Trip to Duxford

With the holiday coming to an end today it was only right we did something special and had a trip out. It was what we need to finish off a summer that really hasn't been all we hoped for in terms of weather or having the family together as much as we expected. Thankfully some careful budgeting paid for it all and the destination picked with cost partly in mind.

It was a place we hadn't been to for ages although it is only a little over an hour away in the car, the Imperial War Museum at Duxford. I have found memories of the place from my last visit with the girls and I was hoping to have more of them today. Since the last time I visited it has changed so much and there is still so much to do you could spend more than a day there looking round and watching all the films about the exhibits. It is just a wonderful place to spend time walking about and seeing all there is to see in the fresh air.

Taking some food with us which I cooked when I got up that was, the plan was to see as much as we could. The first hanger really gives you a good impression of what to expect form the static displays. A hanger full of aircraft ranging from planes from the first world war to the Concorde prototype that is a must see for anyone visiting the museum. What they have done in the way they direct you round this hanger is to introduce you to the principles of flight through a range of interactive displays before you finally go down to be among the display. In this one hanger alone you can spend hours learning about the aircraft and how they fly.

Once you leave the first hanger, near the entrance, there is just more and more to see. In all there are 6 hangers to explore, a 1940's operation room and a major exhibition on land warfare in it's own purpose built building. In addition to this, as you walk around the site you spot other treasures just begging to be explored. Each hanger you visit has a particular theme. These range from aircraft that are in flying condition to static displays of aircraft from various periods. The most impressive of hangers other than the  first you visit is the one housing the American collection. It's centre piece is a large Boeing B52 bomber, still leaking oil from it engines. The whole hanger seems to be constructed around the aircraft and to maximise the viewing space there are real aircraft hanging from the roof like Airfix kits hanging off a child ceiling. It is an impressive sight.

What I love is the way some of the aircraft and other exhibitions on display have been been given life by the addition of figurines and in some cases historical settings. It just adds to the whole experience. This is especially so in the land warfare exhibition where they are made use of to best effect to illustrate contextualise the vehicles on display. Unfortunately Emily isn't so keen on them they have a tenancy to make her jump. Sadly, however one of the displays has now been removed that I use to love, a trip back to the first world war showing what life was like for the aircrews and ground crews of the day complete with sounds of the time. I can see the museum needs space. it has lot to show off about, but it was so good a display I did miss it and I hope they one day find the space to have more displays like it.

The one enduring image I will take with me from the day was from just outside hanger 4 which showed a small girl of Lucy's age in the arms of an air raid wardens crying. It just hit me like a speeding car hitting a brick wall. The thought of what we put children through because of adults conflicts and wars is just awful. What scares me is we can create so much hate in the world that can allow this to happen for whatever reasons. You think as adults we would have learnt to live with each other and not to do this to our children. A lot of this recently from the black and white thinking coming from religious ideology. It is about time we all learnt to talk and get on in the world.

Finally I think the objective of the day was achieved, to make the summer holidays, that at times have been dull and sad, end on a high. It is what Emily and Catherine needed before they went back to school to have something to nice to remember the summer by. I know it was what I needed to, for the coming weeks after the weekend are going to be dark and uncertain. Then again you never know they could turn out to be wonderful.

More Shameless

Tonight sees the the start of final nine episodes of series eight of Shameless to welcome in the autumn schedules on channel 4. It is gritty drama series set in Manchester on the fictional Chatsworth council estate and it is not to be missed.

Having now watched it for the past few years, I will be watching on channel 4 plus one tonight as channel 4 in it wisdom have decided to set the programme time to coincide with Big Brother on channel 5. If it wasn't for the content of Shameless it could have been seem as tactical move by the channel 4, as it is, is just were the programme has to be in the schedule to avoid complaints.  I can't say enough good things about the show. Watch for yourself and you will understand my love of the series since I started watching it.

Uniform Shopping

It been one of those busy little days with loads of little things to do and for the girls, once they were done, a time to catch up with old friends after their holiday.

The start of the day started late for the Emily and Catherine. After all the excitement of being away they both took the opportunity to have a lie in and I didn't hear a sound from either of them until ten o'clock when Catherine surfaced to be followed half an hour later by Emily. After breakfast they both settled down to relaxing around the house while they both woke up until it was time to pop into Oakham to get some lunch while we did some shopping.

With the coming of the new school year we were busy getting the things Emily and Catherine both need for school. The most expensive item and the most difficult to find being the school uniform. As you will know if you read the blog this means a complete new uniform for Catherine as she moves from one school onto the next. The problem we faced was that for some reason this year there is a shortage of school uniforms despite the shops having order plenty of stock from the suppliers. It seems every one is in the same boat and their are going to be a lot of pupils without this and that at the start of the new school year. We managed to pick up enough to get them started but there still loads on order and without a date for it's delivery. 

With the shopping out of the way the girls went off to catch up with friends. Catherine stayed in Oakham to meet up with hers friends while Emily went round to Millie's house to catch up with her. It meant I had a nice quiet afternoon to do  some of things I needed to do until it was time to collect them before dinner.

Dinner was a simple affair, hot spicy chicken, side salad with French dressing and new potatoes with butter. All rather yummy and filling enough to keep everyone going to bedtime for some sleep before the final day of the school holidays tomorrow. The girls spent there time on the computers catching up on missed TV, something they will find harder to do as homework eats into there time when school starts. 

It has been a good day and hopefully tomorrow is going to be even better. We a have a plan for a nice day out, but more on that tomorrow.

Another Return

Today saw another return this time two special people came home. Emily and Catherine came back to Rutland after their holiday with there Mum.

By all accounts they had a smashing time and I'm just glad they had so much fun, but it is wonderful to have them home again. There is a lot to do before school starts for them on Thursday but all the same I'm hoping we can squeeze in some fun and have a laugh.  It would be a shame to end the school holidays on a low.

Abstract Art

I like all kinds of Art but I'm currently looking for a piece of abstract art of the dinning room wall. I know what I'm looking for but for the life of me I can't find what I'm looking for yet.

I want a swirl based design, a bit like the picture above, based around the colours red and yellow merged together in places to form different shades of orange.  The idea being to add colour to a white plain wall.  I'd love to have a real painting in oils with course brush strokes that you could see and run your fingers across, if that is possible. I know if I had the money I would commission the piece or the skills paint it myself.  

What Sleep

Still not sleeping well, and it seems ages since I had a full nights sleep. Even when I appear to sleep in fact I spend time awake, normally after a dreams that seem to have the same theme. Last night I didn't even get as far as dreaming. I never got to that phase of the sleeping patten before I woke.

I would just love to wake up and feel refreshed in the morning. It's a feeling I haven't had for so long that it is starting to feel like a lifetime ago when I last felt like that. I was never a person to sleep for ages, but this is really wearing. Years ago I suffered from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis commonly known as ME, and my concern it will return again. I have learnt all the tricks to deal with it over the years but I still require sleep and that something I'm not getting. I suppose I lucky in I know the tricks to deal with low energy, but still I want to be able to do all the things I want to do during a day without having to rest so much.

I'm just hoping for a better night tonight, and at least being able to get to the dream stage and then once I wake, fall asleep again. I just wish my mind was silent as I slept without things rushing in and out of it like cars on a racing track of thoughts. There a lot going on in this head of mine, some of them thing I am certain of, others that concern me and some things I have no control over that just are the way they are at the moment.

On the bright note and despite the lack of sleep at least it was a less emotional day than yesterday when I was missing people in general. Although it had its moments it was on an even keel which I put down to approaching the time when I see the girls again and we can get on with family life. I love all my family and always will.

Another Day

It been one of those days I have been missing people in my life. Some of the people that are important to me and mean the world to me, my children.

It just been one of those days when you feel you want to spend time with those that some of those that matter and they are just not about to have fun with. All the fun on TiBB and twitter doesn't make up for being close to those you love. I'm also missing those that are no longer with me. I know time moves on and people leave our world but that doesn't stop you missing them too or stop loving them.

At least in the case of the children I shall see at lest two of them soon, as for when I see the third that is going to depend on the money that is spare after feeding the other two. I just hope it is not too long, for like the other two she means the world to me. As for the others, well that is life, I guess.

I try and live in the present even with the difficulties it brings and be hopeful of the future, but on days like this I just feel empty, broken and I just want to smile again. Thankfully tomorrow is another day and I pray that it will be a better day than today.

More Returns

Continuing the theme of returning that seem to be developing in the Blog at the moment since Big Brother started, I have also returned to twitter.

I deactivated my old account sometime ago for various reasons but with the fun that can be had while their is a reality television show on I started using twitter again. I created the account sometime ago but never really used it and it seemed an ideal time to make use of it. Sites like the  Big Brother forum are fun but the interactivity of Twitter just adds to watching a show. It also has the advantage of connecting you with the presenters of the show and official feeds, one thing that doesn't happen on a forum. Like my retur to the forum I'm glad to be back on twitter.

Holiday Reports

Ever since Emily and Catherine went on Holiday I have been getting a stream of text messages, and the odd phone call, from Emily about how the holiday is going. It has been lovely to hear what they have been up to and to know they are having a great time.

Their mother and her family have hired a house for the week big near the coast enough to fit them all in. It just a short walk to the beach with which a big thing for Emily and Catherine who both love being by the seaside. Having lived in Leeds and Rutland, bot some distance from the sea I can understand why they like it so much. For this reason there has been lots of trips to the beach from what has been said in the messages. Another thing about the house it has a games room complete with a pool table and other games so there is plenty to do in the evening.

The family always take it in turns cooking while they are away. Emily was telling me how she was learning to cook lasagne with her mum something I haven't done for years. When I suggested we cook it together when she got home I got the thumbs up. I know it something she loves to eat. More importantly though Emily is growing up. Gone is the child and the young adult stage has started for her and with it has come something special, a different kind of bond and respect, even though I expect the child to reappear from time to time until she is a bit order. Talking and listening to Emily the young adult is rather nice and refreshing change. She has all kinds of views and opinions forming in her brain as she shapes who she is for the future. It an interesting time for her and Catherine will shortly follow her though this stage and Lucy some years later.

I hope the rest of the holiday is equally a success for every one there it has been for the first few days. I know I can't wait to see them again and hear all their stories of adventure and fun. It is going to be wonderful.

Return to TiBB

It has been years since I had been on the thisisbigbrother.com website. It is a discussion forum which mainly deals with reality television as while as having discussion areas of more general subjects. It used daily by many people and I have been a member of the site for over seven years and a moderator on the site for six of those years.

In the past two of years or so I have hardly been on the site for more than a few days in total, but with the start on Big Brother on Channel 5, I thought it was time I returned. There is a lot my history on the site, after all without it I would never have been blessed with having Lucy in my life, it was where I met her Mummy, so going back there was a challenge. It was one I had to face at sometime and I'm glad I have. It has lots of great memories and hardly any bad in comparison. It was just that felt strange about returning.

It has actually turned out to be fun going back to the site after all of these years. Only a few of the older members still post so there haven't been an awkward questions to answer. I'm guessing that a lot of them probably know what happened  from my Facebook account in any case and my feelings about it all. I have up to now just been posting and doing very little moderation. I just need to get the feel of the place and learn who is who out of the new members and who is in which camp. Once I have a feel for the place then I will be in a better position to start moderating the place again. Thankfully there are lots of moderators now, all of whom gave me and another returning moderator a warm welcome. It was like coming home after being away.

It good once in a while to face your fears head on and then embrace the past and bring it into the future. The only thing that ever stops you doing that is fear itself, but sometimes once you do you find rich rewards and have lots of fun. That what I have found from this experience.

The X Factor Returns

Today saw the return of the X-Factor to Saturday nights prime slot on ITV. It marks the start of the rating war that is bound to ensue between the major channels as they try to grab audience share before Christmas. For me the show is something that I now look forward too since I started watching it some years ago.

Like Britain's Got Talent, Simon Cowell was missing as where the two female judges, Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue. The only surviving judge being Louis Walsh who was joined by Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos. It was very much out with the old and in with the new but the question will be will it work. 

Personally I didn't miss Simon Cowell too much when he decided to sit out the auditions of Britain's Got Talent and I thought he brought very little back into the show when he returned. To be honest I didn't miss him that much this time either, although I might change that view as we get through to the live shows when I think he gives much more to the show. As for the missing girls I did think Cheryl Cole absence did show a bit and the best of the two new female judges was Kelly Rowland. As for other new judge, Gary Barlow, he did a fine job and looked very comfortable with the role. I guess that time will tell if the judges panel lives up to those of the past.

As for the show itself it was a slick as ever. Two potential talents and lots of deluded people that didn't stand a chance of getting through to boot camp, thus following the shows normal format. It seemed very much business as usual and the eighth series has got off to a good start. Lets hope the absence of Simon Cowell doesn't remove the attention of the press away from the show, and that it is as much of a success this year as has been in the past.

Arrows Lose One of their Own

Today the RAF display team lost one of it aircraft and sadly one of it pilots too. The reason why I blogging about it is not only my interest in aviation but the fact the pilot came from Rutland.

Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging was taking part in a display in Dorset where it was taking part in the Bournemouth Air Festival. Originally a Harrier GR9 pilot based at RAF Cottesmore he flew supported missions for coalition ground forces in Afghanistan before joining the Red Arrows last year as red four. Air Vice Marshal Mark Green said of Jon's "Professionalism, enthusiasm for life and a willingness to help others that transcended all boundaries." before going on to say he will be "sorely missed by all those that had the privilege to know him. "

I just want to add my deepest condolences went to the pilot's family and all the Red Arrows team.

The Rebirth

Last night with a peek audience of six million Celebrity Big Brother was reborn on Channel Five after being Channel Four. It was quiet an opening with a new host in the Big Brother winner Brain Downling and ture to form  a cast of has been Celebrities trying to make their mark again in the Celebrity world.

It had all you would have expected of the a launch show and the usual twist and some of the house mates showed their usual levels of intelligence. For example, Katnona volunteered to go into the diary room first only to be given a mystery task which could leave her up for the public vote which makes you wonder if she has ever watched the show. It should be interesting to see how the show develops from here and if the can get the tasks right, like they did in the last series. All in all, it is going to be fun watching the show again and I hope it manages to reach the heights of the last series.

Of course I will be following the show on thisisbigbrother.com and commenting when time allows. It's my bit of car crash television and has been for years.

Catch Up

Looks like I'm playing catch up with the blog again, especially with the family posts. These will be finished as soon as I can. 

It is just hard sometimes to write them. If you read the blog on a regular basis you will know why, but that is how life is and you can do is try and smile and get on with it.

So then there were none

As we approach the end of the School Holidays, Emily and Catherine have both gone off to visit their mum and to go on a family holiday. To say they are excited about the holiday is a bit of an understatement. While Lucy was here they were making plans on how to get the best beds and how to have the most fun.

Having got them both pack the night before everyone got up early for the drive to met up with there mum. Today it was at the old meeting point at the services on the junction of the A1 and the M62. Their mum has a bad back and with the driving for the holiday we both agreed not to make it worse by having her drive to the usual pick up point.

Thankfully we were up in plenty of time to make the early pick up. I didn't even have to get Emily out of bed which came as a surprise. Normally during the holidays she loves to sleep in, but not today. Before long we were heading up the A1 on first part of the journey and they were gone after hugs and goodbyes. 

They are off to Northumberland for a week. Part of the country I simply love after my years of living in the North East of England. Often I would make trips up to that part of the world to soak in the beauty of the countryside and the many sights there are there to be seen. I just hope they have a love time and the are full of tales to tell when they get home.

As for me it is a time to think and reflect on life and it tribulations and it troubles, To look for solutions and generally think about what is to come. It could be a bleak autumn and winter money wise and I will need to do some planning to get through what financially could be a troubled time. Then there is the rest of life to think about and especially the situation around Lucy and the pain that brings me. Like I keep saying I know what I want and it is a dream worth chasing and aspiring too.

Dead End Day

The day started off much like the day before and I had so much to do. I was determined not let it continue like that. I wanted to make something of the day. I didn't want another day like yesterday but that is how it basically went. Nobody really wanted to do anything despite my efforts.

The day even started the same way as the day before. I got up just before eight to be joined by Catherine and hour or so later who just had breakfast and watched television. I tried to get her motivated into doing something but she just didn't want to. As for Emily when she got up she was in the same sort of mood. The morning passed as you can imagine with nobody doing much at all. Even going to the shops had no takers for once.

After lunch, Millie managed to get Emily motivated enough to go her house for  the afternoon but Catherine still wasn't in the mood for doing very much. She just seemed happy to potter around doing her own thing. I though she would have liked to get out but she really wasn't interested even when I pressed. Thankfully dinner was nice and that seemed go down well and I don't think either of the girls was bored. It was just how they were and I know how they feel. I must admit I didn't expect today to be like this. Yesterday I can understand, but not today. It's not like we couldn't go anywhere, it more that nobody really wanted to do much

I know what I want in life and what I have now isn't working as it should. As to how I can change things I'm not sure at the moment. All I know is things can't carry on like this forever. I know my goals, I know what I want from life and what matters to me. I just have to find away of achieving my aims as well as connecting with people and get my feelings across. I need clear lines of communication. Deep down I know where I want to be, just not how to achieve it. That is the mountain I have to climb. That is what I search for and hope for everyday. I know one thing I won't give up.

On a positive note I moved the old mac mini into the living room. Now at last I have my music and the Hi Fi connected together and I can once again enjoy music when I want it. Music is really important ot me at the moment. I seem to be able to connect to it again. It might not always be happy music but music is good for the soul. maybe it will help me be more reflective and move things forward somehow.

Wasted Day

It's just been one of those days that feels like it has been wasted. This has probably been made worse by the preceding days, today was quite a contrast. Nothing has got done at all, not a thing that is worth noting.

The morning was just spent pottering around for everyone, after lunch Emily went to Millie's and Catherine myself just seemed to do nothing until she returned. Then bedtime came and I was glad the day was over. Everyone was quiet. What a waste.

Fun by the Water

Today something special happened. Something that has been missing since all the problems with contact started because of how we were going to share the cost of Lucy being here. Lucy at last felt at home again. Gone by the end of the day was just the over excitement of being home with me and all the demands of attention. She was at last happy to just be. She was herself and as always we all loved having her here. It might of not been the sunniest day, but it has been a happy day and so nice to see Lucy happy and contented.

As usual I was woken by a little voice calling my name and as I entered the room she gathered up her things. As soon as we were downstairs she took over my seat with her and made herself comfortable while I got on with making a coffee and some tea for her. It wasn't long before we were sitting together and watching some children's television while we both woke up.

The next person up, as always, was Catherine and she headed straight for the kitchen to make herself some breakfast and some for Lucy too, which they ate together at the table before going off to the family room to play. It was as the church bells started to peel their morning call that Lucy went off to get Emily up. Neediest to say Lucy used her step to get into Emily's bed to jump on her. Emily once dressed came down to join in with there games.

At the eleven we headed out the Oakham Park. The idea being to combine some shopping and fun what was had in the town. Like the day before they had a grand time playing all things there and letting off steam. It is just great watching them run around. Lucy is in her element there. It was just a shame we didn't have longer there, but I had plans.

We did need much at the supermarket, just some drinks, bread and filling for some sandwiches. We were planning to go on a picnic and we just need all the bits we needed for the day. All the other food for our Sunday Dinner I had got the day before and thanks to my Tescos Clubcard points and it going to be a treat.

When we got home Catherine made the sandwiches, and I got on with packing the picnic bag. It has been ages since we have been of a picnic and without looking through blog I couldn't even tell what month it was, all I know is it was probably sometime around this time last year. As you can imagine everyone was excited especially Lucy.

The destination for our picnic was Rutland Water. We followed this up with a trip to the adventure playground to burning off all the food we all ate. Although the it wasn't sunny it was still warm enough to sit on the grass near the banks of the reservoir to eat and later for the girls to play ball together with some balls we brought from Tescos while we were there. They were having a great time with the balls. One particular moment that was funny was when Lucy announced she had lost her ball with the straightest of faces. After the girls questioned her for a while as to where it could have gone as they looked around she started to smile. She had found a hole in the ground and put the ball in the hole and sat on it.  Emily and Catherine pounced on her and tickled her, it was just so funny. We all laughed so hard.

The adventure playground is always a big hit with the girls and has been since the first time I ever went there. Today was no different. It was amazing to see how Lucy's confidence has grown since our last visit there. The slide is only accessible up a step ramp with wooden logs to put your feet on and a rope to hold. In the past to get her up there Emily would sit at the top and I would pass her up. That is how we started today but after she watch some other children only slightly bigger than her go up the ramp she had a go herself. She was so pleased when she made it on her first attempt and I was so proud of her. After that there was no stopping her. Just like Emily and Catherine she is amazing.

It wasn't the only thing that happened of note. There was Catherine and Emily racing around the assault course, with me timing them to see who could get round in the shortest time. There was Lucy trying to copy her sisters on the assault course and cheating on the bits she couldn't do. There were the swings for Lucy and the climbing net for Emily and Catherine. It was just fun. Of course all three of them founds some friends to play with and that occupied there time towards then end until time ran out on us for the afternoon.

As soon as we got home I had to get dinner on and the girls went off to play around the house. The treat I had planned was a roast leg of lamb. We hadn't had one for so long and I know it is Emily favourite meat and mine. Unfortunately I didn't have any rosemary or garlic to stick into it. I know there is fresh rosemary in the garden, but I just can't remember where and I didn't want to put the wrong herb in the meat, so I just roasted it as it was. I add to this some roast potatoes and some lovely fresh vegetables and mint sauce to taste. There was so much meat I knew we wouldn't need Yorkshire puddings to bulk the meal out. It was all rather yummy when it was cooked and the house smelt divine. There wasn't a bit of lamb left by the end of the meal and all but Lucy cleaned their plates.

With dinner out of the way there was time left for the girls and myself to play some more. There is a kid all of us there say and I'm glad I can still connect with mine when I'm allowed. It is what we all desire. With all the troubles we have in life, all we want at end of the day is to have fun. We don't want to pull down by the negative things in life. This is what happened today and as Lucy had her stories for the night, together with her cuddles and kisses I knew we had a good day. That made me happy. We worked as a unit as a family, even if it was just for a day and I could forget that will soon be gone again.

It has been another wonderful day with the girls. I just loved having them altogether and going out with them and just having fun. I love being a father and I have three lovely girls I love so much. It's just wonderful.

Bread making and more

Well the day started of grey again and my neck was still aching. It wasn't what I wanted but then nothing is perfect. I just had to get on with the day the best way I could and make sure everyone had fun.

The morning started with the sound of Lucy little voice calling my name. It is a  lovely way to start the day and better than any alarm clock. She needed to go to the toilet so off I headed to sort it out for her before we both headed downstairs to watch some television while we both woke up. We sat together, Lucy with her cup of tea and me with my mug of coffee.

After Lucy had some breakfast and then we got straight on with making some bread for lunch. We used the recipe we had used before that everyone loved:

• 600g Strong white flour (Hovis)
• 28-30g Butter
• 7g Fast acting dried yeast (Tesco's)
• 330ml Semi skimmed milk
• 1 Tablespoon of salt
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons of sugar

Lucy help me pour in all the ingredients and then switch the machine on. While we were doing this Catherine got up to join us and made herself some breakfast. Then the wake girls got on with some more art work before having a rest which involved watching television between reading stories. Lucy painted a lovely picture of everyone she cares for that was rather sweet, that ended up on the door in the kitchen.

Emily's lay in again was disturbed and it was Lucy who decided she should get up. This involved getting into the bunk bed with her. In order to do this Lucy worked out if she used her blue step she could get onto the ladder to get into her bed. There was no stopping her and once she was up there with Emily she began tickling her until she gave up and got up.

Once Emily was awake and dressed we headed out to what Lucy calls the purple park. It is actually the village park in Someby which is near the riding stables as you leave the village towards Leicester. It is a lovely little park and has a small football pitch which, unfortunately it was usable today due to maintenance work. That didn't stop us having fun. Lucy loves it there, although Emily and Catherine were a bit mystified as to why it was called the purple park until I pointed out the colour of the slide that Lucy loves. They played all kinds of games there and had a great time. Lucy loved watching the people on the horses go passed the park and the riders that waved to her made her smile.  It was great way to spend the time while we waited for the bread to finish cooking at home.

Once home we entered the house to smell of freshly cooked bread, the only smell of baking that rivals the smell of cooking cakes. It was really lovely and it is such a homely smell. Everyone wanted to tuck into the bread straight away but we had to wait for it to cool for a while. Not mean enough not to give them a taster I cut off the crust and that all sampled the lovely hot bread. The recipe works really well but I think I might just drop the salt content a bit next time. I just don't think we are use to as much salt as a family and it comes across a bit strong. All the same when we did get to make the sandwiches with bread they were lovely. It is so much better than processed bread full of preservatives and other stuff.

Once lunch was over and the food had gone down we headed out again this time to Oakham. Lucy's face was a picture when pulled up next to the park. She was so pleased she screamed with delight and soon as I got her little tricycle out of the car she was speeding down to the entrance, then down into the playground. It was nice to take them all there, but for Lucy I think it was special, as the place is for me. I love this little park and I always will. It was of nicest in this fair country. Soon they were all playing but soon it became time for their treat.

The treat in question was milkshakes at the Castle Café which just a short walk from the park. I hadn't been there for over a year and the last time I was there I had a grand time with Lucy. Today was even better because I had all of them together. I would recommend the café to anyone that comes here. The milkshakes are lovely, they make a great pot of tea and the surroundings are to die for. It has really pretty in the garden and it is the ideal place to just sit and drink. Even on your own you can just take a book and relax as you have your pot of tea. You never feel rushed and the service always comes with a smile. The girls loved it and so did I. It was a lovely treat.

Once we had finished at the café we headed back to the park complete with the tricycle. Soon Lucy was riding the tricycle around the playground stopping off to go down the slides or around and around on the roundabout. She was in her element. When she spotted her bigger sisters on the swings she ran off to find them and soon they were all playing together on the older children rides. For as much pleasure as I get from playing with Lucy I get an equal amount from watching them al play together. It was just a shame that time always catches up on you and we had to leave as the parking I paid for was running out.

There was one thing left to do before we left the town and that was go shopping. With only two supermarkets in town there isn't much choice but we can get all we want too. The product range is better in the Co Op but Tescos is cheaper. It was the later went to today. We needed something for dinner and I'm always on look out of offers for meals later in the week. On the offers side I wasn't disappointed and picked up a couple of days meals basically at half price. I love shopping with the girls although it can be slightly more expensive having the older two with me. They tend to want extras but we normally reach a compromise as to what we can afford and can't afford and it probably doesn't help that I buy them treats too if they are there with me. What I love about taking Lucy is the way she is so keen to help. She emptied the trolley for me and then as always charmed the checkout lady as I finished the packing before paying.

For dinner I roasted some chicken portions which we had with some vegetables, new potatoes and of course stuffing. It something I do when we want a quick Sunday dinner except I will normally do it then with garlic mini roasts. Today it wasn't a substitute that is coming tomorrow and I already have already joint in the fridge,  The girls loved it and Lucy was almost begging people for the crispy chicken skin. There was loads of food and after all the energy expired during the day some hungry people to eat it all. It so lovely to be all at the table enjoying each others company, and even playing the old games of the past.

There was time to burn off some energy after dinner as always before it became time for Lucy to go the land of nod after stories from Emily, Catherine and myself. There was no missing out on her cuddles and kiss before she closed her eyes to sleep. The big girls went to there own room to unwind before joining in the land of nod to sleep.

Thankfully as the day wore on my neck improved, and although not right it didn't stop us doing anything, and nor did the weather thankfully. The rain in the grey clouds stayed away and at one point the sun came out and made us all smile. It been another grand day and lets hope we can have another one tomorrow. It lovely to be able to plan what we are doing and have loads of fun doing it.

Poorly Me

Nothing serious or that will last too long, hopefully, but I have a bad neck today. It will mean that this post is rather shorter than they are normally when Lucy is with us and I haven't taken many pictures of our day. It is best if I rest it and that means not straining it any more today. I want it better in the morning so it doesn't interfere with my time with all the girls.

The morning started with the lovely sound of Lucy's voice calling my name. We went downstairs to watch television while we woke up in the chair together. It wasn't too long until we were joined by Catherine who made herself and Lucy some breakfast. As soon as they finished eating they started with the art things that were on the table and soon they were having fun drawing and painting. Lucy wanted to play with the pots of bubbles that we got the day before and because I said she had to wait for Emily to get up she took in to her own hands to wake her. You could hear the groans of "I want to sleep" coming down the stairs but Lucy didn't give up much to the amusement of Catherine. Soon Emily was dressed and they all went outside blowing bubbles and generally having fun. 

This took the girls nicely onto Lunch, and Emily's first meal of the day given how late she had got up. Just a simple meal of hot dogs. Given that it was about this time my shoulder and neck started hurting having some hot dogs in the fridge turned out to be a God send. They all love them and soon we were ready for the afternoon with full tummies. 

The morning had been grey and dull for a summers day and the afternoon wasn't much better. Thankfully I had a congruency plan in place. We were meant to be going out but the weather wasn't on or side so the girls settled down with some popcorn to watch a film to pass a couple of hours. Lucy, being three didn't watch all of it but she stayed until the popcorn ran out before seeking me out for someone to play with and give cuddles to.  I love the way she tell me she loves me. It all rather sweet and she seems to be having a grand time.

With the film out of the way and a little bit of shopping too we set about making chocolate cakes. There were a few arguments about who was doing what that was what that all was soon settled and it wasn't long before they were made and going in the oven and the house just smelled divine. There is only one smell better than baking cakes and that is going to fill the house tomorrow in the morning. 

As the oven was hot I used it to roast a gammon joint for dinner which we had with vegetables in in white savoury sauce and new potatoes. The vegetables in the sauce turned out to be a success. Everyone loved them and it made a nice change from plain vegetables.  The mixtures of favours worked well together and that combined with the cakes the girls had cooked dinner got the thumbs up from everyone. 

After some more playing with the art things inside and out it was time for Lucy to go to bed. She was soon asleep after her stories and cuddles and Emily and Catherine settled down to catch up on the television they watch until internet went down. In getting the router fixed it got restored to it factory defaults and I lost all the user information. This wouldn't have been a problem if I hadn't thrown away the but of paper with the information on it years ago. Technical support couldn't help me but I remembered an old router and managed to tease the information out it. It was too late for the girls to watch there programmes but at least they will be able to do it in the morning.

It has been another fabulous day with the girls together. Hopefully in the morning I will be able to move more easily and the weather is a bit better and we can get out in the fresh air. Finally sorry for the shorter post. I think I have covered most things and hopefully tomorrow things will be back to normal.

Good to be Together

Today was the day I have been waiting for to happen all week. It was the day we got to see Lucy again and I just couldn't wait for it to start. I really missed having them altogether and today was the day that happened again.

The morning started off with us getting up early to go out first thing. I woke up Catherine and we both got ready and waited for Emily to come home from Millie's before heading out to Melton. Emily had an appointment with the Orthodontist to replace one she should have went to a couple of years ago that seemed to be forgotten at the time and then subsequently. Thankfully her a new dentist picked it up and after waiting ages she had an appointment to be accessed.

As soon as Emily arrived she had just enough time to change as I finished my second cup of coffee after which we headed out to Melton in the car. The last thing we wanted was to be late as the knock on effect could have put other peoples plans out the window too, so we made sure we set out in good time. 

The appointment went well and thankfully the Orthodontist didn't know Emily had an earlier appointment. I didn't want to have to explain what happened because I really didn't know, accept she missed it which I found out much later. Things back then were rather a emotional blur and still are. As it turned out Emily is going to need braces to straighten her teeth but she doesn't seem to mind, she just wants them sorted out. The problem is it is going to take eighteen months to get it fitted because of the length of the waiting list. So much for all the Government pledges on health care.

Once we were finished at the Orthodontist we all went off to find something to eat. We had forgone breakfast and so everyone wanted a bite to eat. So after quick visit to the bakers we headed out to the county park to eat our purchases. It was far better looking at the lovely the countryside than sitting in a town car park to eat our food. It really is lovely place to just be and it had the advantage that it had a toilet if we needed it before we set off to Leicester.

The drive to Leicester from Melton takes thirty minutes at most if you get a reasonable run at  it. I although I couldn't wait to see Lucy I  find the whole thing really difficult. Emily was asking questions and I tried to explain, but I think she found it hard to understand. I know I find it all hard to deal with even knowing the reasons behind it all. The situation still hurts me and that is what deal with every time when I pick Lucy up or drop her off. I wish I could explain here but it wouldn't be appropriate or a sensible thing to do, and in any case it would probably be pointless.

When we arrived I parked the car and as I walked to the house I saw Lucy smiling at me from the front window and I saw her shout my name. It was so lovely to see her. She had grown so much in such a short time seen I last saw her. Every time I see her she seems taller and her use of language seems to be going in leaps and bounds. After arranging a time to drop her off on Monday with her mummy we went on our way with Lucy waving madly at her other sister.

All the girls chatted on the way back. Lucy told them her news and they told her what they had been up to in return. I was rather quiet and sad, that was just how I felt, but I knew I had turn that around because we were returning to the country park in Melton. We need to eat up some time and have some fun before we headed off to find some food for Lunch. It wasn't in the original plan but the weather meant we need to make the most of the better weather before it rained.

Needless to say the girls had a great time together in the park. Lucy was bossing them around and they were just going along with her plans and enjoying the play. I was just happy to sit and watch. They seemed to be having so much fun and that is what mattered. It was just nice to see.

Once we finished in the park we headed back into town. Every since I made the arrangement to pick up Lucy I had planned that we would all have lunch at KFC. It seemed ages since we had all been there together and I know they all enjoy the food. Also as far as fast food goes it is the cheapest of the options. We went for the ten piece family bucket which include two sides and a bottle of drink. There was more than enough to feed us all and everyone went away with a full belly to take them through the afternoon. The only problem we had was an unwanted wasp that took a fancy to our drink cups. It was all rather funny in the end when my cup ended up three shops down to stop the wasp returning.

As we left KFC it started to rain. It wasn't what we wanted and although it wasn't raining when got back to Rutland it was in air. It was enough to change our plans for the afternoon. So instead of heading into Oakham we returned home. What was rather nice was we approached the house Lucy said she loved the house. It really made me feel warm inside that she loves the house too. I brought it for everyone to be happy in and when she said that it I at least knew that I had achieved one of my aims, to make it a happy place even if I haven't achieved all of what I had planned.

Lucy seemed at home straight away and began unpacking her things and showing all the things she had in her bag. It was lovely to see her rabbit with a carrot I got her so many years ago when she was a baby. I didn't think she still had it and she even had her missing Ollie as well. She loves her two Ollie's and I was so glad the missing one was found. I remembered she told me about him being lost the last time she was here.

Once the unpacking was done Lucy settled down under her blanket to watch a film she picked with Catherine. By this time it was raining and we were waiting for it to stop and the ground to dry out. As time went on the plans for the afternoon were slipping away. In the end we gave up on going to the park in Oakham and set out to the town to buy some art things to pass the time until dinner and make the time pass more productively than just watch television or messing on the computers.

The rest of the afternoon was spent with the girls doing art work around the dinning room table or outside drawing with chalk on the paving slabs. Catherine carried on with the stone drawings of a few days ago and Lucy joined in making some of her own. Soon they were all outside having fun with the chalk and leaving white foot prints whereever they went. As they did that I got on with cooking everyone dinner.

After we all ate dinner at the table there was some more time to play before bedtimes. The girls were really making up for lost time and having a great fun. I really could have asked more of them, and when it came time for Lucy to go to bed both Emily and Catherine were both keen to read Lucy her first story of the night. With the stories out of the way I snuggled her down and gave her kisses and cuddles form the people she loves before she fell off to sleep.
 

With Lucy safely tucked up in bed Emily and Catherine both settled down to watch television before bedtime mixed with a little bit of catching up with friends. It was nice a peaceful and the house felt like it was almost complete again. It is amazing how the energy of a home is affected by the souls within it.

To say it been lovely to see little Lucy is an understatement. It just been wonderful and seeing them altogether really warms my heart and to think I have another four days of this to come. I love my family and always will. I just wish they weren't parted and always will.