My Lad and his gf came round, they had been buying food for the Christmas dinner we are all having tomorrow, he brought /sushi and /sushimi and sandwiches for a snack, then went back home.

It's 8pm Saturday here and nothing on tv, can't get BBC Iplayer as you have to be in the uk, what a fix.

Had a little tub of Jalapeño Pepper & Beans, certainly different, picked them up by mistake.

Only got a few more days in Australia as we head out to Hawaii on Tuesday.

Hope the snow isn't too bad, saw some on the news.

both x

Emptybox

that is good it was nice and dry for you to get a bit of hedge cutting done.

Not a bad day here either, cold but dry. A dusting of snow, but no more but we can see it on the hills from here.

Even though I dont' wear leather, good for you treating yourself to a jacket, you deserve it all the outdoor work you do. Daughter wants one, so have told her about that seller. I gave her a pretend leather jacket of mine which she liked, but it hasn't lasted long, the plastic has all shrivelled, so she said real leather will be better next time. 

Good idea to deliver some invoices by hand so you know exactly when they received them.

Yes Toff was brilliant in that task, such hard physical work for her, but she did it. She deserves to win, hands down. Hope arrogant Jamie is out next.

Hicky

what a nice little cruise ship in that photos. Bet that cost a whole lot of dollars!

That is good you can get your old fave rendang over there. We used to laugh at Ozzie "meat" pies because when we lived there, they rarely said what sort of meat it was! .

I remember how awful Oz tv was! Out of date UK shows and old films, which as you got near to the end of, had endless ads! Shame you can't get iplayer. Never mid at least you will be back for CBB and Dancing on Ice.

Hope you enjoy your early Christmas meal with the family tomorrow (but today for you now). 

The trip to Hawaii is something to look forward to, I have heard it is lovely there.

We went for brekkie in pub today, very nice. Then did some Asda food shopping, tiring it was as it was so busy. Went to mums, the carers have given her a little Christmas tree with lights on it, so it looks lovely. OH bought some new lights as we had so many problems with old ones and he put the penguin up. I think he looks lovely on top of the porch.

Looking forward to semi final of IAC.

Have a good evening Emptybox.

Enjoy your Christmas meal HIcky.

Advent day 9 and because our penguin went on the porch today, it has to be a penguin advent.

Good Morning / Evening, Sunday here 8.40 am.

It's going to be 26c sunny but a breeze tonight.

Not sure what to get to eat as will going for Chrimbo dinner soon, have to check when we eat.

Slept ok, go to bed around 9pm as tv hopeless and get fed up with watching fishing video's good though.

Yes, in the few tv shows o/h has on the adverts are inserted seemless so you don't realise it;s an add break, o/h was watching the cricket the other day.

We fly to Hawaii Tuesday, should be interesting, it's 29c there Tuesday, then it plunges to 26c on Wednesday with a few showers, how dreadful.

That was nice of the carers giving your mum a little tree with light, my lad has a tree up with lights i'll have to try and get a picture.

This is the balcony for those with a good head for hight's, not me.

I can't even look down over the handrail.

At 28 floors up the balcony isn't so appealing.

Hi guys.
Very frosty start here, but not a bad day.
It's -2 here now, and set to get colder by morning.

Hicky. Hope you enjoy your Christmas dinner. I knew Australia was ahead of us in time, but didn't realise it was that far ahead? It's only the 9th of December in the UK.
Thanks for the pics. Notice you aren't venturing far onto the balcony?
Pity the Aussie TV isn't very good. Bet you're looking forward to Hawaii now?

Mollie. Yes, I see that Ebay seller has a lot of Ladies leather jackets as well.
Thanks for the penguin advent. That's good that your OH has put up your penguin decoration now.
Really nice of your Mum's carers to put up a little tree for her.

Pity Jennie was out before Jamie.
There was something kinda cute about her. And of course she has red hair.

Evening Both.

Balcony at hight is scary, had lovely grub at my lads.

got a few pics here to show you.

We are flying out Tuesday to Hawaii.
The Tree decorated.

The Starter,or part of it, Alaska King Crab Legs on BBQ.

And the dinner table Laid and loaded.

both xxx

Advent day 11, and its a Santa piccie.

Hicky

thank you for the lovely photos. I can understand why a glass balcony at level 28 would be rather scary.

Nice to see the pretty Christmas tree and the dinner table all done out for a Christmas meal.   Were the prawns a starter and did you have turkey ? As Emptybox said, that was a very early Christmas meal though.But I guess a lot of businesses are going out for Christmas meals now.

I dont think Emptybox has even put up his tree yet though have you Emptybox?

Yes I hated the Oz tv, but it is probably good if its helped you to have an early night because you have a lot more travels to come soon.

Emptybox

chilly here, but not that cold, around plus 5 in the day, no snow, just lots of rain (boring!), and a bit of sleet. Yes that seller does have a lot of ladies leather jackets too. Has yours arrived yet? And if so, are you pleased with it?

Yes pity Jennie was out so soon. Sounds like you have a soft spot for red heads then?

And I am cheesed off arrogant Jamie got 2nd ahead of Iain. But good job Toff won, a very well deserved winner. I read they only paid Toff £13k to go in, but Amir got £400k! Ridiculous! I didn't like the way Jamie made out strawberry gate was nothing when he realised Amir had instigated it, but when he thought it was Iain he went on and on about it and used it with the other 2 macho males to isolate Iain. Didn't like Jamie at all.

Was it get newspaper and food shop in the village day today?

I finished some more of my cards and we went to the panto in Cardiff this afternoon. It was real fun. Chico was in it, and Gareth Thomas (ex CBB, rugby player) and one of my son's friends who used to be in his drama group was one of the dwarfs, so he has done well to get a part in a panto.

Goodnight Emptybox xxx

Good morning Hicky , hope you enjoy your last day in Sydney. Try not to leave any belongings behind this time!

Evening both.
Everything in deep freeze here. Woke up to a hard frost and freezing fog.
-6 when I went for the paper this morning, and only -4 when I went to the supermarket this afternoon.
Luckily we haven't had any snow or rain so it was a very dry cold, and the roads weren't slippy.

Hicky. Your Aussie Xmas looks great. It still looks festive and Chrismassy even though it's the middle of summer.
Wonder if it's because your lad is English that they've got all the traditional decorations and red/green colour scheme, or do ordinary Aussies go in for that?

Mollie. Thanks for the advent pic. Pity you had rain.
No I haven't got any decorations up yet. Have to look them out next week.

Yes my leather jacket arrived on Friday (click and collect from Sainsburys) and I'm very pleased with it.
I swithered over whether to get a medium or a large, and decided on large. It is perhaps slightly large, but then the medium might have been slightly small, so at least I can wear it over a thick jersey. It's quite lightweight, but then I guess for £110 I wasn't expecting heavyweight leather. It has that new leather smell anyway.
It was this one

Real leather does seem to last. I've worn my current leather jacket for 32 years, and the leather looks almost as good as new (just a few wee scuffs). But the lining was getting very shabby, and I was getting embarrassed to take it off in restaurants etc, hence why I've treated myself to a new one.
I'll still wear the old one for casual though.

Yes, over the moon that Toff won. I voted quite a few times.
Really surprised that Jamie beat Iain, but there you go.
Glad you enjoyed the panto.

Evening Both.

Hello again from North Sydney, at my lads tonight.

Went to the harbour for a wander around, 27c and very sunny/hot.

It seems that Australia has Christmas the same as us, which is fine, he couldn't get a fresh turkey as it's too far till Christmas and didn't have time to thaw one so got a chicken and tons of meat.

They are very westernised here, a bit like Singapore.

1 more night here, flying out tomorrow evening.

A few more pictures from here.

both xxx

Emptybox

Good job it was dry, even though it was cold, so it didn't stop your supermarket plans.

You will look dead posh in that new jacket. Should keep you warm and last well. As you say, best to have it a bit large so you can swear layers under it,

Yes Toff did great, what an awful last trial it was for her. I am sure we will see a lot of her on tv now.

Are you watching Bancroft tonight? Looks quite good and is on 4 nights in a trot, so I will give it a go. 

Hicky

thanks for the lovely photos again.

Now the question is... did you pop into the Spitroast? Or the Thai Village Massage and Spa? 

The fruit looks quite expensive there.

I hope you have a good flight tomorrow. (today for you!),

And I hope you like Hawaii.

Nice, dry and sunny here today but I am envious seeing snow piccies of other places with snow all day today, as we didn't have any.

Got my washing dry anyway, and took doggie a walk.

Son in a panic over his assignment, so will need to help guide him. Not much help though as I dont undertand it. Daughter also busy with hers.

OH cheesed off with this contract as it is so stressfull, the only good thing is he gets to come home in the week as it is a local one.

Roll on Christmas break.

Luckily we booked ages ago to take our little niece on the Santa steam train Welsh Highland railway this weekend, so OH had already booked Friday and Monday off work. So the short long weekend break from work will do him good.

So today's advent calendar day 11 has to be....

Goodnight Emptybox xx

Good morning Hicky xxx hope you have a good flight xxx

Good Morning, here, evening for you.

Tuesday 12th, 07.35 and another scorcher expected, 27c, it will be 36c Thursday, but won't be here then.

Was going to pop into the spit roast shop, smelled great but we had so much meat uncooked and cooked we didn't need more.

I'd had a triple tub of ice cream, 3 flavours, too some getting through.

Last night we have lovely Wagu beef, Kangaroo meat and crab legs with salad.

My Lad just cooking bacon and scrambled egg for brekkie, yummy, with fresh bread today.

Just fed his goldfish, they are on the open balcony in a big tub, they seem happy enough.

the Santa Steam Train sounds good, hope your lads/girls assignments go ok for them.

Pity O/H's contract is so stressful, hope next one better, whenever that is, nice getting home more though.

Evening both.
Another very cold sub zero day. Was mostly dry and sunny, but it's been snowing a bit tonight, so the roads might well be slippy tomorrow, if I go out.
Didn't do much, but went outside to test the soil. It was as hard as iron.

Have set up a timer to have a little fan heater going for a few hours overnight in the downstairs toilet, which is in the back kitchen bit. This is because last night the water froze in the pipes in there, or at least was on the verge of freezing, because when I flushed the loo the tank wouldn't fill up to begin with, then the water slowly started to come back in to it.
A lucky escape, as the last time the water really froze down there I had a burst pipe.
Hopefully the heater will keep that from happening tonight, as it's supposed to be equally cold.
I've set it to come on for an hour from 2am to 3am, then again from 6am to 7am, so hopefully won't be too expensive in electricity.

Hicky. Have a good trip to Hawaii. Thanks for the final set of pics from Oz.
I notice the fruit is all shrink wrapped. Do they not do loose fruit and veg?
I see you tried Kangaroo meat. What was it like?

Mollie. Yes hopefully we'll see a lot more of Toff on mainstream TV, rather than just on Made in Chelsea (which I have never watched).
I did watch that Bancroft thing. It's a bit dark? Not sure about having Sarah Parish as the villain? I'll stick with it though.

I suppose the kids want their assignments done before Christmas, so they don't have to worry about them?
Pity your OH's contract is so stressful.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy yourself on the Santa Steam Train this weekend.
Hadn't heard of the Welsh Highland Railway before, only the Ffestiniog one.
Sounds a bit like the West Highland Line in Scotland that often has steam trains on it (Hogwarts Express from Fort William to Mallaig) - https://www.scotrail.co.uk/scotland-by-rail/west-highland-line

Good Afternoon, morning whatever it is Emptybox.

It's Tuesday 12th, strange thing is we fly out tonight 9.40 pm (21.40) to Honolulu and land on Tuesday at 10.40 am as time goes backward. 

Makes it difficult for my tablets as i have Tuesday twice in a day, but really it;s the next day but it isn't.

Anyway, 27c here today,

.Yes, watch those pipes, if they freeze they will burst as ice expands, a big problem.

Not really sure why the fruit was shrink wrapped, could be to stop people handling it, it looked nice though.

I liked Toff, she was so likeable, in my eyes, glad she won.

Hi Hicky.
Yes, you'll be crossing the date line, so going back a day.
Plus you'll be back in the Northern Hemispere, so it'll technically be winter. Though I'm sure Hawaii doesn't take much notice of winter. Probably warm all year round.
Hope you don't get into a muddle with your meds.

Woke up to a light covering of snow and very cold, but it got a bit milder as the day went on, so not so frosty. Think it got up to 4 degrees this afternoon.
The heater worked. No problems with pipes today.
I'll maybe need it at the weekend, as it's set to get very cold again, before warming up for the lead up to Xmas. Don't know what the forecast for Christmas day is yet though.

I checked my Christmas lights and none of them worked, so I went into town and bought a cheap set of 40 LED ones for £8. Just right for my little tree, which I've now put up.
Haven't done any other decorations yet.
I also posted my first few Xmas cards off, although I haven't received any yet.

Think I'll watch Bancroft again tonight. I haven't watched the last couple of episodes of the A Word, because of IAC, so i think I'll just give up on that.

both

Just checked and Hicky's flight landed in Honolul a bit earlier than expected, so that is good. And it is a nice 26 degrees there, so a bit warmer than we have here Emptybox.

Gosh Emptybox, the time difference for him is so confusing. I got confused checked his flight tonight, I knew he left on the 13th in the evening, so was looking for a landing on the morning of the 13th then realised as he was no longer ahead, but  now a  long way behind us time wise. so he landed on the morning of the 12th! So no wonder he is puzzling over how he will work out when to take his pills. I looked up the hotel, looks very nice indeed. Not sure which day the wedding is?

Hope he had a good flight.

Emptybox

that is good the heater worked ok, you certainly don't want those pipes freezing up again! Sounds like it is due to get milder though, so hopefully you won't need to switch it on much longer.

Pity your lights didn't work, thought you too might have problems as most people (including us) do seem to have a problem each year when we dig our lights out.

Well done being organised in getting your cards off, and well before the last date for posting. I just have a few to do for the neighbours now.

I too gave up on the A word due to IAC, and am going with Bancrot again. Bit bloody at times though, how weird is the lead actress? But seems a good drama.

Not a bad day today weather wise. Went to library to help son find books for his Uni work. Then got a bit of food shopping and took dog a walk as it was quite bright today. Doesn't seem so cold today.

Goodnight Emptybox

Goodmorning to HIcky (who is now a day behind when I said Good Morning to him last night!).    Hope you enjoy Hawaii.  xxx

Evening Both.

Took off on the Tuesday night and landed on Tuesday Morning, great.

But couldn't get to the room as check in is 3pm and the room had to be cleaned, so sat in the lobby for over 3 hours, almost dead on my feet.

Ans security these days is crazy, never had so many scans, fingerprints and pictures taken, and some is automated so if you mess up you are sunk, every finger taken electronically, and thumbs.

Got 3 pictures for now, will get some tomorrow.
This coming from the airport to the hotel in Waikiki beach

This in the Foyer of the Hilton, just about a quarter of it in the picture

View from Hotel Balcony 22nd floor.

both xxx

Emptybox

work today? Or a stay at home day?

Hope the big freeze up there is not so bad now. Milder here but didnt' particularly feel it when I went to mums and had to walk down the seafront, the wind was so cold!

Hicky

gosh no wonder you were exhausted, after an all night flight, and then you couldn't get into your hotel room. Hope you slept ok the first night in Hawaii.

Thank you for the lovely photos, the sea from your room looks lovely and calm and warm too. In fact a complete contrast to the harsh waves in the extreme wind when I went down our seafront today! Your hotel foyer looks so pretty.I see that you are quite high up again, do you have a balcony this time?

I hope you have a nice day today enjoying the Hawiian sun and food. Do they give huge American portions like they give in the USA I wonder?

I had to go to mum's today to sort carers paperwork and thier cash wages out. Luckily son was able to take me, but when we got home I realised I had messed up their wages last month! So will have to adjust the carers pay next month. The council will think I am an idiot, but they shouldn't make it so complicated!

Are you watching Bancroft again tonight Emptybox?

It is a bit dark isn't it? But I am enjoying watching it. Or are you going to watch The Apprentice? I am recording the Apprentice.

Goodnight Emptybox xxx

Good morning Hicky and enjoy your day in Hawaii.

And advent day 13 is a little seasona piccie.

Good Morning from Sunny Honolulu Waikiki Beach, level 22, 27c and it ooks like a lovely day here.

Sorry it;s so cold in the uk, i miss it so much, of course i do.

We had a small snack yesterday while waiting 3 hours for the room to be ready, never seen anything like these snacks, the size is frightening.

I managed about half and Anna who had the crepes/pancake thingies did worse, her bf had some but it would take 4 of you to eat the plateful, they are half an inch thich each and these are the small ones, hate to see the large, the plate is about 14" across to start.

How on earth you would eat that i have no idea.

Evening both.
Well no frost today and the snow has all melted, but it rained on and off all day.
Didn't get much done apart from some ironing, and I finished decorating the tree.

Up high again in Honolulu Hicky?
(OK you're in Waikiki, which is just outside, but it doesn't start with an 'h'. )
Pity you had such a long wait for your room, and an ordeal getting through security.
Seems like you are on American portions there? In fact, as Hawaiians  are known for being large, they're probably large portions even for the US.

Mollie. Pity the carers wages are so complicated that you made an error. But I'm sure you'll sort it out.
The seafront walk sounds bracing, to say the least?
Thanks for the little Santa pic.

Yes I watched Bancroft, then Apprentice on the iPlayer.
Bancroft is very gripping, but dark as you say. 
Can't see how the lead character can get away with it? She'll have to kill everybody else off to stop them finding out.

Not sure if you've watched Apprentice yet, so won't let on about the final two.

Hello Emptybox. :smile:

Yes, but not as high this time, only level 22, but i still can't look down over the balcony.

Went out too late for breakfast so had to settle for brunch, had a ham and cheese Panini, just had ribs by the pool but the sun was going in or i would have got in the hot tub, it runs all day.

Wednesday here, 6pm, it's been another scorcher, just been down by the pool, went along the coastline for a wander today, very nice too, got a couple of shirts, love bright ones. :smile:

Got a few more pictures, lovely beach, not so much sand but there is a lake attached which is a bit more sheltered than the sea area, it has openings so the fish can swim out.
Went along a pier to get a couple of pictures of the beach.
Not much surf on this beach as it's Winter, the South beaches have the big waves and they come here in the summer.

Hi Hicky.
It's certainly picturesque where you are, which is more than can be said for those shirts.
The lake looks gorgeous.
Just a pity you missed out on brekkie.
It's quite disconcerting how previously you were half a day ahead, and now you are half a day behind us. Surprised you aren't dizzy with the time travelling

Drizzly again here today. Plus I have a full on cold with sore throat and cough to boot. Also it's brought on my other syptoms, so I'm mostly staying in today.
Just going to do last month's accounts.

Good Morning Emptybox.

It's 08.37 here on Thursday 14th December.

Just got up, had medication, made a cup of coffee, and ready to get dressed.

Will have to try and get out in time for brekkie today and they seem pretty scarce here if your a late sleeper.

The sound of police car sirens is one thing i have noticed, they probably have a police car sitting every few blocks, coming here we saw a car travel the wrong way down a road and within 100m a police car was behind him.

Catch you later, Sorry to hear you have a cold, and those symptoms, not good, best stay in but i think you are going to have to see the doc and get advice very soon, before things escalate, and while you are not in a working period.

Hope Mollie is coping with this bad weather, it's not easy in the winter.

both  xxx

Advent day 14 ... and its a young lady to say hi...

Hicky

what lovely photos.

Glad to hear you had a nice little wonder down the coastline. I love the shirts, you will certainly look very bright and summery in those.

Shame you missed out on brekkie though, hope you managed to get a brekkie in this morning. I wonder if they have baked beans there? And if you get a big American portion for brekkie too?

What lovely looking palm trees and nice beach too. I got stung by a jellyfish once when I went in the sea in Oz, the lifeguards sprayed my leg with something to help. I never went into the sea since though. This last summer they even had jelly fish warnings on our local beach.

I had heard Wakiki is popular for surfers but didn't realise it was dependant on seasons. Wonder why there are so many police sirens? Do they have a lot of crime in those parts?

Emptybox

oh dear, what a pity you have gone down with a cold.

I so hope it doesn't hang on too long. Make sure you keep your house nice and warm to help shake it off. Maybe you could try the Hicky method of whisky/honey/lemon or blackblackcurrant? Good idea to stay in too.

Gosh the wind was so cold here today! But it was ok taking the doggie out as the sun came out briefly, and I wrapped up warm.

Been food shopping this afternoon so son has something in the fridge when we go away.

We are leaving early in the morning as it is a long drive. I am taking lots of warm clothes as it gets so cold there.

If I am not around much the next few days, it is because I cant' get online. (and we will be travelling most of the day there and back).

At last I sent the last of my cards out today. It was the ones for neighbours who send us one.

I am looking forward to the last Bancroft tonight.

No I didn't watch Apprentice Emptybox, not sure if I will have chance to catch up on it all now. But may just watch the final.

Goodnight Emptybox

Good morning HIcky. HOpe you have a nice day in Hawaii. Enjoy the sun whilst you have chance.

xxx

Good Morning Mollie.

Got brekkie this morning, it's 11.10 am here on Thursday, cloudy at the mo, just going down to the poolside.

Here's the view of the hotel from the road going down to the beach.

Hi both.
My Xmas lights didn't last long. They wouldn't turn on tonight, so i only got two days use out of them. I knew they were cheap, but seems I paid £8 for a piece of wire.
I'll take them back tomorrow and see if they'll replace them.
Nose streaming tonight, but at least the sore throat part is easing. Still coughing though.

Hicky. Looks a lovely hotel, pity your slumber is interrupted by police sirens.
Glad you managed to catch brekkie today.

Mollie. Another nice advent.
I'll maybe buy a cold remedy when I'm out tomorrow. I've got cough syrup here and stuff for sore throats, but no lemsip type thing.

Glad you got in a dog walk despite the cold. And I hope you have a great long weekend.

The ending of Bancroft was disappointing. It looks like she got away with it?
As you don't think you'll watch TheApprentice, I'll tell you that unfortunately Elizabeth didn't get through. But as it's the final show, we'll see them all back helping anyway.

Hi Emptybox.

Yes you must take them back, 2 days is bad news, have you got those throat sweets, Lozenges they are good and ease the throat, they do a lemon one which is nice, i always keep a pack at home.

The police sirens are on pretty often really, of course the roads are straight and go for miles so you hear them for ages.

Some lovely cars here, the taxis are very posh, massive Toyota's and all automatic,  haven't seen a gear change here yet, probably the same as in the US.

Went for a nice meal, i ended up with Sushimi type meal, fish in 3 different settings and a bowl of Sushi rice, of course all the meal was cold as was the rice, but one of the piles of fish was a bit spicy which i liked, for the 4 of us with drinks and tips/tax it came to $232, (£172.68) with $25 taxi and $30 coming back, a very expensive place to eat.

I bought fish and chips for o/h by the pool this afternoon, in the box she got 4 fish and a box of sliced potato deep fried, very strange, never seen that before.

Will find another place for brekkie in the morning.

Hi Hicky.
Damp start here but some sunshine this afternoon. Fairly cold though.

Took the lights back and they exchanged them no problem. Just for the same ones mind. I could have got a refund, but then I wouldn't have any Xmas lights.
Got them strung up and working....so far.
I also put the rest of my decs up, which consists of a few strands of tinsel strewn around the place.
While I was out I posted more Xmas cards.

I didn't buy any lemsip, but made some home made remedy by putting some honey in the bottom of a mug and adding a little lemon squash and a little whisky, then pouring on boiling water and stirring till the honey melted. I also took a couple of paracetomol at the same time.
Very nice, but not sure it helped my cold? I'm still going through tissues like there's doh tomorrow.

Yes, I'd imagine all the cars are automatic there, as it's a US state (even though it's in the middle of the Paciffic).
Seems very pricey there too?
Doubt they understand Fish and chips there Hicky. You are lucky they didn't hand you a raw parrot fish and a bag of crisps.
Hope you find/found a nice place for brekkie.

It's the IAC coming out show tonight. That should be good.

both

Hicky

thanks for the photo .

That hotel looks really big, a lot of those nice palm trees around too. Glad you got brekkie this time. The question is do they have baked beans with brekkie in Hawaii.  (I know they do in Oz).

I wonder why all the roads are straight and why they need such big cars? Isn't it just a little holiday island in Hawaii? Their fish and chips certainly sound odd! It does sound very expensive to eat out there though. HOpe you will not be too broke by the time you come home! Did you get big portions as that meal was so expensive?

Nearly bed time for me now, which means nearly brekkie time for you. Wonder what you will have ?

Me and daughter are in a little village b and b now. Son and OH stay with OH's relatives. We all have brekkie in the B and B though, it is always delicious and he only charges £5 each for cooked brekkie, as much toast/cereal/yogort/fruit/coffee/tea/juice as we want.So looking forward to that. Lucky his broadband is good, so that is why I am able to post here tonight.

Emptybox

sorry to hear you have a runny  nose. I think it was a good idea to make your own lemsip, as it is better for you than the shop one. I hope this cold clears up soon. Remember to keep nice and warm whilst you have a cold though. Hope you feel better soon.

What a nuisance with those lights. Now I am wondering if your replacements will now last till next year? (if hopefully they are still working ok?).

We had a good easy journey here, took about 5 hours in all with a couple of stops. The scenery was lovely as the mountains still had snow on them. Rugged Snowdonia near where we are staying, is my fave.

Our little niece is so excited about going on the Santa steam train tomorrow, and we all looking forward to it too. I am hoping it doesn't rain, so we get a good view.

We have been to the pub for tea. A real old fashioned type one, but good cheap and filling food. Huge portions too.

Emjoyed IAC coming out. Rebekan and Dennis did nothing to improve my opinion of them! But Toff what such a worth winner.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi Mollie. Great that you can get on from where you are.
Pity you and OH aren't staying in the same place. Do his relatives not like you?

Sounds a nice B&B anyway, although I'm not sure "toast/cereal/yogort/fruit/coffee/tea/juice" counts as a cooked breakfast? Or is that just what you have?

The lights are still going. I've not much confidence in them making the New Year, but you never know. These ones seem a bit brighter than the previous ones, so maybe they were always faulty.
Cold no better this evening. Didn't have a good night last night, so not hopeful for tonight. At least I don't have to work anyway. Only good thing is I've got a week or so before Christmas to recover.

The countryside sounds lovely, and I'm sure you and your neice will love the steam train. Hope you get good weather.

The IAC show was good. Didn't Stanley have a tall lanky son? Must be the only one in the family shaped like that?

Good Afternoon Both.

Had to spend the day on the poolside, such a strain as you can imagine.

Don't seem to get anything near a breakfast as we know it, also it must be the dearest place on earth to eat out, the prices would make your hair curl, and 2 hours after eating my stomach is rumbling again so have to have a couple of my stored biscuits.

I can't keep up with the posts so you will have to excuse me, not even sure what day it is, think we are moving hotels Sunday as we had only booked 5 days as my lad didn't think it had a pool, so could be elsewhere tomorrow.

Sorry to hear the cold is still with you Emptybox, i'm so glad those tablets cleared up my throat problem whatever it was, it's the inhaler that caused it though.

Enjoy your break Mollie, sounds lovely, and a change is as good as a rest, they say.

Here is half of the pool are, taken from on my sun lounger/bed.

The area also has a spa, very very hot with warnings, i haven't been in, i dangled my feet in but it was too hot for them.

both

Hicky

well far from what you say, considering all the travelling, time differences and different hotels, I think you are doing a grand job of keeping up with our posts, whilst at the same time, supplying us with some lovely photos.

That pool and sunshine certainly looks inviting.

But oh dear, that is no good if food is so expensive, then you have to fill up 2 hours later with biccies.

Wonder where you are tomorrow then if you are moving again? You itinery says you are not due to be moved to "TBA" place until 18th, but you will only be there until the 20th? Is the next place likely to be where the wedding is going to be? What date is the wedding?

Emptybox

so sorry that nasty cold is bothering you. As you say, good job you have a bit of time to get over it before Christmas. Sounds like you could do with a bit of sunshine with Hicky round that pool in the photo!  But I hope it starts to improve soon. Is the cold still affecting your other symptoms? 

Hope your lights are still going ok. Father Ted seems to still be having problems with his Christmas tree lights too. I am watching it on More4 now, still so funny!

I have the cooked brekkie here of tomato, veggie sausage, beans, hash brown, mushrooms, as well as the rest I listed, so it lasts me all day.

I stay in the b and b with daughter, to keep her company, as there is not enough room for 4 extras to stay with relatives. The b and b cottage we stay in has underfloor heating, I really like that, keeps your feet lovely and warm. Son and OH come over to b and b to join us here for the brekkie each morning.

Went on Santa train today with niece, she enjoyed it, especially meeting Santa, (who was just right for the job, very enthusiastic). We all enjoyed it as the views in Snowdonia were gorgeous, especially with the snow on the mountain tops. When we got off in the middle of the mountains when the engine turned round, it was absolutely freezing! I was so glad of my 5 layers I had on today! 

Didn't bother with the dancing as don't find the finalists very interesting, but am enjoying watching the Father Ted Christmas special   

Goodnight Emptybox. Don't forget your whisky/lemon medicinal purposes drink tonight.

Good morning Hicky. Hope you have another lovely day in sunny Hawaii.

We are leaving straight after brekkie tomorrow as it is such a long drive home.

Advent day 16 and as we went on the Santa steam train today, it has to be this one...

HI both.
Thanks for the train advent pic Mollie.

Very frosty here again today, but a bit of sunshine this afternoon. Supposed to be sub zero again tonight, so I've set the heater up with the timer again for the downstairs loo.
Cold not quite so bad now. The flow of snot has dried up a bit now.
Still feeling sorry for myself though, and I didn't move far from the house today.

Hicky. That half of the pool looks great anyway.
Pity your breakfast wasn't up to your standard and expensive too.
A hot tub that's too hot to get into sounds sensible?

Mollie. Glad you enjoyed your day out with your neice on the steam train; and that santa lived up to expectations. Sounds like it was chilly on the mountains though.
Ah so you do get a cooked brekkie? I enjoyed mine this morning.
My other sypmtoms haven't been too bad the last couple of days, there were just a few twinges when I first got the cold.
That's funny you missing Strictly, because I watched some of the final, and I haven't watched any of the rest of the series.
TBH I thought Alexandra was the best dancer, but I guess she hasn't made herself too popular?

Just going out, will post when i get back, went to McD's for brekkie, love them.

This is the pool before the sun gets here and the crowds move in, we bag some area for the 5 of us, a cousin arrived, lovely girl.

Thats my lad and his gf.

 They have all gone shopping so as no food was involved i stayed here in the hotel, getting a coffee, all going out later for food, it;s 10 past 4 pm now, having a banana to keep my strength up, bought 2 sausage & egg McMuffins this morning so could save 1 for the poolside.

It's a bonus getting all the Wifi free as well, don't get that in uk  places that we stayed in, and up to 10 devices, heaven knows who has 10, we only have 4.

Put plenty of sun lotion on, i don't really like sun bathing but popping in and out of the sun does me fine, can;e just lie in it like some.

Lovely beds as well, massive, must be made for 3 or 4.

Changing hotels tomorrow, moving to a new one nearer the beach and McDonalds for 3 days, Wedding on Monday now, Friday was off because of the weather, couldn't have Saturday as they have stopped Limo's going in the area or something so it's Monday, they are getting me a shirt just now.

Have seen the wedding dress, very nice, simple & petite.

Going to Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, pretty sure it's this one.

https://alohilaniresort.reztri...=derbysoft#category=

Hicky, hauʻoli lā hānau iā ʻoe (Happy Birthday to you)

Happy Birthday Hicky.

(thanks for the reminder El Loro )
Are you doing anything to celebrate it?

Hope the new hotel is a good one. Should be easier if it's nearer the beach.
Also hope there is great weather there for the wedding tomorrow.
Are you going to wear a Hawaiian shirt for the ceremony?
Yes you need to keep up with the sunscreen.

Well no frost here this morning, so waste of time heating the downstairs loo, but better to be safe that sorry I suppose.
Woke up to heavy rain, and although that's stopped now, it's just a dull cloudy day.
Just about to go to the supermarket.

both xxx

Hicky

Handy that not only is the new hotel close to the beach, but Mcdonalds as well.

Unusual for us but we had Maccas for tea tonight. They are doing those cheese bites for Christmas menu, which are a fave of mine, so we had those, along with some home made chips and peas.

Are you watching the final of the Apprentice? Pity Elizabeth is not in it, as i think she was pure entertainment and should of made the final. I'd love to see her in CBB sorting all the other HM's out.

Goodmorning Hicky xxx Enjoy your day in the sun at your new hotel and your birthday too.

El Loro posted:

Hicky, hauʻoli lā hānau iā ʻoe (Happy Birthday to you)

Thank you El Loro.

From sunny Waikiki beach hotel.

Suffering these 26c days for my birthday, how dreadful i hear you say.

Aloha, thats all i know.

Good Morning Mollie & Emptybox.

Thank you for the Birthday Wishes.

Another sunny day here, just 08.51 Sunday, getting packed to move home.

Had some nice ribs last night, very expensive to eat here, should have got a bed in McDonald's i think, the cheapest place on the island.

Yes, will be in a Hawaiian shirt, toned down a lot so i don't show the groom up.

Can't control weather so it's in the lap of the gods, it is winter after all, heard some very noisy rain last night while on the balcony later on.

The brides Cousin has flown in from Singapore were she is living, her sister couldn't get into the US because she had a holiday in Iran, another person coming,, but it's a quiet wedding, apart from me.