PHOENIX...........

Seconded.

Thirded.

Forthed (Obviously rushed off feet)

fifth 't'd

....thixthed (I'm lithping)

Please don't say you are lost and still driving round Manchester trying to find your exit off the motorway? (As I did for 3 years when DD was a student there. I finally found the way out the time I drove up to collect her stuff after finals)

Didn't she say she had to be in Enfield on Monday morning?

gracesmum - sounds like my tribulations trying to find the various places my second son inhabited when he was studying in Glasgow! Finding the right exit from the M8 was a nightmare.

Which monday? Last or next? Hope she isn't still circumnavigating Enfield

Last Monday; think she told us she'd got back from her travels safely .

Didn't she go home for the weekend and then have to go back again? (Does that make sense?)

Yes; I remember thinking at the time that she wouldn't have much time for posting for a while.

Yes, she was off training again this week and I think would have come home last night. I think we should give her chance to catch her breath and have a little time with her OH before we push her. I think she starts the 'proper job' next week so will need us all sending good vibes then.

Resurrecting this thread because I've just seen Phoenix is back! Hooray!

Seconded!

She's done the first week, or will have done by today. Last spotted in Lil's bar!

Its a little early for a tipple in Lil's hope phoenix has had a good week.

Hello all, thank you very much for all the kind messages!

Well, here I am having just finished my third week with the company, and my first week going "solo" in the field. We are encouraged to take at least half a day a week for catching up with admin, filling in mileage sheets, planning next weeks visits etc. which is why I'm here. I will get started in a minute, honest.

I travelled by train to Enfield on Tuesday 2nd April to collect the car and was supposed to drive 3 other people to Hyde, but luckily the only chap offered to do the driving, so I was spared that!

On the Thursday evening I had to go solo, driving from Hyde to Nottingham. But I set the sat nav and off I went. The route was what my colleagues describe as going "over the top", i.e across the peaks. Beautiful scenery, windy roads so a good excuse for taking things slowly!

Trying to find the hotel (yet another Premier Inn, I'm developing a phobia about purple) I got lost in the middle of Nottingham, but I did not panic, and arrived at my destination flushed with success and a tad moist due to having a stress induced hot flush outside the BBC television building. I met with my colleague John again and we went to check in. Slight problem, his room had been booked, but not paid for. He had no money. The receptionist suggested that he changed my room to one with twin beds and we could share A couple of phone calls and all was sorted. Quick freshen up, then an urgent appointment with a very large sauvignon blanc.

Next day on to the Nottingham depot, for a tour of the warehouse/factory thing. Very impressive operation, but the yellow hi-viz vest clashed dreadfully with my scarlet shirt.

Then the biggy. Driving back to Devon from Nottingham. Very nervous at first, but gradually settled down. A somewhat unnerving moment coming out of Strensham services where I nearly got wiped off the planet by two young men in hooded tops driving a small Peugeot. It's funny the things that get printed on your mind when under great duress. I wonder if the large unsightly pimple on the passengers nose has cleared up yet?

Anyway, I made it safely home where Mr P was waiting with a Morrisons curry (I do recommend the korma, mild but full of flavour, although the Jalfrezi that comes with it is pretty hot) and chilled wine.

I will provide the next instalment (Phoenix goes to Enfield the pretty way, and has an adventure) a bit later.

Its good to hear your safe phoenix

phoenix, what would we do without you? If that was the road over via Chesterfield to the M1, I agree, it's lovely except when you get stuck behind a lorry that crawls up the hills and speeds up on the few straight stretches. Looking forward to hearing more of your adventures!

Great news! You must be very impressed with yourself. I would be

Phoenix - I feel like a proud mum hearing the 'first day at school' stories.
Sounds like you managed beautifully, in spite of pimply hoodies. Looking forward to hearing more later.

Sounds as though you've had a great start phoenix

What a trouper you are Phoenix. It's not exactly a sleepy journey in to the office on a local bus, is it? I hope they appreciate you