WELL I have had a rollercoaster of a week with plenty of ups and downs.

Firstly, the heartbreaking loss of our 12 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bailey, who we have had since he was eight weeks old.

Bailey had a heart condition and did well to live as long as he did. He was a lovely and loyal dog who became a huge part of our family and it really hit us hard when he died peacefully here at home.

It was like losing a family member and I didn't realise how much we would all miss him. Thank you to Kate and all the staff at Trafford Veterinary Centre for their care over the years.

To give us a little lift after the sad passing of Bailey, I booked Val and I an overnight stay at the Majestic hotel in Harrogate. We had never visited the town before so decided to give it a try and we had a nice time exploring the area and dining out.

I booked us, in advance, a table at Betty's Tea Rooms for afternoon tea and it was lovely to be serenaded by a pianist playing all my favourite songs as we dined. What a lovely experience.

As Frank Sinatra once said 'It's very nice to go travelling but it's all so nice to come home!'

Back home in Urmston we visited the Artisan Market to pick up our new and third piece of art by Natalie Phoenix. She has made us the most beautiful Urmston sign matching the colour scheme of our newly decorated hallway. Thank you Natalie!

After the market we went to Sale to have lunch at the Kings Ransom. Sitting in the beautiful sunshine beside the canal watching the barges sail past was so nice that we decided we would walk home by the water side, stopping at The Bridge pub along the way where we were warmly greeted by the staff and I'd like to say a huge thank you to them for their hospitality.

I also received a request this week from a Casting Director for a self-tape, which is basically an audition that I film myself and send back to him, for a role in a British Film Institute short film. Fingers crossed I am successful!

It was great to be asked for by a casting director who has previously cast me and of course it was great to do some acting which is something I really love to do.

See you next week!