Day 162…

Friday 9th February 2018

This morning I was woken up by the noise of my alarm going off, and I was not happy to be hearing it; not at all. Alas I had to be up so I was ready for dad to collect me at 12.30ish!

I dragged myself out of bed, through to join Eddie in the front room. I switched on my laptop and left it to load while I sorted myself some cereal and a cup of tea. I sat eating my cereal and sipping at my tea while syncing my iPod to iTunes. For the second or third time now I have not had to restore it – so maybe things are looking up!?

I left my iPod plugged in to sync then left it to charge. I decided to catch up on an episode of ‘Next of Kin‘. I also moved my photos from my phone to my laptop. Once the episode had finished I headed for a shower. Hopping in and washing while singing along to Ren Stedman yet again🙈.

I could have happily stayed in the shower for a lot long, but out I got; dried, dressed and packed my bag for the weekend. All sorted and practically ready to go, I settled on the sofa for another episode of ‘Next of Kin’. Things were heating up in this TV drama, I was hooked. So due to this I made myself some lunch and put on the final episode of ‘Next of Kin’. Getting about half way through it before Dad text to say he was on his way. God damn, cliff hanger or what!?

Dad arrives, we gather my things say goodbye to Eddie and Jasper, pack the car and head off to Asda for petrol. Tank filled up, CDs at the ready; off we went.

Now unfortunately despite only having a cup of tea and half a cup of fruit tea, I have been being for England this morning; which does not bode well for a lomg car journey. Low and behold, Cobham services saved my tiny useless bladder! Dad grabbed a bite to eat, I pee’d like 5 times and we set off again.

Blimey, traffic was a nightmare; due to a huge crash on the M5. Yesterday (Sunday 11th) I found out 10 people were injured and one young lady died☹. The young lady aged 29, saw the crash from the opposite side of the road, she got out to help and was tragically hit by 4 cars; one after the other💔. Thought are with everyone who was involved and their families.

Traffic was horrendous and I was starting to feel like utter shit, sneezing and snotting everywhere. On top of really odd stomach pains. I decided to nap thinking it would make me feel better, only to wake up with a sore wrist and a stiff neck! I readjusted myself and my seat, and fell back to sleep for half hour or so.

I woke up, just in time for Dad to pull off towards a servive station. Dad needed a nap, so I left him to doze in the car while I went to find a toilet. Quick toilet break then I sat with a small hot chocolate listening to my iPod.

At this point my stomach pains were getting worse and I was starting to feel nauseous. I slowly sipped at my drink before heading to W H Smiths to buy some Cold & Flu meds and some tissues. Could I find tissues? Could I fuck! No tissues in W H Smiths or in M&S, which is fantastic as my nose was running like a tap. Toilet paper wasn’t worth grabbing as it was thinner than tracing paper. I went for another dozen wees in the process of all of this.

After 40-60 minutes (unsure as I wasn’t clock watching) we set off again to get stuck in even more traffic. Luckily we had a wonderful aray of music to listen to: Rastko, Triage, Ruud Fieten, Kirsty Macleod, Mark Morriss, Timo de Jong, King Size Slim and so on!

We got Google Maps up on Dads phone and it was saying we weren’t going to be in Bampton until 19.30pm which is when the surprise was happening😣. Dad and I rang Edward to let him know what was going on, he advise we go down certain roads however Google Maps had picked the fastest route for us.

We ended up going through Adams old stomping ground, AKA Taunton to those of you who are unaware. Of course Google Maps was correct it was the fastest route and by some miricale we ended up arriving at Edwards at 7pm. BOOM! He was still at home, just meeting friends before leaving.

The journey took over 5 hours from home (Kent) to Bampton.

We shared our hellos and well wishes, before putting our stuff in our rooms and getting changed; ready for the surprise party/meal. Knowing I didn’t have much time I skipped the eyeshadow, slapped on my infamous black lines, some massacra and some lippy; to go with my tights, tshirt dress, thick wooly cardigan and naturally my DMs!

The restaurant was only round the corner, so Dad and I walked round joining everyone who was already there. Edward has saved us two seats next to him and Ann. Chatting away to the people we were sat with, then being told to be quiet as Rachael was being led round to the back door.

SURPRISE!🎁🥂🎉🎈

As you can see from the video… I think it’s safe to say she was surprised and even more so to see the like of Dad and I, aswell as Helen and her family.

Please do enjoy some shots I snapped whilst recording…

Rachael made her way round saying hello to everyone and cursing her friends for taking her on a wild goose chase, just to end up opposite her house. Lucy and others had blind folded Rachael and driven her around for god knows how long feeding her copious amounts of alcohol in the process.

Once everything had calmed down and everyone was back in their seats, out came the starters. The starter was like chopped pieces of bacon on top of a bed of salad with dressing and croutons; topped with brie and chutney. I chucked my brie and chutney over to Dad then ate the rest.

When all the starters were finished and cleared away, out came the main course. The main course was a chicken breast covered in a Mediterranean sauce, served with dauphinoise potatoes and a medley of vegetables. It was all delicious and very well presented although I personally wasn’t a huge fan of the sauce, but that is because I don’t like tomatoes.

When the main courses were finished, we were offered more chicken and/or vegetables; some people accepted and some declined. Main course all done and dusted, everyone chatting amongst themselves. Rachael innocently went to the toilet and all stations were go, go, go!

The cake was set up and ready to go for when she came back downstairs.

A beautiful Lego look a like cake with ‘four-tea candles’ 😉.

Poor Rachael was then blindfolded yet again with a little more resistance this time. She was then handed little presents that were clues as to what her main present might be. So blindfolded Rachael tried to guess what each present was while unknowingly her friends and family were bringing in the main present.

My memory ran out just as Rachael got hold of her main present.

An electric bicycle🚴‍♀️😁!

The cake was sliced and handed out to those that wanted some. We all sat/stood chatting with drinks flowing freely. Photos being taken by Isla left right and at any displeasing angle😂.

Luckily I took some myself from slightly better angles!

Time passed and we started flaking, so Dad, Edward, Ann and I left the party people to it! Dad and I had a shot on the way out.

Us four headed back to Edwards. Once in I took my meds, and we all sat with a cuppa having a chat before a while later heading to bed.

Until tomorrow my lovely readers.