Had a rather nice weekend away … we are now stocked up with wine for the foreseeable future and I have my stash of beer to keep me going for the next few camping socials in the form of baby spitfire bottles. It was also nice to see my parents once more. I also had some news from my mother that I await to see is the case, she feels that my bro-in-law has matured with marriage (I think its more the wife nagging!).

The large stash of alcohol is due to the trip to France, very enjoyable day, half a fridge of cheese to wash down with the wine. Rather nice steak uncooked enough for my liking (ie properly rare rather than the UK well done rare). Lots of wine tasting done at ‘Le Chais’ to find the suitable ½ dozen boxes required for purchase (along with a few beers to try as well). Cite Europe Carrefour was mayhem and made Tesco look on the quiet side, but all the essentials were gained so I (and Dr T with his ½ dozen of Three Choirs) was happy. I came to the conclusion that we really do like in a nanny state and that France is much more relaxed and assumes its citizen have some brain cells and common sense in their heads .. they allow parking on top of zebra crossings (which also didn’t have belisha beacons), much fewer road signs so only essential ones are there, that children won’t eat the chocolate raisin looking gravel in the planters of shopping centres.

Missed out on fireworks this year due to travelling and Mentor training on the night of the big Pompey Public display, so had to make do with roadside/ ferryside showings.

After a bit of jamminess as we joined the M25 the rest of the journey was fine, although the jam did mean we got in unpacked and then immediately went out for movies ‘n’ muchies for a friend’s birthday.

Mind you Sunday night was not so good as I had really hurty tummy …. Dr T blamed the lack of cooking that occurred with my steak (he had a murdered, sorry well done steak) . but I don’t think it was that…. Still a bit gurgly… But bless Dr T was ever so nice making sure I was OK last night, it’s nice having that now.