Happiness and perfection breeds laziness. I have been lazy.
All week long the weather has been glorious. I now know what is meant by an English Spring. I am nervous for what an English summer will bring!
We have been planning our building project on the new house and have met with two builders this week. One very expensive, well known for quality work, and their higher prices. The other, a smaller individual business, quality work, and lower prices. We will have to some of the buying ourselves, but this is good. I am looking forward to picking out bathroom and kitchen tiles, fixtures and flooring!
Enough about the week, onto the weekend!
Friday was Zelda's first day of April break from school. We had a mommy daughter day. WE made a broom stick out of a long paper tube and rolled newspaper that was cut on the ends. This was after watching Bed knobs and Broomsticks! We had story telling by Zelda on her bed with every single stuffed toy she owns...took about 30 minutes! We painted pictures outside in the garden. Ate fruit and cheese platters, played with the doll house, read stories and of course snuggled.
In the evening I made a date nite dinner of turkey scallopine, wild brown rice with peas and carrots. Zelda ate the same earlier and loved it! We loved it too.
Saturday morning Zelda came into the room happy as a clam! All day she was bright eyed and bushy tailed. she made out bed. She dressed herself, and put away her clothes. She helped make breakfast and clear up. She was very proud of her achievements. We had swimming lessons at 10:30 and afterwards we went to the Gala to see the new Winnie the Poo movie. We walked home and by the time we arrived it was 4pm!
We all had dinner together. I made Broom House Farms fresh ground Angus Steak burgers with mashed potato and peas, carrots and broccoli. We read, snuggled and Zelda fell asleep in 10 minutes! We followed shortly afterwards.
This morning I woke at 5:45am. My brain would not shut off and I could not sleep. Pre Passover jitters! I am cooking for 15 people, 6 or which are children! All of which are new friends we have recently met, plus my brother in law, his wife and their two boys.
No shower, just two coffees and I was and running to make the brisket. I cooked it with red wine, port, prunes, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, thyme, orange peel, carrots, onions, celery and veggie stock. I made chopped liver with cognac and the tradition charoseth with apples, walnuts, cranberries, raisins, red wine, Ginger and orange juice. Tomorrow there will be more to make. The Seder is Tuesday.
By 12 noon I was finished! We ate a late breakfast and then hung out in the garden. The hubby and Zelda cleaned it up, he mended Zelda's bike and she rode it around the street. Zelda being the friendly girl thatshe is, called through the fence to the neighbor " HELLO" several times, before the hard of hearing neighbor acknowledged her! She ran across the street to the neighbors, like a cat that had been cooped up inside for days to " play " with them. I had to drag her home as they English are so polite, they would never evict her even though they wanted to eat their dinner! This is definitely the American in her!! Just perfect!!
We all stayed in the garden until around 7:15 then came into snuggle a a bit. Zelda went to bed late, but fell asleep quickly.
I feel once again eternally grateful for the life I lead, for the love I have and the family I share it all with.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Sunday, 10 April 2011
The Weekend
Ok Ok, I lost a week, but lets face it, the weeks really are all alike; full of beautiful and inspirational things where ever I turn. I woke up every morning at 6am and did the usual routine things, only this past week I did them on my own as the hubby was home sick. A viral plague has hit Durham and almost every one I know has it or is getting over it.
On to the weekend, as it really was special and quite perfect.
Friday night I met my friend S in town at around 6:30. We walked over to the Cafe Rouge , I know, French, but it is the only place in Town that has outside seating, and is not a pub. It has the bonus feature of being right next to the bridge over the river wear too. What was supposed to be a quick drink and maybe a small bite, turned into a fabulous gab-a-thon, which we both evidently needed. We also went on a hungry splurge and shared steak and duck and frittes. It was 11pm and they were throwing us out. Places close quite early here, but that's OK.
I got into the cab ride from hell and was home by 11:05.
Saturday we went into town in the morning to take Zelda to her first swimming lesson. We were able to watch her from a viewing area. She really enjoyed it and was ear to ear smiles. Afterwards, we walked down to the river and then decided to head home and get the car and go to the Broom House Farms 6 miles away in the country side. This is a great place where they have a working organic farm, a great cafe with outside table facing a huge farm field with sand pit, swings, hay stacks for climbing on and a wooden castle on top of a mound next to a forest. We ate some lunch and watched Zelda zip around or about 3 hours. Next we went to visit the lambs. They were so cute and innocent. I felt very guilty about the big bag of meat I had bought earlier from the farm butcher.
We were home by 6pm. The evening was quiet and calm, but I got a sunburn on my face. Never in Nice did I get sunburned. The sun is so low here that it hits you directly in the face.
Today we woke up early and packed a picnic lunch...cheeses, baguettes, fruit, crudites and a small bar of dark chocolate. We packed up the car with our rug, some warm clothes and some games and headed to South Shields to go to the coastal beaches.
The journey took all of 30 minutes, 18 minutes according to the GPS, but we took a slower route. The coast was truly amazing. It was the perfect beach. The air was full of seaweed smell, I found crab legs and sea shells and beautifully ground down smooth pieces of green glass. Zelda and her dad played in the crags down by the sea and I made sand mermaids. We ate some lunch and then went for a walk up onto the Key, where when we got to the top, it looked like it had been carpeted with beautiful green perfect grass. Zelda was so proud of herself for climbing up the high cavernous rock, and so she should be!
It was getting late so we climbed down and took the coastal walk walk on top of the dunes back tot he car.
It was a marvelous weekend full of beautiful sights that were only 20-30 minutes away. In contrast to living in Nice, we never went anywhere as it was always too hot to be out in the blazing sun on an open beach, that would be made up of rock, not sand and have garbage and needles on it. Here it had soft and smooth glass and plenty to keep a child or an adult occupied for hours. It was the perfect beach. The perfect weekend, and the perfect family time together.
good night all!
On to the weekend, as it really was special and quite perfect.
Friday night I met my friend S in town at around 6:30. We walked over to the Cafe Rouge , I know, French, but it is the only place in Town that has outside seating, and is not a pub. It has the bonus feature of being right next to the bridge over the river wear too. What was supposed to be a quick drink and maybe a small bite, turned into a fabulous gab-a-thon, which we both evidently needed. We also went on a hungry splurge and shared steak and duck and frittes. It was 11pm and they were throwing us out. Places close quite early here, but that's OK.
I got into the cab ride from hell and was home by 11:05.
Saturday we went into town in the morning to take Zelda to her first swimming lesson. We were able to watch her from a viewing area. She really enjoyed it and was ear to ear smiles. Afterwards, we walked down to the river and then decided to head home and get the car and go to the Broom House Farms 6 miles away in the country side. This is a great place where they have a working organic farm, a great cafe with outside table facing a huge farm field with sand pit, swings, hay stacks for climbing on and a wooden castle on top of a mound next to a forest. We ate some lunch and watched Zelda zip around or about 3 hours. Next we went to visit the lambs. They were so cute and innocent. I felt very guilty about the big bag of meat I had bought earlier from the farm butcher.
We were home by 6pm. The evening was quiet and calm, but I got a sunburn on my face. Never in Nice did I get sunburned. The sun is so low here that it hits you directly in the face.
Today we woke up early and packed a picnic lunch...cheeses, baguettes, fruit, crudites and a small bar of dark chocolate. We packed up the car with our rug, some warm clothes and some games and headed to South Shields to go to the coastal beaches.
The journey took all of 30 minutes, 18 minutes according to the GPS, but we took a slower route. The coast was truly amazing. It was the perfect beach. The air was full of seaweed smell, I found crab legs and sea shells and beautifully ground down smooth pieces of green glass. Zelda and her dad played in the crags down by the sea and I made sand mermaids. We ate some lunch and then went for a walk up onto the Key, where when we got to the top, it looked like it had been carpeted with beautiful green perfect grass. Zelda was so proud of herself for climbing up the high cavernous rock, and so she should be!
It was getting late so we climbed down and took the coastal walk walk on top of the dunes back tot he car.
It was a marvelous weekend full of beautiful sights that were only 20-30 minutes away. In contrast to living in Nice, we never went anywhere as it was always too hot to be out in the blazing sun on an open beach, that would be made up of rock, not sand and have garbage and needles on it. Here it had soft and smooth glass and plenty to keep a child or an adult occupied for hours. It was the perfect beach. The perfect weekend, and the perfect family time together.
good night all!
Sunday, 3 April 2011
The weekend
I woke this morning at 7:15 well rested and greeted by a grinning daughter, who could not keep a secret. Today was Mothering Sunday in Britain. She whispered into my ear don't look, we are going to sneak out and make you breakfast in bed. That was followed by my dress worn last night, lying on the floor, being thrown onto my face to keep me from seeing!
I stayed that way until I heard surprise. There in front of me was a large tray with waffles, juice, fruit and coffee. All three of us sat in bed and ate a lovely breakfast chosen and prepared by Zelda. After eating I was presented with gifts and cards. I received a crocheted pillow in the shape of a heart that said LOVE on it, a lovely magical wooden music box for jewelry. It is the kind that when you open it the fairy inside spins around until you close it or the music ends. Zelda made me a perfect card with butterflies on it and lovely writing saying she loved me inside.
After breakfast, Zelda left, only to return dressed in a princess outfit, donned with fairy wings, a crown, a wand and holding an apple. She put the music box on the bed opened it up and moved in time to the music and in circles to the fairy in the box! A scene to behold...who writes this stuff???? Where does she get it???
We got dressed and ate a bit more and then went to Crook Hall. This is one of my favorite places in Durham City. It is an old mansion with large gardens. We took a family membership for one year so now we can go whenever we like. It will open for the season in two weeks. Today was just for Mothering Sunday.
Upon entering you are faced with a large hedge maze. Zelda led us through it and out again. We walked through all the secret places and then settled down to have an afternoon tea with scones, ginger cake, flapjacks, cheese sandwiches and of course ea. The sun shone, it rained, it shone and it was all in all great weather.
The grey clouds rolled in around 2:30 and we went home. We found a classic childrens film, Amazons and Swallows and all three of us went up up to watch it. It was super sunny and bright outside! I can't wait until we can all go camping on the island in the Lake District, like in this film.
Saturday was library day. We took it easy and just relaxed. I read my book The Room and got to bed early.
Friday we got a baby sitter for Zelda and her two cousins H and E. The four adults went out to the pub for dinner and drinks. We got home by 11:30. The evening was gloriously warm. It is great that one can walk to town and back, never having to use the car.
Right now it is a fantastic evening. The sun is setting and the cherry blossom trees out the window are glowing in the evening light. The birds are singing otherwise it is very quiet. Zelda is in bed with her dad who is reading to her and snuggling her to sleep.
I feel loved, happy, grateful, giddy and ready for what ever tomorrow brings!
I stayed that way until I heard surprise. There in front of me was a large tray with waffles, juice, fruit and coffee. All three of us sat in bed and ate a lovely breakfast chosen and prepared by Zelda. After eating I was presented with gifts and cards. I received a crocheted pillow in the shape of a heart that said LOVE on it, a lovely magical wooden music box for jewelry. It is the kind that when you open it the fairy inside spins around until you close it or the music ends. Zelda made me a perfect card with butterflies on it and lovely writing saying she loved me inside.
After breakfast, Zelda left, only to return dressed in a princess outfit, donned with fairy wings, a crown, a wand and holding an apple. She put the music box on the bed opened it up and moved in time to the music and in circles to the fairy in the box! A scene to behold...who writes this stuff???? Where does she get it???
We got dressed and ate a bit more and then went to Crook Hall. This is one of my favorite places in Durham City. It is an old mansion with large gardens. We took a family membership for one year so now we can go whenever we like. It will open for the season in two weeks. Today was just for Mothering Sunday.
Upon entering you are faced with a large hedge maze. Zelda led us through it and out again. We walked through all the secret places and then settled down to have an afternoon tea with scones, ginger cake, flapjacks, cheese sandwiches and of course ea. The sun shone, it rained, it shone and it was all in all great weather.
The grey clouds rolled in around 2:30 and we went home. We found a classic childrens film, Amazons and Swallows and all three of us went up up to watch it. It was super sunny and bright outside! I can't wait until we can all go camping on the island in the Lake District, like in this film.
Saturday was library day. We took it easy and just relaxed. I read my book The Room and got to bed early.
Friday we got a baby sitter for Zelda and her two cousins H and E. The four adults went out to the pub for dinner and drinks. We got home by 11:30. The evening was gloriously warm. It is great that one can walk to town and back, never having to use the car.
Right now it is a fantastic evening. The sun is setting and the cherry blossom trees out the window are glowing in the evening light. The birds are singing otherwise it is very quiet. Zelda is in bed with her dad who is reading to her and snuggling her to sleep.
I feel loved, happy, grateful, giddy and ready for what ever tomorrow brings!
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Thursday
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!
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!
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!
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