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 – 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 – 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.

Dalyan – 16th & 17th May

It was my last weekend in Dalyan for a little while, on Friday 16th May, as I was popping back to the UK with Vanessa next week. I’d also got a busy last weekend planned. After a cup of Yorkshire tea I nipped out to the shops as I had guests coming over for dinner tonight. Here’s what I bought with prices in lira;

Migros Supermarket
2 small cartons of milk 19.90
5 potatoes 22.68
Total spent 42.58 lira (83p)

BIM Supermarket
4 Dido chocolate bars 78.00 lira
Total spent 78.00 lira (£1.51)

Unfortunately, there was no Quark in either shop so I would have to do without and try again tomorrow. For breakfast I had a bacon and sausage sandwich with brown sauce as I needed to cook the sausages for a slow cooker casserole I was making for my dinner guests. I would do roast potatoes and vegetables later to go with it. I worked all day and used my ‘lunch break’ to clean the house. My friends were invited to eat at mine but they had messaged with a change of plan due to not being able to manage to get up my stairs. Instead, I would go to theirs but I still needed to take the food as I had cooked it already!
Captain Caveman booked me a flight back from Gatwick to Dalaman for the 2nd June. We’d been waiting to see if I might be needed to help my parents out while my sister was away and the Manchester flight I was hoping to get with Vanessa had gone up by £50 since I’d last checked. Luckily, Captain Caveman had spotted one for a third of the price and including luggage but going from London. It meant I could have a couple of extra days in Barnes with Captain Caveman and his parents before I went back to Dalyan, so that had worked out well.
I finished work, my friends came to pick me up in the car and help me carry the food and a bottle of red wine. The food was well received and we chatted about all sorts of things, while drinking quite a lot of wine.
Although it was quite late when I left, I was more than happy walking it home and left my pans to go in the dishwasher. It had been a lovely night but it was rather late on a school night.

Gratitude List
1. Having a clean house
2. Being busy
3. Sausage casserole and wine with friends.

There was more excitement in my life on Saturday 17th May as I decided to ditch the Dalyan weekly market visit in favour of work so that I could be free by 3pm to meet friends. I just had tea and toast for breakfast then cracked on with some enquiries. For lunch I had some salami with radish, gherkins, cheese and olives for a bit of a change.
I arranged to meet Debbie at Books and Cookies for a tea at 3pm. I arrived just before Debbie and ordered a tea I’d not had before; Rooibos is meant to be good for Diabetics, those on a diet and to prevent wrinkles – I just ordered the one pot for 60 lira (£1.16) which made 2 cups and was easy to drink. I’d say it was more of a winter drink, though. Debbie had a drink and a couple of the delicious homemade cookies. We had a very quick catch up and I signed a copy of my book ‘You Can’t Shit Yourself on a Bicycle’ for her before saying farewells and on to my next appointment. I had arranged to meet a couple of friends at Retro bar where it was quite sunny still. We had a good catch up and I had 3 red wines at a total bargain price of 270 lira (£5.23). The owner and friend, Nusret, had done a really good job of the renovations and had added more seating, a shuffle board, a swimming pool and better toilet facilities – it looked great. Retro bar seemed to be back in favour again with the Dalyan Dwellers as the drinks were so cheap compared to anywhere else, granted the wine was the Diamond brand which is not particularly a quality wine but, given most of the women drink white wine and put soda in it, it passes muster. I had red wine and it was drinkable, a whole bottle was only 350 lira (£6.78) but I wasn’t going mad. While we were there, some of the Dalyan Dwellers arrived back from a trip on the Yellow boat and some came to say hello to us. Friends of my parents came to ask how they were doing and wanted to know when they were coming back to Dalyan, which was nice. It was too late to do anything or eat by the time I was back home so I just went to bed, ready for an early start tomorrow.

Gratitude List
1. Tea at Books & Cookies
2. Cheap wine with friends
3. Sunshine.

Dalyan – 14th & 15th May

After yesterday’s boat trip frivolities, I was definitely expecting weigh-in day to be rather unpleasant on Wednesday 14th May.
I took my measurements to find my bust had stayed the same but I had put 3cm on my waist and 4cm on my hips – not good. I rushed to get my Turkish homework done before my lesson at Lukka at 11.30am. Our pool and garden company had sent someone to tidy the decking areas, remove the tree branch and sort the pool out. I just had fruit for breakfast but then had leftover curry and rice for lunch. Today, Carol was away so I was in charge of the scales and books at Fat Club. So that people didn’t have to tell me their weight if they didn’t want to, we all got weighed privately and I left it up to the ladies to let Carol know how they had done. Bizarrely, I had lost 0.95kg (2lb) which I was so pleased about.
I was busy in the afternoon so I didn’t have time to make the dinner I had planned to. Instead, I had marmalade on wholemeal toast. I spoke to Captain Caveman who was still in the sunny north of England and seemed to be doing fine.

Gratitude List
1. Leftover curry
2. Losing weight
3. Speaking to Captain Caveman.

On Thursday 15th May I was up early and had even been shopping by 10am. Here’s what I bought with prices in lira;

Pharmacy
400mg Ibuprofen 113.62
Plasters 140.00
2 packs contraceptive pill 658.36
Total spent 911.98 lira (£17.64)

Migros Supermarket
Chickpeas 33.95
Wholemeal loaf 52.50
Cashew nuts 84.50
Silicon spatula 109.95
1.95kg while chicken 152.22
Total spent 433.12 lira (£8.39)

I noticed that there was Peja, alcohol free beer, in Migros for just over £1 per bottle. Back home, the complex was starting to look a bit more summer ready and the pool looked ready for the first time this year. I had strawberries with Quark for breakfast and then got on with a busy day. I had a cheese and lettuce sandwich for lunch and dialed in to our Resort Experts Team Meeting at 1pm. We were introduced to a new Resort Experts Facebook page; Holiday Help from Locals – feel free to follow and like here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/holidayscheckitbeforyoubook/?ref=share&mibextid=lOuIew
It was to help people looking for holidays get actual advice from people who lived in those destinations (us) and for us to share quotes, tips and any other holiday and travel related information.
I had cheese and roasted vegetable pasta in the evening which was simple but very good.

Gratitude List
1. Being able to afford medicine
2. Tasty food
3. Resort Experts and the colleagues who were supporting me.

It was to help people looking for holidays get actual advice from people who lived in those destinations (us) and for us to share quotes, tips and any other holiday and travel related information.
I had cheese and roasted vegetable pasta in the evening which was simple but very good.

Gratitude List
1. Being able to afford medicine
2. Tasty food
3. Resort Experts and the colleagues who were supporting me.

Dalyan – 8th & 9th May

I had less than 2 weeks left in Dalyan on Thursday 8th May, before I would be taking a trip back to the UK to see Captain Caveman, friends and family. I also started to look at flights to Gatwick for Captain Caveman’s birthday in July. They weren’t quite as cheap but between £58 and £85 one way, without hold luggage. By 10.30am I had started work while sat on the balcony after seeing that the pool was almost ready to go in. A neighbour had told me about the loquats on our trees and that you could eat them. They tasted a little bit like a citrus plum and have 3 seeds inside. By midday I was off to Jamie’s for a Resort Experts related catch up and cup of tea. On the way back I noticed our neighbour’s mulberry tree had lots of fruit on and tried one – she had said to help myself.
At 1pm I joined a training webinar with Wendy Wu tours, they had some new tours in South East Asia which looked amazing, some included rail or cruise and stay and all were fully guided. Perfect for solo travellers or people who liked a bit more of a personal touch and hand holding, all of the accommodation they use is 4 star so also makes it more affordable. Some of the new tours were inspired by a TV programme called ‘Race Across the World’, which I hadn’t seen as we don’t have English TV but I heard it was incredibly popular back in England. I actually quite fancied doing one of their tours myself, perhaps with a group of friends, and they even sort out all visas which makes it easier.
I had a very late lunch of beans on toast with bacon before getting on with more work, finishing at 7pm to go to the shops.
Here’s what I bought with the prices in lira;

Milenyum Shop
Bin liners 70.00
Hair Conditioner 90.00
Total spent 160.00 lira (£3.10)

BIM Supermarket
Milka Chocolate 45.00
350g frozen berries 129.00
Total spent 174.00 lira (£3.37)

Migros Supermarket
1 plastic bag 0.50
2 tomato purée 35.90
Boiled beans 53.95
6 eggs 59.95
Museli 82.50
Mozzarella cheese 89.90
620g chicken breast 110.95
Total spent 433.65 lira (£8.40)

Parlak bakery
Fresh bread 15 lira (29p)

I just had cheese and olives for dinner before having an early night as I was tired.

Gratitude List
1. Free fruit from the trees in the garden
2. Wendy Wu training
3. Bacon.

I didn’t even leave the house on Friday 9th May. I was awake at 7am and spent the first couple of hours updating my blog. I always keep it at a month behind but I was almost at 6 weeks behind now as I’d been quite busy. Luckily, using scheduling on my Facebook and WordPress makes it easier. I had muesli and Yorkshire tea for breakfast and cracked on through my to do list. I had a cheese and lettuce sandwich at lunch and didn’t turn my laptop off until gone 9pm.
I decided to make a curry for dinner from one of the ready made sauces from Holy Cow which Captain Caveman had brought over on his last visit. It made 4 portions and was absolutely delicious – not particularly Slimming World friendly so I had to use some syns. With it being a Friday, I even had an Efes beer with my curry, which I finally ate about 10.15pm.

Gratitude List
1. Keeping busy
2. Meta Business Suite
3. Holy Cow sauces.

Dalyan – 6th & 7th May

I had a lay in until 8.30am on Tuesday 6th April and it felt quiet without the dogs. I ate my tea and toast on the balcony and then got on with work.
At lunch time Julia popped over with a bottle of Angora red wine and a really cute wine stopper from Cappadocia – a thank you gift from the dogs. I spoke to Captain Caveman and then had a cheese and salad wrap before getting back to work.
At 2.30pm I went to pay the council tax which was 1,854.60 lira (£36.22) for the year and also cheaper than last year, for some unknown reason.
I passed the bus terminus and took a photo of the new bus timetable which was showing buses to the beach every hour from 10am to 5pm. I finished work at 7.30pm and made some bacon spaghetti with a side salad for dinner.

Gratitude List
1. A gift from the dogs
2. More buses available to the beach
3. Bacon.

At 7am on Wednesday 7th May it was 16°C and looking to get warmer. It was weigh day so I got on the scales at home to find I was the same as last week. I took my measurements, I had put 1cm on to my waist but the other measurements were the same or less. Since I’d been carrying my heavy rucksack about, I had noticed that a cyst I had on my shoulder had reappeared and it was sore but still small.
I drank tea on the balcony and noticed that the Pool and Garden team had started to fill our communal swimming pool up. I had some good feedback on my book from people who had also been in South East Asia and liked my chapters. I read a chapter of Charlie Day’s book ‘Sales is Easy’ and then got on with some social media posts for my Resort Experts business page.
At 10am I went over to a friend’s to see Lady C and another pooch, Darcy. I played with both dogs for a bit, until it was time for my first appointment of the day.
At 11.30am I went to my Turkish class at Lukka and spent 150 lira (£2.91) on the lesson and 60 lira (£1.17) on a small water.
I called at the pharmacy to buy blister plasters for 70 lira (£1.36) so that I could put it over my cyst to stop my bra strap from irritating it further. I had a quick lunch of a Dubai Magnum while walking through town.
At 3pm I went to get weighed at Fat Club, spotting the stork was in its nest, on the way there. I was disappointed to find I had put on 0.15kg (0.3lb) on Carol’s scales, but it could’ve been worse. Vanessa decided to join me as we had prior arrangements to meet up and she brought wine and we bought soda water at the shop.
After a glass each at our friend’s, we borrowed a bottle stopper for the rest of our wine and walked back through town looking like a pair of soaks! We decided to see if Simple would let us eat at a table and drink our own, half opened bottle of wine. Onur, the owner, agreed and we ordered my favourite noodles. We paid 760 lira (£14.79) for 2 lots of noodles, 1 beef and 1 chicken, which were really tasty and fresh.
We had a lovely night and then walked home a bit tipsy where I had a video call with Captain Caveman then ate frozen yoghurt bars for my dessert.

Gratitude List
1. Cute dogs
2. Seeing Vanessa
3. Delicious food at Simple.

Dalyan – 3rd to 5th May

On Saturday 3rd May the sun was back so there was lots of outside activity. I walked the dogs a couple of times, I washed and hung out wet towels and throws, I moved the sunbeds cushions to dry those off and also worked quite a bit. I didn’t have time to go to the weekly market today.
I spoke to Captain Caveman who was working this bank holiday weekend on site and seemed to be enjoying it. I had leftovers for my meals and decided to try again to go shopping in the evening. It rained again and I only got as far as the corner shop!

Gratitude List
1. Dog walks
2. Having meetings with the dogs
3. Knowing Captain Caveman was doing well in the UK.

Sunday 4th May was the last full day of my doggy day care for Norman, Edna, Coco and Bebe and the sun was shining. They were so pleased to be able to go in and out as they pleased, they had 2 walks and Norman slept in all the available beds but his own.
I did some work which included promoting a 10 night twin centre holiday to Bali in November. We hadn’t arranged a Sunday walk this week with me being in charge of the dogs but I did walk 6km by myself plus another walk to the shops and back. Here’s what I bought on my first trip with prices in lira;

Migros Supermarket
Cucumber 3.09
Tomatoes 15.58
Lettuce 29.95
Dubai chocolate 35.00
Lays plain crisps 42.00
Red cabbage 46.76
Carrots 70.15
Walnuts 98.50
620g Chicken breast 123.97
Total spent 465.00 lira (£9.08)

I’d arranged to meet Nanny Kay for lunch and I prepared us a very simple chicken salad which was very nice. Nanny Kay brought chocolate digestives which was a real treat, especially when they had melted stuck so we had to eat them as a triple biscuit! The dogs loved seeing Nanny Kay too and they all got some fuss. We had an unexpected phone call from Vanessa on her husband’s phone. I answered it because I knew they were meant to be in İzmir today, however, they had arrived in to Dalyan early and didn’t have their keys. I had a set at Fire Opal but we were at the other side of town. Luckily, Nanny Kay saved the day by driving us over to mine, where Vanessa could pick up her keys and on the way back we called in to Nanny Kay’s house. It had been a lovely day and when I got back I took the dogs out again then went to the shop. I needed something to go with a mystery meal I’d got out so I bought bulgar wheat and Haribo jellies at the little Migros for 66.90 lira (£1.31). I had a glass of red wine on the terrace, enjoying the sun. My curry with bulgar wheat and chickpeas turned out to be a winner. I finished the evening off with 4 happy, snoring dogs on the sofa while we watched something on Netflix – a perfect Sunday.

Gratitude List
1. Sunshine
2. Lunch with Nanny Kay
3. Dog snuggles.

Monday 5th May consisted of working, book related stuff, free training courses, cleaning and laundry. I popped to Migros and bought more bulgur wheat and some chocolate brownies for 98.90 lira (£1.93).
Coco called another meeting and wanted me to know she still hadn’t had the required number of cuddles.
I said goodbye to Norman, Edna, Coco and Bebe after feeding them their dinner. Back home that night, I had a quiet one and finished off some work until late.

Gratitude List
1. All the dogs being happy
2. Having a productive day
3. Getting all my jobs done before bed.

Blackburn to Dalyan – 23rd & 24th April

Wednesday 23rd April would ordinarily have been weigh day back in Dalyan so I still did my measurements. I had lost 1cm from my bust, waist and hips, making all my measurements on or below target. I estimated that I had put on about 2lb or 1kg in weight, though. I worked in the morning and was comparing some holiday destinations between 2025 and 2026 with Gold Medal holidays. Captain Caveman was on a work conference call by the time it was time to leave so I let myself out. It would be only a very short time until we were reunited in Turkey.
My train was at 10.48am from Blackburn to Bolton and I was a bit early. There is nothing to do at Blackburn station so I could have left later, but I had a wander and found the cinema and a Nandos. One of the things on my list to do in the UK was to go to the cinema but we hadn’t, so it was on my list for next time, along with a visit to Chatsworth, chip shop fish & chips and an afternoon tea. My train was on time but then it got held up so I had to rush to get my next train in Bolton. The 11.18am train from Bolton to Manchester airport was also delayed so I treated myself to a takeaway cup of tea for £2.45. I arrived at Manchester airport in good time and had a wander through the Duty Free without spending any money. The cost of Dairy Milk chocolates was rather pricey! My flight was at 14.40 and no gate was displayed so I thought I had time to get a meal and a drink at the pub that wasn’t a Wetherspoon’s. It turned out that I didn’t really have time but had already bought it and then had to get it to takeaway as the flight gate got announced and then was boarding straight away. Here’s what I got with prices in pounds;
Chicken sandwich and chips 18.00
1 glass of white wine 9.00
Total spent £27.00.

On the flight I was lucky enough to be sat in the aisle seat of row one and had two rather lovely ladies next to me. Sam and Michelle were travelling with their family, a few rows behind us, and were all from Wigan. I was in good company as I snaffled my now cold chips and chicken sandwich down me and I noticed the girls had those massive water containers. They had made the genius move of popping alcohol in them for the flight! So they looked healthy drinking so much water/juice but were actually getting right on it! Meanwhile, I spent £13.10 on drinks and a snack but we had a really good flight. It was after 9pm when we landed and I just had time to go to the loo, buy a bottle of water for 2 Euros and say farewell to Sam, Michelle and family.
Jamie and Drew arrived not long after from their Gatwick flight and we shared a taxi back to Dalyan, it cost £30 in total so only £10 each. We were all a bit knackered and I couldn’t wait to get in to bed.

Gratitude List
1. Losing centimetres despite eating too many syns this week
2. First row flight buddies, Sam and Michelle, to make the journey more interesting and fun
3. Sharing the taxi journey back with Jamie and Drew.

I was up and about by 7.30am on Thursday 24th April and ready for a full day of work. My to do list was fairly lengthy so I worked methodically down it. I attended a Webinar with Jet2 which was really useful and then I had to nip to the bank and the shops. Here’s what I bought, with prices back in to lira;

Migros Supermarket
Milk 28.50
Cheese spread 34.90
3 Quark 57.00
250g butter 96.50
Total spent 336.51 lira (£6.57)

The exchange rate had been just under 50 lira to the pound when I left Dalyan, 3 weeks ago, but it was at 51.2 lira today. I had cheese on toast for lunch before getting back in to work.
I didn’t finish work until 7pm so I decided to have a takeaway for dinner. I ordered the chicken noodles which are one of my favourite dishes at Simple and cost just 365.00 lira (£7.13). While I waited for it to be prepared I nipped to the shop to get some sweets for tomorrow’s car journey as I was off on a weekend away with friends. Here’s what I bought, prices in lira;

Şok Supermarket
Popcorn 16.75
Haribo jellies 17.00
Boiled sweets 50.00
Total spent 83.75 lira (£1.64)

I’m not a good traveller so I knew I needed to take something to stop me getting car sick. While I ate my fantastic dinner, Captain Caveman was still back in the UK but not for long. He was in the excellent Tribe hotel at Manchester where he would be working from tomorrow. I’d booked it through Resort Experts to try it as a new hotel and it definitely impressed us and is within walking distance of the airport. Captain Caveman had arranged to get a flight to meet me and our friends, not too far from Izmir, late on Friday night!

Gratitude List
1. Being back home
2. Shopping
3. Simple takeaway.

Harrogate to Blackburn – 21st & 22nd April

I did a bit of work on Easter Monday 21st April before we left Harrogate to go to our next town. We said our goodbyes to Cas and Mama Cas and headed over to Blackburn, where Captain Caveman was going to be working the next day. He’d booked us in to an Airbnb which we could check in to in the afternoon so we popped to the shop to stock up on a few bits. Here’s what we bought, with prices in pounds.

Sainsbury’s Supermarket
Spinach, watercress & rocket 1.35
2 Large Sausage rolls 1.50
Sliced chicken 1.99
250g Butter 1.99
Sourdough 2.10
Stuffed peppers 3.50
Mozzarella pearls with pesto 3.50
Falafel 3.50
Halloumi & veg wrap, crisps & water 5.00
Total spent £22.93

Captain Caveman ate his meal deal and I had a sausage roll in the car park of a retail park, before we went to have a look in Boundary Mill. I had a bit of a funny turn and needed the toilet as the suspended flooring made me feel a bit wobbly. I left Captain Caveman by the saucepans and told him to wait for me but he didn’t, obviously. We then spent much longer than necessary of me going in, out and round the shopping area looking for Captain Caveman and him not answering his phone.

The Airbnb was rather nice and had a washing machine for us to get some much needed laundry on. Unfortunately, it was going to be a challenge getting my stuff dry in readiness for me to pack for Turkey.
We had a lovely picnic for our dinner, after finishing work late. We had a wander around the town which I expected to be a bit rough, but it was fairly pleasant. The cathedral looked pretty in the evening light and we picked up some Morrisons own baked beans to have for our breakfast tomorrow.
At 7pm I attended an online course and then fell asleep as I was tired. The bed wasn’t too sturdy and I ended up going through the slats when I tried to move.

Gratitude List
1. Being busy with work
2. Captain Caveman finding a nice Airbnb in the town centre of Blackburn
3. A picnic style dinner.

While Captain Caveman was at Blackburn Rovers for work, on Tuesday 22nd April, I spent all day working from the Airbnb in Blackburn. The internet was good and the place was quiet, I was also left in charge of rotating the laundry through the washer/dryer in an attempt to get my clothes dry before my flight tomorrow. I had beans on toast for breakfast, leftover picnic food and Easter egg for lunch then did more work. After work, I checked in for my flight and found that I had been allocated seat 1C for free, which was nice.
Once Captain Caveman was back, we decided to go for a walk on our last night in England together. Our first stop was at the very close train station to get my train tickets for tomorrow’s train to Manchester airport. I paid £9.90 for a train via Bolton which wasn’t bad and meant I needed to be up fairly early tomorrow. Next, I did a bit of research in Waterstones on travel books and planners, we went through the shopping centre and then decided to have a drink in the Drummer’s Arms. This city centre pub, which closes at 7pm, was fantastic. We had 2 pints of beer and 2 bags of Scampi Fries for less than a tenner – definitely a contender for the cheapest round on my trip. The staff and customers in the pub were friendly, it had great music and I really enjoyed it in there.

Our next stop was to get some food so we decided to go for a curry at Akbar’s. Captain Caveman was unlucky as both his starter and main choices were unavailable and he was disappointed. The waiter recommended alternatives, we shared onion bhajis, garlic naan bread and pilau rice. I ordered a butter chicken and Captain Caveman enjoyed the lamb dish which had been recommended. Ahmed, the manager, personally apologised for not having Captain Caveman’s first choices and even said he could come back tomorrow for them, on the house. We got a free dessert and chocolates to finish off our lovely meal and we were both impressed. There were some leftovers for Captain Caveman to have tomorrow, too.

Gratitude List
1. Research in Waterstones
2. Drinks at the Drummer’s Arms
3. Dinner at Akbar’s

Barnes to Chesterfield via Tunstall – 17th April

I was not enamoured with the alarm going off at 4.30am on Thursday 17th April! Captain Caveman was working all day in the Tunstall office, near Stoke on Trent, so we left Barnes at 5am. I was hungover and tired but we had travel sweets and plenty of water.
While Captain Caveman went to work, I was the first in to the Asda cafe. I bought a cup of a Yorkshire tea for £1.30 and found myself a table so that I could do some work. The tables were a bit grubby and the clientele rather dubious but it would do for my office for the day. I had a 45 minute Webinar in the morning after which I decided to treat myself to breakfast. The hangover was getting worse as I ordered another cup of tea and a couple of slices of toast with butter. A bargain £2.60 in total and came with the bare hands of the server who couldn’t find a plate and had my unbuttered toast in the palms of his hands. I was bound to be ill!!
Next was our team meeting and an amazing training session with Gold Medal travel. I learned so much and was looking forward to quoting and booking some amazing holidays. They do a Pure Luxury range which is fabulous and I really fancied some of those for myself.
In the afternoon, I finished off more work before having a walk to the Tunstall cafe for a much needed bacon & mushroom sandwich with more tea at a cost of £5.70 and they only take cash. I tried to find somewhere else to work but it was the school holidays and everywhere was rammed with screaming kids. I walked back to the Asda carpark, planning on getting some shopping in but I felt rather queasy. Captain Caveman arrived earlier than expected and we drove directly to Chesterfield without stopping at the shops.
We arrived empty handed and with me feeling like death at the lovely Becca & Steve’s house. It was like checking in to a hotel and we were really grateful to be staying in their new house for a couple of nights. Becca was like the hostess with mostest and had made us a lasagne. Steve was up and down to make sure we were all happy and had a glass of something, plus the right nibbles! It was so thoughtful of them and we absolutely loved the meal and our evening together. I wasn’t going to ever drink again, red wine was definitely off the cards after last night, but I had a couple of white wines to be sociable. We ended up having a right laugh and watching game shows which Captain Caveman fell asleep during.

Gratitude List
1. Asda being my temporary office
2. Chesterfield check-in
3. Spending time with Becca and Steve.

London – 16th April

We had planned some excitement on Wednesday 16th April, as we were off in to London to meet friends after work.
Captain Caveman and I both worked all day with various meetings and calls. We had a late lunch of Tesco pizza which were surprisingly good.
I finished at 4pm and headed off on my own to meet Clare & Claire at the New Moon pub. Both Captain Caveman and Clare had given me directions meaning I couldn’t fail to find the pub. Of course, I couldn’t find exit 4 and came out of the wrong exit but I did find the pub. It turned out I had been there before, years ago, and it’s quite an impressive place right next to Leadenhall Market. It does allow dogs, I didn’t see any but the house wine was good and only £6.80 for a good measure. Probably the cheapest I’d bought in London.
Clare was the next to arrive as she worked not too far away and we had hugs and more wine. A couple of rather large house wines were £19.00 which I didn’t think bad for London. We chatted and waited for Claire to arrive as she had been on a work call until 5pm but arrived soon after that. Again more hugs, Claire was running a marathon soon and not drinking alcohol. That didn’t stop Clare and I as we had another wine. Captain Caveman was last to join us as he’d been working and he also had to be alert for work tomorrow so had a pint of beer. The round of 2 large wines and a beer came to £26.90 so not as expensive as the pubs in Barnes.
We had a good laugh and Claire had reviewed my book to say she wished it had been longer and was eagerly awaiting the next one.

Claire had to get back home so she said her farewells and the remaining 3 of us were getting peckish and I was a bit tiddly. At Pizza Express we ordered dough ball starters, pizzas each and a bottle of red wine. The waiter probably thought we were strange as Clare and I took a selfie of us with the book (an original copy). I signed it for her and we ate like kings, Captain Caveman even had a dessert which is unusual.

After saying our farewells it was Captain Caveman’s job to get me back home. He knew the way but we had to stop for a toilet and to get some water to drink.
We had enjoyed ourselves so much and it had been great to see the girls but I was already thinking I may have had a bit too much wine!!

Here’s a summary of what I spent on one night in London – it’s a good job it was a rare occasion.

New Moon
Round 1, just my wine £6.80
Round 2, 2 large wines £19.00
Round 3, 2 large wines and a pint of beer £26.90

Pizza Express £84

Train £10.50

Sainsbury’s
Water, crisps and a sandwich £3.60

Total spent £150.80

Gratitude List
1. Seeing Clare
2. Seeing Claire
3. Having pizza twice in one day.

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!