Monday

We’re generally busy with work today but it’s a big day today – the start of the boiler install! We’ve waited over a year for this but it is finally happening and we can’t be more excited. Of course it means more holes in the walls to get the pipes out to the shed that will house the boiler and hopper, and to start putting in some of the equipment. Looks pretty fancy so far.

Work done and it’s nice to have something so significant happening without us having to do it ourselves. You may have to wait for these little miracles, and spend and an arm and a leg for them to happen, but it feels so nice to have something happen while we can just concentrate on paying for it. If artisans were more readily available (as they are in the UK) I am certain that we’d have outsourced a lot more than we have. But then all the Facebook and other groups (and Nat’s ‘Gone Walking’) remind me that apparently it’s all about the journey, not just getting there as quickly a possible, and I guess that’s what I signed up for on this crazy adventure.

The evening was spent congratulating the arrival of our new baby – and its parents. Lucy and Rhys have had a baby boy, and what a lucky boy he is to have them as his parents. I introduce to you, baby Felix. Then time for packing.

[9 May 2022]

Tuesday

While there was lots of work to do in the morning there was also a lot of work going on with the boiler install.

Work mostly done it’s time to try the well trodden path of the train and bus to the airport for myself.

I enjoyed the train actually, for the most part. I was less impressed by the 40 min delay and yet simultaneously grateful that we’d allowed plenty of time. I found the bus station but the actual location of the bus was more difficult. I think one of the busses just didn’t arrive as I was there at the right time and assumed that I was in the wrong place, but again Matt’s insistence on being early meant it was fine.

There were some real English pricks on the bus though. They didn’t have cash for the bus, having spent their last cash in the pub (the driver was kind enough to take them round to the next stop and cash point, and waited for them – I was far less impressed by this than they were); they were generally just rather crude and abrasive about everything they’d been up to and how much money they’d spent (maybe assuming people didn’t understand them.. in Paris..!) and they didn’t have masks on (still required at that point on public transport) and loudly complained about it and the smell of their shirts they half arsedly put their noses into for about 5 mins after the bus driver reminded them of the rules. Ugh!

Finally at the airport and it was pretty quick through checks and security. Finally the lounge was open, not for too long but long enough for a couple of drinks (and one for the train journey at the other end, and a load of snacks). Through security I had a nice chat with a couple of chaps that worked at the airport, they seemed as impressed by beers and snacks as my in depth knowledge of transfers between Toulouse and London.

With the sun going down I was on my way, and even in an aisle seat on my own – sweet! It was an hour earlier than my usual flight arrives so no panic to get the train, in fact this time there was no queue at all, it seems that my London/Dad march is sufficient to get me past half a plane load of people. Quickly on the train, departing in 3 minutes time, I made up a little song and tune I was humming to myself on tube which certainly amused the chap opposite when he got on. Finally I was back at my London base.

To make it 100 times better, Peter had stayed up to wait for me. Of course we should have said hello, had a hug and go to bed, but since I was an hour earlier than normal we spent that time catching up, sharing stories and challenges, and generally doing what friends do. I forget sometimes how much I miss these little things. But it is time for bed as I am not here for leisure.

[10 May 2022]

Wednesday

Thankfully my first meeting had been cancelled as I had a lot to do, and I was still tired – I love the 1hr time difference in France but it feels a bit brutal on my return. Yes it’s only an hour, but you haven’t read this much if you don’t understand the relationship between me and my bed, and it really is my bed since Matt moved it into Pete’s flat from his last time he was home – thanks Peter!

Meetings all over town and loved being back on my scooter, dashing between places. It does make some people laugh but it’s still the most efficient way to move around town. One of the priorities for the day was meeting Sir Robert for lunch. We’ve actually only met in person once or twice but obviously worked closely over the last 2+ years. I was a little nervous I’d go in for the European hello, thankfully he’s also part of the SC1 European contingent and went straight in for the kisses too – that was a relief. We had a lovely lunch, a little more low-brow than I expected, but felt like meeting an old friend – although I was asked to provide a summary of my CV, I’d forgotten that nobody has actually seen it and the only person that knows it is Pete.

After work it was time to catch up with old friends, well he’s not that old but I’ve known him for a long time. Brett’s brilliant fun and it’s been far too long since we last saw each other. He also has a family and responsibilities, so after Peter and I were off to ‘a pint of science’.

After the update on some of KCL’s innovations we were off home to do my favourite thing – get chinese takeaway. Oh yeah, it was epic!

[11 May 2022]

Thursday

Meetings all over town again including a site visit to the venue for my launch, and the main reason I’m here. I didn’t get to taste the canapés unfortunately but I did get a free lunch at least.

Lots more meetings and then went to meet Peter at the Foundation. I had to wait for the best part of an hour for him – which was rather odd as I’d been there for a meeting this morning and the staff were wondering why I was skulking around still when they were leaving. A quick couple of drinks and Peter had to leave me as he had leave tomorrow and was heading back to Oxford.

I was grateful for the leftovers and actually for the early night too, particularly as my flight tomorrow has now been changed to Saturday.

[12 May 2022]

Friday

Not my last day in London apparently. While of course I’d rapidly managed to fill the rest of the day that I should be at the airport with meetings, it was nice to get the chance to also see my sister and my friends. Tonia was on her scooter too and clearly doesn’t know this part of town well but I led the scooter crew like a pro – we are so cool!

Lee and Vicky were next up to the pub but then Tonia had to go back to look after the dog. Time for us to go for dinner. The Cuban place was rather disappointing to be quite honest but it was fun. Then back to Peter’s for a couple of drinks.

[13 May 2022]

Saturday

My friends leave havoc in their wake, sorry I think I misspelt hangovers. As I got the sheets etc on to wash Tonia was up and on her way – oops. We have a lot of work to do at Matt’s. I’d started to sort through the bags of ‘extra stuff’ that were sitting in Pete’s living room but needed to know what was staying, going to Tonia’s, or going to charity; all of which took longer than planned, again. Matt already seemed unimpressed that I hadn’t left yet.

What I didn’t know was the busses on diversion that left us walking half the way. I also don’t know where the clothes charity bin is closer to Pete’s. Eventually we got there and dropped things off before getting to Matt’s to sort the flat. We only have an hour until the moving guy gets here and I may have underestimated how much there was to do. Thank god Tonia is here to help!

Typically the mover turned up early, so I sent him away for 20 mins. We were still breaking down beds, desks, tables etc when he was due to come so I left Tonia on breakdown while I moved things out to the van. While doing so the neighbour spotted me. I couldn’t stop for long but insisted I’d go back when I finished. Eventually we were and I had a few minutes so I dropped round. I hadn’t realised that she had a house full. Her sister was there who I know well and a number of others. They were so friendly and welcoming, said how much they had missed us (clearly the support and friendship in early lockdown had been appreciated), and they missed the sound of our parties and friends in the garden on a summers day bringing the place to life – their words not mine. Thankfully she didn’t seem to know we’d often stolen her cat too. They were thrilled about the engagement and wished us luck, and assured us that they would miss us a lot.

What fantastic neighbours we’d been blessed with – I hope in time we can befriend the locals in France in the same way.

A quick drink with Tonia in the garden and I need to be on my way. Tonia’s enjoying it too much though and has promised to clean up when she goes which works for me.

Once at the station I’m searching for the Stansted train but can’t find it anywhere, or any train at that time. I need to call Matt. FFS. It turns out that there’s a bloody rail replacement from F knows where… I’ve missed my train and face a fate worse than death… the rail replacement bus. Ugh!

As I had a bit of time I saw someone with a takeaway bag – McD’s? Nope, KFC, well if I must – I’m going to miss the lounge at this rate. Finally on the brief train to enjoy my bounty before the shame of the rail replacement bus. A taxi was going to be 20 mins though and £70 so I took it on the nose and got the damed bus. I was near the front with no large luggage at least. Lounge was closed again – this is not my day. Time enough for a quick pint and off to the plane.

Matt was a bit late but he bought snacks and beer so I can’t complain. I’m finally home!

[14 May 2022]

Sunday

Back at home and as always my thoughts immediately turn to the garden and what’s been going on. Looks as though Matt has been holding the fort well though and everything still alive, he’s also got the UV jacket on the second water cube which is good.

While I get everything watered again Matt’s busy in the shed adding some new lighting now that the boiler and electricity are in.

It’s been a busy week though so today is a rest day. It’s also pretty warm so Jonny and the boys came to join the fun. Cress however is still in the UK and not overly impressed by all the photos.

[15 May 2022]