Tuesday and what's been going on?

Picture- Tim Visser. Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club ( one of my favourite players).

For those long standing and loyal readers, you will be interested ( probably not really) to hear that I am in Consett McDonalds. For some time this was my unofficial office in the North East. I don't come so often now because I don't have so much need for their free wireless connnection for the laptop.

Why is this? Firstly, because so many other venues now offer free WI- FI ( mainly service stations and some coffee shops). Secondly because I have two mobile internet sticks/ wands (what the hell do you call these things?). One with '3' and one with 02. They are much more cost effective than using hotel rates for internet use.

However. The technology is still in its infancy so it's very slow for downloading lots of big documents, and for internet use such as blogging. And, in our lovely cottage in Corbridge we can't get a good signal, and none at all this week. So here I am - in Consett McDonalds. Half seven in the morning, the sun is shining,the staff are cheerful, and I have a big cup of their remarkably good black coffee.

And the connection is quick, easy and free, and the venue is about twenty minutes drive from my first meeting.

Mum has come across to the cottage in Corbridge for two weeks. She is having a good long holiday this time, and my favourite aunt and uncle are coming over for the weekend to see her. I am here Sunday to Wednesday this week, and I am coming back next week Monday to Thursday. Works really well.

Had a fabulous day on Sunday. THE NEWCASTLE FALCONS WON AGAIN. We watched them beat Harlequins 24-16. That's six wins in a row. The players ( both teams) came and had their lunch with us afterwards ( we were on the corporate lunch option- there were lots and lots of us) and watched the England Match ( another success!). We then watched a few of the players in a band they have formed. It was a wonderful day. Pictures later in the week when I get back to my camera and downloading kit.

(Diet watchers- while all around me tucked into roast dinner, puddings and cheese washed down with endless wine, I had black coffee and sparkling water- how saintly is that??).

After a hectic day at work mum and I chilled out in the Metro Centre Marks and Spencer store. It opens til nine, is huge, has a coffee shop. Can't get better really. Bought new top ( success) but the swimming costume I bought didn't fit. Keep on with the calorie counting!! Mind you I am sitting here in a size eighteen Per Una top this morning and it looks great. What an achievement! Happy Lakeland Jo!

Weigh in on Thursday- will let you know!

Time off and recharging the soul

I am writing from my North East office ( Consett McDonalds- see previous posts for explanation..).
Checking emails, working and blogging. Early in the morning.

I saw this on House of Jules blog and it is absolutely right. It's a great blog too- take a look. I am glad I visited.

I am taking a leaf out of this book. I am on a business trip all week and should have a back to back diary. However, I have taken this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon off. I am going to have lunch with mum, shop, potter around and have some down time. Why? See below.

At forty four, and a recovering work- a - holic, I am learning! All of you out there reading- have a great day!


Don't eke out your existence with the assumption that you can put a dollar value on recharging your soul. Get out there. Live so you can breathe.

McDonalds in Newcastle for free WI- FI

Hi folks

Have just jetted into a McDonald's in Newcastle to check my emails and blog. Can't say it would be a venue of choice but it does free Wi- Fi now and the coffee is pretty good ( surprisingly!). It costs £5 per hour for internet access in Starbucks. I love Starbucks but £5 an hour?? I am sure they will change their policy soon when they realise loads of places are offering the service free ( such as Costas). Have the irritation of receiving emails but not being able to send them - something horribly technical to do with the server apparently.

Need to go to PC World to get it sussed out- groan. I hate going there.

Week is going well even though there has been a few schedule changes. It goes with the territory with this job though it can be frustrating. Corbridge cottage is lovely- much better than the other one I talked about on a previous listing. Very central, very comfortable and cosy. More about it when I have time. We have eaten out a couple of times so far- in the local chinese ( Artisam) and at a local pub, The Golden Lion.

Weather is horrible. Ok yesterday ( we even saw some sunshine!!) but raining and dark again today. I feel so sorry for Morpeth up the road- they have experienced some seriously bad flooding.

Off to Corbridge to meet up with mum - a restful afternoon ahead

( Ps- rumours flying around about Newcastle United). An Indian Billionaire ( sixth richest man in the world!!??) might be buying- I hope he does!