47 Years! Happy Anniversary Ma & Pops

Amazing....47 years married and still going strong. So proud, have a lovely day and night away at the country retreat.





Love the older one xx


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Liar Dice! Aka Perudo

A wicked start to Chrinklemouse week. I have had a house full with some very dear and wicked fiends....sorry friends down from London. Including the gorgeous Mr Lickey Likely....aka Dillon the pooch.

Lovely walks in the chill and then some cracking evenings just spent laughing and laughing and more laughing. My sides hurt.

We dug out Perudo an old joint favourite of ours and if you haven't got it, it's a must buy. We spent our younger years playing this ritualistically in bars, airports, foreign countries and nights in like this. We are teaching the younger generation now who love it just as much unless they are sat next to me who still blags outrageously at what her hand is!

It's been the perfect way to start Christmas. I can't believe I have been @ No 21 for six months now, it's looking festive and cosy. Only a few more hrs of work to go and then another houseful, it will be bedlam but great fun. Life may feel sad at times but life is good and I feel incredibly blessed.


Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

No Riff Raff Here This Weekend!

It's always good to catch up with friends and this weekend has epitomised that.

Sylvia is over from Langkawi for 7 weeks and after a few days at Ma & Pops they have all decamped to Exeter for the weekend. Sylvia with me and as my sis is just a few streets away Ma & Pops with her. It's been a feel Malaysian catch up as Jim & Marg have towed their caravan down to Halden so a real catch up has been in order.

Fab evening on Friday alongside Elaine & Simon as well , with good food and wine and just chewing the cud. We are still oompah loompahing it with my dining room table and using the garden chairs....hopefully not for much longer as have spotted the real deal today down on the quay and sourced them cheaper on line so not much longer for peeps to sit in the cheap seats, though it is fun!

Topsham on sat in the sunshine was fab, the Saturday market is a new discovery for me and I will be back after picking up some great bargains for the garden. My Percy Thrower endeavours continue and have some great ideas for the forthcoming months to make it absolutely swooper for the spring and summer next year.

We escaped the wrath of Bertha today, after waking up to rain despite some old blustery wind spurts the sun came out and it was lovely as we strolled out onto the Quay and back at home base later the garden was scorching.

A good old roast and catch up late pm, it's just been a lovely lovely weekend catching up with old friends and family that are young at heart and full of fun.

Other news....I have sourced my big clock! I found the one I loved in the St Maybn pub but found a better one....and it was a bargain to boot and arrived 24hrs after ordering online, just need a drill and some wall plugs to put it up!






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Having Fun

It's all so quiet here bar the dog snoring! E & G are still fast asleep upstairs, it won't be long and then house will be full of the shenanigans of one and almost another teenager!

We had a lovely day yesterday from start to finish. The weather is definitely on the turn, it's damp and very drizzly outside today but yesterday we made the most of the last of the sunshine rays and headed out to Topsham to their outdoor pool. I haven't been there (to the pool) for years, but it was a good choice made as we all loved it!

I am covered in bruises from several rounds of tag and bulldog pool style, it 'twas hilarious. A train ride back and lovely supper indoors as the rain had started and then eyes down for an evenings entertainment on the x-box.

Six months apart,they have grown up together, it never ceases to amaze me how well E & G get on from gentle banter to full on cuddles. It never ceases to amaze me how time flies. Unpacking boxes here we have found some amazing photos from newborns to toddlers to teens, some of which I hadn't seen in years.













So the plan for today is shopping (their request)'and some baking plus prep for the indoor BBQ later. Tomorrow we are up up-cycling furniture together, chalk paint style.

Feeling v blessed, nice way to end my hols. Back to work on Thursday.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Cousins R Us On Summer Camp Part 6: Rain So Exit Glamp Camp

We had been really lucky with the weather and the forecasts had been spot on, thus far only one small torrential downpour. That's good for me as usually when I go on my hols the weather turns and I am usually berth bound. It's a family joke that no-one books their hols when I do as the weather is bound to be c**p!

We said goodbye to the folks and spent a very lazy day at glamp camp playing Rummikub and for the first time in a year I won two games on the bounce...worthy of a gold medal me thinks.

Going to bed that night we knew we had seen the best of the weather as it was about to turn. The following morning confirmed that we ominous dark clouds in the distance....oh what to do? Shall we in true blighty spirit just weather the storm or count our blessings for a pretty good week thus far. It's no fun packing up a wet tent, with a bot it doesn't matter with a tent it does so decision made and within half an hour the kids and I were dropped at the station to wend our way home.

The call was right no sooner than we hit Bodmin Parkway and bang on cue the heavens opened and boy did they opens the rain never stopped all day. A confirmatory text from those setting off from glamp camp confirmed that everything was packed up and away in the nick of time.

Three hours later back to home sweet home after a cracking week all around, although bed after a week on a blow up mattress was a welcome sight!


Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:St Maybn

Cousins R Us On Summer Camp Part 5: Padstein

So having ticked off a few must do locations the decision was made to do Padstow. I haven't been there for years and years, the last time was when Rick Stein had just become famous.

We plodded off in 2 cars for the half hour road trip. Much like St Issac and Rock there was no chance of parking in town so we opted for the park and ride. You would think by the masses at the park and ride that we were all off to some national sporting occasion not to a local Cornish town made famous by a chef! The place was absolutely heaving.





The streets and restaurants were jammed and not the Padstow I remember, in winter it must be better and I understand now why it's called Padstein as the Rick Stein enterprise has hit virtually every street with one of his shops. We stopped for coffee and not much else except to buy some breads from his deli for our tapas supper later.







We found a lovely pub in Chapel Amble on the way back for a Scooby snack which was virtually deserted and then made our way back to glamp camp.





Tapas supper much later with all the folks around the BBQ fire to keep warm plus every blanket and rug we could find for those not so hardened glampers! Great fun had by all.







- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Padstow

Cousins R Us On Summer Camp Part 4: Pops Birthday

We awoke to glorious sunshine so there is only one thing for that and that's a visit to the beach.

The only place to be then was Rock where the good and the great hang out. Picnic packed we headed out for the day. The car parks rammed to full capacity we ended up parking at the top of the town and then walked our way down...it was baking hot.

Lovely beach, huge in fact and we found our spot and didn't feel hemmed in. 'Twas lovely we didn't see any of the good and the great but it was a great place to hang out for a few hours basking in the sunshine. The teens had a good old paddle in the sea as did the pooch.

We left late pm to come back and meet the folks and most importantly the birthday boy. They had elected to stay in a local b&b, their glamping days well and truely over.

Pre dinner pimms o'clock drinks at glamp camp was followed by a mile long walk up the rambling Cornish lanes to the local pub...St Maybyn Inn and the best mixed seafood grill I have had in ages...it was divine.































All the meals bar an over cooked duck were exceptional and would recommend anyone to eat here. Rustic charm at its best, the pub has just been taken over and is still mid makeover. It will be stunning when finished and even has the thumbs up from the locals. A great way to end the day with the birthday boy. Happy birthday Pops! X


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Cousins R Us On Summer Camp Part 4: Survived The Downpour

As predicted the heavens opened yesterday at exactly 0600! Torrential downpour was an understatement and we were tent bound until about 10am.

An eggy bread breakfast soon sent the dampness away and then we were off. We made our way to Port Issac and mooched about. The place was heaving with tourists hoping to see Doc Martin.































The tide was out and no bots on the horizon as it looked a tad rough out there. A shuttle bus runs up and down for those can do the steep walk. The sign for it cracked me up!

A lazy pm by the pool and then a banger and chicken bbq followed listening to some banging tunes. Good times.






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Port Issac

Cousins R Us On Summer Camp Part 3: A Lazy Sunday

We had a totally lazy day bar an excursion out for provisions for glamp camp supper. It's a small world indeed as I bumped into a work colleague in the vino aisle in Tesco's!

So more swing ball and then found out that my sister is a demon at badminton and just more chilling in the sunshine.

Yesterday's lazy day was in part due to Hannah not being allowed out in public as she resembled an oompah lumpah in the suntan stakes....ouch indeed but it has toned down a tad now since Saturday.

We ended the day with a surf and turf BBQ and team George, thrashing team Jacks at the logo game...a first for a while.




Great way to start our hols.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Cousins R Us On Summer Tour Part One

Phew.....made to to Thursday where my hols finally began and boy do I need it. Just over two weeks off.

Had the kids for the last fee days well they r not kids any more they r hilarious teenagers who are just great company, although note to self not to give e filled ice lollies late at night ever ever again!

So we r en route on the train. Both cars are filled to the brim including a kitchen sink and started ahead of us... so with a fair wind and no traffic the glamp will be set up by the time we have been picked up from the station, bunting n all!

Base glamp is St Maybn, never been before and haven't camped for several years. It's going to be a blast. Sun, BBQ,s, beaches , bubbles and good company. We have parents on both sides joining us for a couple a days mid week to celebrate Pops birthday.

No glamping for them, a b n b not far away. So the sun is still shining and forecast for a change looks good. Much needed r n r here we come x




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Pottering

Yep that is my new word...I have just pottered all weekend. Sorting out the last remaining boxes after my wardrobe finally arrived. Re-arranging things, removing clutter. Providing tea in the garden for impromptu visitors both sat & sun and having the opportunity to catch up with good friends.

I am the new Percy Thrower, weeding and planting...how could you not in the gorgeous sunshine....a spot of sunbathing too plus last but not least a mega batch of chutney after a huuuuggggeeeee delivery of rhubarb!

I have well n truly pottered and managed with a little help from my friends to put up my wall art in my bedroom!

Only three more days & hols & then glamping...well camping ...cousins r us r off to sunny Cornwall. Life is good.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Home Sweet Home....adjustments

I am feeling incredibly blessed but surrounded by a huge range of emotions called adjustment and you know what it's fine.

So I finally moved into my new house just over a week ago and it's already a home. I was surrounded by family and friends that just made it happen and I can't begin to thank them for all their efforts....every single one of you thank you that it happen.

As with everything it doesn't pan out as you plan it and we reverted to plan B which was a Friday off and a weekend as had to be back to work on Monday instead of a week but a house was made a home and I felt incredibly supported over what was a major transition.

It didn't end there as team George ( aka Ma & Pops) and Roffe Senior supported electrical manoeuvres to make the house safe plus get rid of the main most hideously lilac bedroom!

So Wednesday post a day away with work and my first night on my own for 10 months...it was okay bar some pacing around the house so I just took myself to bed!

The last weekend has been filled with visitors and el fresco and impromptu entertaining....I haven't stopped. But you know what...that's pg tips and lovely.

I am happy and adjusting... What has gone is gone but I still have some v positive memories that r still real and as I open boxes or view photos make me smile...or just won't open...but I will.

This last 10 ten days I have missed opening the front door to my niece welcoming me home from work with .....Birdy dinner in ten mins or just the usual banter that has driven my sis mad but we have all enjoyed. We r only five mins away which like tonight for an impromptu visit was just fab.

So life is good and transitioning is swooper after a period of time where I have felt I have been in suspended animation. So thank you everyone and special thanks to the ice road trucker....it means a lot to have my new house feeling like home sweet home xxx




Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Exeter

Back On The Water

After 10 months away I ventured back out on a bot and back out on the water. Words can't describe how that felt. Some things don't change i.e. the unpredictable weather but that just doesn't matter.

A whole range of emotions but it was lovely to be back on the water, feel a boat gently rocking in her berth. Hear the wind and rain lashing down on Friday night. A lovely meal @ Jolly Jacks and lots of laughs.

Going out to sea and beyond the breakwater, with the sun beating down and making the water light up. Just watching and watching, a real sense of tranquility and peace. The sound of the wind, against the sails.

Picking up a mooring buoy and then eating lunch whilst watching the world go by. Taking down the mainsail and then the manoeuvres to get you back safely to your berth. Then finally washing down the good bot that took you safely there and back.

I am sun kissed, wind lashed and taste of sea salt and this weekend has fed my soul in a way I can't describe . I,ve missed being out on the water more than words can say so this weekend has been a real attack on the nautical senses.

Happy days


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Mayflower Marina Plymouth

Solace In The Andalusian Hillside

The last seven months seem almost surreal at times, that I have been caught in an outer body experience......but it's real alright. The emotional roller coaster of going through a divorce is and remains brutal in every aspect. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone.

But.....I have an amazing family and an amazing close network of friends who have been there throughput. I am incredibly lucky and whilst at times you can feel in that most desolate place there has always been someone there.

I have been blessed again this week, staying in the Spanish hilltops, with friends. It's been the most perfect boost and an opportunity to recharge and reflect, refocus and just to be honest recharge. Thanks Jan & Steve for an amazing break in Casa Del Elliot x

The stunning views and sun on my back has fed the soul as well as the hospitality and banter for the next phase of moving on with a very different life.

I feel very blessed....thanks to everyone for everything it means a lot x


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Andalusia

Oh To Be A Teenager!

The gorgeous E has reached another milestone today....13 and a teenager! I can't believe it.

The above sums it up really and so much more...she is just amazing. Bright, witty, sassy, thoughtful and just a joy to be around. Looking forward to the celebrations tonight post school.

A teenager....time flies. Now remember my favourite niece....continue not to bring the good name of Lucas-Gidley into disrepute as you enter your teen years!

Love you lots

Aunty Birdy xx


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Fun Times

Packing up ready to head back to Exeter after a great time away with my gorgeous niece in London.

Been a fab few days away seeing the sights, shopping, chillaxing and enjoying more birthday celebrations.

This was my birthday present from E......made me cry! It's been fab to go away with her...so thanks E for a swooper duper time.











-
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:London