It’s funny how life can teach us lessons - especially when we are least expecting it.
Just when we think we know everything, an unexpected event can creep up and give us a wake-up call.
Such an episode will most likely make us re-evaluate what we thought we knew.
I'm ashamed to admit that since I've become a mother, I've became very suspicious of people, especially those I don’t know. I suppose it comes down to the fact that I want to keep Abbie safe and protected.
And while I may have been back to work a good few weeks now, I’m still finding it very difficult being apart from her.
It is particularly hard when my turn arrives to work a Sunday and I once again have to leave her behind, which was the case last weekend.
But, as she was being left with her daddy, I knew all would be fine – or would it?
Darren got her sorted and took her down to picturesque Strangford to visit his mum and dad.
He called me later to tell me about how beautiful a day it was outside and so he had decided to take her over on the ferry to Portaferry for a few hours and his mum and dad were joining them also.
He called me shortly after 5pm to tell me they had had a great day and were on the ferry to come back to Strangford.
However, when he called again a little while later and they were still on the boat in Portaferry, alarm bells started to ring.
Turns out, fog had quickly descended over the lough and the ferry would be delayed for a little bit. (Don't panic).
Over the next while, despite trying to call Darren numerous times, I couldn’t reach him as there was no signal so all I could do was pace the newsroom floor.
When Darren eventually got a signal he called me to say the boat was not sailing and with no car - as they had made the journey as foot passengers - we were all in a conundrum.
My heart was thumping as I feared Abbie would have to spend the night sleeping in her pram on the street in Portaferry in the freezing fog.
(Deep breathing. Deep breathing).
As I prepared to make the journey to Portaferry to pick them up, Darren called to say a blanket of thick fog meant it would be too dangerous.
His next call informed me that Abbie and co had been taken into the home of a very nice woman called Joey Smyth, the twin sister of May Magee, who lives in Strangford and who is a very good friend of Darren’s family.
She had made them all tea - including May who had also become stranded following a visit to Portaferry - and had allowed Darren to heat Abbie’s food to feed her and then change her.
On hearing of the emergency situation, like a knight in shining armour, Joey’s son Stephen then appeared and offered to drive the group all the way back to Strangford.
He even went out in search of a car seat for Abbie and found one to borrow.
Stephen then safely drove the group home.
Meanwhile, my wonderful neighbours, Jamie and Rachel, on learning of my panic, had brought me in and made me tea and even offered me the perfect crisis food - a Malteser Square. (Good friends)
Eventually, after what seemed like a lifetime, Abbie arrived home in Stephen's car, which was white - very apt for my knight in shining armour.
I don’t think I have ever hugged her so much and I wouldn’t put her down the rest of the night.
I am so indebted to all those who helped, not forgetting those who lent their car seat.
It was such a bad night and Stephen in particular really went above and beyond.
It just goes to show that the kindness of strangers should never be underestimated.
Thanks to you all for your generosity.
I am indebted.
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With the winter hurtling towards us, it’s important to take care of our skin, so how do you fancy winning a six-piece sensational skin care collection from Elemis?
If you want to take your skin, body and senses on a head-to-toe aromatic escape with an exotic or oriental aroma, which promises sensational skin all over, check out Elemis’ new collection of Sweet Orchid body rituals.
For Christmas, Elemis and QVC have exclusively launched a new Sweet Orchid body rituals collection, which includes a soothing Shower Cream, softening Body Cream and hydrating Hand and Nail Cream.
It will also be available in the award-winning Frangipani Monoi collection, which includes silky smooth Shower Cream, Body Cream and Jasmine & Rose Hand and Nail Cream.
Both collections, which come in an elegant silver tote bag, will also contain a Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, a Soothing Apricot Toner and a Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Special Edition.
And, for one day only, the sets can be purchased at a special price when you tune into QVC from midnight on Sunday, November 15.
Normally priced at £130, viewers will be able to grab themselves a bargain by buying the sets for under £45
Further information on the Elemis range is available online at www.elemis.com
I have one six-piece Sweet Orchid set and one six-piece Frangipani Monoi set to give away to two lucky readers.
If you fancy a set, simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the question below to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday, November 10 at 12 Noon.
(Q) How many days are in the month of November?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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What’s Hot?
Chocolate – Scientists have now found that eating a dessert for breakfast, for example a piece of chocolate cake, along with carbs can help us burn off the pounds the rest of the day. Hooray. Great news.
Return – Hard man Ross Kemp could be set to return to EastEnders after a nine year break. The other Mitchell brother is set to return to save his brother Phil from hitting the bottle. Could be interesting.
Music Man – He hasn’t released new material since 2002 but Phil Collins has revealed he is ready to come out of retirement and record a new solo album and possibly tour. Fans will be delighted.
So Not!
Unworthy - I'm seriously peeved that Mason Noise is appearing on The X-Factor's live shows. I don't think he deserves a place after his bad behaviour on stage during the six-chair challenge.
Rows - It's been reported that Strictly Come Dancing's Aliona Vilani and Jay McGuiness have been arguing after it emerged the former boy band member had been texting some of their female dance rivals. Oh dear.
Fog - Hate it. Hate it. Hate it. I just wish it would clear off on a really long holiday.
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The winner of the Tony Roma's competition is Maria McCracken, from Bangor
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Easy Peasy Recipe
This week’s Easy Peasy Recipe is Spiced Lamb Pitta Pockets, and comes courtesy of Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured
You will need:
500g Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured lamb mince
3 heaped teaspoons medium curry powder
1 crushed garlic clove
1 whole red chilli cut in half, seeds removed and finely sliced
6 scallions, trimmed and sliced
2 teaspoons mango chutney
1 finely chopped tablespoon mint
1 finely chopped tablespoon coriander
To Make:
Heat a large non-stick frying pan and dry fry the lamb mince with curry powder, garlic and sliced chilli for about eight minutes until the mince is cooked.
Stir continuously so the meat breaks into small chunks.
Toast the mini pitta pockets.
Mix mango chutney, sliced scallions and chopped mint and coriander into the mince just before serving.
Serve the spiced lamb with salad leaves, mango chutney and minted yogurt.
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:
Easy Peasy Recipes,
Marie Louise McConville,
Irish News
113-117 Donegall Street,
Belfast,
BT1 2GE
or
m.mcconville@irishnews.com
