I'm melting

We had a huge rainfall during the night or early morning. Huffle woke me up to tell me. I don't think he meant to, but it surprised him.

Oh no! Not already. Not leaves turning red and falling!

Huffle and the boys got up early just so they could watch the Stoke game. Later Huffle said he wished he'd stayed in bed. The Leicester game wasn't on here until 12:30 which happened to coincide with us being out for dinner in a bar with multiple TV's. Now that we a regulars and know the owner, we requested for the one of the TV's to show the game. He put it on the one closest to us and came over to see which team we were watching. When we told him Leicester he laughed and said it was a one off them winning the championship. I told him it was our home town and he let us off though he was an Arsenal supporter since he was a child though he didn't know why. Of all the teams he could like!!!!!! PENALTY!!!!!!!!

This morning we all did our own thing, football watching, tablet playing, knitting. It was nice and relaxing. Then out for dinner and off to the Jazz Festival for the afternoon. It was incredibly hot today with temperatures of 33* and high humidity. We tried to stick to shadey areas but it's not easy in a small town filled with people with many bands playing.

We listened to Peripheral Vision, Carlo (a surf jazz band, I liked these, very 60's sounding), Turboprop (we have seen these before) and a really good female singer. Normally we would sample food from the Indian Restaurant here but it was too hot for curry today. Instead we found a new Gelato place and sat in the cool of the air conditioning and spoke to the owner. Huffle and Smallest had a lemon one, Small had a chocolate one and I had Affogato. Vanilla Ice Cream drowned in Espresso. I've been wanting to try one of these for a while now. Perfect, my two favourite things in one cup.

I bought myself a new blue straw hat which was definitely needed. We entered a Competiton to win a trip to New York for Tom Hank's new film, Smallest got given a tape measure and I was handed a Green Tea Bag from the Church. We visited the little park and were disappointed that the garden hadn't been maintained since we were last there. Even the shiny reflective ball had disappeared. We tried to keep cool but there was no breeze so sat on the steps of the music stand while a band played. Of course we were soon joined by another family. Trend setters, that's what we are. The boys caught a few Pokemon and evolved one too.

We found another bit of shade to listen to another band and then used the facilities of the art gallery and borrowed their coolness for a while whilst listening to more music. Smallest wanted to walk over the bridge so we set off for the Pond but it was just too hot and we gave up and came home.

We all jumped in the pool despite its greenness. Well if it's good enough for the Olympics, it's good enough for us though we didn't stay in too long. Tomorrow we will vacuum and clean it properly, though the boys gave it a good sponge and brush and Huffle threw some chemicals in at the end.

This evening we watched the end of Angry Birds and found out why the birds were angry. Not a bad film really, better than I expected. We watched half of Robot Wars before Smallest went to bed and then watched the Olympics with Small before he went to bed. Mo Farrah's race was excellent, plus the women's 4x400m. We are going to miss the Olympics.

Huffle and I watched A Hologram for the King. I would recommend this film, it was very good.

Huffle went out to pick me a cucumber and came back with these. He was very impressed with his harvest

Yesterday I read a report on Facebook about Nicholas Cage dying (hoax, why do people do that?) and then today one about Angelina Jolie. I don't know how, but I somehow posted about it myself and it kept popping up. Em from back home text me to say it was a bit weird (she knew I wouldn't post that) so I tried to delete it and then much later ExerciseNic texted me to say it kept popping up (said said she would understand if it was Adale but not AJ). Honestly, what a nightmare. Hopefully it's gone now. In the future I will only read these things from a newspaper site. Arrrrggghhhhh so annoying!

 

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Fou Fou - Poo Poo

Huffle didn't sleep again - too many noises! He went off to the office today, better to be out of our way if he's had no sleep for two days. OUCH! He'll be ready for you this evening MrsNoLady if you open your foul mouth again!

This morning we decided to try and fit our bikes in my car. One on top of the other, it was a bit of a squeeze but we did it. Smallest's seat was a bit squashed but he was safe. We drove to the Beach (30 minutes away) and then cycled along the lake to the tennis courts an attempted to play tennis. It was really hot and nearly midday so we didn't play very well but we had a laugh and run around.

We cycled back to the beach and the boys found a good spot while I cycled back to the car, deposited the tennis stuff and picked up our picnic lunch. No-one anywhere near us until an Italian man came up to us and started talking. He asked where we lived and whether we'd been cycling. He told us he lived somewhere but he was hard to understand. He told us all about the family up the beach where he had just passed. Eventually he left us to have our lunch. On the at back he stopped again and asked where we were from. ENGLAND. Oh I'm from Italy. Ahhhh ARRIVERDERCI Said I. He said Ciao and walked off. Eeeeek. I said Goodbye. Oh well it worked though I didn't mean to be rude.

We all cycled back to the car to deposit the bag and then cycled towards the park and ice cream shop for refreshments. Half way there I realised I had left my purse in the car so I left the kids in the shade and cycled back and forth (I knew I'd get my exercise in somehow) and joined them back on the cycle path. It was a nice ride to the shop but unfortunately the ice cream was not up to standard. It was really icy, kept falling off the cones (in fact the girl serving it had a lot of trouble putting in on the cone!) but it cooled us down as we sat by the Splash Pad watching the little ones play. Small and I went through the splash pad to cool down more and then w picked up our bikes and cycled back to the car.

After we got the bikes in, we took our water and sat on a rock on the beach before our drive back home. There we were, happily sitting on a rock, cooling down after our bike ride, not bothering anyone and trying to take some photos of ourselves when a woman comes down the beach with two dogs. WINSTON, WINSTON, WINSTON. I don't think the dog knows his name lady, he's not taking a blind bit of notice of you. Then what does naughty Winston do? He sniffs around our rock and squats his stinky squatty legs and has a poo! OMG! We jumped up and the owner said "I'm sorry I'll clean it up". OH WELL THATS OKAY THEN, WE'LL JUST SIT AND WATCH SHALL WE? I'm not talking a metre or two away, I'm talking almost on my feet! We got in the car, avoided MrItalian AGAIN (who was trying to rub sun cream on his back and I was scared he was going to ask me to rub it in for him), the kids shouted arriverderci out of the window and we drove away.

Oooh look! Winston even managed to get in our photo!

As soon as we got home we went into the pool. It was lovely and cooling and we had a bit of a play before getting out and starting dinner. The boys played on their tablets and Huffle arrived home.

The water needs to clear again but it was nice

This evening we all went to Small's 2nd part of the football tournament. Unfortunately half of the team didn't appear so there were no subs which meant they had to work extremely hard. The ref was useless and kept changing his mind. MrsFoulmouth didn't turn up thank goodness, we think we have seen the last of her. It was a very entertaining game but we lost. Shame. Two more games.

 

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Silver fox just bought your coconuts

Huffle didn't sleep well last night. Too much going on in that silly head of his. I know what it's like to have something in there that you know is not worth losing sleep about, but there is nothing you can do. Hopefully he will sleep better tonight.

I'm officially bored of the Summer Holidays now. They are just TOO LONG! The kids don't want to do much, I'm too hot to do much. I'm desperate to go for a good long walk but it's so sticky again. I managed to drag the kids out to go to the library today but we went in the car which is very bad but Small's leg hurt from yesterday's football. We sat in the library, me reading a magazine, Small writing his book review and Smallest looking for a book and waiting patiently wile MrRude talked and talked to the bored librarian.

When we got home I sent the boys outside to get some fresh air and maybe a bit of exercise. They played wth the swingball and on the swing before they came in complaining it was too hot. They cleaned a bathroom each while I made dinner. Today we had our main dinner at 2pm because of Smallest's football game. After dinner the boys and I played Monopoly. Smallest and I lost badly and we were dropping money from the bank onto the floor to try and help us out as Small beat us easily. Small got quite annoyed with us for not taking the game seriously. Whoops.

Smallest's game was at a place about 50 minutes drive away and started earlier than normal (plus of course they had to be there 40 minutes before the game) so we had to leave at 5:15pm. The game was in a lovely park with lots of different sports fields, playing parks, splash pad and meandering paths. Small and I went and had a little walk while I let him catch some Pokemon before the game. We took our tea with us and sat and ate that while the game was on. Coach made a point of welcoming me to the game, I said nothing!!!!! Smallest got told off for not bringing the correct colour socks. I would have liked to have told the coach that his email only stated to bring a blue shirt, not socks but I was a good girl. It seems that the yellow socks he wore were lucky though because he played brilliantly tonight and his team won. The second game won in nearly a whole season (same team both times we later found out).

I had a Grandma and a pregnant mum on one side of me and Small and Huffle on the other. They all created a lot of noise. It was nice to have a win. Lots of smiley faces at the end. Everyone is happy again.

More Olympics, a bit of Bourne film, a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh

 

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You ain't no lady!

I didn't sleep well and woke up with a headache. I wouldn't mind but I never touched a drop of alcohol last night. I had my headache all day. Could be the weather I suppose. Today it was cloudy with temperatures in the mid 20's but still muggy.

We had a slow start to the day and then the boys and I went food shopping and cheap ball shopping. We failed on the ball shop though. Typical. I only ever find the correct type of ball when we don't need them. I should just buy them and store them away somewhere. We did do the food shop and the boys were very helpful finding me things. I do need to teach them to look at prices better though. Smallest is okay at that part and normally tells me things are too expensive to buy but Small picks up anything regardless of how expensive or cheap.

Back home we emptied the bags and made lunch. The boys watched TV together and Huffle and I started a new series of Married at First Sight Australila (C4). Couples get married and don't meet until they are being married. Fabulous.

This afternoon I left the boys playing on their tablets and went to visit The Royals. It was their 50th wedding anniversary at the weekend and I zentangled on a heart shaped stone for them. I sat and had a cup of tea and a long chat with MrsRoyal.

Later I made a Lentil Dahl and a Butter Chicken for dinner. It was quite hot and we said that once upon a time, the boys would have cried if they had that much spice. Their spice tolerance levels are getting better. The boys and I cooled down on the porch while Huffle tidied the kitchen.

This evening we all went to Small's football. I have stayed away from football for ages due to hot weather, tiredness or just not wanting to get into any conflicts. Silly me! I sat there happily watching my son play and my husband coach, plus having a laugh with Smallest and the others in Small's team, when along comes one of the mums and complains to Huffle that her son had only been on the field for 11 minutes and other boys in the team had been on for much longer. It wasn't fair, Huffle wasn't playing them equally........blah blah blah. Huffle explained (in the middle of coaching the game) that he was trying to play everyone and that he volunteered his services and he was not paid. She then had a go at him again and MrFrench and his family and then stood next to my chair and started yelling like a fish wife. She swore also and I could hold my tongue no more. I told her to watch her language and pointed to Smallest. Her reply "I'm sure he's heard much worse!". She then continued shouting until her own son asked her to sit down as she was embarrassing him. I told her she was a 'lovely lady' and then told her actually she was no lady with a mouth like that. She asked me who my child was and I pointed to Smallest. I wasn't going to tell her that my son was also the coach's son. She had a go at MrFrench and told us all it "was JUST house league you know". EXACTLY WOMAN, SIT DOWN AND SHUP UP! She sat down but not before she told me she had many words she could teach my son. CHARMING!!! I stayed for a while but packed up my chair and went and talked to one of the Dad's I met last year. EDIT: Huffle just received an email from the woman's husband complaining about his behaviour this evening saying he acted unprofessionally in front of the team and he should think about resigning. OMG did he not see how his wife behaved? POT KETTLE BLACK.

Anyway, Small's team won once again and the oppositions Coach was MrWhat who Huffle says has been broken by him!

Back home, we watched some more Olympics and Huffle and I were talking about the days of Steve Cram, Seb Coe, Steve Ovett and Huffle said "I've been next to Daly Thompson while he ate a chicken drumstick!" WOW. That's a claim to fame!

 

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Lick yer apron?

It rained all through the night and it rained for most of the day. It has cooled down considerably but it's still warm. We have storms and rain forecast for the rest of the week, except tomorrow which is supposed to be nice and sunny.

Huffle worked from the basement all day. Small got up late and was tired all day (too many late nights watching the Olympics and Bourne films).

We didn't really do a lot today. Work was cancelled due to the bad weather and MrsM has a trip to New York next week so we are postponing gardening now until September when it will be cooler and nicer to garden in. The boys played together quite well on their tablets and on the Wii. We also played Junior Monopoly together. Small won.

I Facetimed Moo and we had a good catch up while I knitted my sock and then I took Smallest to the doctors for a 12:15 appointment where we didn't get seen until just after 1pm. Luckily we took a pack of cards and played a few games plus I taught him a magic trick.

Now the doctors. This was a follow-up appointment after our time in Emergency whilst on holiday when he was diagnosed with asthma (or azma as it is pronounced here). The doctor listened to our experience and decided he didn't think Smallest had Asthma at all. He said there is no way a person with asthma could bark like a seal. He said it took years of experience to know the difference (after he asked how old the doctor was that diagnosed him) but that he thought he had croup (but he used a different word I can't remember) instead. He listened to his chest and back and said it was clear. He agreed that the steroids was the best treatment at the time but is now referring him to a breathing specialist to rule out asthma. This referral will take time as Smallest is not currently having problems. Well that's not what I expected but we'll see what happens. While I was there I questioned the secretary about Small's General surgery referral (for the bump on his foot) as we haven't heard anything. She is going to look into it and get someone to call me back.

This evening, all the boys went off to Smallest's practice. Huffle and Small had a kick about but it was very windy and quite cool. I went off to CS's house to help her decorate her Mum's 50th Anniversary cake. We worked for three hours on it, making flowers for her three tier cake. She wanted it classy and elegant and we were pleased with the overall effect.

We worked very well together and made a good team. I had much difficulty with the piping of Happy Anniversary but luckily it was on a surface I could rub off, so I had several goes at it. She was extremely pleased and we managed to get it all wrapped and into the freezer until it's unveiling on Saturday for the party she is organising. She is also doing all of the food. Clever lady. We have a lot in common, so hopefully we will continue our friendship.

...and this is the lovely Bailey who lovingly licked my apron when I finished and waited for me to drop things!

 

 

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Nine boiled eggs for breakfast

Huffle had to go to Burlington today which was a long drive, especially having to drive back home much later.

A new Echinacea on our garden. Poor thing has a stunted growth due to the drought

The boys and I had a morning of nothing much. We were tired! I still don't feel 100%. Small played on his tablet by himself and with Smallest. Smallest and I played on the Wii and I did four loads of washing and finished my sock and started another one.

After lunch we went to the lake and had a walk, a play on the park, another walk, a play with the ball where it burst because the kids blew it up too much and a very quick run through the Splash Pad. We stayed for nearly two hours and then came home. It was cooler but really muggy.

Walking with Popsicles (not my word)

Splish splash wash your hands

Monkey climbing

Beach walking

After dinner we had a visit from our plumber who was doing some work at Otto's and asked if they could borrow our water as they had none at all. We hooked up our hose and popped it through to them until tomorrow morning when the plumber is back. They need it for toilet flushing, washing etc and to top up their well tomorrow. Otto came round later with a bottle of red wine and some home grown tomatoes, sweet peppers and hot peppers - very nice.

This evening we watched more Olympics. Loving it. Can't believe we are 2nd in table.

 

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"Japanese like anything weird" says Grandma

We had no more storms except the odd rumble of thunder. The temperature cooled down enough to turn the air conditioning off and open the windows. Warm air came through but at least it was fresh air (until someone had a fire that is).

Late morning we went to the Mini Golf (Crazy). It was quite humid and got hot again but we had a good laugh. Huffle won but our scores were quite close. Smallest is so hard on himself when he doesn't do as well as he thinks he should. We have to keep reminding him he is NINE!

I got a hole in one wahooooooooo.

After a breather where we added up the scores, we gave in our clubs and balls and bought tokens for the batting cages. I don't go in here now after injuring my shoulder in there before but I was chief photographer. They all had two goes each and Huffle ended with a Medium speed softball.

 

 

 

 

We went for dinner afterwards and watched a bit of the baseball. Blue Jays won. Then we went to the local mall to get me a new IPad cove as mine broke and came home, had an ice cream and Facetimed Grandma and Grandad.

We watched the end of the tennis and Huffle took Smallest to his football practice. Small and I stayed at home, watched the tennis (how long was that match?) and played Agricola. The match was still going on when Huffle came home so we all watched the end and the medal ceremony.

Small, Huffle and I are watching Bourne Idenitity. We have never seen any of the Bourne films. It will take us a while because we only watch about half an hour at a time and there are a few films in the same series. After Small went to bed, Huffle and I continued watching the Olympics. So pleased the time difference is in our favour this year.

I out this on Facebook - Andy Murray reminded me of Noddy with his big red shoes with the black flap that looked like huge laces. Make way for Noddy PARP PARP

I'm feeling a bit under the weather with a very sore throat plus feeling a bit warm! I have taken Aloe Gelly and had a Hot Lemon Ginger Honey drink. I blame that woman at knitting who was cough cough coughing!!!!

Today's harvest

 

Get well soon MrsRumbleskins and MasterRumbleskins.

 

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