One day at a time

A very wet day, I spent most of it at the Westfield Shopping Centre at White City. Wander around and toyed with the idea of buying another phone, but held off. I did buy a cover for my e-reader and an umbrella.

Went with Graham and some of his friends to a historic house and we had a pub lunch afterwards.

Spent a good part of the day at the Stratford Westfield.

Discovered the local Tesco and bought a new sim for my mobile so at least I will be able to receive calls. Took a long time to set up the mobile and was very frustrating at times. Spent the afternoon with Graham and we had dinner with Shaun, I left after dinner, whilst they went on to a bar.

After saying goodbye to my parents, I returned the hire car. Honestly I don't think they need so many staff to check cars in. Had a bit of a wait for my train and this one was busier than the one to Nottingham. Found the accommodation, my original room was in the basement. I asked to change as I couldn't get any reception on my phone, but even after changing I still could get anything.

Met up with my elder sister, her daughter and grand daughter. Apart from the appalling weather, the trip was enjoyable and spent final night at my parent's house.

Day started with another trip to the city centre for a present from my parents to my father's sister back in Australia, I followed that with some more shopping of my own. Later on I went to see my younger sister and some of her family. Plans to meet a friend later came to nothing, due to their work pressures.

Went to dinner with my parents at a garden centre, which they both seemed to enjoy. I drove them in the hire car, have done much mileage in it.

Spent the afternoon in the city centre shopping for clothing, found some of what l wanted but no sign of suitable rugby jerseys.

Took my mother shopping but we didn't buy much as it was difficult for her to make a decision. Best not to push her, but she needs more practice at it.

First nice weather of the trip

Enjoyed the Beeb's presentation of the Eurovision but they have not shown the video by SBS.  Denmark won, but I think it's had better songs before. I like that the Swedes made fun of themselves.  Wonder what the Danish sense of humour is like ?

Went shopping with my father and set him up with an Android tablet so that we can Skype. Now I just need to train him to use it. 

Went out in the car to one of the retail parks around Nottingham, disappointed with the choice on offer by the reminding electronic retail in this county. Had a coffee, which was supposed to be a latte but it didn't look like any latte I'd ever had before. Later I want to see my other sister and the changes their had made to their two up two down terrace house. Got a bit lost on the way there, I was ignoring the GPS and I'd forgot how narrow the roads were around her place. Watched an amusing programme on how to win Eurovision, don't think will do that again for very long time.

Been to see the latest additions to the family here, twin boys to my oldest nephew, Stirling and Herbert. Quite delightful babies but I'm sure I've seen them at their most charming. Also met up with a couple of my nephews and one niece, which was nice although they always talk over each other so it's difficult to hols a conversation. Expect to see my other sister tomorrow.

After an unusually long wait for a hire car and getting lost on the way, I made it back to the old home town. Not much has changed, people still park on the pavements and have to deal with roads covered in speed humps. Already been to see one of my sisters and will see the newest additions to the family tomorrow.

I have to have special meals on flights due to food intolerances, but they are really disappointing. It like they can't be tasty, if they are special. The gluten free sandwich I received on Qantas was so dry that it was difficult to eat. The meals I got on BA were so dull and they have combined their gluten free with their diary free, which meant I had to suffer soya milk! I wonder if the chefs that plan these meals ever eat any of them?