A Jolly Good Weekend with Chums
A Charming Encounter
Ah, what a weekend it has been, filled to the brim with laughter, chatter, and a touch of pampering! Our dear friends from the bustling streets of London graced us with their presence, and oh, what a delight it was.
Friday Fun
Helen, an old school chum of Michele’s, and Brian made their grand entrance on Friday evening, weary from their journey all the way from Horsham in West Sussex. Michele, being the gracious hostess she is, whipped up a delightful winter feast of Chicken and Vegetable Bake, precisely as per Helen’s request. You see, this dish had left such an impression on our dear guests during their last visit that they simply couldn’t resist having it again.
Friday night unfolded in a merry symphony of beer, wine, and animated conversation, for it had been far too long since we last clinked glasses with this dynamic duo.
Saturday Shenanigans
Saturday dawned with a hint of excitement as Michele had a special surprise in store for herself and Helen, albeit with a slight scheduling hiccup. Off they dashed into the heart of Manchester, leaving Brian and me to our own devices. Our first stop? The illustrious National Football Museum at the Urbis Centre, where tales of triumph and tragedy danced amidst the exhibits. Among them, a poignant reminder of the shift towards safer stadiums, spurred on by tragedies such as the devastating fire at Bradford City FC.
After our museum meanderings, Brian and I found ourselves drawn to Sinclair’s Oyster Bar for a cheeky pint, a quintessential Manchester experience if ever there was one. We eventually rendezvoused with the ladies outside the Pandora store in Manchester Arndale, ready to embark on further city escapades.
The afternoon unfolded with leisurely strolls, pit stops for delectable lunches, and, of course, a couple more cheeky beers to keep the spirits high.
As dusk descended, we retreated to the comforts of home, where a sumptuous Chinese takeaway awaited, accompanied by ample servings of beer. The evening’s entertainment? None other than the obligatory X Factor viewing, much to Brian and my dismay, though we did manage to sneak in a bit of Match of the Day later on.
Lazy Sunday Farewell
Sunday sauntered in lazily, heralded by the tantalising aroma of a full English breakfast sizzling on the stove. With hearts and bellies full, Brian and Helen bid us adieu shortly after lunch, facing the daunting prospect of a four-hour journey back home. Alas, in the whirlwind of goodbyes, Michele realised she’d forgotten to bestow upon Helen the pies she’d been saving in the freezer. Fear not, dear Helen, for I shall gallantly devour them in your honour!
