my washing in, it’s as dry as it gets this time of year. This afternoon we listened to Christmas songs and carols with a bottle of bubbly ( thanks to daughter) I had a shower and cooked dinner. We had chicken, sausages, cauliflower carrots etc with stewed apple and ice cream for pudding.
Now H cooked dinner last evening it was a recipe he had seen on u tube. When I went shopping he had asked me to get a jar of hot dog sausages, a tin of new potatoes, a courgette and some fetta cheese
We already had butter. His kitchen tools were 2 frying pans a spatula and an egg slice. He had to use the egg slice to slice everything so it was all the same thickness. He sliced 2 pieces of butter one for each pan, sliced the potatoes and put them in the pan to brown, added the sliced sausages, in the other pan he fried the courgette. When it was almost done he crumbled some of the fetta cheese over the potatoes, tipped in the courgette gave it all a stir and shared it evenly on to 2 plates. It was really tasty and we will certainly be having it again. It’s work for me tomorrow.

Saturday

I got up at 6.50 and put on a load of washing, I had toast again for breakfast, I am trying a week of toast to see how it affects my diet, weight and allergies. If I don’t gain weight I will carry on because I love toast but I have a horrible feeling that I will gain weight. I hung out the washing when it was done and we had a coffee. I dressed, made the bed and we went to the chemist to collect my prescription. I have been given 60 pills and have to take 2 a day. Plus I can reorder this twice more so it doesn’t look as if I am expected to get over the itchy spots any time soon! It says on the leaflet amongst other horrible things ,to speak to your doctor before taking the medication if you are elderly!! Well I am 80 , the doctors is closed ! But as he prescribed them for me and knows my age I am assuming they will be ok, unless he is trying to cut his workload be killing me off!! We had a coffee and a mince pie, I did all our ironing up to date and then changed into my cycle shorts and had a ride on the turbo. Today it was a flat course which I prefer. I did 22.3 miles. The first 20 miles I did in under an hour. When I had done we had a cuppa soup and H had a can of spaghetti bolognese on toast and I had a slice of corned beef. We had a glass of wine 🍷 and sat and watched rubbish on tv. Next I iced my Christmas cake, it doesn’t look anything special but I wanted to make my own royal icing this year rather than use the packet stuff which we aren’t too keen  on. It’s nice when you just take  it out and pop it onto your cake all smooth put it doesn’t taste very nice. Mine is just roughted up and plain but will taste much better.
H saw a recipe on u tube that he thought looked good and he wanted to try it so I bought him the ingredients yesterday and we are having it for dinner tonight....... 1 can of new potatoes, 1 jar of hot dog sausages, and one courgette plus’s butter for frying and a small amount of feta cheese.you use an egg slice to slice butter, sausages courgette, and potatoes and simply fry it all !!! He is going to do it
This evening and I will keep out of the kitchen. I will review the meal tomorrow. I will be going up for the finals of S C D  this evening at 6.30.

Friday

 I forgot to say yesterday that my weight was 133.4, last week it was 133.8 so even though it wasn’t much it’s a step in the right direction.
This morning I got up at 6.12 and put on a load of washing. H was already up, had made the tea and toasted my bread. We had our breakfast and went shopping. When we got home I unpacked and put everything away while H made the coffee and ,at last, I could taste it! I was so pleased I treated myself to a mince pie too. I hung out the washing and swept the garden path. When H went up to turbo I swept and washed the kitchen and toilet floors etc and vacuumed all downstairs. I dusted and tidied up then we had our lunch. After lunch I changed into my shorts and went up to turbo. It was hard work, there was a nasty hill which I went up 2 or 3 times and I didn’t like it so I ended up only doing 19 and a bit miles. I had a shower and wrapped some presents. We had paella for dinner tonight with patatas bravas, millionaires cheesecake for dessert and a glass of wine.
Today is the first day I have had any energy since the first of December, it’s been great.

Thursday

I got up at 5.32 and had a slice of toast with butter and marmite washed down with a cup of tea. I packed a tomato and a slice of cheese for my lunch With  a litre of water. I dressed, made the bed, and got ready to go to work. I had to do 50 bunches of beetroot and then trim leeks. Andy picked me up at 10 o’clock and we had our break before washing parsnips, celeriac, turnips,carrots and leeks. As soon as they were washed I left Andy to pack them and I went back to trimming leeks. He came back for me at 12.30 and we washed my leeks and I packed some of them and when it was 1 o’clock I dropped everything and came home. H made me a coffee and I had the last 2 slices of corned beef. Later on in the afternoon I rang the doctor to sort out my rash. I am getting some more pills. I am now going up for a bath and for dinner tonight we are having chicken curry. I don’t have to work again till Monday which is a bonus. This afternoon I wrapped 4 Christmas presents so I have made a start. H and I are having our conservatory as a Christmas present from each other so that’s one I won’t have to wrap.

Wednesday

I got up at 5.37,put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch, dressed, made the bed , hung out the washing and then helped H de ice the car and went to work. We were supposed to wash and pack a whole load of leeks that Andy trimmed yesterday first but all the water was frozen up !! So first I had to pick a sack of sprouts and then join Andy on trimming leeks. We had to do that till the leaves on the beetroot thawed out. We did 10 bunches each when they did and 6 golden ones. We then went for our coffee break and after that I spent the rest of my time bunching carrots. I had to do just 12 bunches of purple carrots and then do orange carrots. I was joined by Andy for the last half an hour and we went down at 12.45 with 18 dozen bunches. My rash is back with a vengeance!!! When I got home H made me a coffee and I had a tub of cottage cheese for my lunch. I played scrabble for most of the afternoon, had a bath and cooked dinner. We had pork chops with potatoes, cauliflower,  broccoli and gravy. I have to work again tomorrow and next week I might have to work 4 days!! When I got home I took a pill and my rash is fading already, I will have to contact the doctor again because my pills are running out!

Tuesday

 I got up at 5.36 and put on a load of washing. I had my breakfast, dressed and read my book till H came down 2 hours later. We had a coffee and I hung out the washing before getting on with some housework. I put up my wooden Christmas tree 🎄 and all the cards we have received so far. We had another coffee and h went up to ride on the turbo while I prepared the vegetables for soup for lunch. We had our lunch at 12.45 and then H sorted out the bike on the turbo for me to have a ride. He has to put the seat down and change the pedals, then he has to put my height and weight into the computer to make it right. I did 23.6 miles and in the first hour I did 19 miles. The time before when I rode I did 19.2 miles in the first hour but I am still not feeling 100% after my cold and I still have the rash!!! I had a shower, and a cup of tea then I cooked dinner. We had salmon with a jacket potato and baked beans. I have to work again tomorrow.

Monday

I got up at 5.40 and had my breakfast 🍳 I packed my lunch, tomato 🍅 and cheese 🧀 with a bottle of water 💦. I dressed, made the bed and went to work. My back was still hurting and I am still coughing but my rash had gone. I had to walk to the top of the field and dig up and do 15 bunches of purple carrots and 48 bunches of orange carrots. Next I had to pick 6 bunches of orange beetroot and 20 purple ones but Andy joined me on them and we did 10 bunches each. Then we had to just trim one box of leeks so we had enough for this mornings orders. We went to the yard and washed them all plus a box of celeriac that Andy had trimmed. We had our break after which I had to walk back to the leeks ,Andy joined me later and we were told to be back at the yard at 12.15 to wash and pack them. We did another 9 boxes. As soon as they were washed the men went for their lunch and I packed 9 bags of leeks for one customer and began on an order for 30 5 kilo bags but I had only done 4 when it was time for me to go home. When I got in I had a coffee and just sat about with my sore back. We opened a bottle of my birthday bubbly and later I had a bath. When I took my clothes off I was horrified to find I was covered in a rash again!! It’s red hot but not itching at the moment. We had quiche for dinner tonight with potatoes and peas.
My bosses wife came back from their house in France last Thursday and arrived back after I had left off so I didn’t see her till this morning. Anyway she wished me a belated happy birthday and gave me gift tokens for a meal in a hotel restaurant. How lucky am I!! I have to work again on Wednesday

The mundane life of an 80 year old. Sunday

Only 16 more days to Christmas.!! I got up at 6.15 and put on a load of washing. I made a pot of tea and had my breakfast. When it was light and had brightened up a bit I hung out the washing on my nice new linen line. H came down an hour after me this morning and had stripped the bed and brought the sheets etc down with him so I put on a second load  but when that one was done I put it straight into the tumble dryer. I feel rubbish again this morning, I haven’t been well since I have become 80 I hope this isn’t what it’s going to be like from now on! H had this cold after me, he is completely better and has ridden his bike 4 days in a row doing around 200 miles. I haven’t the strength to get on the bike and my back is bad. When he had finished his ride this morning he had a cheese sandwich with beetroot. I had the same minus the 🍞 bread. I sat about all afternoon doing nothing much, got my washing in and it’s dry. I put the chicken in the oven and prepared the veg. I had a soak in the bath and I feel a bit better than I did this morning but I will be glad when my back improves. One good thing happened today, I found out who gave me the amerthyst pendant for my birthday with no gift tag on it. It was H’s Spanish teacher!!! We had roast chicken for dinner with veg. I have to go to work tomorrow, I hope I feel better than I do today.

Saturday

I got up at 6.15 after quite a good night considering how rubbish I feel. I had my breakfast and a coffee. As soon as it was light I hung out yesterday’s washing. When I came back in H had made me another coffee!! I wrote another dozen Christmas cards and then got dressed so I could walk to the post office to post them. It was nice to get some fresh air but now my back is painful as well as my throat and all my itches. When I got home I sat about till H had finished his 62.5 miles on his turbo trainer!! Then I heated the rest of yesterday’s soup and we had it for lunch. I looked out of the window when I was heating the soup and saw that my line had broken and my washing was all over the place! Only my 2 jumpers were on the lawn and they were dry and perfectly clean. The rest of the washing was hanging on the roses, in the shrubbery, and dangling on a short bit of lin. I got it all in and then H and I put up a new one. Luckily I had a spare. We had a glass of wine and I read my book.
It was pie for dinner with potato wedges and cauliflower cheese. We had apple and custard for pudding.

Friday

I didn’t wake up till 6.21!!! I woke H and went down, put the kettle on and also a load of washing. H came down, sliced off some bread and we had our breakfast. As soon as I had done I cleaned my teeth,dressed and we went for our weekly shop. When we got home I unpacked and put everything away while H made the coffee. We had it with a mince pie. It’s another wet day!! I read my magazine and H went up to turbo. I made my first batch of soup of the season, we had it for lunch and it was delicious, there is enough left for us to have it again tomorrow. After lunch I set up our Christmas tree and decorated it. It looks nice. We had a glass of wine I vacuumed upstairs and then had a shower and washed my hair. For dinner tonight we are having paella and patatas bravas. With a pot of tea., I am still coughing and itchy. It’s getting on my nerves!!

Thursday..

I got up at 5.34 and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch, dressed etc, sorted my bag, made the bed and went to work. I had to walk to the carrots first and bunch 48 carrots and 8 bunches of purple carrots. After that it was 4 boxes of loose carrots and the men took me down to the yard to wash everything. It all took ages. When it was all done it was almost noon. I walked to the beetroot,picked 4 bunches and carried them to the leeks. I sharpened my knife and trimmed. 3 boxes before hometime. When I got home we had a coffee and a plate of cheese and biscuits. There was a ring at the door and it was Daughter with 2 bottles of bubbly!! She couldn’t stop so we only had a quick chat on the doorstep, ! She went to S W this morning and had lost half a pound. She was pleased with this after the week she’s had, as am I with the weight I have lost. This week I am 133.8 last week I was
134.4. When she left I walked into the lounge and the phone rang! I said , well at least we know it’s not daughter but it was!! She had forgotten to tell me something. At 3 o’clock we had a cup of tea, watched tipping point, had a bath and then I will cook dinner. We are having a minced beef sauce with over a jacket potato. The sauce is very tasty with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, broccoli,carrots and peas.

Wednesday

I got up at 5.30 and had 2 eggs for my breakfast. I packed my lunch, made the bed, dressed etc and got ready to go to work. In the shed where I put my wellies etc on was a banner when I arrived (happy 80th birthday) cards and chocolates on my chair plus last weeks wages. A nice welcome.
I had to go with Andy first and we trimmed leeks till coffee break then I had to walk to the carrots and pick 60 bunches of orange ones and 12 bunches of purple ones. Next it was a walk to the beetroot and I did 6 bunches of golden beetroot and 50 bunches of purple beetroot. I had only done 30 bunches when Andy arrived so we then did another 10 bunches each. When we had done Andy looked at his watch and it was 12.55 and time for me to go home. When I got home H made me a coffee and we tried my milk tray. I had a slice of stollen with my coffee it was yum. I wrote a few Christmas cards, we had a cup of tea, watched tipping point and then I had a bath. For dinner tonight we had mushrooms, tomatoes, chips and a cheesy garlic bread. I have still got a rash! And a dreadful cough. I hope I get some sleep tonight because I have to go to work again tomorrow.

Mundane life of an 80 year old

I got up at 6.30 and put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. I hung the washing out when it was done, we had a coffee and I made the bed and did the ironing. It was a lovely sunny morning but not much wind. At 10 o’clock we got ready to go out. First we went to Morrison’s for a few things, we haven’t tried it before. From there we went to Taverham garden centre and went into a little tea shop at the back for a coffee and a scone. I forgot to say that we had only been out for a few minutes when it started to get a bit misty and a few miles further along the road it was a thick fog. We called in at the chemist on the way home. As soon as we were back I got my washing in again because there was no dry at all. I made us a cup of tea and we tried a slice of Morrison’s Stollen. It’s really delicious, we are both hooked. This afternoon I wrote several Christmas cards,had a shower and then a builder came round to to see about the pad he has to put down for our conservatory. When he left we had dinner which was salmon, jacket potatoes and a cauliflower cheese. My rash seems worse again today! I expect I will have to go back to the Doctors! I am going back to work tomorrow!!

The mundane life of an 80 year old.!! Monday.

I managed to lay in bed till almost 7. Today is my 80 th birthday 🎁. I have had a lovely day even though I still feel under the weather with a horrible cold which has made me really deaf! I’ve had some wonderful gifts with so much thought put into them. I have the most cards I have ever had. I had my usual egg for breakfast, tea and coffee. I haven’t really done much, mainly because of the weather. Our eldest son came round after he left off work and our other son went climbing this morning and now he has left to go back to London. It’s been lovely having him home for the weekend. I had salad for lunch and H had a bacon butty. I had a bath and then cooked dinner we had steak pie, potatoes and beans with a glass of Birthday wine.

Sunday.

I finally got to sleep around 4am.!! I was coughing so much my stomach muscles really ache. The good news is that my rash is easing up. I put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. I hung the washing out even though it was rather dull but there was a very strong wind. We had a coffee and all just sat about till lunch time. Son and I had salad but H, who now is getting the dreaded cold didn’t want anything. However I made him a hot chocolate which he had with a mince pie. After lunch I rang my boss to tell him I would go back to work tomorrow but he wasn’t there so I left a message on his answer phone. He rang me back later and said I still sounded quite bad. Andrew was supposed to be on holiday next week but the boss had got him to change it to the following week in case I wasn’t back. As it’s my birthday tomorrow he said I need not go in I can enjoy breakfast in bed.( I don’t know who he thinks is going to get it for me 😆.) Anyway I don’t have to go to work till Wednesday now. It will be the first time I have ever had my birthday off when it’s not on a weekend. Our daughter and son in law came round with champagne, a dozen white roses and a balloon plus a bundle of cards which I will open tomorrow. I have already had my amber necklace. She also brought me a beautiful plant from our grandson and his partner. When they left I had my bath and cooked dinner. We had a strange meal for a Sunday! We had oxtail stew. I bought an oxtail from my butchers and cooked it quite slowly it was nice. I missed S C D yesterday but I have just watched the results.
Tomorrow I will be 80 !!

December 1st

Today is a red letter day for our family because our eldest granddaughter is getting married. The wedding was at Banham zoo. I got up at around 5.40 and had an egg for my breakfast. I put on a load of washing and when H came down we had a coffee. I did a bit of tidying up and at 9 went to the florist for our buttonholes. When we got home our son was up so we all had a coffee and then we got ready and at 11.30 we left. We arrived in plenty of time so had time to chat with other guests. The bride,groom and bridesmaid all looked amazing, the ceremony was lovely and the reception was great. We all had a lovely time and it all went so well. The food was delicious and there was loads of wine and bubbly for the toasts. Everyone was so friendly so the atmosphere was really good, music was great and the speeches gave everyone a surprise because the groom announced that our Grandaughter was 3 months pregnant!! Her sister was so excited when she heard the news (on Thursday but had to keep it secret) burst into tears bless her. She can’t wait to be an auntie. She shew me a load of baby gro’s on her phone and she had found one printed with Brussel sprouts which would be ideal for wearing at Christmas!! The baby isn’t due till June! Because I made the cake I was given a gift which is an afternoon tea for 2. There was also a thank you card in which she had written that I will be able to go out and eat cake that someone else had made. When we got home H made a pot of tea and he and son watched a film while I went upstairs to watch I’m a celebrity. I have had a really lovely day despite my itches .

Friday

 I got up at 6 o’clock and H had made a pot of tea so I had a cup and a slice of buttered toast. I dressed and we got ready to go shopping. When I got up this morning I was covered in a rash which itches and burns! I also have an awful cough! Anyway, on the way home from shopping we were going to take my prescription to the doctors and post it through the door and I was going to ring the surgery when they opened to try to get an appointment. However when I arrived they were already open so I went in and shew the receptionist my rash, she went straight through, spoke to a doctor and asked me if I could get back at 9.45 , yes. Anyway to cut a long story short I have some pills so I hope they work. We went to Reepham for some bacon and in the farm shop next door to the butchers H bought me a small bottle of gin, I bought 2 small tonics and when we had our lunch we had a drink. Now I am itching worse!! That might be what I am allergic too! Well I have just read all the leaflet and booze is not mentioned! For dinner tonight we are having paella and patatas bravas. I have lemon tart for pud. I am now going up for a shower as cool as I can stand and hop it helps my poor skin.

Thursday

 I had an awful night and gave up trying to sleep and got up around 4.40. When  H came down I put on a load of washing and also put yesterday’s into the tumble drier. Then when today’s load had finished I tumbled that dry as well. I had porridge for breakfast with a whole pot of tea. I rang my boss, got his answer phone and left a message telling him I was unable to go in today.  After that I did nothing till lunch when I got soup and at 3 H ran me a bath and I also washed my hair. For dinner tonight we had liver with potatoes, cauliflower and carrots. I have now come up to bed! It’s the wedding the day after tomorrow and the grooms Dad has just had a heart attack!

Wednesday

I got up at 5.36, put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. I didn’t have a very good night and my throat is a bit stingy. I had an egg for my breakfast,packed my lunch, made my bed, dressed etc and went to work. First I had to help the men wash all the turnips that they had trimmed yesterday. As soon as they were washed Andrew went off on a gardening job and Andy went into the office to sort out all the orders and I packed the turnips. When I had done Andy and I went to pick 11 boxes of kale. We weighed it in plastic boxes in thr field because it was pouring with rain but when we got back to the yard we had to repack it into cardboard boxes. We also packed a load of leeks and then it was coffee break. Next I walked up to the carrots and picked 12 bunches of purple carrots and 48 bunches of orange ones. Andy picked them and me up and we drove to the beetroot where I picked 12 bunches of golden beetroot while Andy trimmed 2 boxes of celeriac. We then both did 20 bunches of beetroot and took everything down the yard to wash and pack. By the time I got home my throat was very sore indeed and now I can hardly swallow!! When I got home I had a coffee, a bath and for dinner we had lasagna with cauliflower and broccoli. We had a cup of tea and I had a cup of bovril . I have taken some paracetamol so hope to feel better soon.  I am supposed to go to work again tomorrow but I will have to ring in the morning and say I can’t go. It’s our granddaughters wedding on Saturday and I must try my utmost to get better for that and standing in the rain for 5 hours tomorrow wouldn’t help.

Tuesday

I got up at 7.17!,! I thought it was 6 .17 ! I can’t believe I slept so long it was great. H had been up for an hour. I had a cup of tea and then we had a coffee. I had the leftover stewed apple for my breakfast. I did a load of washing and hung it out but there wasn’t much dry out. Next I put my coat and gloves on and worked in the garden for an hour and a half while H was on the turbo. When he had done we had another coffee, he had beans on toast and I had a cream cracker. At 1.40 I went upstairs, changed into my cycle shorts and H set me up on the turbo trainer. I rode for 1 hour and 20 minutes and I managed to do exactly 26 miles. I had done 19.2 in the first hour so I think I slowed down a bit after that. When I finished I had a shower and made a pot of tea. We watched tipping point and then I got dinner. We had sausages, tomatoes, eggs, potatoes and fried leeks. I think my rash is still on the way out, I haven’t itched as much today.

Monday

I got up at 5.50 and made a bowl of porridge for breakfast. I packed my lunch, dressed etc and went to work in the rain. It wasn’t a very nice day, I had to pick 12 bunches of purple carrots and 48 bunches of orange ones, 6 bunches of golden beetroot and 20 bunches of purple beetroot. Then I went with Andrew and Andy to the yard where we washed and packed everything and had our coffee break. After that I walked to the leeks and trimmed them till 1 o’clock. It was so muddy nobody can imagine how hard the walking was the mud builds up on your boots and you don’t have time to keep scraping it off. By the time Andy came to get me my feet looked as if I was wearing tennis racquets. I was glad to get home. I had a cup of coffee and a biscuit. Oh and a mince pie. We watched a cyclo cross bike race, had a bath and then dinner. We had a minced beef and onion pie with potatoes, carrots, broccoli,and cauliflower. Stewed apple and yogurt for pudding. I don’t think I have to work tomorrow but if there massive orders in the morning I might have to go in and help because we have nothing in stock.

Sunday.

Last night I watched SC D upstairs and waited for I’m a celebrity to come on. I was still awake at 10 but I fell asleep before it came on and was still asleep when H came up and woke me up to say good night. I usually go down then but I felt so awful I just went back to sleep. I slept on and off but my itches were awful. I got up at 7 and had a cup of tea and later a coffee. I waited till about 10 and then had a bowl of porridge. H went up to turbo and I put the marzipan on our Christmas cake. I had done a load of washing so I hung it out  and after that I peeled the rest of my apples and cooked them. When H had done we had cheese and biscuits for lunch with a coffee and then we watched a miss Marple. I got my washing in,all nice and dry again and we had a glass of wine. For dinner tonight we had beef with potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and peas. Stewed apple and yogurt for pud. I have just had a shower and put cream on all my spots. I hope they don’t keep me awake again tonight. I feel I have to go to work in the morning  because my boss is away, he has already paid me for next week and also I don’t like to let the other 2 down. We are always so busy on Mondays with the orders coming in and nothing in stock. If it doesn’t get any better I will try to see a doctor on Tuesday.

Today (Saturday)

I got up at 6 o’clock,put on a load of washing and had a slice of toast for my breakfast. As soon as I had done we got ready and went to do our weekly shop because I didn’t do it yesterday. As soon as we were home again H made us a proper coffee while I put all the groceries away. After my coffee I hung out the washing and then read my magazine. When that was done I did the weeks ironing which took me ages.
Yesterday while I was out H went up into the loft and fixed an overflow pipe that kept dripping, filled all the bird feeders, rang the gas people to arrange for our boiler to be serviced and rang the doctor about his vertigo, got an appointment, walked down there got a prescription, walked back and then rode 20 miles on his turbo.!!! Talk about a good day on his part! Things I’ve wanted done for ages.     When I got up this morning I was covered in spots, still am. I don’t know if it’s my ‘ coin eczema’ playing up or if have an allergic reaction to something. I am itching all over and it’s driving me mad. In places they are great welts across my stomach etc.
Because of this I haven’t done much since the ironing, I got cheese and biscuits for lunch, got the washing in and made a fish pie for dinner. We had it with Romanesque, broccoli and carrots and it was very tasty. I am now going up for a shower which I will have as cool as I can stand it and then I will watch S C D.

Yesterday (Friday)

I got up at 5.52and had an egg for my breakfast. When H came down we had a coffee. We sat and watched the news and then I got ready to go Christmas shopping 🛍 with my daughter. I drove to hers, left my car there and we went in her car and parked in Chapelfield car park. We went straight to a coffee shop and had a festive hot chocolate drink. We both had caramelised orange flavour with masses of whipped cream and also a mince pie. From there we went to pandora for some jewellery.
After that it’s all a haze, we went from one shop to the next getting more and more loaded on the way. We were both wearing our Christmas jumpers and we seemed to be the only 2 people in the City wearing them, everyone else was wrapped up in coats and scarves!! I don’t know how they can stand it inside shops!! Anyway that was until Christie turned up for lunch also wearing a Christmas jumper. We lunched in Jarrolds, Daughter and I had a jacket potato with side salad, (hers was tuna mayo and mine was prawns 🍤) Christie had a chicken mayo bap with salad. We each had a cold drink. Grandaughter went back to work and we carried on shopping. We got back to daughters around 3.30 and had walked about 4 miles. We had a cup of tea and I waited for my other granddaughter to get home from school before I left. By then it was 4.30 so I went to the chippy on the way home for  fish and chips for H and me for dinner. It was a great day. I went up for my soapsbut fell asleep 💤 before I’m a Celebrity came on.!!

Thursday

 I got up at 5.52. Put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch, made the bed, dressed, hung out the washing and went to work. I had to pick 14 bunches of purple carrots and 72 bunches of orange ones. Next it was back down to beetroot for 6 bunches of golden beetroot and 10 bunches of purple ones. It was trimming leeks for the rest of the morning. When I got home I had a banana and a slice of corned beef. We had a coffee and then I wrote an email to my brother in New Zealand. I made a pot of tea, had a shower and cooked dinner. Daughter rang, her cold sounds much better than it was. We are both looking forward to going to the City tomorrow. She gained half a pound this week. I thought I might have done too after my huge sausage roll and the giant garlic flat bread I had yesterday but I lost .2 of a pound!! Last week I was 133.8 and this week I am 133.6. It was such a relief, I will try much harder this week, well , after tomorrow.!! 😆 no more work till Monday.

Wednesday

I got up at 5.42 and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch, dressed and then watched tv till H came down. I made the bed just before I left for work. I had to pick 2 sacks of sprouts first and the boss told me they needed to be really full. So I filled them up and I couldn’t lift them!! At 9 o’clock Andy drove the boss to Thorpe station where he was catching a train to Stansted airport. He is off to his house in France and won’t be back till next Thursday. When I had finished the sprouts I had to go to leeks and trim them. I had done a couple of boxes when Andy sent me to pick 6 bunches of golden beetroot and 22 bunches of purple beetroot. When I had done them I went back on to the leeks and trimmed them till 12.30 when we went to the yard to wash them. Andy then went for his lunch and I packed everything. I left off at 1 and when I got home I had a coffee and scrambled eggs. When I had my bath I washed my hair and then sorted dinner. We had sirloin steaks with potato wedges, mushrooms and mushy peas. I have to work again tomorrow but Friday I am in the City with my daughter and we can’t wait.

Tuesday.

I got up at 6.09, put on a load of washing and then I had my breakfast. I sat and knitted till H came down at 7.40 and after he had eaten his toast he got us a coffee. When the washing was done it was pouring with rain so I put it all into the tumble drier. Next I planted some tulip bulbs that were given to me by my friend and when that was done I strained my sloe gin and bottled it ready for Christmas. When H went up to turbo I vacuumed upstairs, the stairs and downstairs. When H finished his ride we got ready and went to my butchers and I stocked up the freezer again with some lovely meat. I bought steak mince, sausages, a whole oxtail ( makes fabulous stew) some gammon steaks and some bacon. From their cooked counter I bought us a sausage roll each for lunch and 2 lasagna’s, one frozen and one just out of the oven, still hot. The frozen one is in the freezer and the warm one which we had for dinner with garlic bread. ( baked apple for pudding.) work again tomorrow.

Monday

I got up at 6.07 and had my breakfast. I packed a slice of cheese, a tomato and a bottle of water. I rested, sorted my bag, made the bed and went to work. It was quite a bit cooler there today and we had several showers but when the sun came out it was lovely. I saw 3 beautiful rainbows 🌈. I was also visited by 3 hen pheasant’s , they were eating nettle and fat hen seeds. I had to pick 14 bunches of purple carrots, 24 orange ones. Then I walked to the beetroot and picked 6 bunches of golden beetroot and 10 purple beetroot. After that it was trimming leeks for the rest of the morning. When I got home I had a coffee and a small tin of sardines. I had a bath to warm me up and then I made some of Hs favourite rock cakes. We each tried one with a cup of tea. We watched tipping point and I cooked dinner. We had sausages, tomatoes, mushrooms, eggs and potato wedges. I have to work again Wednesday.

Sunday

I got up at 709, put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. H got our bikes out of the garage and we had a coffee. When my washing was done I hung it out. I had such a fantastic sleep that I was still feeling half asleep but hanging out the washing in the cold wind soo woke me up. We had another coffee and I did some of my knitting. Our daughter rang, she has a cold. I hope she is feeling better by Friday because she and I are going to the City for the day. We do this every year and her eldest daughter meets us for lunch. We shop till we drop!! After her phone call H and I got ready to go out on our bikes. We rode 33.6 miles and it was nice. We did the first half of the ride on the road and then got onto the track at Reepham and did the rest of the ride off road. When we got back home I took my washing off the line, dry again. H put our bikes away while I got cheese and biscuits for lunch with a hot chocolate. I did the ironing and then after my shower I knitted till it was time to get dinner. We had pork this week with potatoes, carrots, sprouts and Romanesque. It was stewed apple and custard for pudding. I have to go to work tomorrow.

Saturday

 I got up at 6.47 and had my breakfast. We had a coffee and I hung out yesterday’s washing. I dressed and made the bed. H went up to turbo and I decided to go for a walk. I needed to order some button holes for the wedding we are going to in 2 weeks so I walked to the florist in Drayton. It was a nice walk, I went along the road on the way there and along the track on the way back. On the way back I walked to our village pond and was surprised to see 2 pairs of ducks 🦆 on it. I have lived here 30 years and it’s the first time I have seen ducks, there were moor hens before. The ducks were very tame and as soon as they saw me came swimming over. I expect they are used to being fed. When I got home H had almost finished his ride so I got us some cheese on toast for lunch and a coffee. I got my washing in all dry and H and I watched tv with a glass of wine 🍷. I had a bath and for dinner we had steak pie, potatoes and cauliflower cheese.

Friday

H woke me up at 6.15 and we went down for breakfast. I put on a load of washing, dressed etc. and we went for our weekly shop. When we got home I unpacked and put everything away while H made the coffee. We had a cup with our first mince pie 🥧 of the season. Next I got on with some housework and H put on a loaf of bread. My hairdresser rang to say she had had a cancellation so would I like to go at 2.15. Yes.(my appointment was for 3.45) we were going for a bike ride and still wanted to go but decided on a short ride. As soon as the loaf was done we left and were just going to Reepham. Well we got to Whitwell station but the bridge that goes over the road there was all taped off. We spoke to a man who was working in the station yard and he told us the bridge is unsafe. Yesterday (I think) a horse put its foot through the boards on the bridge and he shew us the large hole. I can’t help wondering about the horse and rider! I hope there were no broken legs! We could have gone through the station and on to the road that way but there didn’t seem to be much point so we just turned around and went home again. When we got home we had a coffee and a slice of marmite on toast. I had a quick shower and got ready to go to the hairdressers and sat and read till it was time for me to go. When I got home again we had a glass of wine and I cooked dinner. Paella and chips with millionaires cheese cake.

Thursday

 I got up this morning at 5.12 ( because I needed the loo and I couldn’t be bothered to go back to bed.). I had my breakfast, packed my lunch, and read my book till H came down. Then I cleaned my teeth, dressed etc and went to work. My boss gave me a massive list and my wages and said he wouldn’t see me anymore today because he was going to a funeral. I had to do 96 bunches of carrots, 20 bunches of purple ones. Next it was beetroot, I cut all my string for 40 bunches of beetroot and 20 bunches of golden ones. Next it was a sack of sprouts ( my first this year) and finally leeks. I just had time to trim one box and it was home time. Just walking from one veg patch to the other worked  out at 2.7 miles!! Plus the fact that I have to cut all the string I need to tie my bunches. I came home worn out only to find that inter flora had delivered a beautiful bouquet from New Zealand for my 80th birthday. It cheered up my day even though I shed a tear. I am so lucky. My friend Andy gave me a bottle of bubbly for my birthday and H thought we should drink it, so now I feel great.🥂😂. I had a bath and when tipping point is over I will cook dinner which is lambs liver, Romanesque, carrots and potatoes. (All the veg was in the field 3 hours ago) . I think all this fresh veg is why I am so fit at almost 80 and can still work as fast as the rest of the staff. If I couldn’t do it I would give up but my boss is happy with my work still. I don’t have to work again till Monday. After dinner I will watch my soaps.

Wednesday

I got up at 5.32, put on a load of washing and made a pot of tea. I had my breakfast, packed my lunch, dressed etc, made the bed, hung out the washing and went to work. First I had to pack 15 sacks of leeks that Andy trimmed yesterday afternoon. Then I joined the men who were trimming turnips. We did 7 boxes of them, went to the yard to wash and pack them and I had to walk back up the field to the carrots. I had to have 72 bunches of carrots and 12 bunches of purple ones. After that I walked to the beetroot and picked 30 bunches of beetroot and 6 bunches of golden beetroot. I had to spend the rest of the day trimming leeks. When I got home I had a coffee and 2 slices of corned beef. I got my washing in, dry again and had a shower. For dinner tonight we had venison chops with potatoes, broccoli, leeks and carrots. I have to work again tomorrow.

13th unlucky for some.

I had a good sleep and got up at 6.36. I put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. When the washing was done I hung it out. We had a coffee then H did a bit of studying so I read my book. At 9.45 we got ready to go out on our bikes. We decided to bike to Wroxham and back all off road which would be roughly 56/57 miles. We stopped at Aylsham station where H had a coffee and a bacon bap and I had an o j and chips. We carried on to Wroxham station, stood talking to some chap and my back tyre went down!!! H changed the tube for me and we headed for home. The next thing ,H had a rear wheel puncture! He changed the tube, pumped it up and it went straight down again so we had to use a third tube! By the time we had done all this the time was getting away so we took a short cut at Reepham and took the road to Whitwell. Thank goodness we did!! Around Whitwell station H got a puncture in his front wheel!! We were so fed up with taking out wheels he decided to pump it up and see how far he could get before it went down (1.2 miles ) so we had to keep stopping and pumping. By the time we were 3 miles from home it was dark! We had no lights and couldn’t see a thing. We ended up doing 52.6 miles but we are glad we took the short cut. As soon as we got home we had a cup of tea and a bath. I cooked dinner, we had cod , potatoes, broccoli and carrots. I have to work tomorrow.

Monday

I got up at 5.52, put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch, made my bed, dressed, hung out the washing and went to work. When I went nobody else was up. If son hadn’t been here I would have woken H to check he was alright. But as he wasn’t alone I let him sleep. Then when I got to work I couldn’t stop worrying. Yesterday when I went upstairs to watch S C D results. Son said he heard a bang in the kitchen, went in and H had fallen over. He has been really dizzy for the last few days, every time he gets up he goes dizzy! Anyway he is fine  he had a great sleep and didn’t get up till 8.25. I had to pick 60 bunches of carrots and 16 bunches of purple carrots, 30 bunches of beetroot and 3 golden beetroot. I spent the rest of the time till 12 o’clock trimming leeks when the men came and got me to help wash and pack them. When I got home the 2 men were working in the garage, painting a bike. I had to make my own coffee! Then I made son a salad and H scrambled eggs on toast. I had a bath and got the washing in. For dinner tonight we had a baked potato with a meat sauce poured over the top.it was delicious, I baked apples for pudding and made H custard to go with his. I have to work again on Wednesday.

Sunday

 Today was rather special because I was having an early birthday lunch with 31 of my friends and family. I thought I wouldn’t sleep a wink last night because I would be too worried about it all but I was wrong. I had a great nights sleep and didn’t get up till almost 7.30. I had my usual breakfast of an egg and a cup of tea then H made me a coffee. We were leaving the house at 11.02, after the 2 minutes silence and picking one of my friends up on the way so I didn’t bother to dress till 10.30 and sat about in my dressing gown painting my nails etc. When we arrived at the venue ( the old rectory, north Walsham road ,Norwich) I put my home made place names on the tables. The tables were laid out beautifully, 4 large round tables each with 8 place settings. As people arrived they were offered a drink of red or white wine or orange juice. I had said no gifts but that didn’t work!! The meal was fantastic and we were all very impressed with it all. The staff were amazing, it was a 3 course meal (not a set menu) and we can’t believe how quickly we were all served at the same time on all the courses. I would recommend this place to anybody. I only have one problem, the gifts were all placed on a table, we were the last to leave because I had to pay ( and it was very reasonably priced too) H then collected all the cards and gifts and put them in the boot of our car. When I got home I unwrapped some of my gifts, some said not to be opened till 3rd dec. put some didn’t and 1 had nothing written on it. I think it might have been with a card but got separated. It’s a beautiful amethyst pendant. I will have to try to find out who it came from but don’t know how!
When we got home we had a cup of tea and I put my flowers in water. I made son a salad but H and aren’t hungry. I put on a loaf of bread and I am now going to watch S C D results. I have to go to work tomorrow.  

Saturday

I got up soon after 6 and put on a load of washing. I had an egg and a cup of tea for breakfast and H made me a coffee later. I hung the washing out and then sat and read till our son got up. After he was dressed etc he and I decided to go for a walk. He drove to Horsford/ Haveringland woods, parked and we walked in the woods. It was lovely, we walked to a lake which was full of water fowl, swans, herons, a cormorant , grebes, geese, ducks and seagulls. We also saw a deer 🦌. We walked over 3 miles and then came back for lunch. However when we got home it was 2 o’clock and H and I were supposed to be at our daughter and son in law’s around then! So I just changed my socks, which were soaking wet, collected all the things I had to take and we left. I had to leave son getting his own lunch! Salad. We took the 3 tiers of wedding cake with us and a bottle of wine and flowers for their 18 th wedding anniversary. We had a cuppa and home made cookies. Yum. Daughter gave me my birthday present so I can wear it when I go out tomorrow. It early but so is my lovely watch that H has given me. Anyway my present from daughter and son in law is an Amber necklace, it’s lovely. They know I love Amber, I have always wanted to find a piece at the beach, I am always looking. While we were there son went to the climbing centre. I rang no 1 son for a chat , they are fine and we will see them tomorrow. When son got home I cooked dinner. We had steak mushrooms, peas and chips which I made with potatoes and sweet potatoes. We had stewed blackberry and apple with a dollop of yogurt, delicious and free. As soon as I had eaten mine I went upstairs to watch S C D.

Friday

I got up at 6.06, woke H put on a load of washing and the kettle and had a slice of buttered toast for breakfast.as soon as we had done we got ready to go shopping. When we got home I unpacked and put everything away while H made us a coffee. I hung out the washing and read my new magazine. Next we got ready to go out on our bikes. We went to Reepham so I could go to the butchers for some bacon 🥓. We then to Reepham station for coffee and cakes and home again.(23.5miles) . When we got home we had a coffee and some cheese straws before getting stuck into some housework. I washed floors vacuumed upstairs and downstairs, dusted throughout,brought the bins in and put them in the right order, got the washing in (dry) and put the bikes 🚲 away in the garage. H cleaned the bathroom. When he had finished we had a glass of wine and watched tipping point. We had a cup of tea and I had a bath and washed my hair. For dinner tonight we had paella with patatas bravas. No 2 son is coming home this evening.

Thursday

H had to wake me up this morning at 2.10!, I was fast asleep. I put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch, dressed, hung out yesterday’s wasting, but had to leave today’s for H to do because it wasn’t finished before I went to work. I had to do 28 bunches of purple carrots and 90 bunches of orange ones. Then Andrew took me to beetroot and he and I did 6 bunches of golden beetroot and 10 bunches of purple beetroot. He left after that and I had to do another 12 golden beetroot and 25 more bunches of purple beetroot. Next I had to go to the greenhouse and pick the tomatoes which took me to 12.25 and in the last 35 minutes I just had time to pack 6 bags of leeks, 5 small boxes of leeks and 4 large boxes. When I got home we had a coffee and a date scone. Later H poured us a glass of wine and I had a nice soak in the bath. We had chicken curry for dinner and I am going to watch my soaps. This morning it was weigh in day and I weighed 135.0 lbs. I was pleased with this because I lost all the weight I had put on last week plus .4 of a pound. My daughter lost half a pound this week and last week so she is moving in the right direction. I don’t have to work any more till Monday.

Wednesday

I got up at 5.32,put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch, dressed etc, made the bed and went to work. I had to trim leeks from 8 till 12. I did 13 boxes each with 60 leeks . At 12 Andrew picked me up and we went to the yard to wash them all. I packed some up till it was time for me to go home. When I got home we had a coffee and H had a cheese sandwich and I had a slice of corned beef and an apple. This afternoon we watched a film and I had a shower before cooking dinner. We had a Jack potato with a minced beef and veg topping, it was very tasty. Our daughter rang this afternoon for a chat, it’s her 18th wedding anniversary on Saturday so we will see her then. I am working again tomorrow.

Tuesday

I got up at 6.10 and had an egg for my breakfast. When I broke it into the pan it was a double yolker !! The first one I have had for ages. We had a coffee and watched tv for a while, then I got on with some housework. At 10 H called me because he had made another coffee so I sat down to drink it, it was too hot so I read my book till I had drunk it then we got ready to go out on our bikes. We had a good ride all the way off road to Reepham station where we had a scone and a drink. H had a cappachino and I had a bottle of apple juice. The scones were fresh out of the oven and still warm so the butter all melted in, delicious. We then rode home again, still all off road. It was lovely and we went a bit faster than we did on Sunday. Our scones were huge so we had no lunch when we got home we were still full, we just had a mug of hot chocolate. We both had a shower and then watched a film. For dinner tonight we had fish cakes, baked beans and chips. Tomorrow I have to go to work.

Monday

I got up at 5.25, put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch, dressed and read my book till the washing was done then I hung it out and got ready to go to work. I had to do 4 bunches of purple carrots and 24 bunches of orange ones. Next I walked to the beetroot and picked 25 bunches of beetroot and 4 bunches of golden ones. Then it was leek trimming till 12.30 when Andrew picked me and the leeks up, took me to the yard and we washed and packed them and it was my home time. When I got home I had a coffee, a banana and a date scone. I had a shower and we watched and old film,(Oliver) For dinner we had pizza, mushrooms and mushy peas. At work today it was really warm, I had to take my jacket off and I was still far too hot but I only had a jumper on after that so I couldn’t take anything else off.

Sunday

I got up at 6, stripped the bed and put it all into the washing machine when it was done I hung it out. I had my breakfast and a little later a small coffee. I watered all the house plants and H got the bikes out of the garage. He cleaned and oiled the gears and chains and made us another cup of coffee. While it was cooling a bit he looked over his Spanish so I read a chapter of my book. Next we got ready to go out on our bikes, our daughter and son in law rode to Whitwell along the track yesterday so I rang her and asked her if it was really muddy. ( we expected it to be after all the rain we have had.) She said that apart from a short stretch where we join the track it was pretty good and in places you wouldn’t even know it had rained so we used it. We had a nice ride, it was slow so I had a chance to look around and enjoy all the lovely autumn colours. We saw a family of swans on the river bank, 2 adults and 5 signets. We did 22.4 miles. When we got home we had cheese and biscuits for lunch with a coffee and a date scone. I read another chapter of my book and then got the bedding in, lroned it’s and put it all back on the bed. I had  a bath and then after another chapter of my book I got dinner. Oh before I had my bath H made us a cup of tea. For dinner tonight we had beef with potatoes, Romanesque and cabbage, followed by stewed apple topped with yogurt. In 4 minutes time it will be S C D results.

Saturday

 I got up at 6.30, put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. I hung out the washing when it was done. We had a coffee and then H went up to ride 100k on his turbo trainer. While he was doing that I swept the kitchen and toilet floors then I washed them both. I made the bed and dusted upstairs. He was still peddling away so I went into the garden and did loads of pruning and have almost filled my garden rubbish bin again. We had salmon sandwiches for lunch and I got the washing in and ironed it. We had an instant coffee and watched a film. Our daughter rang and we had a chat, she has been out on her bike with her husband so she did better than me today. We had a glass of wine, I had a shower and then we had dinner. Eggs, sausages,fried potatoes, fried bread, tomatoes and bacon. A nice cup of tea and now I am waiting for S C D. All day we have thought it was Sunday so tomorrow is going to be a bonus day off.

2 nd of November

 I got up at 5.35, put on a load of washing and and had a slice of buttered toast for breakfast with a cup of tea. As soon as I had done I cleaned my teeth , dressed and we went to Asda for our weekly shop. When we got home. I unpacked and put everything away while H got our bikes out of the garage and made us a coffee to go with our cream and chocolate merangue. I made the bed and hung out the washing, then while H was studying his Spanish, I read 2 chapters of my book. At 10 we got ready to go out on our bikes. We did 33.8 miles. It was the chilliest ride we have had for ages. When we got home I made H some date scones to keep him going through the week. Next I made a loaf of bread and we had lunch, soup and one of the scones. We had a cup of coffee and later a glass of wine. I had a bath and washed my hair and for dinner we had chicken pie, potatoes,broccoli and carrots, stewed apple for pud with a dollop of yogurt.

Thursday

I got up at 5.25 and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch, dressed, made the bed,then I just sat and read till it was time to go to work. First I picked the tomatoes and then I had to trudge up the field in the pouring rain to pick 120 bunches of carrots and 28 bunches of purple ones. It was dreadful, I kept sinking into the mud  and it was a real struggle to pick up my feet, they were forever stuck. Next it was 40 bunches of beetroot and 22 golden ones. It didn’t stop raining the whole time I was there. When I got home I stripped off all my wet clothes, had a nice warm shower and put my onesie on. I had a coffee and a slice of cheese on toast. I didn’t do much this afternoon I am too worn out. For dinner tonight we had chicken curry. Today was weigh in day and I was not happy. Last week I weighed 135.4 lbs but this morning I was 137.2 lbs!!! I don’t know what went wrong!! My daughter lost half a pound this week so she did better than me!! I am back to work on Monday.

Wednesday

I got up at 5.30 , put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch,dressed, made fun the bed , hung out the washing and went to work. It was zero degrees when I got there so when I was bunching and tying carrots my fingers were frozen! I had to do 72 bunches of carrots and 12 purple ones. Next it was a walk to the beetroot which warmed me up, I did 30 bunches of beetroot and 6 golden ones. I then the my coffee break and the weather had warmed up so much I had to take my top 2 layers off. I trimmed 6 boxes of leeks and Andy joined me,helped me do a couple more boxes and then took me to the yard just in time for me to leave off. When I got home I was worn out. The field was so muddy I struggled to lift every foot step and my boots were thick with mud and weighed a ton. H made me a coffee and I had my lunch, a cheese and tomato sandwich. The phone rang and it was a man from our window firm to ask if they could send the surveyor round to measure up our bathroom window. After he had gone we had a cup of tea, a bath and dinner. Fish pie with baked beans and baked apple and custard for pudding. I have to work again tomorrow.
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Tuesday

I got up at 6 o’clock and put on a load of washing. I made a pot of tea and had an egg for breakfast. We had a coffee but I couldn’t hang my washing out because it was pouring with rain. It’s rained almost all day but it has stopped now. It will be a muddy day for me at work tomorrow!! I read a chapter of my book and did a few rows of my knitting brfore getting changed to ride on Hs turbo. He put me on a new circuit which was a 7 mile loop in Central Park. It was hard work compared to the volcano course I normally ride so it took me much longer to do 21 miles. When I finished H got ready for a ride. When he had done I made us a coffee and cheese and biscuits for lunch. This afternoon I finished knitting the matinée coat so now I just have to sew it up and put the buttons on. I had a shower and for dinner we had quiche with mushrooms and peas. We had stewed apple for pudding. I peeled and cooked a huge pan full this afternoon and I have frozen loads. I still have more apples to do. It’s work again tomorrow.

Monday.

I got up at 5.20, made a pot of tea and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch, made the bed, dressed etc and went to work. H had to spend ages de icing the car for me. I had to do 15 bunches fo purple carrots first then 36 bunches of orange ones.i didn’t have to dig them up today, we have had so much rain they just pulled up. Then I walked to the beetroot and did 6 bunches of golden beetroot and 10 bunches of purple ones. Then on to the leeks where I stayed till 12 when I was picked up to help wash and pack everything. When I got home H made me a coffeeand after I had washed my hands I sat and knitted while H sat in the chair and dozed. We had a cup of tea and finished yesterday’s bottle of wine. I had a bath and then cooked dinner, we had pork steaks with new potatoes, carrots and cabbage. I don’t have to go to work till Wednesday but I don’t think we will be cycling tomorrow because the forecast is for rain.

Sunday

We got up at 6.32 but then put our clocks back so it was only 5.32. I put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. It was only 4 degrees when we got up! And then we had a hail storm and there was also some sleet later. I decided to do some baking so I made a loaf of bread and then our Christmas cake. I usually make it in September and I have made it August before but never as late as this!! Anyway it’s turned out well. I also made a dozen coconut and choc chip buns. At around 10 o’clock it brightened up so I hung the washing out and got it dry. We had cheese sandwiches for lunch and for dinner tonight we had we had pasta in a minced beef sauce. I did baked apples and custard for pudding. I am at work again tomorrow.

Saturday

I got up at 7.10 after a great nights sleep. It was raining! We had our breakfast and then a coffee. I made the bed and dressed etc. did a bit of dusting and when H went up to turbo I did a bit of knitting. I finished the left front as far as the yolk did all the right front,one of the sleeves and started on the other one. If it’s raining tomorrow I will do some more. It’s rained for most of the day so I didn’t want to cycle outside and get soaked but I like to get my exercise so I decided to have a ride on Hs turbo trainer. I rode 3 laps of the volcano course which is roughly 23.5 miles and it took me 1 hour and 9 minutes. It’s hard work!!! I then had a bath, a glass of wine, a cup of tea and cooked dinner. We had liver and onions with potatoes sweet potato wedges and butternut squash. For pudding we had stewed apple with yogurt. I stewed a whole pan full of apples and I have frozen some . My boss told me I could help myself to apples off his tree. Tomorrow we are having baked apples and custard for pud. I have just watched SCD and the theme was Halloween 👻 the dancing was very good.

Friday

 H came and woke me up at 6 o’clock! I put on a load of washing and had buttered toast for breakfast.  As soon as I had finished and had cleaned my teeth and dressed etc we went to Asda for our weekly shop, dropping a letter off to our son on the way. When we got back I unpacked and put everything away while H made us a coffee to go with our jam and cream donut. I hung out the washing and did some housework till it was time to get ready to go to Cawston village hall for ‘soup and sandwiches ‘.
H didn’t want to come so I went on my own because I promised H’s sister I would see her there. It was nice catching up for a chat but I told her I won’t go again till the new year. You can have too much of a good thing! When I got home H had already got the washing in for me so we had a glass of wine. I had a bath and washed my hair and cooked dinner. I was not hungry because of lunch but I had taken steak pies out of the freezer so I had to cook them. So H had pie, jacket potato and mushy peas,  I just had the pie and peas. The forecast is for rain tomorrow, I have had no exercise today so I might have to have a go on H’s turbo trainer if I can’t get out on my bike.

Thursday.

I got up at 5.42 after a 7 hour sleep 💤 the best I have had for weeks!! I had my breakfast, packed my lunch, dressed etc. made the bed and went to work. I had to pick 2 boxes of tomatoes first then I had to walk to the top of the field and pick 3 boxes of loose carrots, 12 bunches of purple carrots, 36 bunches of orange carrots, then on to the beetroot for 12 bunches of those and finally to the leeks where I trimmed 4 boxes before hometime. When I got home H made me a coffee and I had a banana.
This morning was weigh in day and I weigh 135.4 lbs. Last week I was 137.0 lbs so I am pleased, it’s going in the right direction. This afternoon I finished filling my garden bin because tomorrow is bin men day. When I had finished I made a pot of tea ,had a bath and cooked dinner. We had fish cakes, jacket potatoes and baked beans. I also finished my pack of corned beef. I was looking forward to going out on my bike tomorrow as I have no work but I have just seen the weather forecast and it’s not looking too good for our area.

Wednesday.

I got up at 5.20 after an awful nights sleep and put on a load of washing. I had an egg for breakfast and the yolk broke as I put it into the pan! I hate that.! I still ate it though! I put on a load of washing and when it was done I hung it out. I packed my lunch, made the bed, dressed and when went to work. I had to pick 12 bunches of purple carrots and 72 ordinary ones. Then trimming leeks. I trimmed all the leeks that were lifted and then helped Andy to trim a box of turnips and get 6 bunches of golden beetroot and 14 bunches of purple ones. We took everything to the yard where we washed and packed everything. When I got home we had a coffee and an ice cream. My washing is all nice and dry again.i had a bath and cooked dinner, we are having steak for dinner with onions, mushrooms,peas and chips. I have to work again tomorrow.

Tuesday

I got up at 6.30 and put on a load of washing then I had my breakfast. We had a coffee and then I swept the kitchen floor and wiped all the work tops etc. I hung out the washing and dusted downstairs. H made us an instant coffee and made a loaf of bread. At 10 we got ready to go out on our bikes and rode 22 miles. It was hard work because the wind was so strong but we enjoyed it. When we got home I had a shower and washed my hair and we got ready to go to the ‘old Rectory ‘ to confirm my booking for my birthday lunch. It’s all alright and sorted. On the way home we went to the chicken farm for eggs and then to the chemist for my paracetamol. I popped into the shop next door to get us a magnum ice cream because it is so warm and sunny. At 3pm we had tea and biscuits, watched tipping point and I cooked dinner. We had fish pie with grilled cheesy tomatoes, I scooped the middles out of the toms, wizzed them up with some cheese, pepper and herbs and put it all back into the tomato skins and baked them, they were delicious. I got the washing in,all nice and dry again. I did all ironing up to date too. Tomorrow I am back at work.

Monday

I got up at 5.40 and put on a load of washing. I had my breakfast, packed my lunch, made the bed, dressed, hung out the washing and went to work. I had to do just 20 bunches of beetroot and then trim leeks till further notice. I had done 12 boxes before I was taken away to pack and weigh turnips and leeks. After I had finished I looked at my watch and it was 1 minute to 1 so I took my wellies off and went home. H made me a coffee and then he cut our front and back lawns. I had a slice of corned beef and a banana and finished my book. I had a bath and cooked dinner. We had leftover chicken with mashed potatoes, broccoli, carrots and gravy. It was nice. I have to work again on Wednesday.

Our 59th wedding anniversary!!

I got up at 7 and put on a load of washing and had my breakfast 🍳. When the washing was done I hung it out.Then I just sat and read till our son came down. H made us all a coffee and then went up to turbo. Next we got ready to go out on our bikes so we told H and he said he would come with us. We cycled to Reepham and son bought us coffee and cakes. We came home the long way round and when we got back I rang our daughter because wanted to come round. She and our son in law arrived with a bottle of bubbly. We had a coffee and a cake, I got my washing in and when they left I put the chicken in the oven and prepared the veg. ( potatoes and sweet potato for roasting) broccoli, cabbage and carrots. We had the left over blackberry and apple for pudding. We have had a really nice day, the weather was perfect, unlike 59 years ago today when it was raining in Norfolk. The church path was sand and by the time I had walked to the church from the car on my dad’s arm and back to the car on my new husbands arm my white satin shoes and the hem of my dress were orange!! I have to work tomorrow.

Saturday

I got up just before 6 and put on a load of washing and then I had my breakfast 🍳 . I put the oven on and when it had warmed up I made H some of his favourite rock cakes. ( he’s eaten 3 already) ! After that I sat and read my book till our son got up because I didn’t want to rattle about and wake him up. When he did get up I emptied the dishwasher and put everything away and hung out the washing. We all had a coffee then I cleared more garden rubbish. I came in to get lunch, bacon butties for H and salad for son and me. After that I got my bike out of the garage and son brought his down from his bedroom and he and I went to look for chestnuts in Horseford wood. I find it REALLY hard work when it’s completely off road and riding through bogs etc! We only did 6 miles but it felt much further. However after saying all that I have to add that I loved it. It was so beautiful in the woods with the sun slanting through the trees and so quiet with just the plop of chestnuts 🌰 falling to the forest floor. When we got home I got the washing in and H made me a cup of tea. I had a shower and cooked dinner, we had gammon steaks with mushrooms, peas and chips. For pud it was stewed apple and blackberries, H had custard on his but son and I had yogurt, it was nice.

Friday

I got up at 4 o’clock because I needed the toilet, I went back to bed but was up again 10 minutes and five minutes after that so I gave up on bed and stayed up. When H came down we had our breakfast (toast) and a cup of tea. Next I cleaned my teeth etc, dressed and we went shopping. When we got home we had a coffee and a merangue. I put all our shopping away while H got our bikes out of the garage. We changed and went to Reepham so we could go to the butchers for some bacon. On the way home we picked up some chestnuts 🌰. When we got back H had a Cornish pastie and I had a slice of pork pie with hard boiled egg in. It was nice. After that we both got stuck into some housework. H did the bathroom while I did the rest of the house. At 2pm we had a man come round to measure up for a new bathroom window. While he was here he also measured the front of the house for a canopy over the front door and a conservatory over the patio doors at the back. There is no way we will be able to afford all of them but we definitely have the bathroom window. When we know how much the rest is, if I keep working I might be able to save up for the next thing. We had a cup of tea and a biscuit, I had a bath and washed my hair and for dinner we had quiche with potatoes and salad. No 2 son is coming home this evening for the weekend.

Thursday

 I got up at 5.27 and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch and dressed etc. I took some mince out of the freezer for tonight’s dinner, made the bed and went to work. I had to pick 84 bunches of carrots, 18 bunches of purple ones, 22 bunches of golden beetroot and 45 bunches of purple ones. Next it was  trimming 5 boxes of leeks and picking 33 bunches of spring onions. I only had time to do 5 bunches of the onions and it was my home time!! When I got home H made me a coffee and I had a slice of corned beef and a biscuit. I had a shower , read a bit of my book and cooked dinner. We had mince and onions patty with potatoes and cabbage. There is no more work for me till Monday so the weekend starts here. I am now going to watch my soaps.

Wednesday

 I got up at 5.35, put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch, dressed, hung out the washing and made the bed before going to work. I had to pick all the tomatoes first which took almost 2 hours so I had my coffee break and then I picked 40 bunches of beetroot before trimming leeks. I did them for the rest of the morning. It was damp and rained on and off. When I got home my washing was still out. H had been got his Spanish lesson and he said it was already wet when he got home so he left it out!! I had a coffee, a slice of corned beef and a little pot of benecol. At 3 we had a G&T which was a bit too strong for me and my good week of dieting all went to pot as I tucked into the chocolate biscuits 🍪. I am not going to buy any more tonic then I can’t drink the gin!! For dinner tonight we had sirloin steak, patatas fritas, carrots and cabbage. I have to work again tomorrow.

Tuesday.

We got up at 6 and I put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. We had a coffee, I did a bit of knitting and dusted all downstairs. When the washing was done It was still very misty and it was drizzling. H had taken our bikes out of the garage but it was so dull we weren’t keen to go out. We had another coffee and it brightened up a bit so I hung out the washing. I had loads, all I did today and all I did on Monday. I only just managed to get it on my 2 lines. It was nice and warm outside so we thought we would cycle after all. We went to Reepham and back again all on the track (22.1 miles). When we got home H had a tin of tomato soup and I had a slice of corned beef. This afternoon I spent an hour and a half working in the garden and filling my garden bin. I had a shower and started a new book. For dinner tonight we had sausages, onions, tomatoes, eggs and potato wedges. I had an apple and a pear for my pudding. Tomorrow I have to go to work.

Monday

I got up at 5.40 had my breakfast and packed my lunch. I dressed etc and got ready to go to work. H got up at 7.23! 5 minutes before I left for work. It was pouring with rain when I got there and didn’t stop for the whole 5 hours I was there. I had to do 20 bunches of beetroot and then leeks till 12.20. I did 11 boxes. We washed them and the men went for their lunch and left me to pack them up. When I got home H made me a coffee and we had a biscuit. I roasted us some chestnuts and after my bath I made a pot of tea. For dinner tonight we had fish pie and peas. I don’t have to go to work again till Wednesday.

Saturday and Sunday

On Saturday I put on a load of washing when I got up and had my breakfast 🍳, we had a coffee and I hung out the washing. We both sat about for a bit then H went up to ride 100k on his turbo trainer and after I had finished the clearing up I went out on my bike, first to the crab house,  next to pick up a few chestnuts 🌰 and finally to the chicken farm for eggs. 12.4 miles. I had my crab for lunch but H didn’t want one so he had a banana sandwich. We both had a coffee and we both had a shower. I sat and read a bit of my book while H watched ‘the tour of Turkey ‘ when it was over we left home right away to go to my middle brother and his wife’s for dinner. When we arrived we had a drink and there were loads of nibbles. We had a good catch up and then dinner which was lovely, quiche with salad for starters, beef casserole with creamed potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli and gravy. Chocolate pudding with chocolate custard for dessert all washed down with plenty of wine. I was so full I could hardly leave the table. We sat and chatted again and then had coffee and chocolates! It was a great evening and the time flew by.

Sunday.   ... I got up at 6 and had my breakfast 🍳 I put on a load of washing and we had a coffee. After I had tidied up I sat and finished my book and we had another coffee. I looked outside and it was dull but still dry so I decided to go out on my bike, I asked H if he wanted to come but he said n so I went on my own. I did 18.1 miles and as I put my bike back into the garage the first drops of rain began to fall. For lunch we both had cheese and biscuits and a cup a soup. I started to do some knitting and we watched the tour of Turkey. I made a pot of tea which we had with a couple of
biscuits. We had a bath and I cooked dinner, steak pie, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and carrots.  Tomorrow I have to go to work and I think it will be a day working in the rain because forecast is not good.

Friday

I got up at 5.50 and put on a load of washing and had my breakfast.(a slice of buttered toast) . As soon as I had cleaned my teeth and dressed etc we went for our weekly shop. When we got back I unpacked and put everything away while H made us a coffee. I hung out the washing and then read my magazine. Next I cleaned all downstairs before getting ready for my 11am hair appointment. I had made a loaf of bread earlier which was done in time for me to take it out before I left. H was upstairs on the turbo trainer. When I got home I had a coffee and made us both a fried egg sandwich. We watched a cycle race, I got the washing in,all nice and dry. At 3 we had a cup of tea and a biscuit and at 4 we had a glass of wine. I had a shower and then cooked dinner. We had grilled tomatoes and mushrooms with a M & S pizza. Tomorrow I hope to go out for a bike ride but I don’t like the wind much and the forecast is for very strong ones.

Thursday

I got up at 5.30 and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch, made the bed, dressed and read a chapter of my book till it was time for me to go to work. I had to pick tomatoes first which was handy because it was raining. At 9 I had enough for the orders so then I carried on with the rest of my list. Next was 5 boxes of leeks, 20 bunches of beetroot, 48 bunches of carrots, then Andy joined me. We had to have a box of loose carrots and 12 bunches of purple ones. Then it was back to the beetroot for 6 bunches of golden beetroot. All that was left to do then was 16 bunches of spring onions, by this time it was 12.40 so I picked tomatoes till home time. As soon as I got home I had a coffee, a slice of corned beef and a ginger biscuit, a quick shower and we got ready to go to Holt. H bought me a lovely table and an angle poise standard lamp for himself. I bought 2 gin and tonic glasses, treated us to coffee and on the way home we bought a Chinese takeaway for our meal so I didn’t have to cook. I don’t have to work again till Monday so the weekend starts here.

Wednesday

H woke me upstairs up at 6 and I put on a load of washing. I had my breakfast, packed my lunch, dressed etc and got ready to go to work. The washing wasn’t finished when it was time for me to go to work so I had to leave it for H to hang out. I had to wash and pack leeks first that Andy had trimmed yesterday. We got 30 bags each with 5 kilo in so £150 worth. When that was done I had to go and trim 4 more boxes. Next I had to pick 40 bunches of beetroot, 10 bunches of golden beetroot, 72 bunches of carrots and 12 bunches of purple carrots. I was supposed to pick tomatoes in what time I had left but even with Andy giving me a hand I only just managed to get that lot done. When I got home H made me a coffee which I had with ginger biscuits. I went into the garden and filled my garden rubbish bin and got the washing in, all dry. When I went in we had a G&T  and I had a bath.
For dinner tonight we had sausages, eggs, tomatoes, fried onions and kale. I had an apple for pudding. I have to go to work again tomorrow.

Tuesday.

I got up at 6and just sat and read till H woke up because I didn’t want to disturb him. He came down at 7. We had our breakfast and then a coffee. H said we were going to do a road ride today but didn’t say where. He did a bit of studying and I finished my book. At 9.30 we got ready to go out on our mountain bikes. I didnt feel right before we went so I had a banana 🍌 and by the time we had been a couple of miles I felt fine. I asked where we were going and he said Holt! We went via Felthorpe, Cawston and Heydon but then we came to a ‘ road closed’sign. We ignored the first one then came to a second and further along the road we could see another with a barrier so we took a little road on our right that neither of us had used before and followed it for miles. It came out in Briston. We went from there to Hunworth and climbed the nasty hill and then to Holt where H bought us a coffee. We came home via Baconsthorpe, Blickling Cawston and home, 40.7 miles. It was lovely. When we got home we had a coffee and a cheese sandwich, I even rewarded myself with one rather than just the cheese but I asked H to cut the bread a thin as possible. This afternoon we watched a cycle race, had a shower and I cooked dinner. We had pork steaks with potatoes, cabbage, carrots 🥕 and cauliflower. I had an apple for my pud with a square of dark chocolate. I have to work tomorrow.

Monday

I got up at 5.25, put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. I packed my lunch, made the Bed, dressed, hung out the washing and went to work. I had to go straight to leeks and trim them till Andy came to take me to the yard. We washed and packed them and it was break time. I had only trimmed 5 boxes, normally I would have done 7 in that time but they haven’t been lifted and it was really hard work pulling them up. My arms still ache but luckily I haven’t hurt my back. After coffee break we went back to the top of the field and while Andy was cutting cabbages I had to pick 2 bunches of purple carrots and and then 2 boxes of loose carrots. The ground is like concrete again so it was hard to get the fork in. After that we cut a box of broccoli and then went to squashes. We cut and cleaned 4 boxes of butternut squash, 4 boxes of onion squash and 4 boxes of harlequin squash. We didn’t clean the harlequin in the field because it was Andys lunchtime so we went down to the shed and I stood and cleaned them before my hometime. When I got home H made me a coffee and I had a biscuit 🍪 and half a bar of nugget . I had a shower and then I fed all 3 of the wedding cakes with brandy. I will do them once more in November and they should be ok. For dinner tonight we had jacket potatoes, baked beans and salmon. I cooked the salmon in a pan with a lid but it has still stunk the whole house out!!!

Sunday.

I bot up at 6.40 and had an egg for my breakfast. I hung out yesterday’s washing and pulled a few weeds out of the garden. I cleaned the downstairs loo and the kitchen, made the bed and we had a coffee. Today our grandaughter was running a 10 k ride along Marriotts Way and we were going to watch her. Louise and James were coming too and we were meeting them at 10 am. We all went off along the track and I was surprised at how dry it was after all the rain we had yesterday. In places you would never have known it had rained. We biked along the track all the way to Reepham and then took to the road for a few miles till we got to another track we could take through some woods on an old cart track. Then back on the road to Hayden arch and on to Cawston. We got back on the track there so we could watch her run past. We didn’t have to wait long and she came running past smiling all over her face.(we were at the half was mark) . We told her we would see her back at Reepham. We decided to go back on the road, taking the short way so we were there to welcome her in. Well we hadn’t gone far when Louise got a puncture so we had to stop, take her wheel out and change her tube. It didn’t take the men long but by the time we got to Reepham Christie had already finished. After we had a chat we got back on our bikes, back to the track and home. We had a coffee and lunch, corned beef sandwiches and a slice of cake. I had a shower and read a bit of my book. For dinner we had steak, potato wedges, cauliflower and peas. Our ride was 30.8 miles but Louise and James did 40 miles. It’s work for me tomorrow.

Saturday

How can 2 days be so different!! I got up at 6.30 , put on a load of washing and had my breakfast. When my washing was done it was already raining so I didn’t hang it out.
Yesterday was sunny and warm, it was 22 degrees when we sat at the coast yesterday lunch time and today it was wet and 11 degrees! I made a ‘ boiled’ fruit cake which has turned out really well so H should be ok for the week. I did all the ironing up to date and H made us a coffee before he went up to do a recovery ride on the turbo. We had cheese on toast for lunch and we just sat about all afternoon doing nothing much. For dinner tonight we had potatoes, cauliflower, carrots and broccoli with a beef casserole. I have come up to watch Strictly. I hope tomorrow is a better day so I can get some exercise in.

A good day.

I got up at 6.10, put on a load of washing and had a slice of toast for breakfast. As soon as I was done I dressed and we went for our weekly shop. When we got home I unpacked and put everything away, hung out the washing and H got the bikes out. Mine had a flat tyre on the front!! He mended it while I read my magazine and drank my coffee and ate my cream bun. I dusted downstairs and we got ready to go out on our bikes. We rode to Walcott taking a scenic route which made it 31.5 miles. It was a beautiful day and we sat in the sun with our fish and chips and a can of shandy. The tide was out so I told H I was going for a paddle, well the steps stopped short of the beach. They looked as if they were about a yard short but beneath them was a huge puddle which only looked a few inches deep so I took off my shoes and socks and jumped in!! Wrong!! The water came half way up my legs!! (I had my long cycle tights on which were soaked) . Anyway I walked to the sea and had a paddle, the sea was lovely and not a bit cold. I walked back to the steps and really struggled to get up onto the bottom one, it was so far off the ground!!  We then rode home again, I soon dried out!! Altogether we did 61.6 miles and I enjoyed every minute of it. When we got home we had a coffee and I got my washing in all nice and dry. We had a glass of wine and 2 biscuits 🍪.i was quite happy eating them because I burned 1,700 calories on my ride.