Mini-break

At 5:15am on Wednesday morning, my alarm awoke me quite rudely! I had a plane to catch. Rushed around getting the last minute things packed, had breakfast, and Karl drove me to the airport. I landed in Newcastle at 9:20am and was met by Clare and her hubby, Simon. We headed into Newcastle for a day of exploring. Newcastle is pretty, and we spent some time in the Baltic museum and had something to eat there.

see the seagulls in their nests - just outside the Baltic

 We went to one of the biggest malls in the UK, the Metrocentre, to watch Men in Black 3 at the IMAX in 3D. It was awesome and funny (especially when Clare literally ducked in the cinema!). I think we were all exhausted after all the action in the movie, and we headed home (about an hour long drive from Newcastle). We decided to braai for supper and Simon made delicious lamb burgers and Clare and I made a milktart (it had too much cinnamon in it though)

After dinner, we sat around and chatted (and ate milktart) and finally called it a night. I slept like a baby after being awake since 5:15am.

On Thursday, we had a pretty slow start to the day, but finally headed out to York. York is supposed to be a very beatiful place, and Phil lived there for most of his time when he was in the UK. It was nice to stroll along. There was still a festive buzz in the air. Lots of street performers and crowds, and of course tourists. We stopped off at a market in Kings Square (I think!?) and had delicious springbok burgers from a SA stall.

Clare enjoying her burger

I loved York, and can see why people rave about it. I look forward to visiting again, with my husband. I was in bed and asleep at 9:15pm, because I had to wake up at 5:20 the next morning to catch 5 trains to the Bellis-Jones'.

I woke up feeling fine actually, probably because I slept for about 8 hours. My first train was at 6:15am and I finally pulled into Chester train station at 12:40, exhausted. But it was so nice to see Martheanne and Jenny, and to finally meet my goddaughter, Keira Lilly. 

Ryan and Rox with their babies

Friday night was spent catching up with all the Bellis-Jones' and the Burton family, and I finally got to meet Jaden. He is the sweetest little boy ever, so lovable and he has the cutest smile. 

balancing act :D

On Saturday, after a bit of a lie in, I decided to get Keira's cake sorted. It was actually alot of fun, even though my back really hurt after bending down all day. Side note: Joanne and I are starting a 3 month cake decorating course in Ballymena in September, we are really looking forward to it!

On Saturday evening, Martin's brother and his family arrived and we all went out for dinner. I had a delicious streak in a blue cheese sauce and a glass or 3 of red wine. When we got home, I whipped out my famous pub quiz and we had a really good evening.

Keira and I all dressed up and ready to go out for dinner. 

We all got out of bed at around 6am on Sunday morning to prepare the food for the christneing that day, We prepared sandwiches and cold meats and salads etc. We thought we would be running around all morning, but by 9:30am, all the preparations had been completed. All we had to do was sit around and wait til noon when the hall was ready. So I disappeared to put Keira, and myself apparently, to sleep.

 

 Martheanne and I set out the food in the hall, and she decorated it, and then we headed off to the chapel for Keira's christening, followed by a buffet lunch with about 80 adults and 30 children.

Beautiful Keira Lilly

I miss them all already.

I think we left that hall at around 7pm or so and headed home. We sat around and chatted about Oranjemund and old times, and people we havent heard from or about in a long time, and we also had a few (too many) cosmopolitans. I had such a good time with the BJs, it was a slice of home for me, and I think I needed that desperately. They all headed off to the Lake District yesterday after they dropped me off at the airport. They tried to convince me to go with them, but I reminded them that I have a job AND a husband to get back to. 

I'm just relaxing and taking it easy today. Reading, unpacking and eating :D. I'm feeling refreshed and happy. Its back to work tomorrow, and I have a deadline for the end of June that I don't think I'll meet, but I'll try anyway.