A lovely Borth weekend!

Today was definitely Sunny Sunday! From the blustery, wet day that was Saturday, we woke up to sunshine, blue skies and a long walk around the dunes at Ynyslas. It's been over a year since I was in Borth and I surprised myself by how much I enjoyed it. Though Borth was never about the place. It was always about the people. I've had a great weekend with my little brother and my Mom. When we were kids, we used to share all the jobs like washing up, wiping up, cooking etc. One of us would make a rota! It appears that my little brother's name was against every job this weekend ;) he cooked for us, washed up, wiped up and although I felt quite lazy, I loved it!

 Greg never goes anywhere without Pop and Pud + Lazy Daisy, who I've renamed Dave! Ok, I misheard once and the new name has stuck.

 It was lovely to be beside the seaside. There's something compelling about watching the waves crash onto the beach and even though the weather wasn't brilliant this weekend, today was still a perfect day.

We walked the plank, chatted about old times and raised a 'magnum' ice lolly to Father, Dear Father on his Father's Day. We all know how much we miss him and I for one, was glad to be with my lovely family today :) x

12 + 3 = SOR-RY!

I'm having one hell of a week so far! Look at these beautiful roses that I bought to cheer myself up. Did you know that you should always count the number of roses before you give them to someone because every numbers has a different meaning. Here's a well kept secret and one that could save you money next Valentine's Day!

1 rose for love at first sight - you are 'The one'

3 to say 'I love you'

7 to say 'Together forever'

10 to say 'Perfection'

12 to say 'Be mine'

13 is for friendship

15 to say 'I'm sorry'

There were 15 in my bunch so either I'm supposed to say sorry for something or perhaps there's a sorry coming my way! Roll on FRIDAY, at the end of which I will be celebrating with champagne flowing and corks popping - just because I can ;-}

I've forgotten the question... !

But the answer always is a lovely, home cooked, tasty beef and cider casserole!

What should have been a very quiet, short week has turned into a topsy, turvy week that has been more challenging than trying to climb Mount Everest in high heels. I feel like a cocktail that's been shaken wildly and I'm still stirred by the experience. Sometimes 'stuff' happens and what some people don't realise is that their actions hurt people like me. It may be work to them but they should know that I'm so close to my work that I can't fail to get upset by other people's stormy approach to life. And before anyone says 'toughen up' that's just not me. Where I expected a friend, I found a foe. Where I thought I'd hear praise, I heard shouting. Don't get me wrong, I'm pretty tough but I don't like confrontation.

Stuck between an olive and a sharp stick, I walked into Nailsworth in the rain and bought some braising beef and a bottle of "Kopparberg" premium cider with mixed fruit. The sweetness of the cider caramelises the beef and the anchovies, my masterstroke, hide within the gravy so no one knows they're there, only me! My secret ingredient plus chopped chestnuts, garlic, bay leaves, carrots and onions add a richness to the gravy that makes it taste heavenly and marinating all the ingredients at the beginning makes sure that every single morsel is absolutely delicious. Suddenly, the 'stuff' going on in my work life is far less of a bother. And I'm reassured by the fact that in the end.. "Good things come to those who wait?"

Our Diamond Jubilee Concert

I loved this concert! It was attended by all the Royals and has been one of the great highlights of this very Royal weekend. Who else could get such a star studded line up which included Dame Shirley Bassey, Kylie, Tom Jones, JLS, Sir Elton John, Sir Cliff Richard, Robbie Williams, Stevie Wonder and one of my faves, Sir Paul Mc Cartney but Gary Barlow. The Royals looked chilled and Harry was definitely the most eligible bachelor of the night!

 Sir Paul doing what comes naturally with old Beatles hits and he was outstanding!

I'd watched the programme during the week with Gary Barlow travelling around the Commonwealth to collect singers and performers for 'Sing' the official Diamond Jubilee Song. With 200 performers on the stage, including Military Wives, Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber, BBC Concert Orchestra and the African's Childrens Choir, it was an amazing performance and one of the most moving of the night.

What an amazing spectacle and as a pre-cursor to the Olympics, I sincerely hope Gary has had a hand in those celebrations too.

 What an icon - Stevie Wonder, top performer and so humble, I could have listened to him all night long!

 HRH still managed to raise a smile, even though Prince Philip is in hospital. She couldn't help but feel 'the love' and although she must be pretty tired by now, as always, she looked amazing.

 A bit of Madness going on on the roof of Buckingham Palace! Loved the 'Our House' images and the fact that one minute it was Madness and the next, Alfie Boe, Renee Fleming and pianist, Lang Lang were adding a wonderful classical twist to the proceedings. The palace made such a wonderful backdrop to the concert and the special lighting effects were fantastic to watch.

 Peter Kay as the best Beefeater you've ever seen.

 Spot the Royals having a fun time at the concert. Zara in particular looks beautiful and obviously enjoying herself.

 The Mall festooned with Union Jack flags and just packed with concert gooers.

SPECTACULAR and one of the most memorable images of the entire night!!

A right Royal Diamond Jubilee weekend!

It's such a novelty to have a 4-day weekend. Two days is a relief after my busy weeks. Three days always feels like I'm getting 50% extra and do you know what? This 4-day special weekend feels like it's going on forever and I love it! I kicked started this very special Diamond Jubilee weekend by going to the theatre with Lucious Lisa, her friend Carol and husband Gary,to see Murder on the Nile. I love live entertainment of any kind so although this wasn't the best performance I'd ever seen, it was still good. One big 'Boo Boo' was the omission of Poirot anywhere in the plot! Surely they can't have forgotten about the little guy with the funny accent, the dark moustache and the funny walk!? Nevertheless, the meal at Red Peppar was as delicious as ever and it was a night out - I'm always up for a good night out.