Shopping, shopping and more shopping!

Not too much to report over the last couple of weeks – mainly shopping and eating!

We have been into Canterbury a couple of times and I have made a start on the Christmas pressies although much of this will be done on-line. We always need a coffee and /or lunch when we shop and no exceptions these last couple of times.

We visited the Thanet Farmers Market last weekend and again came away with a bag full of local produce including, cheeses, meat, veg and cider. This is a new venue and has the advantage of being indoors at the Marlowe Academy.

Last week we had a couple of days in France – more shopping! Purchased a few Christmas treats and Alan found some Biere de Noel so he was happy. 

This is such an easy journey for us on Eurotunnel – well under 2 hours from home to Calais even with the waiting about at the terminus. I was surprised (why?) by the lack of security at the terminus, no searches and not even a peep at our passports! We had two lovely meals while we were there.

We visited our favourite local restaurant The Ambrette. It has now been awarded ‘The Best in the  South East 2013’ by Pat Chapman.

So that’s about it for this week but we are starting to count down the days till we see Tim, Anna and lovely Lilah once more.

Congratulations to dear Ray on becoming a granddad! I do hope he will behave himself now as he has to be a role model for little Linden. On second thoughts he is fine as he is!

The meso community continues to bring happy and sad news. We lost Steve Cooke last week – what a character he was and full of fun and life till the end. RIP Steve and condolences to your family.

Lou and Jan are currently going through the trials of chemotherapy and hoping as we all are that they hear that magic word ‘shrinkage’ after their next scan. Mavis is recovering from a nasty fall and Steve continues to enjoy life getting out and about with his lovely wife Linda. John and Ernie are having a hard time right now. My love to you all.

Tess x

York, London and Westgate-on-Sea

We spent a long weekend up in York. I cannot believe I have never been there before. I have passed through on the train to Durham many times in my childhood but never stayed there. It was my birthday while we were there and we met up with friends for a celebratory lunch. Coincidently Janice and I share the same birthday and are the same age and we met 52 years ago at secondary school! We did all the tourist bits in York and loved it. Our weekend was extended by a day as there were no trains from York to London on Monday due to the storm. A good place to be stranded. Here are a few photos to give you a taste of what we were up to.

Boat trip on the river

York Minster - it's enormous!

High ceiling in Minster

Tess & Janice at lunch in Hotel Du Vin

Castle Museum - I love doll's houses

Redundant Charge Nurse found guilty!

Steam Train Museum - this one for Mick!

Looks the same but is different!

Seen on the platform

 We also visited the Quilt museum but could not take photos. The Shambles was worth a look but too many tacky tourist shops for my liking.

We arrived home on Tuesday but had to return to London on Wednesday as I was going into hospital to have my chest drain removed. I had to have a general anaesthetic but all was well and I am now drain free after 16 months. It does feel strange without my fashion accessory and it did so much to improve the quality of my life. I am feeling fine and breathing well - long may it last. I experienced the NHS at its best and I am grateful to all the team up at Guys.  I am still having problems with my sore gums so will seek dental advice next week if it doesn't improve.

And so back to Westgate and thankfully no storm damage. We went for a walk along the prom this morning but it was not very pleasant as there were so many little flies in the seaweed that had been blown up onto the prom during the storm. So now I have to plan a few more trips before Christmas - an overnighter in France is definately on the cards.

Another week with sad news. A very good friend and ex-colleague died last weekend - RIP Chris.

Fellow mesowarrior Ian also passed away. My condolences to both families. Mavis, Jan and Lou are fighting their own personal battles at the moment and Steve is keeping busy and awaiting his next scan. I send my love to you all.

Tess x