6am wake up with the BBC radio today program. I stayed in bed until 7:15 and then hopped into the shower. I listened to the birds ballads..not the group, but the real mecoy, the sun was bright and the sky was blue, Zelda was next to me being read a book by her daddy from his childhood called The Floppy Frog. Everything felt perfect.
We all ate breakfast together, but it was rushed as Zelda was running late due to an underpant chrisis, which ones to wear! I am really scared for her when she turns a bit older and clothes really matter. I have no idea where she gets it from.????
We made it to school a few minutes late. I had a nice chat with a friend and then went to explore how to start a business here in Durham. It turns out there is a huge initiative to foster entrepenuers/self empllyment so there is a great deal of support. I now have an apointment on Monday to meet with a counsilor to help me get started. She will inform me of all the ins and outs. In two weeks time I will attend for free, a two hour seminar on starting your own business/self employement. Perfect.
I came home on a high. I made a pot of ratatuille for our dinner and then made lunch for my hubby and I, as he was home still sick.
It was incredibly windy here today and we took the car to pick up Zelda. The sun was super hot and strong and the sky was pure blue with no clouds. When we got home, we set the table up outside and had tea and biscuits and then sat in the sun and played and talked all three of us. It was wonderful! It was unusaual. Before we knew it, Zelda had stripped down naked and was running around the back garden! I think she will fit in just fine in the North! Any temperature above 18 and its summer!!! it was a perfect sight.
A bath and then dinner follwed. We all ate as a family. Again, something we rarely do during the week. It was pure magic to all be together and to be able to discuss things. Zelda told us about her routines at school and sang some songs. We practiced her "show and tell" that she has tomorrow at school and then she helped clean up from dinner. Perfect again.
She is now in bed with her daddy reading.
I will play the euromillions lottery tomorrow, but I am already perfectly rich!
Thursday 31 March 2011
Wednesday
6am wake up to BBC radio Today Show. Again, I did not budge until 7:15 when I put on the coffee maid and entered the shower ASAP. I emerged a bit happier, but still tired. For some reason, maybe it being 47, peri menopausal or just the white wine, but this 1 hour forward has my body clock all screwy. Zelda came in at 7:30, she didn't drink a glass of wine, so it must be me.
I quickly went downstairs to make waffles for us three as I was taking Zelda to school solo this morning due to hubby calling in sick. We all ate and then she and I departed. We sang songs and played eye spy. We arrived in no time at all, but late none the less....as did about 5 other kids..we all had a laugh.
I spent the morning in town running errands and trying to make an eye apointment at BOOTS. I was astonished to find I could not get an apointment unitl the 7th of April. It seems all of Durham are having eye problems at once. Must be something in the water.
I stopped into the small print gallery/frame shop where one of my friends works to have a chat. The owner was on the front desk, he looked at me and then looked away, never to give me notice again, even when I left and said good by. I felt very reminicent afterwards about my own gallery. How my philosphy was all about talking to people and engaging them to discuss the art works. Making the clients feel welcome. I felt as though perhaps I am to rejoin the art world this way. I must start my own gallery again. If no one is going to pay me, it might as well be me not paying me for all the work I will ldo. I am giving it seriuos thought.
Once home I worked on PTA issues and sent out press releases for the Nearly New sale we are holding in May. Made lunch for me and the hubby and had a short but nice skype session with a friend of mine in Nice.
I picked up Zelda and took her to the park. We did not stay long as a big dark scary threatening cloud rolled in and everyone exited the park like rats on a sinking ship. We took a bus instead of walking home, but it turned outtobe a flse alarm. No real rain came and the cloud just vanished. English weather for you!
I put Zelda to bed with a few books and a snuggle. I then made hamburgers and chips and green beans for our dinner. We watched some television and then went to bed.
I quickly went downstairs to make waffles for us three as I was taking Zelda to school solo this morning due to hubby calling in sick. We all ate and then she and I departed. We sang songs and played eye spy. We arrived in no time at all, but late none the less....as did about 5 other kids..we all had a laugh.
I spent the morning in town running errands and trying to make an eye apointment at BOOTS. I was astonished to find I could not get an apointment unitl the 7th of April. It seems all of Durham are having eye problems at once. Must be something in the water.
I stopped into the small print gallery/frame shop where one of my friends works to have a chat. The owner was on the front desk, he looked at me and then looked away, never to give me notice again, even when I left and said good by. I felt very reminicent afterwards about my own gallery. How my philosphy was all about talking to people and engaging them to discuss the art works. Making the clients feel welcome. I felt as though perhaps I am to rejoin the art world this way. I must start my own gallery again. If no one is going to pay me, it might as well be me not paying me for all the work I will ldo. I am giving it seriuos thought.
Once home I worked on PTA issues and sent out press releases for the Nearly New sale we are holding in May. Made lunch for me and the hubby and had a short but nice skype session with a friend of mine in Nice.
I picked up Zelda and took her to the park. We did not stay long as a big dark scary threatening cloud rolled in and everyone exited the park like rats on a sinking ship. We took a bus instead of walking home, but it turned outtobe a flse alarm. No real rain came and the cloud just vanished. English weather for you!
I put Zelda to bed with a few books and a snuggle. I then made hamburgers and chips and green beans for our dinner. We watched some television and then went to bed.
Tuesday 29 March 2011
Monday
Monday Monday....I seem to have lost a day when moving the clocks forward and hour because today is Tuesday! Please excuse my lateness, and although life might be perfect, I surely am not!
Wake up to the 6am BBC radio Today program went un noticed until and hour later. We all slept in until 7:30 on the clock, which is 6:30 in our bodies, which is what we are used to really waking up and moving to. No matter, we all got ready and left the house on time. I think we might be onto something here. When we arrived at Zeldas school the children were just going in so we made it just in time. The head told me that only 14 student were actually there to enter the school, so I guess everyone was behind an hour too. It felt great to be on time on a day when everyone else was falling behind. It was just perfect!
I went for a coffee as usual at the university and then headed home to take care of the domestic arts.
The day was sunny and warm until around 2pm when it all started to go a bit grey around the edges. I didn't mind. I like it that way. I love the feeling of waking and living in an English landscape painting every day of my life. It is perfectly fitting.
The Laing Art Gallery and I made contact and set up an appointment for a day during the April holidays. It is a bit aways, but I can't wait! Keep the fingers crossed and anything else you can manage.
2:30 and I left to go and pick up Zelda. We played in the park for thirty minutes and then bought some bread to feed to the ducks. Zelda decided to eat most of it, but luckily left just enough to satisfy the three ducks that were hungry when we arrived at the river bank.
5pm and we landed on our door step. Waiting in two orange bags were the beautiful fresh vegetables and fruits I had bought at the one green grocer in Durham. They deliver for free. I am no longer going to buy my fruits and veggies at TESCO. Every Monday I will buy what I need for the week of fresh farm produce, pay less and eat better.
Zelda and I snuggled. She ate through the refrigerator, I think she is going through a growth spurt-I hope, and then it was up to bed. She and her daddy read books and snuggled.
8pm and we sat down to a dinner of wild rocket ( from the green grocers-from Italy) and fresh capeletti with rosemary and butter, and of course some white wine.
10pm and we were off to bed to sleep. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
..ok....it is now Tuesday also, so today went like yesterday. Same wake up routine, but we drove Zelda to school as the hubby has now got a bug and stayed home and worked instead of going into the office. I stayed home too, no errands today, so I could look after him. Good wife, Good wife..(another mantra). We stayed holed up in the over heated house. I took care of lose ends and he worked. We ate lunch together.
2:30 and I went into town to pick up Zelda. We walked home, no park as it was starting to rain. Once home she watched her videos and made art things. I made her two soft boiled eggs with soldiers which she gobbled up! She got ready for bed, made more art things...really happy she is getting into arts and crafts, and then went up to bed with her dad for books and snuggles.
The leftover chicken casserole is on the stove. I am drinking the last of the white wine and feeling pretty damn perfect!
Wake up to the 6am BBC radio Today program went un noticed until and hour later. We all slept in until 7:30 on the clock, which is 6:30 in our bodies, which is what we are used to really waking up and moving to. No matter, we all got ready and left the house on time. I think we might be onto something here. When we arrived at Zeldas school the children were just going in so we made it just in time. The head told me that only 14 student were actually there to enter the school, so I guess everyone was behind an hour too. It felt great to be on time on a day when everyone else was falling behind. It was just perfect!
I went for a coffee as usual at the university and then headed home to take care of the domestic arts.
The day was sunny and warm until around 2pm when it all started to go a bit grey around the edges. I didn't mind. I like it that way. I love the feeling of waking and living in an English landscape painting every day of my life. It is perfectly fitting.
The Laing Art Gallery and I made contact and set up an appointment for a day during the April holidays. It is a bit aways, but I can't wait! Keep the fingers crossed and anything else you can manage.
2:30 and I left to go and pick up Zelda. We played in the park for thirty minutes and then bought some bread to feed to the ducks. Zelda decided to eat most of it, but luckily left just enough to satisfy the three ducks that were hungry when we arrived at the river bank.
5pm and we landed on our door step. Waiting in two orange bags were the beautiful fresh vegetables and fruits I had bought at the one green grocer in Durham. They deliver for free. I am no longer going to buy my fruits and veggies at TESCO. Every Monday I will buy what I need for the week of fresh farm produce, pay less and eat better.
Zelda and I snuggled. She ate through the refrigerator, I think she is going through a growth spurt-I hope, and then it was up to bed. She and her daddy read books and snuggled.
8pm and we sat down to a dinner of wild rocket ( from the green grocers-from Italy) and fresh capeletti with rosemary and butter, and of course some white wine.
10pm and we were off to bed to sleep. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
..ok....it is now Tuesday also, so today went like yesterday. Same wake up routine, but we drove Zelda to school as the hubby has now got a bug and stayed home and worked instead of going into the office. I stayed home too, no errands today, so I could look after him. Good wife, Good wife..(another mantra). We stayed holed up in the over heated house. I took care of lose ends and he worked. We ate lunch together.
2:30 and I went into town to pick up Zelda. We walked home, no park as it was starting to rain. Once home she watched her videos and made art things. I made her two soft boiled eggs with soldiers which she gobbled up! She got ready for bed, made more art things...really happy she is getting into arts and crafts, and then went up to bed with her dad for books and snuggles.
The leftover chicken casserole is on the stove. I am drinking the last of the white wine and feeling pretty damn perfect!
Monday 28 March 2011
The Weekend
I had a date Friday night. I made date food. Two sirloin steaks seasoned with crushed black pepper and herb de Provence, sauteed in butter and then deglazed with a red wine reduction. Along side were fritte. I don't remember if I made veggies. It was a mans meal. We drank a bottle of wine and watched the Queen with Helen Mirren. I loved the story. What a strong woman. What a role model, but also how sad her life must have been. I doubt she ever felt that life was perfect.
Saturday I was awakened at 6:30 am by Zelda whispering in my ear Can I watch? I believe I must have nodded yes as she bolted downstairs to turn the TV on to watch CBEEBIES. Again a whisper in my ear can you help me? With what?????? Ok I guess it doesn't really matter what she needed help with, it was 6:45 and I was down there putting on the television, making her toast and warm milk and settling her in on the couch. Nice mommy. Nice mommy. ( a sometimes mantra).
Back upstairs and in bed, the sun was shining into the room, I got back out of bed and put on the coffee maid. We were not disturbed at all so we got to spend some time relaxing in bed and talking and reading. The stuff real people are made of.
9am and I got up to shower. I needed to do the food shopping. My husband was getting up also, but Zelda stayed in her night gown until it was almost time to go to the party.
2:30 and we were getting into the car. Zelda was dressed up as a Flamenco dancer with pink gloves and jewels to match. She also had a hobby horse. I guess she wanted to "ride into town" when she entered the leisure center where the party was taking place. We convinced her to leave it in the car and make an entrance solo.
All the usual suspects were there. The kids played on the bouncy castle while the adults sat around or stood and talked. I got the chance to speak more with several American women I had met previously at a party. It was a nice social event and the party was lovely.
Zelda fell asleep easily and so did we.
Sunday was glorious. It was the perfect Spring day. We woke up and put the clocks forward. We ate breakfast and we all got dressed. It was sunny and blue and warm. The shadows were long and so was the day. Before breakfast I cooked a gorgeous chicken casserole based on one I had recently eaten at my sister in laws. I Italiancized it by adding pancetta and Italian spices. At 11:30 we walked to Crook Hall, only to find it was still closed, so we turned around and went up to the botanical gardens. We spent the entire day there wandering around the forests, plants and gorgeous daffodils. We played hide and seek and Zelda got lost, but we found her. She did not think she was lost, only looking for the person hiding!
5pm rolled around and we walked back home. It took 45 minutes and Zelda was fantastic. All day on our feet and she never complained. She loves walking. She takes after her mother!
I was dreading bed time because of setting the clocks back. Once home we plopped in front of the TV and watched Nanny Mcfee. We ate the chicken and then it was off to bed. We all fell asleep by 9pm! They say fresh air makes children tired, well it also makes adults tired too.
It was an absolutely perfect weekend and I am still feeling energized by it!
Saturday I was awakened at 6:30 am by Zelda whispering in my ear Can I watch? I believe I must have nodded yes as she bolted downstairs to turn the TV on to watch CBEEBIES. Again a whisper in my ear can you help me? With what?????? Ok I guess it doesn't really matter what she needed help with, it was 6:45 and I was down there putting on the television, making her toast and warm milk and settling her in on the couch. Nice mommy. Nice mommy. ( a sometimes mantra).
Back upstairs and in bed, the sun was shining into the room, I got back out of bed and put on the coffee maid. We were not disturbed at all so we got to spend some time relaxing in bed and talking and reading. The stuff real people are made of.
9am and I got up to shower. I needed to do the food shopping. My husband was getting up also, but Zelda stayed in her night gown until it was almost time to go to the party.
2:30 and we were getting into the car. Zelda was dressed up as a Flamenco dancer with pink gloves and jewels to match. She also had a hobby horse. I guess she wanted to "ride into town" when she entered the leisure center where the party was taking place. We convinced her to leave it in the car and make an entrance solo.
All the usual suspects were there. The kids played on the bouncy castle while the adults sat around or stood and talked. I got the chance to speak more with several American women I had met previously at a party. It was a nice social event and the party was lovely.
Zelda fell asleep easily and so did we.
Sunday was glorious. It was the perfect Spring day. We woke up and put the clocks forward. We ate breakfast and we all got dressed. It was sunny and blue and warm. The shadows were long and so was the day. Before breakfast I cooked a gorgeous chicken casserole based on one I had recently eaten at my sister in laws. I Italiancized it by adding pancetta and Italian spices. At 11:30 we walked to Crook Hall, only to find it was still closed, so we turned around and went up to the botanical gardens. We spent the entire day there wandering around the forests, plants and gorgeous daffodils. We played hide and seek and Zelda got lost, but we found her. She did not think she was lost, only looking for the person hiding!
5pm rolled around and we walked back home. It took 45 minutes and Zelda was fantastic. All day on our feet and she never complained. She loves walking. She takes after her mother!
I was dreading bed time because of setting the clocks back. Once home we plopped in front of the TV and watched Nanny Mcfee. We ate the chicken and then it was off to bed. We all fell asleep by 9pm! They say fresh air makes children tired, well it also makes adults tired too.
It was an absolutely perfect weekend and I am still feeling energized by it!
Thursday 24 March 2011
Thursday
6am wake up to BBC today program followed by 6:30 snuggle from Zelda. Strong black coffee, we ran out of milk, and it took me back to my college/single days when cigarettes and strong caffeine were the item of the day. I pulled back the curtains to reveal a hazy warm morning and showered and then dressed accordingly.
Downstairs to make breakfast and then off to make the school run. We ran into another school mate of Zeldas and his daddy. It turns out they are from Russia, close by to Siberia! He works as a guest professor at the University and have been here for 3 years already. they will leave in another year to go home to Russia.
As we approached the school we ran into our friends L and S. We had a quick side walk chat and then caught up with Zelda and her friend as they were entering the school gates! I was high on the morning social interactions. It does not take much to make feel giddy and glad. A nice hello, a smile, a sign of kindness and friendship and the rest of the day is perfect!
We arrived at school just on time and then off we went to the university for our ritual espresso macchiato.
I walked slowly home up the hills and then took care of the many tasks on my list pertaining to buying the house, my chair position at Zeldas school and looking for work. I finished the Easter Egg fundraiser competition worksheets and then took a 20 minute nap!
2pm and I went to pick up Zelda. first I printed off over 100 worksheets to be handed out to the school children and then I took Zelda tot he after school coffee club. I hung out with my good friends N and C. We had a great chat and then it was off home.
Zelda and I arrived home at 5pm and then we immediately hooked up on skype with our friends in France. Zelda spoke to Kiara and we spoke to Anthony and Julie. It was emotional and great to see them in real time. We had a glass of wine together and made plans for us to visit.
Zelda is now eating her dinner and then she will be off to bed. I am drinking a glass of FRENCH red wine and then I will relax with the hubby. A perfect ending to a perfectly perfect day!
Downstairs to make breakfast and then off to make the school run. We ran into another school mate of Zeldas and his daddy. It turns out they are from Russia, close by to Siberia! He works as a guest professor at the University and have been here for 3 years already. they will leave in another year to go home to Russia.
As we approached the school we ran into our friends L and S. We had a quick side walk chat and then caught up with Zelda and her friend as they were entering the school gates! I was high on the morning social interactions. It does not take much to make feel giddy and glad. A nice hello, a smile, a sign of kindness and friendship and the rest of the day is perfect!
We arrived at school just on time and then off we went to the university for our ritual espresso macchiato.
I walked slowly home up the hills and then took care of the many tasks on my list pertaining to buying the house, my chair position at Zeldas school and looking for work. I finished the Easter Egg fundraiser competition worksheets and then took a 20 minute nap!
2pm and I went to pick up Zelda. first I printed off over 100 worksheets to be handed out to the school children and then I took Zelda tot he after school coffee club. I hung out with my good friends N and C. We had a great chat and then it was off home.
Zelda and I arrived home at 5pm and then we immediately hooked up on skype with our friends in France. Zelda spoke to Kiara and we spoke to Anthony and Julie. It was emotional and great to see them in real time. We had a glass of wine together and made plans for us to visit.
Zelda is now eating her dinner and then she will be off to bed. I am drinking a glass of FRENCH red wine and then I will relax with the hubby. A perfect ending to a perfectly perfect day!
Wednesday 23 March 2011
Wednesday
I knew the day was going to be perfect, as I was being served coffee in someone elses bed by my husband at 6:15am in the morning....I have no recall as to what time I transferred from my own bed to Zeldas, but there I was, and soon to be joined by Zelda herself, who, apparently spent the night in my bed. As she entered, she put the BBC radio on for me and climbed on board so I could read her the next chapter of Magic Kitten! Purrrfect!
The morning followed as usual, shower, prepping of lunch and breakfast then out of the house. This morning we were very early so we had time to dawdle if we wanted. Luck would have it, we ran into one of Zeldas classmates on the way down the hill so we were faster than normal and arrived at her school with 15 minutes to spare! She ran into the yard to play with her friends and never looked back. We of course set out for coffee at the university and had an extra 15 to ourselves together.
After coffee I went into town to take care of details concerning the house and then walked slowly home up the hills in the warm sunshine. As I crossed over the bridge the cherry tree that hangs over onto the end of it was just on the brink of exploding with white and pink blossoms. All I wanted to do was to snap a big branch off and take it home. The flowers grow like weeds in Durham and everyone is tempted to take their own little bouquet home. Just this weekend a boy was charged 100 pounds for picking daffodils!
Once home I wrote a letter to the Tyne and Wear Museums volunteer coordinator. I introduced my self and told her that I was given her name via the woman I work with at the Baltic. I also attached the updated version of my resume. I hit the send button and hoped for the best.
2:00 I went into town to get Zelda. As I passed over the bridge, the cherry tree blossoms had all opened up and the smell was intoxicating..it was hard not to take a branch or two!
Zelda and I played in the park for an hour and then walked home. I went upstairs to check my emails and there waiting for me was a response from the Tyne and Wear Museums. I opened it and read with disbelief......We want you! I was to call the learning officer next week of the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle. This is one of the museums I really want to get a job at, and now I am on my way!!!!!!!!! PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT.
Time check-7:54 time to get a glass of wine and celebrate the news with my husband!
The morning followed as usual, shower, prepping of lunch and breakfast then out of the house. This morning we were very early so we had time to dawdle if we wanted. Luck would have it, we ran into one of Zeldas classmates on the way down the hill so we were faster than normal and arrived at her school with 15 minutes to spare! She ran into the yard to play with her friends and never looked back. We of course set out for coffee at the university and had an extra 15 to ourselves together.
After coffee I went into town to take care of details concerning the house and then walked slowly home up the hills in the warm sunshine. As I crossed over the bridge the cherry tree that hangs over onto the end of it was just on the brink of exploding with white and pink blossoms. All I wanted to do was to snap a big branch off and take it home. The flowers grow like weeds in Durham and everyone is tempted to take their own little bouquet home. Just this weekend a boy was charged 100 pounds for picking daffodils!
Once home I wrote a letter to the Tyne and Wear Museums volunteer coordinator. I introduced my self and told her that I was given her name via the woman I work with at the Baltic. I also attached the updated version of my resume. I hit the send button and hoped for the best.
2:00 I went into town to get Zelda. As I passed over the bridge, the cherry tree blossoms had all opened up and the smell was intoxicating..it was hard not to take a branch or two!
Zelda and I played in the park for an hour and then walked home. I went upstairs to check my emails and there waiting for me was a response from the Tyne and Wear Museums. I opened it and read with disbelief......We want you! I was to call the learning officer next week of the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle. This is one of the museums I really want to get a job at, and now I am on my way!!!!!!!!! PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT.
Time check-7:54 time to get a glass of wine and celebrate the news with my husband!
Tuesday
6am wake up call via the BBC classical station, followed by sunshine and daffodils, showers ( inside, not out), breakfast and more skipping down the hill and over the bridge to Zeldas school. We made it just as the children were lining up to go inside. Afterwards I went to the university to have coffee like I used to. My routine, which was altered because of the holiday time is now getting back on track.
Into town to do food shopping, I loaded up my trolley to the brim with yummy things for the week ahead. The shop was empty as the university students are now on break for 6 weeks. With the sun still shining strong I walked home up the hills with my wagon.
11am and I sat down to re do my resume. I have decided that HR/recruitment work is definitely not the direction I want to go as a second choice, so I trimmed down the CV and pumped up the teaching and working with children experience and highlighted my art background. Still no jobs out there, but I am now ready should one come along.
I don't know where the day went, but before I knew it, it was time to go back to town and pick up Zelda. I left earlier than normal so I could enjoy the walk along the river slowly. Zelda was in good form and we went over to the park to play.
"The boys are trying to capture me" exclaimed Zelda as she grabbed my hand and pulled me to the other side of the park, where they were! Oh well, I guess I did not really wish to continue the adult conversation I was having with a friend. Once there, the two of just leaned against the wall, while Zelda made eyes at the boys trying to taunt them! ( her words, not mine).
Soon her friend Y came over and they were both wielding sticks and karate chopping hands. 3:30 and it was time for Y to go to her swimming lesson. We accompanied her and her dad to a cafe to have cold icy frappichino type drinks. It was a lovely and impromptu, just perfect! WE said our goodbyes and went home.
Zelda snuggled into my arms for the rest of the evening on the couch. She seemed very tired. I must admit that this type of snuggle makes me feel dreamy and relaxed and that there is not a care in the world! I made her some dinner and then we went upstairs for a bed time story and more snuggles. Within 10 minutes she was off to dream land.
I went downstairs to find the hubby home. We ate dinner and snuggled on the couch. More snuggling! Perfect. By 10:15 I was in dream land.
Into town to do food shopping, I loaded up my trolley to the brim with yummy things for the week ahead. The shop was empty as the university students are now on break for 6 weeks. With the sun still shining strong I walked home up the hills with my wagon.
11am and I sat down to re do my resume. I have decided that HR/recruitment work is definitely not the direction I want to go as a second choice, so I trimmed down the CV and pumped up the teaching and working with children experience and highlighted my art background. Still no jobs out there, but I am now ready should one come along.
I don't know where the day went, but before I knew it, it was time to go back to town and pick up Zelda. I left earlier than normal so I could enjoy the walk along the river slowly. Zelda was in good form and we went over to the park to play.
"The boys are trying to capture me" exclaimed Zelda as she grabbed my hand and pulled me to the other side of the park, where they were! Oh well, I guess I did not really wish to continue the adult conversation I was having with a friend. Once there, the two of just leaned against the wall, while Zelda made eyes at the boys trying to taunt them! ( her words, not mine).
Soon her friend Y came over and they were both wielding sticks and karate chopping hands. 3:30 and it was time for Y to go to her swimming lesson. We accompanied her and her dad to a cafe to have cold icy frappichino type drinks. It was a lovely and impromptu, just perfect! WE said our goodbyes and went home.
Zelda snuggled into my arms for the rest of the evening on the couch. She seemed very tired. I must admit that this type of snuggle makes me feel dreamy and relaxed and that there is not a care in the world! I made her some dinner and then we went upstairs for a bed time story and more snuggles. Within 10 minutes she was off to dream land.
I went downstairs to find the hubby home. We ate dinner and snuggled on the couch. More snuggling! Perfect. By 10:15 I was in dream land.
Monday 21 March 2011
Monday
6am wake up to BBC radio classical music..I think it was a spring time sonata...too sleepy to recall. 6:25 and the room was already full of sunlight so I pushed open the curtains and lifted up the blinds to let the spring time shine in. By 6:30 coffee was made by our ever faithful coffee maid and I was well onto my way to one of the most perfect days of the year.
Zelda came waltzing in and climbed into bed for a round of tickle mommy, tickle daddy. I went into the shower and came out happy as a lark. The room was not cold, the house was not cold, I was not cold! Ah the warmth of Spring. I got dressed, put on my make up and went down to prepare the breakfast. The troops came down around 8am and we all ate and then got ready to go out.
Zelda was wearing her spring uniform dress and white knee high socks. This brought back child hood memories, not mine, I never wore white knee highs back then, (but I do now!) I do remember seeing children wearing them in the books I read when I was a young girl, like in The Nancy Drew Mysteries. She refused to wear a coat and in fact she did not need one.
We all skipped into town. It was hard not to have a bounce in your step when the day was so beautiful. The light was bright and clear, the horizon purple and pink and Zelda was hopping from one foot to the other all the way down the hill enjoying the Spring air on her now uncovered legs for the first time in about 8 months. I of course had visions of scraped bloody knees since there were now no coverings. Luckily these were only visions, at least for today.
We ran into our friend S and he did a Lucky Charm Leprechaun jump in the air. The population were obviously high on spring. It seemed everyone was experiencing a perfect moment.
After dropping off Zelda I walked the husband to Grey College for a conference he was going to. I then walked home in the warmth of the late morning.
Good news came my way when I called the surveyor to explain some of the points regarding the house. He told me that although the report sounded bad, which is what his job is all about, the house in question was actually a good house. In fact, he said it was one of the best examples of one of these types of houses in this area and that we got it for a great price and should definitely not be thinking about looking for a different one. Whew, I can continue to look at decorating magazines and dream about my range cooker!
Still feeling good, I then went into town and met hubby for a lovely lunch at the cathedral cafe and a twirl around the grounds. It was like being back at university and dating again. Spring springs love. I then picked up Zelda and hung out in the park for an hour.
We all walked home together and the night time routine followed as normal.
Zelda is now a sleep, I am blogging once again and drinking a lovely glass of red, yes it's French!
Spring has sprung, and it was perfect!
Zelda came waltzing in and climbed into bed for a round of tickle mommy, tickle daddy. I went into the shower and came out happy as a lark. The room was not cold, the house was not cold, I was not cold! Ah the warmth of Spring. I got dressed, put on my make up and went down to prepare the breakfast. The troops came down around 8am and we all ate and then got ready to go out.
Zelda was wearing her spring uniform dress and white knee high socks. This brought back child hood memories, not mine, I never wore white knee highs back then, (but I do now!) I do remember seeing children wearing them in the books I read when I was a young girl, like in The Nancy Drew Mysteries. She refused to wear a coat and in fact she did not need one.
We all skipped into town. It was hard not to have a bounce in your step when the day was so beautiful. The light was bright and clear, the horizon purple and pink and Zelda was hopping from one foot to the other all the way down the hill enjoying the Spring air on her now uncovered legs for the first time in about 8 months. I of course had visions of scraped bloody knees since there were now no coverings. Luckily these were only visions, at least for today.
We ran into our friend S and he did a Lucky Charm Leprechaun jump in the air. The population were obviously high on spring. It seemed everyone was experiencing a perfect moment.
After dropping off Zelda I walked the husband to Grey College for a conference he was going to. I then walked home in the warmth of the late morning.
Good news came my way when I called the surveyor to explain some of the points regarding the house. He told me that although the report sounded bad, which is what his job is all about, the house in question was actually a good house. In fact, he said it was one of the best examples of one of these types of houses in this area and that we got it for a great price and should definitely not be thinking about looking for a different one. Whew, I can continue to look at decorating magazines and dream about my range cooker!
Still feeling good, I then went into town and met hubby for a lovely lunch at the cathedral cafe and a twirl around the grounds. It was like being back at university and dating again. Spring springs love. I then picked up Zelda and hung out in the park for an hour.
We all walked home together and the night time routine followed as normal.
Zelda is now a sleep, I am blogging once again and drinking a lovely glass of red, yes it's French!
Spring has sprung, and it was perfect!
Sunday 20 March 2011
The weekend
chocolate cake, red wine and espresso, talking into the wee hours of the morning was how last night ended. We spent the evening with some new friends and although we stayed up too late and have been feeling it all day today, it was worth it. C and S grew up in Durham. He is in the music biz and she is in the same art field as I am. Strange, I have never met so many people in one small city all wanting to work in the heritage/art sector.
I spent the weekend drowning my fears regarding our maybe new house at the pub and at home. We received the survey report that we had done and it doesn't look good. There are many problems that need resolving and one of them might be the presence of asbestos, which if that is the case, the buck stops here. In any case the ceilings upstairs are covered in a polystrophome tile and they must be removed as they are a fire hazard regardless of the maybe present asbestos.
Friday night with Zelda in tow we went to the Old Victorian pub. We stayed until 9pm. Zelda was again a big hit. She wore her red flamenco dress for red nose day. I sported a brand new short hair cut.
The daffodils are out in numbers and taking over Durham city! The moon was huge and these floral creatures could be seen reflecting back off the back of the amazing moon. The sky was unnaturally beautiful and I felt privileged to be standing under it. It truly was Amore!
There are no jobs going at the moment and I am not working on any projects for free currently. It is good as I think I must re-take up my house search and go on many more go sees again.
It is still light out until after 7pm now and the sun rises earlier too. I love the long days.
I spent the weekend drowning my fears regarding our maybe new house at the pub and at home. We received the survey report that we had done and it doesn't look good. There are many problems that need resolving and one of them might be the presence of asbestos, which if that is the case, the buck stops here. In any case the ceilings upstairs are covered in a polystrophome tile and they must be removed as they are a fire hazard regardless of the maybe present asbestos.
Friday night with Zelda in tow we went to the Old Victorian pub. We stayed until 9pm. Zelda was again a big hit. She wore her red flamenco dress for red nose day. I sported a brand new short hair cut.
The daffodils are out in numbers and taking over Durham city! The moon was huge and these floral creatures could be seen reflecting back off the back of the amazing moon. The sky was unnaturally beautiful and I felt privileged to be standing under it. It truly was Amore!
There are no jobs going at the moment and I am not working on any projects for free currently. It is good as I think I must re-take up my house search and go on many more go sees again.
It is still light out until after 7pm now and the sun rises earlier too. I love the long days.
Friday 18 March 2011
natures reality
The reality is that time flies when your having fun. It flies when you are busy. It flies when you aren't paying attention. It even flies in the face of disaster and change.
Six months have passed to the day that I landed in Newcastle airport. During this time, not only have I changed, but so has the world around me. I have listened to and watched brave people stand up for their rights and over throw a government in order to have freedom in Egypt. Sadly, another group have tried to do the same, but not to the same end, thus far, in Lybia. Two earthquakes have hit, one in New Zealand and the other in Japan. The latter also experiencing a tsunami.
During these past six months, the changes I have faced and made compare very little to what has occurred in nature. I find it very hard to tell my story when right now, as I write people are going through horrible and inhuman atrocities. I am powerless, and for a control freak that hurts! I find it difficult to comprehend madness in man and nature. I keep trying to find the perfectness in it all, but I am failing.
For me, my life is still beautiful, fun and fantastic, but now there is also a small corner that is cracked with a hair line fracture like a piece of glass after being hit with a small stone. Maybe this is the silver lining. Maybe the pain and sadness I am feeling are good and will help me see things differently. Help me make a difference. Help me to behave differently towards the people I love and the people who are strangers in the street. Help me take more risks or perhaps less where neccessary.
Tonight I will celebrate six months in my favorite pub with my husband and daughter. I will also celebrate life and the reality of change. That is perfect!
Six months have passed to the day that I landed in Newcastle airport. During this time, not only have I changed, but so has the world around me. I have listened to and watched brave people stand up for their rights and over throw a government in order to have freedom in Egypt. Sadly, another group have tried to do the same, but not to the same end, thus far, in Lybia. Two earthquakes have hit, one in New Zealand and the other in Japan. The latter also experiencing a tsunami.
During these past six months, the changes I have faced and made compare very little to what has occurred in nature. I find it very hard to tell my story when right now, as I write people are going through horrible and inhuman atrocities. I am powerless, and for a control freak that hurts! I find it difficult to comprehend madness in man and nature. I keep trying to find the perfectness in it all, but I am failing.
For me, my life is still beautiful, fun and fantastic, but now there is also a small corner that is cracked with a hair line fracture like a piece of glass after being hit with a small stone. Maybe this is the silver lining. Maybe the pain and sadness I am feeling are good and will help me see things differently. Help me make a difference. Help me to behave differently towards the people I love and the people who are strangers in the street. Help me take more risks or perhaps less where neccessary.
Tonight I will celebrate six months in my favorite pub with my husband and daughter. I will also celebrate life and the reality of change. That is perfect!
Friday 11 March 2011
and still
Zeldas 5th birthday has come and gone.
The last of the Arab Artist project at BALTIC, has come and gone.
The alarm at 6am every morning, has come and gone.
Laundry, changing linens, towels, and clothes, have come and gone.
Making meals, shopping for food and underpants with kitty cats, have come and gone.
Many showers, baths, and sleeps, have come and gone.
The Cathedral, I pass every day still. Still it is beautiful. Still it changes with every light, cloud and my passing mood.
The river bank still grows, swells and shrinks according to the rain.
The large playing field along side the river bank is sometimes covered in frost, sunshine and now flowers. Still it amazes me with its breath taking strokes of color and light.
My boot heels slowly grow lower with the miles I walk still every day, enjoying still every moment and step I take.
Today was different. Today was still perfect. I worked at the Oriental Museum.
It is raining out still. It was sunny this morning with bright blue skies. Still, I am happy.
The future days will come and go, and still I will love them.
The last of the Arab Artist project at BALTIC, has come and gone.
The alarm at 6am every morning, has come and gone.
Laundry, changing linens, towels, and clothes, have come and gone.
Making meals, shopping for food and underpants with kitty cats, have come and gone.
Many showers, baths, and sleeps, have come and gone.
The Cathedral, I pass every day still. Still it is beautiful. Still it changes with every light, cloud and my passing mood.
The river bank still grows, swells and shrinks according to the rain.
The large playing field along side the river bank is sometimes covered in frost, sunshine and now flowers. Still it amazes me with its breath taking strokes of color and light.
My boot heels slowly grow lower with the miles I walk still every day, enjoying still every moment and step I take.
Today was different. Today was still perfect. I worked at the Oriental Museum.
It is raining out still. It was sunny this morning with bright blue skies. Still, I am happy.
The future days will come and go, and still I will love them.
Monday 7 March 2011
The Weekend
Whether you are turning fifty or five, tears seem to be inevitable. In our case, turning five brought tears to not only the birthday girl, but also some of her guests. It seemed that the noise was just too much...too much fun, too much shouting, running and partying....at fifty, these are things we want to be doing, not saying, " please can you quiet down, I want silence" like Zelda did at the table while eating cake.
Friday was Christmas all over again. I wrapped what seemed like hundreds of presents for Zeldas birthday. Presents arrived from Australia, Scotland and England. I hid them in the garage so little fingers could not find them.
Saturday was spent coloring, cutting and assembling paper foxes, owls and snakes from the story of the Gruffalo. At 4pm I went over to the theater to decorate the room that the party was to take place in after the play on Sunday. I spent an hour and a half setting up the games area, the table for eating cake and the adult sitting space. I hung banners, snakes and a large game of pin the wart on the Gruffalo. I was very satisfied with the finished product. The room looked great.
Sunday morning Zelda crept into our bedroom and we gave her lots of birthday snuggles. I realized though that she was not actually born until ten PM, so even though it was her birthday, it was not her birthday yet. This thought felt very strange and caused a twinge in my belly! It all came clearly back to me. Our miracle baby was one minute inside and the next, outside.
Zelda dressed in her new purple dress, princess sash and crown and party shoes. We all went downstairs and opened presents. She was very happy with all of her gifts, but on in particular knocked her socks off, even if it wasn't a castle! She jumped for joy over the new doll house and four rooms of furnishings.
I jumped for joy too! I could not wait to get my hands on the furniture and start rearranging also...I was silenced to the side lines to be only a consultant and a decorator! ( when she is asleep, then I will get my chance!)
12:30 rolled around and we piled into the car with the two cakes, balloons and music. WE were off to meet 8 girlfriends at the Gala theater. We took them to see the play of The Gruffalos Child. It was enjoyed by everyone, and thank goodness no one cried or screamed for "MOMMY" because they were scared.
Upstairs at 2:30 for the cake and games. All of the parents joined us at this point and it was a lovely rest of the afternoon. I of course was very stressed the entire time. I felt completely responsible for each and every childs emotional state, and if they were not happy, cranky, whiny or crying, I felt a pang inside.
By 3:30 it was time to clean up and say thank you to the guests and go home and collapse! Unfortunately we could not. Zelda received presents from all of the guests, so it was Christmas again for the second time that day. Everyone was so thoughtful and clearly spent a great deal of time on selecting or making the presents.
In the evening, Zelda exclaimed I am five now, I will put myself to sleep. And she did.
We both promptly put ourselves to bed right afterwards.
Celebrating and sharing with friends and family made this weekend just perfect!
Friday was Christmas all over again. I wrapped what seemed like hundreds of presents for Zeldas birthday. Presents arrived from Australia, Scotland and England. I hid them in the garage so little fingers could not find them.
Saturday was spent coloring, cutting and assembling paper foxes, owls and snakes from the story of the Gruffalo. At 4pm I went over to the theater to decorate the room that the party was to take place in after the play on Sunday. I spent an hour and a half setting up the games area, the table for eating cake and the adult sitting space. I hung banners, snakes and a large game of pin the wart on the Gruffalo. I was very satisfied with the finished product. The room looked great.
Sunday morning Zelda crept into our bedroom and we gave her lots of birthday snuggles. I realized though that she was not actually born until ten PM, so even though it was her birthday, it was not her birthday yet. This thought felt very strange and caused a twinge in my belly! It all came clearly back to me. Our miracle baby was one minute inside and the next, outside.
Zelda dressed in her new purple dress, princess sash and crown and party shoes. We all went downstairs and opened presents. She was very happy with all of her gifts, but on in particular knocked her socks off, even if it wasn't a castle! She jumped for joy over the new doll house and four rooms of furnishings.
I jumped for joy too! I could not wait to get my hands on the furniture and start rearranging also...I was silenced to the side lines to be only a consultant and a decorator! ( when she is asleep, then I will get my chance!)
12:30 rolled around and we piled into the car with the two cakes, balloons and music. WE were off to meet 8 girlfriends at the Gala theater. We took them to see the play of The Gruffalos Child. It was enjoyed by everyone, and thank goodness no one cried or screamed for "MOMMY" because they were scared.
Upstairs at 2:30 for the cake and games. All of the parents joined us at this point and it was a lovely rest of the afternoon. I of course was very stressed the entire time. I felt completely responsible for each and every childs emotional state, and if they were not happy, cranky, whiny or crying, I felt a pang inside.
By 3:30 it was time to clean up and say thank you to the guests and go home and collapse! Unfortunately we could not. Zelda received presents from all of the guests, so it was Christmas again for the second time that day. Everyone was so thoughtful and clearly spent a great deal of time on selecting or making the presents.
In the evening, Zelda exclaimed I am five now, I will put myself to sleep. And she did.
We both promptly put ourselves to bed right afterwards.
Celebrating and sharing with friends and family made this weekend just perfect!
Thursday 3 March 2011
Thursday
Clumsiness, clinginess, sleep deprivation and loss of memory, like where did I just put my hat?, all have one thing in common....ME.
For the 5th night in a row Zelda has come into the bedroom and woken me to snuggle her back to sleep. My darling, of course, sweetie alright, grumble, ok love, go back to your bed- I will take you, you are not coming into mine.......all met with warm tight hugs and unmovable words of how much I am loved....it is hard to say no, so I just go.
So, what kind of a thank you is tripping on the curb, flying across the side walk and skidding on my hands to a halt, while people look on? My body aches, my neck is compressed, my already bad shoulder is hanging limp and my wrist feels like it has been run over by a bicycle. Love definitely hurts! High heel boots don't help matters either.
I am so happy today. I am so glad I went to look at the other house. It was only a few minutes from the house we are buying. It is facing a beautiful field. I saw a sheep on it while in the back yard. The woman kept two chickens, I always wanted chickens. She on the other hand, can keep her house. It was falling apart, run down and not at all what the pictures showed. The road was visible and the noise audible. It did not have the feeling of a well cared for home. She will never get the money she is asking, and now I am certain that the one we are buying is the RIGHT ONE for us. How could I have ever dreamt of straying from the French family who will be our neighbors to be?????
After viewing the house, I received a lovely text from my husband. We met up in town and had an intimate lunch together in a tiny Italian joint. We each had pasta and an espresso. We have never done this before, but we will be working it into our routine for sure.
I stayed in town the entire day. At 3:00 I picked up Zelda and went to the after school coffee club. Our usual companions did not come today. I nursed my wounds at a table by myself for a bit and then another friend of mine arrived and we sat and had a lovely conversation. I had not seen her for some time. Afterwards, Zelda and I caught the bus back home.
I made Zelda her dinner, Teddy Bear Chicken, peas and corn and a bowl of blueberries. We snuggled on the couch and then it was time for bed. Two stories, a bit of Someday My Prince Will Come and snores could be heard. Perfect.
Time check-7:58pm, Zelda happy and a sleep, me sipping some vino and feeling ever so happy and excited about the future!
For the 5th night in a row Zelda has come into the bedroom and woken me to snuggle her back to sleep. My darling, of course, sweetie alright, grumble, ok love, go back to your bed- I will take you, you are not coming into mine.......all met with warm tight hugs and unmovable words of how much I am loved....it is hard to say no, so I just go.
So, what kind of a thank you is tripping on the curb, flying across the side walk and skidding on my hands to a halt, while people look on? My body aches, my neck is compressed, my already bad shoulder is hanging limp and my wrist feels like it has been run over by a bicycle. Love definitely hurts! High heel boots don't help matters either.
I am so happy today. I am so glad I went to look at the other house. It was only a few minutes from the house we are buying. It is facing a beautiful field. I saw a sheep on it while in the back yard. The woman kept two chickens, I always wanted chickens. She on the other hand, can keep her house. It was falling apart, run down and not at all what the pictures showed. The road was visible and the noise audible. It did not have the feeling of a well cared for home. She will never get the money she is asking, and now I am certain that the one we are buying is the RIGHT ONE for us. How could I have ever dreamt of straying from the French family who will be our neighbors to be?????
After viewing the house, I received a lovely text from my husband. We met up in town and had an intimate lunch together in a tiny Italian joint. We each had pasta and an espresso. We have never done this before, but we will be working it into our routine for sure.
I stayed in town the entire day. At 3:00 I picked up Zelda and went to the after school coffee club. Our usual companions did not come today. I nursed my wounds at a table by myself for a bit and then another friend of mine arrived and we sat and had a lovely conversation. I had not seen her for some time. Afterwards, Zelda and I caught the bus back home.
I made Zelda her dinner, Teddy Bear Chicken, peas and corn and a bowl of blueberries. We snuggled on the couch and then it was time for bed. Two stories, a bit of Someday My Prince Will Come and snores could be heard. Perfect.
Time check-7:58pm, Zelda happy and a sleep, me sipping some vino and feeling ever so happy and excited about the future!
Wednesday 2 March 2011
Hump Day
All week I have been planning, shopping, sourcing, creating, wrapping, buying and wishing. Yesterday evening one cancellation came in. Not bad, 7 out of 8 friends are coming. Four more days until my baby is no longer a baby, but a little girl. Five years will have passed since her entry into the world. I have less than five days to get her party right. The pressure is on!
Yesterday in the middle of all the birthday hoopla, I found another house, better, bigger, nicer, more beautiful and more expensive. We are in the middle of getting a mortgage for the one we made an offer on. In England you can drop out so long as no contract has been exchanged. This means that right up til the last moment either party can back down, leaving one or more parties to have to start all over again. I feel bad, but I think this new house may be the right house.
On Sunday we visited the other house with my in laws. I did not feel good. I felt sad somehow and not as comfortable as I had in the past. It needs a lot of work to make it what we want. A blank canvas is good, but if I can find one already the way we want, then that is better. I decided to look at the listing on Monday. Bingo, another house, around the corner from the other one. Same area, but better. I have made a RDV to view it tomorrow. We shall see.
Yesterday I met with the old chair of the PTA at Zeldas school to take over the role. I was handed a red box with documents, I felt like a character in Yes Minister! More planning, creating and organizing!
In the middle of all this activity, I am cleaning, cooking , food shopping, bathing, dropping off and picking up and keeping on top of the social calendar.
I feel like a crazy mama getting ready to take office. Spring has sprung and so have I...up up and away, perfect!
Yesterday in the middle of all the birthday hoopla, I found another house, better, bigger, nicer, more beautiful and more expensive. We are in the middle of getting a mortgage for the one we made an offer on. In England you can drop out so long as no contract has been exchanged. This means that right up til the last moment either party can back down, leaving one or more parties to have to start all over again. I feel bad, but I think this new house may be the right house.
On Sunday we visited the other house with my in laws. I did not feel good. I felt sad somehow and not as comfortable as I had in the past. It needs a lot of work to make it what we want. A blank canvas is good, but if I can find one already the way we want, then that is better. I decided to look at the listing on Monday. Bingo, another house, around the corner from the other one. Same area, but better. I have made a RDV to view it tomorrow. We shall see.
Yesterday I met with the old chair of the PTA at Zeldas school to take over the role. I was handed a red box with documents, I felt like a character in Yes Minister! More planning, creating and organizing!
In the middle of all this activity, I am cleaning, cooking , food shopping, bathing, dropping off and picking up and keeping on top of the social calendar.
I feel like a crazy mama getting ready to take office. Spring has sprung and so have I...up up and away, perfect!
Tuesday 1 March 2011
The Weekend
 |
| Sunday Lunch at Rose Tree Inn Pub |
Friday Menu
Boiled smoked gammon served with carrots, potato and peas. Home made apple pie for dessert.
This meal was made by my mother in law and sister in law.
Saturday Menu
Appetizer- Rugby served with chips and hummus and vegetable sticks.
Two slow roasted legs of lamb served with mint sauce, mashed potato, green and broad beans. Fresh fruit and cheese for dessert.
This meal was prepared by me.
While the meat was in the oven ( a total of 6 hours), my husband, Zelda and I, all went to the cinema to see Tangled.
Sunday Menu
Big breakfast of scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, croissants, baguette, melon, juice and coffee, followedd by a visit tothe new house.
Late lunch at the pub ( see photo). I ate steak and ale pie with a shortcrust pastry, mixed steamed in season vegies, hand cut chips and a hot brownie with ice cream for dessert.
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