Work, house etc

We're settling into a bit of a routine now that I've been in my job for a month. One of the main draws of joining Vulcan was the location of the office and the work hours. Vera and I leave the house just after 8 am and we're at nursery for ten or quarter past. Leaving Vera is usually no problem at all, but some days she needs lots of hugs and waves. My office is only 5 mins away so I'm in the office at 8:30 or thereabouts. I don't start until 9am, but it gives me a chance to have a cup of coffee and get settled before everyone else arrives. It's a strictly 9-5 culture so at 5.10 or 5.15 I get Vera and we're home 5 mins later. Compared to Cambridge it's at least 1 hr of family time gained, plus no more traffic jam stress! Vera is VERY excited about her upcomimg birthday and party as well as momma and moffa's arrival. She is, as are all of us, very excited about going to Ireland too in June for a long overdue visit to see family. The long weekend was very good and we managed a trip to the Peaks, coffee outside in Hope and a visit to Chatsworth, where Vera got to pet some guinea pigs and go on a very tall slide. On Sunday we met Emma and her children Oscar and Lily for a walk and a picnic around the longshaw estate. Meanwhile, Mark was busy in the garden building our new decking. I'm very lucky that he's such a handy man and taking on these projects! Will post photos of the finished result soon!