Well, that’s been a long week. A bottle of valpolicella has been calling me & it is now open! Now, how much restraint can I exercise and not finish it off? Happy weekend lovely people!

I think my coffee mug sums up the “last day of holiday, back to school tomorrow” vibe.

Amazing architectural tour of @barbican.bsky.social Delicious meal @ Hawksmoor Then to top it all off the 23 y/o had an email with the offer of a place on an MA next year! What a way to celebrate 33 years!

Popped to Tesco for milk. A man with a clipboard asked me if I was “feeling photogenic today” as they were doing an ad campaign shoot. Well, nearly 60 & finally spotted! Of course, I said no thanks!

Drove to Abergavenny & Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). The 23 y/o summited under his own power for the first time! Awesome views!

I think this will do for a few days!

Flour comes from a plant. Sugar comes from a plant. Chocolate comes from a plant. Cookies & cake are salad. Just sayin’.

Happy Sunday!

‘Tis the season.

Mrs K had a child in her class collected for a haircut this morning…. Yes, for a haircut! When she returned, no one could tell.

Just finished speaking with my brother in northern Wisconsin. It’s been blizzarding for the last 12 hours. Already 10 inches of wet snow. It’s forecast to snow for the next 24 hours. Total accumulation expected 24-30 inches. Not missing home today!

There’s no place like home! My university is on this lake. www.bbc.co.uk/travel/artic...

Fab World Book Day! The whole school read, wrote & dressed as Mr Men & Little Miss. I was Mr Forgetful. Painted my face blue. Taped a hat to my head. What caused staff & children most angst? My UNTUCKED shirt & NO tie!

DNA results back today. Dad always tells us Grandma said she was a “bit of a mutt”. Looks like she was right.

Gutters were cleaned yesterday. The cleaner got a big bucket full of gunge out of the gutters & downspouts. Mrs K said “that would make good compost!” He replied “the old ladies always say that” He’s lucky he escaped alive & that she’d paid in advance. I expect to hear about this all day.

Here’s a link to an awesome crowdfunding link from a former (36 years ago) student! It’s a fab cause. Please share & donate if you’re able! www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/what-mums-...

Welcome to spring 2. Here’s how I survived the day:

The icy wind has dropped. The grey drizzle has begun. Should we get a builders roll from the bakery? YES!!!!!!!!!

Wonderful, freezing walk at Holkham. Pastry from the best bakery. Fish & chips from the sea front. Olympic curling, fire & wine. Happy half term all!

I never tire of this view.

Done! There’s no place like home.

I bought my parents this puzzle map of my home town - Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA. They never finished it. Now I know why. Wine is helping!

Shoutout to the Olympic snowboarding commentators for explaining a trick like it’s both rocket science AND “just a little spin.” Truly the only people who can make me feel impressed and confused at the same time. Give them medals too honestly. 🏂❄️

Car’s MOT ✅ Groceries ✅ Watched olympics ✅ Chilling with a 12y/o single malt & more olympics ✅ Hope YOU’RE having a great weekend!

DISASTER! The coffee maker broke this morning. I’ve had to go all old school. Could be a long day!

Sent to me by a friend.

To Scotland, to the haggis, to poetry, and to good company—slàinte! #BurnsNight

Well, building a rise / fall desk wasn’t part of my weekend plan, but there you go….

And I thought my IKEA flat pack days were in my past…

The man child wants a new desk. We are at IKEA. 😳😳😳

It’s a bit chilly back home in the Midwest USA. The average is -29°C. There is concern trees will “explode”.

Traitors takeaway consumed. Wine poured. Bring on the final!!!

Here are this morning’s garden cam captures.

Fab new year’s in Manchester & glorious snowy walk in Nottingham today.

I turn 60 this year. Here’s my resolution for this landmark year:

Cheers all! Boxing Day tea. I may have had a few “small” scotches…

Happy Christmas one and all!

“I fancy a walk” she says. “Me too” I says. “Round the block?” she says. “No, the woods” I says… It was beautiful, but now I’ve got boots to clean.

Long time friends visited yesterday. After a walk we went for coffee & cake at a garden centre. Bought the most amazing chorizo sausage rolls for launch today. Eating as the woodpecker has his lunch.

We had an occasional day today. Thought a visit to The Outlets in Braintree would be fun. It was heaving! We forgot about Black Friday…. @alienwife99.bsky.social saw this & thought of you!

Quite pleased with this video from the garden. Pleased the rain has stopped!

Just back from seeing “Nuremberg”. Not a cheery watch, but an amazing film!

Bird feeders went up last weekend. Turned on my “bird cam” at the same time. This morning!!!!

Oops.

Finished it! One of the hardest puzzles I’ve ever done. Most of the pieces were the same shapes. I’ve already ordered a frame for it!

Did a bit of shopping this morning & found THIS! (There was a green triangle one too). Said it was 4 portions. Took me 10 minutes…

Taking our seats for “Richard Ayoade: Afterthoughts”!

Youngest son & Mrs K are at the O2 seeing Benson Boone. Eldest son made us katsu chicken. Yes, it was delicious!

Well, that’s a strong start for a Tuesday… On the plus side, the kitchen & my sock have a lovely strawberry scent.

We’ve walked, shopped, eaten & washed up. I’ve started the fire & poured wine. Waiting for traitors….. Cheers!!