Sheffield to Barnes – 31st May

Captain Caveman came back to the Jonas Hotel in Sheffield in the early hours of Saturday 31st May. I woke up because he had to turn on the light and go to the bathroom. He’d also not been able to get in with his key as, when I had asked for another, they had cancelled the first one. I didn’t get much sleep due to Captain Caveman’s snoring and we were up for breakfast early. The hotel included a hot beverage and a croissant (plain or chocolate) which was very nice and meant I could take a tablet. I was meant to be calling in to see my parents but I was still quite unwell and decided it would be better to push on and get the journey down to London over with. I’d already warned Captain Caveman that I’d need to stop for several toilet breaks along the way. Our first stop off was at Dunston Hall Garden Centre where I had a soup with a pot of herbal tea, Captain Caveman ordered a sausage sandwich and chips with a coffee. The food was good but the service seemed a bit chaotic and amateur. Captain Caveman paid the bill while I had another toilet visit and got stuck in the one way system of the Garden Centre.
We drove down to London, with just one more very brief pee stop and finally got to Barnes in the late afternoon. Captain Caveman and I were welcomed by his parents and sat out in the garden, meeting some friends of theirs. There was wine but I just had a juice and some of the crisps.
I went to unpack and managed to have a little lay down but no sleep and then we were given a lovely home cooked pasta dish for dinner. I was fit for nothing and in bed very early which was a shame as I’d not seen the in-laws for such a long time.
I managed to check my finances as I was very keen to see if I’d managed to come in within the £400 budget I had set for myself this month. With 11 days in the UK, mostly with Captain Caveman, I doubted that I had managed it so at first I was only going to count my Turkish Bank, which I only use in Turkey. I had put 20,716 lira (approx £400) in to that account for my budget. Unbelievably I had managed to spend 20,598 lira including 2 water bills, the electric bill and paying my credit card off in full. I was pleased at that but then I looked at my Wise account which I use mainly in the UK. Between me and Captain Caveman we had deposited £603 in total, unfortunately we had then spent £673, with £261.55 being spent on stuff that was only related to me! This meant I’d gone over budget by £260 at least in May, this also didn’t include anything that Captain Caveman had paid for directly. June was going to be tough and I needed to keep under budget to be able to start to get some savings in again. May had been such a fantastic month, though, and I was finally feeling like things were getting better financially.

Gratitude List
1. Making it to London despite feeling rather unwell
2. Seeing Captain Caveman’s parents
3. Being able to have some treats which meant going over budget.

Sheffield – 30th May

Friday 30th was meant to have been my last day to catch up with various people I’d not seen yet, as well as some I already had. The plan had been to finish work early and meet Louisa then, when Captain Caveman finished work, he would come join along with Vanessa and some of her family before attending Caz’s birthday celebrations that night. My sister was hoping to be able to meet me too before she went on holiday and I needed to say bye to my parents before I went back to Turkey. Captain Caveman and I were driving back to London the next day and I would get to see his parents before I flew back to Dalaman on Monday.
Unfortunately, I woke up feeling worse and the cystitis medication was doing bugger all to alleviate the pain, or the symptoms. Most of the day was spent in pain, feeling nauseous and a bit blurry.
Vanessa was dealing with a delivery of a couple of sofa throws which had been ordered for her settee in Dalyan and they were really nice, but heavy and big. She’d asked Matt to get some made in Dalyan to save paying for luggage but he’d not been able to get any. I agreed to take one in my suitcase as I had enough room and was already taking a jar of Branston, which they had forgotten on their last trip out, plus a couple of bits. I didn’t mind at all but I only had space for 1 of them, poor Vanessa would have to take the other in her under seat bag.
I started doing some packing while Captain Caveman was in meetings and Vanessa went out to meet her son and his girlfriend, with arrangements to see us at the Lescar pub later. I doubted I would be able to go but I really wanted to see people before I left as I didn’t know when I would be back.
At lunch time, Captain Caveman gave me a 2 minute warning that we needed to pack up and leave during his lunch hour as he had another important meeting and we needed to get across town. Months ago when Captain Caveman had arranged to go to Caz’s birthday celebrations he had thought he would stay at a hotel he had used before, the Jonas hotel, Endcliffe. I wasn’t quite with it as I hastily packed and rushed to the toilet in between as I still was in a predicament.

We arrived at the hotel which is located in a student area and is really stylish. Captain Caveman logged on in the communal working area ready for his 2pm meeting and I ordered a cup of Yorkshire tea and a cake for £4.50 as my lunch (there were no sandwiches left).
I took the key and went up to the room where I tried to have a little sleep but I felt quite sick. I googled my symptoms and decided I needed to see if I could get antibiotics from somewhere and set off walking to Boots on Ecclesall Road. I got as far as the Tesco Supermarket and was nearly peeing my pants so went in to find a toilet. They didn’t have one, but I did find an adaptor plug for £4.
At the pharmacy, still desperate for a wee, there was a massive queue and I could hear the on duty pharmacist saying he would love to visit Turkey for a holiday to one of the staff. That member of staff then told the woman in front of me that there was not a prescribing pharmacist on duty today so she would need to go to the walk-in centre. I was already distressed and desperate for a pee so I decided to ask the lady at the counter if I could speak to the pharmacist in private. Mo, the on duty pharmacist, obliged and we went in to the room next door where I explained my predicament. I also told a bit of a fib that I was due to drive to Gatwick tomorrow to get my flight back to Turkey and that I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to travel. We chatted about Turkey, politics and how if he needed a pee sample I could probably fill a bucket while crying, right now. He prescribed me Nitrofurantoin and said it was probably a bladder infection. By 4pm, I left the Boots Pharmacy, having paid £9.90 and was so relieved to have seen Mo. He was a lovely fella and really helped me out in a predicament.
I located the nearest chain coffee shop for the toilet, in desperation. I had to buy an overpriced bottle of water (£2.25) to get a code to get in for the biggest (painful) pee of the day. I was so relieved and took my first tablet while on the loo.
I walked back to the hotel but got lost and ended up walking quite far out of my way, up and down big hills, which I’m no longer used to. I got back and went to bed, which was super comfy but would’ve benefited from extra pillows.

I’m not much of a tablet taker so I immediately noticed that the Nitrofurantoin was having a weird effect on me, in the afternoon. I’d already had to start letting people know I wouldn’t be in any fit state to see them today. I needed to take my next tablet with or after food and needed to avoid citrus and spicy food. It was such a shame as Captain Caveman had finished work and wanted to go out for a nice meal before going to meet Caz and all the others at the Lescar for drinks. We decided to walk down the hill and find a restaurant to get a meal and I could take my next tablet. After mooching about and me not fancying anything because the thought of eating didn’t appeal, we settled on a Spanish Tapas place. That way, I could nibble on something and Captain Caveman could enjoy a nice meal with a drink or two. Here’s what we had with prices in pounds;

Iberico Restaurant
Olive oil with Balsamic 1.00
Alioli (extra) 1.00
Bread 3.50
75ml sherry 4.00
Belly pork 5.00
Chorizo with honey and toast 5.00
Artichokes 5.00
Tortilla 7.00
Ham Croquettes 9.00
250ml red wine 11.00
2 Manchego with Membrillo 12.00
Lots of tap water (free)
Total spent £63.50

I loved the Manchego cheese and even managed to eat the meat dishes but, when the tortilla came, I had to make a dash for the toilet to be sick. Eggs can often make me feel nauseous when I’m ill but I was in a state and needed to lay down. As we were so near to the Lescar, we decided I would go and wish Caz a Happy Birthday, say thank you and farewell to Vanessa and hopefully see some of the other friends while I was there.
Captain Caveman and I were the first there, shortly followed by Caz and Tim. I said hello, apologised for being ill, found out water infections are more common during menopause and drank just half of my tap water. I was in a bit of a state but I did have time to at least say hello to Caz and friends and get in a photo. I had to run to the loo to pee and throw up but was conscious of wasting the antibiotic so swallowed it! Vanessa and Brad didn’t arrive and I couldn’t wait any longer so Captain Caveman and I left, he would return after walking me back. My sister messaged to say she was sorry she hadn’t been able to meet me but was at a family meal at Gill’s & Co on Ecclesall Road. We were walking past it, so we went in just to say bye to everyone. I had a soda water, Captain Caveman had a drop of the bottle of wine on the table and my sister was on good form. It looked like a lovely place to dine. I paid visits to the toilet more than once and then I just had to get back to the hotel for a lay down.
I said bye to everyone with promises to see them in the summer, so not too long to wait. Captain Caveman left to rejoin Caz’s birthday bash and I walked back up the hill to the hotel. I could see the hotel so went in my bag to get the hotel key, only to realise that I didn’t have it. I called Captain Caveman and text but no answer. When I did speak to him, I was already in the hotel reception toilets, trying not to throw up. He wasn’t about to come back with the key so he said to ask reception for a new one, which they were very accommodating about. I had the second shower of the day and put my PJs on to go to sleep, just hoping I would be well enough to get to London tomorrow. At 9.20pm Vanessa messaged to say they were still at Grandma’s having had a Chinese so wouldn’t be able to make it out, after all. She wished me well for my journey and I her for her flight tomorrow and I would see her in Dalyan next week.

Gratitude List
1. Mo, the pharmacist – life saver!
2. Iberico – I will have to visit again when I’m better to fully appreciate it.
3. At least seeing Caz (and friends) on her birthday night out and saying bye to the Lessing family.

Photo Credit – some photos from Caz

Sheffield – 29th May

Captain Caveman was working in Stoke all day on Thursday 29th May and I decided, as Vanessa was going back to Dalyan before me, I would take the afternoon off to spend time with her.
After tea and toast for breakfast I did a full morning of work, including our Resort Experts team meeting. I’d finished around 12.30 and we got the tram to Crystal Peaks. Vanessa and I were both really surprised at how neither of us had got a hangover, especially after at least 6 rum & cokes and 3 ‘Blow Jobs’ yesterday. Oddly though, I had a strange pain in-between my stomach and groin area, which I’d never experienced before. Vanessa thought my symptoms seemed like it could be Cystitis and she used to be a doctor’s receptionist so I took her word for it. Our first stop was at the retail park and Boots where I bought mini face wash, mouth wash, moisturiser, plus a bottle of water and some cystitis medication for a total of £6.80. Our mission of the day had been to have a KFC because it’s our favourite junk food. Usually Vanessa would just have a 1 piece meal but today we both ordered a 2 piece meal, I went large but Vanessa had normal with BBQ beans. I had water and she had a strange drink I’d never heard of before and it looked like a milkshake but with things in it. The food was great but my pain was getting worse and I did not feel well at all.
In Marks & Spencer they had bras in my size but, because of all the weight I’d lost I was now a 34B and I’d been a 38E at one point! If only I could shift that much from my waist! I bought a pack of 3 for £20 and I didn’t even need underwired anymore! I’d always thought I’d got big boobs but it turned out I was just fat! While in M&S I started to feel even more unwell and I needed to pee 3 times. Granted, I had drank quite a bit of water before bed last night and again this morning plus the cystitis meds but it felt different – like it was coming on all of a sudden. Our next shopping stint was in I Love Sweets, a traditional sweet shop which had every type of childhood confectionery you could think of. We were like the proverbial kids in a sweet shop and I bought Floral Gums, Yorkshire Mixture and Sherbet Pips – I could easily have bought more and if you’re in the area I can highly recommend the place. We had a lovely nostalgic chat with the owner and I loved the shop.
Unfortunately, as we left I needed to pee again and felt a bit woozy. I wasn’t sure what was happening as one minute I was absolutely fine the next I thought I might collapse. I had started to really need a lay down so, as Vanessa headed over to Poundland to see if they had Weetabix, I had to nip to the loo again. I ended up in Peacock’s where I bought some size 12 pyjamas (without trying them on!) and another bottle of water as I was now desperately thirsty. I paid £12.75 and didn’t realise until later that I had picked lilac and grey, which were Vanessa’s colours.

I had to cancel my plans for the evening and I really struggled to make it back to Vanessa’s without pissing myself. I was now at the stage where I didn’t know if I needed to pee or not and when I did I was crying out in pain.
I had a rest on the bed and Vanessa made us all fajitas for dinner which was a lovely meal. I was a bit upset that I’d had to cancel my evening plan to meet friends but I felt so poorly. Even Captain Caveman, who was meant to be going to a caving catch up before joining me and my friends, didn’t go out. I took more medication, drank loads of water and went to bed early, hoping I’d be ok for tomorrow.

Gratitude List
1. KFC for lunch with Vanessa
2. Bras
3. I Love Sweets

Apologies for lack of photos, I was too busy feeling poorly.

Sheffield – 28th May

Wednesday 28th May was certainly not the day we had planned although it all started off like a regular Wednesday. It would not end that way. Both Captain Caveman and I were at our laptops from 9am, he had a meeting first thing so was in the bedroom while I used the desk in the living room. Captain Caveman made me toast and Vanessa was getting ready to go out for lunch with her mother-in-law and daughter. We’d decided we were going to have fajitas for dinner and plans were going well for Captain Caveman to work until 5pm. I needed to buy some bras and perhaps something to wear for the weekend, so I decided I would meet Vanessa in town around 3pm.
With it being a Wednesday, I got weighed and did my measurements. It was not a great result after 1 week in England; I had put on 1.1kg (2.4lb) and was now 2.7kg (almost 6lb) over target. My measurements showed I had put 1cm on my bust and waist but had lost 1cm off my hips. Interestingly, my waist measurement was the biggest it had been in a long time and was 5cm over target. I was starting to notice that when I put weight on in the UK it goes on to my waist very easily. I was definitely eating less fruit and vegetables too. I still had 5 days left in England, 2 of them in London.
By 3pm, I had got on the tram, bought a day saver for £5.70 and I was heading to Marks & Spencer’s to go bra shopping. Vanessa had been for lunch at the Banker’s Draft and would meet me there as she wanted to try a new pub nearby. When I got off the tram, at Sheffield Cathedral, Vanessa and her daughter, Alicia, were waiting for me. We did the introductions and then said we would meet Alicia in the pub after I’d been shopping. I didn’t get any bras as they didn’t have my new size or the style I liked so off we went to the pub. Unfortunately, the one Vanessa has heard of being a new opening was not there so we stuck with what we knew. As we walked to where we were going we cut through the Banker’s Draft which I’d not been in for many years. It was definitely an eye opener and I did not expect it to be rammed full with a game of bingo going on at 4pm in the afternoon.
The Dove and Rainbow is one of the best pubs in the centre of Sheffield and it had been a while since my last visit. For just less than a tenner, Vanessa had a cider, I had a pint of tap water (free) and a pint of Guiness and we went out the back to sit with Alicia and her friends, Jamie and Lucy. I messaged Captain Caveman to arrange for him to come join us after he finished work, as it’s a favourite pub of his.
Once Vanessa and I had joined Alicia on the rum and cokes, it was pretty obvious things were going to get messy. When another friend, T, turned up, Lucy got a round of ‘Blow Job’ shots in and we all enjoyed them. Vanessa had a bit of trouble getting hers down in one, because of all the cream. By the time Captain Caveman arrived, he had missed more ‘Blow Jobs’ from Jamie and Alicia and we were all on our merry way. We were all having a great time but it was about to get even better when, at 6.30pm, I noticed the sign for a quiz. It’s on the last Thursday of every month, starts at 7pm and it got pretty busy. The drinks kept flowing as we did the quiz and another friend joined us so we split in to 2 teams of 4. I have no idea what time we left but I vaguely recall us getting a takeaway from Gleadless Townend on our way home! Captain Caveman and I shared a pizza and some chips, while Vanessa ordered a doner kebab. When we got back to her’s she didn’t eat the kebab at all, as her stomach couldn’t handle it.

Gratitude List
1. The Dove & Rainbow pub
2. Meeting Vanessa’s daughter, Alicia and her friends
3. Having a really good night at the quiz.

Sheffield – 25th to 27th May

On Sunday 25th May Captain Caveman and I decided on an outing in to Sheffield town centre. I needed a hairbrush and some clothes and Captain Caveman had said he would treat us to a trip to the Curzon cinema to see The Phoenician Scheme. As the cast of this Wes Anderson sounded good, I had agreed and was excited to finally be going to the cinema. The last film I’d seen had been a disappointing Barbie film in Fethiye. In the morning I did a bit of work as I had forgotten it was Bank Holiday Monday tomorrow so Captain Caveman was off for the day.
We got the supertram in to town from Gleadless Town End at £3.40 each. Once in Sheffield, our first stop off was at Superdrug, here’s what we bought with prices in pounds;

Superdrug
Ibuprofen 0.39
Sanex Stick deodorant 2.49
Sudocrem 2.99
Hair brush 4.50
Total spent £10.37

I went in to Primark, Captain Caveman isn’t a fan so he mooched about while I bought 5 pairs of socks for £3.50. I saw a large suitcase for only £38 and wanted to get it but we were going to the cinema. I wanted clothes but there was nothing to my liking so Captain Caveman suggested Blacks. Here’s what we bought, prices in pounds;

Blacks
4 tops (for me) £31.44
A coat (for him) £59.00
Total spent £90.44

While I looked and found nothing in New Look, Captain Caveman went back for the £38 suitcase from Primark. We shoved all our stuff in to the case and took it to the cinema, as you do.
The Curzon was very nice and Captain Caveman had a beer, I had a glass of wine but no popcorn! The film was a massive disappointment and I’ve never been in a cinema where most people around me were snoring at one point or another. Even I fell asleep!
We left in confusion and rain, wheeled our new suitcase to the bus station and got the bus to Mosborough, which cost £2.60 each. We called briefly to see my parents and pick up the van before going home for a nice meal at ‘home’ with Vanessa. She had been to her grandson’s birthday party where one of my other Sheffield friend’s son had gone. They got chatting and worked out they both knew me and that I had invited Vanessa to Caz’s birthday celebrations next Friday. It’s a small world.

Gratitude List
1. Captain Caveman taking me shopping
2. A new suitcase
3. Having a nap in the cinema.

As it was a Bank Holiday in England on Monday 26th May, we decided to have a day out in Sheffield. Check out the old stomping ground and see the sights. I’d been waiting to hear from my Mom who needed taking to an appointment but luckily my sister could take her so Captain Caveman’s offer of a lift wasn’t needed and we could go out.
We got the bus in and had a wander along a canal, down by the old Castle Market area and then along to our first pub stop, The Harlequin. A great bar where Captain Caveman had a proper beer and I had an Ascension cider.

Our next stop was Riverside where it had now started to rain so more drinks were had as we took shelter. By this time I was getting peckish and the menu looked good.

Captain Caveman had an alternative plan and took me for a mint tea and vegan sausage roll at Gaarde. I was dubious at first as to if the sausage roll was vegan as it was one of the best I’d had in ages.
We had a trip to the Wellington and had pork scratchings with our beers there, intending to get the tram. There were track repairs and a bus replacement that went past us. After that we had an uphill walk through Sheffield to the cathedral where we caught the tram back to Vanessa’s as there was a curry and rice waiting for us, made in the slow cooker. It was delicious and we watched Race Across the World on TV which Captain Caveman loves.

Gratitude List
1. An impromptu day off
2. Spending time in my home town with Captain Caveman
3. Great night in front of the TV with Vanessa.

Both Captain Caveman and I worked all day on Tuesday 27th May while Vanessa went out with a friend in the afternoon.
At lunchtime we drove to the nearest Asda to buy some more shopping, here’s what we bought with prices in pounds;

Asda Supermarket

Lasagne sheets 0.64*
2 garlic bread 0.70
Bananas 0.85
Orange juice 1.62
2 sausage casserole mix 1.90*
2 Thai curry paste 2.40*
Toilet roll 2.76
3 Fajita packet mixes 3.15*
Chicken 4.42
1 bottle of red wine 7.27
Total spent £25.71
The items with a * were for me to take back to Dalyan in my suitcase.

In the evening, Captain Caveman made a Spaghetti Bolognese for us all and we watched more Race Across the World on TV.

Gratitude List
1. Shopping at Asda
2. A lovely meal
3. Spending the evening with Captain Caveman and Vanessa, watching TV.

Sheffield – 24th May

Captain Caveman and I had been invited to my niece, Morgan’s, 21st birthday BBQ on Saturday 24th May at 3pm. Before that, though, we arranged to visit my parents. Unfortunately, as Dad had recently had a knee replacement operation, Ma & Pa had decided they weren’t feeling up to being able to attend. It was a shame, as Dad was making great progress but just not able to leave home just yet.
We drove over to my parents, calling at Crystal Peaks shopping centre on the way. Captain Caveman treated us all to Beres Pork sandwiches as the local shop in Mosborough no longer does them. They were really good and I’m glad we got the big size ones. I also managed to drink lots of pints of tap water, my favourite drink when I’m in Sheffield. For afters, Ma got some chocolate biscuits out and we all had one with a hot drink. It was good to see them and Dad was doing pretty well moving about. It had been just over 6 months since Captain Caveman and my parents had seen each other in Dalyan, despite being in the same town for almost 4 of those months. He’d tried to visit a few times but they had not been in when he’d called. We didn’t get much time with them, though, as we had to be at Gayle and Neil’s for the party.
Neither of us were really feeling like drinking after last night’s shenanigans in Woodseats but it’s not every day we get to celebrate a 21st. We gave Morgan a present and a bottle of champagne, plus we took some wine and beer to drink. Her birthday was later in the week so she didn’t open any presents. April, my 18 year old niece, was in charge of making cocktails and had already started trying them out. I had Prosecco, Captain Caveman had beer and then we went on to Margaritas which were very good.

There was a piñata which is always a laugh, 3 dogs running about, lots of booze and a massive BBQ and buffet. Neil and his Dad did an excellent job of cooking the meat despite my sister grumbling it was a bit later than expected. Harley, April’s boyfriend, did a fab music quiz which Captain Caveman and I came 2nd at – surprisingly as Captain Caveman always says he’s no good at music.
We had a brilliant afternoon and ended up getting a taxi home just as it was starting to get a bit messy! I also was a bit disappointed that I had not taken many photos and didn’t get any of the birthday girl. Someone had taken group photos but I couldn’t remember who and forgot to ask if I could have some. Luckily, my sister came up trumps on the photos later.

Gratitude List
1. Getting to see my parents and have pork sandwiches
2. An amazing 21st Birthday BBQ for Morgan
3. Captain Caveman being able to join me at a family event for the first time in 13 and a half years.

Captain Caveman having a bash at the piñata

Photo Credit – most photos & video by Gayle Leesing

Sheffield – 22nd & 23rd May

Having done sweet F A, but travel and eat yesterday, it was a day of grafting on Thursday 22nd April. It was only 9°C at 7am which I wasn’t used to so I got a cup of tea and went back to bed. It was weigh day and I had brought my tape measure but I didn’t take the measurements. I did get on the scales though and found I had put on 0.2kg (0.4lb).
I cracked on at the living room desk while Vanessa pottered about. We had bacon sandwiches at lunch time and then I had an online meeting.
I had forgotten to bring an adapter to plug my Turkish laptop plug in to the English socket and we said we would pop to Asda later to pick one up.
After work, Vanessa’s son came to pick us up to go to his house for dinner. We called at Asda and had no joy with an adapter but we got some wine! Vanessa and I were excited as we were, not only seeing the rest of the family, but we were having fish and chips with them. We decided that we would share a portion between us, which was plenty and really good. We got a taxi back so the whole night had cost me £20 and I’d had a really great time.

Gratitude List
1. Bacon
2. Spending time with Vanessa and her family
3. Fish and chips.

I had a good night’s sleep and woke up just after 6am on Friday 23rd May, it was 7°C in Sheffield.
I worked all day and Vanessa was the hostest with the mostest as she made me pancakes which I ate with strawberries.
She had a busy weekend planned because it was her grandson’s birthday celebrations and I had some plans too. Captain Caveman still hadn’t moved in to a house up north and was using his parents’ place in London as a base these days. Vanessa had kindly agreed for him to come and stay for the weekend and he was driving back from Scotland today.
As Vanessa and I don’t have any transport and the nearest local shop is a 10 minute walk away, I asked him to get a load of shopping in for us. He arrived at a decent hour, having had an eventful shopping trip to Aldi. He’d not got everything on the list as he didn’t have a pound coin for the trolley and had to do it all by basket and his arms. I imagined it was like a Friday Crackerjack where they had the game of holding lots of stuff, including cabbages. I am showing my age now!
Anyway, here’s what he bought with the prices in pounds and listed cheapest to dearest;

Aldi Supermarket

1 plastic bag 0.30
Garlic 0.37
1 tin of tomatoes 0.45
Chickpeas 0.49
Tomato puree 0.59
Cucumber 0.69
Mushrooms 0.69
Toothpaste 0.69
Lettuce 0.77
Carrots 0.79
Red onions 0.95
Spinach 0.99
Brown sauce 0.99
Baby potatoes 1.09
3 tins Baked beans 1.23
Pasta 1.29
Double cream 1.39
4 pints of milk 1.55
White onions 1.59
Peppers 1.60
Red potatoes 1.95
Bacon lardons 1.99
Wafer thin ham 2.29
Tomatoes 2.35
12 eggs 2.45
Cumberland sausage 3.49
500g beef mince 4.19
Chicken fillets 4.65
2 bottles of Champagne 30.00
Total spent £71.76

I thought tomatoes and eggs seemed more expensive than I’m used to.
We opened a bottle of the champagne and had a toast to all being in Sheffield, before going out for the evening.

Captain Caveman had decided he wanted to take me out on the town on Friday night, well down to Woodseats at least. We figured we could get the bus to Norton and then walk down. We did invite Vanessa to join us but they were off out for a family birthday meal.
After a very steep downhill walk we arrived at Guzzle, a micro pub that Captain Caveman had been to before. The lady behind the bar was fun and friendly and she had 2 cute little dogs. They also served Prosecco on tap and had pork scratchings – it was my perfect pub. We had a few drinks there and I petted Commander Riker, the friendliest and younger of the 2 pooches. We were getting ready to leave when an ex Aviva colleague arrived to join a group of fellas at the bar. We’d been having a bit of Sheffield banter with them and I’d had a few drinks so we said hello to Richard and he went for a toilet visit. His mates asked how I knew him and I lied and said I couldn’t say much but we went way back to when he was involved in the sex industry. They weren’t sure whether to believe me at first but I was convincing and they left. Captain Caveman and I were laughing at the conversation they were going to have in the next pub!
We also decided to move on to The Herd where we were hoping to get some pizza for dinner. It had gone 9.30pm so no food was being served but we were offered Salty Dog nuts with our pints of beer.
We decided on an Indian and went to Viraaj, also at Woodseats, for what ended up being a feast. The food was amazing and we had more drinks but when we came to leave it was pissing down with rain. We had to wait a bit for a taxi outside while talking to some German customers. When we got home, Vanessa was still out!

Gratitude List
1. Aldi shopping
2. Captain Caveman coming to Sheffield
3. Meeting Commander Riker.

Dalyan to Sheffield – 21st May

By 4.50am on Wednesday 21st May, I was ready to start my journey from Dalyan to Sheffield. Vanessa had made us all a cup of tea, I’d made the sandwiches and Matt was kindly driving us to the airport.
After a quick goodbye and thanks to our driver (Matt) at Dalaman airport, we were through to the first security check. We both had our own food and a bottle of unopened water each, hoping to get them through. The airport was relatively empty but the family in front of us got their juice cartons taken off them and we had to drink our water. For the first time, they also tried to take my tweezers and nail clippers from me but I said no and they gave them me back, this did mean they emptied my hand luggage bag completely but I didn’t mind as long as I got my stuff back as I only had hand luggage. It was quick and it now meant we had no water but we would be boarding soon. Vanessa’s bag was just an under the seat one which had a pair of men’s Crocs in so the bag kept tipping over. By 6am we were at the gate and doing the obligatory Facebook status update for everyone to see we were on a girls trip to England.
I needn’t have paid the extra £10 to book a seat as the Sun Express plane wasn’t full and I moved on to Vanessa’s row who had it to herself. On the flight I bought us some drinks and here’s what we had and spent.

2 small waters
1 can iced tea
1 tea
Total spent €13 (536.82 lira)!!!

The chicken sandwiches I’d made us were great too and we even managed to stop chatting long enough to watch something we had downloaded and fall asleep.
On landing at Manchester we had almost an hour until our train so we went to the cafe where Vanessa treated us to a cup of tea. I opened the share bag of crisps, ate the cheese and had several biscuits too. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Manchester had some sun and I didn’t need my coat on!
Our first train at 10.48am left on time and we changed at Manchester Piccadilly. Unfortunately, the second train was delayed due to a slow train in front of us. We did the whole journey at mostly 20mph and we didn’t actually get to Sheffield until 1.15pm.

By this time we needed a wee so I suggested a call to the Sheffield Tap for a cider/beer and to use the facilities – the station toilets had a queue. We also picked up a claim form at the station as we were entitled to a full refund of our train tickets.
A quick shop in M&S and then we were ready for the taxi ‘home’, to Vanessa’s where I would be for the next 10 days. The taxi was only £11 which I thought was reasonable from Sheffield to Gleadless.
We were through the door at 4.30pm which made our total journey almost 14 hours door to door (with the 2 hours time difference)!
I was truly spoiled as we had a cup of tea first, obviously, then Vanessa’s daughter and grandson came over for dinner. Chelsea made us delicious chicken tacos with air fryer chips and it was bloody lovely. Vanessa and I shared a bottle of wine to celebrate being back in Sheffield. It was a great evening and I really enjoyed being back in England.

Gratitude List
1. Having a fun journey from Dalyan to Sheffield
2. Lovely food and a place to stay
3. Family dinner at Vanessa’s.

Dalyan – 20th May

I started my last day in Dalyan on Tuesday 20th May, with a bacon sandwich and a cup of Yorkshire tea. I had lots to do including packing, work related stuff and some project related social media posts. For the last 10 days I had been doing a free course with Strategist Lisa Johnson and had rather enjoyed it. I did some promoting of my favourite vegan restaurant in Vietnam, Phong Nha Vegan, and I chatted on messenger to the staff and owner there. I missed them and their delicious and healthy food.
By lunch time, I was using up ingredients in the fridge by making myself chicken, sweetcorn and egg fried rice which was so tasty. I cracked on with my busy to do list as I needed to be over at Vanessa’s at a decent hour and I was fast running out of time. I took a breather about 4pm to nip to the shops for some snacks, here’s what I bought with prices in lira;

Şok Supermarket
Crackers 11.50
Popcorn 16.75
Licorice 19.50
Plain crisps 31.00
Total spent 78.75 lira (£1.51)

Today the exchange rate had risen again to 52 lira to the pound and the temperature had reached 30°C. Meanwhile, I was making a mental note to get a big coat and socks added to my packing as it was going to be cold in Manchester compared to Dalyan. I realised I still needed more items for my journey back to the UK and went back out again.

Migros Supermarket
2 small waters 7.90
Mentos 20.95
Haribo jellies 22.45
Biscuits 31.95
Dubai chocolate Magnum 75.00
Total spent 158.25 lira (£3.04)

Parlak bakery
1 loaf 15 lira (29p)

I ate the Magnum on the way back home and really enjoyed it – it would be my last one for a while! I didn’t have time to make any dinner so I ate the last of the radishes and some olives. I packed, put any perishables and leftover veg in a bag for Matt and took leftover chicken, lettuce, bacon and cheese with the bread to make for Vanessa and my airport pack up. My bags were heavy so I was lucky to bump in to Murat and his dog, Latte, who gave me a lift on his mobility scooter.
Over at Vanessa’s, we had some cups of tea and chatted before getting ready for an early night and a very early get up. We were leaving at 5am so I set my alarm for 4am.

Gratitude List
1. Bacon
2. Fitting everything in my small case
3. Managing to finish in time to get to Vanessa’s.

Chesterfield to Harrogate – 19th April

I had originally thought I would need to be back in Dalyan by Saturday 19th April for 2 reasons; today was the date of expiry for my current residency card and I was meant to be dog sitting for Norman and Edna. I had decided that if I could be back within a week after the expiry date I should be fine and Jamie had asked another friend of his to look after the dogs. This meant I could spend longer with Captain Caveman which I was glad about, as we had been invited to spend the birthday weekend of one of our good friends in Harrogate – I was so pleased I could join the celebrations. We said our sad farewells to Becca and Steve who, despite their own stuff going on, were the perfect hosts. If ever they decide to run a B&B they’d definitely get 5 stars. The cooked breakfast sandwiches were top notch and set us up for our drive to stay with more friends. I secretly signed Becca’s copy of my book which was on the desk in her office too. I was sad to leave and hoped to see them again on the next visit, which hopefully wouldn’t be as long this time.
We were on the road again but first we had a bit of a detour as Captain Caveman was playing a 4 hour Bridge tournament in a hotel in Harrogate so we went there. While there, I did a bit of work and had 2 client calls in the very nice reception of the big hotel.
We then drove over to the home of Cas and Mama Cas to start our celebrations. We had a wine and then got a taxi to the Wetherspoon’s in town for more wine before a lovely meal at Spice Culture, a really good Indian restaurant in town. We took our own booze as it’s not licensed and chatted to our waiter, Ali, who is a law student. The food was so delicious and we loved it. It was such a lovely night but I was so tired from all the excitement of a hectic week that I was in bed, fast asleep before midnight.

Gratitude List
1. Becca and Steve
2. Harrogate with Cas and Mama Cas
3. Indian food

Chesterfield & Sheffield – 18th April

While Captain Caveman had arranged to go on a walk with his ex wife and her dog on Friday 18th April, I had chosen to go in to Sheffield on the bus. Steve gave me a house key and we arranged to see each other later, in town. Becca and Steve dropped me at the bus stop and I got myself a day saver for the bus for £6.50.
My first stop off was to see my parents. My Dad was recovering from knee replacement surgery so I wanted to see how he was doing as well as see Mom too. I was pleasantly surprised to see that, just 3 days after his op, Dad was doing really well and wasn’t in too much pain, which was great. He was already doing his exercises and Mom was helping him. He had been given a Zimmer frame to walk with and was actually quite nimble. I got a lovely surprise of 2 Dairy Milk Easter Eggs from my parents – one for me and one for Captain Caveman. I tried to give some to Dad but Mom said he wasn’t allowed any and I had to snaffle half of the egg part which I’d already opened. I’d not had Dairy Milk for so long and it was amazing!

My next stop off was to see good friends to combine a bit of business and pleasure. Amanda and Chris live near to my parents so I trotted across to their house. I’d not seen them for about 9 months so it was great to see them and also catch up with Amanda’s daughter and her boyfriend to chat about holidays. It was a really good catch up and I even had a cheese toastie while we chatted about what’s been going on since I left – lots! I had to run for the bus, just as it started to rain too, as I was meeting friends in the Forum. I’d picked that venue because it’s a place I knew was open and easy to find. I’d completely forgotten that it was Good Friday so when a few of the gang brought their kids I was thinking it might have been better to choose somewhere more suitable for children. Alas, it didn’t matter and they soon got used to the DJ and the clientele. I had a dodgy stomach (too much chocolate and cheese) so I just drank tap water, and plenty of it.
Joining me were; Becca & Steve, Jo & a son (all off to the football match shortly), Nel & her daughter, Linda, Rachel, Liv, Lucy and her 2 boys, Caz, Tim & their son, Gayle & Neil and Captain Caveman. Between taking it in turns to go to the toilet, with my sister who was in a similar predicament, I had a great time chatting to everyone. There was even a spot of book signing and Linda brought Captain Caveman and I a Cadbury’s Creme Egg, which I love!

I had arranged to leave around 6.30pm as I wanted to support an ex Aviva colleague and friend, Adam Follet, in his Spook Muziek set at the Green Room before heading back to meet Becca and Steve, post match, to go back home. Those of us who were left, drifted over to the Green Room where we had a little chat with Adam and Julie before the gig. By this time Neil, who hadn’t wanted to come out, was merry and Captain Caveman was quickly catching him up. Meanwhile, I had my first alcoholic drink of a half of cider and Gayle was probably on her 5th diet coke, as she was driving. We absolutely loved the music and it was a shame we had to leave as it looked to be a good night.

We left Caz, Liv and Rach enjoying the next act and, as it was raining, Captain Caveman and I got a lift with Gayle and Neil to the bottom of Ecclesall Road. Becca and Steve had taken shelter in the Sheaf Island, the Wetherspoon’s pub, so all 4 of us joined them. We decided to eat there and I ordered a steak, Captain Caveman ordered a burger, we both had already got a drink when we ordered food which came with another for £31.39 in total. For cheap pub food I don’t think you can go wrong with a Wetherspoon’s meal deal and I really enjoyed my first steak in quite a long time.
We said our goodbyes and got a taxi back to Chesterfield where we decided to watch Paddington in Peru and have a nightcap. Unfortunately some of us didn’t last much longer and fell asleep. It was probably because it was such good company!

Gratitude List
1. Seeing the Mosborough Massive
2. Being given Easter Eggs for the first time in years
3. Being out out with lots of friends.

My book link for those who have not yet bought it but would like to:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Cant-Shit-Yourself-Bicycle/dp/B0DWWTBVCL

Barnes – 14th & 15th April

It was back to work after a rare weekend off together on Monday 14th April. I had muesli for breakfast after a cup of tea in bed from Captain Caveman. He had his morning meeting while I cracked on with Resort Experts work. At lunch time, Captain Caveman and I had a quick walk to the shop where we bought sourdough bread for sandwiches. Then it was back to work for the afternoon.
I had my day brightened up so much when 2 of my best mates both sent me (separately) selfies of them with my book. I was looking forward to seeing Caz and Becca at the Easter weekend so I promised to sign their books.
For dinner we had more ham hock with potatoes and vegetables and a quiet night in.

Gratitude List
1. Sourdough bread
2. Book selfies from 2 friends
3. More Ham Hock!

It was a busy working day on Tuesday 15th April as I rattled through my To Do list. I also had 2 online meetings in the morning. At lunch time, Captain Caveman was too busy to take a walk so I went by myself to the shops. It was a bit odd as there didn’t seem to be an awful lot of choice and they had run out of some of the items on my list.
I had to call Captain Caveman to ask what I should get instead of chicken as there was none! Here’s what I ended up buying, prices in pounds;

Tesco Supermarket
Jammie Dodgers 0.95
Fruit Pastilles 1.65
2 Stone baked pizzas 7.50
Total spent £10.10

Morrison’s Express
Lucozade, Wine Gums and Sports Mix
Total spent £6.05

Barnes Pantry
Hummus £1.99

I’d bought the sweet stuff for the journey back up to the North this coming weekend.
We had sandwiches for lunch, I had a banana and an apple too as I was conscious I was not sticking to the Slimming World plan. I’d not even written down my food or syns this week and was likely to have put weight on.
Back in Sheffield my Dad was having a knee op so I was waiting to hear how that went. All went fine and hopefully he would be going home tomorrow.
After work, Captain Caveman suggested a walk to the Brown Dog where we had a pint. I had the Gelato beer which is very nice and then we walked back home. It was really cold after the sun went in so we were both shivering by the time we got ‘home’.
The last of the ham was had for dinner and I worked on my laptop in the evening while Captain Caveman watched TV.

Gratitude List
1. Dad finally getting his surgery
2. The Brown Dog
3. More Ham hock!

Sheffield to London – 9th April

Captain Caveman had to move out of his temporary house-share on Wednesday 9th April – his 3 months in Sheffield had come to an end. He had planned to ‘move house’ after work and before travelling back down to London. Luckily, neither of us have many belongings so it wouldn’t take too much effort for him. The downside was that the next place he was meant to be moving to, wasn’t ready yet. I did some work in bed before getting up and having bacon sandwiches with Matt and Vanessa. I took my measurements but wouldn’t get weighed until tonight. I had lost 1cm from my bust, stayed the same on my waist and put 1cm on my hips. I needed to do more exercise so I left off work to have a wander round the local area with Vanessa. It was surprisingly green and had some lovely walking routes and paths nearby. It had been nice spending time in Sheffield and I still had 2 more friends to meet up with today.
Kerrie, Jack and her new dog came to pick me up and we headed in to town. I needed new knickers and socks so we headed to Primark where I spent just £14.50, details below;

Primark
5 pairs of black socks £2.50
6 pairs of black seam free knickers £12.00

I was disappointed not to find anything else I liked in a Primark but the selection was not to my taste. After a go on the outside xylophone selection (a first for me), a quick look round some shops, a treasure hunt and a go on a fairground ride for Jack, we decided to call in to Sheffield Plate, in Orchard Square, for lunch.

I ordered a pint of cider and some gyoza, Kerrie had BBQ chicken wings with wedges and Jack got a free kids meal which was big enough for us to help him out on! It came to just £13.70 for 2 pints and a soft drink, we got free water and treats for the dog too. The gyoza were £10 for 10 and were so good.
The next stop was to burn off a few calories at the skate park, while I nipped to Waterstones for a bit of market research, but then it got cold. Kerrie asked me to sign her copy of ‘You Can’t Shit Yourself on a Bicycle’ and then we said our farewells.

I popped to the Forum for a cheeky drink, a wee and to check some work emails before my next meet up. Half a cider was £3.25 and I helped myself to free tap water then walked just a few doors down to meet Louisa.
I’d not been to Pieminister before so I was looking forward to trying a pie there – day 9 of being in the UK and I’d still not had a pie! Louisa arrived straight from work and we ordered. I went for the steak and ale pie with fries and a pint of tap water, she ordered the same pie but with mash, Yorkshire puddings and a soft drink. They obviously had Henderson’s relish which we added to our dinners. Here’s the prices in pounds for some lovely pies with sides;

2 Moo pies 17.40
Fries 4.70
Mash 3.70
Yorkshire pudding stick 2.20
2 gravy Included
Total for the food £28.00

The food was really nice but I was a little worried that I would have a bad stomach for my journey back to London tonight. We went to the Forum where I just wanted tap water but Louisa insisted I have a drink that wasn’t free, which I thought was funny. I genuinely miss being able to enjoy tap water so much when I’m away – Sheffield folk are so lucky! I had a diet coke but it was harder to drink as I’m not used to the taste or the fizz.
Meanwhile, Captain Caveman had finished day 3 of his work event, gone home, ‘moved out’, then gone to play Bridge at Nether Edge. Louisa kindly dropped me off to meet him so that we could get back down to London. After such a lovely day I was concerned I would fall asleep but it was my job to keep Captain Caveman entertained.
I was lucky to only need the toilet once on the whole journey and we arrived back in Barnes in the early hours! I was knackered but we had been eating jellies to keep lively. I got on the scales and was surprised to see I was the same as last week!

Gratitude List
1. Fun with Kerrie, Jack & Willow the dog
2. Finally seeing Louisa again after 7 months
3. Staying the same weight as last week.

Photo credit – some photos by Kerrie Smedley

Sheffield & Worksop – 8th April

Tuesday 8th April was the day that the Slimming World plan went well and truly out of the window!!!
I did a couple of hours work before I got out of bed, then had tea and toast with Vanessa and Matt. They were off out tonight so I had the place to myself and Vanessa had saved me some soup if I wanted it later. Vanessa was off to meet family at lunchtime so she offered to run me to my sisters or Crystal Peaks on her way. There was enough time so we decided that we’d do a bit of shopping. I bought a lovely green patterned dress to wear for a birthday celebration I’d been invited to. It was from New Look and cost just £25 in the sale. In Peacocks I bought 2 pairs of sensible footwear for £9 and £5, respectively.

Gayle and my niece, Morgan, came to pick me up from Crystal Peaks as we were off to meet my aunties, Jill & Rita. We had arranged to go for lunch at the Mill House in Worksop as they allowed dogs. We had a nice table reserved in the corner only steps away from a pork scratching machine!!! I had already decided I wanted some of those to take home and a tub was only £1.95.
We perused the menu and had a catch up so kept having to tell the waitress to come back as none of us could decide what to have.
I decided that, as I had been in the UK for a week now without having any fish and chips, that I would order that, but without peas. When the food came my fish and chips were a good sized portion for £16 but it was hard to eat all the chips, which were massive. It was nice to have vinegar and I did take some of the batter off in the end as I knew it would affect my stomach. I even had a try of Morgan’s pizza too which was very good – she had to take some of it home.
I was very full but Gayle was keen to have a pudding. She had a lovely gluten free sticky date pudding and I had a chocolate brownie which was probably the best I’d had in a good few years. The others had cheesecake which also looked good. Needless to say that the pork scratchings I had wanted were not purchased as I thought I couldn’t eat another thing for days! I don’t think tomorrow’s weigh day was looking promising for me. I didn’t have any alcohol, though, and drank several pints of Worksop tap water as I just love the fresh tap water up north.

We said our farewells and drove back towards Sheffield. On the way, I got a text from my Mom to ask where we were. We had invited her and Dad to lunch in Worksop but they already had plans so this was a bit unexpected. I said we were on our way back towards Mosborough and it turned out they were in their local pub after their plans had changed. They wanted us to join them and we were all so full that we just wanted a lay down, plus we had to get back for Sumo, the dog. Ma & Pa were in the Alma beer garden and Pa tried to insist on getting us a beer but I went and got ours as they had full glasses. I stuck to tap water, Gayle had a diet coke and Morgan a J2O juice.
It was unlucky that we didn’t know earlier that we were meeting our parents as we definitely wouldn’t have had so much to eat in Worksop. I had to get back because Gayle was kindly dropping me off at Vanessa’s. Although they live close by to each other it is quite tricky to get between the 2 areas without a car. We said goodbye after one drink and left my parents in The Alma with a promise I would come back up to Sheffield on our way to Harrogate at Easter.
Back at Vanessa’s I lolled about a bit and caught up with some work while it was quiet. I got a message from my friend Kerrie, who I was meeting tomorrow, her copy of You Can’t Shit Yourself on a Bicycle’ had arrived. Tomorrow would be my last day in Sheffield as I was heading back down to London with Captain Caveman so I was in bed before Vanessa and Matt got back home.

Gratitude List
1. Shopping with Vanessa
2. Lunch with Gayle, Morgan, Jill & Rita
3. Unexpectedly getting to see my parents for the first time since November last year.

Sheffield – 7th April

Captain Caveman was attending a 3 day work event in Sheffield on Monday 7th April so we were up very early. I was pleased to have finally got some sleep after the bad stomach and Captain Caveman’s snoring, but I was still quite tired. The bed at the Hampton by Hilton was very comfy, the shower was very good with toiletries supplied. Breakfast was buffet style and, we were probably the first in. A massive selection of fruit, pastries, cereal and full English was on offer and, of course, I had to have some of everything. I always judge a hotel breakfast on the quality of their sausage and I would say these were excellent – I ate 2 of them. Captain Caveman rushed off leaving me still eating and drinking my second cup of Yorkshire tea. My plan for the day was to crack on with work until it was time to check out. By 10am I was looking at a holiday to Palma for a friend.
I checked out and asked at reception if I was able to sit in their reception area to attend an online event. They were more than happy to let me do that and suggested a lovely quiet table in the seating area to the side of the lobby. I joined Claire Clarke once again for more of the Planner Ideation course and the work I’d done on it already was starting to make sense. I was hoping to have a published travel planner out before the end of this year. I finished the session and then had to rush, up a big hill for my next appointment.
I’d arranged to meet my sister, Gayle, at Marmaduke’s Cafe but when we got there the coffee machine wasn’t working and they didn’t have much gluten free food left. We decided to try elsewhere and I even had to take my coat off as it was getting a tad warm in sunny Sheffield.
It was great to see my sister and as today was pay day I was keen to buy her lunch. We decided on Browns as it was already 3pm and the choices were limited. We took ages to decide what to have and I was obviously on the free tap water for my drink as it’s just the best water in the world!!! We also tried to order sensibly as we are both trying to be healthy. Here’s what we had with the prices in pounds;

Browns restaurant
2 diet cokes 7.70
Gluten Free chicken salad 16.95
Gluten Free prawn penne 17.95
Service charge 4.26
Total spent £46.86

The food was extremely good and I have to say probably a better gluten free menu than the ordinary one. Gayle is coeliac so needs to order Gluten Free whereas mine was just because I preferred that meal. The staff were good and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice Browns was.
Next, we decided to call in to the Forum for a toilet stop and a hot drink (we are of that age now). I went mad and ordered a hot chocolate which looked more like a dessert. My sister had a coffee which wasn’t very hot. We walked to Gayle’s car, parked next to the Forum, and she gave me a lift to where I was staying for the next 2 nights.
Unfortunately, my visit had clashed with my parents being unavailable so I couldn’t stay with them. Vanessa and Matt had kindly offered me their spare room and I was looking forward to catching up with them. Gayle and Vanessa had not met yet so I introduced them and then said bye with arrangements to meet again tomorrow.
That evening, Vanessa made us a lovely leek and potato soup with crusty bread and I loved it. We had a good laugh and Matt introduced me to Lucifer on Netflix which was very funny.

Gratitude List
1. Meeting up with my sister
2. Seeing Vanessa & Matt
3. Having 3 amazing meals