Gina in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, 22.01.10

Well, I made it to my daughter's house in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. We had to drive through an awful rain storm to get here from the airport in Birmingham. It was sunny in Ireland when I left it! Typical. Naturally, K and I chatted all the way home and it didn't seem long before we arrived. Rachel greeted us at the door and Luisa was over the road at their annex house. Once we returned Lu was able to head off to work in the car. After a spot to eat, we sat and chatted some more, then Lina came home from school and we had big hugs.

Lina had a go on the Wi and played guitar, following flashing lights - it all looked a bit complicated to me! K was tired and I was falling asleep so we both decided to have a nap. Rachel woke me as Liane, my step Grandaughter was soon to arrive with her son Connor. She was going out for a meal and Connor was staying with us for a while. Liane looked spectacular with dangerously high shoes and sparkly trousers. Connor is a delight, as bright as a button and he and Lina get on really well too.

I borrowed a camera of K's, as the flash on mine has broken and she no longer uses this particular one, but I kept forgetting to switch on the flash so some of the photos are rather amber in colour and Rach doesn't have photoshop on this neat little net book of hers that I'm using.

K asked what I'd like for dinner and, because we can't have take away in Ireland, I said I'd love a chinese. So, Chinese it was. Absolutley delightful and I confess I ate too much.

This evening I persuaded everyone to watch Pop singer to opera star and they all enjoyed it, even Lina. She was surprised at herself. It was really great fun with some superb singing by Marcella and little Bernie Nolan. Marcella sang one of my all time favourites, 'One Fine Day' from Madam Butterfly and Bernie Nolan excelled herself with an amazing version of 'Speak Softly Love' from The Godfather. If you're intersted, please take a look at the following link: Pop Star to Opera Star Hey, my daughter's shown me how to do links! Hoorah.

Now, peace reigns. Luisa has collapsed in a chair with Trixie and Jack on top of her (2 of their 3 dogs) and Bear (the 3rd) is happily at K's feet on the floor. I'll see how the photos look:

K chatting to Rachel.

Rachel demolishing an old laptop! Look at that hair.

The lovely Bear. And Rachel's foot.

Liane and Connor. Look at those shoes and trousers.

We had a measuring session of everybody's height up against the door of the office! K, Rachel, Lu and I have all shrunk! AAAH!

A rather super photo of Liane.

Liane's amazing shoes and trousers.

The lovely Lina.

So that's about it for today. Bed soon. We're off to Matlock tomorrow to catch up on some old friends. That'll be fun.

Have a great weekend everyone.