Hen's, Headaches and Getting Hitched!

Heyyy, 

I. Am. Tired.

After nearly 160 miles, two nights of drinking, and approx twelve hours of sleep the whole weekend I am well and truly knackered.

It was my future Sister-in-laws's Hen do / Bacholerette party this weekend and after traveling to Nottingham for a spa weekend of partying and drinking with some close friends and family. Being the land of Robin Hood I can definitely say that we were less about robbing from the rich and giving to the poor, more like we came rich and left poor ... mainly for the sake of alcohol and spa treatments! I thoroughly enjoyed myself with some incredible company and a good lot of people to while away the weekend away from husbands, kids, and responsibilities, however, if you think that this blog post is going to be spilling all the beans and providing the inside scoop, you will be sadly disappointed. I am afraid a lady never kisses and tells (not that anything like that happened at all I must say) and what happens on Hen Do', Stays on Hen Do's!

I have started the second week of my new job as Operations Coordinator in Milton Keynes at an Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Heating company and am enjoying it so far, slowly slowly but getting there with the lingo and terminology. But with 8-weeks to go until our wedding things are getting to the point now where bills are going to need paying in the next few weeks by the end of the month and plenty of things that still need doing including tonnes of DIYs and wedding stationery that needs doing. I just hope things stay as they are and we finally make it this time to our special day.

Monday 19 July 2021 in the UK marked the ending of lockdowns and an end for all COVID restrictions including nightclubs reopening, no face masks, and big festivals and events beginning to start. Bozza Jozza's plans for the final unlocking of restrictions in England were pushed back from the 21st of June and maybe rightly so. But can Prime Minister Boris Johnson really go back on his word yet again, U-turning? Now BoJo's lifted all legal restrictions in England but he has urged the public to remain cautious, saying the pandemic is not over.

The BBC outlined today (Monday 16 August 2021) that there have been nearly 6.3 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK with nearly 131,000 people have died from the deadly disease that has ruined and spoilt life for over a year now. Government figures show however that almost 90% of adults in the UK have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and nearly 77% have had their second.

Public Health England estimates that, up to 6 August, the UK vaccination program had prevented nearly 85,000 deaths and more than 23 million infections. Impressive and certainly the hope and faith we need and less of the doom and gloomy crap the news is mainly made up of. The BBC news article continues that more than 47 million people of all UK adults have had at least one vaccine with everyone over the age of 18 across the UK can now book a vaccine, so hopefully, the uptake continues and we can hear less and less about the stupid idea that you have a microchip implanted in your arm or that it makes you a magnet?! And with the most recent government figures show at least 5,894 people with coronavirus in hospitals in the UK. A week earlier that figure was 5,816. Although numbers climbed in recent weeks, they are far below the peak of nearly 40,000 people back in January. I am desperate to hang onto any piece of positivity as we break the 2-months-to-go mark! 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Wedding planning is stress free; Said no Bride ever!

Evening All, 

And so after nearly a fortnight of being a lady of leisure; shopping most days, lunching some others and most of my other free and spare time dedicated to wedding stuffs, today I started my new job as Operations Coordinator in Milton Keynes at an Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Heating company. A breezy 20-mins from home I was very glad to not have the ninety-minute commute I used to have to Hertford, plus the staying away.

With just over 9-weeks to go until our wedding things are super stressed at the moment, so much so after the fourth phone call one day I had to screen my Dad's call. I know that he goes at 100-Mph but honestly, the whole GO GO GO thing at the moment is getting a bit much! Last weekend my Dad, his wife, Mr. Warehouse, and I all went to view the village hall again where we will be having our reception after the ceremony. This wouldn't have been such a trial if it weren't for the fact that every single time we come to view it we change the damned layout and floorplan meaning there is something else to do or buy or think about. And on this occasion, there were no exceptions.

Lunch afterward was intense, as it always is as there are two very strong personalities in me and my father round the table with his wife trying to battle through and butt-in once in a while and poor old Mr. Warehouse being completely left out of any thoughts or feelings he may have. I always knew wedding planning was going to be tough and stressful, but this is on another level. 

Luckily, the last few days off has lent itself to some serious life and wedding admin which has been much needed - Confirming all the details with vendors, organizing meetings with suppliers to go through things, order of service, and other wed-min items. I have even been proactive in chasing all the RSVP's in advance of the end of August deadline date which has helped us in being able to possibly make a head start on the table plan and more. I must say it does make life easier knowing most of the guestlist is now coming and as such I know how many kiddo's I need to make PAQ's for (PAQ standing for Peace and Quiet) which will include coloring books, crayons, toys, sweeties and other fun stuff.

So along with a trip to the local pound shop for those kid-friendly bits which I picked up some of last week and will collect the remainder tomorrow, I have also completed a few other things off the list as long that last week was as long as my arm. Crafts and DIY's that need to be finalized and completed are not all fully there yet however some of the simpler tasks such as blankets to wrap and flip-flops to tie have all now been finished. However, that being said the bogroll list cant be put away just yet as I still need to find time to make signs, create table centerpieces, design a table plan and manufacture pretty, bathroom baskets not to mention having to relabel everything that has our old wedding dates on including the confetti boxes. But now I have a full-time job to occupy me and weekend time is limited. With Hen-Do's, Stag-Do's, BBQ's and Parties booked in the next few weeks I have no idea when this will get done but somehow it has to. Eeeeek!!!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Father's Day Fail

Afternoon Everyone, 

This weekend we celebrate in style Dads of all shapes and sizes. Some people have Dad's. Some people have Fathers. Some people have Daddy's. Some people have Sugar-Daddy's. Some people have no Dad. Some people have two Dad's. Some people have Step Dad's. I just had a Dad. He is not the best or the most amazing, but he tries and that is all I can ask. Over the last few years, we have had our difficulties and troubles, but I am proud to say we have worked through them. 

To celebrate I booked a table yesterday at the Beefeater at Priory Country Park in Bedford for a nice meal. It was anything but. Arriving, My Dad, his wife, Mr Warehouse and I all waited the nearly twenty-minute wait patiently just get into the pub. The problems began almost immediately. It took 20-minutes for someone to come and take our drinks order. After the drinks arrived, it was a further 45-minutes before we had to physically ask someone to come and take our food order. We did this twice as we were told that “someone would be with you soon” however of course, "no one was with us soon". 

Laughing and chatting it became a little more pressing considering we only had the table for an hour and a half so after another 10-minutes and with most of the staff now actively avoiding walking past our table and our gazes, we had to stop another waitress and ask them to please come and take our food order. All was not over then as once we placed our food order it was another 40-minutes before the food finally arrived and even then, it was far below the bare basic of expectations. 

Dad’s wife had a beef roast dinner and the beef was very thickly cut and had scorch marks on it from a griddle. WHY?! Surely. as roast beef, it should be carved off the main joint and served not griddled to the point of it being so thick and chewy she had to leave most of it as it was quote “like eating corrugated cardboard”. 

It didn’t get much better with Dad’s meal. Ordering the ribs he expected, as written on the menu, to have an accompaniment of coleslaw which was not on the plate when it arrived. We had to collar a waiter and asked if we can have this brought out. He explained that the meal doesn’t come with it and left. Feeling stupid, we all then relooked at the menu, just to check we were correct and, sure enough, it confirmed that yes, the rib's did come with a side of coleslaw. Yet again, we called over another member of the waiting staff and explained that our meal was missing the coleslaw. They too questioned it and said we would be charged for the side of coleslaw and we yet again for a third time had to explain the menu to your members of staff. 

"Oh my god, Honestly what is wrong with this place," I thought to myself as the coleslaw was soon delivered to the table. "Surely it can't get worse than this" were my famous last words it seems as I unwrapped my knife and fork. 

Mr Warehouse and I ordered the same meal, the “our best” mixed grill which was far from the best and if that really is their “best” then as a company I think they may need to reword it to “we-don’t-give-a-shit-too-much”-Mixed Grill. as our meal's arrived with no way of telling which was which. I had ordered a rare steak and yet mine was medium-rare. Mr Warehouse ordered medium and yet his steak was well-done to the point of being charred. 

Unfortunately, I cannot say that this is the end of our issues as there are sadly still more, we had to endure. Yet again as with Dad’s meal, Mr Warehouse and I also had items missing including, our poached eggs which, when asked, we received very quickly. It was obvious they were not cooked fresh to order and instead of the soft, runny yolks we had asked for we were instead presented with poached eggs slopped onto a plate with little care or thought and with yolks on par with a fucking golf ball, cooked right the way through and had clearly been sat for a while under the hot plate.

In all honesty, it was getting beyond a joke now. With the exception of my Dad's ribs, all of our meals were burnt so much so I could not finish mine for tasting like coal. If I wanted to taste ash and char I would have gone outside and licked an ashtray. At this point we were all in two minds as to even order pudding due to the absolutely abysmally poor service, however we took a chance that there may be some reclaim, considering most desserts are quite quick and easy so mistakes should be pretty much non-existent. Not the case. 

We waited again quite some time for desserts to arrive and even then, the time we had to wait had clearly not been used on presentation as my dessert fell apart instantly before the “chocolate melting bomb surprise” could be revealed. Dad’s wife had her coffee arrive before her dessert when they were meant to arrive together. By the time her dessert arrived, a small and poorly cut slice of chocolate mousse cake, the coffee was almost gone. This should, as detailed in the menu be brought out together and not separate.

It had truthfully got to the point of laughable now as we sat for a further 30-40 mins before we had to again ask a server to pay our bill. Honestly, they were lucky that we even paid for our meal as I was fuming to the point of which I was about to say let's just get up and walk out, without paying. After getting our second bill as the first one was incorrect (I mean you literally can't even make this shit up at this point) I set aside my card and awaited the card machine in order to pay our £73-odd bill. AGAIN we had to wait a long while with no one checking in on us before we had to ask more waiting staff to come with the card machine so we could pay and finally leave.

On arrival with the card machine came another bill, this time showing the “correct” figure as the waitress had said that the second calculated bill did not include drinks or dessert?! The bill was incorrect again! She asked me to check the new £90+ bill to make sure it was correct – Despite it being HER JOB! Furious I paid and left immediately. I prayed that they would ask me how my day had been or how was the meal so I could let rip and crumble from my calm and polite demeanour. 

Now I get that COVID has had a huge impact on the hospitality industry with monies lost every single day the doors have been shut, but there is no excusing this level of shocking service. It could have been excused if maybe it was one or two things that had slipped up, but at every point in our experience, it was atrocious. At no point were we checked in on. At no point were we asked if everything was OK. At no point were we asked if we needed anything else. We literally had to ask for everything from the moment we stepped inside to the moment we left. 

Now I get that it wasn't that poor girl's fault necessarily for all of the failings, but Jesus come on! I just felt like saying "GET IT TOGETHER PEOPLE"! It could have been excused if maybe it was the first opening weekend or even the first few weeks, but places like this have been open for some time now. Things like this should not be happening. I mean it's not as if these places haven’t had a year to prepare for Father’s Day 2021?! 

I was honestly so embarrassed. I get that I am eating in a family-friendly chain restaurant and not The Ritz, but this was meant to be, as for a lot of people, a very special Father’s Day meal out with my Dad whom I had not seen in some time and yet it was an absolute shambles. It was nice seeing them but I can truthfully say hand on heart that there was nothing, absolutely nothing at all, that I enjoyed about yesterday’s meal and I know that my Dad, his wife and my fiancé all feel exactly the same.

This morning I tried calling through to the 0333 number online, however, after nearly an hour on hold I gave up and instead wrote a disgruntled letter in less time it took for them to answer my call. I hope that the Beefeater we went to were just on a bum day and that this was just a one-off (despite getting it wrong, on many levels, over seventeen times) and that other people had a lovely day with their Dad, or Dads, or Step-Dad's or Daddy's or even more so to those lucky fuckers with Sugar-Daddy's. Happy Fathers Day to one and all. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Some things never change.

Good Evening, 

One week ago I sat here writing to you from my sofa, anxious in anticipation for my grandmothers funeral. I was dreading it and more than most for a multitude of reasons. Now I know that no one ever looks forward to funerals, but this one will be especially fraught with emotions, and, as with last time, the tension and anxiety will be riding high. I laugh to myself now as I write this to you, it seems that funerals, whilst are not the happiest of occasions, always seem to be dogged for me with huge anxieties and bouts of doubt and uncertainty about myself. And this time will be no different. 

As with Granddad's funeral just over two years ago now almost to the day, I recall waking up on the morning of the funeral. I could see the bright May day beaming in through the spare room window across the hallway. And just as before, I wanted to curl up in my duvet, hide away and pretend that today was not happening. Instead, I pulled myself from slumber, my Puppy for once being kinder to me this morning and not jumping on me as he normally would, affectionate little licks to gently encourage me to get up and along with the day. Isn't it funny how animals sense these things, especially so when they come and cuddle up next to you on the sofa as you write this?

As normal, or at least as normal could be I dropped Mr Warehouse at work and headed home for a strong coffee and mind-numbing telly. Soon enough though it was time to get ready. Dressing in a black long-sleeved soft jersey wrap dress, nude tights and black heels I was all set. Hair in a plaited nape bun and fascinator fixed in place I got in the car ready to go. The journey was quiet as I thought about the attendants, my mother and brother, both of whom I had not seen since the last family funeral when I first started dating Mr Warehouse. Its been five years.  

"I suppose," I thought, "on a positive note, the Coronavirus pandemic means she can't come within 2-metres of you". I smiled at the thought. Soon enough we were approaching my Hometown and as we turned into the neighbouring street of my old family home I saw the hurse pull in front of us. Mr Warehouse asked if that was Nanna, or if it could be someone else, but as the vehicle in front took a left, I was certain she was making one last visit to the church before heading home. As the car slowed coming into Nanna's house, Mr Warehouse rested his hand on my thigh and gave me a sweet and gentle squeeze. Stopping the car he motioned if I was OK. I would be, I just needed to get today over and done with, as we all did. 

I could see some familiar faces amongst the people who had come and seen her off. Neighbours, friends and family all there for one last goodbye. My eyes fell to my Nanny Pumpkin and Uncle Africa from Ireland who was now staying with my Nanny Pumpkin (don't ask, easier not to get into it). Immediately I made a beeline for them as I knew they were my safety net, there for me and my family. I spoke with Uncle Golf a little and his younger brother, my Uncle KON. I went to see how my Auntie DD was holding up and my cousin too. At only just a teenager, this was a lot to handle. I can't imagine the pain he must be going through, especially after seeing her pretty much once or twice a week since he was born. The shock of seeing a coffin in the flesh (excuse the pun, but Nanna would have appreciated it) for the first time can be overwhelming and a bit much, especially for someone so young. 

My fiance and I took him aside for a second to console him, showing him the beautiful flower arrangement I had made on behalf of the grandchildren, my brother included as he sheepishly stood in the background with my mother, too ashamed to raise his head above the parapet I expect. After speaking with Auntie DD several weeks ago, It had been suggested to do something similar to my Granddad's funeral. Obviously, I included my brother, texting him last week to let him know of the plans and if he would like to be included he was more than welcome. Of course, he never replied, and of course, I still put his name to it as he was and still is the grandson of the dearly departed, despite not showing an ounce of remorse for not showing himself in the final few months and years of her life. I only wish he could man up and just be apart of this rather than hiding in her shadow. 

As 1pm approached we all headed into our cars, out of the way of the biting cold that she [Nanna] had cast over us from Scotland. Pulling away from her home, my thoughts turned to the next part of today. At the graveside, I was going to say a few words as I had divulged in last weeks blog post. Since there was going to be no church service due to the Coronavirus outbreak (even after Boris' announcement yesterday) there was a need to pack the occasion out and make it feel more than just a box and hole situation. As expected, my poor cousin was in no fit state to say anything let alone put words together in order to form a sentence in front of everyone and so the suggestion of something lighter about our time as grandchildren with Nanna was definitely best left to her memorial ceremony and celebration hopefully in a few months time when all of this is over. 

Pulling into the Cemetary I could see my father's car which gave me great comfort to know he was here, mostly because of the "am I, aren't I" conversations we had a few times over the last few weeks. Regardless of if he came or didn't, there would be backlash either way. My father would have been ridiculed for showing his face and coming if he had turned up and equally would have been bad-mouthed had he not come to the funeral of a woman that was once your mother-in-law. My Dad, accompanied by his new wife, was there to support me and my Auntie and Uncle's as well as my brother. Standing in the background I was glad of his presence. 

Moments later, in the freezing cold with the sun shining, I read from the freshly printed pages my monologue as posted last week. It went down well. Very well in fact, my uncle passing comment about not being about to follow such a touching tribute which I thought was lovely, especially considering how much I pawed over it and fretted about its broadcast. The moments slid by as we watched her be lowered into her final resting place, next to Granda, and soon we all started to dissipate into the Cemetary. 

All was well and we bid goodbye to close family and family friends with promises of meeting again once this Lockdown had lifted Mr Warehouse and I headed for the car. Uncle Africa wanted to speak with my mother and brother, alone, and so had asked if I could take my Nanny Pumpkin home. This delayed my catch-up with Miss Tweedle-Dee, something I was going to need after all this, but I was happy to assist as I knew that some stern words would need to be had. Although just before we left, my father made a bold move by walking in their direction. Before I knew what was happening (and truth be told I still don't) I heard my mothers voice ring out across the small parking lot. 
"BACK OFF" She bellowed, screeching at my father and holding a firm hand up in protection. Of her? Of her son? Who knows. All I do know is that my father only wanted to speak with his son and offer both him and his ex-wife his condolences. 

Sadly it seems as all the years have rolled by, the anger and searing pain are still raw. My brother is still hurting and my mother is still her old self, melodramatic and over the top. I just wish that we could all be civil. Enough time has passed for us to all get over ourselves and just accept that in certain situations we need to put things like this aside. Obviously, my mother never got that memo and instead embarrassed not only herself, but also my brother, who seems to have grown just as bitter and hateful as she is. Some things never change ...  

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Food Glorious Food

Hello everyone, 

Ahh January! The hated month of many. Christmas is long gone, Summer is so far and yet the sickness of Valentine's day is nearing with all its mushy mushy-ness! Payday is long-awaited and the weekends never seem long enough. Getting back to work and into the swing of things is hard and truth be told I have not enjoyed the first few weeks of "my year" yet. That being said, there was one thing I wanted to get out the way, over and done with, booked and confirmed. The Wedding Catering. 

After months, nearly an entire year of searching for catering I had finally settled on something  Mr Warehouse and I were happy with. I wanted canapes and fizz reception followed by a proper sit-down meal with a starter and main, followed by a nice piece of the wedding cake to finish. Mr Warehouse, however, wanted something really relaxed and informal, street food or buffet style, everyone helping themselves when they want, how they want and what they want. A free-for-all. But we needed structure. We need to have some level of formality as to the meal as this is going to form part of our speeches and will support the following goings-on such as the cutting of the cake, first dance, etc. 

After searching around for everything from Mexicana dishes to pizza vans to fish and chips, but nothing really hit the mark. I started looking at what a simple two-course menu would look like, maybe soup or prawn cocktail and a chicken breast something dinner with seasonal vegetables. However, after settling on that as our wedding breakfast we soon realised the cost of it all and how ridiculous the price seemed to spike as soon as you mention it's for a wedding. 

Whilst it was very much me, it wasn't much of Mr Warehouse and I felt his disappointment. With this in mind, we went back to the drawing board, Mr Warehouse and I took inspiration from what we love most about other peoples weddings or events we have been to. We loved hog roasts. Everything about it was us, the stuffing and the meat, sauces and oh lordy the crackling, all wrapped together in a bun. Perfect weather you are sober and even better when your half cut. It feeds many and looks good. Perfect choice. If only they could carve off the meat and serve it to the tables with vegetables and other sides? If only they could provide a starter? 

So I asked. A lot of them immediately said that they couldn't provide starters and that serving to the tables was simply a no-no. Others just never came back to us. That whittled the list down considerably. We had approximately ten suppliers that could do all of what we were asking, but the longer that we went on talking to the companies in particular, the more they seemed to be able to offer or quote us for, including proper crockery and cutlery, saving someone (probably my Dad and our groomsmen) doing the washing up the following day. Another one was able to top that and add in table linen to the quotation, again saving us as the bride and groom the job of buying it all, housing it all, storing it all for months before transporting it to our venue. And then after we have the inevitable task of having to sell it. 

And some of the menus! Wow! Starters that consist of goats cheese and caramelised onion tart, smooth pate with melba toast and freshly baked bread. Another supplier was offering Tomato Bruschetta with pesto and another caterer pushing the boat out with "A Selection of Fine Italian Meats- Including Prosciutto Parma Ham And Salami Served With Fine Cheeses Including Buffalo Mozzarella, Parmigiano and Gorgonzola" (although they were one of the most expensive ones coming in at £3,500.00). 

The mains all seemed to be similar with the main theme being the whole roasted pig roasted slowly over flames until succulently sweet and moreish all carved and served by professional chefs. The meat, in any instance of the caterer we choose, would be served with freshly made apple sauce, homemade sage and onion stuffing and professionally presented crackling. Side dishes and accompaniments did vary from supplier to supplier, everything from simple roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables all the way to a zingy salad, tasty pasta or an exotic couscous dish. 

Following the main meal would host the speeches and once people had finished laughing (or crying) dessert would follow that, a nod to our wedding cake, yet to be cut. Three mini cake rounds sandwiched in between lashings of buttercream and finished with some fresh fruit. This would be supplied and provided by our wonderful (if a little lacking on the communication front) cake lady.  

Evening catering I had considered letting Mr Warehouse have his naff buffet idea, but I wanted the fun and socialising to continue into the night so I had thought up an idea of having all sorts of bar snacks on offer. No evening catering so as to speak, just bucket loads (in my head I was thinking literally buckets) of pork scratchings, Bombay mix, nuts, pork pies, cheese, scotch eggs, mini sausages, crisps - Everyone dipping in whilst guzzling a pint or knocking back some shots. No-one seemed to be enthused by the idea and so I settled on asking our already shortlisted caterers if they could provide evening catering, something to warm the cockles of our guests and be a quick and easy something that wasn't too messy for veggies, vegans and meat lovers alike.

That's when Mr Warehouse and I stumbled upon baked potatoes. Perfect! A simplistic idea found on Pinterest of all places, but the variety and unique toppings and dressings you could have were almost never-ending. Some of our favourite contenders were the homemade gourmet coleslaw, the perfect accompaniment we thought to jacket potatoes combining texture, colour and a zesty depth of flavour. Another one was a crispy Thai salad - sumptuously unique comprising spring green leaves, beansprouts and a sesame oil dressing. Another winner was warming chilli with mixed beans and spices to make our guests glow. So many different toppings to choose from, along with the menus and suppliers themselves - We had a hard job on our hands. 

So I was glad when Dad and his new wife (Yes they got married - No were not going to talk about it) kindly asked us to come over for Sunday Tea and to discuss the proposition of the father of the Bride contributing a large amount to the wedding. This being said, as his offer still stood many months ago, he wanted to pay for the wedding catering, maybe the single most important part of the day, all bar the ceremony and maybe the dress. It was most certainly going to be the most expensive part of the whole day and with nearly a hundred-day guests to feed and a few more evening mouths, it was unsurprising we were getting quotes for nearly four-thousand-pounds. 

However one quote stuck out, mainly because it was cheap, the cheapest in fact, but also because they could offer everything every other supplier could, and was fast at replying which was a big deal for me. I am impatient and want answers now. I don't want to wait or think about it. I want it now. She was more than happy to bend over backwards and help out with anything I could possibly need. She was on hand to have a quick reply via Facebook or emails. Nothing was too much trouble. However the price? Why was the price so cheap when compared and bench marked against competitors, they came out the cheapest? I asked her this question this morning and I got a pleasant and sweet reply "There is one simple reason the quote is a little lighter than competitors. It's the wedding word. We charge a standard fee, wedding or not, whereas a lot of companies add on extra for it being a wedding. We don't." And so, ladies and gentlemen, I think I have found our caterer - Now to book them in!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

The Best Christmas Gift of All is Family

Evening one and all, 

2020! Here. It. Is. Finally, the countdown can really begin to our wedding day! Eeek! But first I feel I need to explain as this is not only my first writing of the new decade, but also that it has been some time. Apologies as Christmas and New Years really did take over a little and I went from manic at my desk to my day job being catching up on crap telly and being Mr Warehouse's chauffeur to and from work (Unfortunately he had to work between the Christmas/New Year slump whilst I got it off). That being said I was glad of the break. 

Christmas went well. Or at least as well as to be expected. The evening before, Christmas Eve, was spent with Miss Tweedle-Dee eating fine food and drinking over-priced red wine. I had hoped that maybe Mr and Mrs Tweedle-Dumb would have been over before this point that they could have shared however this was not the case and at that precise moment were probably boarding said plane from L.A. to make the long journey back home. Nevertheless, Mr Warehouse and I were spoilt with gifts of chocolate and smellies and other treats, but the best thing was the experience vouchers she bought for us; Mr Warehouse's was an "Escape Room" experience to test our teamwork and nerves, and mine was a "Pig Petting Day". Looking on the website, Kew Little Pigs, I can tell already this is right up my street and I am ecstatic Miss Tweedle-Dee bought it for me! 

The website describes the Piggy Pet and Playday as a chance to meet a bunch of lovable new friends at Kew Little Pigs. "Discover a piggy paradise inside the petting pen for an hour and a half of fun, where you’ll meet the pigs by name, pet and play with them, and give them a good groom. The miniature pigs come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique personality, so guaranteed you’ll meet some real characters. Selfie seekers are always welcome, as the pigs love the spotlight and know exactly how to strike a pose!" Heading home I slipped into some new Pyjama's and desperately tried to stay awake to watch Elf - Our family Christmas movie, but with everyone cuddled up on the sofa, I could barely keep my eyes open. Heading to bed I snuggled into my plush Teddy Bear duvet set and drifted off to sleep. 

Christmas Day started well, gifts and presents from Mr Warehouse and I to our beloved animals, Frankenstein not quite understanding what was going on and our older one knowing exactly what was happening and where all the treats were! Mr Warehouse had bought some beautiful jewellery sets, earrings and necklaces as well as many a bath bomb (forever on my Christmas and Birthday Wish lists) as well as some more practical items such as salt and pepper shakers and make-up removal pads. Although I cannot be surprised when we did the Poundland Christmas Challenge. You take £10.00, visit your local Poundland (or discount retailer) and attempt to fill a stocking, in this instance for our better halves. It was such fun when doing it the weekend before Christmas, running around and hiding from each other whilst trying to sneakily hide so as not to get caught. What did I get Mr Warehouse you ask? Well, I thought that the replacement Stanley knife blades (mainly for his work), giant gummy cola bottle and water bottle all went down well as odd but appreciated presents. I think even when we have children, a big house and money is tight, I would like to always have this as our little thing we do every year. 

Following our fun, we packed up the car and headed over to my (future) brother-and-sister-in-laws house for presents with the kids, one niece and two nephews! Just as we finished unwrapping their generous gifts of more chocolate, alcohol and smellies Mr Warehouse's older brother and his wife arrived with their son and we continued the festivities until lunch. making a move we promised to see them again tomorrow and made our way to Nanny Pumpkins where the whole family was waiting for us. My Uncle from Ireland was over and so was my other uncle which was nice and my cousins were hyper full of chocolate and sugar no doubt being Christmas. Dad was on Dinner duties and Nanny was relaxing with my Auntie and a glass (or two) nattering away. Coming into the chaos I was glad to have made the decision I had to be involved this year as I was not in the best place last year. 

Just before we sat down to the feast we handed out our gifts and took receipt of mine and Mr Warehouse's appreciatively including a Chocolate Afternoon Tea experience, a meal out voucher, books, gaming gear (For the fiance) and other goodies. I noted though that Dad was quiet. After a difficult year for both of us and without going into too much detail, I wondered if I would have ever spent a Christmas with him again. I saw he was getting emotional and I knew what gift had put him there. I had thought many weeks ago about what final present I could get him when I came up with a good idea for a photo book containing as many pictures and photos of myself and my brother as possible. I knew it would cause some emotion to stir up and assumed that he would know what it was as soon as he opened it and just shuffle it away, but he didn't. He opened it and with that opened himself and started to weep in front of the family, something he was not able to do easily. I knew it was a good gift and wiping away the tears, his look told me that too.

Following dinner and pudding and games, people started to drift home, although not wanting to Mary Celeste my Nanny completely Mr Warehouse, the doggo's and I stayed for a little, chatting softly to my Nan as my Uncle dozed in the next room. It was at that point that I completely forgot about our present from our Wedding Photographer - Sophie Ann! A few days ago we had received a really sweet Christmas card from her, explaining that this was indeed my last Christmas as a Miss and that she looked forward to working with us in the new year. In there also was a raffle ticket that won a special Christmas present! We were number 37. But wait where was the raffle ticket. I panicked. Did it get thrown our with the wrapping paper rubbish? Was it tossed away? Oh god no! Searching I found it in the bottom of a gift bag and proceeded to Social Media to hunt for the big reveal. There it was for all to see. Selected number? 37! WE WON! Mr Warehouse had won a free engagement photo shoot and a chance to meet our photographer and chat before the big day. Uhhh what a weight off our mind! This truly had been one of the best Christmases in a while. No one argued, No one fought, No one drank too much. A classy Christmas all round. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Toddler to Teen and Everything Inbetween

Hey, 

Another Friday and another trip to the vets. This time was for our monthly flea, worm and tick treatment for Frankenstein. I was glad for this occasion though as we were able to have a consultation regarding my fur-babies growth. 

Ever since I knew I was going to have a little boy, I knew that I would have to face this question. Shall I stud him out like some sort of doggo pimp? Or protect his innocence and get him castrated? Neutering means surgically preventing pets from reproducing and in males, the operation is called castration. With castration, both testicles are removed which takes away the main source of the male hormone testosterone. The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic and whilst every surgical procedure has some risk, modern techniques are very safe and help to make the whole thing as quick and easy as possible. Because it involves surgery, there will be some discomfort but with modern pain control, most dogs are up and about just a few hours after they’ve had their operation. 

Whilst it is possible to get injections and tablets to prevent my little Frankenstein from breeding, these need repeating regularly and there is some risk of side effects as well as the added on ongoing cost. This was something I considered however this seems a pointless exercise when I have no real breeding or stud plan and would only really doing it ad-hoc and when we needed money. 

From Frankenstein's humble beginnings as an accidental litter following a friend of my future mother-in-law (her husband who was rapidly deteriorating into dementia, unfortunately, one night back in early December last year let the breeding stud in with the family pet) my gorgeous little jack russell toy poodle cross was finally coming of age as he reached six-month mark. After being born around Valentine's day, along with his nine other brothers and sisters, our Frankenstein was reaching his sexual maturity and the conversation needed to be had regarding being left fully "intact" or to get him the snip. 

I had a look at a lot of online forums, websites and even chatted with a few friends and colleagues who had to make dogs. Most of them, including the vet, nurse and puppy class trainer has said that essentially it would be unfair to let him have a taste and then deny him that again, especially if I did not plan to stud regularly or as a permanent fixture in his life. A great website in the UK for the charity Blue Cross had some helpful advice that helped me in making my decision. "There are lots of health, behavioural and social reasons why neutering your dog can be a good idea and for female dogs in particular, but neutering is not right for every dog but the fact that castration significantly reduces the chance of males getting prostate disease and reduces the risk of some cancers not to mention it can have a beneficial effect on behaviour."  Blue Cross advises owners. Obviously, as an owner, there are many benefits as an unneutered dog is much more likely to direct their amorous intentions towards your favourite sofa; Or your visiting auntie. It is for this reason and the fact I don't really have a clue or plan in place that it would be unfair to let Frankie have a taste and to then take it away, probably causing more issues in the long run. 

With this decision made and I suppose as a way of celebrating my little boys coming of age and moving from his toddler months into teenage-hood, I did what any good mom would do and take him for his first haircut. Starting our day well I had breakfast and shared my coffee with the little hairball before popping on some trainers and buckling him into the front seat of Clifford, my big red car. Sitting on my passenger seat and trundling through the country roads into Bedford Town Centre I looked down to the bundle of cuteness. Fluffy yet bedraggled and scruffy, like one of those typical skater boys your momma told you not to hang around with. 

Pulling up and into the groomers, we walked in, skipping all the way. As I left empty-handed though I felt a little lost and as though I had missed something. I occupied myself by heading to a local charity shop and picking up a Disney babygrow for his operation in a few weeks time. As I were to cut a hole for his tail it would be perfect to protect his stitches from chewing and nibbling, and a darn sight cheaper than the fifteen-quid one the vet tried to flog me. 

Picking him up from the groomers he smelt so fresh and cuddly, fluffy and soft as rabbit fur. A combination of puppy and baby powder he smelt like a dream! Paying the lady, Frankie and I headed back to the car but not before picking up a few treats for the good boy. As we drove the short distance down to Bedford town centre to walk along the river and meet my Dad for lunch I looked down again at the fluffy, powder-smelling pup sat beside me and as a song played on the radio I realised that this, in fact, was the happiest I had been for a while. 

Finishing off our Momma and Puppa day out I was pleased when, after our walk along the river my black and tan Jackapoo with a white belly and old-man facial expressions retired to a posh riverside gastro-pub to meet with my Dad. One of his first questions seemed to resonate with me as I drove home in the summer sun that afternoon. As I looked down to my passenger seat and at Frankenstein's little face he glanced up and looked up at me, his every being dependant on me for all of what he needs I felt a sense of contentment. From this time last year to now was amazing. I was driving my own car after leaving a house I now owned with my fiance who I am due to marry next year with my new puppy beside me. This was everything I ever wanted and more. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

To invite the Children or not to invite the Children?

Hey, 

"Save The Dates" still on hold (I know, I know) Mr Warehouse have been making other plans and desperately trying to negotiate that guest list down. As described in the post a few months ago "The Gluttonous Guest List", our original rough number of about 65-70 for day guests is creeping up and up and the majority of our wedding party was more "Warehouse=family-heavy". With our venue, a stunning village hall in Stagsden, nestled away in the heart of the Bedfordshire countryside, its pretty hall and ideallic gravelled garden I am sure will be plenty big enough for our guests. Although more recently, cutting down our wedding guest list is like Hercules battling Hydra – cut one person and two more seem to grow in their place.

However, with mine and Mr Warehouses most recent look at the serious swelling of our guests and that with the addition of kids, cousins, cousins kids and every man and his dog it is easy to see how things have quickly got out of control. Seeking out some advice online, I have yet again stumbled upon the website Bridebook.co.uk - Pretty much a one-stop-shop on all things wedding and getting married. Some advice they have on guest list has been really helpful such as cutting out children from the wedding party, for part or even the whole day! "This is a dilemma lots of brides and grooms struggle to settle within themselves, never mind with each other. But you’re not a bad person for requesting this – lots of couples do. Not only does it cut costs and numbers but it gives the parents a night off to enjoy themselves too if they so wish" Bridebook.co.uk says. Some helpful advice we have known about for a while. Mr Warehouse and I tried to broach this subject a few times however it always ended in disagreement as there are far too many children. 

I suppose I sort of just thought that family is family and whilst I hate not being able to put mom, dad and kids, heck even the family hound on the invite it is something that we simply cannot afford. If we just work with the adults here, that is everyone over the age of 10/12 (with a few exceptions of the close family members) the numbers come to about 85-90. Introduce all those cherubs and darlings and you have a wedding party of well over a hundred. No problem and all fun and games until you realise these people need to eat and the cost of that is already a bone of contention as the "W" seems to increase the price several times over! 

I mean we could always Billy bullshit an excuse, saying that we were not allowed to have any children at the venue, however, I very much doubt that this would have been the case since the Warehouses are very accustomed to the church we are going to be wed in. Instead, we have decided to be totally honest and upfront about our plans for our big day and have asked all of those family members that have children if they would mind us just inviting mom and dad. I was surprised (although I am not sure as to why) that people have been totally OK about it all, some of them relieved they can leave the kiddi-winks at home or with a babysitter and enjoy the evening letting their hair down. Truth be told they are all understanding that weddings can be and are expensive and so as much as we would love to invite all the children of our friends and family, it is only possible to accommodate the children of close family, mainly down to cost. 

After reaching out I was glad and relieved at how many people had said that it was our special day and whatever we wanted they would accept. If it was children then great or no children still great. I was pleased with the relaxed attitude and feelings everyone replied with and truth be told good make me feel a little silly for sweating so much over it all. So does that mean that Mr Warehouse and I will be sending out our "Save The Dates" this weekend? Well maybe not as we have a few things planned and in the pipeline for home renovations and summer fun, however, I am sure that once we do get round to it in the next couple of months we will have a much better idea on numbers and therefore invites, favours and catering will all be much, much easier. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Having children is like having a blender with no lid!

Heyy, 

A week on since the sunburn incident, I would say I have fully recovered and my face is now back to normal, as it Mr Warehouse's legs and ankles. Annoying really as we could have really enjoyed our last few days of holiday in  Malaga and our trip to Gibraltar, not to mention not cancelling the multitude of hair appointments, doctors appointments, counselling sessions or other things I had planned for that weekend we returned. It is nice now to be enjoying the summer sunshine and fine English weather. 

Enjoying a garden party this weekend made me think more than ever about not only our impending wedding, less than a year and 3 months away now but also that of children. A family BBQ held in honour of my future nephew's birthday, I was surrounded by all ages, from 9-weeks to 90! In amongst them were a few familiar faces, many of which had stopped asking now about babies and instead were asking about the wedding, thank fuck. 

But as I poured myself another glass of Magical Mystical unicorn gin, infused with the flavour marshmallows and candy-floss, sparkling and shining as it glittered in the sunlight, Mr Warehouse found me and questioned why my portion size kept growing. Laughing it off we chatted in the kitchen for a moment away from the madness of bouncy castles and kids. 
"Doesn't this make you broody?" he asked coyly suggesting a family one day. It got me thinking again about what life would be like. I think about it more and more I suppose as I get older. Moreso in different situations such as drink-fuelled weekend parties and holidays in the sun where your face turns into a pork scratching?! These are the irresponsible antics I would have to give up, not to mention practically starving myself and the deprivation that will come with pregnancy. 

All the good things in life and all the foods I love are off limits; Alcohol, Blue Cheese, Smoked Salmon, running Eggs, Rare steak, Carpaccio, Prawns, and did I say alcohol just to mention a few! I may as well eat baby food myself. At least though by the end of it all I will not only have a bundle of "joy" but also an excuse for those stretch marks other than enjoying the odd KFC too much. 

A recent article on the Relate website goes through some of the thought-processes of starting a family. As with most people, the thought of starting up a family brings me out in a whole range of emotions from excitement and happiness through to total anxiety and fear, borderline terror!  I, like many other twenty-somethings my age, imagine creating a happy, safe home for my children, giving them the childhood I had and the one I had wished for. This being said I agree with the websites opening statement. I am incredibly nervous about the idea of bringing a new life into this world - I can barely raise myself let alone thing about raising a child. Relate go on to explain that "Having a child is an experience that brings into sharp focus your core life beliefs, the values that you inherited from your childhood, your relationship with your parents, your hopes and dreams – and your anxieties." I now know that feeling like there's a whole host of different feelings are jostling for attention in your head is entirely normal. After all, it’s a big decision!  

Obviously, I and Mr Warehouse are in a stable relationship so realistically it could work and should the worst-case scenario happen and I fell pregnant then we would just "deal with it" so as to speak, going with the flow and bring our child up outside of wedlock. Whilst it would not be the way things were meant to be in my head, I would still love that child nevertheless. I would like to be married first, more for the commitment to me as I would feel that if you can commit to me with no real permanent ties or links then you are an appropriate person who I could bring up a child with, especially when I already have major issues with commitment and abandonment already. 

It goes without saying that financially speaking, kids are costly. Having a baby is an expensive business and I only know this from the few trips I have had wandering around the children's section with friends or family searching for baby grows and muslin cloths. Relate make valid points saying "It’s important you make sure you're going to be able to afford all of the things you’d need to raise a child. This includes things like good, clothes and childcare – but may also need to take into account the expense of moving into a bigger property too".

All in all, I think that one day I would like children and my worries of not being an adequate mom have got better, but I doubt if they will ever disappear entirely. That being said though I know I am in good hands as Mr Warehouse's parental background is also littered with unhappy memories and unpleasantries. I know that my fiance is very child-friendly, whereas I may have a little bit of learning to do. Plenty of time before that though ... Chin Chin!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

This is not a goodbye but a mere see you soon ...

Afternoon one and all, 

Normally when I take half day I usually feel very stressed and under a huge amount of pressure to get everything finished and Thursday as lunchtime approached I did not feel like this. In a weird way I felt a odd sense of calm wash over me. I knew that I would be rushed off my feet in the few hours before I relaxed into the salon chair to have my hair done before meeting my family for dinner and reminiscing about some of the the times we had with Grandad and with each other. 

Unfortunately for me this would not be the case. Sweating in the sweltering heat of my Orange Vivienne that in ASDA car park, Mr. Warehouse and I called my Nanny Pumpkin to find out what time she was due to be at the restaurant this evening. After ringing through a few times she finally answered flustered and in a bit of a flap. On enquiring what was wrong I was told that after my Uncle and Auntie had landed from Ireland they had going to visit my grandfather in the funeral parlour at Nevilles. Following this harsh reality my Uncle hit the bottle. In all honesty I am still pretty impressed that he was able to do a whole bottle of brandy in the space of about fifteen-minutes. 

in a way it is quite easy for myself and the rest of the family to maybe forget just how how hard that kick from reality must have been. Both my Auntie and my Uncle live abroad and as a result there is an almost inability to connect with what is happening back home sometimes I think that some members of my family would be worth noting that whilst others have had time to process the news, others have not. Whilst I acknowledge that Granddad's death was certainly not out of the blue or something quick, the luxury almost of being away from constant conversation or updates about his progress or not at the case may be almost lends itself to the fact that they were sheltered almost from the reality until they landed on Thursday Afternoon. 

And so it was with a heavy heart that I gave up my mojito in a nice restaurant and instead opted for a healthy salad whilst everybody else in on Indian or Chinese takeaway. But I missed out on all the drama when I went to collect the food with my other uncle and Mr Warehouse. So the story goes that my father turned up and when he confronted my uncle in the kitchen of my Nanny Pumpkins house it all went to pot and my family started a slanging match. Now don't get me wrong, all families argue, but I just hoped that given the circumstances at the time that things would have been left and not acted upon or challenged at all in one way or another one for each and every one of us were in some sort of shock, upset or grief including hurting and anger. No matter which way you look at it that was not the moment to pick an argument for have a fight. After my father left and my other uncle, Mr Warehouse and I arrived back home with dinner everything was tense. Here's hoping that everything would be OK tomorrow for that was the last thing that we needed another point for argument. 

Waking up on the morning of the funeral with the sunlight streaming through the gaps in the hedge outside I just wanted to hide away and pretend that today was not happening at all. Hiding my head under the covers, Mr. Warehouse told me that this was a normal feeling and it would soon pass. Getting ready and heading down to my grandparents home, it's strangely had an almost wedding day like feel. With everything organised and things in place there was nothing left to do but turn up and hopefully try and enjoy what we could offer day whilst we remembered a great man. Throughout the morning as I helped people get ready and dressed, fed and watered, I can tell that Mr Warehouse was watching to see if and when I would crack. Truth be told I was fine and I had grieved for my grandfather many years ago. In a morbid sort of way I just wanted to get today over and done with so we could all start to move on. 

Arriving outside the church it was getting hotter and hotter. As the sun shone down on us standing there in our black glory I looked over to see my uncle crying which made me feel quite uncomfortable, all in the knowledge that there was simply nothing I could do to make his pain go away or for the feeling to get any better. I looked over to Mr Warehouse and he gave me a sweet smile. Soon it was time to go in and with this I stepped forward after my Grandma and my youngest cousins at just twelve and eight. I walked into the church alone and with nobody by my side. This was not how it was supposed to be. My brother should have been here by my side, and yet after all the trying and attempts made to get him to reply to my messages or even acknowledge what had happened, I walked alone. In away as I saw everybody look in our direction I realised that they were not looking at me or even my Nanna, but at the military draped coffin. I felt the lump in my throat get larger as I watched The Pine coffin being carried along the aisle the brass cross emblazoned on the back of the coffin was all I could focus my attention on and hope that I did not trip in this god awful heels. 

Sitting down on the second row on the right hand side of the church, I familiarise myself with the pictures and images I had seen as a child of Jesus Christ and other holy sentiments. It certainly was a blast from the past as I remember the times from my childhood where things were a lot less stressful and there was a lot less drama. Things were simpler back then but I was also a child and this is what happens when you grow up. People die. After listening to my father's eulogy it made me feel so proud as he stood along his two brothers, telling Granddad's life story and explaining some of the myths and legends that surrounded the man himself. Listening to that piece about my grandfather and looking around at the people that the Sat listening to only made me appreciate him more for everything that he had achieved in life and even opened my eyes to a few things I did not know about him. 

As the service came to a close I stepped out from the church into the bright sparkling sunshine. Seeing some of my mother's side of the family come to pay their respects warmed my heart and made me feel as close to crying as I possibly came throughout the day. Everyone complimented me and my family on how beautiful and personal the service was. But it was not over yet so I had to say my bit too at the crematorium. Bundling back into my Viv, I raced across town in order to try and beat the traffic in order to get to the venue first. I wanted to make sure that I was not going to be late and that I had plenty of time to maybe rehearse or even look over my notes. I could not get this wrong. I had one job and this was it. With my grandfather yet again being carried into the crematorium for the very last time again I walked in alone after my grandmother and cousins. This is not the last few weeks have been leading up to. As I was 'introduced' and took the stand I knew that this was the moment everybody had been waiting for. What was she going to say and was it going to be appropriate?

Song Lyrics? Nah. A Poem? Nope. An extract from a book? No. I have wondered for weeks what would be a good way to start this off but somehow ripping off someone else’s writing, no matter how good it is just simply isn’t my style - Is it granddad?

What do I say? Truth be told, what does anyone say? Sorry just seems a bit bland. Your not sorry. Neither am I. I had some wonderful memories with my grandfather. I don't have anything to be apologetic for yet everything to be grateful, thankful and appreciative of.

   

We had some great memories though didn’t we. Like that time after your eye operation that you had to wear an eye patch. I told everyone at school that your fought off a bear or that you are secretly a pirate. I remember when, after a few weeks of being a one-eyed bandit, Me and Sean thought it would be a good idea to cut out pictures of eyes from the magazines and stick them on your patch. The real fun though came when we figured out that heavily made up ladies eyes were much funnier!

Or how about the time that time when we had a birthday party and I thought it would be really funny to throw marbles out the window with my friends to spook people. The frustrating thing is that it never worked as they would always bounce off your soft grey afro hair!

Do you recall that moment when we were on holiday? The towels we soaked from a day at the beach or the pool and we hung them on the back of the sun-loungers to dry off. But it was all too much for the white plastic frame for when you came along to take a seat the whole thing just gave way leaving you mangled in a heap of plastic and soggy towels.

There was that moment that we went out for dinner at a quiet French village. Dusk settling in and with the hilltop vineyards as our view it was perfect. That was until the young waitress came along with our drinks, tripped, and showered you with a mix of wine and fizzy pop. Oh lord your were so mad, but I think looking back on it the faces you pulled and some of the choice English phrases you told the poor lass only makes for a funnier memoir.

One of my favourite tales, and I am sure that this will become one of yours too when I tell it is the time you visited Uncle Dave and Auntie Bernie at their Irish country cottage. From all accounts Granddad was outside coming in and on a stone floor with crutches and the dogs at his feet it was difficult keeping his balance. I suppose in a way a big slobbery dog is the last thing you want when trying to negotiate your way to the sofa and yet there she was. But before my grandfather knew it the floor seemed to give way under his crutches after placing them on what we thought was doggy dribble. In a spectacular style and yelling to my Nanna all the way he fell over. For years Granddad you thought it was dog slobber you slipped on. I am sorry to tell you that it was not. It was a puddle of wee.  

Over the years as I got older and grew from a sweet child into an independent women we shared in a stories and anecdotes about travelling the world or my sometimes eclectic dating life. I always loved hearing tales of the good old days where my grandparents were young and walking on the moon was a myth thought up by dreamers. I myself hoped that someday I would have something as special as what my grandparents had. A love to surpass all others, born out of a pure organic romance that all started because my Nanny Pumpkin was paid to come on a double date with a friend! What I want to know was how much were you paid, because you had something with granddad that is priceless and eternally lasting. All I can pray for is that one day I can reach your level of marriage where playful bickering and comedic arguments only ended when one of you laughed it off. Or muttered under your breath, which ever the other one couldn’t hear.

But for me personally my fondest memory was the arduous task of him teaching me how to ride a bike. All the cuts and the grazes, all the tears and tantrums. I cant remember how many times I stomped my feet in a grump or walked off in a huff but my goodness there was many. I hated him for it but Granddad would always make sure I came back to my little pink bike with a basket up front, shiny new white tyres and frilly tassels billowing out of the handlebars. He taught me the surest life lesson that would see me through many a problem or difficulty, probably making me the person that I am today. When you fall off your bike you should always get back up and start riding again for the longer you leave it the worse it becomes when you do. And that is what we have to remember here today is that whilst it is hard and horrible to say goodbye, we need to pick ourselves up and get peddling again. For this is not a goodbye but a mere see you soon

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx