A bed of roses

My mother rang the other day saying they'd bought some shade-loving plants and would I like to come up and pick a couple? So I fought with public transport to be presented with a bag of bulbs... But they include snowdrops and lizard head lilies, which are cute.

And that was basically today.

But I had a slow cooker full of Scouse to come home to.

Currently watching the final episode of Nobody Wants This, which has not taken the turn I expected it to.

EDIT: OK - THAT was what I expected :D

The son's company ran a one-day football tournament and his shop's team won! He was a really useful player when he was little. Like people would stop and watch him when we were out-and-about, and when he was in infants (under 7yo) the older juniors (11yo) let him play with them before school started. I honestly thought he could make a career of it but had no idea how to get him started - and he wasn't pushing for it, so it didn't happen. Now, I'm hoping he'll find a way to take it up again because, frankly, he needs the exercise.

I finished Plucky Squire, thanks in no small part to the ability to skip the mini games. I am very comfortable with this. I also think it's a game I want to introduce the grandbabies to in a few years - and hope that being young will give them the necessary reflexes to get through the mini games :D A few thoughts:

• I loved the art style - I know I've said it many, many times, but give me cartoony/stylised over realistic any time
• I loved the story-book feel to the whole thing, and the dire warnings of how dull life is without good stories (younger grandson is already protecting himself :D)
• I loved the story itself - not exactly unique but (as with Trek to Yomi) telling a familiar story in a new way, and doing it well, is a skill in itself
• I loved that all the companions had their part to play, even if I skipped over their individual battles
• And I loved all the characters with their little quirks and different skills
• I loved the LOTR reference at the end (I'm sure there were others but I've either forgotten them or didn't spot them), and the self-deprecating humour of the game as a whole
• I loved that 'story mode' really did mean 'focus on the story without having to struggle with annoying mini games'
• I loved that I could make Story Mode even easier by making myself invincible
• I enjoyed using light bulbs as currency
• I was less than enthusiastic about some of the mechanics - particularly throwing, or rather the lack of explanation about throwing
• I didn't like finding stuff out by accident - but whether that's about my brain or the game design, I'm not sure
• I don't think there's much replay value, unless you want the plat (there are separate trophies for completing the game in Story Mode and Adventure Mode) - or want to speed run it, or set up contests between family members or something
• Overall, I give it 8/10 - a solid little game that isn't too taxing but does have some puzzles that require real thought

My miniature tea shop is nearing completion! and the roof doesn't fit together properly... I'm not going to buy a kit like this again. But when it's sitting on a shelf, I can admire it from a distance and not see all the imperfections :D

I watched a couple of episodes of New Amsterdam. I've decided this is my go-to 'brain dead' programme, so a good way to round off the weekend.

Thursday is my happy day. It's the last day of the week in the office and it's take away for tea - fish and chips tonight :)

Today was a more relaxed affair than yesterday, thankfully. I was tired but not exhausted by the time I got home. I also had my PDPR, which was just a case of closing off my previous objectives, but couldn't set any new ones because my LM doesn't have any... But we managed to have a nice chat about how great I am at everything :D

I also had a chat with the head of the Power BI team about getting access to the reports and we have a meeting in a couple of weeks to make it a reality. Meanwhile, another of our whizzy youngsters has hooked up our MSForm and Dynamics so that it automatically writes new project requests into the system! I love young people.

I've just watched half of the first story with Patrick Troughton as The Doctor. Regeneration is such a clever idea, and allowing each actor to make the character their own is even more so. And Troughton has begun the tradition of The Doctor being slightly disorientated after regeneration is complete. I have a catch-up booked with my favourite colleague in a couple of weeks, part of which will be spent chatting about DW <3

Looking forward to WFH tomorrow. It looks like a quiet day work-wise, which is just as well because daughter is bringing the grandbabies <3 <3 <3

Husband asked earlier if I was enjoying my week off. And I am in the sense that I'm only doing what I want to do when I want to do it - but I'm not in the sense that the week is more than half over! It's been one of those weeks where every day feels really long (this morning feels like it happened yesterday), and I'm doing domestic stuff and fun stuff and being with the boys... but it's Wednesday evening!

Tonight we had a minor disaster when the internet went down. I did get a text from our provider to say they were having a problem, but I didn't get one to say it was back up. Which, obviously, it is because I'm here :D

I played some more DUM. It's very story driven, so the opposite of ISS. But when there is Stuff To Do, the controls can be sooo finicky *glares at whoever designed this stuff* And there's very little help with the puzzles - the game very much leaves you to work it out. Which, so far, I've managed to do. I remember the ASE's from the last game; very helpful little gizmos.

Managed to get husband out for a walk, which he enjoyed more than he expected to. I feel quite justified in (almost) bullying him out of the door. And if we hadn't gone out, I'd have played a bit more DUM, so it was ALL for his benefit!

I made the cake tray for my miniature teashop tonight. Those plastic cakes look good enough to eat! I'd love to munch my way through that afternoon tea.

I also wrote up another character for my Nano - not a full bio, just what they think is going on in the story. Not a very interesting person; someone who thinks they're better than they are and is going to fall flat on their face. I'll look forward to that!

And I watched another FF Union video, about the full timeline of FFVIII. This was the first episode and looked at the legend of Hyne. Viewers can offer suggestions for how they want the rest of the series to pan out. Personally, I'm just glad 8 is getting the love it deserves.

With the internet down, I was forced to look at the list of stuff on my Tivo - and picked an episode of The Toys That Shaped The World - which was about the rivalry between Mattel and Hasbro, particularly with Barbie and GI Joe (we call him Action Man). So that was interesting. And then the internet was back and I watched Umbrella Academy. I had forgotten SO MUCH. But it's all coming back to me...

Hair cut tomorrow!

Last day in work went well. Now I have 9 days ahead of doing what I want, when I want!

Husband has been off colour for a couple of weeks. I'm getting quite worried... Of course, the GP is now closed until Tuesday *sigh* And he doesn't want to be poked and prodded any more! But he might need to be ;(

Hoping for a visit from the grandbabies and their parents on Monday! That will cheer us all up.

I got some new powers in ISS. Dash through a satellite dish, they said. It'll be fun, they said. Except that it'll always send you off in the wrong direction!!!

I watched Fuzzfinger play the Gold Saucer date. I'm thinking that I might not get through some of the boss fights in Rebirth...

And Rob did another Friday Feature about bosses. I love his scripts and he delivers them so well. The Access team also played some Concord, which really does seem to have died before it even launched - but I suppose PS say 'play this game' and they have to play it. I'm not sure the dislike from gamers everywhere is even because it looks like a bad game, more that it's ANOTHER game trying to cash in on Fortnite and people are wanting something else, now.

Did a bit more on my Nano this morning. I'm creating a character that's based on someone I actually know. It feels a bit naughty... This is someone I'm not terribly fond of for Reasons. But I didn't set out to turn them into a character - I just realised that the character was starting to share some features with this RL person, so leaned into it a bit more. They aren't an out and out 'bad' person, and I'm not making the character any worse than the RL person. They're just the type of person that seems to get on in an organisation, whilst most people look on in total bemusement. I know what their 'trick' is - they make themselves agreeable to everyone. There's nothing malicious in it, they're just looking out for Number One, right? It's not a game I want to play - and I'd be terrible at it if I ever tried - but it's quite interesting to watch their progress from the sidelines.

And Allison and Ray enjoyed a little 'shopping spree' in Umbrella Academy. There's so much blood and violence in this programme! But it's all so OTT and ridiculous at the same time.

Tried Skyrim in TP and felt absolutely fine. Of course, I did spend most of the time reading 3 volumes of 'The Real Berenziah' in the wrong order... Now THAT would make a great story for a game. I'm still waiting to 'get' Skyrim. Mostly I'm getting the same feeling I did with Baldur's Gate I & II - that these are stages video games had to go through so I can play DA: Veilsguard... I appreciate the journey but it really doesn't feel like one I need to take for myself. At least so far. I'm still in Whiterun and I realise I have barely begun the game. I also know that once I can use the 'shout' thingy, I can completely ignore the main story. There are certainly enough sidequests already building up and the map is, of course, huge. We shall see.

I'm going to focus on finishing ISS for now, I think.

Tomorrow I begin plotting for this year's Nano. Working title 'Harding's Choice', maybe...? As in 'Hobson's Choice' rather than 'Sophie's Choice'. I'm particularly anxious that Patel feels like a real person and not just a walking PC vehicle. She's a Muslim woman with Indian Sub-continent heritage who wears rainbow socks and should probably have a sunflower lanyard. Is that too many boxes for one person to live up to? :D Harding is, on the one hand, a stereotypical 'rough exterior hides soft heart' cop who's been round the block too many times but still believes in people - he also makes a great mentor for younger cops like Patel because he has a strong moral compass. Is it too much to make him a recovering alcoholic, too? Is that just TOO cliché? 

Started series 2 of Umbrella Academy. I've said it before but the casting of Aidan Gallagher is so important. Get that wrong and the whole thing falls apart. I mean, I love the whole cast, including the secondary characters but everything hinges on Five. Getting to play a 68yo in a 13yo's body is a really tall order, but he absolutely pulls it off.

And that was today. I'm trying to work out a way to meet granddaughter earlier...

After my grand words about 'getting out of the way' and 'being a conduit for the divine', today I was grumbling inwardly in a very human way about my boys. I see the humour in the situation and... well... I am human... born to make mistakes... I managed to work through it in my head, though, and didn't get snippy.

I was very glad to be working from home because apparently there were more protests planned in the city centre. I do believe the far right has been emboldened by lurch to the right by both Labour and the Conservatives. They are also, I believe, mostly white, working-class men who feel every other group has been given a voice whilst theirs has been eroded. I guess this is why France focusses on people being French and French only. The focus on identity politics has created a group without one - so they've created their own. And somehow the deaths of three little girls has lit the fuse.

How does this end well? Because the government labelling protesters as 'thugs' really isn't helpful. Of course, they aren't peaceful protestors by any means and are certainly engaged in thuggish behaviour... And Nigel Farage talking about 'two-tier policing' isn't going to calm anything down. Although why his opinion is being sought I don't know. Well, I do... But what happened to 'balanced reporting'?! Why aren't we asking the Greens?

Otherwise, a quiet day. Poked at some work but left my monthly report until I can do it on the big screen in the office tomorrow.

Watched a full LP of 'Still Wakes the Deep'. It didn't end the way I expected it to - but it was exactly right.

And finished off with a couple of episodes of 'Dragon Prince'. So much love, so much of it misdirected. I really like that the 'baddies' have perfectly understandable motivations - and that the 'goodies' have their off days.

Husband and I, and mother and stepfather visited daughter and grandsons today. Elder grandson showed some pics from his holiday and even talked about it a bit. He's not exactly sociable but he's definitely coming out of his shell.

Younger grandson was his own cute self, bringing up several of his books for me to read to him. I was disappointed we didn't get to 'Five Minutes Peace', but what can you do?

Daughter just wants the baby to be born. She was wriggling about like anything - you could see daughter's stomach moving. A bit weird - but an active baby is a Good Thing. Probably won't see them now until little one makes her appearance.

We watched some of the Olympics opening ceremony. It was an interesting idea but too drawn out. Had an interesting talk with husband about an athlete who's a convicted rapist but has done his time and is being allowed to represent his country. Honestly don't know how I feel. Husband's position is he shouldn't be allowed to. His main concern is with the victim - the trauma of what happened to her will never go away. But the country and, presumably, the IOC must have done a risk assessment and put safeguards in place. Anyway, it was good to hear husband talking like that - and even to say women should be able to wear what they want.

It was too late to play BG&ER but I did watch the Friday Feature - Rob talking about terrible things games make you do for trophies - and a couple of episodes of Psych - I'm on the last series, finally, and the first two episodes were even sillier than usual.

Looking forward to a quiet Saturday.

Got up at my usual time on a Saturday but husband was still asleep. I toyed with getting ahead on the cleaning but opted for an episode of Psych instead. I'm hoping things will be OK after all - but if they aren't, I hope they do it properly.

Husband was STILL asleep after Psych, so I got the bathroom done, and then he woke up. We had crumpets and filter coffee in the garden - so sophisticated!

After breakfast, husband's CGM sensor needed changing, so I used one of the new ones. The ones he's been using come in two parts - the sensor and a reusable transmitter - but this is all in one. But I had to push this plastic ring against him until I could 'fire' the button. It was NOT fun for him - we may need to find a new site. I know a lot of people use their arms but his are so thin. Then I had to go through a rigmarole to get the right app set up on my phone but I got there in the end. But he's due x-rays on Tuesday to check his arthritis and I have a horrid feeling it'll have to come out - but it's on his abdomen and the x-rays are for his hands and feet. I'll ask on the day.

After dinner, I came upstairs to finish the mission Jade was on in BG&ER. Daughter rang to say they were going to pop down, so we had an hour of enjoying cute baby being cute. It was extra nice because it was unexpected. When they were leaving, daughter said, 'Give Pop-pop and Granny a kiss goodbye.'. Grandson waved goodbye and headed for the door! But we got a goodbye kiss and cuddle each.

He's learning 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' - but skips straight from his head to his toes >D And he knows most of the animal ornaments on our shelves. I shall have to quiz him on turtles and rhino next time!

Daughter said she probably wouldn't make it down now until after granddaughter is born (she still doesn't have a first name!), but I said we were planning on visiting next Friday when I'm off work. I also let my mother know who's been going on about seeing more of them. I've told her to organise it directly - why am I everyone's go-between?! - but she says she doesn't get a response when she rings daughter; daughter says she hasn't rung! Last time I saw my mum I checked she had daughter's number - it's just occurred to me that daughter might not have the right number for my mother...?! She doesn't answer 'unknown number' calls. Worth checking.

After tea, I came back to BG&ER and managed to get to the pearl I couldn't reach before. MORE stealth... When we came out of the area we'd been in for the mission, we encountered one of the centipede-type enemies that took a couple of goes to kill off - for some reason, my cannon wasn't working properly. Anyway, killed it off and collected a pearl, then bought another one. I now have 20 pearls - enough for my next upgrade. But first, I need to pay Iris a visit.

I finished off with two episodes of The Rookie. I think this is the best series so far, so I take back anything I've said about the fact they've stretched it to six series :D

It's been raining a lot today but I'm hoping it'll be dry tomorrow. I'd like to take husband out for just a walk - nowhere to go, no appointments, just some fresh air.

So, people are talking about how they want change! - and then you look at the Labour party and realise about all that's going to change is the colour of the rosettes. Although Jonathan Pie did point out that Starmer is a former human rights lawyer; I mean, at least he realises human rights is a Thing... right...? Anyway, I'm voting Green. Not because I believe the Green Party candidate will oust the sitting Labour MP - Liverpool, indeed, the whole of Merseyside these days, is pretty firmly red - but because I want to send a message to a) the Green Party to let them know they have support and they shouldn't give up and b) my MP to let them know I give a shit about the planet and I want them to, too. Meanwhile, Starmer is talking up his defence plans... Does nobody realise that working for environmental and social justice will make the world a safer place?! There'll be less competition for land and resources, a reduction in the threat of flooding and extreme weather, and less need to point a gun at people to make your point.

*heavy sigh*

Anyway, voting is a duty for me and no vote is wasted.

I showed the husband the latest Count Binface video, which raised a smile. Seriously, look him up. I only wish there was a Binface in Liverpool :D

Today was a desky day, and I actually got quite a bit done. Project ideas that have been approved by the prioritisation body now have a record on P4W, and I did a deep overhaul of the old SharePoint site because I'm going to have to keep using that in the short term. There are currently 3 projects not being tracked on P4W but two of them are on the brink of being finished - I think I will then have an argument for bringing the last one into the fold since it's expected to keep going until Q1 next year. It just felt really good to have the time and space to do a proper job rather than squeezing it in between other tasks and/or meetings. I've also reorganised the dashboard we use for reporting to follow the new PMF, which gets us away from 'what does delivery mean to you today?'.

I'm going to swap my days round so I WFH tomorrow and go into the office on Friday. This will allow me to go and vote in a civilised manner and be on time for a 9am meeting.

Watched 'Coming to America' with the husband, so no Psych tonight. CTA is still a funny film, although some of it is pretty dated, now.

Eldest grandson is having a lot of fun - he went jet skiing today! I'm equal parts terrified at the thought of him out there alone (apart from his 5 mates, of course...) and proud that he organised and paid for the trip all by himself.

Granddaughter is measuring extra-large just like younger grandson - any thoughts we might have had about a delicate little flower of a girl have been firmly quashed >D Daughter's midwife has requested an extra scan for her, just to keep an eye on everything.

And my new nail shaper/buffer arrived, so I spent a couple of minutes buffing my nails. Sometimes I'm just a girl.