I thought I’d surprise you with an additional post as I had a rather fun filled week, which also surprised me. I thought I was on the holiday wind down but Karen had other ideas.

On Tuesday, I had a late lunch and escaped into the sunshine to see if my musical talents were any good.

     

I got a bit lost though in the greenery of the second piano. Instead of Where’s Wally, you can play Missing Monkey.

On Wednesday, I was left in Maria’s capable hands so I had my happy face on. Karen made the most of the sunshine and had a walk before work which she really enjoyed and she even managed to make a new friend (whose spins were rather amusing).

     

She then needed a bit more energy in the afternoon so had a paddle. All rather wonderful for her while I laboured away supervising in the office, although she did work the rest of the time.

Another escape took place on Thursday and it started with dinner at Wagamammas – I tried to join in, as a homage to Kirssi, but my arms were a bit short.

We then went to see Michael McIntyre at the O2 and his support act Paul Tonkinson. I was rather pleased not to be up in the gods and there were soooooo many people!

     

After all those tiring events, I needed a pick me up at the weekend, so we went for brunch at the The Cupcake Cafe. Karen had some rather scrumptious chunky cheese on toast but she wouldn’t share with me :-(.

So, that really is it before I go to the U S of A, will be on the train in a couple of hours. I’m all prepared with my currency.

Watch out for mini blogs … although no promises.

The weekend started with a really pleasant night out as we went to see the Spread Eagle Players at the Bridewell Theatre as they were putting on Fawlty Towers. The best bit was that I was allowed backstage and even saw Sybil, played by the talented Anita, putting the final touches to her costume. I was then lucky enough to meet Manuel and Basil too.

     

And, even before all that excitement, I had supper with the lovely Lucy. She went for the healthy option but I think I preferred the look of Karen’s choice (well, it was Friday after all).

And, rather bizarrely, as we left Canary Wharf there was a giant Oreo slide! It was shut so I wasn’t able to have a go but probably just as well considering size ratio.

It was a bit of a late night home but totally worth it.

Saturday was spent at home quite a bit as we had to get the curtains installed. Karen went out in the evening to the Comedy Island Festival and saw, amongst others, Zoe Lyons. It was rather fun for her but not me as I was left behind (boo hoo). Mind you, I was told that it was because I was hiding behind the curtains, but personally I’m not convinced by that excuse.

Sunday was a bit more fun as I got to go out in the sunshine twice. It was a lovely sunny day although a bit windy. Karen did have a paddle but wouldn’t let me as she thought my feet may turn the colour of my base. I did find this rather nice shell pool and then some sandcastles as well, which made up for last week’s disappointment.

     

The beach was fairly quiet and we were lucky enough to see some kite surfers out on the sea, although Karen only managed to get a picture of one of them.

     

Finally, just so you know, there won’t be any blogs for a couple of weeks as we’re off to the U S of A next Sunday, visiting friends in New York then onto Washington and Boston. Book some time in your diary to read the blog when I get back – its going to be a long one (although I can’t guarantee when it will be written as I might be a bit jet lagged).

There were some queries last week about how I managed to see the Statue of Liberty. Well, I may see it for real soon but, in the interim, I get to visit on a weekly basis on a Wednesday. This is the day Karen works from home and (unlike some) she makes sure I’m looked after if she’s not around, so I go and visit Maria on the sunflower tin with a view of Statue of Liberty and New York. Maria’s got this really good calendar which has positive sayings on it and some days its like its been written for us.

This week, however, I’m in Margate – its really rather confusing. Apparently its because I didn’t do my blog at the weekend, but I think that’s because Karen fell asleep on the sofa in the sunshine so I had no-one to help me with turning the computer on or with the typing – after all, I don’t even have any fingers to type with!

Saturday was a busy day and I really struggled with the maths when trying to work out the curtain sizes for the windows. Fortunately, Adam, Louisa and Frodo came for a visit so that gave us a break. After a visit to a couple of places, we did manage to find some big enough and the lounge ones are particularly lovely, just need to get them hung now.

On Saturday there was a sandcastle competition in Margate. Because of all the curtain shopping, we went a bit late and didn’t see the sculptures so I was slightly disappointed. Luckily enough, Karen and her mum made me my own sandcastle – it was a bit of  a climb

But I got to the top in time to have a picnic

Then I surveyed my kingdom

Sunday was a bit more of a relaxed affair (for some) and we went for lunch at the Sands Hotel which was delicious. I wanted a cocktail but was told I was underage.

     

We then walked round the harbour arm and it was a lovely sunny day. I was rather tempted to swim home but Karen’s mum said that I might sink if I did that so soon after lunch, so I tried to get a boat instead.

     

I wasn’t terribly successful though as couldn’t get down the ladder on the sea wall, so I had a chat with the shell lady instead whilst Karen took an arty photo of the sun through a lighthouse.

     

Hello All

Here’s my weekly update mostly from the beach (of course!). Having said that, I did have a midweek break to New York which was rather pleasant. I even saw the Statue of Liberty (unlike some others who just saw the office).

On Friday we managed to leave work earlier than usual as had done everything that was needed that day. It was really rather exciting although the train was busier, so I think travelling later is actually better (rather bizarrely). Anyway, because I was so excited Karen insisted I wear a seat belt so I was safe.

I knew we were home when I saw the big wheel at Dreamland.

On Saturday it was quite a nice sunny day so we went out for a walk but were rather surprised at how empty the beach was – look, I had it all to myself!

I thought I’d be a bit adventurous and do some rock climbing, although I wasn’t allowed to the top as it was too high.

When we got home, we went in the back door and there was a not so subtle sign on the doormat about wiping our feet. Not sure how that works for me though as my feet don’t touch the sand …

The rest of the day I spent looking out the window as Karen had yet more sorting out to do, but think its nearly done now, even the pictures are (at long last) on the wall. The good news is that the for sale sign has gone so my view is even better now.

On Sunday we went out for brunch but it was a bit disappointing. Glad I had my outside time before we ate as afterwards it was raining for a while. The sun came out later but far too tired to go for another walk, so just admired the view from the window.

     

There’s been an awful lot of other monkey’s appearing. First there was the munching macaroon cup which was a house warming gift.

Then a Love Monkey mug which I found out was a birthday present.

As it was Karen’s birthday, I thought I should get her a gift and found this rather lovely purple orchid. I must have been eating my spinach as it was rather heavy for me to carry but I managed to get it safely back to the office and it was on Karen’s desk when she arrived in the morning. It also got home safely to Margate as well, even in the wind!

Saturday was a bit more sorting out of the flat but we did go out for a walk. It was very blowy so I sought some shelter in a flower pot.

We met a lovely lady called Jane Ducarreaux who is a local glass artist and produces some really beautiful and unique items (A Touch of Glass).

On the way home, I rather liked the look of the tidal pool but Karen didn’t think that would be a good idea so I swam with the fishes anyway (sort of).

     

I found a new favourite spot in the flat where I can look out the window – its perfect for me. We just need to get rid of that sold sign.

As it was such a lovely day on Sunday, we had a lovely walk along the front and Karen had a bit of a paddle on the way back. I did try to do some high diving but the tide wasn’t in quite far enough, so I made a seaweed cape instead.

     

Anyway, as you can see, the original Monkey is the best although the others are welcome to imitate. After all, isn’t imitation the greatest form of flattery?

Hello All, hope you are doing well and keeping dry and warm – can you believe its August?! (Actually its probably September by the time you read this, but you know what I mean.)

Sorry for the radio silence but I’ve been rather busy supervising Karen’s move to Margate. Actually, that’s not quite true as she wouldn’t let me help her move on the day as was worried I might get bashed about, so I’ve only seen the flat inside for the first time this weekend. She didn’t like my packing skills either, but I can’t imagine why.

Whilst I was banished, I got up to some mischief in the office (absolutely nothing to do with Vicki at all). I guess I should be pleased that she made sure I was fed and watered, and I was rather entertained, none of this supervisory stuff I normally do – it was like a mini holiday.

     

When Karen got back to work, she wasn’t terribly impressed though at my new behaviour, particularly when I tried to have some of her tea.

I then did a dress down Friday and went glam rock.

I nearly wasn’t allowed out! Fortunately, though, Karen thought it was only right that I see her new flat. There were an awful lot of boxes initially but its quite homely now. This is the lounge.

I also quite liked seeing the cars and I liked the pink Beetle that Karen has, so I’ve commandeered it. Not sure my arms will reach the steering wheel though or how my feet will work the pedals. And, yes, I can see the sea!

We had a visitor today who was Julie – we had a lovely time and she bought some rather nice flowers, which look rather lovely on the (new but a bargain) table. I feel rather comfortable here but its back to work tomorrow.

Before I go, Karen asked me to share some particularly nice sunsets she saw her first week when getting home. Apparently they were rather spectacular.

     

Sorry for the lateness of this blog but I was rather pooped on Sunday and not up to doing much as was so busy on Saturday. This included lots of sunshine but I wasn’t allowed to paddle which just wasn’t fair AND I didn’t even have an ice cream! Margate was looking rather lovely in the sunny weather.

     

I think I wasn’t allowed because I was naughty and a bit impatient on Friday. I was eager to get out the office as was so excited but Karen was still working and finishing her tea. She really should learn to take the hint – I was trying to get her attention but no luck. I then played in the jungle at Stratford International and was nearly lost, but rescued in time to get the train.

     

So, guess where we went – yes, that’s right, we went to Margate and the breaking news is that Karen has found a flat to live. Its a lovely two bedroom ground floor with seaview and only 5 minutes walk from the station. I gave it my seal of approval from the outside.

Karen took some pictures inside, although they don’t really do the flat justice (that’s the lounge on the left and bedroom on the right).

     

Oh my goodness, its really happening! Not sure if Adam will release me from my office supervisory duties but hopefully I can do that from home one day a week. I’ll definitely get to enjoy the weekends, that’s for sure.

It gets the thumbs up from me and Karen!

Silly Karen cut her thumb badly on a food processing blade on Monday and had to get it seen to, just some steri-strips but has been bandaged up all week. Adam suggested that he should cut my thumb off in sympathy but, apart from not having thumbs, I’d fall apart if anything was cut off (and, yes, I do mean that literally). I really don’t know how he can suggest such a thing, no wonder Karen has custody.

Fortunately there are kinder people in the world and Vicki let me go on holiday with Minion in the week, which was really lovely to have a break.

This weekend wasn’t like the others as it didn’t contain many adventures. 

Not sure if that’s good or not and Karen may have misled me. I always thought that when I was taken away from work that it meant something exciting, but I guess life isn’t always like that. 

Basically, I was transferred from one perch to another, although I did have the TV to occupy me and a bit of a view, so it was nice to have a change. It was quite chilled and hopefully has prepared me for the week ahead at work and exciting stuff next weekend (hint, it begins with M …).

And, as Julie pointed out, a weekend without adventures makes a weekend with adventures even more special, which did make me smile.

Perhaps I should have entitled this post Z’ds galore?! Night, night all, sleep well.

As it was such a lovely day yesterday, we had to go to the seaside and, of course, Margate was first choice – not only because it has lovely beaches and easy to get to, but it may be Karen’s new home.

I woke early and was rather excited so was playing on the windowsill in the sunshine. Karen got a bit worried, though, when I got too near the window as we were 13 flights up. Don’t worry, all was safe and I left in Karen’s bag when she was (eventually) ready.

     

We had a nice long walk on the prom and the beach with two paddles, although no paddling for me as I’m too delicate. Spent quite a bit of time at Westbrook Bay as that’s near the Royal Seabathing Hospital, which is our favoured location.

     

They’re also building the Beach Houses there – two bedroomed, glass fronted, buildings. Looked very appealing but then we looked up the price when we got home and it was out of our price range.

I also had a perch on the sea wall when I got tired from all that walking because I do only have little legs.

We wandered round a bit of the old town and there was lots going on. There was a really good musician outside in one of the squares and so we sat and listened while having an ice cream.

The day finished with a cup of tea from the station cafe before falling asleep on the train. A relation of mine was in the station cafe and Karen suggested I go and work with him, but not sure I’m really up for that as I prefer my current office supervision role.

The weekend started with a trip to the Everyman Cinema in Canary Wharf to see Ted 2 with Maria. We got free tickets because Monique kindly gave Karen one of her raffle prizes from a work boat trip which was raising money for the Dreams Come True charity. Its a lovely cinema and I particularly liked it because I had my own stand and could watch the film, as well as helping Karen with her pimms. Paddington was also there so we said hello.

Ted 2 was quite funny although a bit rude, so I learnt some new words, but will have to be careful not to use them when I’m at work otherwise I’ll get told off.

Recently Maria came back from Seattle and Canada and bought me a new friend – Grizzly. He started off in the office but Karen soon stole him to have at home, so he waves her goodbye each day and hello when she gets home.

     

Saturday was a quiet-ish day and quite a bit of sleep, but then headed to Westfield Stratford to do some shopping. When I got to Stratford International, they’d put a special garden there for me which was just my colour. Can you spot me?

Hayley and Ewan arrive Saturday night and Karen cooked a super supper for them – lots of food. Luckily, I had my own desert and a Monkey sized ice cream which was scrummy.

On Sunday, Hayley did the British 10k run and I got to play with her medal when she got home. I’m really glad I didn’t have to run all that way with my little legs.

We then headed out for lunch and the others had a rather nice feast. Karen had Eton Mess for desert, which she had been craving all week (it is Wimbledon after all), but she wouldn’t let me have any as I’d had quite enough last night.

Fortunately Hayley got some rest in the hammock in her garden when she got home, which was well deserved after that run. I look forward to testing it out when I visit in August.