What I read/listened too in September

 Not too much reading done this month.  Being back at work sees me asleep by 10pm.

I loved this book and was sad to hear that it might be the last one.  Again I'm no Sherlock Holmes!!

Shocking news reaches the Thursday Murder Club.

An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing.

As the gang springs into action they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home.

With the body count rising, the package still missing and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die?

I have lent the four books to my friend at work but have told her that the last one is quite sad and might be a little close to home for her, as her dad has alzheimers.  I didn't want her to be upset when she read it.

Listening to this on Audible.  You get a real feel for Tom as he narrates his own story.

Tom Felton’s adolescence was anything but ordinary. His early rise to fame in beloved films like The Borrowers catapulted him into the limelight, but nothing could prepare him for what was to come after he landed the iconic role of the Draco Malfoy, the bleached blonde villain of the Harry Potter movies. For the next ten years, he was at the center of a huge pop culture phenomenon and yet, in between filming, he would go back to being a normal teenager trying to fit into a normal school.

Speaking with great candor and his signature humor, Tom shares his experience growing up as part of the wizarding world while also trying to navigate the muggle world. He tells stories from his early days in the business like his first acting gig where he was mistaken for fellow blonde child actor Macaulay Culkin and his Harry Potter audition where, in a very Draco-like move, he fudged how well he knew the books the series was based on (not at all). He reflects on his experiences working with cinematic greats such as Alan Rickman, Sir Michael Gambon, Dame Maggie Smith, and Ralph Fiennes (including that awkward Voldemort hug). And, perhaps most poignantly, he discusses the lasting relationships he made over that decade of filming, including with Emma Watson, who started out as a pesky nine-year-old whom he mocked for not knowing what a boom mic was but who soon grew into one of his dearest friends. Then, of course, there are the highs and lows of fame and navigating life after such a momentous and life-changing experience.

I haven't finished it yet but I'm looking forward to getting to know him better.

Me on Monday - 25 Sep 2023

What a wet and windy weeks it's been.  Definitely time to dig those jumpers out.  Brrrr!!

This week 

I booked into a line dancing, exercise class at the gym.  I'm hoping it's all set to country music.

There was date night with hubby.  We went to the cinema  to see A Haunting in Venice.  I've told him that when we go to Venice, we're only going out in the day and staying in the hotel at night.  Too many spooky goings on in the dark for me :0)

I made it to the dentist and the tooth is now sorted, but I have to keep a diary for the next four weeks to keep an eye on the neuralgia.  If it's still bothering me, I have to let the dentist know and she will do another referral to the hospital. 

Whilst Innes was out dog training, Blue helped me with my blog post.

Innes and Blue went for their first booster.  They were absolutely hyper seeing the lovely ladies at the vets.   As usual, the vet was totally in love with Blue.  But then he is a gorgeous boy.

More fence building was done and there are now only two panels to go before it's finished.  As with most neighbourhood fences, one neighbour is going to get the "wrong" side.  Our lovely neighbour on the left, has asked hubby if he would panel her side too as she doesn't like the wrong side.  He said he would, so it now means the job will take a bit longer.  Hubby has also said that once the old shed comes down, he will panel our wrong side, with our other lovely neighbour on the right.  This small fencing job has turned into a marathon.

The microwave blew up on Saturday, blowing the fuses and cutting the power to half the house.  Luckily the fuses were easily fixed and a new microwave was ordered.

We made a decision about going to York in November.  As it's the start of the Christmas markets that weekend, all the hotel prices have shot up, so we are just going for the day.  It's only a 2 hour drive so not too much hassle. 

I made Cinnamon, Hifi, Pears from Slimming World.  I won all the ingredients in the raffle, at club on Saturday so thought I'd give it a go for Sunday lunch.  Recipe to follow.

I wonder what next week will be like?

TTFN

It's nice to be appreciated

Just before we finished work for the summer, one of the deputy headteachers gave me a present with a lovely gift card.

It really makes all the difference, knowing that as you go about your work, on any average day, someone thinks you're doing a great job.

Me on a Wednesday - 20 Sep 2023

Another week done and only fifteen until Christmas :0)

I went to work - it was slightly busier than usual as Ms A is off with a rotator cuff injury.  Fingers crossed her cortisone injection works and she feels better soon.

I went to the gym - Lets just say it's a work in progress :0)

I read The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman and didn't guess "who dunnit".  No surprises there :0)

I started Tai Chi and I love it.  It's really good for clearing your mind.  It's good to let go of the negativity in your life, and as Master Xingbo says, it's good for your "inner peace".

We went to York to see family and we had a lovely weekend.  We spent time chatting and laughing.  We tried to take my mother in law to York Minster, only too find that they had closed mid afternoon on a Saturday, as the Cannon's were having a service.  She was not a happy bunny, and may have told them so!!  The joy of being nearly 82.

Unfortunately our son and grandson were out of town but we have made plans to go and see them for son's birthday in November.

Of all the time together we only took one photo.  A steam train that had arrived at York just as we did.  Hubby had to get a photo.

This week is set to be a wet one so I might have to put my summer clothes away sooner than I thought.

I hope you all had a lovely positive week.

TTFN

Currently in September 2023

I haven't done one of these for a while so here goes.

I am currently.............

Reading - I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of Richard Osman's new book, The Last Devil to Die.  It should be delivered tomorrow.

Watching - Joe Pickett on Paramount +, Virgin River on Netflix and Hijak on Apple TV.  All different but extremely watchable.

Wondering - Why are there so many Trout Pouts on social media?  Why do young ladies think that they look attractive if they pout?  And what is with the "tongue against the back of your teeth" when you smile?  Just be yourself.  Whatever happened to just saying "cheese" when having your photo taken?

Wearing - I'm still in my summer clothes and will be until the last possible minute.  Although I do like Autumn, as it means I can get my much loved boots out of the closet.

Booking - A trip to Blenheim Palace next year, a trip overseas (our first in seven years) and of course a trip to the Great Yorkshire Show.

What are you currently doing?

Me on a Monday - 11 September 2023

We had quite a few misty mornings last week.  A sure sign, I think, that Autumn is on it's way.

It was a quite week at work, as the children weren't back into school until Thursday.  That meant we had time to prepare all the necessary paperwork etc and I could catch up with six weeks worth of invoices.

I joined the gym and have booked a few classes for this Thursday when I'm not in work.  I've got Tai Chi in the morning and Zumba in the evening.  Not sure how fit I am, but we'll soon find out.

I heard back from the dentist.  My referral was rejected, twice, by the hospital and I now have to go and have the tooth removed at my normal dentist (as I first suggested) on 21 September.  I'm hoping it will cure the neuralgia I have at the moment, as it's like having electric shocks on your face.  Not pleasant at all.

On Sunday we went to the Welsh Game Fair - in Bangor, North Wales.  It was only the second year that the Vaynol Estate had hosted the Game Fair so it didn't take long to look around.  I'd say it's more of a "Doing" game fair than a "Mooching" one.  But as they say, you have to start somewhere.

We got to watch the Gundog teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, take part in day two of their test and when we left, Ireland were winning.  I'm not sure who won at the end but all their dogs were amazing.

England Team

There was also clay pigeon shooting, fishing, ferrets, spaniels, horses and hounds.  The weather held so it was an enjoyable few hours.

Back home I did some ironing and tackled the job I dislike the most - the windows.

At work, it's the first full week, next week, with all the children in, so it's bound to be busy, but at least I have a trip to York to look forward next weekend.

TTFN.

St Giles Cathedral - Edinburgh

St Giles Cathedral is situated about half way down the Royal Mile, in Edinburgh and is where King Charles recently received The Honours of Scotland following his coronation in May.  Her Majesty the queen also laid in state there last year before her final journey to London.

Image from Google

The Cathedral has been a working church for approx 900 years, but is open to the public for viewing.  It was founded as a church in 1124, by King David 1 but became a Cathedral in 1633 under Charles 1.

The Thistle Chapel

The Robert Burns memorial window by Icelandic artist Leifur Breidfjörd 1985.

It's a lovely place to wander about, but it was so busy when we were there that we didn't stay long.

Me on a Monday - 4 September 2023

And just like that the holidays are over.  Where the time has gone I just don't know.  

I feel like have wasted the last six weeks.  But that's not really the case as I've spring cleaned everywhere, de-cluttered, met up with friends and family, taken the boys out, crocheted my fingers to the bone, listened to books, even read some actual books, sat out in the sun and most importantly relaxed.

My last week off saw me

Supervising the menfolk putting up the last section of fencing.  It's turning out to be a bigger job then we thought.   I was a lovely day for it.  Just look at that sky.

Re-scheduling my blood donors appointment as I had no paperwork.  I'm hoping that the new form arrives today as I'm due to go on Wednesday.

Finding a new Slimming World group as, Craig, my old consultant, left to take up a new job in Leeds.  I now go to Mike at 7.30am on a Saturday!!  He seems very nice and the group was really busy, despite the start time.

Having coffee with friends before we all start back at work today.  It was good to catch up with them both and find out how their summer had been.

Doing one last minute, spring clean before squeezing it all into my day off or weekend.

Starting a new blanket.  This time I'm stash busting and don't need to buy any more wool.

Probably going back to one post a week.  It's much easier to plan my posts when I'm off all week.  Working full time, I don't want to spend too much time on my laptop, when I get home, as I've been looking at a screen all day.

Only six weeks to go until the October holidays :0)

What I Read/Listened too in August.

No actual, physical reading done again this month but I did manage to get through three audio books whilst I was crocheting or doing the ironing.

The Tudor Secret by C W Gortner

Summer 1553: A time of danger and deceit. Brendan Prescott, an orphan, is reared in the household of the powerful Dudley family. Brought to court, he finds himself sent on an illicit mission to the King's brilliant but enigmatic sister, Princess Elizabeth. But Brendan is soon compelled to work as a double agent by Elizabeth's protector, William Cecil--who promises in exchange to help him unravel the secret of his own mysterious past.

The Tudor Conspiracy - C W Gortner

Winter 1554. Brendan Prescott, spymaster to the Princess Elizabeth, has discovered that he is connected to the Tudors by blood as well as allegiance. Though his secret is known only by a few, it could be his downfall as he is called to London to protect the princess.

Accompanied by his young squire Peregrine, he reluctantly leaves his sweetheart Kate behind - but in the city he discovers that no one is quite what they seem. What fate does Queen Mary intend for her sister? Is Robert Dudley somehow manipulating the princess, even though he is locked in the Tower? And should Brendan trust the alluring Sybilla, Mary's lady-in-waiting, who professes to be on his side?

As he tries to unravel the mysteries of the Tudor court Brendan's life will be put in danger many times, and along the way he learns more about his own past.

The Tudor Vendetta - C W Gortner

Upon the death of Mary I (Bloody Mary), Elizabeth I takes the throne and Brendan Prescott is called to aid the young queen amid a realm plunged into chaos and a court rife with conspiracy

London, 1558. Queen Mary is dead, and 25-year old Elizabeth ascends the throne. Summoned to court from exile abroad, Elizabeth’s intimate spy, Brendan Prescott, is reunited with the young queen, as well as his beloved Kate, scheming William Cecil, and arch-rival, Robert Dudley. A poison attempt on Elizabeth soon overshadows her coronation, but before Brendan can investigate, Elizabeth summons him in private to dispatch him on a far more confidential mission: to find her favored lady in waiting, Lady Parry, who has disappeared during a visit to her family manor in Yorkshire.

Upon his arrival at the desolate sea-side manor where Lady Parry was last seen, he encounters a strange, impoverished family beset by grief, as well as mounting evidence that they hide a secret from him. The mystery surrounding Lady Parry deepens as Brendan begins to realize there is far more going on at the manor than meets the eye, but the closer he gets to the heart of the mystery in Vaughn Hall, the more he learns that in his zeal to uncover the truth, he could be precipitating Elizabeth’s destruction.

From the intrigue-laden passages of Whitehall to a foreboding Catholic manor and the deadly underworld of London, Brendan must race against time to unravel a vendetta that will strike at the very core of his world—a vendetta that could expose a buried past and betray everything he has fought for, including his loyalty to his queen.