Welcome back Pete!

 

Enjoying his holidays, Pete had time to relax in his new country abode but also get away, venturing to the rural un-spoilt surrounds of Tunisia. Wandering the beautiful old town, fitting in a spot of snorkeling and diving all made for a very pleasant get-away.

 

The funsies didn’t stop there with a surprise balloon ride for his wife’s birthday gift. Up, up and away in the Midlands - a fine flight and definite recommendation!

 

Juliet had a family weekend with Jamie back at home. Reliving her childhood, she got acquainted with rolly pollies and the monkey bars again, showing up her niece and nephew aged 4 and 6 years!  Her competitiveness got the better of her in the evening when she, and I quote, ‘rocked sing star’.

 

Phil, meanwhile, had a family outing at the lovely Grove for lunch. Buffets don’t get much better than this.  Comfortable, expandable attire is recommended. 

 

On the book and film front, Pete has been enjoying ‘The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao’ and Emma took a trip to her local cinema to watch the new Angelina Jolie film ‘Salt’ - which played too safe for her liking, having a the tendency to be predictable.

 

Phil had his own dose of music this weekend in the form of V festival, which was reported as a brilliant day out, with something for all the family! Highlights included the Stereophonics.

 

Gemlar woz 'ere…

Juliet reporting on this week’s UpStage antics…

Alex enjoyed an evening at Cocoon, the West End’s answer to Modern Asian cuisine. The food may not have blown her away but it seems their Asian Bellini is reason alone to return.

Also enjoying a cocktail or two, Gemlar visited the newly opened McQueen Bar in Old Street, where she and her fellow patrons were treated to an unexpected fashion show and some pole dancing ballerinas. Moving swiftly on… Gemlar paid a visit to the 2010 Press Photography Exhibition at the National Theatre – rave reviews all round.

Also worthy of praise according to Mr White, is Oscar winning Argentinean film The Secret in their Eyes. An engaging thriller from start to finish with an excellent cast to boot. Phil also enjoyed a trip to sunny Eastbourne at the weekend for the annual air show, rounded off with a very satisfying afternoon tea at The Grand.

Never one to turn down an opportunity for afternoon tea, I also engaged in some much appreciated tea and cake at The Charing Cross Hotel this weekend in celebration of a friend’s birthday. Not feeling particularly energetic, the remainder of my Sunday afternoon was spent finishing A S Byatt’s latest novel The Children’s Book – one I would recommend although be prepared be commit a few weeks to it!

Emma took advantage of what are perhaps the last of the summer rays this weekend and threw a BBQ party to say a fond farewell to a friend leaving for Malaysia. No doubt the trip to the local pub will serve as a reminder of all that they will be missing!

Not able to enjoy the real experience this summer, Alexa decided to opt for second best and enjoyed a night out in Kings Cross a la Spanish style with some Tapas. I’m sure after a few jugs of sangria it was all much of a much!

Until next time…

Gemlar here, reporting on news from the mews. 

 

Fitting for the summer months both Juliet and Emma were off on travels for the weekend.  Emma enjoyed the delights of small seaside town of Whittering, catching up with friends over too many tasty glasses of wine.

 

Juliet, meanwhile, received 5-star service having being whisked away to Abu Dhabi to see her hubby.  Taking in all the sights, we received rave reports on the Emperor’s Palace and Grand Mosque.  Swapping the limo (ok, so it was a company car, but there’s no harm in embellishing…), Juliet also ventured into the desert for some 4x4 action in the form of dune bashing – certainly not for the faint-hearted.

 

After a weekend of neon-inspired hen-ness, Alex spent this week catching up on films and books. A disappointing watch, ‘Cemetery Junction’, which was a poor story line strung together with some mediocre jokes and characters.  In true ‘come dine with me style’, Alex downgraded it from a 6 to 5/10. On the book front, Alex has started ‘Tickling the English’ by Dara O Briain, which provides a witty commentary on English mannerisms spoken by a man of Irish charm; always a mark of a good book when the narration comes alive.

 

Alexa, our new intern, stayed close to home trying her hand at flat hunting for her friend! She saw the bad, terrible and horrendous though – making her appreciate the bonus of home comforts and nurturing.

 

Phil had a week of dining out, highlights included a mid-week bite at Scotts, which never disappoints, and an office dinner at Grosvenor House’s JW Steakhouse - the latter providing a night of good wine, great food and exceptional service. With prawns the size of bananas, succulent, mouth-watering steak and a few cheeky cocktails to wash it down with, this is a must-try.

 

Toodle pip!

Competing for the lead role of the Doctor, with costume in tow, Phil took his family to the Doctor Who Proms at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend, where they enjoyed a rendition of all the classic musical scores from the show played by the Welsh Philharmonic Orchestra. This was followed by an evening at the Apollo Theatre to see Zoe Wannamaker and David Suchet perform in a revival of Arthur Miller’s ‘All my Sons’. It seems all the rave reviews have been well deserved – not one to be missed!

Emma also enjoyed a night at the theatre seeing MacBeth performed at Regent’s Park open air theatre, followed by a spot of live jazz and dinner in Covent Garden – all very civilized, and quite a contrast to her evening of karaoke at the local Chinese a few nights before! Need we say more...

Embracing the great outdoors and seeking new adventure, I embarked on a tandem cycle ride with my husband around Graffam Water. Despite a few hairy moments, admittedly not helped by the wine at lunch, we both lived to tell the tale, although I for one will be cycling solo next time! This was followed by a night at Hitchin’s annual Rhythm of the World’s music festival with friends, where we particularly enjoyed listening to folk/jazz band ‘17 Hippies’.

Also enjoying some live music, Matt headed over to Liverpool Street after work, where he stumbled (perhaps literally after a few beers) upon a free outdoor gig. Saturday was spent on the golf course brushing up on his tee-shot!  

Gem-Lar played the role of the dutiful daughter beautifully this week, taking not only her mum, but also her dad and sister out for dinner at Mint Leaf in celebration of her mum’s birthday. With her pockets feeling a little lighter by the weekend, ever resourceful Gem-Lar decided to make her own entertainment by playing frisbee in the park and picking up some random new friends along the way.

Until next time...

...play on, play on, give me excess of it…..so Gem-lar and Pete enjoyed a music fest at London’s acclaimed Lovebox this weekend.  Gem-Lar had a bash at hip hop karaoke – watch out for her on the underground scene next year, she’s going to HUGE!  Agreed highlights from both were Duran Duran, Paloma Faith and Empire of the Sun.  Pete, our hot-bloodied male, enjoyed the Latin American stage – the rhythm really did get him.

I rocked out at my favourite band Cujo’s tribute gig – a total one-off from the boys but what a gig it was.  Yes, ok, I’m married to the lead singer so am slightly bias but, with a rocktastic performance, I was proud to announce to adoring fans that ‘I wash his pants!’.

Juliet visited the ‘Art in Action’ show in Oxford. An art lover’s treat with great tents that included exhibitions on sculptures and fine jewellery – a near-buy with a statement-hat could have made this one of Juliet’s more expensive country retreats.  Thankfully the hat stayed put and the second mortgage was retracted.

Emma took her first trip to Brighton, would you believe?  From what she can remember it was a success.  She will cherish hazy memories of dancing to Cotton Eyed Joe at four in the afternoon!

Bruce has spent some well-deserved R&R at Butlins – bit of an oxymoron – but the Carter family thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  Producing in a non-work way, he threw a 40th bash for his wife, Mel, which was a great success. 

We await the return of Mr White for his Spanish tales – including a outdoor World Cup final with Mr White sporting an orange shirt…let's hope he comes back in one piece.

Over and out!