My little life

The Best Man

We awoke to another beautiful sunny day and to the sound of messages pinging introducing the newest member of the family: Vincent, a whippet, staffy cross with one ear ( a story for another day). Andrew and Lis have a dog

We had breakfast then drove over to Georgina and Jay’s, after Kevin’s usual pontificating and his reluctance to leave early!

We caught the train from Laindon, changed at West Ham and got off at Southwark to walk to The Playhouse.

It took rather longer than anticipated but with the sights, sounds and thronging crowds it was so enjoyable.

The Best Man is a Gore Vidal play set in 1960 at a convention in Philadelphia to choose a presidential candidate.

I wanted to see it as I’m an avid admirer of Martin Shaw.

The other cast members included Glynis Barber, Jeff Fahey, Honeysuckle Weekes and Maureen Lipman.

It was a cerebral choice as opposed to my normal, but there was humour and to be fair some of the things in presidential elections haven’t changed in nearly 60 years!

A thoroughly satisfying afternoon!

We walked to Borough to find somewhere to eat, and plumped for Zizzi’s.

A gin fizz and a great plate of prawn linguine sated my appetite and we were on our way again to London Bridge.

Before we knew it, we were being picked up by Jay and Georgina and we drove the short drive home.

A wonderful day full of sunshine and time spent with the Best Man for me!

It’s so lovely to spend time together and chew the cud!

Strictly Amazing!

Yesterday Debbie and I went to London to see the Musical Strictly Ballroom, a stage version of Baz Luhrmann’s film-we we’re not disappointed!

I left work at a sensible time and we drove to shenfield. We travelled to London Bridge and walked along the south bank, bathed in spring sunshine, always a pleasure

We passed the Founders Arms, always makes me smile as I remember meeting Tony and Jen with Andrew and Lis, and celebrating Andrew’s graduation in 2010!

We took in the sights along the way and made our way to Bill’s in Soho.

Our meal was delightful and the chat flowed: kids, work, sport, friends, family and upcoming plans. Debbie is such a force of positivity, a real source of fun and we laugh so much!

A short walk to the theatre and we upgrade to the stalls-great decision!

After 10 minutes, it’s curtain up and the sequinned spectacle that is Will Young starts to sing. Since winning Pop Idol in 2002 I have enjoyed his sweet voice, such a wonderful tone, and I often close my eyes just to listen.

Jonny Labey and Zizi strallen are amazing too. Set in Australia the story unfolds and the whole cast bring something to the party and at times I am brought to tears. I sat perched on the edge of my seat with a big grin on my face.

A really uplifting experience. If you can, take the opportunity to go!

We walked from Piccadilly to Holborn and it showcased London as a wonderful city!

The journey home was swift, but you forget about the late night aroma of McDonald’s!

Home at midnight and I didn’t turn into a pumpkin!

🎼🎭🥂💃

Home sweet home

The last two weeks have been a whirlwind with so much going on and today sees a return to normality -sort of: a new normal?

After a delightful outdoor meal last night

where we all froze, this morning meant hugs and goodbyes to Andrew and Lis. Always hard but we’ve been so fortunate to see each other 3 times in the last 19 months! I like to focus on the times we have together rather than what we don’t.

I’m sure we’ll see them again soon! A wedding perhaps…..:

Today Nina and Jay were due to exchange and complete on their first home and it has been a tense rollercoaster, but finally all was in place and the keys were picked up!

Jay picked up Nina from the station and boxes were put in the car, until Georgina dramatically fell down the stairs: all was fine though!

Off they went, a bit emotional on both sides, but excitement abound.

We received a message inviting us over which was a lovely surprise, so off we went!

They have worked so hard and I hope they build a home full of love, laughter and memories.

Meanwhile Andrew and Lis are 7 hours into their arduous journey to their home, with some wonderful memories of friends, family and love.

Kevin and I are immensely proud of all our children and their partners, all bring joy, pride and the challenge of wanting the best for them: to shield them from pain and sadness and to be there to share in equal measure.

So after all the excitement, build up we look forward to what the coming months will hold – 2 weddings, various theatre trips, Wimbledon and cricket amongst many treats!

Our home will be quieter, but memories will be loud and proud!

A Day for all to celebrate

Woke up this morning to the news that another Royal baby was on their way, which was lovely as we were celebrating our own princess’s one!

I can’t believe that Georgina is 24! Presents were opened, cards read and then we got ready for a little trip to London.

The boys had arranged a go karting afternoon and we excitedly had afternoon tea at Harrods!

A walk in the sun around South Kensington was lovely and we made a pit stop at Shoe Heaven!

Nicola, who joined us was so funny as she couldn’t recollect being to Harrods before but she had been to Hamleys!

By now we had also had and heard some good news: a new Royal Prince had been born, and that Georgina and Jay would complete on their first house purchase on Friday!

Celebrations were well and truly on!

We had a delightful afternoon tea and lis was impressed with her vegetarian one! The pink fizz was ordered, with our tea choices and we tucked into everything with gusto

The boys posted a photo of their afternoon

They had a great time on the track!

Us, we very soon had consumed all we could manage, and the waiters came over with a cake and card for Nina.

We were all too stuffed to eat it, so it was placed in a box with the other unfinished sweet treat selection!

We walked to Sloane Square station and travelled to Upminster where Nicola’s boyfriend picked us up. A swift journey home with a quick turnaround was required as I was driving down to Brighton with Andrew and Lis to visit my sister and parents.

We enjoyed a superb vegetarian feast prepared and cooked by Jane, enjoyed bubbles, and toasted so many things.

Georgina had a wonderful birthday, we had had a great day, a new home, a new little prince and a few more precious memories !

A London Wedding

Now this is a strange one: I’m blogging about a place I’ve not been to, with some people I have rarely met, but hopefully they can look on this as my wedding gift!

Andrew and Lis primarily came over this month as Russ and Steph were getting married (spending time with us has been a bonus!)

And so the day was fast approaching and they decamped to the Town Hall hotel in Bethnal Green where the nuptials were to be held.

Saturday was a beautiful day and on their return to us today they regaled us with snippets of the day.

The official pictures were taken before the ceremony so there was no lull in between the ceremony and the celebrations. The groom played the piano, there was face painting and the favours were home made chutneys bespoke to the recipient.

Steph looked absolutely radiant, Russ dapper and Andrew’s 21st birthday, and the shotski, featured in the best man, Chris’s, speech. Chris is also a Brunel alumni and did a great job by all accounts.

I do hope that the new Mr and Mrs Foxley enjoy this homage to their special day.

I wish them a life full of love, fun and good health today, tomorrow, forever!

💕💕💕💕🍾🍾🍾🍾💕💕💕💕

GDPR, walking, negroni and unexpected time spent, then back down memory lane.

Had to attend an information session regarding GDPR, the beefed up Data Protection regulations coming into force on May 25th this year. Now this will have been my fourth session, so I am well versed in why, when and the fines. What I want to know is how the hell I am to do it all!

The venue was lovely , near Southwark Cathedral and I had the pleasure of Andrew and Lis’s company on the train too. This was a bonus and thoroughly enjoyable.

After the session I arranged to meet Georgina for lunch and walked all the way to Somerset House.

My perambulation took me past so many beautiful buildings and the weather was beautiful with the warmth radiating through.

Georgina took me to Tom’s Terrace and tea, negroni and a pizza were duly consumed.

We said our goodbyes and I walked from Somerset House to Liverpool Street station.

Again I took in the sights.

As I neared the ‘City’ the memories came flooding back and I walked down Cheapside and past the ‘Old Lady’ !

I found this next photo choice very amusing!

This certainly wasn’t about in the eighties!

It was such a delight to be out and about today and on my return home there was a box of flowers waiting for me.

They were from my sister and brother in law to Kevin and I. A wonderful surprise and beautiful colour way.

GDPR will still continue to vex me, but today has brought some happy memories to the fore, so I will face the challenge next week!

A wonderful day!

What a wonderful day today has been, cousins, sisters, parents, brothers, friends and just everyone who came today!

I cannot express my joy today which more than once overwhelmed me!

It was amazing, the joy was palpable and I just loved it!

Life is made for moments like this and everything was tip top! Some people were feeling poorly and it was still great to see them. Travelling from far and wide, some only 6 days from their wedding (Steph and Russ! )

truly blessed to have such an amazing family and friends. Thank you to all who came, and to those that contributed in any way!

35 hours to go…..

Most of this week I have been planning and preparing as my son Andrew and his wife Lis are visiting from Australia. They are attending the wedding of their best man and a bridesmaid (who introduced them to each other ten years ago!)

We are having an open house for family and friends on Sunday and I am beyond excited at their impending arrival tomorrow evening! We all are!

Its only 5 months since we last saw them but that still doesn’t stop the waves of emotion from flooding over you.

I’m expecting over 50 people throughout the day with old and new faces attending.

The weather looks to be fantastic, unusually, and they have few touristy things planned as well as a trip to see West Ham at the Olympic Stadium.

Today and tomorrow will be frantic, but worth it. I love organising these events, thinking of little touches here and there.

Their last visit was a wonderful surprise, and I thought they were two Cubans that we were hosting for a couple of weeks in September 2016. Knowing that they are visiting has provided us who weren’t in on the surprise, with the frisson of the build up!

The Greatest Showman…

It’s my Mum’s birthday today and my sister posted a newspaper cutting from 1958 when she won the title of Queen of Arbroath. She was chosen by Charlie Chaplin out of 50 entrants!

After sending birthday wishes I had an early appointment for my biannual mammogram: never something I particularly look forward to, but has to be done. Lady Mcadden’s do marvellous work and the staff are all so lovely.

I donated the cost of the mammogram and now await the result, always in the back of your mind, but I will have plenty of distractions over the next two weeks!

Way back in August I booked 3 tickets to see Harry Styles at the O2 and have been really looking forward to it.

Jay and I travelled up on the train to meet Georgina at North Greenwich.

Georgina wasn’t feeling too well so she didn’t eat, but Jay and I enjoyed dishes from Wagamama’s.

We strolled to the O2 and queued for the security checks.

Once inside we settled into our seats and waited.

Mabel, an up and coming star, was the support, and she was really good! I for one really enjoyed her set.

Another 40 minutes ensued whilst we awaited Harry.

The music started, lights dimmed and……..

Harry appeared: resplendent in a crushed baby pink velvet jacket, with gold sequins and filigree. He reminded me of Hugh Jackman as Barnum in a recent film, the Greatest Showman-hence the title of this blog.

He sang new songs and versions of old 1D hits, he worked the crowd, was magnanimous in his praise to the crew, his band and his followers.

It was really enjoyable but the best bits were when you could hear him sing with just basic accompaniment and less of the screaming-now this may have more to do with my hearing aids than anything else!

I was captivated by a young boy with his mum, wearing ear defenders and singing along to the Sign of the Times!

The journey home was relatively smooth and pick up from Shenfield was arranged.

I have seen Harry perform as part of 1D on two other occasions and his journey as a solo artist is now apace.

His foray into acting in Dunkirk was well received and I definitely see him playing a young Mick Jagger at some stage on screen.

A delightful evening, memories made and shared.

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Where is this year going🤗

Can’t believe that there is less than a week left in March, and next week is Easter!

Whilst I have a few things booked over the coming months, we haven’t booked a holiday and Kevin is being very reluctant about his 60th birthday celebrations🤔

So I guess I will just get something sorted! I have so many ideas floating around so before another three months pass by I will get a move on!

Final six nations weekend 2018

For the last few years I have attended at least one of the six nations matches, but not this year…..

So on the final weekend we made the trip to Brighton to watch all three matches with my sister and Jane.

The weather was inclement but roads were fine.

We were going to eat food from each of the nations all washed down with fizz.

First match was italy v Scotland in Rome. Food was tablet and figs in Parma ham.

Italy looked like they were going to beat the Scots until Greg Laidlaw composed himself to take a late penalty!

Next up England v Ireland. Ireland had already won the tournament, winning this match gave them the Grand Slam.

Food for this was steak and Irish stout mini pies, and afternoon tea with scones!

Ireland were worthy winners and it was great to watch them lift the trophy!

Wales v France next and this would decide runner up.

Welsh cakes and Boursin were duly consumed, with leek tart to come!

The Welsh has a point to prove and win. This resulted in Scotland being 3rd and England 5th.

The fire roared, the fizz flowed and we were full to bursting

A really enjoyable weekend was had.! 🍾🍾💕💕🏈🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Next year I have to go to at least one match though!!!

Thank you

Twists and turns a plenty this week, trying to balance the budget. It’s been stressful and after months of sleeping well, these last few weeks have provided sleep deprivation.

One of the ways to try to balance the budget is not to replace staff who have left: never an easy decision.

Even harder is to tell people, but with brave conversations and being open to suggestions this can be sensitively done.

Communication is key, and I have been pleasantly surprised to receive grateful thanks on three occasions this week!

This has buoyed me, lifting spirits at a time when needed.

I’m paid to do my job, but moments like this can turn around challenges and make you stronger, feel valued and value those around you.

Showing humanity, treating people with respect, being honest doesn’t make bad news less difficult, but it can offer care and understanding.

As spring brings new growth we can all look to the warmer weather ( apart from the arrival of the mini beast from the east 😱), brighter things to come and a fresh perspective.

The first of three weddings in 2018

Yesterday we attended the first of three weddings we have in 2018.

Kevin and I made our way to Royston and checked into our hotel to change into our finery!

I took three outfits and two pair of tights, both which ran as soon as I carefully put them on, resulting in a bare legged look and a last minute change of outfit!

Our cab arrived in good time, and we made our way to Minstrel Court.

Setting was delightful and we were led to the meadow chapel. It was a mild day, but overcast. The groom looked very relaxed and the master of ceremonies said ‘pray silence for the bride’

Alfie, their 3 year old son walked in with a pouch, which we later found out held the rings.

Charlotte looked radiant and Colin a very proud Dad indeed!

Readings were read, vows and rings exchanged and the new Mr and Mrs Foley were presented, all beaming smiles and joy.

Buck’s Fizz was quaffed and canapés served, and the obligatory photos taken.

We made our way later to the dining room where we were treated to great food, wine and heartfelt speeches expressing joy and pride. Thank yous aplenty for efforts that culminated in a wonderful celebration

Colin, the father of the bride, and Kevin have been friends since 1972, and Colin was very nervous about making a speech: he needn’t have worried as he hit the right notes of humour, pride and joy.

Dancing and paella followed with a fantastic firework display. Colin’s 93 year old Nan even tripped the light fantastic.

I love weddings with all the love and hope for the future that surrounds the newlyweds and having known Charlotte all her life made it even sweeter.

We wish them every happiness for the future, may they make memories to sustain them safe in the knowledge that they have the love and support of their extended families.

Can’t wait for the next one in July! 💗💗💗👰🥂🥂💗💗💗

Snow Day

We have been warned about the Beast from the East, an extreme weather forecast with snow, freezing temperatures and all the chaos that can bring!

I received the first text just after 5:30am and got up and left for work at 6:40.

Roads were treacherous in places, the car drifted and flurries of snow were intermittent. By the time I reached school it had been closed to students.

Now we had to see what could be done to clear paths etc if we were to have a fighting chance of opening tomorrow.

More flurries, some quite intense, but the sun shone too.

The site staff cleared quite a bit and in a quiet workplace I was able to do prep for year end and budget planning.

Budget predictions this year are as bleak as the weather!

I made a dash for it when the sky was temporarily blue.

Home safe and sound a quick tidy up and a lasagne and apple pie were comfort foods made for dinner!

My sister in law sent photos of Bella enjoying her first snow experience; how delightful !

More snow has fallen and more is predicted tonight, and another decision will be required whether to open or close. The decision is never taken lightly: teaching and learning is time poor as it is, without closures.