The One Where I Start To Plan Christmas...And So Much More!

Well, here we are again. Another Sunday, another blog post. I do hope that you're all ok and had a safe and happy Guy Fawkes night. Due to working, I wasn't able to get to any organised displays this year which was a bit sad as I do love a firework or two. The weather in this part of the world was perfect for Bonfire night. The skies were clear, there was no rain and there was little wind. Hopefully, next year I will be able to have a sparkler and 'ooh' and 'aahh' at the displays. Alternatively, maybe I'll go to Epcot or Disney in Florida and watch their nightly displays!

This last week has finally seen the settling of my dear father in law's estate after a very long, drawn out process for all involved. I never would have thought that trying to sell a flat could be so very complicated. We live and learn I suppose. Anyway, my hubby has been brilliant throughout. He has dealt with everything in a calm and composed way and has been honest and transparent in all that he has done. He has found it upsetting at times and has often been frustrated at every turn but he has seen it through and I know that his Dad would be extremely proud of the way that he has remained composed and together with very little help. My hubby doesn't often get mentioned in my blogs or get a lot of credit but he deserves a mention here for being thoughtful, generous and considerate throughout this process. We love you Grandad Fish!

                                                 Russell and his Dad who would be proud of his 'Son No.1'.

I have had today off and so I have walked the dogs twice and been to the hut for an hour or so too. All of these things were a joy, especially as the weather was so favourable. Walking the dogs is a pleasure when it's not raining. Walking them when the leaves are all falling off of the trees, when it's a bit frosty and when the sun is shining is wonderful. All of these pics were taken at Queen Elizabeth Country Park which is a 5 minute drive from our house. How lucky are we?

                                           Bella and her ball. It goes everywhere with us!

                                                 Harvey dog

As mentioned, and between dog walks, I took a trip to the hut basically to put it to bed for the winter which really means bringing home anything that is going to get damp and mouldy over the coming months. Yet again, the weather was glorious and I sat in the sun drinking hot chocolate for a while before packing everything away. A final sweep of the floor showed signs of mice which was a little alarming but everything is now packed away and any mice that are in there will be undisturbed for a while I expect although trips to the hut in the winter months are actually really lovely so time will tell.

Hot chocolate and biscuits coming up

Isle of Wight in the distance

Amazing weather for November

One last photo before I go!

This week I have been trying to make plans for Christmas and have booked a trip to Lapland UK  for the elder three grandchildren and their Mummy and a trip to Christmas at Kew Gardens which I went to last year with a very pregnant daughter and her husband and which we all adored. We hope to go this year with the twins which will be so lovely. I'm hoping to make some wonderful memories for us all. The invitations from Father Christmas in Lapland have already arrived for the children.

...and hopefully Kew will be just as wonderful as last year.

No bump this year!

 Finally, for now at least, I looked after Phoebe and Sam again in the week while Mummy went to work. It was, as ever, a joy to have them. I still have no idea how Mummy and Daddy stay so calm and unflustered on a day to day basis though! Trying to stick to any kind of routine with them is really hard for me just for a day. However, we made it unscathed through another Wednesday. Hooray!

Happy Phoebe

Smiley Sam

Remembrance Day next week and all things 'Poppy' so I'll leave you with a photo of my poppy which comes from the display at the Tower of London 2 years ago. I was honoured to be one of the many, along with my sister and my niece, who were able to take part in the event. It was a really special day. I've just got my poppy out of its box and it now stands proudly in my garden in the pot that contains the gooseberry bush from my Nan's garden. Thinking about it, maybe I should have it indoors? I'd be heartbroken if it got damaged!

Bye for now. Stay safe and be kind.

xxxxx