1. Looking from this blog's engine room - our study. Little Margot is at the foot of the stairs and about to climb up for the umpteenth time. She's not walking independently yet but she is getting there and it won't be long. For the time being, it is safer to motor around the house on her hands and knees in the manner of a quadruped. Hurry up Grandpa! You have got to shepherd me up the stairs so I don't tumble down! "Oh dear - not again!" he grumbles.
2. This evening, following yesterday's trip to Buxton, I had another social appointment. This time it was dinner at "The Norfolk Arms", Ringinglow with the eight men who make up our main pub quiz opposition. Let me see now - there was Peter, Geoff, Tony, Dave, Stewart, John, Mike and Den.
It was kind of them to invite me and the Christmas meal was pretty good. I had lovely, homemade French onion soup followed by a tasty turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Afterwards, there was room for Christmas pudding and custard and a warm mince pie.
The other men are aged between 63 and 77 and all very pleasant. We had some good laughs. I guess I have known them for ten years. There's always good banter with them and friendly rivalry. To be honest, they have been winners at the weekly quiz more often than my team have been. Hell - what do you expect? There are eight of them and usually only three of us.
"The Norfolk Arms" is more than a mile from the last suburbs of Sheffield. Shirley drove me up there and Peter, who had major heart surgery earlier this year, drove me home.
It had been a very agreeable night out with good company, good food and good service. Below, "The Norfolk Arms" in the summer of 2018:-
It was so nice of them to invite you and dinner sounds lovely. Margot climbing is going to keep you on your feet!
ReplyDeleteIt was nice of them. This was the third pre-Christmas meal I have had with those guys.
DeleteYou're quite the socialite these days! Maybe gearing up for THE event of the year, the Laughing Horse Blog Awards Ceremony?
ReplyDeleteMargot is the sweetest baby (can she still be called a baby?).
The hexagonal (or octa?) tower near the Norfolk Arms reminds me of some buildings in Ripley.
It is octagonal.... And yes "The Laughing Horse Awards" are looming once again.
DeleteIt must be nice to have friends and go out for meal with them.
ReplyDeleteOh yes. Just call me Mr Popular.
DeleteMargot as she peers round the corner is demanding attention. Gosh you both have your hands full. Is that a water tower by the pub?
ReplyDeleteNo - "The Round House", Ringinglow was I believe built as a toll house by the old turnpike road.
DeleteYou are becoming quite the social butterfly, flitting from one convivial dining experience to another. It all sounds rather jolly.
ReplyDeleteMy annual social appointments happened in two days. I am a social doorstop.
DeleteMargot is only going to get more mobile. You'll have your work cut out.
ReplyDeleteYes. It will soon be time for the chain and the kennel.
DeleteSounds like a good time had by all YP.
ReplyDeleteThe high point was when Mavis - the stripper from Barnsley performed her act on the little stage at the back. "Who's next?" she roared.
DeleteMorgot is one very determined little girl.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very enjoyable meal out - fraternising with the opposition!
Morgot sounds like a dragon Carol.
DeleteThe dinner sounds wonderful; I just had breakfast and now I want THAT meal!
ReplyDeleteAs The Rolling Stones sang, "You can't always get what you want"!
DeleteHow nice. Two outings in two days and Christmas still to come.
ReplyDeleteI have an empty social diary and then two events come along at once - like buses.
DeleteTis the season for men to get together and celebrate with meat and drink, I guess. Mr. Moon was doing the same last night.
ReplyDeleteOh, little Margot! Once babies become mobile, they do have to explore, don't they? She'll be walking all over the place before long.
She remains so delightful. The cheeky look she gives us when scaling the stairs is priceless.
DeleteOur Adam will be 1 in a couple of weeks and he is almost ready to start walking, too. He and his family will be staying at my home for a week at Christmas and so I have to really "childproof" my home again. Christmas decorations will have to be placed much higher this year so he can't reach them! Margot keeps you busy!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed your evening out with the competition!
You could put Adam in a cage Ellen. That will keep him safe.
DeleteA busy week, and a little one to keep you moving up and down the stairs.
ReplyDeleteI am just a slave to her.
DeleteLooks like a great pub, especially in the summer with those outdoor tables. I'm guessing you didn't use those this time around!
ReplyDeleteIt was chilly in Buxton - staying indoors weather.
DeleteThink of it as exercise for grandpa, stairs are good for your heart. She's a little love bunny.
ReplyDeleteI will say that to her next time she is here: "You're a little love bunny!" Do older men say that to you too Deb?
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