6am wake up to the BBC Today program was difficult to rise to this morning as I only went to sleep at 4am. I was on nightmare patrol last night and it was scary! I'd like to say I remember what the news of the day was, but I can't. I'll make some up. Barbara Striesand coming to Newcastle to play at the Sage, Employment up by 20% in the art sector, American in Durham wins Euro- Millions lottery! Otherwise today was a pretty straight forward regular perfect day, with one exception, I received a phone call from a close friend in Nice and we chatted for about half an hour and it was great to catch up and know that nothing has been lost by moving, thus it has been an exceptionally perfect day.
Morning routines accomplished and arrival at school 10 minutes early-super!
Coffee at university taken-yummy!
Learning materials bought at Waterstones for Zelda to practice reading-great!
Walk up the hill down the hill and up the hill home accomplished without any fatigue-yippee
House vacuumed and laundry finished-whew
House hunting and job hunting-check!
Museum research on conferences started-excellent!
Pick up of one daughter from school achieved-stupendous!
Pick up of one husband/father from work place-amazing!
Family walk about home-nice!
Dinner served and eaten by entire family all at once-good!
Daughter washed, read to and snuggled to sleep by mommy-wonderful!
Blog completed-Perfect!
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Wednesday
6am wake up via the BBC Radio Today program. Liberal Pakistani leader murdered by body guard, NHS troubles, and a 3 points on the Richter Scale earthquake just about an hour and half away from me! It's all pretty shaky stuff.
Looked out the window to see what the day would bring....no snow, a little sun and crisp clean air. Drank my coffee and jumped into the shower. Did my usual things to get ready and went down stairs to make one portable lunch and breakfast for three. The troops were not arriving quickly enough for me so I went back up stairs and found Zelda buried under the covers in our bed while my hubby was still showering. I tried to get her dressed, but she refused to wear the new clothes that just yesterday she couldn't wait to wear. I went back downstairs and started to eat, I was not in the mood for a fight.
Eventually all three of us were at the table, but it was in shifts. We got out the door and made it to school only a few minutes late.
Coffee at the university followed and then I was off into town to run my errands and buy some groceries. Marks and Spencers were having a sale on fresh fish and I bought fresh cod, smoked haddock and smoked trout. I want to eat more fish and less meat. Friends of ours eat mostly fish and rice and they spend a lot less money on groceries than I do. I am trying this out to see if I too can feed my family on around 40 pounds a week. So far so good. Tonight we are going to have scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and cream cheese on whole wheat toast with a side salad.
I did a bit more job hunting today and museum research. I am certain that I am on the right track and wish only to pursue a career in the Museum/Gallery education field. Everything I have read indicates that the best route is to volunteer and then get hired. I am now searching for a second volunteer opportunity. With two simultaneously I will increase my chances of finding a position in a time when economic cuts are rampant.
I finished off all the laundry and cleaned Zeldas room.
As usual I left the house at 2:30 to go back into town to pick up Zelda. We walked home and then did our usual snuggle. I let Zelda eat in the living room in front of the fire. Afterwards we did her homework together! Then I gave her an olive oil bath to combat her itchy dry skin. I hopped into bed and started reading stories. After the second book "The Daddy" arrived home so he took over. I then snuggled her to sleep.
I've never seen a real angel, but tonight the position Zelda fell a sleep in was just like one. Face to side lying on top of flat clasped hands. Eyes softly closed and with only a whisper of air escaping. She looked perfectly happy, and so was I. Touching an angel is rare.
Time check-8:20 pm. Headache is on its way out and I am on my way down to the kitchen to make a warming winter dinner to eat in front of the fire with my love and listen to some classical music. Perfect!
Looked out the window to see what the day would bring....no snow, a little sun and crisp clean air. Drank my coffee and jumped into the shower. Did my usual things to get ready and went down stairs to make one portable lunch and breakfast for three. The troops were not arriving quickly enough for me so I went back up stairs and found Zelda buried under the covers in our bed while my hubby was still showering. I tried to get her dressed, but she refused to wear the new clothes that just yesterday she couldn't wait to wear. I went back downstairs and started to eat, I was not in the mood for a fight.
Eventually all three of us were at the table, but it was in shifts. We got out the door and made it to school only a few minutes late.
Coffee at the university followed and then I was off into town to run my errands and buy some groceries. Marks and Spencers were having a sale on fresh fish and I bought fresh cod, smoked haddock and smoked trout. I want to eat more fish and less meat. Friends of ours eat mostly fish and rice and they spend a lot less money on groceries than I do. I am trying this out to see if I too can feed my family on around 40 pounds a week. So far so good. Tonight we are going to have scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and cream cheese on whole wheat toast with a side salad.
I did a bit more job hunting today and museum research. I am certain that I am on the right track and wish only to pursue a career in the Museum/Gallery education field. Everything I have read indicates that the best route is to volunteer and then get hired. I am now searching for a second volunteer opportunity. With two simultaneously I will increase my chances of finding a position in a time when economic cuts are rampant.
I finished off all the laundry and cleaned Zeldas room.
As usual I left the house at 2:30 to go back into town to pick up Zelda. We walked home and then did our usual snuggle. I let Zelda eat in the living room in front of the fire. Afterwards we did her homework together! Then I gave her an olive oil bath to combat her itchy dry skin. I hopped into bed and started reading stories. After the second book "The Daddy" arrived home so he took over. I then snuggled her to sleep.
I've never seen a real angel, but tonight the position Zelda fell a sleep in was just like one. Face to side lying on top of flat clasped hands. Eyes softly closed and with only a whisper of air escaping. She looked perfectly happy, and so was I. Touching an angel is rare.
Time check-8:20 pm. Headache is on its way out and I am on my way down to the kitchen to make a warming winter dinner to eat in front of the fire with my love and listen to some classical music. Perfect!
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Tuesday
Holidays are over and Zelda is back at school, hubby is back at work, and I am back to hunting and gathering.
It is amazing how one can really miss the boring ins and outs of the daily routine. I missed my 6am wake-up date with the BBC radio presenter. Our I-pod speaker/radio was in the living room over the holidays. There really wasn't any need for an alarm when you are not due anywhere. This morning I awoke to a beloved British accent talking about everything going on in the news. I did not really listen to or read about the news over the holidays. Seems like the world just came to a halt and now it is resuming again, for me.
I missed having my coffee made by the coffee maid. Every morning we woke up late, and one of us went down stairs to make the cups of coffee. Why, I do not know, but I guess when you are on holiday, and have no where to go, the need for instantaneous intravenous coffee goes away. It was the best cup of coffee I had in 10 days!
I missed putting the laundry in by 7am so I can hang it out by 11am and it can be dry by late evening ready for the next morning. While on holiday, laundry just seems to pile up and then you have no underwear.
I missed eating breakfast all together in the morning in the cold kitchen. While on holiday, we laid around in bed and ate late and Zelda ate toast and watched her program downstairs. We were doing our own separate things;adults and child. I like it when we are all together and talking and sharing. It makes for a nicer morning and nicer day. I don't forget to take my joint medicine either when we eat together. Today I had no shoulder pain again.
I missed our early morning walk into town to take Zelda to school. I missed the way the scenery looks as I walk down the hill, turn into the wooded drive and then go over the bridge that carries us across the river. The morning light on the Cathedral that greets me every morning is back in my life. The stimulus in the air that gets us all running and jumping and talking and laughing as we wind our way to where we are going when we have somewhere to go.
I missed seeing people on the street that we know or recognize. I missed saying good morning and smiling and getting positive words and reactions back. It is truly amazing how just those two words can make one feel great, positive, friendly and happy. For me it is the perfect mood enhancer to start my day. I was high on good morning this morning!
I missed my morning espresso machiato at the university with my husband. While on holiday, we never really got the chance to have a full 30 minutes alone with each other without any interruptions or distractions. It is just us and our coffees. Stolen time every day.
I missed my little errands that constitute my job. Picking up this, gathering that, finding what nots and then carrying it all back.
I missed job and house hunting. While I was on holiday, I took a break from these two important life goals.
I missed my ritual walk back into town, down the hill and up the hill to pick up Zelda. I missed our one to one time walking along the river holding hands. The games we play to make the walk quicker, warmer and fun. We saw a beautiful swan on our way home and followed her for as long as we could.
I missed the time Zelda and I have once we are home. I missed her lying on my lap keeping us warm in front of the fire. I missed making her dinner and eating together. Tonight she invented a new dish...the Potatowich. I made baked potato and we filled them with grated cheese and chopped ham. Zelda then proceeded to put the two halves together to make a "sandwich". Perfect genius!
I missed being able to write in my blog at the same time every night. The holidays were not good for my writing form. I am glad to be back .
Routine check-ups, routine dye jobs, routine procedures, hate them, but give me my routine any day.
It is amazing how one can really miss the boring ins and outs of the daily routine. I missed my 6am wake-up date with the BBC radio presenter. Our I-pod speaker/radio was in the living room over the holidays. There really wasn't any need for an alarm when you are not due anywhere. This morning I awoke to a beloved British accent talking about everything going on in the news. I did not really listen to or read about the news over the holidays. Seems like the world just came to a halt and now it is resuming again, for me.
I missed having my coffee made by the coffee maid. Every morning we woke up late, and one of us went down stairs to make the cups of coffee. Why, I do not know, but I guess when you are on holiday, and have no where to go, the need for instantaneous intravenous coffee goes away. It was the best cup of coffee I had in 10 days!
I missed putting the laundry in by 7am so I can hang it out by 11am and it can be dry by late evening ready for the next morning. While on holiday, laundry just seems to pile up and then you have no underwear.
I missed eating breakfast all together in the morning in the cold kitchen. While on holiday, we laid around in bed and ate late and Zelda ate toast and watched her program downstairs. We were doing our own separate things;adults and child. I like it when we are all together and talking and sharing. It makes for a nicer morning and nicer day. I don't forget to take my joint medicine either when we eat together. Today I had no shoulder pain again.
I missed our early morning walk into town to take Zelda to school. I missed the way the scenery looks as I walk down the hill, turn into the wooded drive and then go over the bridge that carries us across the river. The morning light on the Cathedral that greets me every morning is back in my life. The stimulus in the air that gets us all running and jumping and talking and laughing as we wind our way to where we are going when we have somewhere to go.
I missed seeing people on the street that we know or recognize. I missed saying good morning and smiling and getting positive words and reactions back. It is truly amazing how just those two words can make one feel great, positive, friendly and happy. For me it is the perfect mood enhancer to start my day. I was high on good morning this morning!
I missed my morning espresso machiato at the university with my husband. While on holiday, we never really got the chance to have a full 30 minutes alone with each other without any interruptions or distractions. It is just us and our coffees. Stolen time every day.
I missed my little errands that constitute my job. Picking up this, gathering that, finding what nots and then carrying it all back.
I missed job and house hunting. While I was on holiday, I took a break from these two important life goals.
I missed my ritual walk back into town, down the hill and up the hill to pick up Zelda. I missed our one to one time walking along the river holding hands. The games we play to make the walk quicker, warmer and fun. We saw a beautiful swan on our way home and followed her for as long as we could.
I missed the time Zelda and I have once we are home. I missed her lying on my lap keeping us warm in front of the fire. I missed making her dinner and eating together. Tonight she invented a new dish...the Potatowich. I made baked potato and we filled them with grated cheese and chopped ham. Zelda then proceeded to put the two halves together to make a "sandwich". Perfect genius!
I missed being able to write in my blog at the same time every night. The holidays were not good for my writing form. I am glad to be back .
Routine check-ups, routine dye jobs, routine procedures, hate them, but give me my routine any day.
Monday, 3 January 2011
Monday
What is happening to me? Plans to rise and shine early and get out of the house by 10 am foiled again by sleeping until 8am, taking a coffee in bed, allowing myself to read in bed and then take a shower! Results...out of the house by noon. I can rationalize it though, it is the last day to do it as Zelda returns to school tomorrow, so it is back to the 6am ROUTINE.
Back to Newcastle again today. Even though we left the house close to noon, we still got to Newcastle by 12:30. We took a quick left out of the train station and walked 5 minutes to the Life museum. This is a large dome shaped museum that is dedicated to living, as the name says. It has hands on activities for the kids and live experiments and a planetarium. It sounds grand, but it is not a huge place, but it is big enough to spend a few hours entertaining one selves. Zelda loved it and we had a hard time pulling her out.
Once again, I must put on my contrary hat and compare Nice to where I am living now. In Nice if I wanted to dine out, I had a choice between French, Italian or French, but disguised as some other ethnic brand. In addition I had to deal with tourist prices and service. In Newcastle I have 1000's of places to chose from and every cuisine under the sun, prepared by authentic people of the regions. Tonight we dined at a small family owned Persian restaurant. The food was very good and the desserts were very special. I ate rosewater sorbet with ice noodles and lemon, glazed figs with pistachio cream and honey and saffron ice cream. The bill was not to much and Zelda really enjoyed it as well. We will definitely go back.
We arrived home around 6:30 and it was bath time for Zelda. Afterwards I read to her and snuggled her to sleep. I was not successful with the sleeping part and her daddy had to go in and put her to sleep. Lately she will not go to sleep with me. she wants me there to snuggle, and kiss and hug, which I like, but she must go to bed also. I must look into changing my perfume, perhaps it is too exciting!
Time check, 8:15 pm. I assume Zelda is a sleep. We have all eaten dinner, so nothing to do but get ready for bed and settle in with a book until it is time for me to go to bed. It has been a great day, once again and I can not wait until tomorrow!
Back to Newcastle again today. Even though we left the house close to noon, we still got to Newcastle by 12:30. We took a quick left out of the train station and walked 5 minutes to the Life museum. This is a large dome shaped museum that is dedicated to living, as the name says. It has hands on activities for the kids and live experiments and a planetarium. It sounds grand, but it is not a huge place, but it is big enough to spend a few hours entertaining one selves. Zelda loved it and we had a hard time pulling her out.
Once again, I must put on my contrary hat and compare Nice to where I am living now. In Nice if I wanted to dine out, I had a choice between French, Italian or French, but disguised as some other ethnic brand. In addition I had to deal with tourist prices and service. In Newcastle I have 1000's of places to chose from and every cuisine under the sun, prepared by authentic people of the regions. Tonight we dined at a small family owned Persian restaurant. The food was very good and the desserts were very special. I ate rosewater sorbet with ice noodles and lemon, glazed figs with pistachio cream and honey and saffron ice cream. The bill was not to much and Zelda really enjoyed it as well. We will definitely go back.
We arrived home around 6:30 and it was bath time for Zelda. Afterwards I read to her and snuggled her to sleep. I was not successful with the sleeping part and her daddy had to go in and put her to sleep. Lately she will not go to sleep with me. she wants me there to snuggle, and kiss and hug, which I like, but she must go to bed also. I must look into changing my perfume, perhaps it is too exciting!
Time check, 8:15 pm. I assume Zelda is a sleep. We have all eaten dinner, so nothing to do but get ready for bed and settle in with a book until it is time for me to go to bed. It has been a great day, once again and I can not wait until tomorrow!
Sunday, 2 January 2011
Sunday
The house is finally practically almost empty of all food, so a quick trip this morning to the market for bagels, smoked salmon and cream cheese was in order, but not until I had finished my large cup of coffee and had a nice hot shower, followed by hot towel dry off.
I was alone on my walk down the block to the market. Not a single person on the street and very few cars. The 10 minutes it took to run this errand helped clear out the cobwebs and gave me an injection of energy.
Once home, I set up the breakfast table and waited for my small flock to come down to eat. By this time is was around 10:30am and I was feeling a bit anxious as we planned to go into Newcastle to a museum today. The museum closes at 4pm and I wanted to have enough time to see and do lots of cultural things. We ate up, made our final choices and left the house to catch the number 20 bus down into town. We walked up the hill to the train station and caught the next train out.
There are trains to and from Durham to Newcastle almost every 10 minutes. You never have to wait long and the journey only takes 12 minutes. I love it! Culture and excitement of the big city when I want it. Unlike Nice, I have the choice of over 100 galleries and museums to go to. These places are usually free and always have children programs in association with the exhibitions. Families can drop in to the Learning and development area and make all kinds of things with their kids, again free of charge. The people who work there are helpful, engaging, kind, active and never rude, to you or your kids. Again, unlike in Nice!
Today we went to the Seven Stories Childrens' Museum. It was located in an old Victorian seven story warehouse on the edge of the city center. It is in an area called Byker, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byker, a housing estate that was rebuilt in the early 60's with the residents specifications for community living. It is like a large artist colony of sorts. It has its own farms, garden and cafe as well as many ,many artist studios and galleries. Seven Stories is one of them.
The gallery lies on a canal and is surrounded by a small animal farm and vegetable garden. Once inside, you are greeted by books, books and more books! Plus friendly staff. The lobby alone makes you feel exhilarated and excited to explore the other 6 floors. It is meant for children, but adults feel at home as well. Each floor is dedicated to something different. The "attic" is for watching and listening to story tellers, trying on costumes from many of the popular children books and acting out stories. The " basement" is the art studio. Today Zelda made a crown from Narnia and a puppet from Cinderella. There are two other floors which house exhibitions related to books and authors, one floor with a cafe and a floor that explains the idea behind collections of books and how it all works. The entrance level houses the large book shop. The exhibitions change and there are activities all year long for children. I just loved this museum and would love to work there.
It could have been Brooklyn. Downstairs in the art studio the most popular sound was the American accent! Not just any accent, but New Yorker-Jewish. Yes, truly amazing, but while I was sitting on my own with Zelda a woman leaned over and said in a way only a Jewish NYer could, well in this case, as it turned out, from Connecticut, Can I ask you something, I am curious, do I detect an American accent? Immediately it was like we were old lost buddies. She spilled the beans that she was Jewish, so did I and next thing you know I am being invited to the reformed temple in Newcastle. The rabbi of which is from California and a woman. We exchanged numbers and I now have yet another new potential friend.
This could not have happened in France and most definitely not in Nice. I feel at home. It's just perfect.
I was alone on my walk down the block to the market. Not a single person on the street and very few cars. The 10 minutes it took to run this errand helped clear out the cobwebs and gave me an injection of energy.
Once home, I set up the breakfast table and waited for my small flock to come down to eat. By this time is was around 10:30am and I was feeling a bit anxious as we planned to go into Newcastle to a museum today. The museum closes at 4pm and I wanted to have enough time to see and do lots of cultural things. We ate up, made our final choices and left the house to catch the number 20 bus down into town. We walked up the hill to the train station and caught the next train out.
There are trains to and from Durham to Newcastle almost every 10 minutes. You never have to wait long and the journey only takes 12 minutes. I love it! Culture and excitement of the big city when I want it. Unlike Nice, I have the choice of over 100 galleries and museums to go to. These places are usually free and always have children programs in association with the exhibitions. Families can drop in to the Learning and development area and make all kinds of things with their kids, again free of charge. The people who work there are helpful, engaging, kind, active and never rude, to you or your kids. Again, unlike in Nice!
Today we went to the Seven Stories Childrens' Museum. It was located in an old Victorian seven story warehouse on the edge of the city center. It is in an area called Byker, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byker, a housing estate that was rebuilt in the early 60's with the residents specifications for community living. It is like a large artist colony of sorts. It has its own farms, garden and cafe as well as many ,many artist studios and galleries. Seven Stories is one of them.
The gallery lies on a canal and is surrounded by a small animal farm and vegetable garden. Once inside, you are greeted by books, books and more books! Plus friendly staff. The lobby alone makes you feel exhilarated and excited to explore the other 6 floors. It is meant for children, but adults feel at home as well. Each floor is dedicated to something different. The "attic" is for watching and listening to story tellers, trying on costumes from many of the popular children books and acting out stories. The " basement" is the art studio. Today Zelda made a crown from Narnia and a puppet from Cinderella. There are two other floors which house exhibitions related to books and authors, one floor with a cafe and a floor that explains the idea behind collections of books and how it all works. The entrance level houses the large book shop. The exhibitions change and there are activities all year long for children. I just loved this museum and would love to work there.
It could have been Brooklyn. Downstairs in the art studio the most popular sound was the American accent! Not just any accent, but New Yorker-Jewish. Yes, truly amazing, but while I was sitting on my own with Zelda a woman leaned over and said in a way only a Jewish NYer could, well in this case, as it turned out, from Connecticut, Can I ask you something, I am curious, do I detect an American accent? Immediately it was like we were old lost buddies. She spilled the beans that she was Jewish, so did I and next thing you know I am being invited to the reformed temple in Newcastle. The rabbi of which is from California and a woman. We exchanged numbers and I now have yet another new potential friend.
This could not have happened in France and most definitely not in Nice. I feel at home. It's just perfect.
Saturday, 1 January 2011
Saturday
my nose and ears seemed to be working this morning..I could smell coffee brewing and hear noises rising up from the decks below, but my eyes were not ready to look.
The clock read 9:14. No sounds coming from Zelda, I felt relieved that she was still asleep. By the time everyone left last night it was close to two in the morning. Zelda crashed on the couch in a matter of seconds, so no wonder she was not stirring.
The coffee arrived, with orange juice and a smiley husband. It was the first morning of the first day of the New Year. I was happy, content, hopeful, motivated, warm and all the other adjectives that describe positive feelings. I was also, quite a few negative things, lazy, tired and hungover.
I knew the house was a mess on every floor, that meant three layers to clean up. When I took a quick look around, I tried not to panic...there were costumes, shoes, dolls, clothes, lego, toys and popcorn strewn all over the place, and that was just the adults mess! The garden was littered with fire work fall out and the kitchen had seen better days. We managed to clean up quite quickly in the end. I looked much worse than it actually was. We just sang a spoonful of sugar and snapped our fingers!
I managed to get out of bed and shower and make us all the perfect New Years Day breakfast; pancakes, sausage and fried eggs! This was followed by doing a puzzle and playing Cinderella with Zelda. Next up on my agenda for this day was sitting in front of the TV watching Mary Poppins and preparing Spag Bol for dinner.
All missions accomplished and I am ready for bed duty, my own that is. Zelda is asleep and the hubby is with her.
There are no New Years resolutions for today, tomorrow or ever. The year may have changed, but I will always be the same, forever changing, growing and seeing the wonderful side of life.
The clock read 9:14. No sounds coming from Zelda, I felt relieved that she was still asleep. By the time everyone left last night it was close to two in the morning. Zelda crashed on the couch in a matter of seconds, so no wonder she was not stirring.
The coffee arrived, with orange juice and a smiley husband. It was the first morning of the first day of the New Year. I was happy, content, hopeful, motivated, warm and all the other adjectives that describe positive feelings. I was also, quite a few negative things, lazy, tired and hungover.
I knew the house was a mess on every floor, that meant three layers to clean up. When I took a quick look around, I tried not to panic...there were costumes, shoes, dolls, clothes, lego, toys and popcorn strewn all over the place, and that was just the adults mess! The garden was littered with fire work fall out and the kitchen had seen better days. We managed to clean up quite quickly in the end. I looked much worse than it actually was. We just sang a spoonful of sugar and snapped our fingers!
I managed to get out of bed and shower and make us all the perfect New Years Day breakfast; pancakes, sausage and fried eggs! This was followed by doing a puzzle and playing Cinderella with Zelda. Next up on my agenda for this day was sitting in front of the TV watching Mary Poppins and preparing Spag Bol for dinner.
All missions accomplished and I am ready for bed duty, my own that is. Zelda is asleep and the hubby is with her.
There are no New Years resolutions for today, tomorrow or ever. The year may have changed, but I will always be the same, forever changing, growing and seeing the wonderful side of life.
Friday
.
Jessica left today to return to London and then back home to Rome. It was great seeing her and she made the start of a New Year fabulous.
We all got out of bed late and lazed around until 11am. Then it was a rush to get Zelda dressed and off to her last birthday party of the year. We dropped Jess off at the train on the way. It was the best birthday party so far. Here in England, or at least in Durham, it is very popular to have a childrens party at your local Leisure Center. A bouncy castle is included in the deal, and so it makes for a very fun event for the kids. Bouncy castle aside, the place is usually very grim, cold and dingy. The gymnasium is converted into a party space with a few tables and is poorly lit with halogen lighting. I was not really looking forward to yet another party like this, but I was pleasantly surprised. When we arrived, the gym was full of children and parents. The birthday girls mom directed us to hot coffee and cupcakes! This scored high with me. The kids were entertained by Mr Windbags and afterwards they sat down to a nutritious meal that included a fresh fruit for a dessert. Usually a large assortment of junk food is served, chalk up another point for this party. There was no birthday cake to be eaten, but rather a plastic model of a cake with candles to be blown out, point number three. Finally, the goody bags that were given as we left contained only one sweet. The bag was full of fun things to play with rather than eat. Point four. No hyper child to deal with into the late evening.
Shortly after we arrived we were greeted by N and M, parents whom we recently met at a Halloween party. We spent the majority of the party speaking with them. It turns out that they have become friendly with another set of parents that we also have recently become friendly with. We discussed our "no plans" for New Years and they told us that they too were not doing much, just going to a tapas place with their three small kids at 5pm for dinner. One of their children is a good friend of Zelda. N asked us if we wanted to join them and told us that the other set of friends we both know will also be eating there. We accepted and headed home to rest before the evening.
I was on cloud 9. I always knew this was how things were supposed to be, and not the other way around like in France. People here are so open and generous. I guess it also helps to be liked by the natives!
We arrived at 5 on the dot. N and M and kids showed up a few minutes later. We ordered some Sangria and the kids started to run around and have fun. At 5:30 the other set of friends arrived. They did not know we were going to be there and it looked as if they also had no idea they were going to be sitting with all of us. They thought they were eating dinner by themselves with their daughter, who is also a friend of Zelda. SURPRISE, an impromptu party was born. The food and service were terrific. We all talked, laughed and relaxed while our kids entertained themselves and intermittently came to our sides for cuddles.
We had to give the tables up at 8pm, so we all headed back to our house. The five girls watched movies, ate popcorn, healthy snacks of fruits and veggies and we settled in downstairs with wine. Before we knew it, midnight was upon us. I found some fireworks in the garage of the house we are renting and M set them up. I opened a bottle of cava and we were ready! All six of us watched the fireworks go off, toasted to 2011 and gazed up at the amazingly clear sky full of bright stars. At that moment, I felt as though I was one of those bright stars and that the clarity of the sky was really my life as it is to become. 2011 was already perfect.
Jessica left today to return to London and then back home to Rome. It was great seeing her and she made the start of a New Year fabulous.
We all got out of bed late and lazed around until 11am. Then it was a rush to get Zelda dressed and off to her last birthday party of the year. We dropped Jess off at the train on the way. It was the best birthday party so far. Here in England, or at least in Durham, it is very popular to have a childrens party at your local Leisure Center. A bouncy castle is included in the deal, and so it makes for a very fun event for the kids. Bouncy castle aside, the place is usually very grim, cold and dingy. The gymnasium is converted into a party space with a few tables and is poorly lit with halogen lighting. I was not really looking forward to yet another party like this, but I was pleasantly surprised. When we arrived, the gym was full of children and parents. The birthday girls mom directed us to hot coffee and cupcakes! This scored high with me. The kids were entertained by Mr Windbags and afterwards they sat down to a nutritious meal that included a fresh fruit for a dessert. Usually a large assortment of junk food is served, chalk up another point for this party. There was no birthday cake to be eaten, but rather a plastic model of a cake with candles to be blown out, point number three. Finally, the goody bags that were given as we left contained only one sweet. The bag was full of fun things to play with rather than eat. Point four. No hyper child to deal with into the late evening.
Shortly after we arrived we were greeted by N and M, parents whom we recently met at a Halloween party. We spent the majority of the party speaking with them. It turns out that they have become friendly with another set of parents that we also have recently become friendly with. We discussed our "no plans" for New Years and they told us that they too were not doing much, just going to a tapas place with their three small kids at 5pm for dinner. One of their children is a good friend of Zelda. N asked us if we wanted to join them and told us that the other set of friends we both know will also be eating there. We accepted and headed home to rest before the evening.
I was on cloud 9. I always knew this was how things were supposed to be, and not the other way around like in France. People here are so open and generous. I guess it also helps to be liked by the natives!
We arrived at 5 on the dot. N and M and kids showed up a few minutes later. We ordered some Sangria and the kids started to run around and have fun. At 5:30 the other set of friends arrived. They did not know we were going to be there and it looked as if they also had no idea they were going to be sitting with all of us. They thought they were eating dinner by themselves with their daughter, who is also a friend of Zelda. SURPRISE, an impromptu party was born. The food and service were terrific. We all talked, laughed and relaxed while our kids entertained themselves and intermittently came to our sides for cuddles.
We had to give the tables up at 8pm, so we all headed back to our house. The five girls watched movies, ate popcorn, healthy snacks of fruits and veggies and we settled in downstairs with wine. Before we knew it, midnight was upon us. I found some fireworks in the garage of the house we are renting and M set them up. I opened a bottle of cava and we were ready! All six of us watched the fireworks go off, toasted to 2011 and gazed up at the amazingly clear sky full of bright stars. At that moment, I felt as though I was one of those bright stars and that the clarity of the sky was really my life as it is to become. 2011 was already perfect.
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