Fun in the snow

I hope you've all been making the most of this weather, if you've had it, before it goes from that magical crisp Narnia scene to that murky-coloured slippery one. Its JUST beginning to be a nuisance, but for a couple of days, we had a lot of fun.

Ben, the snow penguin. The most wonderful thing about snowmen is how different they all are, and how they are made by what you happen to find! And also how they turn out differently from what you expected. They seem to bring everyone together too, to relive their childhood and have fun, despite any usual dislike of the cold.

Snowball fights and Snow Angels are a must. We did better this snowy day, than last year's snowy days. I suppose that now we are 4 and 6 (and 30) we have more stamina against the cold, and energy to finish snowy creations without rushing home tearfully, to stamp feet and hang soggy gloves on the radiator. Although in truth, our snowguin would not have looked as majestic without the help of my fella. I was better suited to directing, and carrot-holding, while the other three produced quite a masterpiece I think. The hot chocolates waited until the light had gone. And even as it was getting very dark, the snow was still shiny and beautiful. Perhaps more beautiful at this time of day.

xxx

Just a Holiday note...

Hello! Its been such a long time, but I've been away, and at home with family since we last spoke, pretty much constantly. You could say, I've been busy being Home and Away. I want nothing better than a long sit down and a cuppa, and a large helping or some homemade blackberry cake, so that I can catch up on all that has been going on while I have been absent, presumed missing, from my little blog.
I'm looking forward to escaping for a while, from the housework and into some lovely posts, and finding some time to sit down and write a bit about my adventures too. It feels like much more than three weeks or so since I was here last.
I promised to fill you in on the festival, which I must do, and then of course there was the week abroad, and the return home to gather the beautiful small people up into my arms and squeeze tightly. I've been doing lots of that. Our camping trip this week has been postponed due to the rain, so I'll be thinking up more local things to do, (squeezing the last out of our holiday... as we seem to only have a tiny amount left), but whether it could top the day trips we took last week with my parents, and the makey-fun we got up to, I have yet to discover. I'll let you know.
We're back to London next week for a Duck Tour, then I guess we all go back to school... but lets not think about that yet. If I don't make it back, its because flying homemade kites took presidence!

Catch you soon.


xxx

Are you proud of me?!...

This weekend is the first one that I've had by myself for ages.

I'm actually all alone.

There is nobody here apart from me.

And I have nothing specific to do.

source

And, unusually, I'm fine with that! This is one of my long-term struggles, to be 'Me', without being a mummy, or a girlfriend, or a daughter, or anything else. I seemed to lose confidence in that a long time ago, and it often feels awkward, unnatural, boring and lonely. The children are with their dad a weekend early, and the fella is at a festival, with lots of local acts, as well as Cast and The Streets. Jealous? Much? (No really- its raining and he's camping!) Its fine!

Plans? Not many. Eat toast, check. Catch up on things missed on the iPlayer, check. Tidy my bedroom and finish the laundry.... yeah, I'll get back to that one... I have decided after weeks of panicking about being Bikini-Beautiful (the holiday is looming) that some people aren't made for them, and that I don't have fat legs, they are quite short actually, compared to my body. So theres nothing I can do about that. This is also a step forward. More toast please!

He's texting me alot, with the 'wish you were heres' (whatever happened to the interdependant thing that we had going on?!) but he's with man-friends that he's known for a lifetime, and I think he needs to be there as 'himself'. I'm happy where I am, being 'Me', by myself.

Its a big step forward!

xxx

The Sea.

I am lucky enough to be able to get to the coast as much as I want. So most days I do.

 My dad, a Cornishman, loves to check up on its blue-ness when he visits and I wander along that way when I finish the school run. I take walks, and I run occasionally along the pathway. Little Guy takes trips to the boats sometimes, to watch the fishermen with his nursery,

I could only have dreamed of watching fisherman with my nursery. We had treats of our own, and were located near an army barracks, so probably spent lots of time peering-in at soldiers, but I sometimes wonder at the sort of things my two will get used to doing, as part of their everyday lives, to look back on. And I also wonder whether they will grow up with that 'sea loving gene' that I thought had passed me by...

Turns out, it hasn't. Its just that living so far away from it for so many years, I never realised I had one.

Sometimes, I can be persuaded into a cycle ride, and the sea wall is a very inviting route- especially on a warm day, with a little stop at a cafe, and a spot of people-watching. (Nothing sordid! I just like to imagine what these beach-dweller's lives are like, and where they have come from, and what possessed them to wear speedos and long socks, you know... that kinda thing...) The right kind of nourishment after all that pedalling is paramount: cheesy chips, cider, and one of these. The ice-cream lady said 'would you like red sauce?' Silly question.

There are many tracks playing through my head when all I can hear is waves, and seagulls, and here is just one. Enjoy.

xxx

Three-Photos-Thursday, 9th June

Meep, Meep, Meep!

Under the bridge we go!

Here we Come!

Aren't we fluffy?!

xxx

A Little Visit.

Here are my two Little People and their Cousin, Mini-P. I mentioned she would be coming on a holiday, like a Big Brave Girl, to spend time with us while her Mummy and Daddy relaxed a little bit. This picture captures it all: the very sweet relationship between the three, and the liveliness and cheekiness of each. I have however decided:

• It is quite important to get 'those odd jobs' around the house completed before a toddler-visit! They may never be completed otherwise.
• Similarly, things should be organised 'away'- beware boxes of 'things' and little stashes of wool and crochet etc... but be matter-of-fact, and imprecise when it comes to standards of toy-tidyness- its gonna get messy!
• Raisins (multiple boxes) are useful, both as snacks, and bargaining tools.
• Be organised, and have activities spare. If early risers are rising earlier than usual, get out and about and involved in something after breakfast. They may even repay you in naps later on!
• Things don't have to cost, and you don't have to go far. This won't always be the case, but at this age, it is perfectly acceptable to visit ducks, go to the library and have picnics at the park with school friends. As I don't have a car (and would have problems fitting three car seats in if I did) this was useful.
• Sleeping routines are easier with three!... bizarrely.
• Prams are handy to hang things on! After a year or so without one, it was quite a welcome rediscovery.
• Socks are optional- lifes too short.

I do love encouraging time together between these little three. I don't have any cousins, but I've heard tell of the wonderful relationship that cousins can have, to be 'like siblings' and 'people you always know, and have things in common with' are two descriptions from friends, that have stuck with me. I don't care about the distance- these little people are gonna love each other! I was pleasantly surprised with my two. Little Guy seemed to get much older this week, and take his turn at 'looking after' a younger one. Pickle Missy was quite at home, with two smaller people to help organise. But they were lovely, and very helpful, and Mini-P was never alone or at a loss for things to do. She flitted between the options of playing with my youngest, because they have lots in common, being just 9 months apart, and going ultra girly, with unicorns, and bracelet-wearing with her biggest cousin.

Did I ever tell you about Mini-P's arrival? By the photo above, you might not think that she will be celebrating her third birthday in September. Yes, small babies and petite children do run in our family, but this Little Person arrived nearly three months early, on September 30th 2008, by emergency c-section, weighing 2lb 3oz, and was eventually allowed home on New Years Eve.

Mini-P and Mummy giving Kangaroo Cuddle Care! The best types of cuddles. My son was 6 weeks early and in special care for three weeks, (little did we know how much more we would learn about SCBU units the following year) so I remember these times too.

When she is being a bit of a terror, and feeling quite willful (there were a few instances!), and driving her parents round the bend, we have to remind ourselves that if she wasn't as strong as she is, her history may have been entirely different. She is healthy and fit, and no longer under any hospital care, and very vocal!

So it was particularly lovely to see her make the long journey (two trains and a car, with the second and third leg of the journey without her mummy or daddy) confidently, and to eat well, mix well, and play beautifully.

Please excuse the nude Peppa Pig- we have no idea where her dress is!

Pootle, her mummy, met with friends, shopped, and got her hair done, (yey for lovely things that mummies so often don't get to do!) and (hopefully) rested for a few days, before joining us Here for two nights. Oh I do miss my sister, and am in constant awe of those who have their loved ones nearby. We drank cider, had party planning sessions, fajitas, and evening walks around town (thanks to a willing fella, babysitting and sending us out for a couple of hours to catch up). There was the usual talk about the distance, and if something might be done, if somebody might move. Its not looking do-able for the moment, but we did make use of the time together. Next meet-up will be late July I think. Looking forward to it already.



xxx

Three-Photos-Thursday, 5th May,

I did promise I'd be back with a happy post, and I'm here, and I'm smiling. Things actually got worse again, but for some reason I felt a great deal better immediately. That probably has less to do with the added doom and gloom after a meeting yesterday, and more to do with the support that I have found around me as a result of it.

The three photos today are of happy things given by kind people, to cheer me up this week. Which they have. A great deal. In fact, there were more than three acts of kindness, but I'll have to save the others for another post.

I'm a lucky girl. Yey for smiley faces again :)


xxx

Eastery Goodness

As predicted... I didn't manage to get back here before Easter, but I hope your long weekends were full of nice things. Mine was! I bought this little chappy for my niece, (and was so pleased with the find!) and the campervan for my lovely fella.

Christmas Easter is all about giving. Egg-cup-pressies wherever possible I say. 

And there was baking, much baking.

The Little People helped with the mixing, and icing, (and EATING) but mummy will have to admit to finishing the getting carried away with the decorating after they lost interest slightly.

My first attempt at a simnel cake for many years. Its only me (and a couple of visitors) who eat it. Not a bad situation given my love of marzipan...

I cooked a roast chicken dinner on Easter Sunday, which was a treat in itself (I don't do roasts very often on account of Pickle Missy's veggy preferences, and me working Sunday lunchtimes). This weekend was different, and the left-overs didn't last long. I made a Rocky Road for pud with crushed cadburys mini eggs, but you'll have to trust me on that one, as the photos didn't really come out.


What else? Well there were swimming trips, arty-moments, barbeques by the beach (no we don't live in Australia, but this weather convinces one to do these things!) an Easter Egg Hunt, and picnics, and gardening, and baking and, and, and...

Our lovely Easter cards.

I'll do another post on the garden soon, but I couldn't wait any longer to show you our hanging basket in its new position, hanging!- look!

The children had scooters from mummy. There is something to be said for the art of nagging. Given enough time, mummy does listen, and she does respond! I didn't mind treating them, as their birthdays are so near to Christmas, that they could otherwise miss these Summery Outside thingys. No major injuries as yet, unless you count a very sore trapped finger... but that was more the fault of a bedroom door hinge...

 Note the green and gold curly-ribbons, which are now permanent fixtures, and arguably just as exciting as the main present.

Lots of outsideyness this week. Perfect.

It was all quite fab... and now we must leave it behind, in an ' in between Christmas and New Year' fashion, because the loveliness isn't quite over-and-done-with yet, although it feels like its all happening a bit too quickly. It is a great pull, to have to resume 'normal business' for a couple of days, and to have to pretend to concentrate on school and work... before the Royal Wedding Bank Holiday (!!!!) which I hope will be full of lots more nice things.



xxx

PS, the 's' on the keyboard only works when it feels like it, so in actual fact, 'Easter' keeps coming out as 'Eater'. You ought to see my kitchen cupboards after the Little People opened the rest of their pressies from family and friends- how apt!

Plan D: to go with Plan C, with a couple of extras thrown in.

I blogged last week about the concern of what to do with myself during my break from the children. Previously, when they have been away with their dad on his leave, I have kept out of trouble (...kinda), and done these types of things:

Well, I stole a couple of pics from other events, but this is me having fun, and people I enjoy seeing, who aren't Here. I'm not a hundreds-of-friends girl, (there will only be a handful at my 30th) because I need people around me that I really trust. A few fantastc friends is the way to go for me.

And as much fun as that was, like LOVELY to be spending time in my old life, pre-children, going out, stealing cuddles with nieces, having walks and tea with the parentals, going shopping and being a Lady Wot Lunches with old school friends, I decided that I would stay put this week, Here, and see what I could do about making that life for myself in my new location...well, you know, one step at a time. I had fairly low expectations. (As a side note, have you any idea how happy the creation of that little montage of 'away' photos made me? The answer, if you were unsure, is 'very'. In fact it could probably only be rivalled by the rainbow medicinal goodness that is the Nobbly Bobbly).

So how did we get on? (The Royal 'We' that is...)

We were extremely honest about our situation, and put out the feelers for peops that might be nearby and at a loose end, and then we decided that, yes, we could be a lady of the stay-at-home (or at least, local) variety, and bake and make, and prep for that thing I do that requires prepping, and work a bit, and mooch and be all lovely and independant and fabulous, and the week would fly by.
But in a fleeting panic, and because most of the nice things about my life are organised with the aid of the internet, (I've looked up that link Lucy- I'm gonna be brave and approach a social group!) I did post a heart-felt message to my facebook profile, asking if local friends might want to meet...

You know, the thing about facebook, is that you get a slightly warm feeling of a large circle of people that care, and pass friendly comments and in actual fact would never ring or email, (yeah... I know, but I could do more too) however, they are nevertheless there, in the background. And I'm very grateful that they are, because respond, they did.
Lovely people (from Stoke, to Bedfordshire, to London, to Wales) said 'Awww, we would but we're too far', and the big sister said kind things too. Then two local-er friends said that they would like to, but could only do times that I couldn't, (but I'm still hoping to meet with them soon), then I got an email from a mummy friend who invited me out there and then. She was after a distraction, as her children were also with their dad, and she had an assignment that needed doing. I can be a distraction!

And we went out on our bikes... yes, I was on a bicycle- a vehicle that requires skills that I don't possess. My lovely fella bought me my first real bike of my very own, for my birthday last year, and it seemed like a good time to dust it off and wobble to somewhere, with a sympathetic but better-skilled friend. Thats friend! I have one- Here! We wobbled to a watering hole, and had drinks and talked and talked and shared stories, and found that there are 10 years between us, but life has thrown us all sorts of similar experiences. It was nice- she has a gazillion friends and is usually extremely busy, so it won't happen much, but it was kind of her. I wobbled myself home again, triumphant, to find that the other half was on his way over, unexpectedly (I'd counted him out for most of the week, because he was supposed to be busy with work and family commitments), and we hugged and made dinner.

I had some news in the week, that came in a Brown Envelope of Doom, that made my living room look like this.

Note the lovely blue guitar on the left- he'd been learning Blackbird, at my request, (if you can't do it, pester someone who can, I say...)

He dried the tears, snaffled me up, and took me to the park where he could play and we could eat ice creams, whilst doing sums and sorting my life out. We came back because it got cold and windy, but the thought was there!

He only left me this morning, with the situation, we hope, sorted. Bless him. I didn't ask for that, in fact in my stubborn way, I did suggest he might want to go, and leave me to fight my own battles and get his smile quota from less miserable people! But he ignored me, and took a day or two off work that was owed to him. Rebel.
We've been out and doing stuff every day, and we've been back to his house so I could cuddle his cats, and even though I've been down in the dumps, he's been so lovely. Another cure for that sad-face-feeling? I give you bouncy lambs, in the field opposite his house.

I have my parents visiting on Saturday, and I'm working/ volunteering on Sunday, so really, the empty week hasn't been such a disaster. Its a start. You kinda come through these things stronger, (and closer, where applicable), dont you think?


xxx

Three-Photos-Thursday, 14th April.

I baked these recently, with the help of a small girl and a small boy. They chose the recipe from Pickle Missy's recipe book from Great Gran, (I think the monkeys in the picture helped...) I thought they were moreish.

However, the fella hates bananas, and evidently the Little People, after some thought, don't like banana bread...

Even if its masquerading as a muffin.

More for me then.


xxx

Today, I like these things... 2

Another one of these posts, like the one I did back in January. They're simple and fun, and a place for me to put all of my recent favourite discoveries, so that I won't lose them.

Last time, I was loving Last.fm. Well... I still am, for the reasons I outlined. Totally loving it. Its always in the background now on my computer... until I come across an artist who makes me turn that off, and immediately whizz to 'youtube' to hear more of them. Well look who I discovered through it yesterday, while I was playing with yeast and sugar solutions for dough (an unnecessary detail, but a true one) she's my new favourite singer, and I'm tempted to drag the man out of retirement, to see if Jim'll fix it for me, to have her come to my birthday party, and provide the music (and the stunning legs!!!! Jealous? Me?... and the bass player with the comedy folk-lovin-beard). She's something else...

Oh, I'm a big fan of green things appearing in my garden right now. Gotta love the Spring. I've planted out my toms (and am determined to be a good tomato mummy), into their own individual pots, and popped them in the mini greenhouse, along with a large tray of lettuce seeds. (I'm a girl who loves her salads... but you guessed that...) I'm also enjoying watching the poppies open up their lovely wide petals, and yawn in the sunshine, and close back up in the colder weather and darker parts of the day. How clever are my poppies?! I'm enjoying the hyacinths, and hoping to plant out the strawbs tomorrow. (You see? I'm using actual plant-abbreviations- as if I'm a proper gardener!) Better photos to follow in another post, but heres a taster...

Today , I liked our walk along the canal. Just me and my fella. It is lovely in all weathers, but as today was so yummy and warm, it was even nicer. Everybody we passed said 'hello', and we saw yappy dogs that looked like small cats, and ducks with curly tails, and had tiny conversations about nothing, because the company and the views were enough. I saw more blossom, and more types of blossom than I can ever remember seeing before. Beautiful.

Hmmm. Also, in keeping with my 30s list, I'm ticking off some reading:

which I stole borrowed from my dad. He knows about it, but to be honest, if I thought I had too many books on my shelf, unread... well, you know, his problem is much larger kinda thing... so he doesn't mind the odd three or four relocating. And he has the bestest books to choose from. Factoid.

I am also loving beeeeees, especially ones that come to visit, and buzz about, wondering if they could get into the My Little Pony Teaparty House, and if they did, whether they might ride on the little light-up-ride, make a cuppa, and play the sound-effect-piano. Mister Bee left eventually, but not without some confusion about my sliding windows. And he had no stripes!... but yellow legs. Fas-kinating. He was fun.

I love this place, and wish I had lots of money to buy all of the contents of its jewellery list. Its my kind of jewellery- quirky and beautiful.

I also like my children's creativity, and am happy to have their little works-of-art on walls and window sills to gaze at while they're away. And (I know its a little late... but its only just left for its long journey to its new bewildered grateful owner) look what Pickle Missy made her Great Grandma for Mothering Sunday!

xxx

Surprises for a Tuesday Morning.

I have been saved by a man in yellow.

Tufty and his pals would be disappointed to hear that I nearly got myself flattened this morning, but a man in yellow put his arm across me to stop me stepping into the path of a very fast car, which had whizzed around a corner. He didn't stick about for me to say a proper thank you. Thank you man in yellow! I was in quite a shock afterwards.

My hair is curly.

Now technically, I had my suspiscions, and it has gone through quite straight stages, but also stages of being madly frizzy. And lets not forget my mid-teens, when if I put it back in a ponytail, there would be a section of central hair, on top, that was Proper Scary Spice Curly, and much shorter as a result. Just randomly.
I had my hair trimmed a minute amount about a month ago. And now, with that little bit of weight gone, and with a longish fringe across the front, it curls up by itself after I wash it, and I can hide underneath it, and I can spray it and leave it, and nothing needs to be done. I've re-discovered this fact this morning. It actually looks good in the rain, and I was complimented on my 'new hair style' today.

Our first childminder has taken a job with my children, for the third time.

What are the chances?! She looked after them part-time, from when I returned to work when Pickle Missy was 4 months, until Little Guy was coming up a year and a half. We moved away from them, but she continued to have them on a Friday for a while, even when I didn't have a car (what fun 8am 11 mile bus journeys they were!) until that aspect of my job finished, and it became much more sensible for me to put the children in a nursery nearer to Here. Which was a great shame, and a great pull, because she is Mary Poppins' Great Niece! (I somehow feel that Mary Poppins would never have married and had children, otherwise this lady would be more of a direct descendant... although I like to think that she fell in love and was very happy!)
Then last year, without realising that we attended, (we'd stayed in contact but she didn't know that this was the one of many local nurserys that we went to), she started working at our nursery, before the manager transferred her to the other in the company which was short-staffed. Sad face for my two, although our hours hadn't really coincided with hers much anyway. We again stayed in contact, but I don't think we've spoken since just after Christmas.
This morning I bump into her at Pickle Missy's school- she is now working at the nursery there! You couldn't write it, as she still lives that distance away. She wasn't expecting to be working with (or down the corridor from) one of my little ones yet again!

Life is a strange thing.


xxx

I have much to tell you!

And this is what I say to my sister, when we have our phone chats- to prepare her to clear her evening! So I hope you have a free 5 minutes... The layout of my blog only allows for a narrow amount of writing space, and I'm having no luck updating the look- I'm sure this is why the posts look so long! ;)

I need to tell you , at some point, about our visit to the circus, and my evening at the O2, and I need to dash around a bit and try to complete my photos for the Photo Scavenger Hunt, while we have a couple of days left in the month. I will try and get those things done soon.

But today, I need to tell you that I have been nominated for the Kreativ Blogger Award... not once, (thank you Vicky) but twice (thank you Pink Cat)!

Ooh. how exciting! I truly bounced when I found out. And I shall be wearing it proudly on my blog. I say 'nominated', but it translates as something that I can announce, and pass on to ten other bloggers. I'm not sure how I managed to get one of these, as my blog is only a baby one, (I'm not even weaned, although I'm getting hungry for more substantial stuff) and I still have lots to improve. I also don't have that many followers, but I'm going for quality rather than quantity... and amongst a couple of girlies who I've known for a long time, (who surely read this sympathetically), are some other bloggy people that I have never met, but who also seem to kindly put up with my rambings. Thank you to everyone!



These are the rules:

1) Link 10 blogs

2) Tell these bloggers about the award

3) Write 10 facts about yourself

Hmmm, ten blogs. I have so many blogs that I follow with interest, that this is quite hard. I've tried to nominate smaller blogs, and ones that haven't had this before. I reccommend you have a little read of these if you haven't already- I genuinely enjoy them. Of course, the rather lovely Pink Cat would be included, but she's ahead of me and has written her post! So I'm going to go for

Rachel at Baking Brownies For Mozart

Sio at Cake Creations

Toni, aka Irish Lass at Gardens, Chickens and Folk Music

Diane at Heart Shaped

Top Chelsea Girl at How Soon Is Now?

Maddie at (Diary of a) 30 Something Skellum 

Pooky at Pooks Place

 Louise at Ramblings of a Roachling

Taz at Ratbag

Simply Vintage at Vintage Hearth

Right then, 10 facts about myself. Apologies if I am repeating things here- it probably can't be helped when some of the readers know me very well! I've tried to be consise, but it doesn't come naturally ;) Here we go:

1) I do not have any cousins. Not a single one. Sad face. Most unfair- considering that my mum has a couple and my dad has puh-lenty. I have spent my life collecting other people's cousins as a result- the ones that they don't want.

2) When I had my ears pierced, the lady said I would only be able to wear 9 carat gold because they were sensitive. This led to me being a Gold Jewellary Wearer by accident. I actually prefer silver, and now that I no longer have blonde hair and don't need to wear rings on the fourth finger of my right hand, I have decided that silver suits me, and I have rebelled.

3) I'm not one of the majority that says 'I loved Uni- best time of my life!' It was more than a bit poo, I was lonely, and I haven't really used the qualification. It wasn't a totally pointless experience, but one that I quickly realised wasn't for me. It was a long three years! I'll be supportive of whatever my children decide to do, jobwise, but won't push them towards University on the notion of better jobs, and higher standards of training.

4) I was appauled by The Office sketch at this year's Comic Relief Event. I was getting more and more uncomfortable, waiting for a punchline, or a twist that would make what they were saying all ok. It didn't come.

5) I love my afternoon naps- they are essential. Actually naps at any time of day, for any length, are a grand idea. I much prefer this kind of sleep to the night-time version. And theres nothing better than sleeping in a sunny puddle.

6) I haven't travelled abroad much, and I really want to. I took a holiday to Greece with a friend and her family when I was 16- my only two aeroplane-trips, and have been on two 'working tours' by coach (but we didn't have time to stop to see much). I'd love to go to Italy, and America, and Canada. In fact, everywhere.

7) One day, I hope to be the sort of smug person with the perfect home, who remembers the bins and recycling without a midnight dash in PJs, or an 'Oh No!' feeling on the way back from the school run. My front garden will truly be awesome, and the front of my house will be newly painted, and the bins will be clean and neat and tidy, with pretty flowery transfers on them.

8) I hate my photo being taken, and I always look awkward because I have to smile without showing my teeth. I don't have enough photos of me with my loved ones. One is probably the result of the other.

9) When I am a Grown-Up, I shall have boots of many colours, and I will look fabulous. I do love my boots, and my flip-flops. In fact I wear knee-high boots for half the year, and flip-flops for the other half.

10) I love cats. I badly want a cat, and have had them in both homes previous to this one. When the time is right, I will aquire one. I have a long list of impressive names to choose from. Just need the cat.

xxx

Three-Photos-Thursday, 24th March 2011

You never do know what surprises will arrive home in the Little People's Bags.

xxx

Miss Busy Bee

I was a little bit like a song with lots of words today- they all fitted in, and it sounded okay in the end, but how it got together with the music, we may never know.
My MissBusyBeeDay went as follows:

Got up, did the 'morning' things, Pickle Missy to school, Little Guy and I tidy and clean, and put washing out into a brilliantly sunny courtyard, (with real dolly pegs and everything) then I prepare for work and hoover, and he uses his hoover (sounds like child labour, but he really wanted one for Christmas, and I'm all for the menfolk joining in!) Then we had a play-date/ 'see the ducks and have a run-about-with-a-frisbee'-sesh with a friend of mine (she used to be my Homestart volunteer but we've stayed in touch- she's like an extra mum!) and a little 3 year old boy that she was looking after. She brought me the most gorgeous woolen short grey cardi that she'd come across.

Little Guy to nursery (with a freshly bought hot sausage roll in the lunchbag because I was so short of minutes- good times), me back home to finish assortment of laundry, make a start on a charity-shop bag of things-to-go. Then collect Little Guy, come home to find that Mister Dishwasher Repairman was sitting outside complaining about double yellows. (Not my problem- but I'll gladly listen and sympathise if you please fix the thing that does the washing up)...

Drop Little Guy to the childminder, go to work for a bit (where I represented myself for the duration as 'the girl who turned up to school in her slippers'- I was not at all coherant and kept forgetting what I was doing and where I had put things. Moreso than usual. And people pay me money to do this?!)

Back across to the childminder to collect a Very Tired Small Person, but not before having to stop to hear Mister Dishwasher Repairman complain about things and tell me that the tiles might have to be removed if the fault couldn't be fixed this time, and no he wasn't gonna do it himself, he'd got into trouble for 'being helpful like that' more times than he cared to remember (one wonders what other 'helpful' things are in his back-catalogue). Also included, earlier in the afternoon, were such classics as (jovially, but unexpectedly) 'be a man' to Little Guy who was complaining loudly that his dinosaur shoes were on the wrong feet, and 'I don't know what it is with you women and collecting plastic carrier bags', admittedly after he had to tredge through approximately three hundred in the cupboard under the sink, in search of an 'off' switch to the machine. Charmer.

Quick about-turn to go collect Pickle Missy, who was then at her friend's having previously been to her Street-Dancing Lesson after school (you read that right- she's despo for ballet but theres nothing affordable in the area so this will have to do! She loves it). I wasn't sure if I 'd be finished in time to collect from the class. I wasn't. I got a little lost on the way to the friend's house, and had to phone the mum to double check, then also needed to ask some passing teenagers for directions. (Well, I was passing, they were just leaning against things, all skinny-jeaned, youthful and beautiful). Fabulous.

A long walk over a very short distance, towards Homefordshire, with an Even More Tired Little Guy in tow, who ended up having a snack-tea and going to bed almost immediately.

Phew. Glad thats all over, but it was such fun I think I'll do it all again tomorrow....
Buzz.


xxx

Tomato Plants do not like taking mini-breaks, and other Weekendary Things.

source

They truly don't appreciate it. They are apparently not fans of fresh-air and adventure when they are still shorter than two inches. Now this is a shame, because they struck me as outgoing seedlings, with a lust for life. I have sadly misjudged them. I was hoping that they would like the change of scenery, and the different people to converse with, so they were not left to fend for themselves, feeing thirsty and lonely this weekend, but offered warmth and comfort and drinks whenever they required them, and introduced to two friendly cats.

But instead of thriving on this change of lifestyle, they have decided to rebel, and to stop growing large amounts each day. They have instead decided to flop, and lean and press their noses against the pot. They are making a silent protest, and have swapped reaching for the sky, for touching their toes, and they have left their seed-hats on past the time when we all know that they should have taken them off. I can only assume that they were a little travel sick upon arrival at my fella's house, and that due to their size, they were feeling effects similar to time-zone changes. Perhaps they were watered too lovingly... a hazard when there are three water-ers in the house instead of one.

Now at this point I should include a photo of our Actual Baby Toms, but I would not want to upset you. I'm sure they'll pull through, and I'll post a happier picture when they do. It really is a sad thing, but I did sow extras in readiness of Rebellious Seedling Behaviour. I'll keep you posted.

Heres an idea- instead, lets have a quick peek at the friendly cats.

I took these photos at Christmas- hence the slightly seasonal reading matter. Meet Black Cat- she is affectionate and soft, and has the most lovely ballet- poses. Her little front paws turn out slightly like a dancer. And she likes to involve herself in what you are doing. She can seek out heat sources with the best of them.

And this, Blogland, is Grey Cat. She is one of the most unusual and beautiful looking cats I've come across. And occasionally, when she invites you, you can tickle her little ears gently, for a moment, and say How Do You Do, and then she is off, wanting your space rather than your company. She likes to reside on kitchen surfaces and find food, and unwrap food, and consume food, with the help of her sister.

And I had a lovely time with Black and Grey, and my fella and his family. We had a cooked breakfast on Saturday that was an Event- a lovely proper mealtime gathering, sometime around 10am, with all sorts of goodies to eat, and a teapot with a cosy decorated in chickens, and homemade bread, and posh sausages. Runny eggs too- lets not forget them. Yum. And Yey... for Breakfast Gatherings, which are a time-of-day all of their own, and not 'a little-something-(or-maybe-nothing)-before-the-school-run'.
Then there was house moving, helping his friends with boxes and vans, and a lovely long walk in the woods, and a meander around a seaside town and the pebbled-beach, and a zonk-out* in front of Proffessor Brian Cox.

Well I'll leave the plants at home next time...



xxx



*You know, like chilling, but with interesting facts (that you are enjoying) that you cannot help but sleep through...

Things to remember, Part 1

You know the kind- things that children say and do, that you want to be able to recall, with clarity, forever...

Plomp-shoes          Plimsoles

♫ Bear Boys (are always eating marmite) ♫

(Have a listen- it really does sound like that!)

OgHurt                   Yoghurt

Ber-na-naaa-na     Banana

Cornflake                Snowflake 

(and while we're on the subject...)

'Mummy, its snowinger and snowinger!'

'A long long time ago, when I was four...'

'I'm wearing my poppy to remember soldiers who work
hard and get very hurt, and their horses too.'

Noodles                  Toggles

Pelt Fits                   Felt Tips

Brep-puss                Breakfast

'For my wedding, the bridemaids and the bride will have red shoes. 

Can you remind me incase I forget? And any boys will be in blue shoes'.

Pinking-Dress          Pinafore Dress

(After a visit to watch a Royal procession):... 'We didn''t 

see a Queen or a Princess- we just saw an old man.'

'My tummy is saying rahh rahh RAhh! I think its hungry.'

♫ 'She's so lubberly' ♫

'Good Morning Mummy-Bunny'.

...And sometimes we're lucky enough to have some moments on film too. 


xxx

Three-Photos-Thursday, 10th March 2011.

Things that have made me smile today.

Spread some spuddy-love!

xxx