Thursday 30 December 2010

Wednesday

A Slow and sweet start to the day, having guest stay over is a great way to force yourself to relax.

I was first up and out of bed, no surprise there...coffee was calling and lots of it. I showered and then set Zelda up with toast, banana and warm milk in front of her favorite programs on CBeebies. I then went back up stairs to relax a bit longer in bed.

We all went out into town around noon. We took our friend to see the Cathedral and then took a long walk along the river. An hour later we wound up at one of our favorite pubs. We had worked up quite an appetite and dug into meat pies, fish cakes, bangers and chips with gravy. Washed it down with a glass of red and then we were set to go back home.  The time flew and before we knew it it was almost 5pm!

Zelda took a bath, ate a banana and had some milk and then we all snuggled up on the couch to watch The Gruffalo. Her daddy snuggled her to sleep while my friend and I some how polished off an entire bottle of rose Cava by ourselves!  The second bottle was consumed once my hubby came down and we ate leftover baked ham, cheese and crackers and fruit. We talked way into the night and then dragged ourselves off to bed.

Another perfect day finished!

Wednesday 29 December 2010

Monday and Tuesday

 Due to the Holiday season, I will be writing multiple days at once. My holiday is packed full with activity and I am enjoying the social scene!

Monday morning I awoke to a brand new carpet of snow on the ground. We were all anxious, as one of our oldest friends was arriving to stay for a few days that evening. |Like Sunday, we repeated the  spend quality time with Zelda and the days went very smoothly. We laid out some ground rules about not listening and speaking rudely and she has taken them on board quite well, providing we do the same!

I spent about two hours preparing food for Tuesdays Brunch. I made a baked honey mustard spiced ham, two smoked salmon strata, a winter salad of baby spinach and rocket, with raisins, apples, grapes and goat cheese, bacon wrapped apricots,prunes and feta and a dish of crudites with a horseradish dipping sauce. The pink champagne was chilling in the garage and the house was ready for a party!

Zelda went to bed around 9pm and then we watched a film until Jessica arrived. We stayed up late talking and catching up. 1am rolled around and we rolled into our beds.

Tuesday was a great day. The guests started to arrive at noon. We were 8 adults and 2 children. Around 3pm one group left and another group stayed so we became an intimate group of 5. We sat around laughing, talking and eating for the next 4 hours!  The Americans were " in the house". Three American women and two British men! It was strange for me to hear the American accent so strongly and so often. Also, it was refreshing to be around the American ease of chit chat and the feeling that one can fit in with out trouble. This is something I missed living in France for so long. Conversation just flowed and rambled.

By 7:30 everyone had left, except for Jessica who is staying until the 31st. We all played a board game with Zelda based on the book Going On A Bear Hunt. Zelda won! The it was up to bed to be read to by Auntie Jessie and put to sweet slumbers by me.

Two arms curled around my neck. Her hot breath lulled me to sleep. I reluctantly unwrapped her from me and went downstairs. I snuggled up adult style on the couch and enjoyed the rest of the evening.  So far so good!

Sunday 26 December 2010

The Weekend

No routines, no regular activities; this weekend was not a usual weekend, it was Christmas. My first English Christmas. I have been in England and celebrated Christmas with my husbands family many many times, but that is different. Several times it was on a canal boat and once in Scotland, celebrated at two different homes. This time it was in our home, with other peoples things. Given that, we managed to make the house feel like it was ours, and fill it with our love, decorations made by Zelda and wonderful aromas created by my cooking.

It is a ritual to decorate the tree on the Eve of Christmas after children have all gone to bed. This year my husband did it in record time. Usually, the tree is finished to perfection by 1am, maybe later. This time it was finished by 10:30 pm and we had time to relax, enjoy a sherry and a cuddle on the couch. We admired the tree and then went to bed, exhausted.

Zelda was a sleep early and fell a sleep on her own to show "Santa" that she could! Now all she needs to do is show us.

Unbelievably we were able to sleep late on Saturday morning. Zelda did not come into our room until after 8am. In her hands was her stocking, bursting to the seams, and a huge smile spread across her face. She proceeded to show us everything in the sock one by one. She then ate a chocolate coin and devoured one medium sized raspberry flavoured sugar mouse! If you believe you are what you eat, then this was true for Zelda Christmas day!

The tree was surrounded by presents for all. It took us all day to open them slowly. Everyone was happy.

The lunch was stress free to prepare, and we enjoyed it slowly. Zelda ate a bit, rather like a mouse and then scurried off to run around the house squeaking.

A walk into the snowy woods and to a close by field followed where we tried out Zeldas new pocket kite. Zelda wound up like a moue in a net, all tangled up in the strings, but it was a lot of fun and we burned off the big meal.

9pm and Zelda was a sleep . A quick meeting about never giving sugar candies or chocolates again in the stocking and off we went upstairs to sleep.

Today was relaxing. We decided not to cook anything elaborate, but to hang out in the house and play with Zelda. No sweets were consumed and the behavior was entirely different. The day was different too because of it. This is a huge lesson learned, for us all.

We played snap, tiddly winks and  race cars. We watched a ballet video and the movie Aladdin. Afterwards we played magic carpets. We had a lovely tea of crumpets, celery, carrots, radish and cucumber and then Christmas cake with brandy butter. We listened to the Snowman and then danced all together to the music. This was the perfect ending. A close knit ending. an ending to make you feel the beginning.

Thursday 23 December 2010

Thursday

Oh what a day
 snowy skies and sunny ways
walked into town to buy beef and ham
and then we saw a pantomime
of Cinderella and English dish
 sorry I meant a prince

Oh what a day
dinner at a restaurant
Italian food and crackers popped
celebrations of family
moving near for jobs are here

Oh what a day
walks along the snowy banks
views of  a cathedral in orange haze
rolling balls of icy snow
across the lawn as we go

Oh what a day
secret passages behind the road
up the steps and through the snow
double gravestones partners dead
all together we eat the bread

Oh what a day
child readying for her bed
I am besotted there is no dread
the beauty fills me like a vase
I love my world and all its ways

Wednesday 22 December 2010

Wednesday

late start to the morning...7am ..Zelda creeped in and snuggled under the blanket with us both.  After she ate a banana and a half in our bed and emotional watching of the first man on the moon landing, I was ready to go shower and eat breakfast. I went down stairs, pulled the curtains back and the yard was covered with about 2 inches of fresh white fluffy snow. I raced upstairs and played the "guess what" game. I was psyched, and I couldn't wait to go out in it.

With breakfast over, I put on my wellies, my hat and coat and ventured out to town to buy last minute needed food items, including two very nice St. Emillion Grand Vin De Bordeaux for our Christmas lunch at half price!!...It is now hailing as I write this...just thought I would mention it!.....The wine will go excellent with the Scottish Fore Rib I am roasting.

I tried not to think about the fact that I had not yet heard back from the recruiter about my interview yesterday and it was now nearing 2pm. The phone rang and it was not good news. I couldn't help feel sad and disappointed. Whether I wanted the job or not, I wanted to be the one to decide, not them. In one way it is good, I was not prepared to start working on January 4th. Now I can hit the SALES!!!  Perfect timing.

At 3:00pm a school friend of Zeldas came over to play. she came with both her parents. The girls played in the back yard making snowballs, snow men and running around. We watched them have fun and drank wine, tea and got to know a second set of parents whom we like and are becoming friends with. It is incredible, that only after several month we are making friendships through our child. Everyone told me this is what happens when you have children, it's wonderful, great, etc..I never got to experience it though living in France. I was robbed. Now I feel as though I have hit the jack pot.

My brother in law arrived at 8:30pm. He is going on an interview tomorrow morning. If he gets this job he and his family will move to Durham. It will be wonderful to have family so close by. Plus they have two boys who Zelda adores and visa versa. Thirdly, his wife is American ,I adore her and it will be like having a sister/friend living right next door.  The arrangement would really make everything perfect!

Time check; 10:44pm. I am tired but happy. As I have said in the past, it is impossible to feel bad when there is so much good; the people, the beauty, opportunity, and potential. Hubby is downstairs with his brother, me, I am going to sleep. Love you all.

Tuesday 21 December 2010

Monday and Tuesday

 Yesterday was a mother daughter day.

Zelda spent the entire day in her pj's, and the only time I could get her out ofthem, was when I said I would take a bath with her.

We played build a castle, marry off the princess and made barbie cup cakes.

I ate lasagna with her while she pretended to be a rabbit and eat only the salad.

Some more play and then up to the bath. We pretended to be Egyptian princesses and added extra virgin olive oil to the bath water to soothe our dry itchy skin.

Back into the pajama and up into bed to read stories. Her daddy came home before lights out and she was over the moon. He snuggled her off to dream land and then he came out all relaxed and full of love. I on the the other hand was ironing my suit and shirt for Tuesdays interview.

A night cap and then off to bed.zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Today was father daughter day.

I woke at 6:30 am and dressed in my 17 year old black suit. I wore a funky Puciesque blouse underneath and pink chiffon scarf around my neck. I put on my high power brown sued VARDA pumps and was ready to go.

Zelda told me I looked beautiful, that my suit was lovely and that she loved me heart heart heart.  I realized I already had the best job in the world. Nothing could be as perfect as that.

The interview was long and I was one of seven people selected from the original fifteen to go onto the final part; a one to one interview. The interview was forty five minutes and went very well. If they offer me the job, brilliant, if not I am fine with it. I just wanted to have the experience of getting back into the working force.

Time check..4:13 pm and Zelda and her daddy are out somewhere tree shopping. I am tired and have a great deal to think about and be grateful for. I love my family, my home , my life. A cup of ginger tea and a chocolate hob nob sit beside me. Everything is perfect!

Monday 20 December 2010

The Weekend

The family that plays together stays together....if that is true, then we shall be together forever!

Saturday morning herald in with Barbies on a tray. We were all given one and then had to act out fairy tales dictated by Zelda. Afterwards, Zelda went downstairs to watch Mon Petite Pony. This is a video all in French, so we did not mind her watching it for quite a long time. She practiced her language skills while we got to have some us time. Showers and breakfast followed.

Dur8ing the afternoon we went to TK Max  to see if I could find something to wear to my interview on Tuesday. No luck. I am going to look a bit dated, a bit Alley Mcbeal meets bank teller! Following the clothes hunt, it was off to the BIG Tesco to finish our holiday shopping. It was a quick two hours, but we got what we needed with out stress and Zelda had fun going down the isles and retrieving the items and putting them in the basket. 

Next up was to look for a tree. We came out empty handed. It will wait until Tuesday when Zelda has a day with her daddy and I am on my interview.

By the time we got home, it was dark and cold. we were all tired and ready to eat a pub style meal prepared by me! Chips, bangers, breaded shrimps and peas.  We were all asleep by 9:30pm.

Sunday morning was a repeat of the Barbie show. I went into town to look for clothes again and Zelda and her daddy wrote Christmas cards. When I got back we ate lunch and then got dressed up to go to our neighbors for a Christmas party. Everyone in our close was invited.

At 3:30 we headed into town to go to the Cathedral to see the lighting of the tree and the blessing of the crib. Zelda was wearing a long purple shimmery dress with beading and she sailed around the place like she owned it! There is presently an American vicar visiting the cathedral. He is from Chicago. He noticed Zelda and said, "perfect, how beautiful". Does he know about my blog?!

We went to the Gala Theater cafe afterwards for a drink. It was lovely to watch all the families coming in and celebrating the season. There was no pretense like in France. Just real people of all shapes, sizes and economic circumstances.

Six o'clock and it was time to walk home. The evening air was chilly but embracing. The moon was nearly full and illuminated everything in its path, including us three. It was perfect.

Friday 17 December 2010

Friday

I am short.

I am short listed!!!!

I have an interview next Tuesday at 9am.

It takes place at a lovely seaside hotel at the mouth of the Tyne river.

It involves a group workshop, then 1 to 1 role play and finally a bench marking assessment. We break for lunch and then will be told who makes it onto the 1 to 1 interview that afternoon. finally who is chosen for this incredible 6month contract with this amazing firm:

www.workinglinks.co.uk

If i get this contract I will be helping unemployed people become employable. Help find them jobs, careers and a new self respect and self esteem. I am so excited to have the opportunity to get involved, not just work. 

The recruiters words; "I am delighted to inform you that you have been shortlisted out of many candidates for interview on Tuesday 21st December 2010"  Just perfect!

Thursday

6am, BBC radio comes on and I awake to news of heavy penalties for women who claim rape, Spain and its economic problems, Juliene blablabla and warnings of the Ice age commeth! So now here I sit at 6:25am looking at white covered windows above my head and listening to the falling hail and slush! Should I be scared? The world is upside down now too, both politically and physically.

No time to ponder the world, have to get moving. I take Zelda to school on my own this morning as the hubby has a Drs. appointment and then has to go to work. Zelda and I arrive a few minutes late, but there were a lot of kids late also due to the icy weather.

Off to town I go to pick up packages, deposit checks and order my Scottish Fore Rib Roast for Christmas lunch. Afterwards, I go directly home to investigate refunds for the train ticket we will not be using this weekend to Scotland as planned. The weather is too bad and we could easily get stuck up there. Too risky.

It turns out we can not get our money back, only change the date, at a ten pound fee per ticket. Now that we are staying here, we will enjoy the neighbors open house on Saturday, then the lighting of the tree at Durham Cathedral.

A quick bite, and I am off to get Zelda at school. We have been invited to our next door neighbors for tea/coffee and mince pies at 4:30.  I must again contrast living in France with living in Durham. I have met my neighbor once, and that was to ask her if she had by accident collected my recycling box with hers. A card arrives in our box with the invitation last Friday. In France, I think it took a few years before I was ever invited over to have a drink or a bite to eat at a neighbors. It is so relaxed and friendly here. NO matter what happens inside this country, people will always be kind and generous and friendly, making whatever bad occurs livable.

After our afternoon snack it was time to get ready for bath, books and bed. Zelda did her routine with her daddy, since he was home early and I prepared spaghetti with a pink trout, sherry and cream sauce.

The evening was calm and I felt very sleepy. Nine thirty rolled around and I could not keep my eyes open. Up to bed to dream sweet dreams.

Wednesday 15 December 2010

Wednesday

 It's hump day...that's how I always used to refer to Wednesday as it is the mid way point in the week, once over it, and you are closer to the weekend.

6am, the room flips up side down as I raise my head. News of the falling Euro, unemployment and the health care bill woo me awake. Coffee, give me coffee. Hubby obliges, I am happy. Before I know it, its 6:30 and off I jump into the shower. We can not be late this morning as Zelda has a Carol Service in the St. Oswalds Church at 9:15.  Day three of the new routine is still working...singing is unbelievable. I know it calms the wild beast, but I never knew it sped them up too!

8:20 and we are out the door. The temperature has changed and it is colder and spitting with rain and wind as we go down the hill. Snow is predicted starting tomorrow. Zelda still in the mood to sing, makes us do round robins of Jingle Bells all the way to school. At the service, Jingle Bells is not a song on the program; I am stupefied. I am Jewish.

I hurridly do my errands and walk up the Claypath hill tot he Medical Practice to see if someone can take a look at my ear and sort out the vertigo. I am greeted by two brain dead women, and have to sort out my appointment myself by playing a question and answer game. Appointment sorted for later in the day with the emergency doctor.  I am then for warned, as if I should be scared, that the doctor may be called out on an emergency, and I will have to wait for him to return. NP.

Once home, I cook up a killer chili for dinner. It is the best chili I have made. I am very pleased and my lips are tingly from the spice. It tastes perfect.

2:30 arrives and I go to pick up Zelda. We then rush off to the doctors. I am seen with in minutes of my arrival, unlike in France, where one has to wait, in a grotty little waiting room for up to an hour after the scheduled apointment time. I guess it makes them feel popular to have a full waiting room. Anyway, the Doctor is very nice, thorough and helpful. I left feeling good emotionally, even if he could not find anything in particular wrong with my ear, leaving me to feel still unwell in the dizzy department.  He prescribed wax removal fluid, so that is what  I am trying.

At home, the usual after school routine follows, only to be disrupted by a phone call from a recruiter! I am famous, my resume is out there in cyber space and getting results. Only yesterday I got a call from a company that recruits teachers. Today Adecco wants to present me to a great company that helps people who are unemployed become employable and then finds them jobs. I love it. It is the perfect job and direction for this current economy. I have the skill set and the drive. Tomorrow they will short list, I hope I am on it.

Zelda takes a lovely playful bath. We play barbies together  for a while and then it is time for bed.  I curl up next to her and she asks me to tell her about my day. We share our days and then it is lights out and tickles. Zelda falls a sleep and so do I! I really love this time with her. It feels so wonderful, relaxing, and close. It's the feeling of motherhood. For Zelda, I imagine it is the feeling of childhood. Both are perfect.

Time check  10:50. Hubby clearing up from dinner. Zelda happily a sleep. Me, dizzy, but spinning from joy

Tuesday 14 December 2010

Tuesday

5:50 am door creaks open, little feet pit pat across the floor, is it the cat? Then, tugging on curtains, nope it's Zelda, with a big smile and a loud "good morning", she crawls into bed between the two of us, rolls over to her daddy and says " your are the best of all, I love you the best". Absolutely perfect!

6am BBC radio goes on and it's guess what? yep more wikki peeks. Yawn, get out of bed, still dizzy, make coffee. I then realize I don't have to make the morning school run today, yippee goes off inside my head and I settle down back into bed with a warm mug of  sweet coffee and relax. Time is on my side. Perfect!

6:30, although time is on my side, I still go into the shower leaving Zelda with Pippi Longstocking and her daddy.  Exit shower and it's routine as normal. I am very excited because day two of get dressed before breakfast  is still working. Zelda just loves to make up lyrics along with me about dressing ourselves. This morning she added some cha cha chas! I am smiling!

7:00 Zelda and I go downstairs. I prepare my hubbys lunch, a salad, and then make mine and Zeldas breakfast. Afterwards I help Zelda collect coins for her school church fund to put into a tube shaped candle. She proceeds to spill them on the floor repeatedly, for fun. I repeatedly pick them up, hahahah.

Now that Zelda is all ready, I begin to do some house chores, starting with a battle with a king size mattress and a double sized bottom fitted sheet. The damn thing won't go on, duh it's too small, but in my rented house I have about 5 of these and only one of the king size, tell me, how am I to make it work! I started to cry I was so frustrated. A hug from hubby and then his strong arms made the damn thing finally fit. Tonight will be the test, does it spring back and roll us up like a sausage or are we safe?
 Then I was on to the laundry, organizing drawers and closets and finally pickling some grilled eggplants.

Two thirty arrived and I went to collect Zelda from school. We had a pleasant walk home up the hill and down the hill, up the hill and to our front door. It was drizzling the entire way home, but we did not mind. Once home, the usual and then more of the usual until lights out and sleep.

The hubby went for a drink at the pub with colleagues and came home happy. We ate a quick dinner and watched a bit of TV. It was nice to have him home. It was nice to be home, with our daughter fast asleep upstairs and us snuggling downstairs. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Monday 13 December 2010

Monday

6am and wikki leaks seems to be taking over my morning routine. The drop in the Euro vrs the pound takes second place. Devising and enforcing new morning routines takes third. Honorable mention goes to finally dressing correctly for the temperature. Perhaps this why I am still dizzy.

If you want to know how to implement change in your life, sing. Sing in a silly voice, a deep voice a high voice. Sing what you are doing as you do it. In my case, getting Zelda to dress before breakfast and not afterwards. It worked wonders. Add a few la la las and you have a possible hit single on your hands. Do a little dance, shake your booty and  twirl as you do what you are asking others to do and it really makes change fun! Lets put on our pants, la la la, Lets do a dance, lalala, here comes the sleeve shake shake shake, over the head and twirl...

Dropped Zelda off at school, on time. The morning went perfectly. Met my friend afterwards and she came with me to view the last of 5 properties on Geoffrey Avenue that I have seen. It was a house that had been done up very nicely. The only problem with it is that it is just too small. The rooms are titchy. The halls are long and narrow. Upstairs, there isn't enough room to turn around without the fear of falling over the banister. I am sure if I brought in an entire farm yard of animals and then let them out again, the place would feel palatial, but I just don't have it in me.

Lets face it, I am spoiled. I am also unemployed. I am also expecting to much when I have very definite criteria, like we must be able to walk to Zeldas school and my husband must be able to walk to the university. This means we want to have a home in the city center of Durham, and with a large garden. This is very possible. Most of the homes have nice size gardens. Well the homes that I want to buy. They are also homes that cost too much because they are in the center and have large gardens. Now I can have a large home with a large garden, but I will have to be near noise. I do not want noise. This is a definite certainty, thus I will have to go for small garden and smaller home. Perhaps this is my destiny. This is how I will become more frugal and less spoiled. It has to be a good thing.

 Actually, Durham is surrounded by traffic noise because there are so many roads that cut across its beautiful landscape. Some of the most stately homes are on major roads. There are small pockets of quiet development, but they are mostly new builds and are ugly or they are very old areas with beautiful town house style homes, but they have been bought by developers and turned into student housing. Student housing has taken over the city and has ruined the housing market.

Ran errands after the viewing and then went home. Laundry, bills, and ordering groceries on line for Christmas took up my afternoon. 2:30 arrived and it was time to go back into town to get Zelda. It was so warm, all the ice had gone so we walked home. It was nice to be able to walk home again and take in all the beauty of the town. The sky was pink and the moon was out. We flew home on our feet and had a great time.

Upstairs and onto the couch. Zelda and I snuggle and watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. One of my childhood favorites. Then I made Zeldas dinner, gave her a bath and read to her from the new book I reserved from the public library. Another childhood favorite, Pippi Longstocking. She is such a great role model for a young girl. Strong, independent, fearless, confident and quirky. Zelda seemed to like it, and I am enjoying rereading it again.

Time check- 8:27, hubby on his way home from work, Zelda a sleep with the cat and me, feeling perfectly nostalgic and loving every minute of it.

Sunday 12 December 2010

The Weekend

I feel dizzy, my head is spinning. I popped my head up so fast Saturday morning that I turned positively upside down for a few moments. Since then, I am topsy turvy if I look up or woosie if I move to rapidly. Is this dizziness some kind of a metaphor for my life these past few months? 2011 is around the corner and I have no idea where time has gone.

Hanuka behind us and Christmas looming in front, this weekend was all about getting ready. Saturday afternoon Zelda and I went to our friends house to make all things Christmas-y. What happened was the girls wound up playing, and the big girls wound up making. We actually had a blast.  Talk, coffees, giggles and arts and crafts go well together. I am sure that years gone by, quilting Bees were similar in nature. I made ginger bread dough and my friend made salt dough. We sculpted decorations for the tree and painted them. We never actually got around to making anything from the ginger bread dough, so we split it up for each of us to do our thing at home. Our children made one thing each and were off again upstairs to have dolly tea parties and try each others shoes on! Before I knew it, darkness appeared and it was time to walk home. The moon followed us all the way.

We ate dinner as a family. We had lamb sauteed in red wine and rosemary with mashed potato and mixed veggies. Zelda devoured it all. Blueberries and strawberries with fresh cream for dessert afterwards. By the end of the day I was absolutely dead tired and my dizziness seemed worse. Bed was calling me.

Sunday was ballet class. We took the bus there and back and left the hubby home to have some peace and quiet and get some work done. Once home Zelda and I rolled out the ginger cookie dough and made some great shapes...trees, stars, hearts, fairies and of course a ginger bread girl. Zelda sculpted piece by piece a beautiful princess cookie. I had forgotten that we used Bailey Irish Cream in the dough which made the cookies taste great.

I can see grass again as the snow has nearly all melted. It is great to be able to walk quickly again with out the threat of breaking a bone, but I miss the snow as well. It added so much beauty to the day. We are back to  "warm" weather and I am happy to wear something other than big clunky hiking boots.

The weekend is now over and I am winding down to relax and have some me time. Zelda just had a bath with her daddy and he is now snuggling and reading to her. It is the perfect ending to a zippy weekend!

Saturday 11 December 2010

Friday

It had to happen, how long can a  balloon stay in the air before it pops or just goes too high and out of sight?

The morning was warm and sunny and slippery. The streets and walkways were clear ice. Ian wiped out at the bottom of the drive and we all held onto each other like a tiny train to the bus stop. Walking was not in the cards today. I felt like an old lady, all I could think of was what if I fall, my neck, my shoulder, my back!

I skated all the way to my appointment to view yet another house after dropping of Zelda at school. It was the most beautiful home I had seen thus far. Larger than we need, more money than we can afford, and probably too much for me to clean. This house made me feel uncomfortable, a bit sad, and ok, yes, depressed, there, I have said it, the "D" word.

I was depressed for the first time since I had arrived in Durham. I wanted a job. I wanted to feel like I am contributing financially, I wanted to feel valued outside the home. I wanted that house. At least at that moment.

In retrospect, I don't really want that house. It is too big. I already feel valued by family and friends. I don't want to have to run around trying to coordinate child care, family, home and work, not yet. So what is the point I am making? I needed to feel "D" in order to realize that what I have, can afford and already do are perfect for me for this time in my life.

During the evening I went to University to attend my husbands Christmas get together in his department. Afterwards we went to the pub for another drink and something to eat with some of his colleagues. I enjoyed meeting them and they were all very nice to talk to. A big change from work related colleagues of my husbands in France. After 10 years, one of his colleagues still had muttered about only 6 words to me. Here, at Durham U. after 10 minutes, I was getting earfuls of banter, along with hugs, winks and invitations to travel!

My balloon floated away today, it did not pop, it just vanished due to it's height, unlike me, I will not vanish ( due to my height)  if I don't have a job just yet. I will enjoy what there is for the moment and satisfy myself with the knowledge that it's all perfect for me for today.

Thursday 9 December 2010

Thursday

Hot hot hot at a reading of 3 degrees and sunny today! Everything was melting. Pools of slush rose up around all the street corners and then at around 4pm they turned into deadly slippery ice patches. I should have bought the old persons wood cane stick with metal tip today for one pound in the charity shop!

Zelda wore her new black ski/snow pants today to school. Last week she refused as she thought they didn't fit her very well. She has finally realized that she has been cold and that she will be warmer and the walk to school will be more enjoyable if she wears the pants. Add to that, that her best friend wears hers to school everyday, so she has to keep up with the "Joneses". This is an example of  when wanting to be like someone else doesn't bother me. She looked adorable, as they are jet black with a slight silvery grain running up them. I wish I had a pair.

The day was spent looking at houses. All of them on the same street. The first one I saw had a lot of potential. It was built in the early 1950's and looks a bit like a sea side house mixed with Bauhaus. The garden was enormous. the drawback is that it backs onto a main road and the traffic noise is audible from outside. Inside you hear nothing.  The other two were abominable. They had not been touched since they were built and in one of them a 103 year old woman died in it and had been living in it most of her life. Need I say more. The other smelled of millions of packets of cigarettes and had peeling walls and a crumbling atmosphere, not to mention a tiny patch of green in the back.

Tomorrow am seeing a huge 5 bed roomed, superior 1935 home. Large garden and beautifully decorated. Nothing has to be done to it but move in. It is around the corner from the other ones I saw today. It is also 50 percent more expensive.  Perhaps I could put up a send a donation button on my blog to help supplement it? " Fantastic child seeks large home with garden to enjoy her childhood in. Push this button and donate to the quality of her life" 

After the viewings I hit the charity shops. Tomorrow I am going to the University Christmas party and I wanted something red. I scored a beautiful angora off the shoulder angora sweater. It has a 1940's cut with 3/4 sleeves, a thin belt around the waist and it is high waisted and snug fitting. gorgeous and from MONSOONs winter collection. I saw it in the shop only last week and thought I would like to have it, but the smallest size was an 8, and it was too expensive. The owner must have washed it, it shrunk and so now it was a 6 and it fit me for only 4 pounds!!! I helped cancer research and got myself  the perfect holiday sweater.

I took Zelda to after school cafe club at the church as always on a Thursday. Had a nice talk with my friend while Zelda played with hers. Zelda and I took the bus home and had a lovely talk on the way. I was feeling as though I am banging my head against the wall at times when trying to communicate with Zelda, but today she proved me wrong by saying the most astoundingly astute thing to me regarding the subject that upsets me most when dealing with her...not listening. I am learning from Zelda how to be a better mother and this makes her the perfect child for me.

Time check-8:43..Zelda a sleep with the cat!!!! Hubby downstairs finishing up his marking. Me, going downstairs to make stir fried chili and ginger beef with egg noodles. Enjoy my evening with my man and sleep peacefully knowing I have a perfectly fantastic family.

Wednesday 8 December 2010

Wednesday

Whoever said Angels don't exist, never lived in my world.

The pain above my right eye, right side of my head and nostril made it very difficult for me to move this morning. I felt as though someone during the night hit me with a sledge hammer. Had I drank myself silly last night this might be appropriate, but no, I was a good girl and had half a glass of red wine and some pasta for dinner. I was not in a good mood and thus was very grumpy with everyone, until, I came out of the shower and found little pink and white wings attached to both Lilly and Zelda.

The cat was so good natured, she seemed not to have a care in the world and was some how oblivious to Zeldas playful devilish antics. She just lay there. Zelda could have dressed her up as Santa with white beard and hat and she probably would not have moved. Did she too have a headache? I rushed to get the camera and took many shots of my two hams, I mean Angels. What a perfect way to start the day.

Again we had trouble getting Zelda ready for school, but this time it was due to cold feet. Zelda was to perform in her school winter play. She was playing an Angel of all things. I think this morning was some kind of warm up only it did not work at getting rid of her stage fright. She had a good talk with her daddy, and he made her feel more comfortable by relating his own fears about performing in public when he played in the band. This made her feel better and brought on giggles and smiles.

The performance was wonderful. It was a bit too religious for my liking, but I guess it's hard to do a play about Christmas without Jesus. After the performance she and I went with our friends to a cafe for hot chocolate to celebrate. We then went home and lit the Hanuka candles. Zelda was able to recite the whole prayer and lit the candles all on her own. She opened her final present...the "big one" and was very happy to have been given something she mentioned she wanted a while back in the book shop; a pop up fairy princess castle book. Tomorrow I am seeing 3 houses, but I rather feel like moving into her pop up house instead! It's perfect.

Time check- 7:27pm. Zelda and her daddy and Lilly are in bed snuggling. Dinner is prepped downstairs and the fire is roaring in the living room. I am grateful for the angels in my life.

Tuesday 7 December 2010

Tuesday

It was a warm day, only -1 degree, and I felt the difference when I awoke this morning. I stripped off my socks and bathrobe during the night because I was obviously too hot! I vaguely remember little furry paws walking behind my head in the early hours of the morning and found Lilly sleeping soundly at the bottom of the bed at 6am.

Coffee made, BBC radio updating me on the Wikki Leaks, again and Zelda still asleep at 7am. I jumped into the shower and rinsed quickly as we were late already! When I had finished, Zelda was in our bed snuggling the cat and her daddy. I dressed, opened up the blinds and stood in shock...it had snowed again during the night! How could it??? We had Pink skies at night and I know snow is not the shepherds delight. I had been tricked, but I was happy as it all looked so pretty and white and clean again.

The morning was a struggle for us to get Zelda dressed, fed and out the door in time to make it to school before the bell rang. The arrival of the cat mixed with the past week of no school and lazy mornings has set us back light years. We are in dire need of a new strategy, one that involves us all getting ready earlier and still staying happy and sane.

The walk into town was magical. The River had frozen! The cathedral and castle had puff of snow on them again and all the pathways and walkways were bright white. It was like walking into a Dickens story.


After my coffee with my husband at the university, I went into town to mail packages, book property visits and search for a ballerina Barbie. I wound up with Christmas chocolates, Turkish delight, dates, strawberries, lettuce and Kohlrabi. The last item making me incredibly happy as I haven't seen this veggie in over 10 years. It used to be one of my favorites.  Peel, slice and serve with salt on the side for dipping. It is like a big green radish, but crisp and juicy like an apple. Sadly, or perhaps happily, no Barbie to be found in Durham. That's what you get when you live in a University town.

I came home by bus with my many packages. It was noon by the time I got home. I ate my favorite snack....almonds, cashews and dark chocolate covered raisins. I am addicted to this combo. In fact as I type, I am eating them again.

2:30pm and it was back into town to pick up Zelda from school. I was a bit uncomfortable as I was wearing my puffy Nutria fur jacket. Earlier in the morning, as my friend "petted" me, she said, "be careful, someone might shoot you!", Nice!! its rat after all. who would get upset over that. As I walked I prepared my comeback should someo one confront me. Luckily, I and my coat came to no harm. I was warm and snugly. I will wear it again tomorrow.

Normal evening routine...tele, snuggling, candles, present, dinner, bath, book and bed. Hubby is at work preparing his lecture for tomorrow. I am thinking about my perfect day.

Monday 6 December 2010

Monday

Monsters, how do you tell your child that they really don't exist even when they are right there in her head? It is especially hard at 2:30am and again at 4:30am when they have reappeared to convince a child that it's perfectly ok to go back to bed, ALONE.

6am, I am bleary eyed from sharing night monsters with Zelda for the last week. She on the other hand, has walked into the bedroom, more chipper than I have seen her in days.  She shines with happiness, giggles with joy, is the essence of giddiness. Did my early a.m. session break her monster madness? Or it is youth, something I am starting to lack, thus getting up and out of bed this morning was extremely hard, but I did it. Not only did I do it, but I did it in -9 degree weather.

Today was a special day, our cat Lilly was joining us in England after being separated from the entire family since August. We were all looking forward to her arrival. I had plans for Lilly. She was going to learn to sleep in Zeldas room on her bed with her. This way Zelda would not be sleeping alone anymore. Ok, it isn't a sister or brother, but it is the closest thing she will ever get to one.

Step 1. close all bedroom doors except Zeldas.
Step 2.  Place fluffy quilt at bottom of Zeldas bed
Step 3. Introduce Lilly to the bed
Step 4. Give Lilly packet of CATNIP on Zeldas bed while Zelda is in it reading.
Step 5. Leave Lilly alone to zone out on bed without petting her.
Step 6. Leave a sleeping Zelda and Lilly in bed together.

Mission Accomplished...Now I only hope Lilly doesn't scare Zelda in the night.

We were expecting Lilly around noon. The phone rang and it was the courier, she was fuming mad and some how completely unaware that she had been driving in snow since she arrived in Durham. The rest of the day was spent helping this woman get out of the snow and ice mess she got herself stuck in. Well her GPS actually, as it said to go past the street where we actually live. Our street was ok to drive on, the one she was on, was not. I recruited flyer delivery men, neighbors, my husband and passer byes to push and give their piece of mind on what to do. In the end, the garage was called out to pull her free. I won't say more, as it still leaves me in disbelief her statement on the phone " Why didn't someone tell me there was snow?"

Yesterday I prepared my mothers recipe for Stuffed Cabbage. It is never a good idea to eat it the day you make it as it is infinitely better the next day or even a day after that. I can smell the sweet and tangy aroma drifting up the stairs to the room I am in. I can't wait to eat it. The perfect cold weather meal, stuffed cabbage and a glass of good red wine.

One last thing,  this evening around 4pm was picture perfect. The sky glowed hot pink in thick streaks like bacon. White fluffy borders and powder blue background. The saying Pink sky in morning, shepherds  warning, Pink sky at night shepherds delight means it will be a beautiful day tomorrow. I can't wait to see what the day brings.

The Weekend

Saturday was the first day snow had not fallen. It was minus something degrees and bloody cold. We had a viewing for a house at 1:45, a birthday party to take Zelda and her friend to for 1pm and the driveway nor the car had been cleaned. Super mom to the rescue! Single handedly I put sausages in the oven and then went outside to shovel and scrape. Mid way through, I popped my head into the kitchen, turned the sausages and returned to my work outside. Zelda was inside watching CBBees, had already eaten her breakfast, wrapped the gift, made a card  and was dressed and ready to go to the party.

Everything went accordingly. We picked up the friend, we got to the party a bit late, but no problem. We then left and went straight to the viewing. What a disappointment. It was like something out of Stepford Wives, but worse, as it looked like a stepford ghetto. I looked as fast as I could and said good by to the realtor. It was worth seeing as we now know it is a definite no no place to live. I honestly would not live there if you gave me the property.

Evening routines followed as usual.

Sunday was sunny, warmer and a perfectly beautiful day. We were setting out early to go into town to see the Victorian style Holiday Fayre held on the green in front of the cathedral. Zelda rode ponies, petted the baby cows, lamb, goats and reindeer! I watched a cooking demo given by Dave from Master Chef. Afterwards, Zelda held a 14 year old snowy owl. It was amazing. She had no fear and the owl was ever so gentle. Later on we went into the cathedral to participate in a Carol service and then had snacks in the cloister cafe.

We walked home and Zelda immediately mentioned lighting the Hanuka candles. We lit them together this time and she even said the prayer with me! She was very proud that she had learned it by hearing me repeat it the past nights. Present number 5 was opened and it was a success. Bath, book and bed followed.

In the evening, a powerful feeling of unity came over me. I loved how Zelda was able to go from carol services in the cathedral to lighting Hanuka candles and saying a Hebrew prayer, all  in the span of a few hours.

The weekend was full. The weekend was busy. The weekend was all about being parents. It was perfect.

Friday 3 December 2010

Friday

Got up, got out of bed, washed my face, put a hat on my head. Drank a coffee, ate some toast, brushed my teeth, put on my coat. Kissed my angel and my guy, went out the door and caught the 64. Well actually I took the 20, and it was wrong, but didn't matter I walked the rest  through the storm. Minus eleven, felt like less, bought my ticket for Newcastle, but the trains were a mess. Turned around, went back to town, had a coffee and settled down.  All of this took two hours, then bought some presents and went back to the "Jermyn Towers". Made a bagel, washed the clothes, did some research and kept blowing my nose. At two-thirty went back to town, picked up Zelda and then turned around. In the falling snow, we walked along, its magic helped us ,so it was not forlorn. Over ice, through the slush, up the hill with out a rush. Warm and snugly in the house, on the couch we messed about. Lit the candles, opened gifts, baked potato and fish sticks. Brushed the teeth, final pee, into the bed, for a read. Angel breath, lights out, together were curled, til sleep unfurls. Slowly I creep, I hate to leave, but she alone, she must sleep. Here I sit and reflect, my day was absolutely purrrfect.

Thursday 2 December 2010

Thursday

It feels like Ground Hog Day to me! No school again for Zelda, home stay for me. Window shades up, hold breath, stop. Inhale again and there was a  new addition to my snowy menagerie...long thin sparkly crystal icicles were hanging all in a row from the windows! First thought to mind was, I wonder how many people get killed by them in the winter time. Must keep Zelda far away.

My icicles were magical. I felt like a trapped princess in a castle made of ice, honestly I did, but like all fairy tales, mine had to end and I had to get up, get out of bed, take off my many layers and shower and  go do the emergency shopping. Our groceries that were ordered and to be delivered last night never came. TESCOS had cancelled all deliveries and to reschedule meant waiting another god knows how long.

In my pink waterproofs, pink fleece scarf, turquoise ski gloves, wellies and purple cashmere hat, given to me by a good friend, I was ready to face the heavy falling snow flakes that just started to come down as I started to leave the house. I took the bus into town and went to TESCOS. You would think the war was on again, there wasn't a stitch of fresh bread to found. The rotisserie was not working and the shelves were half empty. I stocked up on veggies, fruit, cheese, pasta, coffee, salmon, tea and mince. I filled three bags worth of groceries and then headed back to the bus and home. It was quite exciting to be shopping under these conditions. As I walked around I tried to figure out how I could feed us all for weeks on end with just the few ingredients I had collected. Stuffed cabbage came to mind, omelet, mac and cheese and soup.

With the snow still falling, Zelda and I went out into the garden to knock off the snow from the tables and chairs, to rearrange the furniture and to sled down our small hill. When we had tired of the back we went around to the front and cleaned off the car with our dust pans and brooms.  I felt really hip....I now knew what men feel like when they are outside washing their vehicle.

Another trip to another market closer by followed. I again filled up a couple of bags of goodies, butter, cake, chips, juice, yogurt and bagels. Home again, and this time it was snowing little balls again. I really think someone up there is a bit skitzo.

Zelda and I watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. played some games, watched some TV, and then we lit the candles, opened present number two and she ate her dinner. The day seemed to fly by.

Tomorrow, I will be going to the BALTIC- yea, our gig is on as the school is open. Zelda will hopefully be going to school, and if not staying with a friend for the day. The cat will not be arriving this weekend. She is in Surrey England and will get here as soon as the snow clears. She is happy and eating well. Everything has worked out perfectly.

Time check: 6:50, Zelda having a bath with daddy and I am having a moment by my self, thinking about how rich I am and I don't mean dollars and cents!

Wednesday 1 December 2010

Wednesday

It's decided, I will start antibiotics this morning. With this weather, it is a must in order to keep healthy! Yep, still more snow. Every morning when I lift the blinds, I just draw my breath in and it stays there. I have not seen so much snow come down for so long a period in my entire life. It is truly amazing. Perfect little Styrofoam shaped beads of white fall from the sky continuously.

School was on, Yippee, I did not think I could take another day of children's television. I was CBeeBeeed out. It was time for me to join the adult population and venture into Newcastle for my third day of work at the BALTIC. I was looking forward to going. I took my antibiotic, my neurophin meltlits and my joint drink. I was armed and prepared to face the storm.

 I ran out the door, saw the bus coming and ran all the way to the bus stop in my clunky hiking boots. Thank goodness for slush. The bus could barely move so I made it before he did to the stop. Lucky day I thought! Next I walked to the train station from where I got off the bus. A 10 minute hike up hill on slippery unshoveled steps proved challenging, but fun. Bought my ticket and caught the train that was almost an hour late with five minutes to spare. Again, lucky me! I even met a mom of one of Zeldas friends from school on the platform, so the ride in was enjoyable and full of new chatter.

Arrival in Newcastle on time. I had over 30 minutes to get to the BALTIC. All of a sudden my mind went blank and I had a white out. I wound up in the opposite direction from where I had to go. Everything looked different to me covered in snow. As I walked I thought to myself, I do not recognize where I am, but maybe its just the snow. I stopped to ask for directions. I had to go all the way back to the station and retrace my steps. I saw where I went wrong.  Was it the snow, was it the medicine, was it me? I had no time to think about it. I raced onwards and got to the BALTIC not on time, but early! Perfect timing, if not a perfect mind.

The workshop ended early due to the school closing at noon because of the snow storm. I was back in Durham by 1:30. I did some shopping for Hanuka, met up with my husband and daughter and we all went home to have cup of hot chocolate, light the Hanuka candles and open the first of eight presents.

Dinner, bath then books and bed. I am reading Zelda Charlotte's Web. She is really enjoying it. I love reading her a real story which gets spread out over time. The anticipation in her is wonderful to see. She was put to sleep by daddy while I waited for our grocery delivery.

Time check: 8:55....chicken pie in the oven, hubby working downstairs in front of the fire, still no groceries. so much for stocking up! All I know is that everything has gone exactly as it should. Perfectly.

Tuesday 30 November 2010

Tuesday

6am talk radio Newcastle style, I was so dead to the world that I could not move to put it back to the BBC. I made my husband get up and he did, and made the coffee too...well pushed the button for the coffee maid!
I opened the window to see if we had had more snow, nope. We already knew that there would be no school for Zelda today as we read it on the TWITTER from her school late last night. She, of course had no idea.

7am yell for mommy. Daddy goes instead to get her. She refuses daddy, she WANTS mommy. Mommy refuses, as yelling is no way to get someone to do what you want. Daddy returns to bring Zelda in and along she comes willingly and happy. Yippee, I held my ground. We break the news and she screams with glee..."yeah, daddy play with me". Daddy replies, " what would you like to play?". Zelda says "polly pockets", I giggle and think to myself  a perfect start to a great day. I remove myself and leave the two of them to play their game.

9am Hubby leaves the house as it begins to snow bee bee gun pellets of snow. Zelda and I get dressed. Zelda goes next door to play for a few hours while I traipse into town to fill a prescription, go to the bank, post office and market. A usual day just like any other.

Once home, Zelda and I play games, snuggle, watch TV and eat lots of biscuits and drink tea. My parents sent her a package, hence the trip to the post office, and inside were some great books. We sat and read and then built a city out of wooden colored blocks.  Before I knew it, it was time for dinner. Some pasta and salad and then off to bed.

Time check, 7:44, bee bee pellets again, and hubby home. A glass of  sherry awaits. A slow paced, fun filled day with Zelda.

Monday 29 November 2010

Monday

6am, 6 more inches and it was still going strong. It has been 17 years since I have seen a large scale snow storm. This mornings snow, with its addition of  really loud thunder, made it the perfect storm. Zelda looked out of the window and described the sky as purple. There wasn't a glimmer of light anywhere. It really was just purple. Like a big bad bruise across the sky.

The radio was tuned to the local Newcastle radio station and we waited patiently for the half hourly school closing bulletin. Schools near to us were closed, but not ours! I put off getting Zelda dressed as long as possible before we would be late for school. Just as she finished getting dressed, there it was, St. Oswalds had been closed because the roads were too dangerous to drive on. I let out a loud scream of delight, but then realized it wasn't me, it was Zelda who should be happy.

I took a walk over to the medical center up the road. It was a glorious walk. The streets were full of snow, people were everywhere walking to school or work. It was just like any other normal day. Now that the snow had stopped falling the sky had actually turned a beautiful powder blue and the sun was out! I was happy that I actually felt sick so I could take this walk on my own. Ten minutes later and I was heading back to my house.

Ahhh I thought chicken soup is perfect for a day like today. I walked to the local Sainsbury near to the house and bought a chicken. I got it home and found that the people who own this house do not own a large soup pot, unless they took it with them to France. Change of plans, I would instead cook it slowly in a marmite. I stuffed it with limes, tomato, fresh whole chile,  and shallots. Under the breast skin I put butter and rosemary and lemon thyme sprigs. I put the bird onto a bed of chopped leeks, potatoes, limes, more chile and fresh herbs. Added some red wine and cooked it for two hours. The perfect cold weather meal.

Around Three Zelda and I made chocolate peanut butter cookies. The batter was so delicious we could not stop eating it. We were thus only able to make 20 cookies instead of ?????

As I write it is hailing out now. The door has just closed so my hubby must be home. It is 9:10pm.

Five fifteen my friend and her daughter came over. We played scrabble while the girls played dress-up. I made them pasta and was then rewarded with their version of a dessert....apples on a fork! Clever. I unfortunately went up stairs after they left and found apple bits and a fork in Zeldas bed. Not so clever, but cute all the same.

As far as Mondays go, this one has been pretty special. It has been a long time since I have spent daughter mother time with Zelda in a relaxing and fun way. It has been a long time since I have had a friend come over and just do normal friends things, like play a game, drink tea, chat, giggle and enjoy life all at the same time. It has been a while since I have heard the laughter of my daughter with a friend. No fighting, just pure perfect fun, for me and for her.

Sunday 28 November 2010

The Weekend

Snow, snow and yet more snow, and still more snow coming. I love it. I love the white crisp powdery not solid and not liquid substance. I love walking in it, lying down on top of it, pulling Zelda in a sled through it. I enjoy watching it fall in small specks and thick fat fluffy clumps, falling lightly or heavily so that my glasses get covered and I am snow blind.  I never wear a hat when it is snowing. I do not carry an umbrella like some. I walk under the shower of snow unadorned so that I get the full power of its intensity on top of  me.

The backyard has piles of snow on top of tables, chairs, trees and plants. The washing line looks like a sparkly spider web. Birds fly in to eat and take refuge. It's pure eye candy!

Snow makes me giddy. I can not be mad when it is snowing. I can not be sad when it is snowing. I can only be glad when it is snowing.

Last night at 1am in the morning my husband and I walked home from a friends dinner party. They live about 2 miles away. We walked all the way under the bright moon lit sky. It felt warm out. I felt safe.  The stars were magnificent and their light reflected on the snow covered streets below. I ran through a cemetery and I rolled on the ground. I was, possessed, for a small moment. Taken over by joy, wrapped in the warmth that the cold snow gives off. Memories of my childhood. It was perfect.

Friday 26 November 2010

Friday

a perfect day

Ingredients

wake up to BBC radio
coffee in bed
warm bathroom
warm towel
warm clothes
light breakfast ( shared my bagel with Zelda)
catch bus
catch train to Newcastle
Work at BALTIC
Learn new things
Feel ill
take lemsip
go home
have tea
go to bed
see family

Directions

Take all the ingredients and mix well. Finish off with a big hug and kiss and the words " I love you mommy, feel better" and your perfect day is complete.

Thursday 25 November 2010

Thursday

The lamp post on the other side of the wardrobe in the film Narnia was a lamp post in Durham. This morning, that lamp post was outside my window and so was all that snow!

6am I awoke to the giddy sounds of both Zelda and my husband, induced by the stillness and magic of falling snow flakes and about 6 inches of already deposited pristine white snow. I raced up stairs to the top room, which has six sky light windows on the A- frame walls. The views from this room are magnificent. I can always see the rainbows, the colored moody clouds, the sunshine and the trees. This morning I was looking forward to the snowy vista I would see.  Instead I saw the inside of an igloo in the North Pole. White solid snow filled the panes. It was eerie. It was a bit creepy. It was cold. It was a perfect way to experience my first winters snowfall in England.

Northerners are die hard. Schools do not close. Everyone still walks to work and school. Instead of mini skirts and open toed shoes, I was looking at mini skirts and wellies sliding down the hill and marching into town. By the time we arrived we were 10 minutes late. Not too bad for our first attempt at the heel toe express on snowy icy hills. Zelda had a blast and so did we.

Coffee as usual and then into the center to buy warm under things and proper gloves for Zelda. Then, a quick stop at the charity shop proved successful. A lovely black wool short coat with cowl neck and two soft scarves all for a total of 6 pounds. I was now set for the winter also. I am learning the magic of layering. I feel like a wedding cake when I get dressed. First the silky light weight pink silk under wear. Next a soft cotton camisole. On top of that, a thin black Lycra turtle neck and finally the icing...a fleece. My short wool coat on top with a scarf wrapped around and I am good to go anywhere, looking good.

Walking up the hills in the snow I found to be easier than walking up them when there is no snow. I ask myself why? I don't know, but it felt great and I was happy and smiling all the way home.

After school club at the church was quiet today and very relaxing. Ian turned up at around 4pm and we all went home together. Today was Thanksgiving and we were going to spend the evening together. I made baked rolled stuffed turkey cutlets with lemon thyme, rosemary and orange. Brown rice and roasted baby carrots as an accompaniment. While I was cooking Zelda made a snowman with her daddy in the garden. It really was the most perfectly loving sight and I loved the feeling of warmth and happiness it gave me inside.

Dinner was followed by stories in front of the fire all snuggled up together. We then put Zelda to bed and she drifted off peacefully and content. All that snow probably wore her out.

Time check: 8:48. Zelda a sleep. Hubby investigating heating costs! Me, truly madly happy.

Wednesday 24 November 2010

Wednesday


Sky light window at 23:03pm
What you are seeing is SNOW!!!! I am so happy that I bought a sledge today! I purchased my sleek black plastic top of the line sledge, with hand rails, and brakes this morning at approximately 10 am. The sun was shining, but earlier a few flakes had flown down to the ground, ( I swear)  albeit they did not stick, but so what. I wanted to be ready. I could smell snow. I could taste snow. I was thirsty. I was, I am, a New Yorker,  snow WAS on its way. The people in the streets, who I passed as I walked my 2 foot sledge home up the hills of Durham, looked at me queerly. Many made  a comment like " so you had some sledging today did ya?" or " you expecting snow?". Well, yes I was. I answered that I had been told that if you don't buy a sledge at the first sight of snow fall, there wont be any left. This was a scenario I could not face. Not after moving my daughter from sunny South of France, with the promise of snow and sledding!


This morning when the BBC radio alarm went off it was not talk, but music. I thus stayed in bed an extra half hour. Being that I and everyone else in the house was on the late side, I rushed into the shower and then dashed downstairs to start breakfast for us all. Upstairs, Zelda and Ian were sparing over getting dressed. I wont say who won. I will say that tomorrow will be different, for Zelda.

8:30am  and we are out the door. All bundled up against the wind and the chill. 8:34am and our student friend Lizzy, who has adopted us and we her, walked us to Zeldas school, so the morning was saved. We made it just in time for the bell. When Lizzie is around, Zelda dashes and leaps and jumps all the way down the hill and up the hill and happily makes her way without a dawdle to school.

No coffee as usual this morning. I was off to Tony and Guy. A quick hair cut which turned out perfect, took all of 30 minutes. Next stop realtor. Next stop sledge. Then home!

Zelda pick up as usual. Boot exchange. Bus home. Snuggle. Bath. Books. Bed. Dinner prepped..I was on a schedule.  I had a special Skype session planned for 9pm sharp.

Twice baked stuffed jacket potatoes, California burgers, that is a burger without a bun and fresh guacamole with chile on top, and rocket salad for dinner. A nice light red wine to go with it. Fueled up I was ready.

"Ready to skype?" showed up on the computer. Yes!

9 years had passed since I spoke to and saw my brother. He was in New Mexico spending Thanksgiving with my parents. I do not usually go in for all that Thanksgiving stuff. I really don't believe in it. I have always felt that it was not really an event to celebrate, since it was surrounded by disease, rape and the "overpowering" of an indigenous people, in order to get the "American dream". Today, as it happens, I was very thankful and this feeling of thankfulness just happened to coincide with the holiday, so, that made my day perfect. Thanksgiving will no longer hold memories and stories of nasty historical stuff, but the stuff that makes me happy. The stuff that makes families family. The stuff that says, I love my family.

Time check: 11:36. I am due downstairs. Hubby and I agreed to stop whatever we are doing and go to bed at 11:30. oops I am late!

This post is dedicated to my family. I love you where ever you are!











Tuesday 23 November 2010

Tuesday

 Ill. Perfectly ill.

Mug of hot water with honey, cloves and lemmon.
Lemsip MAX
and now plain old paracetomaol.
The chills and aches don't seem to want to leave me.

Had a nice snuggle in my bed with Zelda, reading and listening to classical music while I rested and waited for hubby to come home to put her to bed. She is scrummy. She makes me feel better. It is strange, but your own child must give off some kind of chemical that actually heals!

Off to sleep withall my clothing on!

good night all.

Monday 22 November 2010

Monday

A suitcase on wheels, a four and a half year old and three adults all travelled down the hill, in the rain. We all woke up, showered, got dressed and ate breakfast and left the house only 6 minutes later than we like to leave, but at least 5 minutes earlier than we usually leave! It was perfect. We need to have guests more often!

 My friend and I took a cab back to the train station after we all had a coffee.  I then took the cab straight home to avoid walking in the rain. This is the first time I have ever avoided walking in the rain since I have moved here. I currently sit and type while drinking a Lemsip. I do not feel well. For the past hour chills have started with increasing regularity and strength. I feel my body starting to develop aches. My face feels hot. I knew when I woke up this morning something wasn't right.

I am wearing socks, furry pink slippers, a flannel long nightgown with snowmen on it, underneath it a camisole and on top, my fleece zebra striped bathrobe with satin pink trim! It's fun when you don't feel well. You can pile on the layers, look silly and or ridiculous, your hair can stick out in all directions and you just don't care!

I am hoping that this is going to be a "one niter" only kind of illness. I have too many exciting things to do this week; tomorrow a visit to another house, Wednesday I am having my hair done, Friday I am working at the Baltic and Saturday Zelda has a birthday party in the afternoon, and we have a dinner party to go to in the evening. I want to be at my best. I have already learned the hard way that I can not stay up late and party without feeling like death warmed over, and that is when I am healthy.

On top of social activities, the family and household obligations are piling up too.....We have not even started shopping for or planning Hanuka and Christmas. Arrangements and papers have to be made and filled out for the transport of our cat, bills from France need sorting out ( those I could actually just ignore, not like we live there anymore!) and train tickets need purchasing for going to Scotland. I am sure there are more things, it feels like there are, but I can't remember them. That is the worrying part of it all. "All I want for Christmas is....." .. my memory back.

Time check; 7:57...Zelda is a sleep. The hubby is working. I am warm and drinking lemsip. I am looking forward to getting into bed and starting a new book that was given to me by a friend. Her sister-in-law has written it. It looks intriguing and it is the perfect way to be ill!

Sunday 21 November 2010

The Weekend

10:06 pm. I am ready for bed. The weekend has been full, illuminating, both visually and personally and, of course, perfect.

I have had a friend visiting me. This has been my first visitor in my new home and homeland. Funny enough, my friend lived in my old home land and has also moved to the UK. She lives only an hour and half away. She, unlike me, is British. She lived in France for 5 years compared to my 10. We have both had similar emotional and psychological feelings and experiences after leaving France. We are both very happy we made the move. We both agreed that it was like being a prisoner when looking at our life in France in retrospect. We both feel suddenly freed. This is not the only coincidence. It turns out that I made fish pie for dinner. Not just any fish pie but a recipe by Jamie Oliver. This is her all time favorite dish! I had no idea. I never made fish pie before. It came out...perfect!

Zelda has shown another side of herself this weekend. She enjoys having visitors. She loves the intimate company a visitor offers. I found her in the guest room this morning playing barbies. My friend, I think, was more into it than Zelda was! I couldn't stop smiling and thinking how wonderfully perfect the scene was. In the end I think they killed off all the barbies and one of them had to play a male role...a prince. Priceless!

This afternoon we were all instructed to be ballet students. Zelda took the role of  the dance instructor. After two lessons she is well on her to way to becoming a prima ballerina in every sense of the word! She snapped out " first position", "stand straight", "fairy walk" and "follow me" with great confidence. Afterwards she gave us a performance of what she had done in the class.

Saturday night was a girls night out. My friend and I walked into town and went to the pub for a drink. On the way, we viewed the Cathedral from the bridge through a purple misty drizzly haze. It is always different this view. It changes with every change of the light and weather. It is to me like a work of art. A fine painting that evolves continually based on it viewers circumstances. It's magic. We both stood on the bridge speechless.

Dinner was in a small Italian joint called Marco Polo. A bottle of wine was 9 pounds. Pasta was 5pounds. The cheesy garlic bread was divine and of course the low calorie choice we were both looking for. We shared a Tira Mi Su. The walk up and own the hills was definitely needed and welcomed after  that meal.

I fell into bed around 11:30pm. I awoke to the sound of my daughter and my friend playing together happily, even though it was only 8am.  It took until 11am to drag them both away from the dolls!

Time check 10:31. A perfect weekend. Good night and I look forward to tomorrow.

Friday 19 November 2010

Friday

It was a perfect day.

I am game to say absolutely nothing and leave it as that, but I  will give a bit away!

I will start from the end rather than the beginning ,but there is no guarantee I will cover  it all.  Perfection can not be reproduced.

Arrived home by taxi at approximately 11pm. Zelda wearing only a dress and boots. Her legs fully visible so one could see the beautiful artistic designs she had made on her legs in multi colored pen. My daughter the "budding" artist. Her best friend also had similar markings on her body. In addition, they both had very "lovely" greasy hair from the application of an entire tube of Vaseline. This, they explained as being lipstick" for he body and hair! What imaginations. What potential! I would be crazy to squash this kind of free thinking.

Even earlier, an appointment with the mortgage consultant and realtor proved educational. 

Following that, we picked up Zelda from school at 5:30 and went to meet her friend and  and our friends to go to the pub for a drink and a bit of R&R. The pub was packed and it was difficult to get a second round. We were then invited to our friends house to continue the evening.  A simple yet splendid dinner was created. Bruschetta with olive oil, garlic, basil and tomato, followed by pene with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese. The adults and the children ate the same thing. It was perfect! Red wine and great conversation.

The girls had a fantastic evening playing dress up, monsters and whatever else little girls do when you are not around. (like painting their bodies and getting into your makeup)The fact that they were not bothering us was enough to satisfy me that Zelda was happy, and thus so was I.

Too many characters and too many events, but I will say that it was a perfect day because I was able to have a completely relaxing time. I enjoyed being with friends. Friends that I would never have known otherwise. Friends, that as it turns out, I share a great deal in common with. Friends, who make me think about what I used to want for my life and where I wanted to go with that desire.

How wonderful to be confronted. How perfect an opportunity to seize what was once lost.

Thursday 18 November 2010

Thursday

It could of been us. We could be living in a palace. I could be a Lady. Zelda could be a Princess for real. How could my sister -in - law let us down??? She went to school with Prince William after all, she had a shot too! Her daddy blows balloons..is that a high pitched shree I hear in the background.? These were my waking thoughts as the BBC broadcaster told me there was going to be another Royal Wedding.

 I would rather starve than freeze. We turned up the heat last night and are leaving it on for longer. I am warmer outside than inside, "how could this be?" I asked my husband. I love absolutely love the weather, the crispness in the air, the red cheeks and warm itchy feeling when I come in from the cold, but not while I am in my home! So, this morning was lovely. All day in the house while I was job hunting, it was lovely. (No more gloves while I type). Snuggling on the couch with Zelda was cozy, didn't even use a blanket to cover us! Yes, it is much better to eat less and pay more.

The third Thursday of every month is very special because there is a farmers market in the old market square. It is not flashy. It is not big. It is not even that varied in its goods. But what it is, is authentic. The produce still has dirt clinging to the roots. In this case, there were giant carrots, beets, celeriac, and huge stalks of brussel sprouts with enormous green foliage still attached. All I could think of was the story of The Giant Turnip. I laughed inside and smiled like an idiot as I walked through the stalls. I tried some very nice home made ginger wine, non alcoholic. Tested the organic farm made cheeses. The selection of wild game, meats and sausages were mesmerizing. I settled on a package of 8 beautiful pork sausage with apples. The apples came from the farm as did the pork meat. All organic and prepared by hand. Next time I will try some venison. I do not think I could bring myself to make pigeon fillet, but should I wish too, its all there!

Coffee at the church while Zelda played was a needed adult past time. I look forward to Thursdays at this time as I have a very nice friend and her mother is also my friend, so I guess I have two very nice friends. We sit around for an hour laughing, gossiping and sharing bits of ourselves. I feel fortunate.

The evening routines went as planned. NO big hiccups, and always special.

Time check 20:11. Ian putting Zelda to bed. me tapping away. Time for us. Perfect.

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Wednesday

6am wake up as usual.
Coffee as usual.
Zelda in our bed snuggling as usual.
Strawberry milk as usual.
Grapes, clementine and banana in bed, not usual. Was this a sign that my day would be out of the ordinary?

Drop off at school went as planned.
coffee at the university happened as planned.
Weekely stop into the charity shop as planned. Bought six crystal sherry/port glasses for two pounds. They match the six crystal champagne flutes bought two weeks ago for the same amount.

An out of synch visit to the library to take out fairy books for Zelda.
We usually go every Saturday morning, but I promised I would take more books out for Zelda.
 As a parent, I think it is impossible to refuse books to a willing reader.
Give it to them, when and where they want it!

I felt particulary giving for some reason in the library after seeing a post for ESOL classes given there.
I introduced my self tothe instructor and volunteered my services.
He introduced me to his students.

They were adults from Iran, Italy, China, Indonesia and Mexico.
They were lovely.
The instructor said he might be able to use me for one of his own classes.

Home as usual by 11am.
I worked my way slowly through the house putting things in order.
I knew something was waiting for me.
Downstairs kitchen.
First floor bedrooms.

The computer.
Email.
A message.
Confidential, we will not be progressing with your application.

Rejection is interesting.
It made my day indeed unusual and out of the ordinary.
Rejection is for reflection.
My day was perfect.

Tuesday 16 November 2010

Tuesday

woke up, got out of bed, dragged a hot water bottle across my head, ok...ok....I had to change a word in order not to be sued for plagiarism or worse.

This morning was the start of a very special day with high expectations. I had my first day of work at the BALTIC*, a very hip and dynamic contemporary art center. I had been taken on to be a volunteer in their Learning  department.  Like Zelda yesterday, I too had a similar episode in the morning about WHAT TO WEAR. In my case, to a volunteer job, in a hip and happening place with young adolescents as the target group I would be dealing with. Not to mention artists, educators, and oh hell I'll just say it... PEOPLE! It's been a while since I have worked with people...I am used to the 7 year old crowd! You know, rolling on the floor and behaving like animals type of behavior. What was I to do??? What was I to wear???

8:30 am, Ian and Zelda set off to go to school. The door bell rings 30 seconds after I close the door and make my good by kisses. " Look mommy,. look at the ice on the car!" I am dragged outside, in my still undecided outfit, to examine icicles hanging, dangling from the windows! I think to my self.....better leave an hour earlier, don't want to be late, and the trains just might be.

The streets were treacherously dangerous. I crept at grandma speed down the hill and then up the hill to the train station. By the time I arrived I was toasty and warm and happy I had escaped breaking a hip. Round trip ticket purchased, Durham/Newcastle and I was on my way. The train was about 15 minutes late, but the track faces south so I enjoyed a lovely warm sun filled rest on the platform chairs. I could have stayed there all day actually had I not had this appointment. Hmmm. maybe tomorrow!

10am we pulled into Newcastle. The trip took 13 minutes. Newcastle is an amazingly beautiful city with wide streets mixed with old medieval stone roads. It nestles on the River Tyne and has a fantastic water front. The BALTIC is situated right on the water front. One must cross the Millennium Bridge to get to the Gateshead side which is where the BALTIC sits. It is a very beautiful 20 minute walk from the station.

10:30 am I am sitting in the BALTIC cafe sipping a goldfish bowl sized cappuccino.

11am I go upstairs to start my day. I help Lucy set up the space and we go over what we will be doing with the children. While we wait, several other participants in the project we are working on show up. One is an artist and the other is a lecturer on Arab and British relations. The project we are working on is a project entitled Arab Artist, and is in its fourth and last year.

12pm and the students arrive. We sit down to a lovely Lebanese buffet meal before the program begins, getting everyone into the right mood!

12:30pm-2:30pm program in progress. Talks, animations, and work shop activities.

2:30pm and the students leave to return to school. We clean up and I go back to the station. On my way, I get myself lost in order to start to explore this new and intriguing city. It has recently been coined the London of the North.

I get back to Durham around 4pm and pick up Zelda. I feel totally elated and high. I am at one with myself in this type of environment. It feels good, after so many years to be back in a museum/gallery space.....place. I am once again taking out an old favorite item of clothing and wearing it again like it was just yesterday. It still fits, perfectly.
*http://www.balticmill.com/

Monday 15 November 2010

Monday

The alarm went of as usual, only no talk radio, opera! We had forgotten to change the channel back from our Sunday morning listening pleasure! 6am and opera just do not mix for a happy, gentle Monday awakening, especially after I have gotten used to the soft British accents of the BBC. Zelda funnily enough did not stir. She always appears though when the talk radio goes off. Strange. I had to wake her up at 6:45. Her face was so serene. She looked beautiful and happy.

Showers, dressing, breakfast as usual. We were on time, almost. At the last minute, a wobbly was thrown over hair decorations. Zelda had some how found and taken inside a large basket of hair shoo shoos, hair bands and hair clips. Enough choice to throw anyone, even a sane adult into a tizzy! I was ordered to put her hair into pony tails so tight they would make your face hurt. She did not like them. Next up, hair clips, nope- no good. Followed by neon colored hair crimps and heart hair clips together. Again, not right. An exasperated and now crying child stomped around the kitchen refusing to get her coat on or move towards the door to go to school. She was frozen by too much choice! What will she do I fear, when she gets out into the real world of  shopping, dressing up and dining out???? I am frightened........ for the people who have to serve her!

Over coffee, my husband and I discussed possible ways to handle these kinds of situations in the future. Too much choice. We were frozen too. We did come up with a few possible ways to help her, we will see if they work. Stay tuned.

By 11am I was home. I did my normal stop off at the market and carried three bags of groceries, up the hill, down the hill, up the hill and  down the hill. Great exercise and allows me to eat what ever I feel like!

I glued myself to the computer for the next few hours whiling away my time. Shopping for jobs, houses and whatever else came my way. Nothing came my way. I am sitting on tender hooks now when ever I am in front of the computer. There is a little function that allows you to see a small portion of an email that you have received while you are viewing another page. It usually has the head line of the message and who it is from. If you, like me, were waiting for an email from a potential employer telling you you had an interview, every time this little window showed its face, you would sit up at attention. I am going nuts. Happy nuts, but nuts all the same!

I took Zelda to the park after school. It was a fantastically beautiful sunny crisp day. I forgot to mention this fact, How could I? Oh right, it was overshadowed by the hair accessories panic attack! In the park, a battle between the boys and Zelda broke out. Leaves, dirt, sticks, no weapon unturned. No harm done. I took home a muddy, soiled faced girl who was absolutely in control and happy! This was perfect adult viewing. Once home I put all the clothing into the wash. Playing dirty.....is.....well .....dirty!

Snuggles on the couch, dinner, bath, books and a ride on a broom stick into bed followed.
How could this not be the end to a perfect day!

Time check: 8:26. Glass of Cava in hand. A little flat, but still really nice! Husband has left the building, so on his way home. Zelda asleep. Lovely.

Sunday 14 November 2010

Sunday

Once again, the alarm went off at 6am. The house was very warm and as I did not feel chilled, I got up, went downstairs and made the coffee and strawberry milk drink for Zelda. Last night I was too lazy to prepare for Sunday mornings beverages, and all the begging in the world did not get anyone else to do it. No matter, Zelda happily volunteered to keep me company. Unfortunately, she got delayed or distracted by her many costumes and changed into a fairy by the time I had finished.

At 8:30 I sank deeply into the lavender scented bubble filled bath tub. It was heaven. The family were playing in the bedroom and I was relaxing.

Once wrinkled by the water, I departed and dressed and went downstairs to prepare a perfectly healthy breakfast. Sliced mango, melon, blueberries and strawberries arranged in a kind of Miro mobile graced the plates. Honey drizzled goats cheese sat beside it. Finally, whole wheat toast with butter and fresh orange juice.  Eating a good breakfast today of all days was very important. Zelda was having her first ballet lesson! It was from 1-2pm. We would not eat again until much later that day...in fact 4:30pm to be exact as it turned out.


First day jitters set in. We needed to leave in order to get to the class with out being late. Zelda was upstairs pulling out every costume, skirt and dress she could find, trying each one on in turn and then discarding it as
"not beautiful". Tears followed after each rejection. We both tried to talk to her and find out what was wrong. She was nervous and wanted to make a good impression. She finally settled on her black leggings with white tea shirt and a pink tulle skirt on top. We made it just in time!

Before we left, Zelda expressed that she wanted us to be with her in the class. Once we arrived and she saw that another girl in the class was from her school, she immediately settled in without a glance back in our direction.  I felt tears well up in my eyes. For the first time, I realized that she was not a little baby anymore, but a little girl. She re-emerged after one hour, smiling and pirouetting towards us. On her chest was a sticker for "good work", and she was very proud. Once home, we got a private demonstration. It  was perfect. She was perfect.

4:30 rolled around. After having a glass of Cava, we sat down to fillet of beef pan seared and accompanied by a mushroom and anchovy cream sauce, baked potato and broccoli. Zelda paid me the greatest compliment. "I love this dinner, you are a great cook and I love your food mommy". I could not believe my eyes, but she ate an entire fillet, a whole potato and all her broccoli.

The day was long, slow and well paced. We had a wonderful family day full of new experiences, both for Zelda and for us as parents. It was truly a perfect day!

Saturday 13 November 2010

Saturday

Me: zzzzzzz
Zelda: zzzzzzzzz
Husband:ZZZZZZZZZ

6am...... blabber via BBC Radio...the alarm was not turned off and it was Saturday! Zelda immediately woke up and said with glee " It's morning". She popped out of bed and started tugging on the blinds to open them up and then headed straight to the coffee maid to make our coffees.  She was unstoppable, she was non persuadable to go back to sleep, nor to stop behaving like a kitty cat or any other number of highly active activities involving parental participation. We threatened, we growled, we ignored, by the time we were finished, it WAS time to get up as we had an appointment in town to view another property.

The day was gorgeous. Bright sunny blue sky with a spattering of purple-y  low lying clouds. It was warm for a November day and the roses were still blooming in our neighbours front garden. We climbed into the car and drove to the house. Zelda leaped out and ran into the front garden. She ran around in circles like a very happy dog! She then said, " I love this house, it's beautiful" and announced to the realtor, "I am going to buy it!".

It is a nice house from the 1930's. The property is lovely and so is the neighbourhood, but it needs a lot of reworking inside. I am not sure we are up to the task. We would have to knock the price down quite a lot and although the owner is desperate to sell, I am not sure he is that desperate!  We will keep our chins up and keep looking., But oh the stained glass windows, the garden, the views, the sunny rooms, the wood burning fireplace.

We all went to a cafe for lunch afterwards. After that we bought some cashmere sweaters..yes more, but this time not for me, but for the hubby. Next stop home. Hot chocolates in front of the fire followed. A little television and snuggling. I fed Zelda her dinner and now she is in the bath with daddy and tons of strawberry scented bubbles, tea bags and toys.

Time check  6:32....I hear my name being called, I think it's time for me to help with the drying. The its books and bed for Zelda. Some wine and smoked salmon and salad for us.

I loved today. It was gentle, calm and slow paced. Every moment was precious. It was perfect!

Friday 12 November 2010

Friday

Brrrrrr..........it was a cold morning, "expect gale force winds, but lots of sunshine" said the BBC radio. I could live with that. The walk to school this morning was frisky, brisky and bright. As we all headed over the bridge that crosses the river on the way to Zeldas school, the view was incredible. There was cold crisp air, naked tree branches, a swollen river that was almost breaking out into tiny waves and the piece de resistance, the Cathedral. It loomed in the foreground, sparkling in the sunlight, looking larger than life. It was great to be alive, taking in this image and breathing out white puffs of "smoke". We were dragons, crossing the river on our way to battle?..nah, we were dragons on our way to a perfect day!

After a quick coffee, I headed home, up the hill, down the hill, up the hill, down the hill. I felt extremely fit walking into the strong wind all the way home!

I immediately began to heat up the house my way...cooking! Oven on high, I began to slice up a nice looking butternut squash and two red chillies. I rubbed them with olive oil, sprinkled fresh sage and sea salt on top and placed them in the oven to roast for 40 minutes. When they were done, the house and I were nicely warmed up and I continued to make a fabulous butternut chili soup with coconut cream. I would serve  it tonight with pumpkin seed and cheese crackers and red wine.

Fridays is Zeldas day to go to the Sunshine club after school. I pick her up at 5pm. Today was the first day that I actually was not that motivated to go out once again, up the hill, down the hill, up the hill, etc...two more times. It is dork out now at this time and with the howling wind, I was scared. I had no choice though, I bundled up and set off. By the time I reached her, I was warm and the wind died down. We walked to the center and took the bus up the hills, counting to 100 over and over again to pass the time.

Home sweet home, I now know what that means. We both collapsed in each others arms on the couch. We snuggled up and watched some Cbebies and then got ready for bed.  Zelda was fast a sleep by 7:30.

No pub night tonight. Ian came home straight after work. We snuggled up and ate the soup. A little lime rind squeezed over it would have made a nice touch, but next time! We watched a movie on T.V. and now the hot water bottles are being prepared downstairs while I finish up my perfect day!