Saturday, March 20th, 2010 | Author:
Julia
We were thrilled to host a surprise visit from Junior who arrived at short notice this afternoon. Sporting a smart pastel blue-infused all-in-one jumpsuit with co-ordinating beige sockettes and navy slippers, his footwear combo showed that this boy really has a sense of style. Although last season’s must-haves, his winter wardrobe still packed a fashionable punch this wet, Southampton afternoon. Accompanied by Mrs Q Junior immediately relaxed into his new surroundings insisting on taking time out to stare at the sparkly lights in the grate.
It should be noted that Junior’s afternoon schedule was only released by his private office at short notice but this made no different to what turned into a lovely afternoon. Armed with a selection of entertainment accessories, Junior started the afternoon by dining off a gourmet meal of fish and vegetables, the green colour of which contrasted well with the blue of his afternoon atire.
After an afternoon of play and chat, Junior announced his decision to depart and return home but not before he agreed to model his latest Jasper Conran number; a new yellow souwester.
We wish Junior well and express our gratitude at his decision to take time out of hs busy schedule to pay a visit to Janson Road.
Thursday, March 18th, 2010 | Author:
Julia
Just finished reading Linwood Barclay’s ‘Fear the Worst’ and as usual Barclay lives up to his reputation as a pacey thriller writer of the Dan Brown genre. His books are typicaly set in suburban America and are packed with details which bring small-town America to life. His latest creation follows a single parent whose daughter secures a summer job at the Just Inn Time motel. One day she fails to return home from work and when contacting staff at the Just Inn Time, her father is told that she has never worked there. Therein begins a race against time to find Sydney, his daughter, and bring her home safely. As the mystery unravels, he discovers that there is more to Sydney’s life than he could ever have imagined. Twist upon twist leaves the reader reeling from sub plot to sub plot as Sydney eludes both the police and her frantic father desperate for news of his daughter. Get reading people – this one really is a winner!!!
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 | Author:
Julia
Friday, March 12th, 2010 | Author:
Julia
But Ian, we have come to see the wonderful Lee ‘Memphis’ King in concert and you’re already concerned about being asked to dance? Yes – Friday night saw us at the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth to see the greatest Elvis impersonator ever, perform two and a half hours of Elvis greats. Sitting there, with mascara and eyeliner running down my cheeks as Le King belted out The Wonder of You, I knew that I was in heaven. Even if Mr. Grumpy Chops refused to dance. LMK truely is as close to The King as you will get. His voice is incomparable – I really couldn’t tell the difference between my CDs and Mr King.
‘I want to get up and dance in the aisle like those other girls.’
‘No you’re not’
Pause.
‘Will you dance with me ?’
‘No’ ( face like slow setting concrete from Mr P )
Pause.
‘Right – I’m getting up’ The aisle is filling up with equally crazed women gyrating to ‘In the Ghetto’.
‘No you’re not.’
Pause
‘OK move – I’m dancing’
As I clamber over an anorak-clad Mr P and scramble into the aisle to dance with the oestrogen-fuelled crowd, I couldn’t give a rat’s backside for Mr P’s pride. This girl is dancing. Full stop.
And why not? It’s been an amazing evening. We’ve heard the very best of Elvis, in particular the Vegas years, which are our ( sorry my ) favourite. The voice is staggering – it really is as close as you will get to seeing the man himself; the actions and thrusting hips authentic; and the rhinestone suit is something else. His rendition of Memories, The Wonder of You, If I can Dream and I can’t Help Falling In Love With You are enough to bring a tear to even the toughest of South Wales’ eyes. Come on Mr P – you loved it really! Next stop Grace Lands for the ultimate pilgrimage. Long Live Elvis Presley – The King of Rock and Roll.
Tuesday, March 09th, 2010 | Author:
Julia
I do believe Spring is almost upon us – yes the signs are all there that the season of new growth, new birth and light-weight pastel macs is upon us. In fact there has been a veritable rash of the latter around the stores this Spring. But, dear reader, why procure your bang-up-to-the moment pastel mac complete with hefty price tag from the Hight Street when you could be exploring the retail nooks and crannies of e-bay. Yes! I have discovered an Aladdin’s Cave of top-notch clobber at bargain prices. Just select the ‘New With Tag’ button and cruise Joseph, Jigsaw, Whistles and Hobbs courtesy of e-bay. At the click of your mouse a whole new world of bidding against other equally obsessive women opens up and livens up many a chilly Spring evening. Let your husband watch a pointless football match or ‘How Do They Do That?’ programme while you enjoy a glass of white, packet of M&S Extremely Chocolatey Rounds biscuits and the chance to out-bid other women on Boden essentials. I have won a number of little beauties, all of which will arrive this week in different packages from ‘Dizzybird‘, ‘Princess’ and ‘Kitten.’ It’s a whole new shopping experience. So ladies, get e-baying and join the fun. It’s better than foxy Bingo at any rate.
Friday, January 22nd, 2010 | Author:
Julia
Well, I have been back at work at Company X for three weeks now and I have to say it’s amazing how quickly you settle back into the work routine. Sometimes it feels like I have never been away and others it feels like an entirely new experience. Either way I feel energised and excited at the year that lies ahead.
As for most of the UK, the snow came to Shirley but Southampton seemed to have missed the brunt of it which caused me much disappointment. I know that is a childish approach to the ‘evil white stuff’ but I have to say I love it. Everywhere looks so different – even downtown Shirley took on an alpine feel with snow gently coating the roof of Pound Land, ice crystals shimmering on the shattered glass of the bus stop and the fag smoke from the chavs hanging around outside the One Stop floating up through the chill late afternoon air. It could almost have been Aspen.
So what has the new year brought?
I have to confess that Iv’e not done any writing – in fact I’m enjoying a month off. Editing on the first draft of the book will probably start in February as I’m keen to be able to present my first three finished chapters to agents at this year’s Winchester Writers’ Conference. That way I can always answer the question ‘ Have you finished the book yet? with a confident ‘yes.’
Baby Hughes continues to progress nicely. I’ve just seen the latest pictures and he is certainly a beaut! Mrs Q is hosting a family soiree on Sunday so we look forward to seeing said babe then. He is certainly a healthy baby and is putting on weight continuously.
Ian has also taken up a new hobby which I shan’t reveal here apart from saying that he keeps pricking his finger on that embroidery needle.
Ive not embarked on any new interests but as always continue to be gripped by my dear friends, My Books. In fact I have just finished Sarah Waters’ ‘The Little Stranger.’ This was one of the short-listed Booker Prize entries from 2009 and tells the tale of a Doctor called out to an old, rather decrepid Georgian mansion to examine one of the servant girls who is sick. The story proceeds to open the house up to the reader as we learn of spooky goings on, a touch of romance and an interesting comment on life just after the War when rationing reigned and the country was gripped by austerity. Personally I needed more spookiness asnd less description as the book slowed in the middle to a rather pedestrian pace. However, I couldn’t fault the writing which was a joy to read: evocative, atmospheric and at times melancholic without being gloomy. Overall a pleasure to read if suffering from a rather inconclusive ending.
So what does the week end bring? Hopefully a log fire, packet of choclate hobnobs and the start of my new book: A S Byatt’s ‘The Children’s Story.’ Can’t wait!
Saturday, December 26th, 2009 | Author:
Julia
When the cat’s away, the mice will play…
While D slept I took command of the ultimate vehicle of preference: the hostess trolley. At last, final control of culinary operations was in my hands. As the wheels squeeked across the carpet, the top tray creaked and the plates rattled I looked up to where D slept soundly and uttered the immortal words: ‘Denise – I’ve got your trolley.’ The final conquest. Never before had I had the priviledge to load and push said HT but finally I had my day – dolly with a trolley.
This morning Denise is much recovered and so my trolley days are numbered. But D is better and that is the most important thing. Much as I enjoyed my ‘boys’ Christmas ( eat – TV – eat – TV etc ) I badly missed my wing-woman. Welcome back D!
Friday, December 25th, 2009 | Author:
Julia
Poor Denise. Struck down by a really nasty gastric bug she has been confined to bed. We all hope she gets better really soon. If possible D, just before I have to carve that massive turkey coz that bird looks scary. Yes, in the absence of the head chef due to illness I am unexpectedly cooking the Christmas dinner in Wales. Now I’d consider myself a relatively competent cook but if there is one meal which fills me with terror it’s a roast. I just panic at the thought of getting all the ‘accessories’ ready on time eg stuffing, sausages in bacon, gravy, vegetables etc. But this morning there is no excuse. I must pull myself together, get a grip and pour a large sherry and ‘give it a go’ as they say in this neck of the woods. So far I have puzzled over a smoking oven, made three calls to Cookery Command Centre in Cosham and pondered over how best to baste this terrifying bird. But all is well. Ian and Adrian are happily watching a programme about snaring salmon, Denise is safe in her bed and I am in the kitchen with a bottle of Harvey’s Bristol Cream. Good luck everyone – if you’ve seen the scene in National Lampoons Christmas Vacation with the disastrous Christmas dinner, you may well be seeing it again.
Thursday, December 24th, 2009 | Author:
Julia
Well, I’ve had my rant at middle-aged male shoppers who stop when they get off escalators, people who fumble for discount coupons at the till and those who buy a cup of coffee and a bun in the John Lewis cafe and pay by debit card. So, you must be thinking, where is my festive spirit? Well, ensconced in Wales at my parents-in-law in a cosy room with a glass of bitter lemon I have had time to ponder. What does Christmas mean to me ? I’m not a Church-goer and am guilty of participating in 100% pagan traditions such as putting up a tree, hanging mistletoe ( though why I bothered I’ve no idea – no takers as yet ) and sending cards and presents. I decided that it means spending time with those you love, forgetting your hormonal spite and generally demonstrating a non-judgemental, philanthropic being. Which brings me on to my main complaint about Christmas 2009. Is it the commercialism that has got my goat? The unforgivable gluttony and spirit of excess and greed? The sight of ‘youngsters’ getting hammered outside Weatherspoons ? Why no. My gripe this year is with Marks and Spencer for removing the wonderful clip of Gene Hunt with a pint from their Christmas advert following eight complaints from a bunch of bitter bearded ladies. His re-filmed clip was still very pleasant to watch but lacked the macho spark that is Gene. Come on people get real – how sterile are we going to make our politically correct world ? Concentrate on real discriminatory issues and let us red-blooded sorts enjoy a bit of Gene. It’s harmless sexist fun. Carry on Gene – we love you!
Thursday, December 24th, 2009 | Author:
Julia
A year on and I see my post for Christmas Eve last year was short and simple. A statement marking the beginning of my 12 month career break from Company X. So, I feel today, 12 months later, I should mark Christmas Eve with a similar statement – the end of my career break with my return to Company X set for 4th Janurary 2010.
