amanda's blog

Time Passes

2012-01-11T12:42:00.000-08:00

Dad's roses

Friday 6 January 2012 marked the 24th anniversary of my father's death. He died when I was 29.

It feels like yesterday. It feels like a lifetime.

The crematorium is an unlovely place but the chapel is where I can see his name written in the Book of Remembrance. I look at the words 'Loved and remembered always', admire the beautiful hand-written script and think of all the time that has passed since I lost him.

I always take roses. They were his favourite flower. They're mine too. He was a colourful, vibrant person so I took him brightly coloured flowers.

I'm always moved by the flowers and tributes left in the chapel, even though I don't know the people concerned. The tributes speak of love and loss.

I feel the loss of my father everyday.

I loved him a great deal and I will never forget him.

Time passes but love remains.

Friends Reunited

2011-12-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

Me and my lovely Italian friend Susanna at Camden Lock market.

Calum with Susanna's children, Stefano and Sofia.

Me, Susanna and her husband Stratos.

Sometimes in life you lose touch with a dear friend with no way of finding them again.

My lovely Italian friend Susanna and I shared a house in Cambridge in the 1980s and became close. We parted on the best of the terms but lost touch after she returned to Italy. Over the years I tried to find her again and again but to no avail. In the end, I gave up hope of ever seeing her again.

So imagine my delight and surprise when one day a received a simple message on Facebook saying 'Amanda, sei tu?' (Amanda. Is it you?). Since that day two years ago Susanna and I have slowly rebuilt our relationship culminating with a visit to the UK by Susanna and her family where we finally met face to face after 26 years.

It's a sign of the strength of our friendship that we picked up exactly where we left off. We got on so well that, not content with one meeting, we went back to London for a second visit and spent a day with her and her family. Susanna and I talked non-stop. There was so much to catch up on.

Meeting up with Susanna has definitely been one of the highlights of the year, so much so that we're spending the new year together at her home in Luxembourg. It will be our frist visit and we're very excited.

Two friends have been reunited.

And we plan to stay that way.

Happy 21st Birthday Calum

2011-10-18T05:53:00.000-07:00

Calum in the M & Ms store

Calum and me in Neal's Yard.

Calum with his special birthday dessert.

Lunch arrives at the Oxo Tower brasserie.

Lola, me and Calum on the South Bank

Calum's birthday presents

The key to the door
On Sunday 2 October, Calum turned 21. They used to call it 'The key to the door' but nowadays 18 is seen as the 'big' birthday. However, 21 is still a very significant milestone and we wanted to celebrate Calum's 21st in full and make it a day to remember - which is exactly what we did.

Good morning sunshine
Amazingly Calum's birthday fell on the one of the hottest days of the year. We awoke to glorious sunshine and it was like a summer's day, even though it was the beginning of autumn. We couldn't believe our luck. The sunshine, part of a freak Indian summer (which sadly only lasted a week) lifted people's spirits and brought smiles to their faces. We smiled all day.

Gifts galore
Although we had decided to give Calum cash for his birthday (what every impoverished student needs), we wanted to make sure that he still had presents to open on the day. We wrapped them in 21st birthday paper with matching tags and piled them onto the coffee table. Being a graphic design student, Calum appreciated the colour coordination. His eyes lit up when he saw them and he expressed delight and surprise - exactly the reaction we were after. We had to get up extra early as we were catching the train to London, but we didn't mind. It was all part of the occasion.

Sunny South Bank
After arriving in London we caught the train to Waterloo and walked along the South Bank to the Oxo Tower where we had booked lunch in the brasserie. There were people everywhere - taking boat trips, going on the London Eye, visiting the book fair or simply basking in the sun. There was a great atmosphere and it felt like being on holiday as there were so may tourists. All around you you could hear different languages - London at its multicultural best.

Lunch with a view
The Oxo Tower brasserie is situated on the eighth floor with stupendous views over the Thames and we were able to enjoy them to the full as the weather was nice enough to sit outside. The brasserie was busy but we were looked after very well by our lovely French waiter, Christopher. The food was fantastic - both delicious and beautifully presented. It really did taste as good as it looked. When Calum's dessert came, it had Happy Birthday written on it, a nice touch. It also came with two Harvey Nichols chocolate truffles. Christopher also took a photo of us all at the table and presented it to Calum in a special silver frame.

A spot of sightseeing - with added colour
After taking Lola to Waterloo to catch her train back to Bournemouth, Joe, Calum and I did some sightseeing. Our first stop was Neal's Yard with its beautifully coloured buildings followed by a visit the brightly coloured M & Ms store where we posed with cartoon characters. We also took a trip to Chinatown with its brightly coloured shops and lanterns.

Late afternoon saw us catch the train home from Kings Cross. Even the delays couldn't dampen our spirits.

It had been a perfect day - and a perfect birthday for Calum.

Happy 18th Birthday Lola

2011-08-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

Lola with her surprise 18th birthday cake

Me, Lola, Joe and Calum in the hotel restaurant

Calum and Lola dressed for dinner

Lola lounging on the sun terrace.

Lola with the fantastic birthday card made for her by Joe.

Lola with her presents and gold bottle of Prosecco.

Lola at Pomepeii under the number 18 - very appropriate.

A significant birthday
On Wednesday 27 July, Lola turned 18.

We celebrated it in the beautiful Italian city of Sorrento. As a family we love Italy but had never been to the South. When we'd asked Lola where she's like to go to for her birthday, Italy was her immediate choice. She was very firm that she wanted to be in Pompeii, having studied Classics at A level and loved it.

So that's what we did. It didn't disappoint.

Ancient wonders
Nothing anyone tells you about Pompeii can really prepare you for the sheer scale and magnificence of it. It is truly breathtaking and we were awestruck by it. The sophistication and intelligence of such an ancient civilization was simply mind-blowing. Pompeii was also incredibly beautiful.

Gorgeous gifts
After Pompeii we headed back to the hotel where Lola opened her cards and presents on the hotel balcony. We'd wrapped everything in gold and had even found a gold bottle of Prosecco at the Duty Free shop at Gatwick so it all looked gorgeous.

We toasted Lola with the Prosecco, enjoying her pleasure at getting so many lovely gifts. Her best present was a Canon Digital SLR from her Grandma, Margaret. It was extra special as she'd died at the end of June. However, she wanted to make sure that Lola got something she really wanted, so we'd bought it in advance and she was really pleased. Lola (and Calum) used the camera to good effect during the holiday. We have the fantastic photos to prove it.

Joe made Lola a Mad Hatter card, in keeping with the theme of her birthday party at home. Lola absolutely loved it. She is lucky to have such a talented father.

Sun lounging
After the present-opening we went up to the sun lounge and did exactly that - lounged around in the sun, taking in the beautiful view. The Hotel Bristol where we stayed is extremely luxurious and in a wonderful location with stunning views across the Bay of Naples. We never tired of looking at it.

Birthday surprise
After soaking up the sun, we went back to our rooms to get ready for Lola's birthday dinner. We were given the best corner table by the window and enjoyed a delicious meal, served by attentive waiters under the guidance of the charming Matteo, our Maitre 'D.

When it came to dessert, we placed our orders as usual and were then surprised and delighted to see one of the waiters wheeling in a beautiful handmade cake bearing the legend 'Happy 18th Birthday'. The look on Lola's face was priceless. Everyone in the restaurant sang Happy Birthday and there were smiles and congratulations all round. It was very special - exactly what I wanted for her. It says a lot about the kindness of the staff at the hotel.

Birthday cocktails
We spent the final part of the evening in the cocktail bar where Lola and I had our favourite Kir Royale. It was a beautiful balmy evening and as we sat looking out over the bay at the twinkling lights of Sorrento with Mount Vesuvius in the background, I felt incredibly happy.

It was a truly wonderful day, one I will remember for the rest of the my life.

And so will Lola.

Happy 18th Birthday my beautiful girl.

Margaret (1929 - 2011)

2011-06-29T18:41:00.001-07:00

Margaret as a young woman

Flowers from Calum and Lola.

Flowers from me, Joe and Alex.

Flowers from Colin, Cindy, Maddie and Emma.

Taken by surprise
My mother-in-law Margaret recently died of lung cancer.

It was a very aggressive form and when they diagnosed her, they warned us she had six to eight weeks to live. In the end, it was only four.

She had been ill for several months with other serious complaints so we knew she wasn't well. But the speed with which she declined took us all by surprise - and left us bereft when she died.

Nothing prepares you for losing someone you love, even when it is expected. And when that person is the last surviving parent, the scale and speed of the practicalities involved afterwards is a double blow. So much to do and so little time.

And to complicate matters further there was no will.

The call
The phone call came at three o'clock in the morning. I was asleep but woke instantly, knowing it would be bad news. And of course it was. What followed was a blur as I made phone calls to members of the family, looked up train times to London, got dressed and booked a taxi to the station. I'm used to commuting as I do it every day but I was quite surprised by the number of people who caught the 6.10am to Kings Cross. So was Joe.

We went to Margaret's flat and collected the things we'd knew we'd need for the death certificate. Thankfully, I'd looked up the information in advance and we'd found the documents in preparation. We just hadn't reckoned on needing them quite so soon.

The hospice
We couldn't go to the hospice until 10.00am and when we arrived it finally hit us that she'd really gone. The staff were very sympathethic but it was a surreal experience. We were asked lots of questions, including about the funeral, which we'd barely thought about. However, by the end of the day we'd set a date and put everything in motion. The saddest part was collecting her things.

The registrar
We had to register the death at Westminster Council and were lucky to get an appointment for later the same day. It's for birth, deaths and marriages so we were surround by babies in the waiting room and saw lots of people in their wedding finery. The steps were also covered in confetti. The registrar was very professional and took her time with us which we appreciated. We bought several copies of the certificate as we'd been told by the hospice it would be more expensive and complicated to do it later. It was a good tip.

The funeral director
Organising a funeral is a very stressful experience and the one thing you need from a funeral director is a sympathetic and helpful response. The first person I spoke to, 'Maggie', made it clear that she was 'busy' and could we go back on Monday? We'd told her we didn't live in London. However, we needed it done so I went along with her and said I'd call back when we had more info. When I thought about our conversation I felt angry. Not good enough.

So I rang another funeral director whose card we'd been given by the hospice and dealt with a lovely person called Carmel who immediately gave us confidence and said she'd be happy to see us that day. When we arrived, she literally gave us tea and sympathy and had already made some useful phone calls. We were definitely in capable hands. She talked us through the process so we knew what to expect - and were also aware of all the tasks that had to be completed in the next week. Choosing a coffin was the worst bit, but it had to be done and we settled on one that was elegant but not fussy. Just what Margaret would have wanted.

The mass
The sun shone on the day of the funeral, one of the hottest of the year. It made everything seem brighter and more hopeful. The flowers really stood out in the sunlight and looked beautiful.

The service was beautiful too, a traditional Roman Catholic Requiem Mass at the church where Margaret worshipped for over thirty years. Her faith was very important to her and it was very important to us that we gave her the funeral she would have wanted. Putting togther the Order of Service was a time-consuming and intense task but we all pulled together as a family. The children chose readings, her sister Rose suggested suitable hymns and the priest Father Howard checked everything to make sure it was correct.

It was a small, intimate service and very personal. Father Howard included facts about Margaret's life that I'd given him in a way that gave you a real sense of who she was - a loving mother and grandmother, a fiercely independent person, someone who was extremely proud of her Scottish roots and never lost her sense of identity as a Glaswegian. He also spoke of her kindness and generosity.

Calum and Lola did readings and so did Joe's cousin Kevin, who'd flown over from Canada, complete wth kilt. The children read clearly and with real feeling. Joe and I were extremely proud of them - and their grandma would have been too. Several friends and neighbours turned up to say a final farewell and it was good to see them as well.

The crematorium
After the mass there was a very short service at the crematorium which involved a long drive across London. The funeral cars were smooth and sleek and you felt as though you were cacooned from the outside world, looking out on everyday life but not part of it as there was something much more important taking place. I watched the expressions on some people's faces change as the hearse went by, but many didn't give it a second glance. I did a final reading at the crematorium. The audience was small but the words were heartfelt. They were my last goodbye to Margaret.

The meal
We didn't want a lot of fuss. Margaret was not a person for making fuss, so the family members, togther with our close friend, Paul, went for a meal at Le Mercury. It was where we took Margaret for her 80th birthday and where she'd been for meals with Rose and her husband Paul so it seemed fitting. It was at the meal that we finally started to relax knowing everything had gone according to plan and that Margaret had been given the funeral she deserved.

So rest in peace Margaret. You will be sadly missed by your family - your sons Joe, Colin and Alex, your daughters-in-law Amanda and Cindy and your grandchildren Calum, Lola, Maddie and Emma.

We will never forget you and all that you meant to us.

Gerda and Fire and Stone

2011-06-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

Lola, Calum, me and Gerda in Fire and Stone - check out those pizzas.

Prost! (which means 'cheers' in German0

Lola, Calum, me and Gerda

I have a lovely Austrian friend called Gerda. We've known each other for thirty years and been firm friends throughout. We don't see each other that often but when we do, we pick up where we left off - the sign of a true friendship. Gerda is an English teacher and makes occasional trips to the UK with her students. So when she said she was visiting the UK recently, we jumped at the chance to go to London to meet up with her.

Gerda was exhausted after spending the day sightseeing with her students so the first port of call was to the cafe at the National Portrait for a much needed espresso. We then moved on to covent Garden where we wandered through the piazza, soaking up the atmosphere, complete with entertainers, until we reached Fire and Stone, our favourite pizza place in Maiden Lane. They make pizzas like no other I've ever tasted, each themed around a destination. I had an Athena which had olives, feta cheese and sundried tomatoes and was absolutely deliciious.

Fire and Stone was buzzing, as usual, so I was glad I'd booked a table. It's always busy as it's so popular and I'd learnt from previous experience that it's always worth booking.

We spent a very happy couple of hours there with Gerda and were sorry when we had to leave to get the train. We chatted non-stop and it was lovely to catch uo with each other's news. There was aso an impromptu English lesson as I provided Gerda with advice on a text she's doing with her students - Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones.

I also gave Gerda a list of books I think she'd enjoy reading with Small Island by Andrea Levy at the top of the list. It's one of my all time favourite books.

When the time came to leave, we parted with hugs and kisses and an offer from Gerda to visit Austria whenever we wanted, so typical of her warmth and generosity. I'm sure it's an offer we will take her up on.

So, as the Austrians say, 'Bis bald', or in other words, 'See you soon.'

Not the Royal Wedding

2011-05-07T23:10:00.000-07:00

The happy couple, Paul and Shelley.

Calum, me, Lola and Joe in our wedding finery.

Paul's daughter, Phoebe, leading Lilly down the aisle.

Lilly is not impressed.

Best Man, Steve (Paul's brother), Paul and Shelley with Lilly.

On Friday 29 April Prince William married Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey.

My good friends Paul and Shelley also got married that day, and in an abbey as well. Only this abbey was Bradwell Abbey in Milton Keynes.

It was humanist wedding which was a new experience as I'd never been to one before and it was absolutely lovely. In many ways it was similar to a church service, except there was no singing. Paul and Shelley still made vows, but they were personal to each other. I've never been to a wedding where the groom promises to be tidier!

Usually, it's the bride's prerogative to be late but this time it was the Mother of the Bride who went missing. She'd got the wrong time but, thankfully made it in the end. Shelley's beautiful little bridesmaid, her grandaughter Lilly, refused to leave her 'Nanny' so Shelley went through the whole service with Lilly on her knee. Lilly spent most of the time scowling but still managed to look incredibly cute. Shelley and Paul didn't stop smiling all day.

I was asked to do a reading at the end of the service, a well-wishing for Paul and Shelley to wish them a happy life together. I was delighted to be asked and pleased when it went well - except at the end when I put my piece of paper on the lecturn and it flipped up unexpectedly, making everyone jump.

It was a hugely enjoyable day and everyone had great fun. I felt very proud to be out with my family and we all looked the part.

The best bit was catching up with friends we hadn't seen for ages, especially Phoebe who has been modelling in Australia and flew over esepcially for her Dad's wedding. Her speech for Paul and Shelley was one of the highlights - beautifully written and sincerely delivered. She said afterwards she'd been nervous but you couldn't tell.

Once the formalities were over, it was time to eat, drink and be merry and we certainly did that. The food and drink were delicious and plentiful and the entertainment fantastic. My favourite part was the colourful African drummers in their eye-catching outfits who got everyone dancing. They were followed by a local band - the drummer is a good friend of Paul's - who played loads of old favourites and kept the dance floor heaving.

It was one of those days that simply brims over with happiness and I felt privileged to be part of it.

So congratulations Mr and Mrs Griffiths - and thank you for letting us share your special day.

We loved every minute.

Girls Night Out

2011-03-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

Glamorous girls

Lucy and Lola

Lucy and Lola have been close friends for a long time. I'm very fond of Lucy. She's a really lovely person - kind and uncomplicated - and also great fun.

And she's been a great friend to Lola.

Lola and Lucy recently went to the Sixth Form Ball together.

They got ready at Lucy's house and were joined by a host of friends from school.

They had great fun getting dressed up in their ballgowns, putting on their make-up and doing their hair.

Before they left, they took photos of each other.

They all looked lovely.

As you can see.

Putting on the Fitz

2011-02-28T13:01:00.000-08:00

The magnificent Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitzwilliam Museum against a dramatic sky

The impressive entrance

The beautiful ornate ceiling

Side view of The Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitzwilliam Museum is one of my favourite places.

It has a fabulous, eclectic collection of paintings, pottery and many other amazing artefacts.

I love the fact that you can stumble across a Picasso one minute, a Monet the next and a host of other works of genius from the ancient to the contemporary in between.

It also has a wonderful shop - and cafe.

It was in the cafe that I met my lovely friend Debbie whom I haven't seen for ages. We met originally when we were both studying for a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) MA.

Debbie was one of the best things to come out of that course and we've been firm friends ever since.

We have so much in common - grown-up sons who are both at university, a love of language and art plus a passion for literature.

And a fondness for The Fitz.

We've both been through a lot so it was good to talk through our various trials and tribulations, each listening carefully to the other and providing genuine sympathy and support.

We both love coffee and cake and too and our conversation was punctuated with sips of strong black coffee and bites of delicious apple cake.

The time passed too quickly and we still had more to say, but the important things had been said without words.

We are friends.

And always will be.

And we will both always love The Fitz.

Dad's Roses

2011-01-06T07:19:00.000-08:00

The card reads 'In memory of a much loved father, Don.
Gone for 23 years but still missed every day'.

Dad's roses - he loved bright colours.

The roses on display.

Dad's roses.

It is 23 years since my darling Dad died.

I went to the crematorium this morning just as I have done for the past 23 years.

Last year it was snowing and the crematorium looked eerie and beautiful.

The weather today was grey and drab and very gloomy. The crematorium looked bleak and sad.

When I went into the Book of Remembrance room, a cleaner was hoovering. It seemed an insensitive thing to be doing when the room was meant to be open to people grieving for their loved ones. She stopped hoovering when I was there and took her vacuum cleaner into a side room.

But I knew she was there hovering and it didn't feel right. She started hoovering again almost before I was out of the door.

It made me feel angry.

But mostly I felt sad.

Saying that it seems like yesterday since Dad died sounds like a cliche, but most cliches are based on truth.

And it's true that I miss him today as much as I ever did.

I miss the conversations we never had, the things we never did.

But I also cherish the time we shared, the conversations we did have and the things we did do.

They still make me smile.

It is strange to think that I am now only eight years' younger than when he died.

Time passes so quickly. You blink and another year has gone.

So it's important to make the most of the time you have and to cherish the people you love while you have them.

Just as I cherished my Dad.

And still do.

Christmas Baubles

2010-12-24T09:09:00.001-08:00

Glittery orange bauble

Glittery green bauble

Muji Christmas trees

Pretty Austrian decorations

Muji Santa

Festive fireplace

Festive fireplace with real coal fire

Aeroplane clock with gold Christmas tree

One of the things I love about Christmas is seeing the house decorated.

The twinkling lights look so pretty and make patterns of light on the walls.

They create a lovely festive atmosphere.

They lift my spirits every time I see them and make me feel happy.

Just like Christmas.

Bella-la-la-la

2010-12-12T13:31:00.000-08:00

Bella enjoys being covered by party popper streamers

Bella shows off her party hat

Flying high as Kobe can

2010-10-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

The players come onto the court

A Minnesota Timberwolves fan - I loved the outfit

On 4 October Calum and I went to see the world-famous basketball team the L A Lakers versus the Minnesota Timberwolves at the O2 in Greenwich. It was the most amazing evening and I loved every minute.

From the moment you walked into the arena, the atomosphere was electric, building to a frenzy when the players came onto the court. However, the loudest cheer was reserved for Kobe Bryant - a living legend. He didn't play for long but it was wonderful to see him in action - poetry in motion.

In fact, all the basketball players were amazing. And incredibly tall! There were cheers and whoops when they scored and groans of disappointment when they missed. There were also chants of 'Kobe, Kobe' to try and get him off the bench, but sadly, it didn't work.

The arena was packed and we were lucky to on the first level so we had an excellent view. We clapped and cheered along with everyone else and the whole experience was exhilirating. From cheerleader routines, interviews with basketball legends, acrobatics and gravity-defying basketball stunts, the evening was full of non-stop entertainment - and the game, of course!

In the end, the game was quite one-sided with the Wolvertons gaining an easy victory. But the result didn't matter as it was an exhibtion game. It was enough to see NBA players performing live. They were simply awesome.

Me and Calum at the O2

The NBA sign in the arena

A Work of Art

2010-09-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

Ravensbourne College is right next to the O2 arena

Close up of the exterior

The design is based around circles and curves

The building looks dramatic against the London sky
The first view of Ravensbourne from the underground

The stunning exterior

In two weeks Calum will be off to Ravensbourne college to study Graphic Design.

He'll be part of the first student intake in their brand new state-of-the-art building.

He'll be studying art - in a work of art.

You can't get much more creative than that.

London Life

2010-08-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

Joe and a Bansky pictue

Siouxsie Sou - an icon of punk in the 80s

Great name for a shop

Weird and wonderful mini

The Angel sculpture

Beautiful garden

Anyone fancy a bike ride?

Now, that's what you call an advertising banner

London is a fascinating city, always full of surprises.

You never know what you're going to see round the next corner.

Joe was in London this weekend and went for a walk round Islington.

The sights he saw were interesting and amusing, as you can see.

Lola's Birthday Lunch in Cambridge

2010-07-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Lola's birthday lunch at Wagamamas

Me, Phoebe, Lola and Nic

Lola and Phoebe

Lola with her new guitar

On Tuesday Lola will be 17 but her birthday celebrations have already begun.

On Saturday we drove over to Cambridge to meet up with Lola's godmother, Nic, her daughter Phoebe and her boyfriend Sam.

Before we had lunch we went shopping and bought Lola a fabulous guitar from a wonderful shop called Millers, one of the oldest music shops in the UK.

It was music heaven and the range of guitars was amazing. Some looked too beautiful to play.

We went to Lola's favourite place, Wagamamas, for lunch, where we were served by a very nice waiter called Adam. We had a lovely time, eating noodles, drinking Tiger beer and catching up on each other's news - Sam's trip to Paris, Phoebe's trip to Sydney and Nic's new house.

After lunch we went shopping and carried on chatting until it was time to say goodbye.

We were lucky with the weather, too. The sun shone all day and it was glorious.

In fact the whole day was perfect from beginning to end.

Lola loved it. And that's the most important thing.

Garden Glory

2010-06-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the beautiful summer weather, Joe has been able to spend time working on the garden.

He's put in a lot of effort and the results are well worth it.

It looks beautiful.

I don't do gardening. I actually hate the feel of soil on my hands.

But I do do sitting in the garden and appreciating it!

Which is exactly what I've been doing today.

Come on England!

2010-06-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Calum and Laura fly the flag for the England team

Calum may be on holiday in the US but he's still supporting England in the World Cup.

The way they're playing, they'll need all the luck they can get!

Born in the USA

2010-06-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

Calum and Laura - and a statue

Well, Calum wasn't actually born in the USA but he does have American blood coursing through his veins and he definitely loves all things American.

So he's currently enjoying a three week holiday in the States, staying near Chicago for two weeks followed by a week in Florida. He was invited by his friend Laura and her family - he and Laura used to go to school together. Needless to say, he's having a great time.

He's been to Peoria, Springfield (yes, the home of the Simpsons, as well as President Lincoln) and St Louis and is now in Destin, Florida. He's certainly making the most of his time and I don't blame him.

I'm really pleased he's taken this year out to travel. He's met loads of new people, made some fantastic new friendships and had amazing experiences - experiences that will last him a lifetime.

At the moment he's living the American dream - and loving every minute.

Enjoy it Calum. This is the time of your life.

Goodbye Gill

2010-05-23T11:21:00.001-07:00

A lovely person
This is the last photograph of me and Gill together. It was taken on Christmas Day 2009.

She radiates warmth, humour and beauty and, to look at her, you would never know that she was in the final stages of her long battle with cancer.

I will always treasure this picture, just as I will always treasure Gill.

Sometimes life is unbearably cruel, and what happened to Gill was cruel beyond words. Snatched away before her time.

There is no rhyme or reason.

A magic touch
Yet all is not sorrow and despair because Gill touched everyone she met in a way that most people can only dream of. She had a special quality that drew you to her and instantly made you feel at ease. She radiated kindness and gentleness but, equally, was no pushover. She had a will of iron, as demonstrated by the way she endured her often brutal cancer treatment.

Yet her first thought was always for others.

A special service
It was Gill's funeral on Friday. It took place at Peterborough Cathedral, the most beautiful setting you could imagine. The sun streamed through the stained glass windows making everything look golden and lighting up the faces of the mourners as they shed their tears, even before the service had begun.

And they had every right to shed them.

Gill was snatched away at the age of 39 - far too young and with so much of life still ahead of her.

A life less ordinary
But hers was a life lived to the full. Within those 39 years she achieved everything that most people wish for - and more.

She had a devoted husband, a loving family, including a much adored sister, and two beautiful children. She had a network of close friends and was loved by everyone who knew her.

She was very bright and studied History of Art at university, after which she followed a fulfilling career before choosing to give up work to become a mother - a role she excelled at.

And she married the love of her life, Duncan, whom she met at 16 and spent 22 happy years with.

Some people never know such love.

The saddest farewell
It was Duncan's words that made me cry the most. He said so many lovely and poignant things about her, but what I remember the most is that he said she was the first face he wanted to see in morning and the last face he wanted to see at night.

That she was his best friend as well as a wonderful wife and mother.

That he would miss her every day and always remember his 'brown-eyed girl'.

The emotion when Duncan spoke was palpable and we were all on a knife edge, willing him to get through the speech as he became choked towards the end.

But he made it through and I knew that I had witnessed something very special and very personal.

And that I would never hear a more sincere or heart-wrenching declaration of love.

All you need is love
Love was the major theme of Gill's funeral - love and forgiveness. The service was taken by Canon Baker and he somehow managed to make the service extremely personal, much of it directly about Gill, while also placing it within its relgious context.

He commented wryly that Gill wasn't terribly religious and 'didn't care very much for prayer'. But that the way in which she showed so much love to other people meant that she was 'closer to God than she realised'.

Think of me
Gill loved the cathedral. She said it was a place of beauty and calm - where she felt completely at peace. It was where she was married, where her children were christened - and where she said her final goodbye.

One thing Gill was certain of, was that love endured. It lasted forever. She saw the catherdral as symbol of permanence, something that would also always be there. And her parting gift was to remind us to think of her whenever we saw it.

Banana cake
Gill loved cooking and her speciality was making cakes. She was truly talented and her cakes looked as wonderful as they tasted. Her favourite cake was banana loaf cake.

So it seemed fitting that the Order of Service had the recipe printed on the back, together with the instruction to 'Enjoy!'

Gill's friends all made cakes for the refreshments after the funeral. They were served with sandwiches cut into precise triangles, as per Gill's instructions.

Of course the banana loaf cake was the first to go.

A life in pictures
There was also a photo album of Gill's life on display. Gill's sister Amanda and their friend Michael had somehow managed to put it together amidst all the grief and chaos that followed Gill's death.

The result was a triumph, professionally presented and beautifully bound in a goatskin cover with Gill's name embossed in gold on the front.

A work of art.

And a fitting tribute.

Gill's beautiful face smiled out from the pages which charted her journey from cheeky toddler through to sophisticated woman. The last picture showed her at her most radiant - skin glowing, soft brown eyes bright and alert and, of course, that smile.

I will remember Gill in so many ways, but it is her smile, her warmth, her kindness and her gentleness that I will remember the most.

The last word
Towards the end of the service, Amanda read a poem which she had chosen for Gill. Like Duncan, she barely made it to the end, but she read it with grace and sincerity. The words will stay with me always - and so will my memories of Gill.

Do not stand by my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am in the gentle showers of rain,
I am in the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine in the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

Paper Roses

2010-05-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Paper roses.

The floral display.

Joe made these flowers for a display at school.

They're made out of paper but they look almost real.

His artistic ability never fails to impress me - and the school!

Blooming Lovely

2010-05-16T10:13:00.001-07:00

The sunshine yellow is very cheerful.

These blossoms are very delicate.

The purple and orange work wonderfully together.

Our back garden in bloom.

Love the purple and white.

This cherry blossom looks dramatic against the sky.

Our front garden in bloom.

I love the vibrant colour

Our garden always looks gorgeous at this time of year when the first flowers appear and the trees burst into blossom.

I love blossom. Its stay is brief but very bright.

It is incredibly beautiful and has a life-affirming quality about it.

It tells you that spring is finally here and that everything will be renewed.

I especially love the vibrant colours and intricate patterns of the petals.

It shows nature in all its glory.

And never fails to lift my spirits.

Sea, Art and a Windmill

2010-04-06T14:54:00.001-07:00

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside.

Calum, Lola and me on the beach in Cley-next-the-Sea.

Calum on Cley beach.

Lola on Cley beach.

Lola and I outside The George Hotel in Cley where we had lunch.

The gift shop at Cley Windmill. It looked lovely.

Cley Windmill - it was a fantastic sight set against a dramatic cloudy sky.

Me with Joe enjoying his pint of real ale in The George.

Calum and Lola in The George.

Inside St Judes Gallery at the Penny Bhadresa exhibition. Her work is wonderful.

St Judes Gallery in Itteringham, next to the village shop where they have 'the smallest cafe in N orfolk'. We went there for coffee and homemade chocolate brownies - delicious!

Calum Comes Home

2010-03-19T14:05:00.001-07:00

Me with my 'Welcome Home' banner at Heathrow

Lola, Calum and Joe at Heathrow

On Saturday 5 March 2010 at 5.07am Calum's plane landed at Heathrow.

Joe, Lola and I breathed a collective sigh of relief that he was safely back in the UK after a 23 hour journey and a six month stay in Australia.

Knowing that we would be seeing him in a matter of minutes helped us shrug off the tiredness we all felt, having had no sleep because of a 2.00am drive down to Heathrow. We wanted to make sure we were there to meet him and there was no way we were going to be late.

We also knew that the M25 was busy at any time of day or night so we took no chances and allowed an extra hour. As a result we were parked by 4.00am and had an hour to wander round Terminal 3 and grab a coffee at the only Costa that was open at such an unearthly hour.

Seeing Calum walk through Arrivals was one of the best moments of my life. My stomach was full of butterflies and I was finding it impossible to contain my excitement. Lola, who until the last moment had been amazingly calm, ran up to Calum and threw his arms around her neck in a 'Love Actually' moment. It brought a lump to my throat. I held up a 'Welcome Home' sign whih was very cheesy but it made him smile and also ran up to him and gave him a big hug.

The first thing I noticed was his fantastic tan - and the fact that he needed a haircut. He'd joked about coming back to the UK with a 'fro' but he hadn't gone that far.

Calum was pleased to see Joe as well and beamed at all of us, even though he was extremely tired.

After hugging each other and taking lots of photos, we went to a cafe called 'Bite' where we had breakfast and talked non-stop. I just kept looking at Calum as if I couldn't quite believe he was there. His voice seemed deeper and he looked as if he had more muscle. He'd definitely grown up.

A boy had gone to Australia and a man had returned.

But he was still the same Calum and it was wonderful to have him home.

Texturised

2010-02-20T12:57:00.000-08:00

My new very expensive 'texturised' hair

Today I had my hair texturised for the first time.

The idea was to get rid of the Afro frizz that usually surrounds my head when I wear my hair down.

I'd avoided having it done before before I was worried about having chemicals put on my head. So I chose a hairdresser who specialises in Afro hair. The end result wasn't as dramatic as I'd hoped but it's still an improvement.

The worst thing was it cost a small fortune, double the amount I'd expected. I hadn't reckoned on all the hair products I'd have to buy as well, or on having my hair cut (although the ends were very straggly).

Will I have it done again?

Well, the treatment lasts for around five months so I've got time to save up.

Only next time I'll double check the price before I agree to have anything done.

And I'll stock up on hair products.

Art Adventures in Norfolk

2010-02-14T13:12:00.000-08:00

Sculptures at the Pink Foot Gallery in Cley

The Pink Foot Gallery at dusk

Joe in Cley high street outside another gallery.

Me outside St Jude's Gallery in Itteringham

Just before Christmas Joe and I went to Norfolk to St Jude's Gallery in Itteringham http://www.stjudesgallery.co.uk. Ittering-where? we wondered as we drove through winding country roads and ever more obscure little villages until we finally came to a sign that pointed towards the gallery. Blink and we'd have missed it.

We went to St Jude's because it's Angie Lewin's gallery and we both love her art. We'd seen it in the CCA Gallery in Cambridge and joined the mailing list, so we knew she had a gallery in Norfolk. When the invitation came through to go to the Christmas opening, the offer of seeing her art first hand while sampling homemade mince pies and mulled wine was too good to resist.

The art was beautiful, the gallery tiny and you couldn't swing a proverbial cat as so many people turned up. It was hard to get a good look at anything. Add to that lots of toddlers who were left to their own devices (which usually involved getting under everyon'es feet) and you had a recipe for chaos. I've nothing againt children at all, but you'd think the parents would have had the sense to realise that cramming them into a tiny space with lots of noisy adults and precious art wasn't a great idea.

However, we did like the art and we did like the gallery. Only next time we'll make sure we go when it's quieter. We didn't buy any paintings, but we did come away with some beautiful sketch books and cards and some ideas about what we might like to buy in the future, when we've saved enough money. We also met Angie, if fleetingly (I managed to say 'hello') and her husband Simon who said he recognised me from Facebook (I'm a 'fan'). Oh the power of social media! After the crush of the gallery we both wanted some space and fresh air so we drove out to Cley next the Sea (I love that name) and went for a walk through the village. We found a lovely hotel where we had lunch, getting there in the nick of time as the last sitting was about to come to an end. We took our seats next to the log fire and the Christmas tree and had the best bacon sandwiches ever.

We then went to a gallery called Pink Foot http://www.pinkfootgallery.com which was a real find. It not only had beautiful paintings but some amazing sculpture. Joe and I fell in love with some startlingly original bronzes which were way out of our price range but mesmerising in their simple beauty. Joe bought a small sculpture of a heron by Anthony Theakston and we both had that warm glow of satisfaction that comes from knowing you have acquired something truly beautiful and unique.

Before we drove home, we went to the local delicatessen, a cornucopia of homemade delights where we bought cashew nuts in soy sauce and thick slabs of chocolate tart that stuck to the roof of your mouth.

Norfolk is a very atmospheric place with a wildness and bleakness that appeal to the artistic soul. It was especially dramatic in the winter light. Who knows what it will like in the spring? Joe and I plan to find out when we go back to St Jude's in March.

Tears in Snow

2010-01-31T06:43:00.000-08:00

The roses I left for Dad - they were his favourite flower.

Floral wreaths

Some people left tributes on a bench

These had a Christmassy theme with their red and green

One of my favourite films is Ridley Scott's science fiction classic, Blade Runner. The soundtrack is very futuristic - haunting and melancholy.

My favourite track is Tears in Rain which is played when the replicant, Roy, dies in pouring rain and there is a slow motion shot of a dove taking flight.

This song came into my mind when I was thinking about my annual visit to the crematorium on 6 January to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of my Dad's death. Every year I wonder at how so much time can have passed and yet the pain still be so raw.

There was still snow on the ground when I arrived at the crematorium and it made it look very beautiful.

However, I always have a sense of forboding when I drive throught the gates, mainly because I hate bumping into people who are attending funerals. It makes me feel awkward.

Of course, they've every right to be there - that's what crematoriums are for after all.

And I have a right to be there too, yet somehow I always feel as if I'm intruding.

But that's why there's the chapel and the Book of Remembrance - for those of us who are still grieving and need some ritual to give their grieving an outward expression.

My heart therefore dropped when I saw a large group of people gathered in the creamatorium car park, with more cars arriving by the minute. So many came that when I left, there were people standing in front of the car and I felt bad when I had to drive through them to leave.

I heard the faint sound of bagpipes coming from the main building and took a strange sense of comfort in thinking that the funeral was for someone Scottish. It seemed a tenous connection, but a connection nonetheless.

After I'd looked in the Book of Remembrance I wandered through the garden and looked at all the flowers and tributes. It was very moving to read about the people who had died and see how much they were still loved and missed.

Dad doesn't have a rose bush any more. They only keep them for ten years and I didn't get a new one because I don't think a new rose bush will make any difference to how much I miss him. I also used to find it quite dispiriting to see the rosebush in January when it was nothing more than a series of forlorn, flowerless stalks.

I did shed a few tears. Not many, but they were my tears in snow.

Because someone I loved so much had died.

And I still missed him everyday.

Goodbye Beatrice

2010-01-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

The graveyard where Beatrice is buried.

The stately home where Beatrice worked as a cook.

St Peter's Church.

On 23 December I attended the funeral of my step grandmother, Beatrice. Her full name was Beatrice Ada, an old-fashioned name for an old-fashioned lady who lived for 95 years, the 'baby' sister of her elder sister Winnie who is still going strong at the age of 104.

Funerals are always sad occasions, but if a funeral can also be beautiful then Beatrice's was. I call her Beatrice as it's her name and a really lovely one, but throughout her life, I knew her as 'Grandma' and indeed most people who knew her also knew her as 'Grandma'. It seemed to suit her particular qualities - a kind person who didn't stand for any nonsense and could be quite stubborn, even cantankerous, in her ways, but always cared about people, especially her family.

At the funeral I found out things I hadn't known and wish I had. Like the fact that she started her life in service. I'd love to have talked to her what it was like to be 'below stairs' and all the gossip that must have gone on about what the servants really thought of their masters.

She ran a pub and I'm sure she could have told me tales of the customers who frequented it and the antics they must have got up to.

She was also a cook in a stately home linked to the Cardigan family (Charge of the Light Brigade and all that) and it was therefore appropriate that a member of the family came to pay his respects even though he was wheelchair bound. He wanted to say a personal goodbye to the woman who had provided faithful service to his family for so many years.

She fell in love with and had many years of happy marriage with 'her Harold'. The description of their romance was both touching and sad as he died long before his time, leaving her a widow for more than 30 years. She also had the sorrow of losing one of her two beloved sons, something a mother should never have to bear. So she knew great sorrow as well as great happiness.

The overwhelming impression I came away with from the funeral was one of a woman who lived a rich and full life, living independently until the very end, and constantly cared for by members of her family.

She died peacefully in her sleep and was reunited with 'her Harold' in a plot next to his - together again at the end.

The setting also played its part - a picturesque church, opened specially for the occasion and a beautiful snowy day which made the proceedings atmospheric and ethereal.

It was a fitting tribute to Beatrice Ada. No frills, no fuss, just everything done as it should be.

I feel certain she would have approved.

Christmas Decorations

2009-12-25T14:45:00.000-08:00

Red bauble.

Decorations from Austria.

Christmas trees from Muji.

Bauble on the silver Christmas tree.

Christmas tree baubles.

Birthday Tea at The Ritz

2009-11-15T08:43:00.000-08:00

Me with my special Ritz birthday cake.

Nic, Lola, me and Phoebe.

Phoebe and Nic.

Phoebe, me, Lola and Nic.

Me and Lola in the powder room at The Ritz.

Me and Lola at The Ritz.

Me and Lola outside The Ritz.

I started my birthday celebrations this weekend by having Tea at The Ritz.

I did it last year when I celebrated my 50th and went with Lola and my four close girlfriends, Nic, Rachel, Maggie and Caroline, whom I met at university and have known since I was 18.

This year I went with Lola, Nic and her daughter Phoebe. Phoebe had never been before and absolutely loved it. We met in the foyer of The Ritz and had our photos taken by the stairs as we were told last year that we weren't allowed to take them in the tea room. However, this year they didn't seem to mind us taking photos and the waiters even took pictures for us, so we took loads!

The food was as good as ever - exquisite sandwiches, all cut to perfection, delicious hand made scones with clotted cream and jam (my favourite) and incredible cakes. You could also have any kind of tea you wanted. Lola and I had Early Grey.

Our waiter, Nicholas, asked if we were celebrating a special occasion and I told him it was my birthday. When the pianist started playing Happy Birthday, he brought a special birthday cake, and everyone sang Happy Birthday. Several people were celebrating their birthdays and we all had cakes. It was a lovely moment.

After tea we went to the Rivoli Bar where, at £90 a bottle, we drank the most expensive champagne I've ever had, followed by the most expensive cocktails which were called Ritz 100 and had little bits of gold in them. Were they worth it? Absolutely. I enjoyed every sip.

But most of all, I enjoyed spending time with Nic and Phoebe, catching up on each other's news and relaxing together in beautiful surroundings.

Stepping into The Ritz is like stepping into a fairytale. For a while, you enter a different world which is pure magic.

And though The Ritz may be expensive, that feeling is priceless.

Having a Lovely Time

2009-11-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

This picture of Calum on a boat to Rottnest Island says it all.

He is simply loving being in Australia.

And I'm loving seeing him so happy.

China Town

2009-10-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

Red lanterns in Chinatown

A colourful window display

Another colourful window display

Delicious Chinese cakes

The entrance to Chinatown

One of the wonderful things about London is its cutural diversity and Chinatown is a case in point.

I love the exotic shops and the pretty red lanterns swinging in the streets.

There's always lots of hustle and bustle and it never fails to make me smile, from the exotic window displays to the street signs written in Chinese.

It's like a little city within a city and every time I go there I find something new to enjoy.

Shopping, dinner and a concert in Cambridge

2009-10-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

Lola at Pizza Express in Jesus Lane

Me at Pizza Express in Jesus Lane

Forbidden Planet shop window

Me in King's Parade

Lola outside Senate House

Last Sunday Lola and I went to Cambridge to see Bat for Lashes at The Corn Exchange. The concert was truly amazing and we tried to take some photos but, sadly, they didn't come out as we were too far away from the stage and weren't allowed to use the flash (although, of course, some people did).

Before the concert we spent an afternoon in Cambridge, shopping, sightseeing and eating. We started at Nomads, a wonderfully eclectic shop on King's Parade. It is like an Aladdin's cave (or should that be a tardis? as it's tiny upstairs and cavernous downstairs. It sells rugs, carpets, cushions etc and a huge variety of ethnic jewellery, including lots of beautiful stones which Lola loves. I had to drag her away or she'd have spent hours there. I can see why.

We treated ourselves to a late lunch at Pizza Express, where, thanks to 'My Voucher Codes' we were able to enjoy garlic bread, pizzas and drinks (water for Lola, Peroni for me) for £10 each. It was a real carb blowout, but it kept us going all night. We went to the Pizza Express in Jesus Lane which is my absolute favourite with its distressed mirrored walls and Art Deco glamour. Even on a Sunday afternoon, it was heaving as families and friends relaxed together, often in large groups. Maybe they had vouchers, too.

We walked over to The Grafton Centre and made the obligatory visit to Forbidden Planet in search of Victoria Francis posters, but they didn't have any. Lola managed to console herself by looking at shoes and handbags in Debenhams - it certainly works for me!

We got to The Corn Exhange in plenty of time to find a rapidly growing queue. However, we didn't have to wait in it for long until we were let in. Lola had a nice surprise as she met up with an old school friend, Lucy, and they had a long chat before the concert began.

Bat for Lashes were simply brilliant and Natasha Khan's voice was crystal clear and soaringly beautiful. Her performance was full of energy and we were amazed at how many instruments she played. Lola and I were both spellbound and sorry when the concert ended, even after an encore. We're so glad we went. We wouldn't have missed it for anything.

Calum Goes Off to Oz

2009-09-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

Matt, David and Calum

Calum tries out his rucksack

Calum and Lola

Me, Calum and Joe

On Saturday 19 September Calum flew to Australia for his gap year. It was a day I had been both relishing and dreading. Relishing because I'm so excited about all the opportunities he'll have over there - the places he'll see, the people he'll meet, the experiences he'll have.

Dreading it because, as a mother, I knew that I'd miss him like mad and worry that he's okay, even though I have complete confidence in him. Put simply, I love having him around and so do Joe and Lola. He's quite a presence in the house so I knew that things would be a lot quieter - and also that we'd have more food!

So it was with mixed feelings that I dragged myself out of bed at the unearthly hour of 4.00am and got myself ready before waking the rest of the house up. Luckily, I'm used to getting up early, but I still felt as though I'd been drugged as I stumbled to the bathroom.

We had a good journey, in spite of a diversion off the A1 which meant I missed a crucial turning, so we drove down to the M11 and picked up the M25 there. It added another 15 minutes but we'd allowed loads of time, so were still there early. Matt got there even earlier. Only David was running a little late (which is usually the case) but it didn't matter. We all met up and went to Starbucks where we took over a whole corner as there were so many of us.

We'd already had breakfast but Calum couldn't eat much - he was too excited. Just as well really as the food at Weatherspoons was second rate to say the least and the service so bad it was almost funny, except for the £18 it cost us.

We chatted away quite happily and I was doing quite well until it was time to see the boys off through Departures. It was when I hugged Calum tightly and he squeezed me back and said 'You will write to me won't you?' that the tears welled up in my eyes. None of the Mums could look at each other as we were all crying. Some of the Dads cried too. We waved until we couldn't see them anymore and then they were gone ...

When we got home, after contending with a log-jammed M25, I put on my dressing gown and curled up on my bed with my laptop. I spent the rest of the day there just chilling and mulling over the significant event that had taken place. Calum had left home and was on his way to Australia.

I spoke to him the following day and, apart from a two hour delay at Singapore where they had to go off 'to get some bits for the plane', he had a good journey and loved the Quantas airbus that he flew on - the smoothest flight and best landing ever. The plane from Singapore was a lot less impressive - the bumpiest flight and worst landing ever, but they made it there safe and sound and that's all that mattered to me. It was so good to hear Calum's animated voice and strange to think that he was on the other side of the world.

Of course I miss him, it would be impossible not to, but I'm doing just fine. And so is he.

This is where the adventure begins ...

Congratulations Lola!

2009-09-06T06:33:00.001-07:00

Lola gets straight As for her GCSEs

Not only did Calum do well in his A levels but Lola also did brilliantly in her GCSEs.

She didn't receive her results until we got back from our holiday in Kefalonia and she made Joe promise not to open them before. He didn't. He even sealed the envelope as it was open when he collected it from the school.

On the day the results came out in the UK Lola got lots of texts from her friends asking her how she'd done, but of course she couldn't let them know. All of her friends did really well so it was with bated breath that we watched her open the envelope at Stansted airport, exhausted from a late flight.

In spite of her tiredness her face lit up when she realised she'd got 11 GCSEs, all A*s and As - a fantastic acheivement.

Congratulations Lola - we are incredibly proud of you.

Congratulations Calum

2009-08-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

Calum gets six A levels and secures his place at uni.

There are some days when you have a real 'proud parent' moment and today is such a day.

Calum received his long awaited A level results and he didn't disappoint. He achieved six A levels, all at grades A to C and now has his university place confirmed.

It wasn't easy and he worked incredibly hard. He deserves his success. He earned it.

It's a lovely feeling to know that his future is now mapped out for him and he can go off for his gap year in Australia in the knowledge that he has a university place to come back to.

He'll be studying Graphic Design at Ravensbourne College of Art and Design and a career in advertising beckons.

So congratulations Calum.

Today is your day.

And I couldn't be more proud.

Sweet Sixteen - Part 2

2009-08-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

Birthday girl at Caffee Uno

On 27 July 2009, Lola turned 16.

We had a mother-daughter day in Cambridge, lunching, shopping and having fun. It was a lovely day and Lola had a lovely time which is exactly what birthdays are for.

Me at Caffee Uno

Make a wish

We got back in time for birthday cake and champagne - perfect!

Sweet Sixteen

2009-07-26T10:45:00.001-07:00

Some days are just perfect from start to finish and Lola's 16th birthday lunch in Cambridge yesterday was one of those 'perfect' days.

We met up at Wagamamas with 'Auntie' Nicci, Lola's godmother, and her gorgeous daughter, Phoebe. We get together every year on the Saturday nearest Lola's birthday and it's always a lovely occasion.

This year was no exception, made even more special by the fact that we met Phoebe's boyfriend, Sam, for the first time. We'd heard so much about him, we felt as though we already knew him and he didn't disappoint. We all got on brilliantly right from the start and everything just clicked. It was as if we'd known him for ages.

Lunch at Wagamas

We also took Lola's best friend, George, with us and that was lovely for Lola and for us. George is just like one of the family. She's more like Lola's sister than a friend and she spends so much time with us that her parents even sent us a thank you note!

We love having her with us and, most importantly, Lola and George have great fun together - which is what birthdays are all about. They both adore shopping and before we arrived at Wagamamas, we all made a trip to Zara and bought some bargains in the sale.

When we'd finished lunch, Lola opened her brithday presents. She got some fabulous things. She especially loved the big blue 70s style shades Auntie Nicci bought her and decided to model them on the spot!

Lola likes her new shades

In the afternoon we all went for a stroll round Cambridge, trying to avoid the huge number of tourists. We did some more shopping (you can never do too much), looked round Corpus Christi college, visited the CCA gallery, strolled along the promenade by King's College and went to the Michaelhouse Cafe (one of my favourite places) for tea and cake.

Before we knew it, the afternoon had passed by and it was time to head home. We all agreed we'd had a truly wonderful time and that it really had been a perfect day.

Lola's 16th birthday has got off to the best possible start. And on Monday (Lola's actual birthday) we get to celebrate all over again!

Lola and George

Time to say goodbye - Calum officially leaves school

2009-07-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

Joe, Lola, Calum and me

Calum and headteacher, Mr Longman

Lola and Calum

Me and Calum

Calum receives his prayer book from Mr Elliot

On 26 June, Calum officially said goodbye to secondary school through a very beautiful and very emotional leavers' service held at Peterborough Cathedral.

We all went as a family - me, Joe and Lola - and Mum came too. It was a very special occasion and one I will always remember.

Of course I felt sad that Calum's school days were over and when I heard his name called, I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.

Yet at the same, I felt happy - happy that his time at school has been such a rich and rewarding one.

He's excelled academically, had wonderful experiences and, most important of all, made some excellent friends, some of whom I'm sure he'll keep for the rest of his life.

He's had opportunities he could never have imagined. And he's take advantage of all of them.

The leavers' service was moving and uplifting in equal measure. I will never forget the sound of the choir who sang like angels. it sent a tingle down my spine and I savoured the moment for all I was worth.

It was the end of a very important era in Calum's life.

And the beginning of a new and exciting one.

I couldn't be more proud of Calum.

And I couldn't be more grateful to the school for giving him the best possible start.

The Terminator

2009-05-31T12:34:00.000-07:00

As far as I'm concerned, there is only one Terminator and that's Arnold Schwarzenegger (try saying that when you've had a few!). Personally, I prefer to think of him as Arnold Schwarzenevega, which is what Lola used to call him when she was little. Bless.

Arnie may have had a few abberations like the dreadful Kindergarten Cop (what were you thinking of Arnie?) but he's at his best when he's playing a lean, mean, machine (and I mean this literally).

So when Joe went down to London recently and saw Arnie's handprints outside Planet Hollywood in Leicester Square, he had to capture the moment.

After all, it's not every day you get to meet The Terminator - or at least his hands ...

Gorgeous Blossom

2009-05-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

At this time of year our garden always looks incredibly pretty covered in a myriad of blossom.

My favourite is the cherry blossom. I love its delicate pink colour and abundance of blooms.

When it falls it looks like confetti and covers the lawn with a beautiful blanket of petals. The cherry blossom is a sign that spring has finally arrived.

And it brings me happiness every time.

Ve Hef Vays of Making You Laff

2009-05-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

Ist das Deutsch?

Cute car

I saw this funky little vehicle parked in Cambridge and, like many passers by, couldn't resist the urge to stop and have a good look. As a German speaker, I laughed out load when I saw the notice in the window.

Who says Germans don't have a sense of humour? (Okay, it probably wasn't written by a German but it was very funny anyway).

Or as the Germans would say 'sehr lustig!'

Happy 80th and 40th Birthday

2009-04-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

Joe and his Mum

Lola and 'Grandma'

Lola, Margaret and Me

Calum, Joe and Alex

Reaching the age of 80 is something to be celebrated.

So is reaching the age of 40.

Having both 'special' birthdays in the same family in the same month is even more reason to celebrate.

So Saturday 4 April saw us in Islington at a lovely French restaurant called Le Mercury for a special birthday meal with Joe's Mum, Margaret, and his brother Alex.

Everything about the meal was lovely - the restaurant, the food, the wine and the atmosphere. I was glad we'd booked as the restaurant was full which gasve it a real buzz. Perhaps the service was a little slow at times but the waiting staff were very friendly and helpful and I liked the fact that we were able to linger as long as we wanted.

Even the weather was good (which made a nice change) as it was warm and sunny, bringing people out into the streets to shop or sit outside cafes and soak up the sun.

The whole occasion was made even nicer by the fact that it's very rare that we manage to get together as a family, so spending a lovely, relaxing few hours together was really special.

And that was cause for celebration all on its own.

Paul Leaves for Pastures New

2009-03-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

Girls just wanna have fun! (Sam, Me and Sue)

A thorn between two roses (Jen, Paul and Rebecca)

Paul gets a Fez as a leaving present

Golden Globe - A Visit to The Globe Theatre

2009-03-08T05:54:00.001-07:00

Joe, Calum and Lola

Me by the stage

Joe by the stage

Globe interior

Listening to our guide, Stephanie

Stephanie explains the history of The Globe

Let it Snow

2009-02-08T10:01:00.000-08:00

Parker's Piece, Cambridge
Parker's Piece, Cambridge

St Mary's Church, Cambridge

It's amazing how a simple thing like snow can bring so much pleasure.

Yes, of course it was a pain trying to get to work, especially on the train (although ironically the train was on time for most of the week).

And yes, it was cold.

But it was also stunningly beautiful.

The first day it snowed, I got off the train in Cambridge and walked to work in a blizzard. I had my umbrella up but it didn't stop the snowflakes landing in a cold tingle on my nose and eyelashes.

By the time I arrived at work, I had a thick covering of snow on my coat which melted as I walked into my warm office.

I could feel my cheeks glowing and I felt as exhilirated as a child.

There is something magical about snow.

Cambridge is beautiful at the best of times, but in the snow it looked even lovelier.

In spite of the snow, people had smiles on their faces and children were playing and laughing in the street.

I've always loved the snow.

So do Calum and Lola. They built a snowman in the garden and threw snowballs at each other.

Most importantly, they had fun - a welcome break from the stress of endless school work and exams.

So as far as I'm concerned, let it snow, and snow and snow ...

Verve at The Fitz

2009-01-25T10:57:00.001-08:00

Calum next to his poster at The Fitzwilliam Museum

Last night we all went to the Verve event at The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.

It was a special arts event organised for young people by young people - and it was a great success.

Calum was on the organising committee and also designed the poster. He put in a lot of hard work and I was really proud of the way he dealt with everything so professionally. Seeing his finished poster on display outside the museum gave me - and him - a real buzz.

Verve featured live music by some exciting new bands, a screen printing workshop, a presentation on 21st century illustration, a tour of the Picasso exhibition, a performance by a dynamic young female poet and, best of all, a talk by fashion designer Gareth Roberts who designs the Red label for Vivienne Westwood.

With a new event it's always difficult to know how it will go but it turned out brilliantly.

Yes, it would have been nice if there had been more people there but the ones who came had a great time and there was lots of positive feedback.

Joe and I acted as helpers for the evening, sporting our cool Verve t-shirts. We welcomed people as they arrived and pointed them in the right direction.

Lola took part in the event with her friends Rosie and Nusa and they all seemed to enjoy it - especially the fashion design talk.

I went to the talk on 21st century illustration which was given by two lecturers from The Cambridge Art School at Anglia Ruskin University and found it fascinating - so did Calum who set up their powerpoint presentations for them.

By the end of the evening we were all exhausted but felt that we'd been part of something really special.

And that doesn't happen every day.

I really hope they repeat it next year.

Dad's Roses

2009-01-06T09:45:00.000-08:00

My Dad always loved roses.

They were his favourite flowers.

When I was growing up, we always had roses in our garden.

My childhood was premeated by their heady scent.

Red was his favourite colour.

It is also mine, next to purple.

At his funeral we put red roses on his coffin.

It seemed fitting.

And they looked beautiful.

A flash of bright colour against the grey dreariness of the day - and our sorrow.

He died 21 years ago today.

It seems like yesterday.

We had a red rose bush planted at the crematorium after he died.

But they only keep them for ten years so they're not there now.

I don't mind that the roses have gone.

I only ever saw them in bloom in the summer.

I only went a few times, on his birthday.

In January, they were simply stalks with harsh spikes.

Quite appropriate for how I felt, still feel, on those annual pilgrimages to look at the Book of Remembrance.

The chapel was empty today so I was able to be alone with my thoughts.

And my tears.

Loved and remembered always, it says in the book.

Loved and remembered always, it says in my heart.

And in the red roses I left behind.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2008-12-31T10:30:00.000-08:00

Calum, Me, Lola and Joe on Christmas Day

Lots of Christmas presents!

So how was it for you?

In the Hale household Christmas came and went - and so did a huge amount of food and drink.

Christmas isn't so much a time of cheer as a time of 'chew' or 'chomp'.

Like many families, we've over-indulged with one too many mince pies - and the rest.

Still, we've haven't been as bad as in previous years so I suppose I should be grateful. It will make the New Year dieting slightly less painful - or not.

I'm going to find it very difficult to giving up munching chocolate at all hours or having that early afternoon glass of wine. 'It's not too early is it darling?' is the phrase that Joe had got very used to this holiday.

However, there has been plenty of Christmas cheer in our house simply because we've all been together as a family - and that's been a real treat.

We've had time to chat, time to laugh, time to catch up with each other - and to watch wall to wall dvds.

We watched Mel Brooks' 'The Producers' last night, a comedy classic which hasn't lost any of its magic. The children chuckled as much as we did. Brilliant fun.

And, although the children have long stopped believing in Santa, they still love getting Christmas presents and this year, credit crunch or no credit crunch, they got loads.

It was great to see their faces as they opened their presents - the look of delight at getting something they really wanted but hadn't expected.

Being at home for Christmas with just the four of us meant we could do exactly what we wanted - have a lie in, lounge around in our pyjamas and eat a late lunch, cooked under the influence of one of those early glasses of wine.

It tasted fantastic.

It's now New Year's Eve and it will soon be time to dress up for dinner. I can smell the boeuf bourgignon cooking nicely in the oven. It will be followed by maple and pecan pudding and rounded off with Belgian chocolates.

Oh, and of course there'll be lots of champagne!

So the New Year diet can wait a little longer.

I hope that Christmas was a good one for you and that the New Year is even better.

2009 here we come!

That Glowing Feeling

2008-12-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

Stalls at the German Christmas Market

When I lived for an year in Austria as a student, one of my favourite things was Gluhwein, which literally means 'glow wine' - what we call mulled wine

I personally prefer the German name which I think is much more descriptive. After drinking it, my face always glows (i.e. I get bright red cheeks) and my insides feel as though they are glowing too. It's the best possible way of keeping out the cold which, in Austria, is very important.

I have never lived in a country where Iwas surrounded by mountains and it snowed for several months of the year and I loved it, in spite of the cold. It was incredibly beautiful, if also freezing.

So when the German Christmas market set up next to the ice rink on Parker's Piece and I discovered that authentic Gluhwein was on offer, I decided to check it out and see if it lived up to my expectations.

It most certainly did.

It was hot, spicy and delicious, and my experience was made even more authentic by the fact that there was a German in a very silly hat on the table next to me - I heard him speaking. When I left that cafe and started taking photos of the market stalls, he offered to 'make a photo' of me, as in German you 'make' a photo rather than 'take' one. I declined politely - in German, of course, then realised I'd used the wrong personal pronoun and fretted about it all afternoon. That's the linguist in me.

The German market was very colourful with traditional Christmas goodies on sale, including gorgeous Lebkuchen (special gingerbread cakes) which are Lola's favourite. There was also an enticing smell of cinammon.

However, it was very expensive.

That didn't stop me buying some Lebkuchen and some caramalised almonds which I munched my way through very quickly when I got back to the office. Oh, and a sand beanie bat as a stocking filler for Lola which she has named Wolfgang - because he's German, of course!

It was a great way to spend a lunch hour and I enjoyed watching people wobbling around the ice rink, trying to stay upright - very amusing.

I went back to the office with a warm feeling in my tummy which lasted all afternoon.

Good old Gluhwein.

Paris Perfection

2008-11-30T09:14:00.000-08:00

Me, Calum, Joe and Lola enjoying a glass of champagne.

Me and Joe in the restaurant at the Musee D'Orsay

Me and my Kir Royale!

Joe in the gardens at The Louvre

Me at The Louvre

Me about to board the Eurostar at St Pancras

Such a Perfect Day
It is very rare that you have a truly perfect day but my 50th birthday - 19th November 2008 - was one of them.

It started with an early rise at 5.45am to catch the 7.00am train to London.

It's the time I get up each day for work so I was fine, but for Joe it was a bit of a shock to the system.

The first thing he did when he woke up was wish me 'Happy Birthday'.

'Yes,' I thought to myself. My birthday is finally here and I felt as excited as a five year old.

What would the day bring? What would lunch be like in Paris? What presents would I get?

All day long I found it hard to believe that I was actually 50, having thought about it for so long.

What would it feel like? Would I feel any different?

Of course not.

Late Train
The only blip of the day was a late train.

The Eurostar to Paris was punctual to the minute, but the trains in the UK were all delayed.

It's one of the things I hate about this country - especially as I have to commute by train every day.

When we arrived at the station and saw that the train was delayed by 15 minutes, my heart sank. Today of all days - it didn't seem fair. Also, we weren't allowed to catch another train without paying the full fare which would cost us the same as travelling to Paris!

Joe could tell I was very anxious and I didn't relax until we were at St Pancras waiting to board the 8.40am train to Paris. We arrived with five minutes to spare. I was hugely relieved as it could all have gone so horribly wrong.

It was only when we were settled in our seats and the Eurostar was pulling out of St Pancras that I fully relaxed.

For me, that was when my perfect day began in earnest.

From then on everything went like clockwork.

Paris Perfection Paris is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I've visited Paris more than any other city in Europe and yet I am still awestruck every time I behold it.

We caught the Metro to the Louvre and walked through the shopping mall, festooned with Christmas decorations, to the museum where we walked up through the pyramid.

We strolled through the gardens and then walked over the bridge to the Musee D'Orsay where we had a very long and delicious lunch.

The restaurant at the Musee D'Orsay was incredibly ornate and reminded me of The Ritz with its high, painted ceilings, elegant architecture, classical statues and sophisticated flower arrangements.

It was breathtaking beautiful.

Our waiter, Andre, looked after us wonderfully, moving us to a better (I told him it was my birthday) and generally ,making a fuss of us.

We spoke a mixture of English and French to make ourselves understood, but mostly we smiled. I told Andre about Calum and Lola and he told me about his two year old son.

Joe and I started our celebrations with a glass of Kir Royale which put us both in an excellent mood and we savoured everything - the delciously cold white wine, the sumptuous food and the simple pleasure of being somewhere that was incredibly special - fitting for the special occasion we were celebrating.

We were even treated to the sight of the French guard riding by on horseback, all decked out in their finery - something I'd never seen before.

We had a very long and relaxed lunch, followed by a langurous stroll along the Seine towards Notre Dame and the Ile St Louie with its exquisite (and expensive) shops.

As it grew darker, all the Christmas lights came on and twinkled like something out of a fairy tale.

By late afternoon it was time to head back to the Gare du Nord and catch the train home.

Alarm Bells
Going through security at passport control, I set off the alarm with my metal hair clip. I had to takle it out and was worried my hair would all fall down, waving my arms to demonstrate what I meant, which made the security officer laugh.

However, I kept my hand on the top of my head when I went through again and that kept my hair in place. I couldn't help giggling about it afterwards.

As I handed in my passprt to be checked, the passport officee wished me 'Happy Birthday' which also made me smile.

People can be so nice.

Home at Last
The journey back to London was smooth and trouble free. I replayed all the sights and sounds of Paris in my mind, savouring them like the sumptous lunch we enjoyed.

Thankfully, the train from London was on time and we were back home by 9.00pm.

Calum and Lola greeted us with hugs and kisses and wished me a more awake 'Happy Birthday' than they had done in the morning before I left.

They'd both dressed up for the occasion and it wasn't long before we opened the bottle of champagne I'd been keeping on ice and clinked out glasses.

We then cut the beautiful birthday cake I'd had made at Fitzbillie's in Cambridge. It was absolutely gorgeous.

A Pile of Presents
When I walked into the living room there was a big pile of presents waiting for me, together with lots and lots of cards.

It took me over two hours to open everything and I couldn't belive how many wonderful things I'd been given.

I was also very touched by the lovely things people had written in my cards.

The piece de resistance was an amazing card that Joe made me, complete with a pop-up picture of me inside as The Statue of Liberty - only holding a glass of champagne instead of a torch. Joe knows me so well!

I was speechless - and that doesn't happen very often.

My 50th birthday was definitely one of the happiest days of my life.

And one I will always remember.

Being 50 feels fabulous.

Putting on The Ritz

2008-11-16T09:45:00.001-08:00

Me and Lola at The Ritz

Rachel, Me, Maggie, Caroline and Nic at The Ritz.

Yesterday I went for Tea at The Ritz as part of my 50th birthday celebrations.

It was a wonderful afternoon and one I will treasure for the rest of my life.

There is something quite magical about The Ritz.

There is nowhere like it and you feel that the minute you walk through the door.

The setting is simply stunning and it's impossible not to feel very special sitting in the beautiful Palm Court, with its opulent gilt decor.

The tea itself is a wonder - exquisite sandwiches, light as air scones and divine cakes, as well as the freshly brewed tea.

The waiters are attentive and polite and seem to take real pleasure in the fact that everyone is there to celebrate something.

I loved it when they brought out my birthday cake and the pianist played 'Happy Birthday' and everyone clapped.

It was a magic moment.

In fact everything about the day was magic - the atmosphere, the food, the surroundings.

But most of all, the people.

I have known Nic, Caroline, Maggie and Rachel for over 30 years.

They are my closest friends and I feel incredibly lucky to have them.

We have been through so much together and we've always been there for each other through the good times and the bad.

That means a great deal.

There's also the shared history - the weddings, the children, the careers and, sadly, the losses of loved ones as well.

We all met at university and have been through some life-changing experiences together.

We've laughed and we've cried - but mostly we've had fun.

Whenever, I'm with them there's always lots of laughter - and a lot of love.

I'd count myself lucky to know any one of them.

But to have them as a group of friends makes me feel I'm especially privileged.

So to celebrate my half century with them at The Ritz was the perfect thing to do.

And having my darling daughter Lola there was the icing on the cake.

Glasgow School of Art Open Day

2008-11-02T09:36:00.000-08:00

Glasgow School of Art

Glasgow School of ArtMe at the Open Day

Last week Lola and I went to the Open Day at the Glasgow School of Art.

Calum was meant to go, but the school got the dates mixed up for his Paris art trip, so he had to Paris instead (not exactly a hardship I think!).

But it gave me a lovely opportunity to spend some time with Lola.

It was also useful for her to see the Glasgow School of Art as she wants to apply there herself.

Lola in Glasgow

An Early Start
To get there and back in a day, we decided to fly, which was ironically just as cheap as going by train, and a lot quicker.

However, that meant getting up at 4.30am which wasn't fun at all.

We made it to Stansted in exactly one hour and eight minutes and parked in the short stay car park before heading to the terminal to get breakfast. Coffee and croissants never tasted so good!

By 8.30 we were in the air and arrived in Glasgow less than an hour later.

So much to see
The Open Day was fantastic and there was lots to do and see.

Walking up Renfrew Street and seeing the School of Art with the sun glinting on it was a wonderful experience.

It is a very beautiful building and it's amazing to think that in spite of being one of the most famous examples of architecture by Charles Rennie Macintosh, it is still a living, working building. Its design could be contemporary and it still looks cutting edge.

It also has the most fantastic reputation.

No wonder Calum and Lola want to go there.

During the day we went to a lecture on the visual communication course, met lecturers and students (all of whom were very friendly), went to a presentation on preparingportfolios (probably the most useful part of the day) and collected leaflets and brochures from the Information Centre.

We also bought cakes from the cake stall manned by 'Mike', who recommended his grandmother's shortbread. He said it was delicious and it was!

By the afternoon our feet were sore but it was well worth it.

The cake stand at the Open Day

A spot of shopping
Although we had very little time left before we had to catch our plane, we still managed a spot of shopping.

After grabbing something to eat at John Lewis in the Buchanan Galleries (the croissants had long worn off), we made a quick trip to Mango.

I bought Lola a teal cardigan and myself a green satin blouse - all in the space of 20 minutes!

A bit of retail therapy worked wonders.

The long journey home
We ended up arriving at Glasgow airport too early, thanks to my obsession with not being late.

By this time we were too tired to do any more shopping, so sat in the bright orange Easyjet waiting area (I felt like I'd been 'Tangoed') until it was time to board.

There was the usual scrum for seats and Lola and I had the misfortune to end up behind three teenagers who insisted on watching a dvd at full volume so they could all hear it - as could half the plane.

Even my i-Pod couldn't drown it out.

We couldn't wait to get back to Stansted and get off.

Lola and I got something to eat (we'd been up so long it seemed like another day) and then tried (unsuccessfully) to find our car and get out of the car park.

Round in circles
We seemed to go round in circles as we could see the car park down below but couldn't get to it.

It turned out we had come out of the airport building on the wrong level.

We walked up and down but couldn't see an entrance, so in the end, we climbed over a fence and walked down some steps to the parking machine.

Once we'd paid for the ticket, after me trying to puy my card in the wrong slot (I was very tired by then), we drove round in circles trying to find the exit.

We followed the Exit arrows kept taking you back on yourself.

Whoever invented them was obviously having a laugh - as we did when we realised just how ridiculous we looked driving round and round!

Evnbtually we made it home, which was a real relief.

Lola and I were shattered but we both agreed it had been a really good day.

And an incredibly useful one.

She's already started working on her portfolio.

Now Calum just has to do his.

Beautiful Bride

2008-10-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

Beautiful bride Rebecca.

I recently went to my friend Rebecca's wedding.

They say that all brides look beautiful, but Rebecca looked radiant.

Rebecca is not just lovely-looking.

She's a lovely person too.

So it was wonderful to see her so happy on her wedding day.

And so beautiful.

Calum's 18th Birthday Meal at Maxwells

2008-10-03T06:02:00.000-07:00

Maxwells in Covent Garden in London

Now that's what you call a burger!

Mine's a PeroniMmm, these cocktails are good

Yummy desserts

The girls

The boys

Happy 18th Birthday Calum!

2008-10-02T02:37:00.000-07:00

Calum's special 18th birthday card made by Joe.

All Grown Up
Calum is 18 today.

I'm sure all mums say the same, but I can't believe he's actually 18.

I vividly remember the day he was born.

I had to have a general anaesthetic so I only saw him when I came round, feeling groggy and sore.

They'd tucked him in beside me in my hospital bed.

I looked down and saw a tiny head with a shock of dark hair and the pain melted away.

It was one of the best moments of my life.

Now he's nearly 6ft tall and today he officially becomes an adult.

Birthday Breakfast
Calum started the day with a special breakfast of chocolate pancakes and toffee waffles - the kind of breakfast he'd had in New York which he loved so much.

He laughed when he walked into the living room because I'd decorated it with banners and balloons.

I'd also put a Happy 18th Birthday banner on the living room door.

I wanted everything to look festive.

After breakfast he opened his cards and presents.Calum with his birthday cards

As usual Joe made him an amazing card in the style of Calum's favourite artist, Michael Turner.

Calum got some fantastic things, including quite a lot of money which he's looking forward to spending.

We bought him an iPod Touch which he was thrilled with. His face lit up when he saw what it was as he had no idea.

He said it was 'cool' which was exactly the reaction we wanted.

It was the perfect start to an 18th birthday - even though he had to go to school.

Birthday Meal
This evening we're off to Maxwells in Covent Garden for a celebration meal.

It'll be a family affair with just the four of us and we're all really looking forward to it.

So Happy 18th Birthday Calum - I hope you have an amazing day.

You deserve it.

New York, New York - Part 1

2008-09-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

The view from the Empire State Building at Night

Well, we've finally done it.

We've been to New York.

It didn't disappoint.

Everything we'd heard about it was true - only better.

We crammed two weeks' sightseeing into one.

We wore out our shoes with walking.

But it was so worth it.

It's hard to say what the highlights were as it was all good.

Here are some of the best bits:

The Brooklyn Bridge

The scale of the Brooklyn Bridge is hard to imagine as it's VERY big!

The architecture is hugely impressive and the views amazing.

We especially loved watching the traffic whizzing by below.

Joe, Calum and Lola on the Brooklyn Bridge
Cars rushing by beneath us on the Brooklyn Bridge

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Of all the museums we visited in New York (and we visited a lot), this was our favourite.

The art is mind-blowing and the setting breathtaking.

Our favourite part was the delightful sculpture garden where we sat in the cafe, basking in the sunshine and admiring the art.

We could happily have stayed there all day.

We liked MoMA so much, we went twice.

Lola in the sculpture garden at MoMA

Joe and Calum by a retro chrome caravan at MoMAA model of a twinkly building at MoMA

The Chrysler Building

This is art deco at its most opulent

It's hard to believe it houses real offices with real people

You feel as if you've gone back in time to a more glamorous and gentile era

Looking up and seeing the Chrysler building among the modern skyscrapers was both comforting and beautiful

Standing in the foyer was the realisation of a lifelong dream - just like the trip to New York ...

Me in the foyer of the Chrysler Building

The iconic Chrysler Building

Another Day Out in Cambridge

2008-08-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

An eccentric busker in Cambridge - even his dog sang!

On Saturday we spent the day in Cambridge to celebrate Joe's birthday.

We go to Cambridge a lot and even though I work there, I never get tired of it.

It's such a beautiful city and there's always something new to see - including some very colourful characters, like this busker and his singing dog!

Coffee and Croissants
We started our day with a trip to Gros Franck, my all time favourite cafe.

Everything is delicious and served with a certain 'je ne sais quoi' by the predominantly French staff.

We had coffees and hot chocolate, plus the obligatory almond croissants, the best I've eaten outside of France.

When they arrived, they looked so decorative, I simply had to take a picture, much to the children's annoyance.

Coffee and hot chocolate - Gros Franck style!

In fact, I annoyed them all day by taking pictures.

But they're teenagers, so they're used to complaining - they'll get over it, eventually ...

The whole day seemed to revolve around eating and shopping, two of my favourite pastimes.

So we hit the shops and, amazingly, Joe actually bought something (if I'm not there he just looks and then goes away to 'think about it'), not a problem Lola and I share.

Lola's motto is 'see it, want it, buy it' which I can definitely relate to.

Lunch at Da Luca's
However, all that shopping made us hungry so we went to Da Luca's for delicious homemade pasta and risotto - and some very smooth red wine.

And more photos, of course.

Me and Joe in Da Luca's

Calum and Lola being camera shy in Da Luca's

Smile for the camera!

Time to Ourselves
Afterwards we had an hour or so to ourselves while the children went over the The Grafton Centre and, of course, Forbidden Planet.

We went to the CCA Gallery and admired the beautiful original art and visited the arts and craft market.

Joe at the arts and crafts market

A Cup of Tea and a Sit Down
When we met up again with Calum and Lola, they were very tired and in need of a sit down and a cup of tea.

So we went to the Michaelhouse Cafe, a hidden treasure in the city centre which is a converted church and still boasts a chapel, complete with a gorgeous stained glass window.

The stained glass window at the Michaelhouse Cafe

We sat upstairs to get a better view.

It's a stunning location with original art on the walls and the most fantastic light - the perfect place to relax after a hard day's shopping.

The Michaelhouse Cafe

Afterwards we had a slow stroll back to the station and a taxi ride home.

It was another wonderful day in Cambridge and I'm sure there'll be many more.

Mark Millar Comes to Forbidden Planet

2008-08-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

Calum and Mark Millar at Forbidden Planet

If you're a comic book fan, then you'll know who Mark Millar is.

If you're not, all you need to know is that he's a Scottish graphic novelist who has won lots of awards.

So, when he made an appearance at Forbidden Planet in Covent Garden (probably Calum's favourite shop) for a book signing, Calum decided to go.

The window of Forbidden Planet

It was the second time Calum had been to London to see him, so that shows how much he rates him.

He certainly confirmed Calum's impression that he is an all round nice guy, as well as being very knowledgeable.

He took time to chat to Calum, in spite of the hue queues, and sign several of his comics and graphic novels.

Calum agreed it was definitely worth making the trip to London and, of course, Forbidden Planet is always worth a visit.

So many comics, so little time ...

Things In Glasgow That Made Me Smile

2008-08-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

Mine's a vindaloo!

Calum would love this shop.

A better class of graffiti

Weird and wonderful art.

Lola would love this shop.

Elvis is in the building.

Gorgeous Glasgow

2008-08-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

Kelvingrove Galleries

The Armadillo

City Hall

Busking - Glaswegian style

I'm a big fan of Glasgow, not just because it's Joe's home town but because as a city, it rocks.

The people there are trendier (and friendlier) than in London.

The shops are uber cool.

The art galleries and museums are amazing.

And the Glaswegian sense of humour is second to none.

The downside?

It's a long way away and the weather's awful.

Well, I suppose you can't have everything ...

Ken and Shirley

2008-07-29T12:38:00.001-07:00

Shirley, Lola and Ken on Lola's 15th birthday

Ken and Shirley are our next door neighbours.

They are also our very good friends and surrogate grandparents for Calum and Lola.

Ken and Shirley are the sort of neighbours you dream about.

They are always there when you need them but never intrude.

Best of all, almost every visit usually involves alcohol as they are very sociable!

My gin consumption has definitely gone up since I met them - but I'm not complaining.

Their champagne consumption has increased since they met us (there's always something worth celebrating) and we've also shared many excellent bottles of wine.

When we were having our new kitchen fitted and were living on takeaways, Ken and Shilrey invited us round for dinner every week and fed us us delicious, home-cooked food.

Shirley's puddings are a marvel.

That sort of kindness you never forget.

Over the years they've done a myriad of little things that have made our lives richer.

We went to see them on Lola's birthday and, of course, ended up staying for the obligatory gin and tonic (Lola had elderflower cordial).

Lola wanted to say thank you to Shirley for helping her with her textile project at school (Shirley is also a fantastic seamstress).

She also wanted to thank Ken for making a beautiful wood and glass presentation box containing a pair of embroidered ballet shoes to give to Lola's ballet teacher as a retirement present (Ken is a fantastic engineer).

Needless to say, we had a lovely time with Ken and Shirley and chatted away happily for over an hour before heading home.

So thank you Ken and Shirley for being lovely people, lovely neighbours and the very best friends we could wish for.

Happy 15th Birthday Lola!

2008-07-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

Phoebe and Nic

Lola with her birthday card that Joe made

Lola with her birthday presents, including a $100 dollar bill

Lola with her birthday presents from 'Auntie Nicci'

Me and Nic at Wagamamas

A Day Out in Cambridge
Today was Lola's 15th birthday, but we've been celebrating all weekend.

Yesterday we spent the day in Cambridge with Lola's Godmother Nic and her beautiful daughter Phoebe, who's a model.

Lola hadn't seen Nic or Phoebe in ages so it was brilliant to catch up.

It was nice to see Lola and Phoebe get on so well, simply picking up where they left off. Phoebe also gets on really well with Calum as there's only a couple of years between them.

I think Calum, Lola and Phoebe will always be friends - I certainly hope so.

Even though she's a model Phoebe hasn't let it go to her head and is still the same down-to-earth and unaffected girl she's always been.

'Auntie Nicci', as Lola calls her, really spoilt Lola by buying her lots of gorgeous presents, including some wonderful make-up. I might just have to borrow the coloured mascara and glittery eyeliners ...

We spent the day eating, shopping and doing lots (and lots) of talking.

The sun shone all day, too, so all the shoppers seemed in a good mood which made a nice change.

All in all it was a perfect day.

A Day at Home
Today we've spent the day at home, at Lola's request.

It's been a real treat just being able to chill.

We had pancakes and maple syrup for breakfast which was delicious and set us up for the day.

Later I cooked a lovely Greek meal which we ate in the garden as the weather was so warm.

Lola got lots of cards and presents - too many to mention - but her favourite card by far was the one Joe made for her.

It has a Nightmare Before Christmas theme - Lola's all time favourite film.

She was also really pleased with the Emily McGuire CD that I bought when I saw Emily in concert with The Blue Nile in Glasgow.

Emily was lovely and signed a CD for Lola saying 'Happy Birthday' which Lola thought was very 'cool'.

All in all it was another perfect day and, for Lola, a perfect birthday weekend.

Happy 70th Birthday Mum!

2008-07-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

Me and Mum at The Olive Branch

My Mum turned 70 on 14 July. She doesn't look her age which means that (thankfully) neither do I! She had a great time and really celebrated in style.

She went away for a luxurious week at a posh hotel in the Isle of Wight.

Her neighbour threw a surprise party for her and everyone had a brilliant time - so much so that they were still talking about it days later.

I took her out for a meal at a really special restaurant in Rutland called The Oliver Branch. It's very popular so you need to book in advance, but it's well worth it

We usually go there for a birthday lunch but this time we had dinner and it was a really lovely evening.

I also bought her lots of presents so she had plenty of things to unwrap on the actual day, plus a very expensive bottle of champagne. Well, a 70th birthday is definitely something to be celebrated.

So Happy 70th Birthday Mum.

I'm glad it was special for you because you're a very special Mum.

Captain Calum

2008-06-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

Calum in his specially designed t-shirt

Calum in the 1500m race

Captain Calum!

It was Sports Day today and as Vice Captain of Peter's House, Calum helped organise the teams to take part in all the events.

But he didn't stop there.

He also designed a special Peter's logo, based on the 'Superman' logo, which he got printed on t-shirts, together with each Captain's name in special a Blade Runner typeface.

The effect was very cool. Everything went smoothly, which is a major feat with several hundred children taking part, and the events were really exciting.

It was great standing on the sidelines shouting support for all the athletes.

My favourite bit was seeing Calum overtake three other runners in the 1,500 metres to come in a creditable fourth. He hadn't done any training so it was a great performance.

He also came 3rd in the 200 metres, again with no training at all and won his leg of the 100m relay which his team then went on to win.

Sadly his house didn't win this year (they took the cup last year) but everyone had a really good time and the team spirit was fantastic.

I went with my Mum and we both enjoyed being part of a really special day.

Go Calum!

Calum's Art

2008-06-22T13:59:00.001-07:00

Calum's Art

We went to the Art Show at Calum's school on Friday.

As always, there was an amazing array of work from the students, many of whom are very talented.

Calum's AS exam work was on display and I was really impressed at his creativity.

Well done Calum!

Big Hair Day

2008-06-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

Big Hair!

I had my hair cut today, but you wouldn't think so to look at it.

People ask me all the time why I always wear my hair tied back - well here's the reason!

It's hard to take someone seriously when they're sporting a huge fro.

At least I made Joe and the children laugh.

Back to the pony tail tomorrow ...

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

Joe in his Father's Day Darth Vader t-shirt

Father's Day cards from Lola and Calum

Yesterday was Father's Day and we took the opportunity to really spoil Joe.

The children gave him some very funky cards and cool presents.

From Calum he got the soundtrack to Blade Runner (his favourite film) and from Lola a Darth Vader t-shirt from Star Wars (probably his second favourite film).

He spent the day chilling which is something he doesn't get to do very often.

I cooked him a huge Greek meal - the stifado was fab - which we washed down with plenty of red wine.

In the evening we all watched Sweeney Todd which was brilliant but bloody (for me anyway).

All in all, it was a perfect Father's Day - for a perfect father.

A Furry Car

2008-06-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

Furry car at the East of England Show

Joe went to the East of England show with his school on Friday.

The children all had a great time.

They fed animals, went on quad bikes and sat in a very smart Alpha Romeo.

There were lots of interesting things on display, but the weirdest has to be this furry car!

Old Friends

2008-06-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

Rose

This is my friend Rose.

We were at university together and both studied German.

We recently met for lunch in Cambridge.

The amazing thing was that we hadn't seen each other for 26 years!

Yet we simply picked up where we left off.

It seems that many similar things have happened in our lives - uncannily so.

Even our children are similar ages and we both have a boy and a girl.

So, in spite of the years in between, we got on like a house of fire.

Now that's the sign of a real friend.

A Good Week

2008-06-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

The sign at Wagamamas

This week has been a very good one.

I've actually been able to be sociable after weeks of locking myself away to study.

My final MA assignment has been handed in - at last - and I can relax again.

I've put off my my dissertation for a few months so that I can enjoy the summer and I intend to enjoy it in full!

So what made it such a good week?

The Salisbury Arms
On Tuesday I went out for drinks with my friends Hilly and Nick at the Salisbury Arms in Cambridge. I haven't been there for over 20 years.

Nick and Hilly are both language lecturers so we can talk about linguistics in minute detail and not bore each other to death.

They're also fantastic fun and we always have a very good laugh.

It poured with rain and, yes, in hindsight I probably shouldn't have worn my non-waterproof silver pumps.

But they did look nice and I felt it was worth getting squelchy feet for.

Two glasses of red wine and I found it hard to walk back to the station in a straight line - I really am out of practice.

Just as well I was wearing flat shoes!

Lunch at Wagamamas
On Thursday Calum came over to Cambridge to go to the Fitzwilliam Museum and we went to Wagamamas for lunch.

The food there is fab and, importantly for Calum, you get loads of it!

We stuffed our faces and had a good chat, then went to John Lewis for coffee.

While we were in the cafe there Calum received a phone call saying, ironically, that he'd got a weekend job at John Lewis - so that was excellent news.

Calum and I travelled home together on the train and it was nice to have company.

Most importantly, he had a great day and was very pleased with his purchases of an Iron Man figure and 25 comics - all from Forbidden Planet!

Lunch with the Girls
On Friday it was off the The Snug with my girlfriends from uni - Nic, Maggie and Rachel.

We hadn't seen each other for months so there was loads to catch up on. We've known each other forever and between us we have 9 children ranging in age from 4 to 21!

A lunch hour (even a long one) is never enough and, as usual, I was the first to leave as I had to get back to work. Next time I'll have to take the afternoon off.

It was great to see them, though and we've agreed we should try and get together more often. It's amazing how quickly time flies.

So, this week has been a very good week, catching up with friends and spending time with Calum - and no studying!

Weeks like that are definitely to be savoured.

Too Busy to Blog - I Hate My Assignment!

2008-05-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

Mad plastic dogs in Islington

Highbury Fields in the sun

Well my MA assignment is driving me (and the rest of the family) mad.

Two more weekends to go and then I have to hand it in - eek!

My essay must be the most re-written in history - and I still have to produce a book review.

My wine, chocolate and coffee consumption have risen to dangerous levels.

I've almost forgotten what normal life is like.

So I'm very jealous of Joe for having just spent the weekend in London in Islington.

And he got lots of sunshine, too.

Still, I shouldn't really moan (although it does make me feel better).

He brought me back a lovely present and also took some great pics.

The one of the green and orange plastic dogs really made me smile.

Which I haven't been doing too much of lately.

Whose idea was it to do an MA anyway?

Oh, yes, I remember now ...

Shark Tale

2008-04-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

Joe's Shark

Joe recently painted this picture of a shark.

It was part of a project at his school on aboriginal art.

The children loved it - and so do I!

Too Busy to Blog

2008-04-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

Punters on the River Cam

Ubiquitous bicycles

Brain Ache
Where did the time go?

To quote Bridget Jones, I've been 'blurry busy', mainly with studying which I have to say right now is an almighty pain in the posterior.

It's always the same when the deadline for assignments gets nearer. The fact that I know I'll get it done doesn't help when I'm sitting here with a pile of books and an even bigger pile of files, wondering how I'm going to make sense of it all.

Still, it was my choice to do this MA so I think I'd better shut up and get on with it. Systemic Functional Linguistics anyone?

More Brain Ache
Last weekend I went to the ALTE conference in Cambridge, that's the Association of Language Testers in Europe. It was full of very clever people saying very clever things, most of which I understood! Applied Linguistics may not be everyone's cup of tea but I find it endlessly fascinating (except when I'm under a deadline for an assignment!) as it's basically about communication.

Although it meant having to get up at 5.30am on a Saturday, it was definitely worth it. I met interesting people, had interesting conversations and learned some interesting things.

And it's always good to be in Cambridge. The sun came out and the city looked beautiful. I stopped to take photos of people punting, along with all the tourists.

It still feels like a special place even though I work there.

Brainy Visitor
This week at work we had the Vice Chancellor come to visit. She is an extremely clever woman - you don't get to be Vice Chancellor of the University if you're not.

She was also witty and engaging and seemed genuinely interested in the work she was shown and the people she met.

Best of all - she arrived on a bicycle - now that's very Cambridge.

It's Snowing!

2008-04-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

A snowy tree in Islington
At the entrance to Highbury Fields
Highbury Fields
Highbury Fields

That's what Joe said when he rang me from London this morning.

He looked out of the window of his Mum's flat in Islington and could hardly believe his eyes. Everywhere was covered with a blanket of snow.

We'd already had snow in March, but April?

Still, it did look lovely so he went out for a walk around Highbury Fields, snapping as he went along.

There were children out building snowmen and even people out jogging! You've got to be dedicated to do that - or just plain bonkers!

He knew the snow wouldn't be there for long and it wasn't.

But it was very pretty while it lasted

Winter Wonderland

2008-03-23T11:22:00.001-07:00

Daffodils in the snow

Our back garden

The view from our bedroom window

We're not used to snow in this country, so every time it happens it's a big deal. And when it happens at Easter, it's an even bigger deal than usual!

When I woke up this Easter Sunday morning to a strangely bright bedroom, I knew it had snowed. Even with the heating on full blast, the air felt decidedly chilly and all I wanted to do was snuggle down under the covers.

However, a quick look through the curtains had me reaching for my camera as I knew the snow wouldn't last. It never does.

I once lived in Austria and the snow stayed for months. It was cold but beautiful and the Austrians were used to it so they simply got on with their lives. They didn't go on about it non-stop on the news.

It's no wonder we're stereo-typed as always talking about the weather - it's because we do!

Personally, I love the snow, not when it's wet and slushy, but when it's new. I especially love it at night with the light twinkling on it.

That won't happen tonight as it's all melted away but, according to the weather reports, there's more on the way.

I really hope so.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-03-09T14:08:00.000-07:00

Lola's hand drawn Mother's Day card

A Starry Breakfast
I had a wonderful Mother's day last Sunday, although it didn't turn out quite how I expected.

It started with a delicious breakfast, prepared by Joe and the children, with my favourite almond croissants.

Lola decorated the table with brightly coloured stars and put out place names she'd made when she was younger. Mine said 'Mummy', something she never calls me now as I am definitely 'Mum' - but that's fine with me.

Calum and Lola both gave me beautiful cards with lovely messages written inside, plus a dvd, The Lives of Others (which I'd wanted for ages) and some gorgeous dark chocolate truffles.

Best of all though was Lola's hand made card. She'd done a pencil drawing of my favourite photograph of me and her together on holiday in France last year. We were both dressed up to go out for a special meal.

She captured us so perfectly I was lost for words

And that doesn't happen very often.

Thank you Lola.

A Dash to London
After breakfast, Joe rang his Mum to wish her Happy Mother's Day, only to find out she'd been ill all week and had hardly been out. She hadn't managed to go shopping so didn't have much food in the house.

I could see Joe was worried so I told him to do down to London and make sure she was okay - which is exactly what he did. He caught the next train to London and called at Sainsbury's on the way to her flat to get her some groceries.

Thankfully, when he arrived, she wasn't as bad as he expected.

Needless to say, she was very pleased to see him.

Lasagne and a Lazy Afternoon
Joe was going to make me a lasagne for lunch as he knows it's my favourite, but the children stepped in and helped me instead. It was really nice us all being together in the kitchen, preparing food, listening to music and singing our heads off.

After lunch we all watched The Fantastic Four - Rise of the Silver Surfer which was very amusing, not always intentionally so!

Joe didn't miss out either. He had his lasagne when he got home (microwaves are a wonderful thing).

It was certainly a Mother's Day with a difference and one I won't forget for quite a while.

I'm really glad he went to see his Mum and so is he.

It's what Mother's Day is all about.

A Visit to Grandma

2008-02-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Lola and Grandma

Grandma and Calum

Grandmas are very special people and Joe's Mum is no exception. We don't get to see her as often as we would like as life is so busy.

Joe goes down once a month to see her and stays overnight so that she has company as she lives on her own. However, as a whole family, we only go down every few months.

So when we all went to London for Calum's Open Day at St Martin's we made sure that we called in to see her.

Having not seen Calum and Lola for a while, she could see a real difference. Calum is taller and Lola even more grown up, in the way that girls are.

We called in for tea after a hectic day in London and it was really good to catch up with her.

She hates having her picture taken but I managed to persuade her to pose with Calum and Lola. I had to take several shots as she kept closing her eyes but we got there in the end!

Calum will be staying with his Grandma when he goes to his four day Graphic Design course at St Martin's that we've booked him on during the Easter holidays.

I think it will be really nice for both of them.

Central St Martin's

2008-02-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

Calum outside Central St Martin's

Student artwork at St Martin's

More student artwork - I think the message is loud and clear!

An Open Day
Calum and I recently went to an Open Day at Central St Martin's School of Art. It was for the Graphic Design undergraduate course

Calum is mad about art and wants to become a Graphic Designer and work in advertising. He'll be following in his Dad's footsteps as Joe spent 20 years in advertising working as a Commercial Artist.

Going round St Martin's was an amazing experience. It felt like a privilege to get a glimpse 'behind the scenes' of this world famous institution.

There was a real buzz and energy about the place - you could really feel the creativity.

We were taken round St Martin's by the quietly spoken but very knowledgeable Head of Graphic Design, Alan Baines. He gave us an in-depth insight into what life there is like, what they're looking for in their students and what's expected of them.

Fierce Competition
Needless to say, standards are high and competition is fierce (800 applicants for 180 places!).

But someone has to get those places and Calum has as good a chance as anyone else.

He can certainly see himself studying there and so can I so that's what he's aiming for. He came away more enthused than ever and that's a good sign.

If you want really want something, you'll go all out to achieve it. I'm glad Calum is aiming high.

The tour took over two hours but we both enjoyed every minute. Afterwards we visited an exhibition of some of the students' work.

The artwork speaks for itself - it shows talent, originality and creativity.

I believe Calum has all of those qualities. Now he needs to demonstrate them in his portfolio.

He'll certainly give it everything he's got.

And we'll be behind him all the way.

Never Give Up

2008-02-16T02:12:00.000-08:00

Lola's GCSE artwork

Lola's been working really hard on a piece of artwork for her GCSE.

It's very elaborate and has taken an incredible amount of work.

So you can imagine how she felt when she was half way through and her brush marker pen smudged really badly, ruining the picture.

Undeterred, Lola started the whole thing again from scratch.

It's taken her most of the Half Term holiday but I think the end result shows that it was well worth it.

Well done, Lola - another amazing picture!

Happy 150th!

2008-02-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

Me in full flow

Balloons in Reception

Chris's fantastic cake

Last Monday we celebrated our 150th anniversary at work.

Reaching 150 years is is quite an achievement for any organisation - I wonder how many of those around today will last that long.

So we definitely had to mark the occasion.

Book Launch
In the morning we held a book launch for our special commemorative book. The launch was attended by a host of dignitaries and members of staff who had won their places in a prize draw.

The mix of people worked well and everyone seemed to enjoy it. The speeches were interesting and entertaining and, thankfully, not too long.

I was the MC and really loved it. Give me a stage and an attentive audience and I'm happy!

I also loved seeing the balloons in Reception. They were a real talking point and put everyone in a festive mood. Lots of visitors commented on them, too.

Happy Birthday
In the afternoon we held a 'birthday tea' for all our staff with free cake.

Thanks to the military-like precision of our catering teams we managed to feed over 1,000 people - which is a lot of cake!

Some people took away three or four pieces (they were spotted by the catering staff) while others made do with one. I couldn't decide between the carrot cake and coffee cake, so I had both. That kept me going until the next day.

However, nothing came close to the fantastic cake that Chris in Catering made for the book launch. It looked so good, it was a shame we had to cut it.

A Brilliant Day
It was a hectic but brilliant day and everyone entered into the spirit of it - especially the cake! It was great to see people sitting around and chatting and taking time out from their normal working day.

When it was over, we were all exhausted but really pleased it had all gone so well.

It was definitely a day to remember.

Another Day Out In Cambridge

2008-02-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

Me at the Ronald Searle exhibition

Studio space at Anglia Ruskin

Vibrant flowers

Ronald Searle Rocks
Calum and I went to Cambridge yesterday and I took him to see the Ronald Searle exhibition at Anglia Ruskin. Ronald Searle is an amazing illustrator and his pictures are as quirky as they are clever. Seeing some of his most famous drawings close up felt like a real privilege.

It wasn't all laughs, though. There were some poignant war illustrations as well - the simple lines somehow capturing the anguish of the subjects. Harrowing but beautiful. But most of all it was a joy to see the characters I grew up with 'in the flesh' so to speak. I especially loved the 'fat cats' and St Trinian's girls. The pictures felt like old, well-loved friends.

A rare treat indeed.

ARU Open Day
It just happened to be an Open Day at Anglia Ruskin as well so there was a real buzz about the place. Calum and I went up to the gallery to have a look at some of the studio space used by art students. With the light streaming in, it looked fantastic. I was especially taken with the work of one student who painted huge flowers in vivid colours.

Cafe de Paris
Once we'd had a look round, it was back to the library for me and into town for Calum. However, we did manage a trip to the Cafe de Paris beforehand where I treated Calum to a caramel slice and a hot chocolate, as well as an enormous tuna baguette.

I go there on a Saturday morning for hot strong coffee and a piece of wicked chocolate biscuit cake on my way to the library.

Well, there has to be some reward for all that studying ...

Good Things Happen

2008-02-03T06:58:00.001-08:00

The happy couple, Rebecca and Nick

Phoebe in Company magazine

It's great when good things happen and this week lots of good things happened!

Another Distinction!
I got another distinction for my last MA module. I was so pleased I literally squealed with delight. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Rebecca and Nick got Engaged
Nick proposed to Rebecca on their fourth anniversary at the time they first met. They make a perfect couple and I have never seen anyone as happy as Rebecca was on Friday.

I Got a Bottle of Pink Champagne
My lovely Korean friend Hyun Sook dropped in unexpectedly with a bottle of pink champagne for me. It was to say thank you for copying some MA notes for her.

My Friend Clare Rang
I haven't heard from her in ages and had been wondering how she was. We had a good old catch up and have arranged to have lunch next week.

Yiota's Birthday Lunch
We all went out for lunch at Da Luca to celebrate my friend Yiota's birthday. We drank Prosecco, ate delicious food was delicious and generally had a great time.

Phoebe was in Company Magazine
My friend Nic's daughter Phoebe was in the March issue of Company magazine. I've known Phoebe since she was born and she's turned into the most beautiful young woman.

Nail Art
I had my nails done at Blazing Nails and I'm really pleased with them. This time I've gone for little flowers with sparkly bits. I've already had lots of comments.

I Met Mel
I bumped into my friend Mel, who I used to work with. It was great to see her and catch up on all the latest gossip.

New York, New York!
We finally booked our holiday to New York, so we're definitely going - I can hardly believe it.

We're staying at the W Hotel which is tres chic and we're all beyond ourselves with excitement.

Roll on August!

Lola's Art

2008-01-23T05:47:00.000-08:00

Linework for Yong-Ha Kang by Atra Valentine, Lola's alter-ego

Lola's art just gets better and better. Here's one of her recent drawings.

Things That make Me Smile

2008-01-23T04:31:00.000-08:00

There are lots of things that make me smile, but round robin emails are not usually one of them.

In fact I find them intensely irritating (as well as distracting) and usually hit the 'delete' button as soon as they land.

I'm supposed to be working - right?

However, I have to say that the one my friend Pauline sent me this week made me laugh so much, I not only read it all the way through but I forwarded it to two girlfriends as well.

I knew they would appreciate the sentiment.

Anyway, here it is in a slightly edited version is. See if you can relate to it, too.

If you can, you're definitely on my wavelength as indeed are my friends, Sue and Nic and, of course, Pauline. Go girls!

Girlie Wisdom

Women over 50 don't have babies because they would put them down and forget where they left them.

One of life's mysteries is how a 2-pound box of chocolates can make a woman gain 5lbs.

My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.

The best way to forget your troubles is to wear tight shoes.

The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you are doing, someone else does.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends.

Sometimes I think I understand everything, and then I regain consciousness.

I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing together and setting fire to my knickers.

Every 7 minutes of everyday, someone in an aerobics class pulls a hamstring.

Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks 2 sizes!

Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like... 'You know, sometimes I forget to eat!' .....Now, I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name and my keys. But I have never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat!

A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills...she has 14 kids but doesn't really care.

And my absolute favourite:

The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about nothing and then they marry him!