Sat, May 31st

I completed the first draft of our Brussels journal before we headed out of the house to Morrisons to do our weekly grocery shopping. Then, after a little time spent with Tiny when we got back, we headed into town to run some local errands.

First port of call was Oxfam to donate all our old vinyl records. Next we called at Edinburgh Woollen Mill to find some slippers for Dawn (unsuccessfully). Called into Clintons to pick up a few cards, and then Woolworths to do the Lottery and pick up some dark chocolate Kit-Kats. We share two biscuits each when we have a hot cup of Earl Grey at the end of the day. We had a quick lunch at Caffe Uno, then picked up Dawn's dry cleaning and popped into the local petshop before heading home to spend the rest of the day with Tiny.

The evening was spent watching the finals of "I'd Do Anything" and "Britain's Got Talent." Dawn was delighted that Jodie was picked by the nation as Nancy. I on the other hand really felt sorry for Jessie, who I felt had done everything asked of her to win the final. The other finale was just incredible. We were both shocked with the level of talent. At least five acts could have won the £100,000 prize money and appearance in this year's Royal Variety Show. However, neither one of us would begrudge George Sampson his victory with his breakdancing.

Fri, May 30th

Both of us were more than happy to see the end of this week. Even though work hadn't been anything different than normal, it still left its toll. However, today, I did get out for a rare lunch. Steve took Simon, Ilyas and myself down to the Picture House for a team building meeting. It was a Wetherspoon pub, so I ordered a Chili-Con Carne with my Diet Coke. Steve and Simon were pretty impressed with the wine promotion.

Before leaving work, I got an email from Dawn telling me that trains on our line were being disrupted because of a fatality at New Barnet. This meant that Dawn had to head to Kings Cross to get home, and that we had no guarantee what trains were running. Thankfully for us, not to belittle the travesty that occurred at New Barnet, the train cancellations and delays only lost us 30 minutes.

Thur, May 29th

Tonight I finally gave in and got a bus back to Enfield Chase. As expected, the heavens had opened this afternoon and I did not fancy walking the two miles to the station in the pouring rain. So, I left work a few minutes early and caught a bus. To my delight, I did not have to wait to catch the 231 that dropped me off right outside the station. Incredibly though, despite all the rain, I was the only person on the bus. It did not stop once more to pick anyone up or allow anyone off, and when it arrived at Enfield Chase I was the only one to alight the bus.

The best news of the day, though, was that Tiny has started to eat again and has already cleaned several bowls of her chicken.

Wed, May 28th

My birthday card count surprisingly increased over the last two days. Yesterday I received a belated one from Marsha and Ed in Florida, and today I received one from my brother David and his family in Dublin.

Nothing out of the ordinary at work the last two days. Although, tonight we didn't get home until gone 6pm for the first time in ages. Dawn needed to stop in at the post office on the way back to Old Street station, so we didn't meet up until her train arrived at Enfield Chase at 17:24.

Tiny hasn't been eating much again. She cut down eating her meals around Sunday, and has been sick a couple of times while we were at work, too. We think if could be a ginger haired cat that is now in the neighbourhood. But, with Tiny, it could be anything.

Mon, May 26th

Bank Holiday in England and right to form it was miserable outside. Rain, rain and more rain. It felt depressing even though we had no plans to go out. Instead, Dawn completed the photo albums by putting the Brussels photos in the last album. While I spent what seemed like all day in the kitchen.

For breakfast, I sauteed some mushrooms which we had with an egg on a baked potato waffle, and some grilled bacon and tomatoes. Then, before having a shower, I made some home-made blue cheese dip. After the shower, I made some home-made BBQ wings. For a first time effort they tasted excellent. Next time I'll make some hot wings.

After a break, I made our lunch for the next two days (chicken, celery and apple salad), before baking a dozen cornbread muffins.

Then, to complete the day, I pan-fried pork shoulder which we had with greens and corn bread.

Sun, May 25th

Today was a day spent at home. Dawn tackled six months' photos and by tea time had put all the photos (except those from Brussels) into albums and had spoken to her mother as well. They did try to use the web cams, but again Brady was having problems with hers.

I meanwhile filled holes in the spare room walls, so it's ready to paint. Hopefully, I will get to that next weekend. Then I watched Lewis Hamilton win the Monaco Grand Prix.

We closed the day by watching the results show of I'd Do Anything. And although Dawn's favourite, Jodi, made it through to next Saturday's final, everyone (us included) was shocked that Rachel went home.

Sat, May 24th

Up early so we could watch the American Idol 2008 results show before we ran our errands. Dawn was more than happy that David Cook won. She'd said from very early in the series that she hoped he would.

Then it was out to Morrisons for the weekly grocery shopping before we caught a train to Finsbury Park so we could see Dad. We stopped on the way to try out Nando's in Stroud Green Road. I had eaten at one of their restaurants in Dalston back in 2001. But it was the first time for Dawn. We really enjoyed a grilled chicken pitta sandwich before continuing on to Dad's for a couple of hours.

This evening we chilled out with an episode of Bones we had recorded and the semi-final of I'd Do Anything. Here Dawn hopes Jodi will be chosen for Nancy. So watch this space to see if she can make it two out of two.

Thur, May 22nd

Dawn attended a course on how to be more assertive at work today because she felt that she was having a problem saying no to certain people at work. Unfortunately, Dawn turned out to be one of, if not the most, assertive person on the course. Watch this space to see if it has helped. But, based on her comments when I met her on the way home, I wouldn't hold your breath.

Wed, May 21st

Dawn now has a huge purple bruise where she hit the bottom step on Monday. Her back has been aching, and her butt hurts too. Thankfully, her injuries are no more than superficial. However, that doesn't mean that it's not painful for her to sit down.

Tonight, I stayed up late to watch the all English Champions League Final between Chelsea and Manchester United. As a Spurs fan, and a neutral, I have to say that the two teams were a credit to the Premier League and showed just how passionate we are about football here in England. Here is a photo of Tiny laying on my chest before Dawn departed upstairs to bed at half time.

Mon, May 19th

Today I made a life-changing decision and one that I had hoped I would never have to make. Sadly, I had finally come to accept that sometimes dreams just don't come true. I tried, I failed, and consequently will have to live the rest of my life knowing just how much.

On a lighter note, Dawn started the day by falling down the stairs before we went to work this morning. Luckily, she only bruised her butt. But it could have been so much more worse. Even Tiny was freaked out by the racket she made.

Sun, May 18th

I suppose you could call this a lazy day. We just did things around the house. Dawn did the laundry, ironing and vacuuming. I cleaned the oven (again), made some blueberry-banana muffins for Dawn, and tuna and egg salad for work this week. I would have made a quiche and filled holes in the spare room wall, but couldn't really be bothered.

Dawn and Brady had some problems with connectivity when starting their weekly video call, so Dawn called her mom instead. Brady had been having problems earlier in the week. So it was probably caused by something going on between Norton and McAfee. She removed one, and loaded the other. Better luck next week, I suppose.

Sat, May 17th

Following a week of early rising, we took it easy this morning before popping into town to stop by the chemist and to drop off half a dozen books at the library. Then it was off to Watton-at-Stone for my birthday meal. I used the money Dad gave me for a special lunch at one of our favourite places to eat, the George & Dragon. The food wasn't as good as normal (we don't know why), but it won't stop us from going back. They change their menu frequently, and use local produce, too.

Then we called into Stevenage to get some litter for Tiny before heading to Welwyn Garden City to do our weekly grocery shopping. We arrived home dead on 3pm just as the FA Cup final between Cardiff City and Portsmouth was kicking off. After putting away the shopping, I settled down to watch the 127th cup final from the new Wembley Stadium. I was hoping the underdog would win, but a solitary goal by ex-gunner Kanu gave the trophy to Portsmouth. Dawn got her fill of television watching "I'd Do Anything" later in the evening.

Fri, May 16th

As Dawn and I were eating our dinner, we were shaken by the horrible sound of a crash just outside. But it didn't sound like a car accident as we didn't hear the sound of screeching brakes before the sound of impact. I ran to the front door and told Dawn to stay inside fearing someone had been hit by a car.

The sight that welcomed me, just two houses up the road from us, just blew me away. A small black car coming out of a side entrance had been hit by a large blue car heading up Cecil Road. The driver of the blue car must have swerved to avoid hitting the black car. Although this was unsuccessful, as the front bumper was hanging off the front of the black car. The blue car then careered into a black SUV parked half on, half off the kerb, forcing that vehicle completely onto the kerb and hitting a fourth (white) car parked in front of that. The two parked cars seemed to belong to people from the same building.

After police and wrecking truck arrived, the blue car was then dragged back from the SUV showing severe damage to it and to the blue car as neighbours, cats, dogs, and even a rabbit wandered around watching the activity. The rabbit, in all honesty, was on the balcony opposite us.

Thur, May 15th

We woke as normal and headed for work after a shower and bowl of cereal. However, today, Dawn wasn't going to her normal place of work, Northampton Square in London. She was attending a business continuity meeting at the University of Birmingham in the Midlands, so needed to get to Euston to catch another train. It's the same place she had been for a seminar she'd been to last month, so she knew where she was going.

Or maybe not. There was a signaling problem near Milton Keynes so Dawn didn't actually make it to the meeting. Planning a 2-hour meeting over 100 miles away from your office to discuss business continuity was perhaps not as clever as some may have thought. What do you do if there's a problem with the train? Oh yea, there was. Virgin Railway did help by advising customers that they could get to their destination by alternative routes. However, as that would mean that Dawn would arrive after the end of the meeting, that wouldn't really work.

Tues, May 13th

Woke up and celebrated my 47th birthday by opening my cards and gifts.

I received five cards from Dawn, Tiny, Judy (in Florida), Dad and George. The card from Brady and Jim was still in the post. However, Brady did send me an e-card.
Dawn gave me a couple of Delia Smith cookbooks, and a really nice Parker pen. Brady and Jim ordered me a couple of writing books, and Dad and George put some money in the cards they gave. Tiny had fun too playing the ribbons Dawn used to tie up my gifts.

The rest of the day was pretty normal. Went to work as normal and unlike everyone else at work did not buy cakes for everyone. I prefer to share my birthday with my family and friends.

Tonight when I got home from work, and after enjoying a nice plate of spaghetti, I received a call from Brady to wish me many happy returns (although she didn't say this - it's not an American phrase), and a call from Dad. However, as I was on the phone, he left a recorded message, wishing me many happy returns for the day.

Mon, May 12th

Some good news for Dawn at work today. She received notification that she had been shortlisted for Islington's 2008 Green Travel Award. The bad news is that Dawn will have to attend the awards night next month. I really hope Dawn wins this. She has had to juggle producing the University's travel plan with all her other duties single-handedly. Keep your fingers crossed that come June 2nd I will telling you all that Dawn was successful.

Sun, May 11th

Started the day with my usual walk to the paper shop for the Sunday papers before breakfast and a shower. We both shared the housework and I cleaned the oven while Dawn did some ironing. Then it was backside on the couch while I watched the 2007/2008 Premier league season finales between Wigan v. Manchester United and Chelsea V. Bolton. I'm glad to say that United won their game to be crowned champions again. Sadly, my team Spurs lost at home to Liverpool to finish the season 11th.

Dawn didn't have her usual weekly video call with Brady because Brady and Jim had stayed overnight at a friend's house Saturday night. However, the mother and daughter caught up with each other later when Dawn called Brady shortly before we went to bed to wish her a Happy Mother's Day.

Sat, May 10th

Had a ride up to the sorting office to pick up a couple of packages that the postman was unable to deliver. One was a birthday present Brady had ordered for me; the other was the photos I'd ordered. Then it was over to Welwyn Garden City to do our weekly grocery shopping before we spent a hour or so with Tiny.

Then it was back out again. This time to Hertford North to catch a train to Finsbury Park so we could visit Dad. On the way we stopped at Ariana's Cafe for a sandwich and soft drink. At Dad's I spent over two hours trying to sort out his printer problem. He ordered one that came with a laptop. Unfortunately, one ran Vista and the other XP. Needless to say, the two did not talk very well together. George kept Dawn company, though.

Tonight we relaxed in front of the television watching the talent show, "I'd Do Anything".

Fri, May 9th

It's been a busy, hectic week for the two of us at work. On the bright side, we only had to work four days. We were also able to catch the early train home three out of the four days. However, that also meant that I had to bust a gut to make it to Enfield Chase in time to board the 16:54 as it arrived with Dawn already on board.

The only thing out of the ordinary this week was opening the door to a policeman holding a clipboard last night. Apparently a car had been damaged opposite where we live around 5 to 6pm on Wednesday and he was calling on the neighbourhood to find out whether we heard anything. He said it could have been caused by a vandal, or car driving past too fast. Unfortunately we weren't able to help.

Mon, May 5th

At last the warm weather has arrived, and it decided to stay around for a bank holiday Monday. The temperature today was in the 70s and we finally went ALL day without having to put our heat on. Certainly something to celebrate when you think just a month ago we had snow.

As for our last day before heading back to our respectful workhouses, I drove over to Ware and took several dustbin liners full of recycling (cardboard boxes, plastic and glass bottles), after I had picked up our rail tickets for this month.

The rest of the day was spent chilling out. Even Tiny joined in.

Sun, May 4th

Not a normal Sunday. I did walk to the paper shop for the Sunday morning papers as normal and did grits and fried porridge for breakfast. But, that was about it. I spent what seemed like half the day in the spare room cleaning the walls of all the glue and tiny pieces of paper that I hadn't got off earlier in the week. Dawn in the meantime tackled the caulking in the shower. She removed the old stuff first before putting down a new layer.

I also ordered the photos from Brussels that I had edited yesterday. That will mean soon Dawn will have the best part of six months' photos to put into albums. Tiny, as you can see, kept me company by sitting on the wicker chair by the back window keeping an eye out for the local outdoor cats.

Sat, May 3rd

Today we needed to pop into town to get our haircut. After running a few errands there we drove the short journey to the neighbouring town of Ware. We'd only passed through it once and had never really had a look around. So we parked the car and had a walk around town before having a spot of lunch at The Vine. Our hairdresser who lives in Ware recommended the place, and we were not disappointed.

Needless to say, I took more photos. These and those that were left over from the Brussels trip were edited when we got home and posted on our photo website before Dawn added all the captions.

Fri, May 2nd

Needless to say, we took things easy today after our trip to Brussels yesterday. We had a lie in and Tiny slept all night on the bed with us too. We then had a ride up to Morrisons to get our grocery shopping out of the way and spent the rest of the day chilling out. However, I did spend a couple of hours editing the many photos I'd taken yesterday.

Thur, May 1st

Today was our eleventh wedding anniversary and we celebrated it by spending the day in Brussels. There isn't enough room to cover all what we did. However, here is the condensed version.

We set the alarm for 4am so we could catch the 5.42am into Kings Cross, and opened cards from each, Brady and Jim, and Dad and George. Had a baguette, muffin and tea at the magnificent St. Pancras station before catching the 7.55am train to Brussels that arrived 11am local time. Once there we walked around the city (avoiding the showers with our umbrellas), dropping into a famous chocolate shop and passing the Manneken-Pis while taking countless photos. For our anniversary gift we ate moules frites (mussels and fries) at La Terrasse before heading towards The Grand Place and then picking up a couple of sugared waffles for dessert. Feeling tired and ready to get back to Tiny, we made our way back to the station and caught the 5.01pm Eurostar to London. Our fun didn't end there. We had to contend with the rush hour at Kings Cross. We finally made it home, to Tiny's pleasure and ours, around 7.30pm.

It was a long day, but a memorable one. You can check out the photos we took and I am now working on our diary of the trip.