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.
Tuesday 30 November 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
Thursday 11 November 2010
Thursday
My wake up call came early today. In fact, I was issued two wake up calls...the first at around 2am by a soft stroking on my hand from Zelda and the second a loud scream calling for "mommy" at 4:58am. I decided to climb into Zeldas' loft bed, and sleep out my last hour with her before I actually had to get up. I was greeted with a strong hug and the words "I will never let you go", and for that hour,she kept her word. My day was already perfect.
At breakfast, Zelda was dressed in a princess costume with a red hooded silk cape. She was, Princess Red Riding Hood. She ate her bagel with butter and cheese stick. Drank her strawberry milk and then had a bowl of blueberries. She changed into her school clothes, and despite the dressing up game, we left on time and were the first ones to arrive at school. A first for us, and a perfect way to get Zelda to see the positive side of being ready and on time. She was having a perfect day too! How do I know?,she told me so.
The usual coffee and trip into the center followed. So did my walk up the hill, down the hill, up the hill and down the hill to my house. I left the house it was raining, I started into town it was sunny, I walked home it was raining. I got home it was sunny. The weather today was psychotic, but I loved it. I got a free facial two times today and my skin looks radiant!
In France, it was very difficult to return things you buy. Some shops when asked "what is your return policy?" would look quizzically at you and say " Madame, I do not understand." They will ,sometimes tell you, you can return the item, on the same day, but no money will be refunded and you must buy something else. Now I know this is illegal and if I had had the energy, I would have contacted some consumer agency, but this would have consumed to much of my life!
Today, I went back to the British Home Store where I bought a pajama for Zelda that turned out to be too large. She had already tore off the tags, tried it on, (without anything on underneath) and practically slept in it! I picked out a smaller size, brought it to the cash register, took out the old one, gave the lady the receipt, the torn off tags and the crumpled Pajama, she exchanged it in less than 1 minute. Asked no questions, took no attitude, was happy to please me and whisked the old pajama away. I was stunned. I just had to explain to the woman that I had lived in France the past 10 years and never experienced such an easy transaction in all that time. She was unable to share my enthusiasm for such a simple exchange. I did not care. I was happy. I was over the moon. I was having, a perfect day.
From 3-4pm every Thursday is after school club at the church. Zelda plays for an hour while I sit and drink coffee and chat. It's fantastic and it's free. All of her classmates go and it is usually a full house. Today, I brought with me some organic cheese and pumpkin seed crisp bread crackers. The kind of food granola-y type people live on. One of the crackers somehow was abandoned and a young child found it. The mom, of this child, who had earlier been staring at the packet of these delicious crisp crackers sitting on my table, was now confronting me by handing over the found item with great disdain. I said, " you son can have it, its not a problem". She looked at me like I was nuts. She herself, one of the most "earthy" granola-y type women I have ever seen, was appalled that I would suggest her child eat food found somewhere, in this case in a church playroom, nibbled by my daughter only moments earlier, who has no known transferable germs. My friend and I looked at each other, and had difficulty keeping our laughter inside. Strange, very strange. Perfect even.
Time check, 10:06pm. Glass of wine in hand, husband, probably in bed reading. Extremely gusty outside. Me, I can't wait for tomorow!
At breakfast, Zelda was dressed in a princess costume with a red hooded silk cape. She was, Princess Red Riding Hood. She ate her bagel with butter and cheese stick. Drank her strawberry milk and then had a bowl of blueberries. She changed into her school clothes, and despite the dressing up game, we left on time and were the first ones to arrive at school. A first for us, and a perfect way to get Zelda to see the positive side of being ready and on time. She was having a perfect day too! How do I know?,she told me so.
The usual coffee and trip into the center followed. So did my walk up the hill, down the hill, up the hill and down the hill to my house. I left the house it was raining, I started into town it was sunny, I walked home it was raining. I got home it was sunny. The weather today was psychotic, but I loved it. I got a free facial two times today and my skin looks radiant!
In France, it was very difficult to return things you buy. Some shops when asked "what is your return policy?" would look quizzically at you and say " Madame, I do not understand." They will ,sometimes tell you, you can return the item, on the same day, but no money will be refunded and you must buy something else. Now I know this is illegal and if I had had the energy, I would have contacted some consumer agency, but this would have consumed to much of my life!
Today, I went back to the British Home Store where I bought a pajama for Zelda that turned out to be too large. She had already tore off the tags, tried it on, (without anything on underneath) and practically slept in it! I picked out a smaller size, brought it to the cash register, took out the old one, gave the lady the receipt, the torn off tags and the crumpled Pajama, she exchanged it in less than 1 minute. Asked no questions, took no attitude, was happy to please me and whisked the old pajama away. I was stunned. I just had to explain to the woman that I had lived in France the past 10 years and never experienced such an easy transaction in all that time. She was unable to share my enthusiasm for such a simple exchange. I did not care. I was happy. I was over the moon. I was having, a perfect day.
From 3-4pm every Thursday is after school club at the church. Zelda plays for an hour while I sit and drink coffee and chat. It's fantastic and it's free. All of her classmates go and it is usually a full house. Today, I brought with me some organic cheese and pumpkin seed crisp bread crackers. The kind of food granola-y type people live on. One of the crackers somehow was abandoned and a young child found it. The mom, of this child, who had earlier been staring at the packet of these delicious crisp crackers sitting on my table, was now confronting me by handing over the found item with great disdain. I said, " you son can have it, its not a problem". She looked at me like I was nuts. She herself, one of the most "earthy" granola-y type women I have ever seen, was appalled that I would suggest her child eat food found somewhere, in this case in a church playroom, nibbled by my daughter only moments earlier, who has no known transferable germs. My friend and I looked at each other, and had difficulty keeping our laughter inside. Strange, very strange. Perfect even.
Time check, 10:06pm. Glass of wine in hand, husband, probably in bed reading. Extremely gusty outside. Me, I can't wait for tomorow!
Wednesday 10 November 2010
Wednesday
6am wake-up to the BBC broadcast radio news. I felt like a young child on a snow day listening to NPR radio in my pajama in my parents bed. Funny that, because as we walked Zelda to school this morning, it snowed for approximately 2 minutes on our way down the hill. I must mention that I slept in flannel pajamas with a camisole underneath and a zebra patterned fleece robe on top! I was so snugly, that it was hard to get out of bed, or was it the weight of my clothing?
Zelda, like me, slept in a fleece over her nightgown, she too had a difficult time waking up. When she did, she climbed into our bed, snuggled onto my lap and proclaimed "I am happy today, I will get dressed on time and I will not be grumpy!" The start of a perfect day, for us both.
We dressed, ate, left the house on time and got to school before the first bell sounded. We were all happy.
As usual, I had my coffee at the university with my husband. 9:30 we went our separate ways. He to teach, me to look at a potential property to buy. The street was beautiful, the area perfect, a wonderful large front garden, a nice sized woody back garden, but inside, what a dump! It needed a lot of work, and with the price tag as it was, no way could we consider buying it. The third floor, read attic, had two small angled rooms with sinks, designed for dwarfs, with hopefully with very good eyesight or they would nock their heads in at every turn. Next!
As I headed home, I stopped at Marks and Spencers for groceries. Had a lovely chat with an older woman on my way out. People love to talk to you here in the North. I just love it! I now had an even bouncier bounce in my step, for those who know me well, is this possible? I walked through the market square and up Claypath, down Claypath and then over the bridge. At this point, like every day when I cross this bridge, I get a giddy tingly feeling all over. I break out in goose bumps,. My mind races and I find it hard to put the feeling into words. Out in the near distance-oxymoron?, there sits Durham Cathedral and next to it the castle. Two amazing feats of architecture which command the not only the geographical space, but the space inside my heart and head. No matter what weather or light of day you view it in, it is truly amazing and a very powerful sight.
On this day, the snow disappeared and the sun came out with bright blue skies and no clouds. Just a cool crisp fresh air surrounded me on the bridge. I was so happy and that is all I could feel. Living in the North of England, having the privilege to live in such beautiful surroundings with lively weather and friendly people really makes me happy.
It has been a long time I now realize since I have felt happiness. Ten years in the south of France has been no "Picnique". Every time I cross that bridge I feel happy and I am reminded of how unhappy I truly was. That is all over now.
Time check 8:25, husband bringing up a glass of red to have in hand, Zelda fast asleep, me, enjoying a perfect day.
.
Zelda, like me, slept in a fleece over her nightgown, she too had a difficult time waking up. When she did, she climbed into our bed, snuggled onto my lap and proclaimed "I am happy today, I will get dressed on time and I will not be grumpy!" The start of a perfect day, for us both.
We dressed, ate, left the house on time and got to school before the first bell sounded. We were all happy.
As usual, I had my coffee at the university with my husband. 9:30 we went our separate ways. He to teach, me to look at a potential property to buy. The street was beautiful, the area perfect, a wonderful large front garden, a nice sized woody back garden, but inside, what a dump! It needed a lot of work, and with the price tag as it was, no way could we consider buying it. The third floor, read attic, had two small angled rooms with sinks, designed for dwarfs, with hopefully with very good eyesight or they would nock their heads in at every turn. Next!
As I headed home, I stopped at Marks and Spencers for groceries. Had a lovely chat with an older woman on my way out. People love to talk to you here in the North. I just love it! I now had an even bouncier bounce in my step, for those who know me well, is this possible? I walked through the market square and up Claypath, down Claypath and then over the bridge. At this point, like every day when I cross this bridge, I get a giddy tingly feeling all over. I break out in goose bumps,. My mind races and I find it hard to put the feeling into words. Out in the near distance-oxymoron?, there sits Durham Cathedral and next to it the castle. Two amazing feats of architecture which command the not only the geographical space, but the space inside my heart and head. No matter what weather or light of day you view it in, it is truly amazing and a very powerful sight.
On this day, the snow disappeared and the sun came out with bright blue skies and no clouds. Just a cool crisp fresh air surrounded me on the bridge. I was so happy and that is all I could feel. Living in the North of England, having the privilege to live in such beautiful surroundings with lively weather and friendly people really makes me happy.
It has been a long time I now realize since I have felt happiness. Ten years in the south of France has been no "Picnique". Every time I cross that bridge I feel happy and I am reminded of how unhappy I truly was. That is all over now.
Time check 8:25, husband bringing up a glass of red to have in hand, Zelda fast asleep, me, enjoying a perfect day.
.
Tuesday 9 November 2010
Tuesday
Say three Hail Marys...wait a second, I haven't sinned.... I just love the weather, and that's how many times it hailed today! I love seasons. I love snow, rain, wind and even in the month of November hail storms! I wore mittens today in the house while working on the computer, while downstairs, the gas guy replaced our gas fire, so now we can have cozy evenings and family Sundays in front of it.
I didn't have my regular routine today. Zelda walked to school with her daddy today while I stayed home and watched over the gas guy, who was 2 months late in putting in our new gas fire heater. He managed to stain the carpet, shut off my hot water, and move some very heavy furniture in his pursuit to find the chimney (which he neglected to put right, not the chimney, the furniture). But, the fire works, and we will not be gassed whilst we sleep, as he did install a carbon monoxide alarm. He hung it, like a prized medal, right in the middle of the living room wall. Attractive it is not, but safe we all shall be, for now.
I took a break from babysitting the gas guy at around 11:30 am. This is when I like to eat my lunch. I had some leftover chicken satay curry I made the other night and I gobbled it up...the cold does make me hungry. There is nothing better than spicy leftovers when you are freezing because the house is like an ice cube due to hail and very little heat, so I cranked the oven up to 400 degrees and roasted some potatoes and root veggies. This got the kitchen nice and toasty...killing two birds with one large hail stone.
The sky turned sunny and blue, then grey and dark, then sunny and blue, then it hailed again, then it rained. I waited for the rainbow, I waited for a pause so I could leave the house and pick up Zelda from school. 2:40pm it stopped and cleared up, just long enough to get to school. Zelda and I went for a coffee with some friends at the Gala Theater Cafe, since the park was too wet and slippery. On the way we all stopped into the local charity shop. The girls bought fairy wings and feather boas...perfect. We had trouble getting them out and away from the commando Ken doll that they disrobed, much to the embarrassment of the older lady who works there! All she could say was, " It's a bit cold to take his pants off!" That made my day, Perfect!
Time check...8:18pm, glass of wine in hand, Zelda fast a sleep in bed, and me tapping away on the keyboard, husband out for a work evening, I am alone, it is silent, except for the odd hail ball....
I didn't have my regular routine today. Zelda walked to school with her daddy today while I stayed home and watched over the gas guy, who was 2 months late in putting in our new gas fire heater. He managed to stain the carpet, shut off my hot water, and move some very heavy furniture in his pursuit to find the chimney (which he neglected to put right, not the chimney, the furniture). But, the fire works, and we will not be gassed whilst we sleep, as he did install a carbon monoxide alarm. He hung it, like a prized medal, right in the middle of the living room wall. Attractive it is not, but safe we all shall be, for now.
I took a break from babysitting the gas guy at around 11:30 am. This is when I like to eat my lunch. I had some leftover chicken satay curry I made the other night and I gobbled it up...the cold does make me hungry. There is nothing better than spicy leftovers when you are freezing because the house is like an ice cube due to hail and very little heat, so I cranked the oven up to 400 degrees and roasted some potatoes and root veggies. This got the kitchen nice and toasty...killing two birds with one large hail stone.
The sky turned sunny and blue, then grey and dark, then sunny and blue, then it hailed again, then it rained. I waited for the rainbow, I waited for a pause so I could leave the house and pick up Zelda from school. 2:40pm it stopped and cleared up, just long enough to get to school. Zelda and I went for a coffee with some friends at the Gala Theater Cafe, since the park was too wet and slippery. On the way we all stopped into the local charity shop. The girls bought fairy wings and feather boas...perfect. We had trouble getting them out and away from the commando Ken doll that they disrobed, much to the embarrassment of the older lady who works there! All she could say was, " It's a bit cold to take his pants off!" That made my day, Perfect!
Time check...8:18pm, glass of wine in hand, Zelda fast a sleep in bed, and me tapping away on the keyboard, husband out for a work evening, I am alone, it is silent, except for the odd hail ball....
Monday 8 November 2010
Monday
4am and multiple cries for ..........."DADDY" rang through the house. I rolled over and thought, what a perfect day! 6am and the new radio/iPod player/alarm thingy woke me up with British accents reporting the news on BBC radio, but still no "daddy" back in our bed. My husband was still anchored to Zelda in her single mini loft bed, pressed up against the wooden rail. I found him semi conscious, and in the fetal position. Love poured out of me for the two of them, and at the same time, I was so glad it wasn't me. I pushed the button on the coffee maid and waited for my family to join me in the big bed.
It was the start of a new school week, old routines, and a surprisingly easy morning in terms of getting Zelda dressed and ready to leave for school on time. All it took was the mention of flat pancakes that were not already prepared with nutella filling to get her moving fast as lightening.
The radio said it was going to be cold and stormy with gale force winds today, excellent news, I could wear my new furry cheetah scarf with matching hat and gloves! Zelda could wear her hot pink ones...we would be twins....sort of.
Every morning we walk-run-walk-run-down the hill, through the woods, and over the bridge that crosses the River Wear. This morning most of the golden, purple, yellowy orange and red leaves had disappeared from most of my trees. I loved the new look. Huge spindly naked trees in the distance lined the backdrop of the footpaths and fields. They were like modern dancers performing a winter ballet. All the rest of the way to Zeldas' school I was happy and filled with delight that winter was approaching. I stuck my tongue out to catch some of the rain.
As usual, after drop off, I went for a coffee with my husband at the university. We performed mundane rituals, like putting upcoming dates/events into the calender, discussing how dirty the house was and why I have not cleaned it in along time...because I am a relaxed person now, and planning dinner...omelet and salad.
9:30 am and we went our separate ways. My happy feet took me into town, past the Edinburgh Woolen Mill shop and back again as my eyes spotted the sign..PURE CASHMERE 1/2 PRICE. Ohhh red, black, grey, pink, purple in cardigans and pullovers. I had found the fallen fall leaves! Every color had one XS in stock and I stocked up. What could be more perfect than cashmere, and cashmere at half the price???
Next stop, TESCOS and then home. I walked up the two hills in the pouring rain with gale force winds. There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing, that's what I always say.
Home by 11:30am and I decided to attack the cleaning. I would keep warm and burn off more calories! Four toilets are just too many when you don't have a toilet maid! I made myself a tea bun with butter and a strong coffee. I returned to the toilets, the carpets, the floors and the kitchen surfaces. Two and half hours later my hands were now a mess, but at least my house wasn't.
2:30pm, dressed and set off to collect Zelda. The rain had stopped and the sky was stormy and angry looking, but the air was strangely warm. I arrived at 2:50 and chatted with some of the moms. It doesn't take a whole lot to make me feel happy after 10 years of living in the South of France and being miserable for so long. I was over the moon and all I did was talk to someone for 10 minutes! Sonia, the mom of a friend of Zeldas' said how she hates winter and how it makes her want to hibernate. I expressed how I loved the empty trees and how they reminded me of dancers or people, and her face lit up afterwards. She said she "will keep that image in her mind and that it made her feel happy." I guess it's just a case of the glass is half empty or half full .
Zelda and I went straight home as it started to rain. We took a detour to watch the ducks for a while down by the river. Tomorrow we will bring bread and feed them on our way to school. It usually takes us about forty-five minutes to walk home as we dawdle and play on the way. Today was no different and we had great fun.
Once home, Zelda watched a video and snuggled on my lap. I made her pasta with peas and ham. She practiced her letters and writing and then it was time for a bath, books and bed. She pretended to be an Indian Princess and wore her bath sheet around her body like a sari!
Time check.....8:30...glass of red in hand and fingers tapping away on the keyboard. Wind howling with heavy rain. Husband on his way home. A perfect day.
It was the start of a new school week, old routines, and a surprisingly easy morning in terms of getting Zelda dressed and ready to leave for school on time. All it took was the mention of flat pancakes that were not already prepared with nutella filling to get her moving fast as lightening.
The radio said it was going to be cold and stormy with gale force winds today, excellent news, I could wear my new furry cheetah scarf with matching hat and gloves! Zelda could wear her hot pink ones...we would be twins....sort of.
Every morning we walk-run-walk-run-down the hill, through the woods, and over the bridge that crosses the River Wear. This morning most of the golden, purple, yellowy orange and red leaves had disappeared from most of my trees. I loved the new look. Huge spindly naked trees in the distance lined the backdrop of the footpaths and fields. They were like modern dancers performing a winter ballet. All the rest of the way to Zeldas' school I was happy and filled with delight that winter was approaching. I stuck my tongue out to catch some of the rain.
As usual, after drop off, I went for a coffee with my husband at the university. We performed mundane rituals, like putting upcoming dates/events into the calender, discussing how dirty the house was and why I have not cleaned it in along time...because I am a relaxed person now, and planning dinner...omelet and salad.
9:30 am and we went our separate ways. My happy feet took me into town, past the Edinburgh Woolen Mill shop and back again as my eyes spotted the sign..PURE CASHMERE 1/2 PRICE. Ohhh red, black, grey, pink, purple in cardigans and pullovers. I had found the fallen fall leaves! Every color had one XS in stock and I stocked up. What could be more perfect than cashmere, and cashmere at half the price???
Next stop, TESCOS and then home. I walked up the two hills in the pouring rain with gale force winds. There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing, that's what I always say.
Home by 11:30am and I decided to attack the cleaning. I would keep warm and burn off more calories! Four toilets are just too many when you don't have a toilet maid! I made myself a tea bun with butter and a strong coffee. I returned to the toilets, the carpets, the floors and the kitchen surfaces. Two and half hours later my hands were now a mess, but at least my house wasn't.
2:30pm, dressed and set off to collect Zelda. The rain had stopped and the sky was stormy and angry looking, but the air was strangely warm. I arrived at 2:50 and chatted with some of the moms. It doesn't take a whole lot to make me feel happy after 10 years of living in the South of France and being miserable for so long. I was over the moon and all I did was talk to someone for 10 minutes! Sonia, the mom of a friend of Zeldas' said how she hates winter and how it makes her want to hibernate. I expressed how I loved the empty trees and how they reminded me of dancers or people, and her face lit up afterwards. She said she "will keep that image in her mind and that it made her feel happy." I guess it's just a case of the glass is half empty or half full .
Zelda and I went straight home as it started to rain. We took a detour to watch the ducks for a while down by the river. Tomorrow we will bring bread and feed them on our way to school. It usually takes us about forty-five minutes to walk home as we dawdle and play on the way. Today was no different and we had great fun.
Once home, Zelda watched a video and snuggled on my lap. I made her pasta with peas and ham. She practiced her letters and writing and then it was time for a bath, books and bed. She pretended to be an Indian Princess and wore her bath sheet around her body like a sari!
Time check.....8:30...glass of red in hand and fingers tapping away on the keyboard. Wind howling with heavy rain. Husband on his way home. A perfect day.
Sunday 7 November 2010
Sunday
I have finally learned how to enjoy Sundays. All my life I have woken up early, raced out of bed, showered, ate and then kept myself busy with endless odds and ends. At the end of the day, I am exhausted, and no where near satisfied. I watched with jealously, annoyance and even resentment at how others relax, and all I could do was......do more!
Today was a perfect day.....I was awakened by our daughter Zelda making pussy cat cries at 7:30am. She is 4 and a half years old. She then promptly demanded to make our coffees. We have a Coffee/tea maid in the bedroom. This is the most amazing invention, especially if you live in England and it is approaching winter. You never really have to leave the bed and you get a hot cup of perfectly brewed coffee....this is all part of my learning to relax, not just on Sundays, but everyday! Coffee sugared and delivered, bedside in 2 minutes.
My husband read books to Zelda, while I, relaxed and read a book of my own. Ok , so it was all about how not to have power struggles with your children...but still, it's a book, and quite a good one.
Next up, I showered, while breakfast was being prepared downstairs....toasted bagels, cream cheese, juice and a side of Radio 4....yummy. We all ate and then prepared to go out shopping.
In P.C. World, Zelda and I took in a film on a super huge TV screen while Ian shopped for gadgets that we needed in order to make our lives more fulfilling!..Next time I am going to suggest that they have fresh popcorn for our viewing pleasure!
After PC World, it was time for TESCO, an enormous super market that would leave even an expert slacker, I mean relaxer, jittery and high strung....2 hours later, a whining hungry and thirsty child, I was ready to go home, but I was still smiling, happy to be outside in the fall air, with sunshine in my eyes.
Ok, Lunch was supposed to be made by the time we arrived home, and now I am only about to start making it....Zelda by this time is repeating "come see this mommy" over and over again, the groceries are still in the bags, the husband is connecting the electronic thingy and I have just put carrots and brussel sprouts on the stove to cook, and forgot to put water in the pot!
Fast forward 45 minutes.....table set, pork chops with sage and crackling cooked, champs potato....cooked, vegetables...saved and cooked, plates warmed, sherries in glasses, me...sitting on the couch relaxing, yep you heard it, relaxing with a sherry in my hand, food ready to be eaten, and Zelda performing Cinderella with her wooden puppet toys.
After dinner Zelda and hubby cleared the table, I loaded the dishwasher. Zelda carried in the desserts, chocolate sponge with blueberries and strawberries with double cream. I loaded the dishwasher. I ran the dishwasher. Dishes are still in the dishwasher.
Time check....8:40pm...me, glass of red in my hand, fingers tapping away on keyboard. Hubby downstairs preparing something to eat. Zelda, fast asleep in her bed......me again...happy....relaxed.......what a perfect day!
Today was a perfect day.....I was awakened by our daughter Zelda making pussy cat cries at 7:30am. She is 4 and a half years old. She then promptly demanded to make our coffees. We have a Coffee/tea maid in the bedroom. This is the most amazing invention, especially if you live in England and it is approaching winter. You never really have to leave the bed and you get a hot cup of perfectly brewed coffee....this is all part of my learning to relax, not just on Sundays, but everyday! Coffee sugared and delivered, bedside in 2 minutes.
My husband read books to Zelda, while I, relaxed and read a book of my own. Ok , so it was all about how not to have power struggles with your children...but still, it's a book, and quite a good one.
Next up, I showered, while breakfast was being prepared downstairs....toasted bagels, cream cheese, juice and a side of Radio 4....yummy. We all ate and then prepared to go out shopping.
In P.C. World, Zelda and I took in a film on a super huge TV screen while Ian shopped for gadgets that we needed in order to make our lives more fulfilling!..Next time I am going to suggest that they have fresh popcorn for our viewing pleasure!
After PC World, it was time for TESCO, an enormous super market that would leave even an expert slacker, I mean relaxer, jittery and high strung....2 hours later, a whining hungry and thirsty child, I was ready to go home, but I was still smiling, happy to be outside in the fall air, with sunshine in my eyes.
Ok, Lunch was supposed to be made by the time we arrived home, and now I am only about to start making it....Zelda by this time is repeating "come see this mommy" over and over again, the groceries are still in the bags, the husband is connecting the electronic thingy and I have just put carrots and brussel sprouts on the stove to cook, and forgot to put water in the pot!
Fast forward 45 minutes.....table set, pork chops with sage and crackling cooked, champs potato....cooked, vegetables...saved and cooked, plates warmed, sherries in glasses, me...sitting on the couch relaxing, yep you heard it, relaxing with a sherry in my hand, food ready to be eaten, and Zelda performing Cinderella with her wooden puppet toys.
After dinner Zelda and hubby cleared the table, I loaded the dishwasher. Zelda carried in the desserts, chocolate sponge with blueberries and strawberries with double cream. I loaded the dishwasher. I ran the dishwasher. Dishes are still in the dishwasher.
Time check....8:40pm...me, glass of red in my hand, fingers tapping away on keyboard. Hubby downstairs preparing something to eat. Zelda, fast asleep in her bed......me again...happy....relaxed.......what a perfect day!
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