Thur, Dec 31st

The last day of the year and the decade. Got up and drove over to Tesco around 7am to get some tomatoes for the chili was I was going to make later, some newspapers to keep Dawn occupied, and photos from the PO that they couldn't deliver yesterday.

As for keeping Dawn occupied, it was our intention to see the new year in tonight, she had enough on her plate. She took the Christmas trees and all the decorations down. We thought the front room would look empty. But we moved Tiny's house from last Christmas to where the tree had been and, bingo, it made the place looked crowded again.

I, of course, made a large bowl of chili, having soaked a pot full of beans overnight. Then, poured some dried black eyed peas into another saucepan so I could soak them overnight. Lunch proved a snackfest as we tucked into some pate and crackers with some crisps. Tiny was just pleased to have her house in a more prominent location.

Before dinner, which was that excellent chili I made, Dawn booked her flights to the US for 2010. She wanted her family to help her celebrate her big birthday next year so she's popping over for a mini-vacation to be with them.

This evening we watched Duplicity and some other TV to help us stay awake to bring in the new year. It worked, but only just. Even Tiny was getting antsy. We made it though and did "First Foot In" with some coal, money, bread and wine. Here's to 2010, hoping it will be better than 2009.

Wed, Dec 30th

What a long day. We dropped the car off for a service at a local garage in town and hung around town while they did it. We walked along the river into town and stopped at Starbucks for a coffee, and then later the White Hart for some lunch. I'd already decided to give up fish and chips until I had got my weight down, so this was going to be the last one in a while. Dawn had a soup trying to cut out some calories straight away.

We ended up staying there two hours as the car had a broken gaiter, whatever that means. It also meant the bill was twice what it should have been.

Back at the house, we had a light dinner and then I tried to call Dad. I then tried to call George. After not getting either of them (Dad always turns his cell phone on at 6pm so I can call him), I started to get a little concerned. So I called the ward and thankfully he was put on the phone. He'd only just got back from the Royal Free Hospital and hadn't had a chance to put his phone back on.

Once Dawn and I had got over that little scare, we sat down and watched Slumdog Millionaire. Neither one of us could see why it won best film at the Oscars. But, who are we to judge?

Tues, Dec 29th

Dawn ventured into town today, but we avoided Tesco and only popped into Waitrose briefly. The bottom line was that Dawn needed to get out of the house so she was going to make it into town come hell or high water.

We didn't do much while we were there, just got a newspaper and some other odds and ends. I think Tiny also enjoyed having the house to herself, although she was more than happy to see us when we got back in time for lunch.

Lunch was pate and crackers. After speaking to Shelia last week, Dawn fancied some salmon pate. So I made some this morning and it tasted good.

Chilled out for the rest of the day and chatted to Dad and George. Dad has been having our home-made cookies and biscuits for breakfast and has virtually cleared the lot.

Mon, Dec 28th

Dawn was getting a little cabin fever, but did not want to head out to the shops after her experiences last week. So instead I went on my own and they were empty. She really missed out on a treat. She is already planning to avoid the stores the last 7 days before next Christmas some how.

Once more it was similar to the last couple of days, just chilling out and talking to Dad and George on the phone. Phillip had hoped to get up to see Dad today, but didn't make it. At least he spoke to him on the phone.

I enjoyed Spurs' final game of the decade on Sky Sports as they beat London neighbours West Ham 2-0 to go fourth in the Premier League. Not bad for a team who were bottom of the division a little over a year ago. Dawn also enjoyed some TV as we watched the epic Australia with Nicole Kidman afterwards.

Sun, Dec 27th

I hadn't planned on writing today. However, there was one thing that needed to go on the record. Dawn enjoyed the Christmas dinner so much that she had it again today. On this occasion, it was all leftovers. But needless to say, she had a roast dinner three days running. God help our weights come New Year's Day when we weigh. It's going to look pretty ugly.

Sat, Dec 26th

We postponed having Eggs Benedict for breakfast yesterday because we had so much to do. But, boy did it make a nice breakfast on Boxing Day. Seems to me this should be a new tradition.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing. We had a second round of Christmas dinner. I made virtually all the fixings from scratch and it tasted just as good as yesterday. However, although I was surprised that Dawn felt my dinner was the best she had ever eaten, I was even more surprised that she loved my Christmas pudding and home-made mince pies. Thanks Delia! Home-made for us from now on.

Tonight I spoke to Dad and George again on the phone, and we relaxed with the Oscar-nominated film, Frost/Nixon.

Fri, Dec 25th (Christmas Day Part 2)

Once George had finished opening his gifts, we all headed up to the hospital to visit Dad. He looked in real fine spirits, all things considered. I did my best to bring even a bigger smile to his face as George pulled a cracker with him. He also opened a smaller goody bag from us that also had some home-made goodies and more (cheese biscuits, fruit cake cookies, Christmas cake).

My brother Dave had called when we were at Dad's to wish us "Merry Christmas" and had arranged to call me on my cell phone if he couldn't get Dad on his. It made Dad's day to talk to Dave, Rita and the two kids.

After dropping George off, we headed back to Hertford, making it home before it got dark and the roads began to freeze over again. However, Dawn's day was still not done. She had a Christmas video call with Brady and talked to her sister Kelly, and her late father's partner, Shelia, and good friends Lee and Barbara, too. I, by the way, had crashed out on the couch with Tiny asleep on my shoulder.

Fri, Dec 25th (Christmas Day Part 1)

Woke up this morning and wished each other "Merry Christmas" before making our way downstairs to open our gifts with a nice hot cup of Earl Grey tea. With things a little up in the air this Christmas, we hadn't been able to prepare as well as in previous years, but were still able to surprise each other and give each other some much appreciated presents. Mine from Dawn were mostly kitchen related, and a jacket I'd been after. Dawn got a few things she put on her list for Santa, plus a Red Letter Day she can enjoy in the new year.

Then it was into the kitchen. With Dad in hospital and George on his own, we had decided to take our dinner up to Holloway and have it there with George. First I baked the roast potatoes, roast parsnips, sausages in bacon, and the stuffing balls. Then I cooked the Brussels in bacon with pecans and steamed my home-made Christmas pudding. Finally, I made up some Yorkshire pudding batter, carved the turkey, and got the mince pies, cranberry, and cream out of the fridge. It was Dawn's task to get these all bagged up safely for our trip on the road.

George was pretty down-hearted when we arrived at Dad's flat. But by the time Dawn had got him busy with the table, he came around. I went into the kitchen and finished off the dinner before dishing it up on a table with the table runner made for us by our good friend, Melissa, in Florida.

Dawn said the meal was not only the best I had ever cooked, but that she had ever eaten. I'd have to agree with her. It was great.

With the food finished, George opened his Christmas goody bag. Dawn had filled it with plenty of home-made food, like fruitcake cookies and Christmas cake, plus loads of high calorie foods that we all enjoy at Christmas. We'd made one up for Dad to enjoy when he gets home, too.

Thur, Dec 24th

No more work for me. But, I had a heck of a lot to get done though. Firstly, I had to run up to G Pickett at Sele Farm and pick up our free range turkey and a piece of fillet of beef. Once home, I threw the turkey into the oven after dressing it using one of Delia's recipes again. Although the stuffing I placed up its backside was a recipe I have used for a few years now. In making that, I also made 16 stuffing balls, too.

With that on the go, I made a gravy that we'd seen on a Jamie Oliver show the night before and then prepared the mushroom-liver pate for the Beef Wellington that I also put together. We had that later (another tradition). I also wrapped some Cumberland chipolata sausages with some bacon, and made some pastry which I used on some home-made mince pies. I also iced our home-made Christmas cake.

Dawn, on the other hand, tackled the photo albums again. That in itself is a mammoth undertaking. However, we did relax, too. We watched It's a Wonderful Life on DVD. You got it, another tradition.

Wed, Dec 23rd

My last day of work for not only 2009, but also this decade. And, as with the last two days, I walked to the station to save Dawn contending with the icy roads.

Thankfully, The Boss let me leave even earlier today than yesterday. However, by this time I had already sorted out the cash situation for the rest of the month and would also be checking on our account balances from home and transferring cash and making any payments that needed to be done electronically.

Dawn ventured into town today and in particular Waitrose. Another phone call resulted and again Dawn was in hell part two. I told her to not to worry, pay for what she had picked up, and I would get the rest at Waitrose in Enfield Town on the way home.

Tonight we enjoyed put the second DVD on that is part of our Christmas tradition, Christmas Vacation. No matter how many times we watch this film, it still makes us laugh.

Tues, Dec 22nd

More snow yesterday evening, making it difficult for some people to get home from work due to the icy conditions. Needless to say, this meant that I walked to the station again this morning. Which was better than some of my work colleagues who didn't make it in at all.

Dawn ventured out after lunch to Tesco to get the majority of the food stuff we needed. I got a call on my cell phone at work from her to confirm whether I really wanted what I had put on the list as it seemed a pretty lot for just the four of us. She also wanted to vent because she felt like the WHOLE of Hertfordshire was in Tesco and she was about to kill someone. The car park was over full, the aisles were heaving with shoppers, and every time she wanted to take something off the shelf someone was standing in front of her reading the ingredients on the can, box or carton. She was not a happy camper.

Thankfully, The Boss had no objection with me leaving a little early this afternoon. I was ready for Christmas.

When I spoke to Dad this evening, he confirmed he would be there over the Christmas period. We had hopped that he would be home by Thursday, but that wasn't going to be the case.

Mon, Dec 21st

Thanks to the snow and ice on the ground, I walked the mile and three quarters to the station this morning to save Dawn having to dice with the dangerous ice on the freezing roads. Dawn of course was able to stay in the cosy warm house with Tiny as she didn't have to go to work this week.

Work was slow, although I have to admit a little stressful. The same old routine. As I oversee the purchase ledger and cash book, you can imagine what it was like. In fact, like it has been most of the year.

As Dawn came to the hospital yesterday with me and was at home today, she decided to have her video call with Brady today. And sat in front of a nice glowing fire with Tiny, too, of course. She did pick me up from the station, so no complaints there.

Sun, Dec 20th

This morning we had a ride up to the cemetery and laid some flowers on Mum's grave to commemorate my parents 58th wedding anniversary which is coming up on Tuesday. We also laid some flowers on my grandparents grave, too, as Dad wouldn't be able to get up there this week. The place was bitterly cold and there was a layering of snow all over the ground and grave stones.

We then stopped off at Dim T in Hampstead Lane for lunch before calling into the Whittington Hospital to pay Dad a visit. I have to say he looked in good spirits all things considered.

Tonight we chilled out in front of the television and watched our favourite film, Love Actually. Neither one of us will forget watching this in the cinema in Florida when it came out. Since then, we've watched it every year.

Sat, Dec 19th

Less than a week to Christmas and I spent more time in the kitchen. I prepared the mince meat for some home-made mince pies, and made some delicious tasting cheese biscuits with pecans (had to try one). I also made a jar of home-made cranberry sauce. After using Delia's recipe for Thanksgiving, I will never buy it from the store again.

Called Dad and chatted with him. He is in good spirits considering he has been in the hospital for almost 3 weeks. Called George, too. He also called me as well to check on the timings of something he had in the oven.

Fri, Dec 18th

Thankfully I moved my in-lieu day from the 9th to the 18th. This meant that when we woke this morning to see even more snow had fallen overnight, I didn't have to make the effort to get into work. Dawn, who is always prepared, didn't make it in either. If it wasn't for the fact that I have to go to work next week, we could have started our Christmas today. Oh well.

I went into town and picked up a Cornish Pasty for lunch, food for Tiny at the vets, food at Waitrose, and then Boots the opticians. I'd sat on my glasses last night and slightly bent one of the arms. After they fixed it, I enquired about an eye test and was pleased to hear that I could get it done for nothing as they were doing a special that day. Better still, they had an opening at that exact time. And to round off a great visit, my eyes were okay and I don't have to go back for 2 years.

Sadly, Dad did not make it home as we had hoped. Talked to George, too, who is doing pretty well on his own. In between shopping and visiting Dad, he seems to be able to cook two meals a day and enjoy a breakfast, too.

Thur, Dec 17th

With the days counting down, Dawn and I caught an earlier train into London this morning. Although, Dawn was not too happy by the time she arrived at Old Street. It was bad enough that the train had to stop at each station, but it got later and later with each one, so she gained no time at all by leaving early. Oh well, only tomorrow left for her and then that's it for 2009.

Spoke to Dad again tonight hoping that he would be released tomorrow from the hospital. Sadly, it was not meant to be. Nothing out of the ordinary, just that he isn't quite ready yet.

Before we went to bed this evening, a blanket of snow had fallen and settled on the ground. They had been predicting this all week, so it wasn't a shock. So much so that Dawn had prepared for it - JUST IN CASE SHE COULDN'T GET TO WORK FOR HER LAST DAY.

Wed, Dec 16th

Christmas is looming and I still haven't done hardly a thing in the way of gifts, etc. Thankfully Dawn has had a handle on the cards we're sending out, etc.

Today I received a nice bottle of Port and block of cheese from The Boss. That was a nice thought. Even better was watching Spurs beat Manchester City live on Sky Sports. It may have been at home, but it was a victory over one of our 4th spot competitors. Come on you Spurs.

Sun, Dec 13th

Up early and tidied the house before picking Dave and Rita up at Hertford North and taking them back to the house via Hertingfordbury so I could show them where our great-great grandparents were married. We all enjoyed catching with each other before heading into town to enjoy a roast beef dinner at The White Hart, and more chatting.

We dropped them off at the station after some photos in front of the Christmas tree in the center of town.

Back at the house we watched a Christmas movie before a light supper and settling down for the X Factor finale and seeing Joe McElderry crowned the 2009 X Factor winner.

Sat, Dec 12th

No rest this weekend. Did the grocery shopping before we popped into town to get our haircut. Stopped off at the vet's to get some food for Tiny, Natural Health store to get Ecover refills, Boots opticians to get Dawn some replacement glasses, and Waitrose for the bits and pieces I didn't get at Tesco first thing. Somewhere in between all this we took five minutes out at Starbucks and ordered a flat white and picked up a Christmas ornament.

Back at the house Dawn did her Sunday chores before we enjoyed an early dinner. The evening saw us in front of the TV watching the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final and X Factor final (part 1). Both of us felt that it was unfair that Ali should miss out on next week's Strictly final. But tomorrow's final between Joe and Olly was the right choice for the X Factor finale.

Spoke to my brother Dave to make arrangements for Sunday, and also checked in on Dad and George. Nothing to report. No change there.

Fri, Dec 11th

Christmas party day for Dawn's office today. Well more than just her office. Dawn and nearly 400 of her colleagues enjoyed a festive meal at The Brewery in Moorgate. The guests started with a pumpkin and organic honey soup, which was probably the highlight. The entree looked more like a bowl of turkey with a tiny carrot and parsnip, a couple of small boiled potatoes, a small chipolata sausage and small ball of stuffing. All of course covered with gravy. No cranberry sauce, which I found puzzling, as did everyone on Dawn's table of ten. No one had any of the bread sauce that was on offer instead. Dessert was a small piece of Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Everyone could also enjoy two glasses of wine if they wanted. Any other alcohol would be from the cash bar.

Dawn made her exit as soon as the meal was over, and I headed out of work as soon as I could, too. We both made an earlier train, which helped us get an early start to the weekend. With Dawn already having enjoyed her dinner, I picked up some fish and chips at Carleys in Sele Farm, Hertford.

Tonight I spoke to Dad and George once more. Still no movement on that front. I has also spoken to Dave earlier in the day and if all goes to plan, we'll see him and Rita for the first time since 1997.

Thu, Dec 10th

The big news today was that my brother Dave and his wife Rita arrived in London from Dublin to see Dad. They had planned a long weekend a few weeks ago before Dad went into hospital, so they'll be disappointed that they won't be able to spend real quality time with him. They both went and saw Dad.

Sadly, still no news as to when Dad will be going home.

Wed, Dec 9th

As expected, I had a busy morning due to the annual quality meeting. However, what was not expected was that I was able to push through two vehicle related policies that should enable us to hit our 10% reduction in CO2 emissions by March. Unfortunately, it will mean more work for me come January. But, heh, if it improves our carbon footprint, then it will be well worth it. Better still is that it will hopefully make the next BSI audit less painful.

Today Dawn had a break from her hectic workload and met Keith (an old colleague from her days at Schiller London) on the South Bank. The two shared a nice lunch together and caught up on how life had been treating them since the last time they had met.

Once more spoke to Dad and called George to check on him. No change at the moment. I think all of us can't wait for Dad to get home.

Tues, Dec 8th

Work is getting more and more stressful for the two of us. In my case, the days are counting down not only to our final payroll of the year, but also for me having to cover my boss's absence for the last week and a half as he is taking an early break for Christmas. It's so busy for me, in fact, that I have still to deal with last month's invoices. Today I worked on my environmental report for the annual quality meeting in the morning.

Have been in contact with both George and Dad over the last couple of days and still have no idea when Dad will be home. We are again hoping it will be this weekend. However, I feel hope is the operative word.

Sun, Dec 6th

Another busy Sunday in the White household. I was back in the kitchen again like usual. After breakfast I made a cheese-ball by combining recipes from Dawn and Brady, before making another batch of my Cherry Brandy Fruit Cake Cookies. Lunch was pate on crackers. I also made some ratatouille for the first time. It was good.

For my sins, I watched the Everton versus Spurs match on Sky.

Dawn, on the other hand, put up the miniature Christmas tree which goes on the dresser in our bedroom before doing the vacuuming and ironing, with a video call to Brady crammed in there somewhere.

For Dawn's sins, she was able to read the weekend newspapers, and of course watch the Strictly results show from last night, and the X Factor results tonight.

Checked on both Dad and George and still no news to add.

Sat, Dec 5th

Dad was still in the Whittington, so we arranged our day so we could pop up and see him. I did the grocery shopping before we popped into town so Dawn could get herself a new watch. We grabbed a coffee at Starbucks and picked some more stuff up at Waitrose and enjoyed the carol singers outside.

The drive to Highgate was a nightmare. All was fine until we crossed the M25. Then the A10 came to a standstill. So we headed towards the Hertford Road to try and miss the congestion. Mistake. That was even worse. We'd planned to grab lunch and then visit Dad when opening hours start at 2pm. We didn't reach Dim T until almost 2pm. We rushed down our food. Although it was excellent. The waitress made a mistake with our bill, so the manager let us have one of our drinks for nothing.

Dad was okay. George was there, too, so we all had a nice chat. Still not sure when they will allow Dad home. They are still taking tests, etc.

The drive home was just as bad as the one up. A combination of road works, rain and shopping traffic meant that the one hour journey took almost two again.

Needless to say, this evening we chilled out watching Strictly Come Dancing and X Factor before calling it a night.

Thur, Dec 3rd

Another hectic day for the two of us. I finally issued my monthly environmental newsletter (albeit nearly a week late), and attended the quarterly H&S committee meeting which, on this occasion, was three months late. The good news is that it now included environmental stuff, too. But that was the end of the good news.

Tonight we left a little early again. This time to be home in time to receive our new Blackberry Curves. Virgin promised to have them delivered between 5pm and 6pm because we had to sign for it. Guess what? It was delivered around noon. Thankfully UPS knocked next door and allowed our neighbour to sign for it. Needless to say, Dawn and I spent a little time trying to get to know our new gadgets.

Once more talked to Dad and George this evening. And once more, no real news to report. Hoping Dad will be home by Saturday. But to be honest, I am doubtful.

Wed, Dec 2nd

With all the problems with the trains this week, Dawn checked the First Capital Connect website this afternoon to find out that our normal train had been cancelled once more. This time, as we had advanced warning, we left work a little early and caught an earlier train. Tiny was pleased.

Still nothing to report regarding Dad and George. Still no change, and still hoping to have Dad home by Saturday.

Tues, Dec 1st

The first day of the month and as expected things haven't really improved from November.
Trains once more were playing up. Not to mention I broke my cell phone at work. I walked into a desk with the phone in my pocket. The cell phone took most of the impact, but now I can't see anything on the screen. Although, I have to admit we did have some luck with regard to getting a replacement handset. I checked my 18 month contract with Virgin to find it was expiring in a couple of days, so I was able to get a new phone for free, a Blackberry Curve. In fact, as Dawn's also expires, we ordered her one, too.

Stayed up late to watch Spurs versus Manchester United in the Carling Cup on Sky. As expected, we lost. We played okay, but it was clear it was going to be one of those nights.

No more news on Dad or George. The doctors want to send him home by the weekend. George is getting by.