Clocks have gone back today - now we seem to be racing toward Christmas. Had a very enjoyable weekend with Sarah, 15 year old daughter of best friend Liz. She arrived on Thursday and we enjoyed a nice relaxing Chinese takeaway before she rushed upstairs to MSN to her heart's content. It was quite funny listening to all these strange giggles coming from up there - as we've got a webcam she was a happy bunny. Friday we had a tiring but enjoyable day indulging in some retail therapy in the city centre. She really enjoyed it. We visited the MAC shop so she could have an expert demonstration on applying eye makeup. Bought some Lush goodies for her grandmother, who I know also and remember vividly since the year dot as Liz and I were brought up across the road from each other. We got home tired but happy and then found Andrew was on an earlier flight so there was just time for a quick cuppa before disappearing off to the airport to collect him. Wonderful to see him but brief as he then parked by the railway station, removed his trousers, transformed into his going out clothes (Sarah was under strict instructions not to look) and dashed off with his former colleagues for a leaving do. Sarah and I returned home and had a pizza. Saturday we had a lie-in as all needed it for different reasons. Arranged a hair appointment for Sarah at our local salon - they did a lovely job and are very friendly too. I will definately be going back there especially as their prices are much cheaper than town and parking is free too. Sarah also had some clip in hair extensions, coloured red that look stunning. She looked fab when she finally emerged. After a bite we went to see the Doctor Who exhibition which she really enjoyed. Afterwards we headed for Ikea as she had never been there before. She picked up a few nice things for her room, like a cushion, a new duvet set and a new rug, all in wild shades of pink and purple. Very funky. We bought some new plants, some new pots and some extra scissors for the kitchen and the garden. Finally returned home for a much needed gin and Andrew prepared a Woodhouse style chilli con carne, served with long grain and wild rice. Yummy. Sarah disappeared upstairs again to MSN, and had us in hysterics later when she said she didn't want to have a shower (would disrupt her beautiful new hair) but she announced that it was a well known fact that washing your hair more than once a day would lead to serious scalp irritation. Ah well, nice try. All collapsed happily into bed by 11.

Sunday morning and we gained an hour. Andrew has been gamely altering the clocks - you suddenly realise how many things have timers in them. Sarah announced there was a homework crisis in her art coursework so going out was impossible for her. We slipped out briefly as Andrew was desperate for more fish. As you can see above, our hunt was successful. Two new goldfish and two new shebunken. We photographed the moment of release. Enjoyed a delicious roast chicken lunch. Andrew in mega domestic mode then boiled up the carcase to make stock while roasting a giant pumpkin with loads of garlic. this was then whizzed up to make some of our favourite soup. Liz accompanied by Katie (middle daughter) turned up to collect Sarah at around 5, then we relaxed on the sofa. Tomorrow the week starts again....