Last Friday Tom and I were given homework from his Kindy. They have a Punch and Judy stall that conveniently slots together unfortunately if you add a couple of dozen boisterous kids into the mix it it also conveniently un-slots together. So I obviously looked like I had gone cold-turkey from DIY and that I needed a 'fix' (no pun intended) so I was asked if we would take it home and make it a permanent structure. I hesitated for a millisecond whilst images of the ENORMOUS Bunnings DIY store flashed across my mind before accepting the task. So on Sunday Tom and I went to the ENORMOUS store and dropping breadcrumbs behind us so we could find the exit later, we successfully found and purchased one hammer, a pack of pins (panel not sewing) and some wood glue. I actually managed to not come out with armfuls of power tools and a black and decker workmate but it was a close call.
After much discussion with my foreman Tom, we decided that the job would be done on Monday evening to take advantage of out of hours overtime payments and to have it ready for Kindy on Tuesday. During construction Tom asked me what we were making. I said it was a 'stall or theatre' for Punch and Judy. He looked mildly troubled for a moment before saying 'we shouldn't be Punching Judy as hitting people was naughty' and couldn't we make something else instead. I explained but I guess there is an element of whacking Judy and others in the traditional version.
Anyway mission accomplished and the Kindy were very grateful. So grateful in fact that I am now on the governing council?????how did that happen??? A little DIY equates to a position on council. By that reckoning I should be the MP for Somerset North at the very least!
Lucy has been off colour all week. Raging temperatures mostly at night which has necessitated two hourly checks through the night. We are sure it is viral in nature and will burn itself out soon but just to check I took her to the Dr today who would have been great had we been in the 1940's but it's a good way to burn $60 I guess. I suggested he get a job at ADAM Internet too. I'm doing well for their recruitment drive.
Lovely and sunny the last few days which is lovely.
We hope you are all keeping well.
Missing our friends and family.
Love to all x
Si fractum non sit, noli id reficere
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Sunday, 27 March 2011
where oh where???
This week has flown by, I have absolutely no idea where it went but if anyone finds it then can they please send it back to me. Thank you.
Recollections of this week are as follows:
Monday. I enjoyed shopping. I actually said that. I enjoyed being Kid free and getting through a long list of jobs that take five times as long when you have kids in tow. Bought Rachel's birthday present, so very, very glad to have remembered that one.
Tuesday. Alison (my mother in law) nearly getting bitten by a white tail spider which was wrapped up in the ironing. This goes to prove that ironing is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
There was a Tuesday in there somewhere I think.
Ditto for Wednesday.
Thursday. Tom was in Kindy so I took Lucy to 'Kindergym' where she had great fun jumping, bouncing and climbing. We've signed up for the foreseeable future.
Bought a car for Rachel as the bus is turning out to be less than reliable especially when she is late leaving. I think I read somewhere that the bus service is run by ADAM Internet. (see previous). Rachel now has a little dark blue Daihatsu Sirion nicknamed Rosie! It is quite cute really.
Friday. I took the kids to a playgroup which is in the same building as Tom's Kindy classes and it was lovely to see Tom go and play with a kid that he thought looked lonely. Minutes later another boy arrived and ran over to Tom shouting his name. A few moments later all three were playing 'super heroes' running and charging about. Great.
Saturday. Rachel had to go into work so Lucy and I dropped her in and waited while she sorted things out and we then went shopping to get Tom a bike. We had already found Lucy one in a second hand shop but Tom was desperate to get on a bike. We got home and after a rapid assembly we went out with Rob and Alison for lunch and followed that with a long walk/bike ride along the beach paths. Rounded off with ice cream which is turning out to be a rather regular occurrence.
Sunday. Rob and Alison left this morning to drive up country and Rachel was again at work all day. Lucy running a temperature and feeling miserable all day but putting a brave face on it. Tom looking after her.
That's it. I am well aware that the quality of my blog has gone rapidly downhill and I have little in the way of mitigation.
I shall try harder.
Night night one and all.
x
Recollections of this week are as follows:
Monday. I enjoyed shopping. I actually said that. I enjoyed being Kid free and getting through a long list of jobs that take five times as long when you have kids in tow. Bought Rachel's birthday present, so very, very glad to have remembered that one.
Tuesday. Alison (my mother in law) nearly getting bitten by a white tail spider which was wrapped up in the ironing. This goes to prove that ironing is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
There was a Tuesday in there somewhere I think.
Ditto for Wednesday.
Thursday. Tom was in Kindy so I took Lucy to 'Kindergym' where she had great fun jumping, bouncing and climbing. We've signed up for the foreseeable future.
Bought a car for Rachel as the bus is turning out to be less than reliable especially when she is late leaving. I think I read somewhere that the bus service is run by ADAM Internet. (see previous). Rachel now has a little dark blue Daihatsu Sirion nicknamed Rosie! It is quite cute really.
Friday. I took the kids to a playgroup which is in the same building as Tom's Kindy classes and it was lovely to see Tom go and play with a kid that he thought looked lonely. Minutes later another boy arrived and ran over to Tom shouting his name. A few moments later all three were playing 'super heroes' running and charging about. Great.
Saturday. Rachel had to go into work so Lucy and I dropped her in and waited while she sorted things out and we then went shopping to get Tom a bike. We had already found Lucy one in a second hand shop but Tom was desperate to get on a bike. We got home and after a rapid assembly we went out with Rob and Alison for lunch and followed that with a long walk/bike ride along the beach paths. Rounded off with ice cream which is turning out to be a rather regular occurrence.
Sunday. Rob and Alison left this morning to drive up country and Rachel was again at work all day. Lucy running a temperature and feeling miserable all day but putting a brave face on it. Tom looking after her.
That's it. I am well aware that the quality of my blog has gone rapidly downhill and I have little in the way of mitigation.
I shall try harder.
Night night one and all.
x
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Birthday party invite.
Saturday 19th
The kids were invited to a birthday party today. It was the little girl of one of the Drs that rachel works with. Rachel was on-call again so sadly couldn't make it so I braved it with the kids. It was a Princess party as the little girl was 5 and it was her choice. Fortunately we had brought a fancy dress costume from the UK just because we had it so Lucy was sorted but I had to make Tom's from a pillow case and some ribbon.
They had a wonderful time. For almost three hours they played, danced, bounced on the bouncy castle and made friends. They were exhausted but really happy when we left. I met some parents and exchanged phone numbers so we can get kids meeting up again.
Great day and lots of compliments on Tom's costume!
Nighty nighty. x
Mater artium necessitas
The kids were invited to a birthday party today. It was the little girl of one of the Drs that rachel works with. Rachel was on-call again so sadly couldn't make it so I braved it with the kids. It was a Princess party as the little girl was 5 and it was her choice. Fortunately we had brought a fancy dress costume from the UK just because we had it so Lucy was sorted but I had to make Tom's from a pillow case and some ribbon.
They had a wonderful time. For almost three hours they played, danced, bounced on the bouncy castle and made friends. They were exhausted but really happy when we left. I met some parents and exchanged phone numbers so we can get kids meeting up again.
Great day and lots of compliments on Tom's costume!
Nighty nighty. x
Mater artium necessitas
Somebody call the Sherriff.....the Outlaws are in town
Thursday 17th
Rob and Alison rolled into town this morning. Well if truth be known they flew, arriving at our house at 9.00am ish. Tom was awake and very excited and Lucy was asleep. When Lucy finally woke she came into the lounge and looked totally perplexed as to why Gran was sitting on the sofa. It took her a moment for her confusion to subside before a huge beam spread across her face.
Not a lot else for the rest of the day, just relaxing in the garden and the park for the kids.
Lovely to have 'Gran and Grandad' here.
speak soon x
Rob and Alison rolled into town this morning. Well if truth be known they flew, arriving at our house at 9.00am ish. Tom was awake and very excited and Lucy was asleep. When Lucy finally woke she came into the lounge and looked totally perplexed as to why Gran was sitting on the sofa. It took her a moment for her confusion to subside before a huge beam spread across her face.
Not a lot else for the rest of the day, just relaxing in the garden and the park for the kids.
Lovely to have 'Gran and Grandad' here.
speak soon x
I'm going to be a millionaire.
Wednesday 16th
Today I had to get the 'reggo' for the car we bought which involved going into the city. I elected to drive to the outskirts and get the tram in as Tom had wanted to go on it since we first saw one. So we did just that. Drove, Trammed and walked to the 'Reggo' office to register the new ownership. Got there, produced our driving licences and passports and was told that I needed something with our name and address on. I asked if a printout from the bank would be acceptable and they said yes. So in 35 degrees (95F for those still working in old money) I dragged the children half a mile (0.8km for those of you working in European feet) to the bank where they ran amok and I was simply too tired to care and where the lovely lady printed me out confirmation of our address. We about turned and stumbled the 0.8km back to 'Reggo Land' only to be told that they wont accept the letter because it is black and white and not colour. I considered arguing but then realised what a relief to the forces of Law and Order that the criminals and master forgers of Australia had not yet bought a $50 colour printer thus meaning everything in colour must be bona fide. So I left for home with two exhausted kids and plans for printing millions of dollars on the colour printer at home.
Aside from that the kids loved the tram.
Good night my family and friends x
Exegi
Today I had to get the 'reggo' for the car we bought which involved going into the city. I elected to drive to the outskirts and get the tram in as Tom had wanted to go on it since we first saw one. So we did just that. Drove, Trammed and walked to the 'Reggo' office to register the new ownership. Got there, produced our driving licences and passports and was told that I needed something with our name and address on. I asked if a printout from the bank would be acceptable and they said yes. So in 35 degrees (95F for those still working in old money) I dragged the children half a mile (0.8km for those of you working in European feet) to the bank where they ran amok and I was simply too tired to care and where the lovely lady printed me out confirmation of our address. We about turned and stumbled the 0.8km back to 'Reggo Land' only to be told that they wont accept the letter because it is black and white and not colour. I considered arguing but then realised what a relief to the forces of Law and Order that the criminals and master forgers of Australia had not yet bought a $50 colour printer thus meaning everything in colour must be bona fide. So I left for home with two exhausted kids and plans for printing millions of dollars on the colour printer at home.
Good night my family and friends x
Exegi
Lady wot lunches!
Tuesday 15th
Today tom went to Kindy and Lucy was again upset about this but a bit more put-out than really upset this time. I told her we would have a special lunch, just Lucy and daddy which seemed to cheer her up. She had the last laugh as she insisted we sit at their new table.
As you can see it was very comfortable indeed.
Rachel got away early and we all went to collect Tom which was lovely for all. A quick dash to the park and another day drew to a close.
night night everybody x
Today tom went to Kindy and Lucy was again upset about this but a bit more put-out than really upset this time. I told her we would have a special lunch, just Lucy and daddy which seemed to cheer her up. She had the last laugh as she insisted we sit at their new table.
Rachel got away early and we all went to collect Tom which was lovely for all. A quick dash to the park and another day drew to a close.
night night everybody x
Cucumber sandwich anyone?
Monday 14th March
Adelaide Cup day today so we left and headed for the hills to Belair National Park with our Amigos the Bloss family. Up some twisty windey roads, much loathed by Rachel and in to a lovely area where the there is a big park and kids stuff. When we arrived with our small coolbag of slightly limp sandwiches, warm bottled water and melted chocolate we were greeted by the sight of Aussie families under large self erected canopies with horse sized barbeques, cooled vats of wine and chilled kegs of beer all placed around a central wooden table likely carved that morning from a recently felled tree. They certainly know how to picnic with style and comfort. The kids had great fun and especially enjoyed it when two emu were running around not too far away. They looked a little scared and scampered off when someone shouted 'Where's Rod Hull?' but then again I'd look a little scared if I thought an old man was going to shove his hand up my backside and use me as a puppet!
Tom was convinced he would see a snake and kept pointing out every stick or twig. Thankfully they were only sticks or twigs. Stopped on the way home for Ice cream just to round off a lovely day - very hot - 36C
Sleep well y'all. x
Clamo, clamatis, omnes clamamus pro glace lactis.
Adelaide Cup day today so we left and headed for the hills to Belair National Park with our Amigos the Bloss family. Up some twisty windey roads, much loathed by Rachel and in to a lovely area where the there is a big park and kids stuff. When we arrived with our small coolbag of slightly limp sandwiches, warm bottled water and melted chocolate we were greeted by the sight of Aussie families under large self erected canopies with horse sized barbeques, cooled vats of wine and chilled kegs of beer all placed around a central wooden table likely carved that morning from a recently felled tree. They certainly know how to picnic with style and comfort. The kids had great fun and especially enjoyed it when two emu were running around not too far away. They looked a little scared and scampered off when someone shouted 'Where's Rod Hull?' but then again I'd look a little scared if I thought an old man was going to shove his hand up my backside and use me as a puppet!
Tom was convinced he would see a snake and kept pointing out every stick or twig. Thankfully they were only sticks or twigs. Stopped on the way home for Ice cream just to round off a lovely day - very hot - 36C
Sleep well y'all. x
Clamo, clamatis, omnes clamamus pro glace lactis.
The Usual Suspects
This video just came in from our roving reporter. These five have been spotted again in deep cahoots. Approach with caution.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Forgive me, it has been six days since my last blog.
My humblest apologies for being so lax in my commitment to 'The Blog'. It has been a busy week.
It is a little difficult to blog for the week in one go as that involves recalling events and considering I have a memory like a rusty sieve that has been peppered with a twelve bore shotgun, I am having problems! I have finally realised why my Dad always carries a pen with him but the truth is I would probably forget why I had the pen so I would have to tie a knot in my handkerchief which I had forgotten to buy in the first place! Doh!
Thankfully I had the good sense to get married in 2005 so now have a proxy memory. Thank you Rachel.
Tuesday - Ho Ho Ho
To try and really get into the Aussie spirit I had decided to grow my hair in to surf dude waves and sport some facial hair. So three days in and the hair on my chin is longer than my head, not a good start. And then....AND THEN... I see white whiskers on my chin. It appears that I am moprhing in to Father Christmas or more likely Uncle Albert from 'Only Fools and Horses'. I gave up and shaved head and chin much to Rachel's relief.
Tom had a great time at his Kindy yesterday but Lucy was absolutely distraught that she couldn't stay with him. She sobbed for nearly an hour, proper tears and sadness. I'm sure it will get easier for her.
Wednesday - damn that Isaac Newton!
Last night whilst we were deep in slumber there was a piercing scream from the kids room. On rushing in we found Tom on the flood ensnared in his quilt with blood running down his cheek. The poor little monkey had fallen out of bed and caught his cheek in the corner of the chest of drawers. We cleaned it up and put a long plaster on it and he went back to bed. Daddy's brave little soldier. It just goes to show that gravity is not always your friend!
Thursday - one whole hour to myself.
This Thursday they both had an hour trial at a joint childcare/kindy. Tom ran in barely looking over his shoulder and Lucy took two steps in and then clamped on to my leg like a frisky Jack Russel and wouldn't let go. I eventually prised her off and two of the staff engaged with her and it seemed to settle her a little. However I left to the sound of her crying. Not very nice. I waited at the fence where I could hear her but she couldn't see me and it lasted only two minutes or so. There is a coffee bar in the Post Office (???) opposite so I bought a paper, drank a coffee and waited to pick them up again. It was lovely to be properly kid free for an hour, the first time in over three weeks. Do I feel guilty saying that, do I 'eck!
When I picked them up Tom didn't want to leave but Lucy didn't want to stay despite finding 'Brown Bear' one of her favourite books. We jumped in the car and went to collect the keys for our new house.
Exciting. We went there as we had been told to ensure the mains electricity was off so we could pay a man $150 to come and switch it back on again. I did offer to switch it back on for them as a favour to save them the petrol but they insisted the man would come out. He did and it took him approximately 10 seconds to complete his task. I make that an hourly rate of $54,000. Nice job if you can get it!
Friday - Moving in day and 007
Today the Kids had a two hour trial session at the same Kindy as yesterday and by the end of the session Lucy was her usual self, was happy and had a great time. When I arrived to collect them she wanted to show me what she had been playing with which was nice. Rachel was due to finish work at 2.30 ish but didn't get away until gone 6pm so the move was postponed. However in that time we got the TV connected at the new house and the kids and I had a dip in the pool. I have to say it was a tad chilly as the previous two days had been cloudy but we braved it. I'm glad we have a pool just before winter begins so I can spend the next five months telling them they can't go in the pool that they will be longingly staring at fixed to the window like a 'stick on Garfield'.
Bought a car today, we bought an Aston Martin DB9 to live the dream, oh no we didn't sorry I was dreaming, we bought a Proton Gen2. Not my usual choice of car but it was a very good price for a very low mileage, beautifully kept, nice car which we should be able to sell for much the same when we leave.
Saturday - IKEA
Time to move in, so a car load of stuff, a trip to the supermarket and a fleeting visit to IKEA and job done. Quite a lot of sorting and moving furniture round, a trip to Seaford Rise to our friends for another single bed, back to put it together, more sorting, kids to bed, take-away and bed.
Sunday - house warming
We went through our huge list of friends that consists of Wes 'n' Allie avec kids and that is it. So we invited all our friends over for lunch. All the kids made Pizza which was very messy but good fun.
This weekend has been a 'long weekend' here in Adelaide, something about horses and a cup so it doesn't interest me but it does mean that Rachel gets Monday off. Well when I say off, I mean she only has to go in for and hour and a half but should be back by 10.30 - fingers crossed. This has been her sixteenth day on the trot at work. Not so good
I promise to be more on the ball this week.
Good night my friends. sleep tight.
Disciplina, fide, perseverentia
It is a little difficult to blog for the week in one go as that involves recalling events and considering I have a memory like a rusty sieve that has been peppered with a twelve bore shotgun, I am having problems! I have finally realised why my Dad always carries a pen with him but the truth is I would probably forget why I had the pen so I would have to tie a knot in my handkerchief which I had forgotten to buy in the first place! Doh!
Thankfully I had the good sense to get married in 2005 so now have a proxy memory. Thank you Rachel.
Tuesday - Ho Ho Ho
To try and really get into the Aussie spirit I had decided to grow my hair in to surf dude waves and sport some facial hair. So three days in and the hair on my chin is longer than my head, not a good start. And then....AND THEN... I see white whiskers on my chin. It appears that I am moprhing in to Father Christmas or more likely Uncle Albert from 'Only Fools and Horses'. I gave up and shaved head and chin much to Rachel's relief.
Tom had a great time at his Kindy yesterday but Lucy was absolutely distraught that she couldn't stay with him. She sobbed for nearly an hour, proper tears and sadness. I'm sure it will get easier for her.
Wednesday - damn that Isaac Newton!
Last night whilst we were deep in slumber there was a piercing scream from the kids room. On rushing in we found Tom on the flood ensnared in his quilt with blood running down his cheek. The poor little monkey had fallen out of bed and caught his cheek in the corner of the chest of drawers. We cleaned it up and put a long plaster on it and he went back to bed. Daddy's brave little soldier. It just goes to show that gravity is not always your friend!
Thursday - one whole hour to myself.
This Thursday they both had an hour trial at a joint childcare/kindy. Tom ran in barely looking over his shoulder and Lucy took two steps in and then clamped on to my leg like a frisky Jack Russel and wouldn't let go. I eventually prised her off and two of the staff engaged with her and it seemed to settle her a little. However I left to the sound of her crying. Not very nice. I waited at the fence where I could hear her but she couldn't see me and it lasted only two minutes or so. There is a coffee bar in the Post Office (???) opposite so I bought a paper, drank a coffee and waited to pick them up again. It was lovely to be properly kid free for an hour, the first time in over three weeks. Do I feel guilty saying that, do I 'eck!
When I picked them up Tom didn't want to leave but Lucy didn't want to stay despite finding 'Brown Bear' one of her favourite books. We jumped in the car and went to collect the keys for our new house.
Exciting. We went there as we had been told to ensure the mains electricity was off so we could pay a man $150 to come and switch it back on again. I did offer to switch it back on for them as a favour to save them the petrol but they insisted the man would come out. He did and it took him approximately 10 seconds to complete his task. I make that an hourly rate of $54,000. Nice job if you can get it!
Friday - Moving in day and 007
Today the Kids had a two hour trial session at the same Kindy as yesterday and by the end of the session Lucy was her usual self, was happy and had a great time. When I arrived to collect them she wanted to show me what she had been playing with which was nice. Rachel was due to finish work at 2.30 ish but didn't get away until gone 6pm so the move was postponed. However in that time we got the TV connected at the new house and the kids and I had a dip in the pool. I have to say it was a tad chilly as the previous two days had been cloudy but we braved it. I'm glad we have a pool just before winter begins so I can spend the next five months telling them they can't go in the pool that they will be longingly staring at fixed to the window like a 'stick on Garfield'.
Bought a car today, we bought an Aston Martin DB9 to live the dream, oh no we didn't sorry I was dreaming, we bought a Proton Gen2. Not my usual choice of car but it was a very good price for a very low mileage, beautifully kept, nice car which we should be able to sell for much the same when we leave.
Saturday - IKEA
Time to move in, so a car load of stuff, a trip to the supermarket and a fleeting visit to IKEA and job done. Quite a lot of sorting and moving furniture round, a trip to Seaford Rise to our friends for another single bed, back to put it together, more sorting, kids to bed, take-away and bed.
Sunday - house warming
We went through our huge list of friends that consists of Wes 'n' Allie avec kids and that is it. So we invited all our friends over for lunch. All the kids made Pizza which was very messy but good fun.
This weekend has been a 'long weekend' here in Adelaide, something about horses and a cup so it doesn't interest me but it does mean that Rachel gets Monday off. Well when I say off, I mean she only has to go in for and hour and a half but should be back by 10.30 - fingers crossed. This has been her sixteenth day on the trot at work. Not so good
I promise to be more on the ball this week.
Good night my friends. sleep tight.
Disciplina, fide, perseverentia
Monday, 7 March 2011
One small step....
It's 10.40pm and I've just written 'Tom C' on a pair of sandals, a water bottle, a lunch box and a hat. I've made little tiny sandwiches (ham and mustard - his favourite), put them in a tiny little blue sandwich box with a tiny little fruit bar and put them all in a massive bag because I couldn't find a tiny little one. I have filled out some forms and it feels like I am about to pack Tom off to boarding school or something. It is actually only his first day at 'Kindy' tomorrow but I have bizarre butterflies in my stomach. It wouldn't be so bad if Lucy were going as well so they could have eachother for company but she is too young for Kindy so he will be flying solo tomorrow. I know he will be fine and have a great time but I am still having what I suppose is' first day at school' syndrome. I'll get over it.
For anyone that is following my writings but has not registered as a 'follower' then if you get a mo please sign up as we are interested as to how many people are along for the ride with us on our journey. You will have to create a google account or an existing hotmail account but you don't have to fill all the profile details out. Just if you get a mo. Thanks.
That's all folks.... for tonight at least.
Goodnight x
Ad vitam paramus
For anyone that is following my writings but has not registered as a 'follower' then if you get a mo please sign up as we are interested as to how many people are along for the ride with us on our journey. You will have to create a google account or an existing hotmail account but you don't have to fill all the profile details out. Just if you get a mo. Thanks.
That's all folks.... for tonight at least.
Goodnight x
Ad vitam paramus
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Anyone got a number for a locksmith?
22C and windy.
This afternoon we were outside in the 'Yard' when Tom laughed and said he had locked the door. Chuckling to myself I mooched over to the sliding door, extended my index finger and with a delicate flick.......nothing. I tried two fingers, four fingers, a whole hand, two hands, two hands and a foot on the wall but alas no, it did not budge. So there we were, Tom in his swim suit, and swim shoes (we had just returned from the beach), Lucy in a dress but no shoes, neither with sun hats and I was without hat or shoes but fortunately with mobile phone and wallet. Phew.
So, 'too easy mateI' as they say over here, I'll call the rental company and they'll have keys. So I did and they didn't. I'll call the owner as I believe she lives locally. She does, she lives just around the corner which means nothing when she is out of State on business. Hmmmmm it couldn't get any worse.
'Daddy I dun a poooo' Oh Shhhhh...! Ok so it could and did get worse. So after using the hose as an outdoor bidet and putting a pair of Tom's pants on Lucy that were drying on the washing line, we were ready to sort the 'locked out' problem. I called Rachel and fortunately she was between cases so answered her phone. I asked her to put her door key in an envelope and get a Taxi to bring it over which, with the help of the lovely lady on the reception desk of the Emergency Department, she did. It arrived about an hour after I first checked the door. By this time the kids were both really hungry and irritable and Lucy was wet again but we were in. I'm just relieved that I hadn't put something on the hob or had rollers in my hair or anything.
I enrolled the winks in childcare today. Just one day a week at a place that has nursery and a 'Kindy' section to cater for both their ages and needs. It is a lovely place run by a British lady (not that had any bearing on the decision) and the kids ran straight in and got stuck in when we looked around. They start a week on Monday after a couple of taster sessions next week.
Rachel is still at work and it is gone 10pm. It feesl like being back in the UK only hotter and with rubbish telly. I've just been in to check the kids and Lucy has 'done a 90' and has her feet.....oh I'll take a picture for you. Tom hasn't moved a molecule and is snoring like a freight train as usual.
This afternoon we were outside in the 'Yard' when Tom laughed and said he had locked the door. Chuckling to myself I mooched over to the sliding door, extended my index finger and with a delicate flick.......nothing. I tried two fingers, four fingers, a whole hand, two hands, two hands and a foot on the wall but alas no, it did not budge. So there we were, Tom in his swim suit, and swim shoes (we had just returned from the beach), Lucy in a dress but no shoes, neither with sun hats and I was without hat or shoes but fortunately with mobile phone and wallet. Phew.
So, 'too easy mateI' as they say over here, I'll call the rental company and they'll have keys. So I did and they didn't. I'll call the owner as I believe she lives locally. She does, she lives just around the corner which means nothing when she is out of State on business. Hmmmmm it couldn't get any worse.
'Daddy I dun a poooo' Oh Shhhhh...! Ok so it could and did get worse. So after using the hose as an outdoor bidet and putting a pair of Tom's pants on Lucy that were drying on the washing line, we were ready to sort the 'locked out' problem. I called Rachel and fortunately she was between cases so answered her phone. I asked her to put her door key in an envelope and get a Taxi to bring it over which, with the help of the lovely lady on the reception desk of the Emergency Department, she did. It arrived about an hour after I first checked the door. By this time the kids were both really hungry and irritable and Lucy was wet again but we were in. I'm just relieved that I hadn't put something on the hob or had rollers in my hair or anything.
I enrolled the winks in childcare today. Just one day a week at a place that has nursery and a 'Kindy' section to cater for both their ages and needs. It is a lovely place run by a British lady (not that had any bearing on the decision) and the kids ran straight in and got stuck in when we looked around. They start a week on Monday after a couple of taster sessions next week.
Rachel is still at work and it is gone 10pm. It feesl like being back in the UK only hotter and with rubbish telly. I've just been in to check the kids and Lucy has 'done a 90' and has her feet.....oh I'll take a picture for you. Tom hasn't moved a molecule and is snoring like a freight train as usual.
Night night, sleep tight, mind the bedbugs don't bite xx
Semper in excremento sum, solum profunditas mutat
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Tiger Tiger Grrrrrrrrr
Following our near death experience yesterday, thing were a little calmer today.
I took the kids shopping today and Tom chose face paints from an art shop, Lucy chose glue and paper.
If all else in life fails then I shall start face painting for children's parties, fetes, country fairs and bar mitzvahs. As long as I only have to do tigers.
This is from last Sunday when we went to the Zoo with our friends. Left to right - Will, Matty Tom, James and Lucy.
I took the kids shopping today and Tom chose face paints from an art shop, Lucy chose glue and paper.
If all else in life fails then I shall start face painting for children's parties, fetes, country fairs and bar mitzvahs. As long as I only have to do tigers.
This is from last Sunday when we went to the Zoo with our friends. Left to right - Will, Matty Tom, James and Lucy.It was a great day, very hot and the kids had a great time especially seeing the 'long nose panda's'
The long nose Panda is a cunning idea from our friend Wes. The Zoo has real Panda's but for some reason they only let you in in groups at certain times and the queue was horrendous. So, the Zoo also has Tapiers which are big, black and white and look close enough to a panda for a child that doesn't know better with the one problem being their long noses. So our children got to see Panda's but they had long noses because they had a cold and had been blowing their noses too much that they stretched them. The kids are happy with this and we don't have to stand for ages in the scorching sun waiting to see a short nosed panda. Wes, you are a true genius. I would take my hat off to you if I wasn't scared of burning my head!
We decided to cut Tom's hair with my clippers to keep him a little cooler. Lucy thought it was great fun but we resisted the urge to cut hers.
The kids found Tom's Gruffalo feet the funniest.
Of course if you are from Norfolk then this photo will appear totally normal to you
Enough for tonight me thinks as I am tired!
Good night to you all, sweet dreams. x
Semper cogitatio
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics.......
Oh don't worry! I've been here for years and I've never seen one! You'll never see them indoors! You might find one in a shed or out building! Statistically speaking...blah..blah..blah!
All these have been ringing in my ears.
'Why?' I hear you cry
Because today, sixteen days into our trip and I see my first red back 'killer' spider.
Was I rummaging in an out house? shuffling in a shed? Oh no. No.
Admittedly I was in a grubby little place with some horrible creatures but killer spiders I did not expect to find!
I was at the Real Estate office. Now there are many horrible creatures found in Estate Agents offices, mostly wearing shirts and ties and bad jewellery but to my knowledge none of them are killers.
We were there to sign the lease for our new house and we took paper, pens, pencils and crayons to keep the kids amused and got them to sit in a corner while we read through and signed the relevant stuff. The kids kept getting up as they were bored after ninety seconds, as was I, so I kept sitting them back down.
Finally we were done and whilst Rachel loaded the kids into the car, I bent down to collect up the pens, paper and stuff.
That is when I saw our little friend sitting on the carpet next to the skirting board. I ask the Estate Agent bloke 'is that a red back spider there, considering it has a red back?' He rolled his eyes in a kind of 'paranoid whinging Pom' kind of way and glanced down. His 'GULP' was audible followed by a splutter. 'arrrrr thits onleeeey a babi mate!' he said somehow justifying its existence and previous proximity to our children.
Stiff upper lip time. 'Well if your not worried then nor am I' I say and leave the building. I turn to see him trying discreetly to stamp on the red back whilst waving and smiling to us through the window.
I wouldn't say we stared Death in the face but maybe just glanced in His direction.
So anyway we have signed for our new house and will be getting the keys Friday week. The kids are very excited as it has a pool but Tom is most disappointed that the dog that was present at the viewing doesn't come with the house. Tom said the dog was his very favourite thing in the world and that he would really miss him. I said 'your very favourite thing?' 'Yes' he said 'well my most favourite thing with four legs'....priceless.
Good night my family and friends x
Memento mori
All these have been ringing in my ears.
'Why?' I hear you cry
Because today, sixteen days into our trip and I see my first red back 'killer' spider.
Was I rummaging in an out house? shuffling in a shed? Oh no. No.
Admittedly I was in a grubby little place with some horrible creatures but killer spiders I did not expect to find!
I was at the Real Estate office. Now there are many horrible creatures found in Estate Agents offices, mostly wearing shirts and ties and bad jewellery but to my knowledge none of them are killers.
We were there to sign the lease for our new house and we took paper, pens, pencils and crayons to keep the kids amused and got them to sit in a corner while we read through and signed the relevant stuff. The kids kept getting up as they were bored after ninety seconds, as was I, so I kept sitting them back down.
Finally we were done and whilst Rachel loaded the kids into the car, I bent down to collect up the pens, paper and stuff.
That is when I saw our little friend sitting on the carpet next to the skirting board. I ask the Estate Agent bloke 'is that a red back spider there, considering it has a red back?' He rolled his eyes in a kind of 'paranoid whinging Pom' kind of way and glanced down. His 'GULP' was audible followed by a splutter. 'arrrrr thits onleeeey a babi mate!' he said somehow justifying its existence and previous proximity to our children.
Stiff upper lip time. 'Well if your not worried then nor am I' I say and leave the building. I turn to see him trying discreetly to stamp on the red back whilst waving and smiling to us through the window.
I wouldn't say we stared Death in the face but maybe just glanced in His direction.
So anyway we have signed for our new house and will be getting the keys Friday week. The kids are very excited as it has a pool but Tom is most disappointed that the dog that was present at the viewing doesn't come with the house. Tom said the dog was his very favourite thing in the world and that he would really miss him. I said 'your very favourite thing?' 'Yes' he said 'well my most favourite thing with four legs'....priceless.
Good night my family and friends x
Memento mori
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