David's 2023 Diary • David's Day

About David’s 2023 Diary

David’s 2023 Diary is developing as the year progresses. Some entries are merely to test functionality, though most are things I have done.

Halfway through 2023, I changed how the Diary entries worked within David’s Day. Until August, the diary entries were set to “noindex” for Google and other search engines. Instead, like the Notes, they were snippets of information used on other pages. This means individual entries should not find their way into their search results pages. Though sometimes, Google might have included them anyway.

However, the 2023 Diary entries are now linked to and indexable, so some might wind their way into the SERPs (search engine results pages). Anyhow, enjoy or not!

Notes:
The page has been set up in readiness for 2023. The diary entries for 2022 are shown on my December 2022 month page, as no dedicated page for 2022 diary entries will be created.

The 2024 Diary is now active!

Diary entries colour coding:
Happy Sad Annoyed Inspired Music Food Miscellaneous

Latest 2023 Diary Entries

Fish & Chips on South Parade Pier, Southsea 8 September 2023: 11:05 pm

The final part of our trip to Portsmouth was a family meal at the Deep Blue restaurant on South Parade Pier in Southsea. Geoff and Kay turned up first, with Bailey Rae—a Teardrop Chiwawa. We were at the top end of the pier, and Evie and Maisie excitedly rushed over to Geoff and Kay. However, I think Bailey was a big part of their excitement.

Geoff bought us a drink—I had a cider—and we sat on the pier at the Deep Blue restaurant and waited for the others to arrive. Adam, Jenny and her parents were next to come, followed ten minutes later by Bethany and Nathan—mummy and daddy to the girls. After a bit of chit-chat, we ordered food.

I know I am on a low-carb diet. However, I had consciously chosen to eat carbs today—who can resist fish and chips by the sea—or on South Parade Pier.

Ruth had scampi and chips, I had fish and chips, and the girls, Evie, had battered sausage while Maisie enjoyed her chicken nuggets, both with chips.

After the meal, the British Navys’ Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier left Portsmouth harbour. South Parade Pier offered an excellent, though distant, view of the event.

Soon after, it was time to go. Ruth and I missed walking the girls off the pier, which was sad, considering trips out like this would now be few and far between. It would have finished off the day.

Geoff and Kay brought us back to Petersfield as we would have had to wait an hour for our train. The girls went home with mummy and daddy.

Though the day took a different route than expected, spending time with the girls and our family was wonderful.

A Trip to Portsmouth 8 September 2023: 5:42 pm

Our day didn’t quite work out as we expected. We took the girls on a train to Portsmouth—they kept asking to go on a train. And we had our lunch in Victoria Park—as planned. However, Maisie got a blister on her instep.

Watching this little girl struggle as she tried to walk to the adventure play area in the park was heart-wrenching. However, she did it and enjoyed the few elements she was old enough to use. However, it was clear that we needed to sort out her foot.

Ruth tried to put a plaster on Maisie’s foot—she screamed. Evie, bless her, kissed the sore area. Maisie was still not happy. So, rather than go onto the next phase of our trip—vising Gunwharf Quays—it was off to the shops to hunt down some footwear.

With the two girls suited and booted—an hour or so later—OK, new socks and shoes, and yes, Evie wanted new shoes like Maisie. We headed to the bus stop. Alas, with time now against us, we decided to forgo the trip to Gunwharf Quays and head to Southsea as we were due to meet up with the family for a meal.

Two buses failed to turn up, so we caught a different bus with a longer route. Evie informed us that we were on the number one bus, not the number 3.

Anyhow, we arrived in Southsea before the others!

Today is Finally Here! 8 September 2023: 7:57 am

Today is finally here. The day I’ve been dreading. Evie’s last weekday with us until half term. And my regular morning cuddles watching Cbeebies will be a thing of the past. The last few years have flown by. There are many memories and great moments—like her first crawl to knock over a stack of toy cups.

I gave up work to look after Evie when Mum went back to work after maternity leave. So, I have seen her grow into a wonderful, happy, caring little girl and a pleasure to be with.

My saving grace is Maisie will still be here a couple of days a week, though much of her time will be spent at preschool.

We are taking the girls to Portsmouth today by train—they keep asking to go on a train. They have also asked to take a bus, so we will do that today.

A Big Day for Evie 6 September 2023: 8:17 am

Today is a BIG day for Evie; she starts school. And with that, my life will change forever. My morning cuddles will now be few and far between.

For almost four years, I have been the luckiest grandpa. This wonderful little girl using me as a glorified pillow and being a friend. From changing nappies, feeding her, watching her go to preschool and looking after her during the times that mummy had to work. It’s been a pleasure.

School is part of growing up. And as Evie moves into this next phase of life, I must adapt—though it will be hard. Thankfully, both the girls will be here tomorrow and Friday, as Evie only has one day at school this week—today. But next week…