Today is the oldest grandchild’s birthday. He’s 10 today. Gaaaaaagh! we saw him at the weekend in Brighton, so we were able to give him his present then (three Boden long-sleeved tops).

The weekend in Brighton was absolutely wonderful. The journey down was a nightmare – the M25 was crawling, then there was an accident on the A23 near Brighton, so altogether we were travelling for over 5 hours.

The weather was fabulous, sunny and breezy. All five grandchildren were there, and it was so lovely to see them all. I actually went swimming in the sea on Sunday morning. The sea was very rough indeed, and although it was very exciting and exhilarating, it was scary too. I had no problems getting into the water, but getting out again was another matter. I think the tide was on the turn, so the undercurrents were very strong. Hubby’s youngest son had to physically pull me out! but it was wonderful anyway.

We stayed in a little B&B which is about three minutes’ walk from hubby’s oldest son’s flat, and it’s lovely. We’ve stayed there before. Basic, but clean and everything you need really. In the old days, when I was a child, bed & breakfast meant you only had access to the room at tea-time and had to leave after breakfast! but nowadays it’s all different, and we were given a key to the house, and the room, so we could access it any time we wanted.In actual fact, we only did need it for sleeping and breakfast, and it’s very comfortable.

Parking is always an issue in Brighton, but ES (eldest son) had bought us three parking tickets ready, so it was only a question of finding a space. Considering it was Bank Holiday weekend, that was relatively easy too.The journey back was much easier. Just over 3 hours including a 35 minute break. Brilliant.

I have finally bought the fabric to make the salwar kameez, and am intending to start it off tomorrow. The party is on 17th September, so I have plenty of time. It’s lovely material. Black cotton with gold batik designs on it. Just the job. I could only get 5 metres though, and to make the tunic long enough I really needed 5.5 metres, so will see how I go, but it doesn’t really matter if the tunic is a bit shorter.The physio isn’t helping my hands or wrists, as expected. But will continue treatment. Osteopath next week.  I’m so tired I could sleep all day but it’s probably better not to.

Fetched the cat from the kennels (where she has been while we were away) this morning – she’s pottering round miaowing, not a happy cat at all. She’s very keen to go outside, but until she’s more settled inside the house, we’re just not letting her. Tomorrow I think, after she’s been through the usual routine of feeding and bedtime etc.

Well, I think that’s about it for now.