Today I've been...

Ariadne . DS1 is going to water polo (he's a keen player) tomorrow and DS2 is taking his family to hockey next week. I didn't try for tickets since I live far from London, but it would have been so interesting.

Very happy for you, Ariadne
Greatnan A lovely positive shade of rose would look good with your outfit. And a subtle abstract pattern would 'lift' the outfit. Whatever you choose, I'm certain that you'll feel very special.

Ariadne I hope you had a good vantage point at the games. It's been a good day for eventing and synchronised diving, and my little grandsons have just left, having spent the afternoon practising synchronised falling off the sofa head first, and finishing on a somersault!

Looking forward to meeting up with Annobel and Greatnan and her sister in the next week. glass I think Greatnan's sister will be refereeing so we all manage to speak in turn - 3 women with lots to say!

Well, it is easy for us to get there - only twenty minutes. And DH is a sports person, so he was determined to go. DDiL's successes have taught me a lot; I have been to events, to which I'd never have gone, to support her, and it has surprised me how much I've enjoyed them.

Lucky you,*ariadne*your enthusiasm is infectious!Have so much to do this afternoon but am now watching the gymnastics!

Congratulations, Ariadne - you will be envy of many!

I have been at the Olympics! We are lucky to live near the fast trains, so we took the high speed train straight into Stratford at 6.15 this morning, walked up to and into the park, (a long trek) had a leisurely coffee and went to see the women's handball. These were the only tickets we had, having been unsuccessful with the cycling. I was extremely dubious, (me and sport don't mix well) but it really was fantastic! It was so fast, and easy to understand, and the atmosphere was great. Having been to the Commonwealth games when DDiL was competing, I was prepared not to be bored, but not to be so very well entertained.

The park is truly impressive, and very well organised too, given the thousands there. And the thousands were happy and friendly.

Now have my feet up, and can foresee doing little else today. Another new experience.

Thank you, glass, yes still the eau-de-nil suit and silver top and handbag but I might take my sister's advice on another colour top as it is all a bit insipid.
I have zero colour sense or fashion sense, but my sister has both! She has met Annobel and is looking forward to meeting her again. She also met Granjura when she came to stay with me - we had a lovely day in Montreux. I have been talking about what a lovely bunch you are for many months and she is quite convinced!

greatnan have a good trip and I know you will enjoy the wedding make sure you get a photo of your outfit, are you still going with what you had decided a few weeks ago?

Thats sounds like trouble you anno and when all together we will have to depend on your sister keeping an eye on you all.

I will be in England tomorrow - still got a bit of shopping to do before my grandson's wedding on 11th August, so my sister and I will be hitting the Trafford Centre, but not before we have met Annobel and when for lunch!

Yes I think that is pretty much how it is all over France, Greatnan. As someone said "We came to France for the relaxed lifestyle, but it drives us bonkers, because you can't get anything done..." I don't feel quite like that, but I do find it frustrating when they push you out at 12 o'clock. We went to buy our ride-on mower which was about 2000 euros and the man said "I can't sell it to you now, it is almost lunchtime"..
Anyway I am enjoying being in England with lots of lovely shopping and fantastic sales....

Mamie, my village shop is open on Mondays for July and August only - closed from 12.30 until 3.30 of course. It will then be open every day in the ski season.
Even our local Intermarche supermarket closes for lunch, but Casino in the next village is open from 9 a.m. to 7.30 pm. Things are getting better except they have only one aisle open during their lunch break and it can mean quite a long queue when the various office workers come in for their shopping. The French really do value their lunch time break and car parks empty as if by magic as they go home - in most times parking is free for two hours in the middle of the day.

Mamie Weird isn't it! . Good to hear you're having a lovely time.

Enjoying a week with our grandaughters at the seaside in the UK. Can't quite get used to the fact that the shops are open on Monday and they aren't going to shut for lunch either...

gillieb have a lovely afternoon the forecast seemed as though the showers were up in the hills, so hopefully they will miss you

Ha ... Blanchland; it's lovely.

I am currently running around like a demented chicken getting everything ready for the Ruby Anniversary Afternoon Tea - many thanks, by the way, for the best wishes.

We had thought about taking everyone out, but wanted to have champagne too, and the hotels seemed to add on £10 per person just for a glass, so we decided to hold the tea at home. It is currently sunny (although rain is forecast), so we are hoping it will stay nice and we can go outside. DH has just spent an hour sweeping down and cleaning the chairs. We have invited our DD and DIL, but only informally as we were not sure if they would want to come to something full of the (much) older generation, although it would be lively to show off my DGS and new DGD.

The garden is looking lovely at the moment so keep your fingers crossed for me.

Bridgewater Canal, Greatnan? Give me the North Sea every time! However, I'll be happy to hold your towel for you.

Greatnan

Oldgreymare...strewth...how I admire you for gritting your teeth and keeping your cool. Well done, you! As for the parent's so-called rules...I'm speechless.

Annobel - are we going to have a dip in the Bridgewater Canal next week?
I have managed to get through the last week without antagonising anybody - must be a record! Well, at least nobody has objected in print.
Granjura is currently feeding me up but taking me walks to use up the calories. She is looking forward to meeting you in September.

I am rather enjoying the solitude, having been on holiday with DS1 and family. Having said that, the GC, at 8 and almost 10, do their own thing on the camp site with newly made friends. DGD also spends a lot of time with her head in a book. They're allowed to stay up late on holiday nowadays which means that they sleep late too, as do I.

.... reflecting on spending the last two weeks looking after the GC and having to grit teeth as we followed their parents' 'rules', or in this case anarchy! GCs allowed up til midnight, then watch unsuitable T.V. progs in bed, drink vast quantities of fizzy sugary drinks, and are asked what they want to eat (no prizes for guessing the answers!)
At least GS behaved very well this time!
Am I the only Granny who is quite relieved to be back at base?
Visitors tomorrow then a chance to catch up on GN at the weekend..... phew!

harri when we had our cocker spaniel we used to often go up to Blanchland and there is a 5 mile walk up past Pennypie House and the old iron mine and then up and over the top and back down to the river. My favourite trip was one boxing day when there was a hard frost it was beautiful, the scenery is never the same twice. That little park was the first time DGS1 had ever been on a swing got some lovely photos.

Spent the afternoon in Blanchland with GC, first in the play park and then by the river. Got to have a nice cup of tea and cake in the White Monk tearoom. DIL got an afternoon off and had new fridge fitted without children running round kitchen.

Good to have you back Annobel! Your holiday sounds like it was good fun. We have all behaved impeccably whilst you were away yeah, right, like anyone's going to own up