Things around here

So far January has been a good month. We've been eating lots of warming winter food like roasted Root vegetables and we've been enjoying plenty of Snow. Norfolk has been undercover of a blanket of white for coming up to two weeks now and I've loved every moment of it. I've also been making a lot of Soup; it's good January food. This time round it was just a simple Leek and Potato. Talking of the snow, I've found it to be a great way of keep drinks cold - it;s most convenient. Gosh I do love the Snow. We've also been experimenting with drinks, this we've made a Strawberry and Banana Smoothies, Lime and Strawberry Soda and Pomegranate Cordial. We've also received a very cute hand painted card from a rather delightful two year old. We've found a great new Farm Shop in Mulbarton for us to do the weekly shop. It's so much more of a relaxed affair than a supermarket. Finally I thought I'd give Graze a go and so far so good. I hope the last few days of January are just as good.

My very favourite Weather

Snow really is my favourite Weather. I get very excited when the flakes start a falling from the sky - giddy excited. I could wax lyrical for an absolute age about my joy and love for Snow, but on this occasion, I'll just post some photos I've taken this week.

Gilbert

I'd like to introduce you to Gilbert the Snowman. We've had so much snow here in Norfolk that it would have been rude not to go outside and enjoy the weather. I get proper giddy excited when it Snows. Gilbert is in fact very very tall - about 8ft. It was still snowing whilst we made him and it was so quiet despite being at our Friends house who lives close to the Airport. It was such fun; the kind of fun that is very childlike - good and honest. You know like if you give a little one a cardboard box and they're entertained for hours. Well that was us.

I was exceptionally pleased that I had bought some new Boots a couple of weeks ago - they are keeping my Feet nice and warm in this weather and I don't slide around too much because of the grips. I'm usually a ballet pumps kinda girl all year round but these were purchase in very good time.

We were completely drenched by the time we got back inside and many cups of tea were consumed. But boy was it fun! Welcome to the world Gilbert!

The best night of November

This evening is my favourite in November, the Christmas Lights switch on. After work I met my Husband and we ventured through the City to the lovely Department Store Jarrolds. We spent some time wandering around their Christmas decorations, choosing a few beauties to come home with us. By this time our friends had made it into the City and we went to get some Hot Chocolate to keep us warm. We then made our way  up to City Hall to watch the entertainment before the big event. 

This year the proceedings were hosted by David Webster from BBC Radio Norfolk and we also got to see the Chermond Gymnastics Club, The Norwich Ukulele Society and Demi Semitone and Swank’s Frolicking Fairies. There was Carols a plenty and giant snowballs thrown into the crowd. There was singing and dancing amongst the 5000 strong crowd. The lights were switched on by silver medal winner at the London Paralympics for Archery, Mel Clarke. There were lots of Fireworks. Oh how I love these! Then Norwich glowed in it's Christmas finest. Plus there was the Confetti Canons which always make me feel like a little kid trying to grab the ornate paper shapes from the air. We wandered around the city marvelling in the festive delight and generally prettiness of the sparkling lights. I particularly liked the snow machine near the Cath K shop - it was the warmest 'snow' I had ever experienced!  But boy did it look magical. Seriously, it really is the best night of November.

It's the summer of 1963...

This evening we headed to Theatre Royal in Norwich to see Dirty Dancing! We had booked these tickets over 18 months ago and me and the boy were really looking forward to seeing it. We really enjoy going to the Theatre but so often forget to book tickets before performances are sold out. The show was spectacular and it had me grinning from ear to ear. The dancing and singing was absolutely mesmerising. The guy who played Neil Kellerman was brilliant - so so so funny. The production completely captivated me, just as the film did the first time I saw it. Such a good evening!

All photos are from the Dirty Dancing Tour website

A very special day

We recently had a rather special day in our household - my Sister graduated and it was a lovely day. The weather was kind and we got lots and lots of lovely photos of her and her friends. She is now officially has a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and my little baby Sister can now teach little ones. We had a super day and after all the shenanigans up at UEA, including arriving there at 7.30am (Seriously UEA?!), we had afternoon naps and then out for dinner with her closest friends from the course and their families. We went to Rare which was amazing and rounded off the day perfectly. I'm so proud of this little lady and all that she has achieved in the last year, especially her resilience as our Father passed away last year, just a few months into her course. He was a Teacher and this really spurred her on to make him proud and boy I reckon she has.

The Waffle House

The other night we went to the Waffle House on St Giles with my Sister and her Partner. We went to celebrate her completing and passing her PGCE with no less than an outstanding Ofsted grade. I'm so proud of her. I'm glad that she choose the Waffle House as the food there is amazing.

First up was the Savoury Waffles - I had Ham, Mushrooms and Cheese Sauce on a Wholemeal Waffle, my Husband had one of their specials of Sausage, Bacon and Salad in a Balsamic dressing and the other two had the Bolognese.

Realistically though, our main reason for going are the deserts. Two Banoffee Waffles and two Chocolate Mouse Waffles. These are the things of dreams...

Celebrating in Norwich

This week has been such a great, no, truly special, week in Norwich. It started after work on Wednesday with the Olympic Torch reaching the City Centre. We went with a few Friends and stood in between The Forum and St Peter Mancroft Church. Boy was it busy! The city was completely heaving and there was such a good joyous atmosphere. We were really fortunate to be at the front, by the railings with a good view. It was a glorious evening with brilliant blue skies - not a rain cloud in sight!

The Torch Bearer that we saw was Simon Stokes. The London 2012 website says the following about him;

"Simon is a local church minister and is blind. Over the past few years he has done several amazing things to raise money for Bowthorpe Community Trust Workshop - a charitable organisation which works with trainees with learning and other difficulties to help them acquire work skills and gain a feeling of self worth. Simon was sponsored to do a parachute jump a couple of years ago and more recently ran the Beachy Head Marathon accompanied by his guide dog Tigger. Simon has been an inspiration to the community of Bowthorpe over the past five years, not only in his work with the Workshops but also in his work with the local Youth and Community Centre, local schools, the Bowthorpe Forum, amongst other things - in addition to his work with our church."

After was saw the Torch and nearly being bowled over by one local TV Reporter, Mike Liggins, we had a wander around the city and got to see quite a few more Torch Bearers all posing for photographs as well as Chickens on Stilts (I kid you not!). We then headed back to our friends house for fish and chips and a Movie in their Garden Cinema - simply perfect.

Then on Thursday night, we headed back into the City at half ten to see the 3D Projection on the Castle. It's a six ish minute animation to celebrate Norwich's culture and heritage. It was nice to see so many people out  and enjoying the show. I took a video, which will hopefully work!

It was completely amazing, that we stayed and watch it again and then went again on Friday night! It was just so clever and I loved the fact that everyone clapped at the end. Proper community spirit.

On Saturday, we were fortunate enough to be involved in the Lord Mayors Procession. We were at the very end by the Wig and Pen Pub collecting the money from those who walked the route all in aid of Future Projects. Here is a little about them from their website;

"Future Projects was created by two volunteers in 2000 in response to large groups of young people congregating in the NR5 area causing anti social behaviour. Today we employ c30 full time and part time staff and cater for a much wider client base to overcome social exclusion and enrich people’s lives. The Project works with hard-to-reach groups and empowers individuals to reach their full potential through a range of long and short term projects including; Community Radio station, Community based professional recording studios, bespoke short skills and training courses, Key Stage 4 school for children with SEN or those having difficulties in mainstream education, youth engagement projects and post 16 support advice and guidance. Situated in the NELM area; an area marked by significant disadvantage in learning, skills, employment, health and crime indicators Future is increasingly becoming a driving force for social change in the area. The project is now based in a purpose built studio and education block which houses our state of the art radio, media and music suite and education facilities".

Not only did we get to help out a truly wonderful charity, but we also got the best view ever of the parade.

There were a few surprises whilst we collected the money - there were plenty of rubber bands, glow sticks and bottle caps donated. Quite unexpected! I loved how happy the paraders were despite the long walk, in the surprisingly warm evening, they had just completed, especially the dancers who were still merrily dancing away! I just quite simply love the Lord Mayor Procession and it was made even better this year by being involved. I just hope there was lots and lots of money collected for the Charity.

After the Procession finished we thought we'd escape the heaving city so went for drinks at the rather lovely Fat Cat Pub.  We pretty much all had soft drinks as we were so thirsty, despite the amazing Cherry Beer that they serve. By this time it was nearly nine and we were all hungry - a cheeky takeaway was just the ticket. After we polished off our food, we headed up to Mousehold Heath to watch the Fireworks at the Castle. I love watching the Fireworks from here as it seems like the city is on fire. There's always quite a crowd too which adds to the atmosphere. Here's a snippet of the Fireworks towards the end...

It really has been an amazing few days in Norwich - I've enjoyed it all and I feel so fortunate to live in such a great City. The City Council really do an amazing job; their events team are brilliant. I have had a ball!

An exceptional weekend

We have had a most wonderful weekend. Our first port of call on Saturday was Sew Simple for the Boy to pick up some weaving supplies before we headed to Horstead to the Recruiting Sergeant. We've always heard how great it is and I'm so glad we finally went. It's amazing. We couldn't decide whether we wanted to sit outside or in and I'm so glad the Boy went for in as within five minutes of sitting down the heavens open and boy did it thunder down. Their lunch menu is extensive, so much choice. We kept it simple with a BLT and Cheese and Ham Panini. It was so very tasty, the coleslaw and salad was quite simply superb. I'm looking forward to going back for dinner soon.

After lunch and with very full bellies, we went to AG Meale and Sons to pick some Strawberries. We try and do this at least once a year as we both really enjoy PYO. Fortunately the weather had cleared and the skies were blue again. I love picking Strawberries here as they are raised up on tables which means no back ache! Hurrah! Whoever came up with idea deserves a medal. We spent about 40 minutes picking and just enjoyed the quiet and the warmth. It's such a serene activity, one I've adored since being a little one.

And boy, did we pick lots and lots! We ended up with about 6kg. We went to the very end of the tables and found the biggest juciest Strawberries. And boy are they good! When we got home, we spent an age preparing them, mostly for the Freezer so we can make Smoothies for breakfast. It was so nice sitting round the table with my Boy doing something so simple. We also made a Strawberry Flan to take round to our friends later that day - it was hard to resist not tucking in there and then though!

We bought some Sweet Williams, for my two best friends who have both got new jobs. I'm so pleased for them both as they were jobs that they really really wanted. I made sure that I took off all the leaves as they honk when they've been in water for a while and tied them simply with some ribbon.

We spent the evening at our friends in their Garden Cinema. Summerhouse and Projector equals an amazing evening. We drank Pimms, ate Popcorn, had dinner and dessert. We had a fire and toasted Marshmallows. It was so temperate that even at 11pm it didn't feel cold. Their summer house is pretty epic though as there are armchairs, lighting and evening Wifi. It really is the most lovely way to spend the evening. I think it might be one of my favourite things to do with my friends.

This morning, we headed to Heydon to the Little Vintage Lover Fair. A complete bargain at a £1 entrance. There was so many things to look at, admire and want! I love that some people had gone to town with their outfits - so very pretty. I'm glad I wore a dress and did my hair!  I have never seen so much vintage clothing in one place, so many racks to look through. There were so many stands both inside and out of the World War One Hut. It's such a great fair.

We've been to Heydon many times before as we used to have Friends who lived in the next village over, Wood Dalling before they moved to Melton Constable. I love the charm of this village - it's so unspoilt. There haven't been any new buildings built since the 1880's and there is a wonderful cohesion to the village. Today it really did look most spectacular in the sunshine and the pretty blooms in front gardens.

We were also treated to seeing the Norfolk Military Vehicle Group.  We saw them rolling into Heydon and then they parked just where had. Each and everyone of these vehicles were spectacular. Such labours of love and completely immaculate. I could drive around in any of these babies!

We were very restrained with our purchases today, sometimes when there is so much to look at, I almost fail to see! My Husband bought a very lovely pure Wool Tie and I got another Brooch for my collection and the most beautifully shaped Basket.

We then headed home for an afternoon of domesticity. Along with the boring stuff like Laundry and Tidying, we also got in some baking time. Hmmmm Cherry Bakewell Cupcakes! I love these. We then had a roast dinner - we haven't had a roast for an absolute age, so it felt like it was a real treat.

This weekend really has been exceptional. I have loved every minute of it! Time outside, with friends, with my husband, vintage shopping, baking, domesticity and happiness.