Fine Dining

Phil went to the solicitor on Friday and then popped into Rexam, his old company, to pay his lottery money.  Unfortunately Jose was on holiday but the big boss caught Phil and said they now had a new computer for him and had some contract work.  Rexam have been saying they wanted Phil back for ages and to be honest I never thought it would happen.  But it looks like it may be; Phil needs to set up a meeting sometime this week and it is quite probable that he will start back next week.

It feels like I have done nothing but eat for the last 3 days.  I’m not complaining, it’s been great just not good for my ever expanding waist line and bulging stomach.  On Friday Phil took me to The Swan at Milton Keynes village.  I hadn’t realised that it burnt down in 2011, and indeed, when we turned up there were tradesman working on the new thatched roof.

We hadn’t been to this pub in years and I don’t really think it’s changed much.  I thought the menu was limited and expensive, as was the wine, but I have to say the Merlot was excellent.  Phil went for the gammon and I had the steak and ale pie.  Phil said his dish was beautiful and my meat was tender, but for me, it was on the dry side and I could have done with a jus or a gravy.  I will say that the service was good but then the pub wasn’t that busy.  It was better than your average pub grub and we said we would go back, but only for a special occasion.

I made myself go to the gym on Friday afternoon although I didn’t really feel like it after a big meal and a glass of wine.  I was pleased I did as I managed a good 2 hour workout.  Friday evening was quiet.  On Saturday morning I went to the gym and I had not long been back when Harriet popped round.  She’d stayed at Billy’s so she stopped off on the way back to her flat. It was nice to see her as I wasn’t around on Pancake Day.  After Harriet went, we popped to the library and somehow ended up at The Swan at Woughton for lunch.  This wasn’t the plan, the plan was to finish the left overs for lunch but Phil somehow talked me into the pub. I didn’t take much persuading!!! 

I love the Swan.  We got a table by one of the open fires which was very cosy.   Better still, they had a deal menu which is available Monday to Saturday up until 5pm.  Very reasonable prices and you can buy a starter or sweet for only £2.  We decided to pig out and have a starter.  Phil had the pate and I had mushrooms with stilton and peppercorn sauce.  Not a starter that I usually go for but it was delicious.  I had steak and chips for my main and Phil had the fish and chips.  Unfortunately Phil’s batter was soggy and the chips were frozen which let them down.  However we will go back and try something else off the menu because I particularly like the ambience, plus the services was efficient and extremely friendly.

Not much happened on Saturday afternoon; we shut the blinds, locked the doors and watched some movies.  This was a bit naughty because it was such a beautiful afternoon that we should have gone for a long walk along the canal. All too soon it was Sunday.  I went to the gym as usual, popped into Asda and filled up with petrol.   I didn’t have to cook yesterday because Sue had very kindly offered to treat us to lunch at the Oriental in Weston Favell.  The occasion was a chance to get the family together and say thank you for the support whilst in hospital. 

I offered to drive for once and picked up Sue and Brian at midday.  I drove the back way as Phil wanted to pick up his post from The Manor.  He had 2 parcels and 2 important letters so it was worth while going making the slight detour.  The table was booked for 1pm and we got to the restaurant about 20 minutes early.  This wasn’t a biggie; we went to our table and ordered some drinks.  There were 14 of us in our party; Sue & Brian, me and Phil, Matt & Nicola, Sophie and Jack; Claire, Gary, Tom & Harry and last, but not least, Sue’s son Stuart with his new wife Carly.  

The food at the Oriental is great offering something for everyone.   We had a lovely afternoon and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.  Thank you Susie Sue!  It was 4pm by the time we left and said our goodbyes.  We went into Sue’s for a couple of drinks when we got back to Newport and I guess it was 6pm by the time we got home.

Like I said, I feel like I’ve done nothing but eat and drink the whole weekend.  I was good last week and in spite of really strenuous workouts I haven’t lost a pound.  It is beginning to get me down to be honest because none of my clothes fit; well they do but not comfortably.  I am going to give it one big push this week and be really strict with myself.  If the pounds don’t shift then I don’t know what else to do other than GIVE UP and just accept my middle aged spread gracefully.