Running errands in Hythe

Spent Monday morning with Natasha and she had a few errands to run, well if you have to run errands it might as well be somewhere nice.

Slava's Amazing Snow Show!!!!!

We first saw this wonderful show about two years ago when it last played at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre. When I saw that it was coming back to Southampton by popular demand I knew I had to go again. We managed to go in a large party this time and everyone really enjoyed it. It's so very hard to describe what the show is, you need to experience the thrill of this magical, extraordinary evening. Can you tell that I highly recommend Slava's Snow Show and can not wait to go again.

Amalia's Garden

To celebrate our dear friend Ann's birthday we held a little lunch party for her in Amalia's garden which she has worked so hard on over the last few year's. It has grown from a bit of a wasteland to an oasis of colour and is beautiful to sit in now. Although it was 29th September it was one of the hottest days of the year!!! A very late summer day. Happy birthday Ann!!!!

Monte Carlo

Chris always has a big business trip to Monte Carlo in September and I have been lucky enough to go with him for the last few times. Its a chance to relax, top up my tan, read and catch up with my blog. This time I managed to catch up and write about 12 blogs and then just added the photos when I got home and published them. We were at Le Metropole again this year, it's a beautiful 'old school' hotel. I was able to go to the beach and relax. Chris is busy working but we managed two dinners together. Saturday we had a lovely meal at The Fairmont Hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Monday we had a trip to The African Queen at Beaulieu Marina. I always enjoy my time in Monte Carlo, I'm on my own so much I have a lot of time to think and plan which is more difficult the rest of the time. Oh well, back to real life....

Le Metropole

Inner Lobby

Looking towards the reception desk

Inner Lobby

Olde world charm

There are wonderful books everywhere

View from the road

All lit up

View from the restuarant at the Fairmont Hotel

Entrance to private beach club

When I say private I mean me and a few others! Holiday makers have gone home but its busy on the weekend

View of the Casino through a fountain

The Casino, Monte Carlo

There is a beautiful park infront of the Casino and also Le Metropole

The Casino and on the right the famous Hotel de Paris

Part of the park outside our hotel

Chris in the park but ready for business

This reminded me of creepy halloween fingers and fingernails!!!

Fairies or hobbits?????

We had lunch at the famous Cafe de Paris, very art deco and fabulous!

A few hours later dessert at the Cafe de Paris has become a tradition when business is over

Time with family in Gloucester

After our stop off in Nailsworth we got to Gloucester and spent some time with my Dad and I rescued two vintage (old fashioned we called them when we were young) suitcases from his loft that I am going to clean up and use as storage. We then went to my Brother and Sister-in-law's house and  we spent the rest of the evening with them. It was so good carching up after our summer adventures. Their eldest son has just returned from the Toronto Mission where he was on a Spanish speaking mission. My Sister-in-law Emma cooked the most delicious Vegetarian Chilli or Vegetable Chilli, I have only ever made it with vegetarian mince and never liked it really. I highly recommend this recipe, well done Emma, my half vegetarian daughter-in-law will like my veggie cooking more now!!!

Vegetable Chilli
2 Courgettes
1 Onion
2 Potato
1 Sweet Potato
2 Carrot
1 Parsnip
1 Can Sweetcorn
1 Can Kidney beans in chilli sauce
1 Can Mexican beans
1 Can Butter beans
2 Cans Chopped tomatoes
Chilli powder to taste

Chop and saute all fresh veg few minutes, add canned veg and little water add chilli powder to taste, bring to boil and simmer for about 20 mins. This makes a lot so adjust ingredients to suit your family.

I made this one