A Slow and sweet start to the day, having guest stay over is a great way to force yourself to relax.
I was first up and out of bed, no surprise there...coffee was calling and lots of it. I showered and then set Zelda up with toast, banana and warm milk in front of her favorite programs on CBeebies. I then went back up stairs to relax a bit longer in bed.
We all went out into town around noon. We took our friend to see the Cathedral and then took a long walk along the river. An hour later we wound up at one of our favorite pubs. We had worked up quite an appetite and dug into meat pies, fish cakes, bangers and chips with gravy. Washed it down with a glass of red and then we were set to go back home. The time flew and before we knew it it was almost 5pm!
Zelda took a bath, ate a banana and had some milk and then we all snuggled up on the couch to watch The Gruffalo. Her daddy snuggled her to sleep while my friend and I some how polished off an entire bottle of rose Cava by ourselves! The second bottle was consumed once my hubby came down and we ate leftover baked ham, cheese and crackers and fruit. We talked way into the night and then dragged ourselves off to bed.
Another perfect day finished!
Thursday 30 December 2010
Wednesday 29 December 2010
Monday and Tuesday
Due to the Holiday season, I will be writing multiple days at once. My holiday is packed full with activity and I am enjoying the social scene!
Monday morning I awoke to a brand new carpet of snow on the ground. We were all anxious, as one of our oldest friends was arriving to stay for a few days that evening. |Like Sunday, we repeated the spend quality time with Zelda and the days went very smoothly. We laid out some ground rules about not listening and speaking rudely and she has taken them on board quite well, providing we do the same!
I spent about two hours preparing food for Tuesdays Brunch. I made a baked honey mustard spiced ham, two smoked salmon strata, a winter salad of baby spinach and rocket, with raisins, apples, grapes and goat cheese, bacon wrapped apricots,prunes and feta and a dish of crudites with a horseradish dipping sauce. The pink champagne was chilling in the garage and the house was ready for a party!
Zelda went to bed around 9pm and then we watched a film until Jessica arrived. We stayed up late talking and catching up. 1am rolled around and we rolled into our beds.
Tuesday was a great day. The guests started to arrive at noon. We were 8 adults and 2 children. Around 3pm one group left and another group stayed so we became an intimate group of 5. We sat around laughing, talking and eating for the next 4 hours! The Americans were " in the house". Three American women and two British men! It was strange for me to hear the American accent so strongly and so often. Also, it was refreshing to be around the American ease of chit chat and the feeling that one can fit in with out trouble. This is something I missed living in France for so long. Conversation just flowed and rambled.
By 7:30 everyone had left, except for Jessica who is staying until the 31st. We all played a board game with Zelda based on the book Going On A Bear Hunt. Zelda won! The it was up to bed to be read to by Auntie Jessie and put to sweet slumbers by me.
Two arms curled around my neck. Her hot breath lulled me to sleep. I reluctantly unwrapped her from me and went downstairs. I snuggled up adult style on the couch and enjoyed the rest of the evening. So far so good!
Monday morning I awoke to a brand new carpet of snow on the ground. We were all anxious, as one of our oldest friends was arriving to stay for a few days that evening. |Like Sunday, we repeated the spend quality time with Zelda and the days went very smoothly. We laid out some ground rules about not listening and speaking rudely and she has taken them on board quite well, providing we do the same!
I spent about two hours preparing food for Tuesdays Brunch. I made a baked honey mustard spiced ham, two smoked salmon strata, a winter salad of baby spinach and rocket, with raisins, apples, grapes and goat cheese, bacon wrapped apricots,prunes and feta and a dish of crudites with a horseradish dipping sauce. The pink champagne was chilling in the garage and the house was ready for a party!
Zelda went to bed around 9pm and then we watched a film until Jessica arrived. We stayed up late talking and catching up. 1am rolled around and we rolled into our beds.
Tuesday was a great day. The guests started to arrive at noon. We were 8 adults and 2 children. Around 3pm one group left and another group stayed so we became an intimate group of 5. We sat around laughing, talking and eating for the next 4 hours! The Americans were " in the house". Three American women and two British men! It was strange for me to hear the American accent so strongly and so often. Also, it was refreshing to be around the American ease of chit chat and the feeling that one can fit in with out trouble. This is something I missed living in France for so long. Conversation just flowed and rambled.
By 7:30 everyone had left, except for Jessica who is staying until the 31st. We all played a board game with Zelda based on the book Going On A Bear Hunt. Zelda won! The it was up to bed to be read to by Auntie Jessie and put to sweet slumbers by me.
Two arms curled around my neck. Her hot breath lulled me to sleep. I reluctantly unwrapped her from me and went downstairs. I snuggled up adult style on the couch and enjoyed the rest of the evening. So far so good!
Sunday 26 December 2010
The Weekend
No routines, no regular activities; this weekend was not a usual weekend, it was Christmas. My first English Christmas. I have been in England and celebrated Christmas with my husbands family many many times, but that is different. Several times it was on a canal boat and once in Scotland, celebrated at two different homes. This time it was in our home, with other peoples things. Given that, we managed to make the house feel like it was ours, and fill it with our love, decorations made by Zelda and wonderful aromas created by my cooking.
It is a ritual to decorate the tree on the Eve of Christmas after children have all gone to bed. This year my husband did it in record time. Usually, the tree is finished to perfection by 1am, maybe later. This time it was finished by 10:30 pm and we had time to relax, enjoy a sherry and a cuddle on the couch. We admired the tree and then went to bed, exhausted.
Zelda was a sleep early and fell a sleep on her own to show "Santa" that she could! Now all she needs to do is show us.
Unbelievably we were able to sleep late on Saturday morning. Zelda did not come into our room until after 8am. In her hands was her stocking, bursting to the seams, and a huge smile spread across her face. She proceeded to show us everything in the sock one by one. She then ate a chocolate coin and devoured one medium sized raspberry flavoured sugar mouse! If you believe you are what you eat, then this was true for Zelda Christmas day!
The tree was surrounded by presents for all. It took us all day to open them slowly. Everyone was happy.
The lunch was stress free to prepare, and we enjoyed it slowly. Zelda ate a bit, rather like a mouse and then scurried off to run around the house squeaking.
A walk into the snowy woods and to a close by field followed where we tried out Zeldas new pocket kite. Zelda wound up like a moue in a net, all tangled up in the strings, but it was a lot of fun and we burned off the big meal.
9pm and Zelda was a sleep . A quick meeting about never giving sugar candies or chocolates again in the stocking and off we went upstairs to sleep.
Today was relaxing. We decided not to cook anything elaborate, but to hang out in the house and play with Zelda. No sweets were consumed and the behavior was entirely different. The day was different too because of it. This is a huge lesson learned, for us all.
We played snap, tiddly winks and race cars. We watched a ballet video and the movie Aladdin. Afterwards we played magic carpets. We had a lovely tea of crumpets, celery, carrots, radish and cucumber and then Christmas cake with brandy butter. We listened to the Snowman and then danced all together to the music. This was the perfect ending. A close knit ending. an ending to make you feel the beginning.
It is a ritual to decorate the tree on the Eve of Christmas after children have all gone to bed. This year my husband did it in record time. Usually, the tree is finished to perfection by 1am, maybe later. This time it was finished by 10:30 pm and we had time to relax, enjoy a sherry and a cuddle on the couch. We admired the tree and then went to bed, exhausted.
Zelda was a sleep early and fell a sleep on her own to show "Santa" that she could! Now all she needs to do is show us.
Unbelievably we were able to sleep late on Saturday morning. Zelda did not come into our room until after 8am. In her hands was her stocking, bursting to the seams, and a huge smile spread across her face. She proceeded to show us everything in the sock one by one. She then ate a chocolate coin and devoured one medium sized raspberry flavoured sugar mouse! If you believe you are what you eat, then this was true for Zelda Christmas day!
The tree was surrounded by presents for all. It took us all day to open them slowly. Everyone was happy.
The lunch was stress free to prepare, and we enjoyed it slowly. Zelda ate a bit, rather like a mouse and then scurried off to run around the house squeaking.
A walk into the snowy woods and to a close by field followed where we tried out Zeldas new pocket kite. Zelda wound up like a moue in a net, all tangled up in the strings, but it was a lot of fun and we burned off the big meal.
9pm and Zelda was a sleep . A quick meeting about never giving sugar candies or chocolates again in the stocking and off we went upstairs to sleep.
Today was relaxing. We decided not to cook anything elaborate, but to hang out in the house and play with Zelda. No sweets were consumed and the behavior was entirely different. The day was different too because of it. This is a huge lesson learned, for us all.
We played snap, tiddly winks and race cars. We watched a ballet video and the movie Aladdin. Afterwards we played magic carpets. We had a lovely tea of crumpets, celery, carrots, radish and cucumber and then Christmas cake with brandy butter. We listened to the Snowman and then danced all together to the music. This was the perfect ending. A close knit ending. an ending to make you feel the beginning.
Thursday 23 December 2010
Thursday
Oh what a day
snowy skies and sunny ways
walked into town to buy beef and ham
and then we saw a pantomime
of Cinderella and English dish
sorry I meant a prince
Oh what a day
dinner at a restaurant
Italian food and crackers popped
celebrations of family
moving near for jobs are here
Oh what a day
walks along the snowy banks
views of a cathedral in orange haze
rolling balls of icy snow
across the lawn as we go
Oh what a day
secret passages behind the road
up the steps and through the snow
double gravestones partners dead
all together we eat the bread
Oh what a day
child readying for her bed
I am besotted there is no dread
the beauty fills me like a vase
I love my world and all its ways
snowy skies and sunny ways
walked into town to buy beef and ham
and then we saw a pantomime
of Cinderella and English dish
sorry I meant a prince
Oh what a day
dinner at a restaurant
Italian food and crackers popped
celebrations of family
moving near for jobs are here
Oh what a day
walks along the snowy banks
views of a cathedral in orange haze
rolling balls of icy snow
across the lawn as we go
Oh what a day
secret passages behind the road
up the steps and through the snow
double gravestones partners dead
all together we eat the bread
Oh what a day
child readying for her bed
I am besotted there is no dread
the beauty fills me like a vase
I love my world and all its ways
Wednesday 22 December 2010
Wednesday
late start to the morning...7am ..Zelda creeped in and snuggled under the blanket with us both. After she ate a banana and a half in our bed and emotional watching of the first man on the moon landing, I was ready to go shower and eat breakfast. I went down stairs, pulled the curtains back and the yard was covered with about 2 inches of fresh white fluffy snow. I raced upstairs and played the "guess what" game. I was psyched, and I couldn't wait to go out in it.
With breakfast over, I put on my wellies, my hat and coat and ventured out to town to buy last minute needed food items, including two very nice St. Emillion Grand Vin De Bordeaux for our Christmas lunch at half price!!...It is now hailing as I write this...just thought I would mention it!.....The wine will go excellent with the Scottish Fore Rib I am roasting.
I tried not to think about the fact that I had not yet heard back from the recruiter about my interview yesterday and it was now nearing 2pm. The phone rang and it was not good news. I couldn't help feel sad and disappointed. Whether I wanted the job or not, I wanted to be the one to decide, not them. In one way it is good, I was not prepared to start working on January 4th. Now I can hit the SALES!!! Perfect timing.
At 3:00pm a school friend of Zeldas came over to play. she came with both her parents. The girls played in the back yard making snowballs, snow men and running around. We watched them have fun and drank wine, tea and got to know a second set of parents whom we like and are becoming friends with. It is incredible, that only after several month we are making friendships through our child. Everyone told me this is what happens when you have children, it's wonderful, great, etc..I never got to experience it though living in France. I was robbed. Now I feel as though I have hit the jack pot.
My brother in law arrived at 8:30pm. He is going on an interview tomorrow morning. If he gets this job he and his family will move to Durham. It will be wonderful to have family so close by. Plus they have two boys who Zelda adores and visa versa. Thirdly, his wife is American ,I adore her and it will be like having a sister/friend living right next door. The arrangement would really make everything perfect!
Time check; 10:44pm. I am tired but happy. As I have said in the past, it is impossible to feel bad when there is so much good; the people, the beauty, opportunity, and potential. Hubby is downstairs with his brother, me, I am going to sleep. Love you all.
With breakfast over, I put on my wellies, my hat and coat and ventured out to town to buy last minute needed food items, including two very nice St. Emillion Grand Vin De Bordeaux for our Christmas lunch at half price!!...It is now hailing as I write this...just thought I would mention it!.....The wine will go excellent with the Scottish Fore Rib I am roasting.
I tried not to think about the fact that I had not yet heard back from the recruiter about my interview yesterday and it was now nearing 2pm. The phone rang and it was not good news. I couldn't help feel sad and disappointed. Whether I wanted the job or not, I wanted to be the one to decide, not them. In one way it is good, I was not prepared to start working on January 4th. Now I can hit the SALES!!! Perfect timing.
At 3:00pm a school friend of Zeldas came over to play. she came with both her parents. The girls played in the back yard making snowballs, snow men and running around. We watched them have fun and drank wine, tea and got to know a second set of parents whom we like and are becoming friends with. It is incredible, that only after several month we are making friendships through our child. Everyone told me this is what happens when you have children, it's wonderful, great, etc..I never got to experience it though living in France. I was robbed. Now I feel as though I have hit the jack pot.
My brother in law arrived at 8:30pm. He is going on an interview tomorrow morning. If he gets this job he and his family will move to Durham. It will be wonderful to have family so close by. Plus they have two boys who Zelda adores and visa versa. Thirdly, his wife is American ,I adore her and it will be like having a sister/friend living right next door. The arrangement would really make everything perfect!
Time check; 10:44pm. I am tired but happy. As I have said in the past, it is impossible to feel bad when there is so much good; the people, the beauty, opportunity, and potential. Hubby is downstairs with his brother, me, I am going to sleep. Love you all.
Tuesday 21 December 2010
Monday and Tuesday
Yesterday was a mother daughter day.
Zelda spent the entire day in her pj's, and the only time I could get her out ofthem, was when I said I would take a bath with her.
We played build a castle, marry off the princess and made barbie cup cakes.
I ate lasagna with her while she pretended to be a rabbit and eat only the salad.
Some more play and then up to the bath. We pretended to be Egyptian princesses and added extra virgin olive oil to the bath water to soothe our dry itchy skin.
Back into the pajama and up into bed to read stories. Her daddy came home before lights out and she was over the moon. He snuggled her off to dream land and then he came out all relaxed and full of love. I on the the other hand was ironing my suit and shirt for Tuesdays interview.
A night cap and then off to bed.zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Today was father daughter day.
I woke at 6:30 am and dressed in my 17 year old black suit. I wore a funky Puciesque blouse underneath and pink chiffon scarf around my neck. I put on my high power brown sued VARDA pumps and was ready to go.
Zelda told me I looked beautiful, that my suit was lovely and that she loved me heart heart heart. I realized I already had the best job in the world. Nothing could be as perfect as that.
The interview was long and I was one of seven people selected from the original fifteen to go onto the final part; a one to one interview. The interview was forty five minutes and went very well. If they offer me the job, brilliant, if not I am fine with it. I just wanted to have the experience of getting back into the working force.
Time check..4:13 pm and Zelda and her daddy are out somewhere tree shopping. I am tired and have a great deal to think about and be grateful for. I love my family, my home , my life. A cup of ginger tea and a chocolate hob nob sit beside me. Everything is perfect!
Zelda spent the entire day in her pj's, and the only time I could get her out ofthem, was when I said I would take a bath with her.
We played build a castle, marry off the princess and made barbie cup cakes.
I ate lasagna with her while she pretended to be a rabbit and eat only the salad.
Some more play and then up to the bath. We pretended to be Egyptian princesses and added extra virgin olive oil to the bath water to soothe our dry itchy skin.
Back into the pajama and up into bed to read stories. Her daddy came home before lights out and she was over the moon. He snuggled her off to dream land and then he came out all relaxed and full of love. I on the the other hand was ironing my suit and shirt for Tuesdays interview.
A night cap and then off to bed.zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Today was father daughter day.
I woke at 6:30 am and dressed in my 17 year old black suit. I wore a funky Puciesque blouse underneath and pink chiffon scarf around my neck. I put on my high power brown sued VARDA pumps and was ready to go.
Zelda told me I looked beautiful, that my suit was lovely and that she loved me heart heart heart. I realized I already had the best job in the world. Nothing could be as perfect as that.
The interview was long and I was one of seven people selected from the original fifteen to go onto the final part; a one to one interview. The interview was forty five minutes and went very well. If they offer me the job, brilliant, if not I am fine with it. I just wanted to have the experience of getting back into the working force.
Time check..4:13 pm and Zelda and her daddy are out somewhere tree shopping. I am tired and have a great deal to think about and be grateful for. I love my family, my home , my life. A cup of ginger tea and a chocolate hob nob sit beside me. Everything is perfect!
Monday 20 December 2010
The Weekend
The family that plays together stays together....if that is true, then we shall be together forever!
Saturday morning herald in with Barbies on a tray. We were all given one and then had to act out fairy tales dictated by Zelda. Afterwards, Zelda went downstairs to watch Mon Petite Pony. This is a video all in French, so we did not mind her watching it for quite a long time. She practiced her language skills while we got to have some us time. Showers and breakfast followed.
Dur8ing the afternoon we went to TK Max to see if I could find something to wear to my interview on Tuesday. No luck. I am going to look a bit dated, a bit Alley Mcbeal meets bank teller! Following the clothes hunt, it was off to the BIG Tesco to finish our holiday shopping. It was a quick two hours, but we got what we needed with out stress and Zelda had fun going down the isles and retrieving the items and putting them in the basket.
Next up was to look for a tree. We came out empty handed. It will wait until Tuesday when Zelda has a day with her daddy and I am on my interview.
By the time we got home, it was dark and cold. we were all tired and ready to eat a pub style meal prepared by me! Chips, bangers, breaded shrimps and peas. We were all asleep by 9:30pm.
Sunday morning was a repeat of the Barbie show. I went into town to look for clothes again and Zelda and her daddy wrote Christmas cards. When I got back we ate lunch and then got dressed up to go to our neighbors for a Christmas party. Everyone in our close was invited.
At 3:30 we headed into town to go to the Cathedral to see the lighting of the tree and the blessing of the crib. Zelda was wearing a long purple shimmery dress with beading and she sailed around the place like she owned it! There is presently an American vicar visiting the cathedral. He is from Chicago. He noticed Zelda and said, "perfect, how beautiful". Does he know about my blog?!
We went to the Gala Theater cafe afterwards for a drink. It was lovely to watch all the families coming in and celebrating the season. There was no pretense like in France. Just real people of all shapes, sizes and economic circumstances.
Six o'clock and it was time to walk home. The evening air was chilly but embracing. The moon was nearly full and illuminated everything in its path, including us three. It was perfect.
Saturday morning herald in with Barbies on a tray. We were all given one and then had to act out fairy tales dictated by Zelda. Afterwards, Zelda went downstairs to watch Mon Petite Pony. This is a video all in French, so we did not mind her watching it for quite a long time. She practiced her language skills while we got to have some us time. Showers and breakfast followed.
Dur8ing the afternoon we went to TK Max to see if I could find something to wear to my interview on Tuesday. No luck. I am going to look a bit dated, a bit Alley Mcbeal meets bank teller! Following the clothes hunt, it was off to the BIG Tesco to finish our holiday shopping. It was a quick two hours, but we got what we needed with out stress and Zelda had fun going down the isles and retrieving the items and putting them in the basket.
Next up was to look for a tree. We came out empty handed. It will wait until Tuesday when Zelda has a day with her daddy and I am on my interview.
By the time we got home, it was dark and cold. we were all tired and ready to eat a pub style meal prepared by me! Chips, bangers, breaded shrimps and peas. We were all asleep by 9:30pm.
Sunday morning was a repeat of the Barbie show. I went into town to look for clothes again and Zelda and her daddy wrote Christmas cards. When I got back we ate lunch and then got dressed up to go to our neighbors for a Christmas party. Everyone in our close was invited.
At 3:30 we headed into town to go to the Cathedral to see the lighting of the tree and the blessing of the crib. Zelda was wearing a long purple shimmery dress with beading and she sailed around the place like she owned it! There is presently an American vicar visiting the cathedral. He is from Chicago. He noticed Zelda and said, "perfect, how beautiful". Does he know about my blog?!
We went to the Gala Theater cafe afterwards for a drink. It was lovely to watch all the families coming in and celebrating the season. There was no pretense like in France. Just real people of all shapes, sizes and economic circumstances.
Six o'clock and it was time to walk home. The evening air was chilly but embracing. The moon was nearly full and illuminated everything in its path, including us three. It was perfect.
Friday 17 December 2010
Friday
I am short.
I am short listed!!!!
I have an interview next Tuesday at 9am.
It takes place at a lovely seaside hotel at the mouth of the Tyne river.
It involves a group workshop, then 1 to 1 role play and finally a bench marking assessment. We break for lunch and then will be told who makes it onto the 1 to 1 interview that afternoon. finally who is chosen for this incredible 6month contract with this amazing firm:
www.workinglinks.co.uk
If i get this contract I will be helping unemployed people become employable. Help find them jobs, careers and a new self respect and self esteem. I am so excited to have the opportunity to get involved, not just work.
The recruiters words; "I am delighted to inform you that you have been shortlisted out of many candidates for interview on Tuesday 21st December 2010" Just perfect!
I am short listed!!!!
I have an interview next Tuesday at 9am.
It takes place at a lovely seaside hotel at the mouth of the Tyne river.
It involves a group workshop, then 1 to 1 role play and finally a bench marking assessment. We break for lunch and then will be told who makes it onto the 1 to 1 interview that afternoon. finally who is chosen for this incredible 6month contract with this amazing firm:
www.workinglinks.co.uk
If i get this contract I will be helping unemployed people become employable. Help find them jobs, careers and a new self respect and self esteem. I am so excited to have the opportunity to get involved, not just work.
The recruiters words; "I am delighted to inform you that you have been shortlisted out of many candidates for interview on Tuesday 21st December 2010" Just perfect!
Thursday
6am, BBC radio comes on and I awake to news of heavy penalties for women who claim rape, Spain and its economic problems, Juliene blablabla and warnings of the Ice age commeth! So now here I sit at 6:25am looking at white covered windows above my head and listening to the falling hail and slush! Should I be scared? The world is upside down now too, both politically and physically.
No time to ponder the world, have to get moving. I take Zelda to school on my own this morning as the hubby has a Drs. appointment and then has to go to work. Zelda and I arrive a few minutes late, but there were a lot of kids late also due to the icy weather.
Off to town I go to pick up packages, deposit checks and order my Scottish Fore Rib Roast for Christmas lunch. Afterwards, I go directly home to investigate refunds for the train ticket we will not be using this weekend to Scotland as planned. The weather is too bad and we could easily get stuck up there. Too risky.
It turns out we can not get our money back, only change the date, at a ten pound fee per ticket. Now that we are staying here, we will enjoy the neighbors open house on Saturday, then the lighting of the tree at Durham Cathedral.
A quick bite, and I am off to get Zelda at school. We have been invited to our next door neighbors for tea/coffee and mince pies at 4:30. I must again contrast living in France with living in Durham. I have met my neighbor once, and that was to ask her if she had by accident collected my recycling box with hers. A card arrives in our box with the invitation last Friday. In France, I think it took a few years before I was ever invited over to have a drink or a bite to eat at a neighbors. It is so relaxed and friendly here. NO matter what happens inside this country, people will always be kind and generous and friendly, making whatever bad occurs livable.
After our afternoon snack it was time to get ready for bath, books and bed. Zelda did her routine with her daddy, since he was home early and I prepared spaghetti with a pink trout, sherry and cream sauce.
The evening was calm and I felt very sleepy. Nine thirty rolled around and I could not keep my eyes open. Up to bed to dream sweet dreams.
No time to ponder the world, have to get moving. I take Zelda to school on my own this morning as the hubby has a Drs. appointment and then has to go to work. Zelda and I arrive a few minutes late, but there were a lot of kids late also due to the icy weather.
Off to town I go to pick up packages, deposit checks and order my Scottish Fore Rib Roast for Christmas lunch. Afterwards, I go directly home to investigate refunds for the train ticket we will not be using this weekend to Scotland as planned. The weather is too bad and we could easily get stuck up there. Too risky.
It turns out we can not get our money back, only change the date, at a ten pound fee per ticket. Now that we are staying here, we will enjoy the neighbors open house on Saturday, then the lighting of the tree at Durham Cathedral.
A quick bite, and I am off to get Zelda at school. We have been invited to our next door neighbors for tea/coffee and mince pies at 4:30. I must again contrast living in France with living in Durham. I have met my neighbor once, and that was to ask her if she had by accident collected my recycling box with hers. A card arrives in our box with the invitation last Friday. In France, I think it took a few years before I was ever invited over to have a drink or a bite to eat at a neighbors. It is so relaxed and friendly here. NO matter what happens inside this country, people will always be kind and generous and friendly, making whatever bad occurs livable.
After our afternoon snack it was time to get ready for bath, books and bed. Zelda did her routine with her daddy, since he was home early and I prepared spaghetti with a pink trout, sherry and cream sauce.
The evening was calm and I felt very sleepy. Nine thirty rolled around and I could not keep my eyes open. Up to bed to dream sweet dreams.
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Wednesday
It's hump day...that's how I always used to refer to Wednesday as it is the mid way point in the week, once over it, and you are closer to the weekend.
6am, the room flips up side down as I raise my head. News of the falling Euro, unemployment and the health care bill woo me awake. Coffee, give me coffee. Hubby obliges, I am happy. Before I know it, its 6:30 and off I jump into the shower. We can not be late this morning as Zelda has a Carol Service in the St. Oswalds Church at 9:15. Day three of the new routine is still working...singing is unbelievable. I know it calms the wild beast, but I never knew it sped them up too!
8:20 and we are out the door. The temperature has changed and it is colder and spitting with rain and wind as we go down the hill. Snow is predicted starting tomorrow. Zelda still in the mood to sing, makes us do round robins of Jingle Bells all the way to school. At the service, Jingle Bells is not a song on the program; I am stupefied. I am Jewish.
I hurridly do my errands and walk up the Claypath hill tot he Medical Practice to see if someone can take a look at my ear and sort out the vertigo. I am greeted by two brain dead women, and have to sort out my appointment myself by playing a question and answer game. Appointment sorted for later in the day with the emergency doctor. I am then for warned, as if I should be scared, that the doctor may be called out on an emergency, and I will have to wait for him to return. NP.
Once home, I cook up a killer chili for dinner. It is the best chili I have made. I am very pleased and my lips are tingly from the spice. It tastes perfect.
2:30 arrives and I go to pick up Zelda. We then rush off to the doctors. I am seen with in minutes of my arrival, unlike in France, where one has to wait, in a grotty little waiting room for up to an hour after the scheduled apointment time. I guess it makes them feel popular to have a full waiting room. Anyway, the Doctor is very nice, thorough and helpful. I left feeling good emotionally, even if he could not find anything in particular wrong with my ear, leaving me to feel still unwell in the dizzy department. He prescribed wax removal fluid, so that is what I am trying.
At home, the usual after school routine follows, only to be disrupted by a phone call from a recruiter! I am famous, my resume is out there in cyber space and getting results. Only yesterday I got a call from a company that recruits teachers. Today Adecco wants to present me to a great company that helps people who are unemployed become employable and then finds them jobs. I love it. It is the perfect job and direction for this current economy. I have the skill set and the drive. Tomorrow they will short list, I hope I am on it.
Zelda takes a lovely playful bath. We play barbies together for a while and then it is time for bed. I curl up next to her and she asks me to tell her about my day. We share our days and then it is lights out and tickles. Zelda falls a sleep and so do I! I really love this time with her. It feels so wonderful, relaxing, and close. It's the feeling of motherhood. For Zelda, I imagine it is the feeling of childhood. Both are perfect.
Time check 10:50. Hubby clearing up from dinner. Zelda happily a sleep. Me, dizzy, but spinning from joy
6am, the room flips up side down as I raise my head. News of the falling Euro, unemployment and the health care bill woo me awake. Coffee, give me coffee. Hubby obliges, I am happy. Before I know it, its 6:30 and off I jump into the shower. We can not be late this morning as Zelda has a Carol Service in the St. Oswalds Church at 9:15. Day three of the new routine is still working...singing is unbelievable. I know it calms the wild beast, but I never knew it sped them up too!
8:20 and we are out the door. The temperature has changed and it is colder and spitting with rain and wind as we go down the hill. Snow is predicted starting tomorrow. Zelda still in the mood to sing, makes us do round robins of Jingle Bells all the way to school. At the service, Jingle Bells is not a song on the program; I am stupefied. I am Jewish.
I hurridly do my errands and walk up the Claypath hill tot he Medical Practice to see if someone can take a look at my ear and sort out the vertigo. I am greeted by two brain dead women, and have to sort out my appointment myself by playing a question and answer game. Appointment sorted for later in the day with the emergency doctor. I am then for warned, as if I should be scared, that the doctor may be called out on an emergency, and I will have to wait for him to return. NP.
Once home, I cook up a killer chili for dinner. It is the best chili I have made. I am very pleased and my lips are tingly from the spice. It tastes perfect.
2:30 arrives and I go to pick up Zelda. We then rush off to the doctors. I am seen with in minutes of my arrival, unlike in France, where one has to wait, in a grotty little waiting room for up to an hour after the scheduled apointment time. I guess it makes them feel popular to have a full waiting room. Anyway, the Doctor is very nice, thorough and helpful. I left feeling good emotionally, even if he could not find anything in particular wrong with my ear, leaving me to feel still unwell in the dizzy department. He prescribed wax removal fluid, so that is what I am trying.
At home, the usual after school routine follows, only to be disrupted by a phone call from a recruiter! I am famous, my resume is out there in cyber space and getting results. Only yesterday I got a call from a company that recruits teachers. Today Adecco wants to present me to a great company that helps people who are unemployed become employable and then finds them jobs. I love it. It is the perfect job and direction for this current economy. I have the skill set and the drive. Tomorrow they will short list, I hope I am on it.
Zelda takes a lovely playful bath. We play barbies together for a while and then it is time for bed. I curl up next to her and she asks me to tell her about my day. We share our days and then it is lights out and tickles. Zelda falls a sleep and so do I! I really love this time with her. It feels so wonderful, relaxing, and close. It's the feeling of motherhood. For Zelda, I imagine it is the feeling of childhood. Both are perfect.
Time check 10:50. Hubby clearing up from dinner. Zelda happily a sleep. Me, dizzy, but spinning from joy
Tuesday 14 December 2010
Tuesday
5:50 am door creaks open, little feet pit pat across the floor, is it the cat? Then, tugging on curtains, nope it's Zelda, with a big smile and a loud "good morning", she crawls into bed between the two of us, rolls over to her daddy and says " your are the best of all, I love you the best". Absolutely perfect!
6am BBC radio goes on and it's guess what? yep more wikki peeks. Yawn, get out of bed, still dizzy, make coffee. I then realize I don't have to make the morning school run today, yippee goes off inside my head and I settle down back into bed with a warm mug of sweet coffee and relax. Time is on my side. Perfect!
6:30, although time is on my side, I still go into the shower leaving Zelda with Pippi Longstocking and her daddy. Exit shower and it's routine as normal. I am very excited because day two of get dressed before breakfast is still working. Zelda just loves to make up lyrics along with me about dressing ourselves. This morning she added some cha cha chas! I am smiling!
7:00 Zelda and I go downstairs. I prepare my hubbys lunch, a salad, and then make mine and Zeldas breakfast. Afterwards I help Zelda collect coins for her school church fund to put into a tube shaped candle. She proceeds to spill them on the floor repeatedly, for fun. I repeatedly pick them up, hahahah.
Now that Zelda is all ready, I begin to do some house chores, starting with a battle with a king size mattress and a double sized bottom fitted sheet. The damn thing won't go on, duh it's too small, but in my rented house I have about 5 of these and only one of the king size, tell me, how am I to make it work! I started to cry I was so frustrated. A hug from hubby and then his strong arms made the damn thing finally fit. Tonight will be the test, does it spring back and roll us up like a sausage or are we safe?
Then I was on to the laundry, organizing drawers and closets and finally pickling some grilled eggplants.
Two thirty arrived and I went to collect Zelda from school. We had a pleasant walk home up the hill and down the hill, up the hill and to our front door. It was drizzling the entire way home, but we did not mind. Once home, the usual and then more of the usual until lights out and sleep.
The hubby went for a drink at the pub with colleagues and came home happy. We ate a quick dinner and watched a bit of TV. It was nice to have him home. It was nice to be home, with our daughter fast asleep upstairs and us snuggling downstairs. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
6am BBC radio goes on and it's guess what? yep more wikki peeks. Yawn, get out of bed, still dizzy, make coffee. I then realize I don't have to make the morning school run today, yippee goes off inside my head and I settle down back into bed with a warm mug of sweet coffee and relax. Time is on my side. Perfect!
6:30, although time is on my side, I still go into the shower leaving Zelda with Pippi Longstocking and her daddy. Exit shower and it's routine as normal. I am very excited because day two of get dressed before breakfast is still working. Zelda just loves to make up lyrics along with me about dressing ourselves. This morning she added some cha cha chas! I am smiling!
7:00 Zelda and I go downstairs. I prepare my hubbys lunch, a salad, and then make mine and Zeldas breakfast. Afterwards I help Zelda collect coins for her school church fund to put into a tube shaped candle. She proceeds to spill them on the floor repeatedly, for fun. I repeatedly pick them up, hahahah.
Now that Zelda is all ready, I begin to do some house chores, starting with a battle with a king size mattress and a double sized bottom fitted sheet. The damn thing won't go on, duh it's too small, but in my rented house I have about 5 of these and only one of the king size, tell me, how am I to make it work! I started to cry I was so frustrated. A hug from hubby and then his strong arms made the damn thing finally fit. Tonight will be the test, does it spring back and roll us up like a sausage or are we safe?
Then I was on to the laundry, organizing drawers and closets and finally pickling some grilled eggplants.
Two thirty arrived and I went to collect Zelda from school. We had a pleasant walk home up the hill and down the hill, up the hill and to our front door. It was drizzling the entire way home, but we did not mind. Once home, the usual and then more of the usual until lights out and sleep.
The hubby went for a drink at the pub with colleagues and came home happy. We ate a quick dinner and watched a bit of TV. It was nice to have him home. It was nice to be home, with our daughter fast asleep upstairs and us snuggling downstairs. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Monday 13 December 2010
Monday
6am and wikki leaks seems to be taking over my morning routine. The drop in the Euro vrs the pound takes second place. Devising and enforcing new morning routines takes third. Honorable mention goes to finally dressing correctly for the temperature. Perhaps this why I am still dizzy.
If you want to know how to implement change in your life, sing. Sing in a silly voice, a deep voice a high voice. Sing what you are doing as you do it. In my case, getting Zelda to dress before breakfast and not afterwards. It worked wonders. Add a few la la las and you have a possible hit single on your hands. Do a little dance, shake your booty and twirl as you do what you are asking others to do and it really makes change fun! Lets put on our pants, la la la, Lets do a dance, lalala, here comes the sleeve shake shake shake, over the head and twirl...
Dropped Zelda off at school, on time. The morning went perfectly. Met my friend afterwards and she came with me to view the last of 5 properties on Geoffrey Avenue that I have seen. It was a house that had been done up very nicely. The only problem with it is that it is just too small. The rooms are titchy. The halls are long and narrow. Upstairs, there isn't enough room to turn around without the fear of falling over the banister. I am sure if I brought in an entire farm yard of animals and then let them out again, the place would feel palatial, but I just don't have it in me.
Lets face it, I am spoiled. I am also unemployed. I am also expecting to much when I have very definite criteria, like we must be able to walk to Zeldas school and my husband must be able to walk to the university. This means we want to have a home in the city center of Durham, and with a large garden. This is very possible. Most of the homes have nice size gardens. Well the homes that I want to buy. They are also homes that cost too much because they are in the center and have large gardens. Now I can have a large home with a large garden, but I will have to be near noise. I do not want noise. This is a definite certainty, thus I will have to go for small garden and smaller home. Perhaps this is my destiny. This is how I will become more frugal and less spoiled. It has to be a good thing.
Actually, Durham is surrounded by traffic noise because there are so many roads that cut across its beautiful landscape. Some of the most stately homes are on major roads. There are small pockets of quiet development, but they are mostly new builds and are ugly or they are very old areas with beautiful town house style homes, but they have been bought by developers and turned into student housing. Student housing has taken over the city and has ruined the housing market.
Ran errands after the viewing and then went home. Laundry, bills, and ordering groceries on line for Christmas took up my afternoon. 2:30 arrived and it was time to go back into town to get Zelda. It was so warm, all the ice had gone so we walked home. It was nice to be able to walk home again and take in all the beauty of the town. The sky was pink and the moon was out. We flew home on our feet and had a great time.
Upstairs and onto the couch. Zelda and I snuggle and watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. One of my childhood favorites. Then I made Zeldas dinner, gave her a bath and read to her from the new book I reserved from the public library. Another childhood favorite, Pippi Longstocking. She is such a great role model for a young girl. Strong, independent, fearless, confident and quirky. Zelda seemed to like it, and I am enjoying rereading it again.
Time check- 8:27, hubby on his way home from work, Zelda a sleep with the cat and me, feeling perfectly nostalgic and loving every minute of it.
If you want to know how to implement change in your life, sing. Sing in a silly voice, a deep voice a high voice. Sing what you are doing as you do it. In my case, getting Zelda to dress before breakfast and not afterwards. It worked wonders. Add a few la la las and you have a possible hit single on your hands. Do a little dance, shake your booty and twirl as you do what you are asking others to do and it really makes change fun! Lets put on our pants, la la la, Lets do a dance, lalala, here comes the sleeve shake shake shake, over the head and twirl...
Dropped Zelda off at school, on time. The morning went perfectly. Met my friend afterwards and she came with me to view the last of 5 properties on Geoffrey Avenue that I have seen. It was a house that had been done up very nicely. The only problem with it is that it is just too small. The rooms are titchy. The halls are long and narrow. Upstairs, there isn't enough room to turn around without the fear of falling over the banister. I am sure if I brought in an entire farm yard of animals and then let them out again, the place would feel palatial, but I just don't have it in me.
Lets face it, I am spoiled. I am also unemployed. I am also expecting to much when I have very definite criteria, like we must be able to walk to Zeldas school and my husband must be able to walk to the university. This means we want to have a home in the city center of Durham, and with a large garden. This is very possible. Most of the homes have nice size gardens. Well the homes that I want to buy. They are also homes that cost too much because they are in the center and have large gardens. Now I can have a large home with a large garden, but I will have to be near noise. I do not want noise. This is a definite certainty, thus I will have to go for small garden and smaller home. Perhaps this is my destiny. This is how I will become more frugal and less spoiled. It has to be a good thing.
Actually, Durham is surrounded by traffic noise because there are so many roads that cut across its beautiful landscape. Some of the most stately homes are on major roads. There are small pockets of quiet development, but they are mostly new builds and are ugly or they are very old areas with beautiful town house style homes, but they have been bought by developers and turned into student housing. Student housing has taken over the city and has ruined the housing market.
Ran errands after the viewing and then went home. Laundry, bills, and ordering groceries on line for Christmas took up my afternoon. 2:30 arrived and it was time to go back into town to get Zelda. It was so warm, all the ice had gone so we walked home. It was nice to be able to walk home again and take in all the beauty of the town. The sky was pink and the moon was out. We flew home on our feet and had a great time.
Upstairs and onto the couch. Zelda and I snuggle and watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. One of my childhood favorites. Then I made Zeldas dinner, gave her a bath and read to her from the new book I reserved from the public library. Another childhood favorite, Pippi Longstocking. She is such a great role model for a young girl. Strong, independent, fearless, confident and quirky. Zelda seemed to like it, and I am enjoying rereading it again.
Time check- 8:27, hubby on his way home from work, Zelda a sleep with the cat and me, feeling perfectly nostalgic and loving every minute of it.
Sunday 12 December 2010
The Weekend
I feel dizzy, my head is spinning. I popped my head up so fast Saturday morning that I turned positively upside down for a few moments. Since then, I am topsy turvy if I look up or woosie if I move to rapidly. Is this dizziness some kind of a metaphor for my life these past few months? 2011 is around the corner and I have no idea where time has gone.
Hanuka behind us and Christmas looming in front, this weekend was all about getting ready. Saturday afternoon Zelda and I went to our friends house to make all things Christmas-y. What happened was the girls wound up playing, and the big girls wound up making. We actually had a blast. Talk, coffees, giggles and arts and crafts go well together. I am sure that years gone by, quilting Bees were similar in nature. I made ginger bread dough and my friend made salt dough. We sculpted decorations for the tree and painted them. We never actually got around to making anything from the ginger bread dough, so we split it up for each of us to do our thing at home. Our children made one thing each and were off again upstairs to have dolly tea parties and try each others shoes on! Before I knew it, darkness appeared and it was time to walk home. The moon followed us all the way.
We ate dinner as a family. We had lamb sauteed in red wine and rosemary with mashed potato and mixed veggies. Zelda devoured it all. Blueberries and strawberries with fresh cream for dessert afterwards. By the end of the day I was absolutely dead tired and my dizziness seemed worse. Bed was calling me.
Sunday was ballet class. We took the bus there and back and left the hubby home to have some peace and quiet and get some work done. Once home Zelda and I rolled out the ginger cookie dough and made some great shapes...trees, stars, hearts, fairies and of course a ginger bread girl. Zelda sculpted piece by piece a beautiful princess cookie. I had forgotten that we used Bailey Irish Cream in the dough which made the cookies taste great.
I can see grass again as the snow has nearly all melted. It is great to be able to walk quickly again with out the threat of breaking a bone, but I miss the snow as well. It added so much beauty to the day. We are back to "warm" weather and I am happy to wear something other than big clunky hiking boots.
The weekend is now over and I am winding down to relax and have some me time. Zelda just had a bath with her daddy and he is now snuggling and reading to her. It is the perfect ending to a zippy weekend!
Hanuka behind us and Christmas looming in front, this weekend was all about getting ready. Saturday afternoon Zelda and I went to our friends house to make all things Christmas-y. What happened was the girls wound up playing, and the big girls wound up making. We actually had a blast. Talk, coffees, giggles and arts and crafts go well together. I am sure that years gone by, quilting Bees were similar in nature. I made ginger bread dough and my friend made salt dough. We sculpted decorations for the tree and painted them. We never actually got around to making anything from the ginger bread dough, so we split it up for each of us to do our thing at home. Our children made one thing each and were off again upstairs to have dolly tea parties and try each others shoes on! Before I knew it, darkness appeared and it was time to walk home. The moon followed us all the way.
We ate dinner as a family. We had lamb sauteed in red wine and rosemary with mashed potato and mixed veggies. Zelda devoured it all. Blueberries and strawberries with fresh cream for dessert afterwards. By the end of the day I was absolutely dead tired and my dizziness seemed worse. Bed was calling me.
Sunday was ballet class. We took the bus there and back and left the hubby home to have some peace and quiet and get some work done. Once home Zelda and I rolled out the ginger cookie dough and made some great shapes...trees, stars, hearts, fairies and of course a ginger bread girl. Zelda sculpted piece by piece a beautiful princess cookie. I had forgotten that we used Bailey Irish Cream in the dough which made the cookies taste great.
I can see grass again as the snow has nearly all melted. It is great to be able to walk quickly again with out the threat of breaking a bone, but I miss the snow as well. It added so much beauty to the day. We are back to "warm" weather and I am happy to wear something other than big clunky hiking boots.
The weekend is now over and I am winding down to relax and have some me time. Zelda just had a bath with her daddy and he is now snuggling and reading to her. It is the perfect ending to a zippy weekend!
Saturday 11 December 2010
Friday
It had to happen, how long can a balloon stay in the air before it pops or just goes too high and out of sight?
The morning was warm and sunny and slippery. The streets and walkways were clear ice. Ian wiped out at the bottom of the drive and we all held onto each other like a tiny train to the bus stop. Walking was not in the cards today. I felt like an old lady, all I could think of was what if I fall, my neck, my shoulder, my back!
I skated all the way to my appointment to view yet another house after dropping of Zelda at school. It was the most beautiful home I had seen thus far. Larger than we need, more money than we can afford, and probably too much for me to clean. This house made me feel uncomfortable, a bit sad, and ok, yes, depressed, there, I have said it, the "D" word.
I was depressed for the first time since I had arrived in Durham. I wanted a job. I wanted to feel like I am contributing financially, I wanted to feel valued outside the home. I wanted that house. At least at that moment.
In retrospect, I don't really want that house. It is too big. I already feel valued by family and friends. I don't want to have to run around trying to coordinate child care, family, home and work, not yet. So what is the point I am making? I needed to feel "D" in order to realize that what I have, can afford and already do are perfect for me for this time in my life.
During the evening I went to University to attend my husbands Christmas get together in his department. Afterwards we went to the pub for another drink and something to eat with some of his colleagues. I enjoyed meeting them and they were all very nice to talk to. A big change from work related colleagues of my husbands in France. After 10 years, one of his colleagues still had muttered about only 6 words to me. Here, at Durham U. after 10 minutes, I was getting earfuls of banter, along with hugs, winks and invitations to travel!
My balloon floated away today, it did not pop, it just vanished due to it's height, unlike me, I will not vanish ( due to my height) if I don't have a job just yet. I will enjoy what there is for the moment and satisfy myself with the knowledge that it's all perfect for me for today.
The morning was warm and sunny and slippery. The streets and walkways were clear ice. Ian wiped out at the bottom of the drive and we all held onto each other like a tiny train to the bus stop. Walking was not in the cards today. I felt like an old lady, all I could think of was what if I fall, my neck, my shoulder, my back!
I skated all the way to my appointment to view yet another house after dropping of Zelda at school. It was the most beautiful home I had seen thus far. Larger than we need, more money than we can afford, and probably too much for me to clean. This house made me feel uncomfortable, a bit sad, and ok, yes, depressed, there, I have said it, the "D" word.
I was depressed for the first time since I had arrived in Durham. I wanted a job. I wanted to feel like I am contributing financially, I wanted to feel valued outside the home. I wanted that house. At least at that moment.
In retrospect, I don't really want that house. It is too big. I already feel valued by family and friends. I don't want to have to run around trying to coordinate child care, family, home and work, not yet. So what is the point I am making? I needed to feel "D" in order to realize that what I have, can afford and already do are perfect for me for this time in my life.
During the evening I went to University to attend my husbands Christmas get together in his department. Afterwards we went to the pub for another drink and something to eat with some of his colleagues. I enjoyed meeting them and they were all very nice to talk to. A big change from work related colleagues of my husbands in France. After 10 years, one of his colleagues still had muttered about only 6 words to me. Here, at Durham U. after 10 minutes, I was getting earfuls of banter, along with hugs, winks and invitations to travel!
My balloon floated away today, it did not pop, it just vanished due to it's height, unlike me, I will not vanish ( due to my height) if I don't have a job just yet. I will enjoy what there is for the moment and satisfy myself with the knowledge that it's all perfect for me for today.
Thursday 9 December 2010
Thursday
Hot hot hot at a reading of 3 degrees and sunny today! Everything was melting. Pools of slush rose up around all the street corners and then at around 4pm they turned into deadly slippery ice patches. I should have bought the old persons wood cane stick with metal tip today for one pound in the charity shop!
Zelda wore her new black ski/snow pants today to school. Last week she refused as she thought they didn't fit her very well. She has finally realized that she has been cold and that she will be warmer and the walk to school will be more enjoyable if she wears the pants. Add to that, that her best friend wears hers to school everyday, so she has to keep up with the "Joneses". This is an example of when wanting to be like someone else doesn't bother me. She looked adorable, as they are jet black with a slight silvery grain running up them. I wish I had a pair.
The day was spent looking at houses. All of them on the same street. The first one I saw had a lot of potential. It was built in the early 1950's and looks a bit like a sea side house mixed with Bauhaus. The garden was enormous. the drawback is that it backs onto a main road and the traffic noise is audible from outside. Inside you hear nothing. The other two were abominable. They had not been touched since they were built and in one of them a 103 year old woman died in it and had been living in it most of her life. Need I say more. The other smelled of millions of packets of cigarettes and had peeling walls and a crumbling atmosphere, not to mention a tiny patch of green in the back.
Tomorrow am seeing a huge 5 bed roomed, superior 1935 home. Large garden and beautifully decorated. Nothing has to be done to it but move in. It is around the corner from the other ones I saw today. It is also 50 percent more expensive. Perhaps I could put up a send a donation button on my blog to help supplement it? " Fantastic child seeks large home with garden to enjoy her childhood in. Push this button and donate to the quality of her life"
After the viewings I hit the charity shops. Tomorrow I am going to the University Christmas party and I wanted something red. I scored a beautiful angora off the shoulder angora sweater. It has a 1940's cut with 3/4 sleeves, a thin belt around the waist and it is high waisted and snug fitting. gorgeous and from MONSOONs winter collection. I saw it in the shop only last week and thought I would like to have it, but the smallest size was an 8, and it was too expensive. The owner must have washed it, it shrunk and so now it was a 6 and it fit me for only 4 pounds!!! I helped cancer research and got myself the perfect holiday sweater.
I took Zelda to after school cafe club at the church as always on a Thursday. Had a nice talk with my friend while Zelda played with hers. Zelda and I took the bus home and had a lovely talk on the way. I was feeling as though I am banging my head against the wall at times when trying to communicate with Zelda, but today she proved me wrong by saying the most astoundingly astute thing to me regarding the subject that upsets me most when dealing with her...not listening. I am learning from Zelda how to be a better mother and this makes her the perfect child for me.
Time check-8:43..Zelda a sleep with the cat!!!! Hubby downstairs finishing up his marking. Me, going downstairs to make stir fried chili and ginger beef with egg noodles. Enjoy my evening with my man and sleep peacefully knowing I have a perfectly fantastic family.
Zelda wore her new black ski/snow pants today to school. Last week she refused as she thought they didn't fit her very well. She has finally realized that she has been cold and that she will be warmer and the walk to school will be more enjoyable if she wears the pants. Add to that, that her best friend wears hers to school everyday, so she has to keep up with the "Joneses". This is an example of when wanting to be like someone else doesn't bother me. She looked adorable, as they are jet black with a slight silvery grain running up them. I wish I had a pair.
The day was spent looking at houses. All of them on the same street. The first one I saw had a lot of potential. It was built in the early 1950's and looks a bit like a sea side house mixed with Bauhaus. The garden was enormous. the drawback is that it backs onto a main road and the traffic noise is audible from outside. Inside you hear nothing. The other two were abominable. They had not been touched since they were built and in one of them a 103 year old woman died in it and had been living in it most of her life. Need I say more. The other smelled of millions of packets of cigarettes and had peeling walls and a crumbling atmosphere, not to mention a tiny patch of green in the back.
Tomorrow am seeing a huge 5 bed roomed, superior 1935 home. Large garden and beautifully decorated. Nothing has to be done to it but move in. It is around the corner from the other ones I saw today. It is also 50 percent more expensive. Perhaps I could put up a send a donation button on my blog to help supplement it? " Fantastic child seeks large home with garden to enjoy her childhood in. Push this button and donate to the quality of her life"
After the viewings I hit the charity shops. Tomorrow I am going to the University Christmas party and I wanted something red. I scored a beautiful angora off the shoulder angora sweater. It has a 1940's cut with 3/4 sleeves, a thin belt around the waist and it is high waisted and snug fitting. gorgeous and from MONSOONs winter collection. I saw it in the shop only last week and thought I would like to have it, but the smallest size was an 8, and it was too expensive. The owner must have washed it, it shrunk and so now it was a 6 and it fit me for only 4 pounds!!! I helped cancer research and got myself the perfect holiday sweater.
I took Zelda to after school cafe club at the church as always on a Thursday. Had a nice talk with my friend while Zelda played with hers. Zelda and I took the bus home and had a lovely talk on the way. I was feeling as though I am banging my head against the wall at times when trying to communicate with Zelda, but today she proved me wrong by saying the most astoundingly astute thing to me regarding the subject that upsets me most when dealing with her...not listening. I am learning from Zelda how to be a better mother and this makes her the perfect child for me.
Time check-8:43..Zelda a sleep with the cat!!!! Hubby downstairs finishing up his marking. Me, going downstairs to make stir fried chili and ginger beef with egg noodles. Enjoy my evening with my man and sleep peacefully knowing I have a perfectly fantastic family.
Wednesday 8 December 2010
Wednesday
The pain above my right eye, right side of my head and nostril made it very difficult for me to move this morning. I felt as though someone during the night hit me with a sledge hammer. Had I drank myself silly last night this might be appropriate, but no, I was a good girl and had half a glass of red wine and some pasta for dinner. I was not in a good mood and thus was very grumpy with everyone, until, I came out of the shower and found little pink and white wings attached to both Lilly and Zelda.
The cat was so good natured, she seemed not to have a care in the world and was some how oblivious to Zeldas playful devilish antics. She just lay there. Zelda could have dressed her up as Santa with white beard and hat and she probably would not have moved. Did she too have a headache? I rushed to get the camera and took many shots of my two hams, I mean Angels. What a perfect way to start the day.
Again we had trouble getting Zelda ready for school, but this time it was due to cold feet. Zelda was to perform in her school winter play. She was playing an Angel of all things. I think this morning was some kind of warm up only it did not work at getting rid of her stage fright. She had a good talk with her daddy, and he made her feel more comfortable by relating his own fears about performing in public when he played in the band. This made her feel better and brought on giggles and smiles.
The performance was wonderful. It was a bit too religious for my liking, but I guess it's hard to do a play about Christmas without Jesus. After the performance she and I went with our friends to a cafe for hot chocolate to celebrate. We then went home and lit the Hanuka candles. Zelda was able to recite the whole prayer and lit the candles all on her own. She opened her final present...the "big one" and was very happy to have been given something she mentioned she wanted a while back in the book shop; a pop up fairy princess castle book. Tomorrow I am seeing 3 houses, but I rather feel like moving into her pop up house instead! It's perfect.
Time check- 7:27pm. Zelda and her daddy and Lilly are in bed snuggling. Dinner is prepped downstairs and the fire is roaring in the living room. I am grateful for the angels in my life.
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Tuesday
It was a warm day, only -1 degree, and I felt the difference when I awoke this morning. I stripped off my socks and bathrobe during the night because I was obviously too hot! I vaguely remember little furry paws walking behind my head in the early hours of the morning and found Lilly sleeping soundly at the bottom of the bed at 6am.
Coffee made, BBC radio updating me on the Wikki Leaks, again and Zelda still asleep at 7am. I jumped into the shower and rinsed quickly as we were late already! When I had finished, Zelda was in our bed snuggling the cat and her daddy. I dressed, opened up the blinds and stood in shock...it had snowed again during the night! How could it??? We had Pink skies at night and I know snow is not the shepherds delight. I had been tricked, but I was happy as it all looked so pretty and white and clean again.
The morning was a struggle for us to get Zelda dressed, fed and out the door in time to make it to school before the bell rang. The arrival of the cat mixed with the past week of no school and lazy mornings has set us back light years. We are in dire need of a new strategy, one that involves us all getting ready earlier and still staying happy and sane.
The walk into town was magical. The River had frozen! The cathedral and castle had puff of snow on them again and all the pathways and walkways were bright white. It was like walking into a Dickens story.
After my coffee with my husband at the university, I went into town to mail packages, book property visits and search for a ballerina Barbie. I wound up with Christmas chocolates, Turkish delight, dates, strawberries, lettuce and Kohlrabi. The last item making me incredibly happy as I haven't seen this veggie in over 10 years. It used to be one of my favorites. Peel, slice and serve with salt on the side for dipping. It is like a big green radish, but crisp and juicy like an apple. Sadly, or perhaps happily, no Barbie to be found in Durham. That's what you get when you live in a University town.
I came home by bus with my many packages. It was noon by the time I got home. I ate my favorite snack....almonds, cashews and dark chocolate covered raisins. I am addicted to this combo. In fact as I type, I am eating them again.
2:30pm and it was back into town to pick up Zelda from school. I was a bit uncomfortable as I was wearing my puffy Nutria fur jacket. Earlier in the morning, as my friend "petted" me, she said, "be careful, someone might shoot you!", Nice!! its rat after all. who would get upset over that. As I walked I prepared my comeback should someo one confront me. Luckily, I and my coat came to no harm. I was warm and snugly. I will wear it again tomorrow.
Normal evening routine...tele, snuggling, candles, present, dinner, bath, book and bed. Hubby is at work preparing his lecture for tomorrow. I am thinking about my perfect day.
Coffee made, BBC radio updating me on the Wikki Leaks, again and Zelda still asleep at 7am. I jumped into the shower and rinsed quickly as we were late already! When I had finished, Zelda was in our bed snuggling the cat and her daddy. I dressed, opened up the blinds and stood in shock...it had snowed again during the night! How could it??? We had Pink skies at night and I know snow is not the shepherds delight. I had been tricked, but I was happy as it all looked so pretty and white and clean again.
The morning was a struggle for us to get Zelda dressed, fed and out the door in time to make it to school before the bell rang. The arrival of the cat mixed with the past week of no school and lazy mornings has set us back light years. We are in dire need of a new strategy, one that involves us all getting ready earlier and still staying happy and sane.
The walk into town was magical. The River had frozen! The cathedral and castle had puff of snow on them again and all the pathways and walkways were bright white. It was like walking into a Dickens story.
After my coffee with my husband at the university, I went into town to mail packages, book property visits and search for a ballerina Barbie. I wound up with Christmas chocolates, Turkish delight, dates, strawberries, lettuce and Kohlrabi. The last item making me incredibly happy as I haven't seen this veggie in over 10 years. It used to be one of my favorites. Peel, slice and serve with salt on the side for dipping. It is like a big green radish, but crisp and juicy like an apple. Sadly, or perhaps happily, no Barbie to be found in Durham. That's what you get when you live in a University town.
I came home by bus with my many packages. It was noon by the time I got home. I ate my favorite snack....almonds, cashews and dark chocolate covered raisins. I am addicted to this combo. In fact as I type, I am eating them again.
2:30pm and it was back into town to pick up Zelda from school. I was a bit uncomfortable as I was wearing my puffy Nutria fur jacket. Earlier in the morning, as my friend "petted" me, she said, "be careful, someone might shoot you!", Nice!! its rat after all. who would get upset over that. As I walked I prepared my comeback should someo one confront me. Luckily, I and my coat came to no harm. I was warm and snugly. I will wear it again tomorrow.
Normal evening routine...tele, snuggling, candles, present, dinner, bath, book and bed. Hubby is at work preparing his lecture for tomorrow. I am thinking about my perfect day.
Monday 6 December 2010
Monday
Monsters, how do you tell your child that they really don't exist even when they are right there in her head? It is especially hard at 2:30am and again at 4:30am when they have reappeared to convince a child that it's perfectly ok to go back to bed, ALONE.
6am, I am bleary eyed from sharing night monsters with Zelda for the last week. She on the other hand, has walked into the bedroom, more chipper than I have seen her in days. She shines with happiness, giggles with joy, is the essence of giddiness. Did my early a.m. session break her monster madness? Or it is youth, something I am starting to lack, thus getting up and out of bed this morning was extremely hard, but I did it. Not only did I do it, but I did it in -9 degree weather.
Today was a special day, our cat Lilly was joining us in England after being separated from the entire family since August. We were all looking forward to her arrival. I had plans for Lilly. She was going to learn to sleep in Zeldas room on her bed with her. This way Zelda would not be sleeping alone anymore. Ok, it isn't a sister or brother, but it is the closest thing she will ever get to one.
Step 1. close all bedroom doors except Zeldas.
Step 2. Place fluffy quilt at bottom of Zeldas bed
Step 3. Introduce Lilly to the bed
Step 4. Give Lilly packet of CATNIP on Zeldas bed while Zelda is in it reading.
Step 5. Leave Lilly alone to zone out on bed without petting her.
Step 6. Leave a sleeping Zelda and Lilly in bed together.
Mission Accomplished...Now I only hope Lilly doesn't scare Zelda in the night.
We were expecting Lilly around noon. The phone rang and it was the courier, she was fuming mad and some how completely unaware that she had been driving in snow since she arrived in Durham. The rest of the day was spent helping this woman get out of the snow and ice mess she got herself stuck in. Well her GPS actually, as it said to go past the street where we actually live. Our street was ok to drive on, the one she was on, was not. I recruited flyer delivery men, neighbors, my husband and passer byes to push and give their piece of mind on what to do. In the end, the garage was called out to pull her free. I won't say more, as it still leaves me in disbelief her statement on the phone " Why didn't someone tell me there was snow?"
Yesterday I prepared my mothers recipe for Stuffed Cabbage. It is never a good idea to eat it the day you make it as it is infinitely better the next day or even a day after that. I can smell the sweet and tangy aroma drifting up the stairs to the room I am in. I can't wait to eat it. The perfect cold weather meal, stuffed cabbage and a glass of good red wine.
One last thing, this evening around 4pm was picture perfect. The sky glowed hot pink in thick streaks like bacon. White fluffy borders and powder blue background. The saying Pink sky in morning, shepherds warning, Pink sky at night shepherds delight means it will be a beautiful day tomorrow. I can't wait to see what the day brings.
6am, I am bleary eyed from sharing night monsters with Zelda for the last week. She on the other hand, has walked into the bedroom, more chipper than I have seen her in days. She shines with happiness, giggles with joy, is the essence of giddiness. Did my early a.m. session break her monster madness? Or it is youth, something I am starting to lack, thus getting up and out of bed this morning was extremely hard, but I did it. Not only did I do it, but I did it in -9 degree weather.
Today was a special day, our cat Lilly was joining us in England after being separated from the entire family since August. We were all looking forward to her arrival. I had plans for Lilly. She was going to learn to sleep in Zeldas room on her bed with her. This way Zelda would not be sleeping alone anymore. Ok, it isn't a sister or brother, but it is the closest thing she will ever get to one.
Step 1. close all bedroom doors except Zeldas.
Step 2. Place fluffy quilt at bottom of Zeldas bed
Step 3. Introduce Lilly to the bed
Step 4. Give Lilly packet of CATNIP on Zeldas bed while Zelda is in it reading.
Step 5. Leave Lilly alone to zone out on bed without petting her.
Step 6. Leave a sleeping Zelda and Lilly in bed together.
Mission Accomplished...Now I only hope Lilly doesn't scare Zelda in the night.
We were expecting Lilly around noon. The phone rang and it was the courier, she was fuming mad and some how completely unaware that she had been driving in snow since she arrived in Durham. The rest of the day was spent helping this woman get out of the snow and ice mess she got herself stuck in. Well her GPS actually, as it said to go past the street where we actually live. Our street was ok to drive on, the one she was on, was not. I recruited flyer delivery men, neighbors, my husband and passer byes to push and give their piece of mind on what to do. In the end, the garage was called out to pull her free. I won't say more, as it still leaves me in disbelief her statement on the phone " Why didn't someone tell me there was snow?"
Yesterday I prepared my mothers recipe for Stuffed Cabbage. It is never a good idea to eat it the day you make it as it is infinitely better the next day or even a day after that. I can smell the sweet and tangy aroma drifting up the stairs to the room I am in. I can't wait to eat it. The perfect cold weather meal, stuffed cabbage and a glass of good red wine.
One last thing, this evening around 4pm was picture perfect. The sky glowed hot pink in thick streaks like bacon. White fluffy borders and powder blue background. The saying Pink sky in morning, shepherds warning, Pink sky at night shepherds delight means it will be a beautiful day tomorrow. I can't wait to see what the day brings.
The Weekend
Saturday was the first day snow had not fallen. It was minus something degrees and bloody cold. We had a viewing for a house at 1:45, a birthday party to take Zelda and her friend to for 1pm and the driveway nor the car had been cleaned. Super mom to the rescue! Single handedly I put sausages in the oven and then went outside to shovel and scrape. Mid way through, I popped my head into the kitchen, turned the sausages and returned to my work outside. Zelda was inside watching CBBees, had already eaten her breakfast, wrapped the gift, made a card and was dressed and ready to go to the party.
Everything went accordingly. We picked up the friend, we got to the party a bit late, but no problem. We then left and went straight to the viewing. What a disappointment. It was like something out of Stepford Wives, but worse, as it looked like a stepford ghetto. I looked as fast as I could and said good by to the realtor. It was worth seeing as we now know it is a definite no no place to live. I honestly would not live there if you gave me the property.
Evening routines followed as usual.
Sunday was sunny, warmer and a perfectly beautiful day. We were setting out early to go into town to see the Victorian style Holiday Fayre held on the green in front of the cathedral. Zelda rode ponies, petted the baby cows, lamb, goats and reindeer! I watched a cooking demo given by Dave from Master Chef. Afterwards, Zelda held a 14 year old snowy owl. It was amazing. She had no fear and the owl was ever so gentle. Later on we went into the cathedral to participate in a Carol service and then had snacks in the cloister cafe.
We walked home and Zelda immediately mentioned lighting the Hanuka candles. We lit them together this time and she even said the prayer with me! She was very proud that she had learned it by hearing me repeat it the past nights. Present number 5 was opened and it was a success. Bath, book and bed followed.
In the evening, a powerful feeling of unity came over me. I loved how Zelda was able to go from carol services in the cathedral to lighting Hanuka candles and saying a Hebrew prayer, all in the span of a few hours.
The weekend was full. The weekend was busy. The weekend was all about being parents. It was perfect.
Everything went accordingly. We picked up the friend, we got to the party a bit late, but no problem. We then left and went straight to the viewing. What a disappointment. It was like something out of Stepford Wives, but worse, as it looked like a stepford ghetto. I looked as fast as I could and said good by to the realtor. It was worth seeing as we now know it is a definite no no place to live. I honestly would not live there if you gave me the property.
Evening routines followed as usual.
Sunday was sunny, warmer and a perfectly beautiful day. We were setting out early to go into town to see the Victorian style Holiday Fayre held on the green in front of the cathedral. Zelda rode ponies, petted the baby cows, lamb, goats and reindeer! I watched a cooking demo given by Dave from Master Chef. Afterwards, Zelda held a 14 year old snowy owl. It was amazing. She had no fear and the owl was ever so gentle. Later on we went into the cathedral to participate in a Carol service and then had snacks in the cloister cafe.
We walked home and Zelda immediately mentioned lighting the Hanuka candles. We lit them together this time and she even said the prayer with me! She was very proud that she had learned it by hearing me repeat it the past nights. Present number 5 was opened and it was a success. Bath, book and bed followed.
In the evening, a powerful feeling of unity came over me. I loved how Zelda was able to go from carol services in the cathedral to lighting Hanuka candles and saying a Hebrew prayer, all in the span of a few hours.
The weekend was full. The weekend was busy. The weekend was all about being parents. It was perfect.
Friday 3 December 2010
Friday
Got up, got out of bed, washed my face, put a hat on my head. Drank a coffee, ate some toast, brushed my teeth, put on my coat. Kissed my angel and my guy, went out the door and caught the 64. Well actually I took the 20, and it was wrong, but didn't matter I walked the rest through the storm. Minus eleven, felt like less, bought my ticket for Newcastle, but the trains were a mess. Turned around, went back to town, had a coffee and settled down. All of this took two hours, then bought some presents and went back to the "Jermyn Towers". Made a bagel, washed the clothes, did some research and kept blowing my nose. At two-thirty went back to town, picked up Zelda and then turned around. In the falling snow, we walked along, its magic helped us ,so it was not forlorn. Over ice, through the slush, up the hill with out a rush. Warm and snugly in the house, on the couch we messed about. Lit the candles, opened gifts, baked potato and fish sticks. Brushed the teeth, final pee, into the bed, for a read. Angel breath, lights out, together were curled, til sleep unfurls. Slowly I creep, I hate to leave, but she alone, she must sleep. Here I sit and reflect, my day was absolutely purrrfect.
Thursday 2 December 2010
Thursday
It feels like Ground Hog Day to me! No school again for Zelda, home stay for me. Window shades up, hold breath, stop. Inhale again and there was a new addition to my snowy menagerie...long thin sparkly crystal icicles were hanging all in a row from the windows! First thought to mind was, I wonder how many people get killed by them in the winter time. Must keep Zelda far away.
My icicles were magical. I felt like a trapped princess in a castle made of ice, honestly I did, but like all fairy tales, mine had to end and I had to get up, get out of bed, take off my many layers and shower and go do the emergency shopping. Our groceries that were ordered and to be delivered last night never came. TESCOS had cancelled all deliveries and to reschedule meant waiting another god knows how long.
In my pink waterproofs, pink fleece scarf, turquoise ski gloves, wellies and purple cashmere hat, given to me by a good friend, I was ready to face the heavy falling snow flakes that just started to come down as I started to leave the house. I took the bus into town and went to TESCOS. You would think the war was on again, there wasn't a stitch of fresh bread to found. The rotisserie was not working and the shelves were half empty. I stocked up on veggies, fruit, cheese, pasta, coffee, salmon, tea and mince. I filled three bags worth of groceries and then headed back to the bus and home. It was quite exciting to be shopping under these conditions. As I walked around I tried to figure out how I could feed us all for weeks on end with just the few ingredients I had collected. Stuffed cabbage came to mind, omelet, mac and cheese and soup.
With the snow still falling, Zelda and I went out into the garden to knock off the snow from the tables and chairs, to rearrange the furniture and to sled down our small hill. When we had tired of the back we went around to the front and cleaned off the car with our dust pans and brooms. I felt really hip....I now knew what men feel like when they are outside washing their vehicle.
Another trip to another market closer by followed. I again filled up a couple of bags of goodies, butter, cake, chips, juice, yogurt and bagels. Home again, and this time it was snowing little balls again. I really think someone up there is a bit skitzo.
Zelda and I watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. played some games, watched some TV, and then we lit the candles, opened present number two and she ate her dinner. The day seemed to fly by.
Tomorrow, I will be going to the BALTIC- yea, our gig is on as the school is open. Zelda will hopefully be going to school, and if not staying with a friend for the day. The cat will not be arriving this weekend. She is in Surrey England and will get here as soon as the snow clears. She is happy and eating well. Everything has worked out perfectly.
Time check: 6:50, Zelda having a bath with daddy and I am having a moment by my self, thinking about how rich I am and I don't mean dollars and cents!
My icicles were magical. I felt like a trapped princess in a castle made of ice, honestly I did, but like all fairy tales, mine had to end and I had to get up, get out of bed, take off my many layers and shower and go do the emergency shopping. Our groceries that were ordered and to be delivered last night never came. TESCOS had cancelled all deliveries and to reschedule meant waiting another god knows how long.
In my pink waterproofs, pink fleece scarf, turquoise ski gloves, wellies and purple cashmere hat, given to me by a good friend, I was ready to face the heavy falling snow flakes that just started to come down as I started to leave the house. I took the bus into town and went to TESCOS. You would think the war was on again, there wasn't a stitch of fresh bread to found. The rotisserie was not working and the shelves were half empty. I stocked up on veggies, fruit, cheese, pasta, coffee, salmon, tea and mince. I filled three bags worth of groceries and then headed back to the bus and home. It was quite exciting to be shopping under these conditions. As I walked around I tried to figure out how I could feed us all for weeks on end with just the few ingredients I had collected. Stuffed cabbage came to mind, omelet, mac and cheese and soup.
With the snow still falling, Zelda and I went out into the garden to knock off the snow from the tables and chairs, to rearrange the furniture and to sled down our small hill. When we had tired of the back we went around to the front and cleaned off the car with our dust pans and brooms. I felt really hip....I now knew what men feel like when they are outside washing their vehicle.
Another trip to another market closer by followed. I again filled up a couple of bags of goodies, butter, cake, chips, juice, yogurt and bagels. Home again, and this time it was snowing little balls again. I really think someone up there is a bit skitzo.
Zelda and I watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. played some games, watched some TV, and then we lit the candles, opened present number two and she ate her dinner. The day seemed to fly by.
Tomorrow, I will be going to the BALTIC- yea, our gig is on as the school is open. Zelda will hopefully be going to school, and if not staying with a friend for the day. The cat will not be arriving this weekend. She is in Surrey England and will get here as soon as the snow clears. She is happy and eating well. Everything has worked out perfectly.
Time check: 6:50, Zelda having a bath with daddy and I am having a moment by my self, thinking about how rich I am and I don't mean dollars and cents!
Wednesday 1 December 2010
Wednesday
It's decided, I will start antibiotics this morning. With this weather, it is a must in order to keep healthy! Yep, still more snow. Every morning when I lift the blinds, I just draw my breath in and it stays there. I have not seen so much snow come down for so long a period in my entire life. It is truly amazing. Perfect little Styrofoam shaped beads of white fall from the sky continuously.
School was on, Yippee, I did not think I could take another day of children's television. I was CBeeBeeed out. It was time for me to join the adult population and venture into Newcastle for my third day of work at the BALTIC. I was looking forward to going. I took my antibiotic, my neurophin meltlits and my joint drink. I was armed and prepared to face the storm.
I ran out the door, saw the bus coming and ran all the way to the bus stop in my clunky hiking boots. Thank goodness for slush. The bus could barely move so I made it before he did to the stop. Lucky day I thought! Next I walked to the train station from where I got off the bus. A 10 minute hike up hill on slippery unshoveled steps proved challenging, but fun. Bought my ticket and caught the train that was almost an hour late with five minutes to spare. Again, lucky me! I even met a mom of one of Zeldas friends from school on the platform, so the ride in was enjoyable and full of new chatter.
Arrival in Newcastle on time. I had over 30 minutes to get to the BALTIC. All of a sudden my mind went blank and I had a white out. I wound up in the opposite direction from where I had to go. Everything looked different to me covered in snow. As I walked I thought to myself, I do not recognize where I am, but maybe its just the snow. I stopped to ask for directions. I had to go all the way back to the station and retrace my steps. I saw where I went wrong. Was it the snow, was it the medicine, was it me? I had no time to think about it. I raced onwards and got to the BALTIC not on time, but early! Perfect timing, if not a perfect mind.
The workshop ended early due to the school closing at noon because of the snow storm. I was back in Durham by 1:30. I did some shopping for Hanuka, met up with my husband and daughter and we all went home to have cup of hot chocolate, light the Hanuka candles and open the first of eight presents.
Dinner, bath then books and bed. I am reading Zelda Charlotte's Web. She is really enjoying it. I love reading her a real story which gets spread out over time. The anticipation in her is wonderful to see. She was put to sleep by daddy while I waited for our grocery delivery.
Time check: 8:55....chicken pie in the oven, hubby working downstairs in front of the fire, still no groceries. so much for stocking up! All I know is that everything has gone exactly as it should. Perfectly.
School was on, Yippee, I did not think I could take another day of children's television. I was CBeeBeeed out. It was time for me to join the adult population and venture into Newcastle for my third day of work at the BALTIC. I was looking forward to going. I took my antibiotic, my neurophin meltlits and my joint drink. I was armed and prepared to face the storm.
I ran out the door, saw the bus coming and ran all the way to the bus stop in my clunky hiking boots. Thank goodness for slush. The bus could barely move so I made it before he did to the stop. Lucky day I thought! Next I walked to the train station from where I got off the bus. A 10 minute hike up hill on slippery unshoveled steps proved challenging, but fun. Bought my ticket and caught the train that was almost an hour late with five minutes to spare. Again, lucky me! I even met a mom of one of Zeldas friends from school on the platform, so the ride in was enjoyable and full of new chatter.
Arrival in Newcastle on time. I had over 30 minutes to get to the BALTIC. All of a sudden my mind went blank and I had a white out. I wound up in the opposite direction from where I had to go. Everything looked different to me covered in snow. As I walked I thought to myself, I do not recognize where I am, but maybe its just the snow. I stopped to ask for directions. I had to go all the way back to the station and retrace my steps. I saw where I went wrong. Was it the snow, was it the medicine, was it me? I had no time to think about it. I raced onwards and got to the BALTIC not on time, but early! Perfect timing, if not a perfect mind.
The workshop ended early due to the school closing at noon because of the snow storm. I was back in Durham by 1:30. I did some shopping for Hanuka, met up with my husband and daughter and we all went home to have cup of hot chocolate, light the Hanuka candles and open the first of eight presents.
Dinner, bath then books and bed. I am reading Zelda Charlotte's Web. She is really enjoying it. I love reading her a real story which gets spread out over time. The anticipation in her is wonderful to see. She was put to sleep by daddy while I waited for our grocery delivery.
Time check: 8:55....chicken pie in the oven, hubby working downstairs in front of the fire, still no groceries. so much for stocking up! All I know is that everything has gone exactly as it should. Perfectly.
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