Ali D's Spot

The Turkey Sandwich

2010-12-26T14:14:00.006Z

I grew up on traditional Irish Christmases in a hot, sunny South Africa so my early childhood memories of Christmas are a little different to the ones I have now with my own young family. It was always too hot to roast a turkey & gammon at lunchtime, so my Mom saved the wonderful meal she produced until the cooler early evening. We spent the day swimming and lying around the pool, lazily sipping lime & soda (perhaps with something more alcoholic included for the adults!) I have the fondest & most amazing memories of our Christmases with family & friends in abundance in our home. It was never any other way.

Now, I'm privileged to experience similar wonderful Christmases (in the style of Enid Blyton's books I grew up reading) - cold, bright wintry days and a necessity to eat lunch before it gets dark.

My big brother B is the host of these wonderful meals every year and we sit around the same dining room table that was the centre of our home when we grow up. The meals are awesome but something always brings me back to quite possibly my favourite meal of the entire year - the cold turkey sandwich!

Now, this was no ordinary sandwich, for it was made with so much love & care by my dear Dad who not only made the best sandwiches ever, but made the best Boxing day lunch sandwiches ever imaginable!

I haven't had the privilege of one of those Boxing Day sandwiches for years now, but this year it is particularly, notably just not the same. At the very least, my dad & I would spend Boxing day 6,000 miles apart, discussing on the phone & salivating over the sandwiches we had just eaten. My fellow Taurean was on the same wavelength as me when it came to the power of food. (Unfortunately I have no desire to cook it, just love eating it)

This year, I can't share that experience with my dad having just eaten a delicious gammon & mustard sandwich on soft, white bread. He is no longer here to share this with & a part of me has gone with him. I will always have my post Christmas favourite meal with him close to my heart but with an element of enjoyment taken away.

Miss you dear Dad & love you so much.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-24T10:17:00.000Z

Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home. ~Carol Nelson

At Peace in God's Garden

2010-06-11T20:27:00.002Z

God looked around His garden and found an empty space. He looked down upon the Earth and saw a tired face.
He put his arms around them and lifted them to rest. God's garden must be beautiful for He only takes the best.
He knew that they were suffering. He knew they were in pain. He knew they'd never ever get well on Earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb so He closed their weary eyelids and whispered 'Peace by thine'.

Sliding into 2010 yelling loudly....

2010-01-11T22:21:00.023Z

We've had some unusual weather to start the year. It has caused havoc to the UK.

The children were back at school 2 days before being 'snowed out' of school and 'snowed in' at home!
It was brilliant....for the first few days but got progressively worse as the shops were stripped bare (even before it snowed!) and supplies dwindled to mince pies and frozen turkeys in Waitrose.
No joke.
We were so grateful for our bread machine and were smugly tucking into freshly baked bread every day and home made muffins.
Until the supplies of flour and yeast dwindled too.... clearly we are not the only ones with a bread machine!!
Day 1 was particularly beautiful with 20 - 40 cm falling in the first 24 hours. We 'seized the moment' and took the new sleds (well done Santa) to the nearest 'slopes' in Yateley which my French friend Stephanie referred to as 'le piste'. Um not quite! Everyone else in Yateley had the same idea so it was a tad busy. We moved on from the beginners slopes to more adventurous ones and I think I pulled a muscle in my throat from screaming. Yes, I forgot my age for a moment and joined in the adrenalin shots of sliding down a slope screaming in terror with absolutely no control over where I might land.
Thankfully all still in one piece.
Day 2 on the slopes was a little different as the freezing temperatures compacted the ice and ice skates would have been better for the occasion. A few minor injuries and we headed back home for the warmth and comfort of hot chocolate and more muffins.
Day 3 was an 'ok the novelty has worn off now and I want to see more than the insides of my walls or blinding white outside' day. Children got fractious and wet and cold. Waitrose became a very attractive option to hide from them - empty shelves and all. Truly I have never seen such snow in my lifetime (and it hasn't been a very long one) and the photos don't do it justice. Truth is I couldn't feel my fingers without gloves on which made picture snapping a little difficult. But we have the memories!
And finally today we walked the kids back (up & down) to school in tons of snow but some now melting, some still frozen. Made for hard work and their legs are aching, But they dropped like flies tonight so I guess it has it's purpose then!
Roll on more snow days.

Life of Mum.

2009-09-06T20:50:00.002Z

I consider myself a conscientious mother and to further my childrens' education and lives, I do my best to give them opportunities to progress, succeed and have some fun along the way.
Unfortunately my children seem to forget the fun times and have an opinion that differs from mine regarding use of TV, Nintendos and other digital paraphernalia. This doesn't bother me in the slightest as I regard these activities as mere cherries on the top of their otherwise 'non digital' lifestyles.
So when my 10 year old son had a minor breakdown (Oscar trials I call it) and told me I was ruining his life for sending him to extra classes to help him with his literacy, I had to respond.
'You are only 10' I said, 'so hardly a life to ruin'. This was of no consequence.
'You are ruining my TEN year old life', came the reply amidst the sobs.
On the other hand, I appear to have ruined a whole weekend for my 9 year old son. Having promised 'crumbed chicken' at some point over the weekend, he assumed that come Sunday night (& no appearance of crumbed chicken until this point) meant the 'promised dinner' would appear on the dinner table. One would think that doomsday had finally arrived given the realisation that crumbed chicken was not on the menu tonight.
The funny thing is that the one who loves crumbed chicken so much, thrives on extra maths activities I take him to at the same time his brother goes to the literacy classes. But 'literacy brother' hates my crumbed chicken! And the 6 year old sister unmentioned so far, loves ANY activity, crumbed chicken & most other dinners.
I almost give up in despair. But then I love them so much I could never do that and tomorrow I will remain the big bad witch dragging them to extra activities. And I'll probably make crumbed chicken for dinner. That'll keep them all happy! Well, here's hoping.....

The Lighthouse Family

2009-08-31T20:32:00.005Z

Peonis, Italy August 2009

So we left for two weeks in the sun in Italy after a 2 year absence and sun we received in abundance. Arriving at biz-Nonna (great grandmother's) house in Peonis, is always like coming to our second home. 14 years ago in August we got married and headed first to Italy (& to the great grandparents) before coming to London to live and work.
After a few short days adjusting to the heat & humidity, we armed ourselves with factor 40 and headed to Lignano, to the beach house of the Lenardon family. What a wonderful spot!
On arrival at the beach, my anxiety at keeping an eye on a 6, 9 & 10 year old in the sea, amongst hundreds of other beach dwellers, quickly dissipated. They stood out like white beacons amongst the tanned swimmers. Add Mama & Papa to the equation and you had a full house. No amount of Dove 'Summer Sun' could stand up to the colour of your average Italian spending their 'Fera Agosto' at the beach!
We spent a marvelous week indulging in sun, sand and sun downers, until the light faded before returning back to the house to shower, eat (pizza, pizza and then some more!) and collapse into bed on balmy, mosquito ridden nights. Just the stuff novels are made of.
After a week, we went back to Peonis and the cool, cool water of the tagliemento river. A short & sweet reconnection with the famigilia to tide us over the dark, grey days to come.

Nic's Chix 2009

2009-07-12T19:58:00.003Z

As my dear friend Nic commented today, I can tick off one of the things on my wish list - to take part in the Race for Life 2009! With rain pouring down all last night I was pleasantly surprised to be woken up by bright sunlight this morning. We had great weather if a little humid and we set off with determination at 11.15am. Seeing so many others with the same goal inspires one to keep going despite aching legs. Amongst the 4000 who took part today, the majority are not athletes or runners - just a large group of women and girls who want to help fight this awful disease in the only way they can. It is becoming a yearly ritual with our friend Nic who is a survivor! I look forward to the next one too.

The power of Women

2009-05-17T20:59:00.002Z

Despite growing up as a strict Catholic I have chosen not to correct my nearly 6 year old when she refers to God as "she". Quite frankly she would disagree with me anyway if I told her otherwise!
In her mind God is a very special woman. I'm not going to argue with that.
This quote decided that for me:
"My husband and I split over religious differences. He thought he was God and I didn't"

Diversity....

2009-03-16T17:07:00.002Z

A usual morning breakfast discussion led Stephen to using the word 'diversity'. He asked the children if they knew what it meant:
Lucan - "When you don't go to university"?
Ronan - "When you die at university"?
Tosca - didn't bother answering
And so another week at school.........

The Snow must go on.....

2009-02-05T21:18:00.006Z

Yateley Green, Hampshire, UK
Tuesday 3rd February '09

There can't be many out there who haven't heard and seen for themselves the chaos caused by the unusual amount of snow which has hit the UK in the past week!
We awoke on Monday to a thick blanket of it but prepared ourselves to start the week back at school and work. Not long after we had shivered our way downstairs and the first text message came in telling us of the school closures. It snowballed (excuse the pun!) from there and eventually we realised that we were well and truly coming to a grinding halt. I could not have asked for a more apt time for an impromptu break from work and school during the long winter days. By day 2 we were secretly hoping for it to last all week as we chucked it all in watched the kids spending hours out snowball fighting and rolling obscenely large snowmen bodies (bizarrely headless at our house). We met up with friends at the local green and let the kids run riot whilst the sun alternatively shone brightly, followed by blizzarding snowfall. It was magical and even more intoxicating because it was so unexpected. Strangers were talking to each other and people greeting each other in a similar manner to which one behaves when the sun shines for a week in England!
Chaos still reigns although we have been back to school for the last 2 days. The roads were hazardous today as the snow started melting and there are rumours of England running out of gritting salt! But the snow continues to fall with more due tonight and rumours of potential school closures. For now, it remains a novelty going to sleep each evening uncertain of how the day ahead will unfold. The radio beats the kettle being switched on each morning to listen to the bulletin list of school closures. Long may the novelty last!

Ali snowballed out and ready for that hot chocolate....

Playing For Change: Song Around the World

2009-02-01T20:26:00.001Z

Aaah the feelgood factor. This is wonderful music!

The 'Y' generation..............

2009-01-22T21:27:00.001Z

The Challenges that lie ahead

2009-01-06T21:11:00.004Z

Ok, I have armed myself with a few ideas for 2009. Unfortunately they are either laughed at or just a dream. Still I am determined to keep it challenging and interesting! Watch the space on the RHS of my page.........
(ok I know it's empty right now but the year has only just started!)

A tad chilly..

2009-01-05T21:15:00.002Z

I made it! I got up today for work after a two week break and indulgent lie in's, late nights, and vast consumption of wine & chocolates. Not to mention the traditional Pandoro cake with marscarpone cream on the sideline.
It was a struggle but it certainly helped to have a snowy white view, which had all 3 kids up and dressed and out the door as one can only dream of on the first day back to school after 2 weeks of Christmas holidays. It didn't stay all day but enough to satisfy the dream of making a snowman.
Let's hope it's snowing again tomorrow......

2009 is here!

2009-01-02T21:33:00.002Z

I wish for an ounce of the energy which my 3 children have in 2009! Here's to a new year and new challenges.

Happy Easter! (not)

2008-12-30T10:00:00.001Z

Have you ever tried to convince a 5 year old that it is NOT Easter in a few days time? I challenge you to try it while out shopping (in 2 grocery stores) when there is an aisle devoted to no other than....... Easter eggs. No joke.
She knows we are celebrating something tomorrow night and has convinced herself she is going to awaken in chocolate heaven as she spotted the Easter eggs in both shops and no amount of telling her will convince her otherwise.
Now that's a frightening thought straight from the excesses of Christmas chocolates into the arms of cream eggs........

The goose is getting fat.

2008-12-15T21:23:00.003Z

Actually it's a turkey. And we are sticking with tradition this year and big brother is going to lay out a feast of my favourite foods! One week to go before I can officially start trying to get out of the bah humbug spirit and into a more festive frame of mind.
Our home town is aglow with lights (what credit crunch I ask?!) and the children are waking early just so they can get their turn to open the calender.
Their Christmas wish lists have been written and reworked and far exceed any budget constraints Santa might have. In fact Ronan discovered his 2007 Santa letter tucked neatly into a Jamie Oliver cookbook. I waited for the moment of truth to hit him. Thankfully he just looked as though an outstanding question had been answered - so that's why I didn't get the gifts I asked Santa for! And he calmly said it would save him having to write another letter this year. So he's still requesting an Xbox and a Wii. Not sure what excuse we'll have this year......

School council 2.....

2008-11-23T11:53:00.003Z

It's official. My 5 year old daughter is a school councillor and proudly wears her badge to show it. Unfortunately she can't seem to remember anything that is discussed at the weekly meetings.
She also has a large collection of stickers - most notably "I bumped my head today". On Friday, wearing her 5th sticker for the week, I confronted the teacher. She agreed that perhaps it's the sticker she is after...... a little like the school council badge. Can't say I didn't warn her!!

School Council

2008-10-02T20:55:00.003Z

My daughter came home from school yesterday and announced proudly that she is standing for the School Council. I would not have been that surprised only that she just recently turned 5 years old. So I asked her what she would be doing for the school council and she giggled. Good start.
Her brothers were horrified and asked her why on earth she would do such a thing, given that she would have to miss 1 playtime a week for the whole year!
She wasn't put off and said quite confidently that she was going to get a badge at the end of it. "And I LIKE badges" was her final say on the matter. Let see where this is going then.......

Summer's over.

2008-09-01T19:46:00.001Z

It was a lovely day.

The last hot bath

2008-08-13T17:03:00.003Z

I have just indulged in a hot, foamy bath given that I will be stuck in a field in Dorset for the next week, with only solar panel showers to scrub up with! I've been getting into the mood for the past few days, dressing like a camper, without makeup and an 'au naturel' hairstyle. (Given the wind and rain we've had there was not much point in trying anyway). I managed to scare my own children.
Hoo boy it is going to be a long week then. We avoided being blown right off Osmington Hill and into the beautiful bay today - by not going to Dorset at all. Gale warnings from the Met Office finally brought Stephen to his knees and in agreement that we would wait another day. Instead we indulged in wine and 2 episodes of the Sopranos last night and I was happy as a pig in doo dah.
Now the car is packed (tight) and we are ready to brave the elements.
If you do see flash floods in Dorset this week, you will spot me easily. I'll be the one wearing a wet suit and clutching my pink fluffy hot waterbottle.
Ta ra then until I get back to civilisation!

Oh I do love to be beside the seaside...............

2008-08-10T10:27:00.002Z

Out little corner of heaven, which is currently probably under water with all the rain we've been having.

EWELEAZE FARM - Camping by the sea on the south coast of Dorset, UK - beautiful campsite located near osmington, Weymouth with wonderful sea views open during August for tent camping.

The Great British Summer

2008-08-06T21:19:00.004Z

Here I go again, talking about the weather. I think I have Weather OCD (like most of Britain and Europes' population!). I feel compelled to mention just how rotten the weather has been this week. I refuse to recall what the weather did last week, despite sitting at a friends house last Wednesday, while kids jumped in and out of their outdoor pool, nostalgically remembering my own childhood in SA. OK, that was simply ONE day of lovely sunshine in UK and extremely lucky that we chose to meet at Catie's house on that particular day. Had it been the next there would have been NO nostalgic talk over a white wine spritzer, in the garden, under an umbrella with lots of sunblock on. We would have been indoors watching the rain whilst sipping on our English tea. And to prove my point, Catie is MOVING TO SOUTH OF FRANCE.
End of post.

Schools Out

2008-07-23T21:04:00.000Z

Hoorah! School is finally out for 'the summer' although I don't hold my breath on the latter! 6 weeks of sibling squabbles, fun days out, rainy days in and perpetual food prep awaits me. Personally I can't wait. Takes about 10 days for the rugrats to settle into each others' space and then we kick back and enjoy the time out from the regular routine.
Ah the joys of summer.......

Wedding belle

2008-07-13T19:22:00.001Z

My nearly 5 year old wants to marry every Tom, Dick & Harry around - most notably Tom (Thomas) in her class. Although she's decided she doesn't really like him anymore 'because he's always being silly', she's going to marry him. (I've tried to warn her that nothing will have changed in 20 years time.) Like most little girls she likes to talk about marrying this one and that, but I have yet to meet a more fickle child to date.
During a routine spat with me, she announced in that sing-song voice that little girls like to use: "Well then I'm NOT going to marry you". I'm used to this (although it is mostly reserved for her precious Papa) so was not going to explain that she couldn't marry me anyway
Then she paused briefly and added: "Well, two girls can get married, but then you're gay."
By the time I had picked myself off the floor, she had thankfully moved on to another topic. I wasn't quite prepared for this so early in her life!

Red Planet

2008-06-22T21:33:00.000Z

Since it was the official arrival of 'summer' a few weeks back, we dusted off (& de-rusted) our bikes and went on a family cycle to the local forest at the back of our house.
It started off at a lovely Sundayish pace until Father dearest decided we should get a little more adventurous and explore un-cycled paths. The boys were up for an adventure and daughter dearest needed no encouragement. (Given that she had prime seat on the back of Stephen's bike it was OK for her!) After much discussion I suggested one (as yet un-ridden) route which led us to the Quarry and we happily cycled our way deep into the orange coloured flat sandy landscape which stretched out in front of us, with the intention of returning via the forest & stream on the other side of it.
It felt like something out of a movie like Red Planet with the eery silence and miles of 'nothingness' around us and only the hot sun beating down (for it was a sunny day in England!).
After a few encounters with something similar to quick sand and lots of muddy shoes, I was starting to feel the heat. Having brought nothing with us on our quick cycle and sporting only shorts, t shirt and a pair of crocs, we were all looking forward to reaching the forest on the other side of the current flat of sinking sand we were wading precariously through. At last after much scrambling and scrapes and bike hauling over the edge of the quarry and into greener pastures, we realised we were fenced in. Made mental note to take a map next time!
With no choice other than a busy road on one side with no footpath I opted for the 'return through the quarry route'. Papa did not agree. Tempers frayed, kids started complaining of thirst, nettles stings were annoying a few and naturally I was blamed for the bad route taken. Mutiny followed as I decided to retrace my steps with whoever fancied joining me. I was pleased to see I had won this argument as all 3 kids waved Papa goodbye and came after me.
It took a while (including a return trip for Stephen to pick up Tosca's cap she had idly dropped in the forest) but we made it back home, tired, thirsty & saddle sore but it made the hose down with the garden pipe so much more fun!

Ali D's day off

2008-06-10T21:40:00.004Z

I feel as though I have starred in my own version of 'Ferris Beullers Day Off' during the past week. Every evening since last week Monday, I have stripped off my gi (karate kit) washed, hung out and ironed a day later (x 2 - Lucan's kit too!). This has been a ritual most days since we upped our training in preparation for the past weekends' karate competition. Hence the feeling of living in the same moment over and over again.
Apart from a stiff right arm & shoulder, from ironing the crisp, sun dried kits, my thigh muscles and arm muscles have been through a week of intensive training. We experienced a few classes with a 7th dan sensei which was amazing. Most amazing part was that I assumed he was Japanese. Imagine my surprise to meet an over 6 foot, very tall, gentle (sounding!) Englishman!!
It was a long weekend with lots of hanging around and waiting. I think I lost my body weight in nerves.
But I crawled back into class Monday night and enjoyed the 'sauna' of our rather hot dojo in rather warm summer temperatures.
My kit went into the wash again last night, but tonight I took a night off and sat outside to eat dinner with a glass of chilled rose to relax my old bones. Starting to feel my age, I think I might take up the dr's advice and take up floristry.

The last laugh...

2008-05-29T12:42:00.003Z

When my daughter begged for a baby Annabel doll for her 4th birthday, I conceded, safe in the knowledge that is has an on/off button built in. So of course I could deal with this giggling, crying, raspberry blowing, burping baby in the house.
Having recently helped me look after a real baby, and fed of up of pretending, T decided that baby Annabel needed a REAL drink of water.
The result of which has ruined the 'insides' of her doll and it remains in a permanent state of gurgles, crying, giggling and burping. (A little like myself after too much wine - now if only water had that effect on me!) The 'off' button has no use any more. I might try throwing it out of a window or shutting it in a drawer. But since it so lifelike I can't possibly imagine doing either!
I think I'll escape to the park.

The most special......

2008-04-25T20:55:00.000Z

The dinner discussion involved T's day at school and how they had discussed 'special people' in their lives. She told her classmates that her Mom & Dad were special to her. I sensed big brother R was miffed that he didn't get a mention. The following conversation occurred:
" Well Mama is the most special person in our house" said R.
"Why's that?" I asked.
"Because you do the most housework" he replied.
"Yes" agreed T, "Mama does ALL the housework all the time". (I was starting to enjoy this)
"And what does Papa do all day then?" I asked.
"He goes to work" the nonchalant reply. (I sensed that housework is held in higher regard - too right!!)
"And what do I do all day then?" I asked curiously.
"Lie down a lot" came the reply. Ok time to change the conversation.
"Well, what do I do after dropping you at school R?"
"Oh. You go to work". I sensed a disappointed realisation that I go to 'work' the cop out option! A gentle reminder then,
" Well I go to work and I do the housework" I hinted.
"Yes, that's why you are the most special person in the house" came the reply. End of story.
(Well actually it didn't really end there, but continued along the lines of me supporting the fact that Papa has to go out to work so that we have a house to live in and I have a house to do housework in. Then came the thought from R that perhaps we could just go and live in a tent and have no housework at all! But then I would not be the most special person would I?)

Kids knees

2008-04-22T19:39:00.002Z

Forget the average knee scraping which my kids seem to do on a daily basis. Today is the 2 year anniversary of Lucan's amazingly bizarre kidney accident! Time flies and heals all wounds at the same time. I celebrate today that Lucan made such a great recovery and hope that this lasts a lifetime.

Escape from reality

2008-04-16T18:47:00.002Z

I had the amazing pleasure of a 2 night stay at a Health Spa tucked outside a little village in Hertfordshire. This was a 40th birthday gift last year from my big brother and since I decided that this birthday was going to last a year, it took me nearly that long to use the gift!
For 2 days I plucked, tanned, waxed, scrubbed, creamed, massaged and unwound with large amounts of wine and Robbie Williams crooning in the background. And that was before I went.
Feeling nervous that I might be rubbing shoulders with celebs, I had to look the part, but only managed to spot Frank Bruno on one occasion and accept a large bar of chocolate from some footballer. For the rest, the atmosphere was one of pure relaxation and calmness. Nothing like my own home then!
On arrival I couldn't imagine myself walking around in a dressing gown and slippers all day but less than 12 hours into my stay and I was shuffling around like the rest of them and falling asleep in public places in a state of semi euphoria.
It was a lovely feeling having no real agenda with the only timekeeping being for the next treatment or meal. As much as I enjoyed escaping the real world for a few days it was lovely to be home again. I mean who can live without the honesty of children?
Ronan commented when I arrived home: " But Mom, I still recognise you!". Now you know, I didn't go for the botox!

April Showers (of snow?!)

2008-04-07T19:40:00.003Z

Woken up early Sunday morning by a clap of thunder followed by an eerie silence. Heard L getting up and animated discussion followed with brother R. I went to check on them both, as I myself as a child, was terrified of storms. I was greeted with shrieks and ramblings about the snow. Unable to focus at such an early hour and expecting dark grey storm clouds, I was equally surprised and delighted to see a blizzard of snow outside. The first of the season! And by now I did feel the season for snow was over, since Spring had put in a mild appearance very early in March and this is already April.......
Kids had a blast for hours outside whilst I stayed sensibly warm inside. Another pizza crust thin layer this morning but that was it. I think I really am ready for the warmer months.

Bear necessities

2008-03-30T14:17:00.002Z

I'm being tested again. Just as I thought I had made it through the last one, it appears that Tosca needs her bear outfit again for a class assembly. I have already unpinned the ears disposed of them and drunk a bottle of wine in celebration of making it through the dress up day. I can't bear the thought of going through it all again but needs must. I'm off to get another bottle wine......

Degrees of change

2008-03-25T18:18:00.000Z

It appears that the splints for my gammy finger are working! Every two weeks I go to our local hospital's physiotherapy department . It takes a half hour to get to my appointment. Well 20 minutes trying to get into the parking lot, where I am reminded everywhere by very large signs that this is now a Non Smoking hospital. Too right. Pity no gas masks supplied to make my way through the haze of smoke from huddled groups outside the doors, whilst getting in and out. 5 minutes inside with Sandra who measures my finger to see what degree it's at and remolding of my purple & pink night splint. So far it has changed by 35 degrees which has me hopeful that I won't have to worry about surgery & superbugs. Mind you at this rate I'll be worrying more about the effects of passive smoking whilst visiting the place where people are sent to get well!

Harry, a Knight & Baby Bear

2008-03-03T21:33:00.007Z

Nothing brings out sweat on my upper lip more than the mention of a 'dress up' day at school. (Ok, I will admit to sweating on more than just my upper lip during my Saturday karate class).
There is something about it that makes me feel that my creative skills as a mother are being tested. On this occasion - National Book Week - each class chose a book from which they could choose a character to dress up as. Times this by 3 children and Boots made a fortune on anti perspirant last week. I sent out some pleas to Moms (who's kids don't go to the same school) for some outfits. L was clear from the start that he was to be Harry Potter with his newly grown hair to suit the part. Easiest part of the job, with an abundance of HP paraphernalia in the neighbourhood. He was a slightly modern version in his tracksuit and trainers underneath his robe. R was a little more of a challenge. Narnia - The Lion, Witch & the Wardrobe. Challenge being that R hates dressing up!! All pleas of sticking a cardboard box on his head and going as a wardrobe ( my most creative ideas to date) fell on deaf, deaf, deaf ears. With 24 hours to spare, I ignored the teachers request that 'no dressing up from the movie but from the book please..' and used the one and only costume I had, which was not Spiderman, Batman or Darth Vader and dressed him us as a Knight. Apparently Peter (in the book) got a knights outfit for Christmas and fought with a sword at the end. Having never read the book and with less than 12 hours to go, I believed them.
My dearest daughter who had the minimalist choice of Goldilocks & the 3 Bears naturally chose to be one of the three bears. I got most creative on this one and actually made 2 little brown ears which I pinned (everyone knows I can't sew to save my life) onto her newly acquired bear hat (on sale in Sainsburys for£1.80 with a pair of 'paw' mittens). A pair of brown tights, old brown t-shirt with a safety pin between her legs (really I CAN'T sew) and brown nose and I could sleep well. She wanted to sleep in this outfit which made it much easier to get up, dressed UP, out and to school and work on time on a Friday morning. And yes, I survived the competition and managed to remember my polyfilla for my own face before I headed off to work. And that was just to fix my smile on my face.

The NHS experience

2008-02-22T20:26:00.004Z

On our return to the UK nearly 4 years ago, one of my main concerns was for the state of the health system in the UK. The snippets of British news and conversations I had with British expats, left us concerned about the NHS. Since then I have discovered one of two things: if it's an emergency or life threatening then you're covered. If it's anything else, it could be interesting!

Unfortunately we had to experience the 'emergency' system when Lucan had his accident in March 2006 and it proved to us that this system worked (mostly!) efficiently. I have had nothing but praise for the A&E at our local hospital and less positive experience of the 3 days that followed. Next step, 2 week stay in Great Ormond Street and I can honestly say we were blessed to have been sent there.

Now having experienced a reasonably minor injury in the summer of 2007 I have to face the other side of the NHS coin. Since my injury is neither life threatening (nor was it an emergency) and even worse, does not fall under the more elitist of injuries (e.g. sustained while skiing) I did not dash off to my GP until 2 weeks afterwards. I refer to my posting for more info on how I sustained the injury! 3 months later early December, I returned to my GP having realised that my baby finger was never going to straighten again. My GP confirmed my suspicions and labelled my finger as 'deformed' referring me to a top specialist at our local hospital. I left feeling confident.
After a 6 week silence, I spoke to my surgery who suggested I call the hospital directly. My call was returned by a very nice Seth Efrican lady who informed me that it can take up to 11 weeks to get a confirmation of my GP's request and then an appointment. She then spent a further 20 minutes telling me about how her husband had fallen off a ladder and nearly died, but because she worked at the hospital he managed to get treatment a little sooner and he was (thankfully) alive and kicking again. I was starting to feel a little less confident.
Needless to say exactly 11 weeks later (I guess the NHS max wait time before being slapped on the wrist by Mr Brown) I received my calling to the hospital. I sorted out childcare for the afternoon in anticipation of a long Friday afternoon at the hospital.
Was not far wrong as after a 20 minute wait, the patients in the waiting room were informed that the specialist was running a half hour late. I relaxed in the knowledge that I was prepared for this experience and sat back enjoying magazines and dreaming of houses I would never own. I was snapped quickly back to reality when my name was yelled out across the waiting room and I was ushered to a booth to meet my long awaited Dr. She turned out to be a well humoured lady given her obvious disapproval of how I sustained the injury. I was sent off to x-ray department and just as I settled into another magazine filled with houses I now started to dread owing (I was reminded of how much cleaning it would entail - must have been something to do with being in an NHS hospital) when I was called to be nuked for a few minutes.
Back to the specialist and a short wait before I heard her verdict. I am now under the care of the physio department since she has decided to try everything to avoid surgery. I am feeling very confident at this stage since the words 'hospital' and 'superbug' go hand in hand and on my departure, promised Dr S that I will consider a gentler hobby. Like flower arranging. Perhaps when I turn 50.

Fine Fettle

2008-01-20T20:26:00.000Z

Van the Man was in top form at the Hammersmith Apollo where we had the pleasure of 1 1/2 hours of uninterupted heavenly sound from the Irishman. It felt weird being back in London with S and we enjoyed the following day off sans kids indulging in the sights, sounds, and shopping that London has to offer on a busy Saturday.
We came home exhausted after experiencing tube delays, diversions and train cancellations. What would a trip have been without it!
It still felt like we had been away for a week and we were greeted with disappointed groans from the clan who quite obviously had a glorious time without us and who had no desire to return home with us.
I'll be booking another night away just as soon as our friends recover!

Plane spotting hoodies

2008-01-13T22:06:00.000Z

I spent the better part of the afternoon looking at the back of hooded heads, while watching different airlines coming in to land at Heathrow. Now one might be forgiven for thinking I had joined the Sunday plane spotting crowds (secretly everyone knows how much I would love to) Actually I had no choice in the matter today. I was watching L play a football game in Feltham and the planes were close to landing on the pitch. I was in aeroplane heaven! But I had to concentrate on the game I came to support. Unfortunately the rather strong wind forced us to don our hoods to keep earache and offensive language from the opposing team, from entering our ears. (It was Feltham after all.)
Thankfully it was only earache that resulted in our long wait on the sidelines. Since the team played a great game, but still lost, I retracted my threats of dropping the children off at Feltham's Young Offenders Institute on the way home. Given that they were already frozen and starving after a long trip there and delay in the kick off time, I think I might have score some brownie points.

Panic Sunday

2008-01-06T22:32:00.000Z

I learnt in karate class yesterday, that today, 6th January is otherwise known as 'panic Sunday'. (I learnt other things in karate too but that's for another day when I can feel my arms & legs again!) Now in the Catholic terms I remember, it was the Epiphany which marked the end of the Christmas season however I quite liked this new name which signifies the scramble to unscramble the Christmas lights & decorations and make your house look like something out of a minimalist home magazine again.
So I reluctantly did the job today, although I must add that it took less than half the time to put up all the paraphernalia. I attribute it to the fact that no one was remotely interested in helping me take it all down hence the swift removal and accent into the loft.
Any remaining Quality Street (only dark chocolate orange & strawberry) made a trip to the bin and as a parting gift to truly end the season, we had a little roast turkey & gammon roulade with the vegetable trimmings (sprouts, parsnips & carrots) for lunch today!
It was back to the slog last week for all and sundry last week for a few short days but with Monday looming I fear it is going to be an even bigger struggle after weeks of overindulgence and sparkly lights to keep our spirits up. Panic Monday!!!

'67 was a good year......

2008-01-01T22:00:00.001Z

(2007 wasn't too bad either) I was reminded of my 1/2 four score and ten age as we celebrated New Years Eve at a good friend's 40th Birthday party. There were more than a handful of us at the party who celebrated this event in the past year, ending with the youngest of the '67 kids - my good friend Jan.
We had a great party, which the kids were of course invited to, as babysitters are scarce on New Years Eve. An afternoon nap sorted everyone out and we were all in party mode (bar S who couldn't dance due to a bad back) and we had time to reflect, on our return home, on the year which had just flown past. It was a year of change in our household. Some unintentional, some planned, but all positive in the end.
The first day of this New year was spent in a vegetative state and an affirmation to my lack of resolutions or resolve to change much in my life (I reserve this right until September and the beginning of the school year!)
So roll on 2008! It's going to be a struggle after 2 weeks of late lie in's and overindulgence of every kind but I am ready to face challenges which come my way.

Drink Driving

2007-12-31T19:00:00.000Z

We spent a lot of time in the past 2 weeks of the Christmas holidays, driving. Unfortunately all the practice in the world was of no advantage to my current driving skills and proved one point only - DONT DRINK & DRIVE.
Thankfully my children have learnt this lesson first hand (in a safe environment I hasten to add). The only damage done was to my ego (as I believe to be the better driver in our family) and my right thumb, which not only malformed from pressing the PS2 controller too hard. I admitted defeat not only to S but to an 8 and 7 year old too. No amount of wine swigging & secret solo practice helped me. Race after race, it just proved how devastating the effects of a glass of wine (0r 2) can be - thankfully not in reality and only on 'Grand Tourismo' Playstation style!
It's back to the straight & narrow after New Year......

Cold Turkey

2007-12-27T13:07:00.000Z

I'm referring to taking my cat off her anti depressants 'cold turkey' style. Not that she was exactly 'depressed' in the first place! But rather showing symptoms of stress by licking her tummy bald. We've been working on this for the last year with our vet and have discovered her allergy to grass, privet and house mites. Doesn't leave much choice for the poor thing! From immuno therapy treatment (at a cost of £600 for the first vial!!) to hypoallergenic diets, as a last resort to prevent her from getting a nick name of baldy, we tried the anti depressants.
Well she's been so chilled out for the last week, that even vacuuming her didn't cause much reaction! Glassy eyed and spread out on the floor like a skinned tiger we decided enough was enough. She's back to her wild eyed look and ...... yes, licking again.
On the other cold turkey front, we've had an abundance of my favourite left over! I have yet to have a door stopper white bread turkey sandwich but as there is enough in the fridge for a small African nation, will be having some for the next few days!
We had a very relaxed Christmas (or perhaps it was the cats medication I slipped inside the turkey) and despite the rain, S stood out and cooked the prawns. Low key and a long table of 11 of us to enjoy Christmas together.
Roll on a new year. I'll be saving a few of Sisley cats tablets for the next meal!

All is quiet.......

2007-12-24T18:18:00.000Z

..... and the pop song "I wish it could be Christmas every dayeya" is my theme tune tonight. Now I don't LIKE the song at all, but with kids tucked up at 7.20pm it took on some meaning tonight!! The turkey is stuffed, prawns are marinating (yes we are having a braai/bbq too), presents are wrapped and all that is left to do is make the evidence of Santa's visit more realistic. This is my once yearly time to eat that mince pie, pour milk down the sink & gnaw on a few carrot ends, hiding the rest of them back in the fridge and filling the stockings.
We are hosting our first Christmas lunch (after the disastrous cancellation due to illness last year!) and looking very forward to it. I am so grateful for good health this year and we look forward to having B & clan for a family gathering and celebration of all we have to be grateful for. I am glad I am in charge of the small turkey which requires the oven and a warm kitchen to cook it in. The weather is not looking hopeful for a crisp dry bbq for Stephen and his prawns!
So roll on another Christmas to watch the delight on children's faces when they go downstairs. I can almost hear Santa's sleigh bells ringing..... Actually I think it is the alarm reminder for the cats daily anti-depressant. No I am not joking and I'll leave that one for another blog!! Merry Christmas!

Fox Trot

2007-12-11T21:09:00.000Z

At 3am this morning I was having a discussion with hubby about lifting the fox hunting ban. Now normally at 3am I am fast asleep (if allowed) but due to more nocturnal disruptions we landed up having this discussion in the middle of the night.
This is the second occasion in a week that I have saved a neighbour's cat or other nocturnal animal, from the jaws of one of the many foxes that are roaming our neighbourhood. Last night's escape put James Bond to shame but I was delighted that the cat (it moved so fast it could have been Tom from Tom & Jerry) survived the attack and escaped a potentially gruesome death.
Having enough adrenalin to kick start a Boeing, we climbed back into bed, glad to be of some assistance to the otherwise peaceful & sleeping neighbourhood. I feel the need to start a 'neighbourhood watch' for these nightly disturbances, and would like to get others on board to take over the grave shift, so that I can GET SOME SLEEP.
Hubby feels a better solution is to bring back the fox hunters and let them sort it out. I'm almost starting to see some sense there......

Benefits of Children

2007-11-20T22:54:00.000Z

One of the benefits of having children, is that governments give you money every month for having them. It's lovely really, as in The Netherlands (when we lived there) and back here in the UK, I receive a reasonable sum of money every month just for having the rugrats. No strings attached, just a lot of personal details and bank account details required in order to receive the money into my bank account on a monthly basis.
So there I was planning and saving for my escape to the Bahamas one day, (sans children) when I discovered tonight, that along with 25 million other British residents that my monthly sum of money for my savings pot is in jeopardy!
Some junior member of the HM Revenue and customs it appears, sent out my 'Child Benefit' details (along with 25 million other British residents) by unregistered mail on outdated computer discs and they never quite reached their intended destination.
Cheerio Child Benefits I'll be claiming 'Unemployment' and every other benefits to make up for the losses I could potentially incur......

Proof the Irish discovered Africa

2007-11-16T21:20:00.001Z

Glad to discover my full roots

Spin the bottle

2007-11-07T21:58:00.000Z

Was sleeping peacefully, when for the second time in the last month was awoken by the sound of milk bottles being knocked over under our bedroom window. (Having grown up in SA my reactions were faster than I am capable of when I am wide awake!) I was up in a flash and leaning out the window to see who or what it might be. Actually 12 years of out SA had me less worried about it being human.....
My instinct first time round was that it was a fox. Having spotted one outside our house at 7.30pm the other night, which didn't even budge when we drove up, I suspected it was out scrounging again.
At first I couldn't see anything other than the milk bottles rolling around and spinning on the brick below the window. Then as my eyes adjusted to the dark I realised it was a hedgehog playing a lonely game of spin the bottle. When he tired of it he trundled off in the direction of the back garden (to tackle a black bin bag!). It was an unexpected but sweet nocturnal visit from our resident hedgehog but it left Stephen very confused (when he finally stirred) as to why I was hanging out of the window for 5 minutes in the middle of the night. That's Men for you.

William Tell Overture Mom

2007-10-22T20:45:00.001Z

Happy Half Term Holidays!

Red Hot!

2007-10-15T21:04:00.000Z

It was a weekend to comment on for sure. Apart from Stephen's absence in Oslo, felt by all, numerous sporting moments captured attention in our house. Lucan scored his first goal in football at an away game, which had me shamelessly (nearly) on my knees with joy. He has dreamt of this moment for years and since he moved from defence & goalie, and started playing midfield in the last few weeks, had a taste of the potential to score a goal. Did his confidence a world of good and left him glowing like a hot coal afterwards. Wish he could score one every day, he was like putty after that.....

I had a similar but not nearly as exciting experience when I double graded in my grading (exam)at karate on Saturday. Was a great surprise to me and the disappointment of skipping my red belt - which matches my sports bag - only marginally outweighed the feeling of achievement on something I was ready to pack in a month ago!
Had a minor experience in Tesco Express just afterwards, where I stopped in to pick up a bottle of wine to thank friends for looking after the others while Lucan and I went to class and graded. Since I was still in my kit, was a rather obvious target for a bunch of pre-hormonal 12 year olds looking for something to do on a Saturday afternoon. After various comments, the curiosity got the better of one of them and we actually started a semi-coherent conversation. I was grateful in the knowledge that we had just covered this potential incident in class and felt extremely safe in the knowledge that should one of them attack me, I had a full bottle of wine to smash over their head. On that note, I paid quickly reminding them on the way out that one should NEVER muck with anyone who does karate as it is a defence sport and legged it back to the car. My Sensei would be impressed to hear that I saved the wine.

The weekend ended on a fabulous note watching SA beat Argentina Sunday evening and head to the World Cup Rugby finals next weekend. I'm in search of non English friends in case we win. Apply online.

Blog it

2007-09-30T19:29:00.000Z

Try to remember the days of September...... well blow me over where did they go?? (That song is haunting me too Trish) Can't believe a month has gone by and I haven't managed to blog! Well I do have the excuse of the computer crashing and never to be used again. Laptop now resuscitated and internet reconnected so here is a quick one before October creeps up tomorrow.
Lack of computer did nothing for the ironing pile which is still sky high since my return from Berlino. Fab weekend and miss my sister too much of course since then. My return through Heathrow was not quite the surreal experience of my departing trip. More like welcome to a 3rd World country with suitcases piled high and half an hour before our luggage belt came up on screen! Didn't help that I had woken up at 5.30am to make the early flight after consuming vast quantities of delicious wines coupled with Fin's fabulous Thai chicken curry!!
I remember finding it vaguely amusing that seated below the large 'Welcome to the UK' sign, were 7 people, only 1 of whom was white British (looking). BAA obviously have a quota to fill and I could have chosen any country in the world from 6 out of the 7 desks which were manned.
Still it is back to the UK and plans for another trip still lingering. Just might not fly out of Heathrow again..........

Airport

2007-08-31T10:46:00.000Z

I contemplated sitting in Heathrow and blogging at one of the various spots they have with internet connection you can pay for. Was feeling quite at home already having stripped down to my t-shirt, jeans & barefeet less than 5 minutes earlier whilst going through security. (Had to hold up my jeans with one hand as the belt was removed too).
It has been 2 years since I have used Heathrow and it was an interesting experience. Despite having only a handbag and magazine to think of, I could not quite settle myself to relaxing and enjoying the freedom. (Although I managed to spend half my salary in the space of 10 minutes in a few of the overpriced but great selection of shops they have!)
There is an unnatural calm & hush about such a huge and busy terminal and I guess it is a lot to do with the security issues. People quietly walk around with minimal luggage and furtive glances as if in fear of Big Brother Heathrow appearing out of nowhere to escort them to a back room. Just as well I didn't have the terror, I mean little darlings with me. Would have shattered the peace.

Happy Britian

2007-08-30T12:28:00.000Z

Can't imagine there wasn't one single unhappy person in UK on the bank holiday weekend. My shorts made a reappearance as we celebrated pure unadulterated sunshine for a whole day! I lay outside (much to the amusement of my children who asked me what it was I was actually doing?) catching some much needed vitamin d, smelling bbq's and hearing the buzz of numerous lawn mowers which made a hasty appearance for the occasion. It was wonderful and a great end to the summer holidays which were not very summery at all.
Today it's back to the grey skies but I don't care as I shortly head for the airport and long overdue weekend visiting my big sister in Berlin. Best part is I will be travelling sans the 'little darlings'. Please note I am trying not to refer to them as the 'little terrorists' in case I make a faux pas at the airport and refer to my travelling status as 'without the terrorists'. Can't say it would be much fun holed up in backroom in Heathrow for the weekend.
I look forward to ordering more than just water (can't trust myself with anything stronger when travelling with the rugrats in case I leave one of them behind somewhere). I'm travelling a more civilized British airways and not one of the cattle class type airlines where you pay a fortune to sip on warm water. In fact I'll make it 2 drinks if it's free and save the air steward having to come back to top me up.
Berlin here I come!

Chop chop

2007-08-20T20:22:00.000Z

Had too much of a holiday and having missed nearly 3 weeks of karate classes, I sustained my first injury on Saturday (other than my usual bruises up and down my forearms). Was doing some light 'sparring' - NOT my favourite - when I defended a kick coming my way with nothing more than a light, open handed swat as if I were still in Italy defending myself from the mosquitoes after one too many glasses of vino.
The shock of the impact caused me to shout out and then hurriedly and embarrassed by my own stupidity, continued swearing silently into the back of my hand which I could no longer feel. It is now Monday pm and I can just about feel my left baby finger again, which was swollen like a sausage last night and rather purple/blue in colour. I knew it was not broken but was alarmed at the fact that I could feel nothing at all for 24 hours - not even pain!
I think I learnt a valuable lesson and hope to still pass my next grading on 9th September. Thankfully my sensei (teacher) was not around to witness it and hopefully I am sufficiently recovered to pass my next exam and gain a full colour belt - my first!

Hmmm.

2007-08-17T10:30:00.000Z

Stabproof School Uniforms August 15 2007

Parents have blazers lined with Kevlar

Parents worried for their children's safety are fuelling sales of Kevlar-lined school uniforms. At a cost of £65 per item, mums and dads are forking out to have items such as blazers and jumpers lined with the stab-proof material.

It's thought that the recent spate of teenage stabbings have persuaded many parents that the extra cost is a price worth paying.

Adrian Davis from the company BladeRunner tells The Sun; We’ve had so many calls from parents requesting the service in time for their children to go back to school, we think we’ll have to set up a whole division devoted to it. Parents send us in blazers and jumpers and we line it with Kevlar. It’s discreet and no one would ever know you were wearing it.'

A village called Peonis

2007-08-15T20:18:00.000Z

Aside from the wonderful time being with the 'famiglia' again I had a fabulous time in Italy indulging in all the amazing things a little village has to offer in the NE of Italy. The village of Peonis, where Nonna Marianna (great grandmother to Stephen) lives, is a mixed place. With a popluation of 200 (although I have never seen more that 5 people at a time!), one can still see old Nonnas with baskets on their backs working in the fields or in their gardens and wobbling home on bicycles laden with produce. We shared in many of the neighbours home grown offerings. A loaf of stale bread to feed the neighbours chickens, gets swapped for some ripe, purple aubergines, courgettes, rucola, tomatoes kissed by the sun and eggs with the most golden of gold yokes. The taste is even more pleasurable than the visual beauty of the food. We had pasta nearly every day with one or other of the local produces and I could never tire of such delicious, simple but heavenly meals. Naturally they were washed down with some of the local wines, finished off with an espresso & grappa which sent me into siesta mode every afternoon. Unfortunately the childrens' energy levels were spurred on by the sun and siestas were in short supply! The Nonne (grandmothers) bought a large paddling pool for the garden which went down a storm in the hot weather. The local river (the 'Tagliamento') is busy like a beach in the south of France. Tons of blackened people spread eagled in the sun daily, dipping into the cold water to cool off. The children loved it down at the river where stones were in abundance to throw into the cool water. They slept like babies every night having expended their energy running up and down to the little park, playing in the river, visiting with their cousins, absorbing the sunshine and eating enough bread to feed a small nation.
On the other hand I slept less deeply. Having forgotten about the church bell which rings every hour on the hour (& again 5 minutes later in case you missed it the first time) day & night and chime the time out ie 8 x for 8pm (great for the kids as they always knew what time it was!), and once on the half hour, I had broken sleep for the first few nights. Unfortunately it continued as a habit for the rest of the holiday, partly I suspect from not doing enough to be exhausted at night and anticipation of how many gongs I was going to hear! Another night disturbance came in the form of the emptying of the large dustbin & recycling containers (serving the whole road), being emptied at 2.30am and 4am in the morning! Jokes aside it appears the councils work at night on this job, still can't for the life of me comprehend why! Strange to hear bottle bank crashing and smashing into the large noisy vehicle in this tiny, quiet village in the dead of night.
That said, on the other side of Nonna's house is the main road which runs through the village. It is here that the cyclists train for the equivalent of the 'Tour d'Italy' and one could be mistaken for thinking it was a cycling track in the middle of a city. I have never seen so many lycra clad cycling enthusiasts whizzing up and down daily, other than on tv coverage of an cycling event. The other noise to liven up the sleepy village are the hundreds of motorbike enthusiasts on the weekends vrooming up and down. Truly the village is a mix of old and new and it holds a very special place in my heart. Not to mention that it is the home of my surrogate grandmother Nonna Marianna! The children are of an age where they will remember more and more and I suspect Peonis will also become very dear to them in the coming years.

Heading South

2007-07-30T20:27:00.000Z

It's close on 9.30pm and I was attracted to a strangely familiar noise not 15 minutes ago, just outside the window next to the computer. I looked out on a beautiful sky full of colour with a sinking sun. It was a flock of geese in their V formation and making that wonderful sound which signifies the end of summer and a visit to warmer climates.
I can't help but smile at the irony given that it is 30th July and summer has not quite made an appearance in England (as we ourselves head off to a much warmer Italy on 1st August.)
Spiders have been reproducing at a rate of rabbits and the air smells positively Autumnal. I am delighted to see that my (overpaid) bi-monthly cleaning lady shares my ethos regarding spiders and she does not vacuum them up. I take particular care to note if any spiders are in their webs and quickly & quietly remove those homes of spiders who are 'out visiting'. Obviously she feels stronger and leaves all webs on view (must remember to give her a raise) I think we'll be having a very realistic Halloween party this November. Be warned, it's going to be authentic.......and darn scary by November!

Swimming in it

2007-07-22T15:40:00.000Z

Woke up Friday (last day of term) which marks the arrival of summer holidays. It was pouring with rain and 15c. Someone was playing a joke. Kids carried teacher gifts in plastic bags and any form of waterproof was put to the test!
I arrived at work and stepped out of the car ankle deep in water. I could tell where this was going since the school has only just dried out after the last lot of flooding. Today I was to experience it first hand. I attempted to work sans shoes which were beyond wearable and as the clock ticked closer to leaving time, I realised I would be more than swimming my way outside. Temporary bagging against the front doors and rolled up carpets did nothing to save our office from another flooding. Thankfully we had already put computers up on supports but we were caught by surprise when the flooding started on the inside down the walls (from a downpipe apparently in the wall!) and swiftly started filling the place. Around the same time the front doors gave in to the knee deep water. I bailed out as I had to fetch Tosca and waded through the water to the car. Much of the same driving along and I only just got Tosca out in time before the road was closed off.
Thankfully where we live is slightly more raised than surrounding areas and we got off lightly at home. By 3pm sun was shining, roads dried out up at school and we managed a cheery farewell to all the friends with promises of meeting up on the green in the holidays. Just hope the lake has subsided by then! Happy summer, my favourite season (anywhere but in England)!

Memorable Day

2007-07-15T18:22:00.001Z

Well 3 years ago today we landed back at Heathrow after a 6.5 year absence in the Netherlands. I remember eating with a spoon for 3 days because we couldn't find the forks in the boxes! We also sat outside the next day with a little cake bought from Waitrose, singing Happy Birthday to Tosca in 3 languages as the Dutch do!
Today is also memorable because I ran (& walked!) my first race ever. Ok, only 5km and not quite the London Marathon or Kilimanjaro but a huge personal achievement.
I slapped on factor 40 (waterproof) which was mostly rained off as we warmed up! A Mars bar got me quite enthusiastic before the race but unfortunately it didn't quite give me enough va va voom to run the whole thing. I despaired when I saw the 2km mark as I was convinced it was at last nearly over! But I continued walking fast until I felt strong enough to run again. I even started a sprint just after the 4km mark in an attempt to get the pain over quickly. Came in on 34 minutes and was right chuffed with my achievement.
Tired and elated I watched the last of the team coming in over the finishing line, the most emotional being that of Nicola and I felt honoured being part of her 'Nics chix team'. Her husband shared out champagne which went down remarkably well!! I continued on the bubbly when I got home celebrating a memorable day.

New title

2007-07-09T20:35:00.000Z

Forgot to mention I have a new title, other than the usual Mama, Mom, hey you etc. For my sins I have taken on the position of PTA Secretary from September. Thought there wasn't enough to do around here ;-)

Less than a week....

2007-07-09T20:08:00.000Z

With less than a week to go for the race I am struggling with trying to fit any training in. It's year end for school and everything else that revolves around it so no rest for the wicked with the numerous activities going on! I have never had so many evenings away from home and my age is starting to show!!
I've crawled back to the Greek lady and had some good (much shorter) runs with her and I only wish I could take her with me on Sunday. I hope the atmosphere will give me the adrenalin I need to run it!
In between the activities Lucan & I have achieved our first grading in karate - a little later than my wish to have it by my 40th but better late than never. For my efforts I now have 2 red stripes on my lovely white belt. Whew. Onward and upward.
With 1 week to go till the princess' 4th birthday that is enough sweating being done around here.
Roll on summer holidays and rest from it all!

Lactic acid

2007-06-21T13:32:00.000Z

Walked the boys to school this morning which is becoming a lovely Thursday ritual. Gives me the opportunity to run the mile back home and train in the process. I managed to run it all the way today which is a first! Felt spaced out when I got home and I tried to remove my nail polish with my eye makeup remover. Couldn't understand why it wasn't coming off. Lactic acid has moved to the brain I reckon.

Run (for your life)!

2007-06-20T20:58:00.000Z

So there I was, nervous, sweat dripping and stretching my limbs as far as they could while pretending I do it every day, when the little Greek superfit human appeared looking cool, tanned and with her sunglasses on. This I might add, was PRE run on Monday evening. I daren't describe my post 3 mile run on the common look. Enough to say that Ronan asked what was wrong with my face when I arrived home. Never mind the face I say, the body suffered more endurance than it has in the last 10 years. A close run up with giving birth I think, only my face was not quite as red (& green as Ronan described it) after said events.

I couldn't walk very well on Monday. By today I was all but crawling.

And just for fun I will do it all over again next Monday. I'll have run out of excuses by then as to why I can't make it for any more runs after that!!

The race is less than a month away and I need to get training and also push the last few sponsorships. To date the generosity is fantastic but I would love to reach my target money sponsorship and do everyone proud and RUN the race if I possibly can!!!
Ok, Greek lady same time next week?

Fathers Day

2007-06-17T09:53:00.000Z

Happy Fathers Day to all and sundry! Father dearest in our neck of the woods is doing the proper thing - working like a demon in the garden. He is preparing the ground for a 'Wendy House' (play house) for the children which our neighbours have very kindly donated.
It's going to be an all day affair I fear, as the ground needs a lot of prep work and then there is the construction of the little house itself..... Hope he's not too tired to cook the bbq tonight!
Have a wonderful day to a wonderful Papa!

Fab at 40

2007-05-30T09:23:00.000Z

Looks 30
Acts 20
Feels 50
Must be....... 40!!

Ready to Rock 'n Roll

2007-05-17T22:13:00.000Z

With 45 minutes left to enjoy my 30's I thought I might post and see if anything is different tomorrow when I wake up a whole decade older.
Actually it was Salsa not R 'n R on the menu last night. After surviving the bowling party, which was much better than anticipated, thanks to 2 young guys (who obviously have NO children themselves) helping out on the lanes, I dropped the yummy mummy look and got dressed for a night with the gals.
We had a fabulous evening, even though I will need a hip replacement by the time I'm 41. Lots of laughter and a special evening with such wonderful friends who organised the whole thing. Thank you dear friends!
The cherry on the top was the male stripper they organised, who came dressed as a policeman. He was SO authentic, even down to the flashing blue lights on his car! Unfortunately the only thing he stripped off, was the wrapper on the little machine Zunett had to blow into. Couldn't understand why she was so happy, she didn't even get full marks.
Still was a very memorable and wonderful evening. Roll on 40 I'm ready for ya!

Babycino

2007-05-17T22:10:00.000Z

I decided to revive myself this morning at the aptly named 'Cafe Revive' at M&S before braving the crowds at Tescos for the second time this week (more pre party shopping). Whilst waiting for my sugary cafeined latte I noticed they now make 'Babycino's' (whipped milk, dusting of cocoa served with mini marshmallows). Must be for all the designer babies out there......

Traffic jam

2007-05-13T12:41:00.000Z

Was stuck in traffic jam the other day with Tosca in the car. Was stressed out as I needed to be at school to see Lucan's class assembly. After 5 minutes of going nowhere, I yelled "Oh ballsache!" to which Tosca replied " Mama, I don't want to go to ballsache"!
Gotta love em

April Showers

2007-05-10T22:18:00.000Z

Ok, I know it's May but we're having a delay on the April showers and had to put heating on today! More so to get the washing dry than to keep warm although it helps. Tons of glorious rain which should really have been here in April, but very welcome for the rather dehydrated gardens. All around is that lovely 'Irish green' but unfortunately a little chilly for my liking.
Had a glorious day off for the first time in forever. Had a cuppa and chat about birthday plans with a good friend, cleared out some cupboards, had Tosca's hair chopped again and managed a karate class tonight with Lucan! Even managed some other admin jobs hence the hour I am awake and blogging. Been a very dry month since the Easter holidays!!!
Off to bed to rest the bones and (few) bruises I acquired tonight. I fear I'll be good for nothing tomorrow.
Happy Birthday Dad/Grandpa! Wish we could have celebrated together.

MayHem

2007-05-10T22:10:00.000Z

Having survived an early morning start on a grey drizzly morning, Lucan and I set to work with some other PTA members on loading cars up with bags of charcoal and crates of drinks and headed off down to our local green to set up for our annual biggest fundraiser at the local May Fayre.
By 10am I was in need of that bacon sandwich having spent an hour with 7 others trying to get the gazebo up in the wind! It was great fun if not a little damp, until the downpour at 1pm - busiest time at the fayre. Unfortunately it didn't stop for over half an hour so we were completely soaked and remained so until I returned home after 5pm. Hot shower and glass of red wine fixed me quickly.
Some comedy moments I have to say but thankfully over for another year ;-) and a reasonable profit given the appalling weather!
Counting down the next week and preparing for visitors, Ronan's birthday and of course my D day on Friday. Looking surprisingly forward to it!

Easter Hols

2007-04-02T19:41:00.000Z

You can tell the butler's back and I've gone into a slump....no blogging in the last week! It was a rather busy one with lots of extra hours put into work but the holiday has started! Thankfully butler on hand to wake me at 8am with a cuppa tea, as the boys have holiday swimming course which started at 9am. Yawn.
Glorious glorious SUMMER temperatures prevailed and we had a day outside in the garden, lunch on the deck and Tosca begging for the paddling pool. I'm not that optimistic!!
I am SO thrilled that my fund raising total is rising daily for my July Race for Life! It makes me so emotional that my friends and family are so incredibly generous (not only with money). I hope to do all proud but best I get cracking on some training very soon or I'll be crawling around Prospect Park for real!! Off to do some serious spring cleaning even if it is 9pm.
Here's to the official arrival of Spring. Bottoms up ;-)

Bonnets, school trips & Brtish ST

2007-03-26T20:56:00.000Z

I survived the week and was very grateful to have the 'butler' home again. That said I recall bringing HIM coffee in bed (whilst he cuddled 3 happy kids) made sandwiches and packed the school trip bag myself today. I still had time to apply the polyfilla before heading to work. (Note to self: Stop the cats Immuno Therapy Treatment for a botox treatment. Will save on the pollyfilla.)
Lucan headed down south to New Forest in glorious spring weather for his 3 day school trip and I coped admirably all day only checking his 'agenda' about 140 times. Glad it's only 2 nights - I can't afford another bottle of wine and work again tomorrow to see me through.
I truly believe the spring is here, blossoms now really out and leaves gingerly uncurling. Of course it helps with the lighter evening since the clocks changed yesterday. Whowever decided to call it British Summer Time was REALLY having a laugh. It was 7c yesterday at 10am with grey, windy skies whilst I stood out on the green cheeing Lucan's football team on. I don't even call that spring. Thankfully the sun made a very welcome, warm appearance today.
Feels more like we can prepare for Easter now. Tosca had to make an Easter bonnet for shcool. I gave her a hat, lots of chicks, feathers and a glue pot. The creation was up to her. Will post some photos after her competition on Thursday. Can't say I'll win Mother of the Year award for my efforts!!

MacFrazzled

2007-03-24T21:03:00.000Z

Today I decided to do something normal like millions of others do every weekend. I took my children shopping. Despite a good friend offering to have at least 1 of the 3 whilst I took Lucan shoe shopping, I declined. After all, if millions of others can do it, can't see why I couldn't manage it on my own. Of course I forgot about my reasons for a) never taking all 3 shopping at the same time and b) for how busy Saturdays are in the shops. That said, with a 20 minute catnap under my belt, I ventured into the Saturday traffic and off to the shopping centre. Despite long queues into the parking lot, I found parking quickly. This was going well.
Ronan decided he was going to be designated driver of the buggy (hauled out from under the cobwebs to contain at least one them), and I should have known it was not a good start to the shop. Within minutes he had crashed into at least 3 shoppers which left Tosca using her operatic lungs at full capacity.
First stop was returning some items which didn't fit. On the way to returns I grabbed some new summer tshirts for myself. This was looking good, shopping for myself with 3 children! Then Lucan asked if the tshirts were for Tosca? Ok, that took the wind out of my sails......
Ronan then announced he also wanted to buy some new clothes. From a child who doesn't like shopping, new clothes or eating out I was delighted. Lucan on the other hand, was positively high on the experience or perhaps that was his cough medicine? Ronan insisted Tosca had to have a new tshirt too (TG most t's priced between £1.50 - £3!) and she is now fast asleep in bed in a bright pink striped t-shirt chosen by the two of them
We then went shopping for new trainers for the boys which was anther experience entirely. Ronan instantly had a strop when I declined maroon trainers, Tosca ran around without shoes on and Lucan tried to pretend they weren't his siblings. I left one sports shop after Tosca's screams got too much for all of us - not surprising given that Ronan was doing Andretti laps of honour in a circle on the two back wheels whilst the teenage shop assistants tried to ignore us and I tried to fit Lucans trainers. I suddenly realised the time (shoe fitting takes time) and understood why everyone was falling apart - very nearly dinner time. I had 2 choices - to face a tortuous trip home and delay while I cooked, or a quick fix.
So I did the unthinkable and we stopped in at the Golden Arches on the way home. Judging from the amount of people in there, this is quite a normal thing to do! Unfortunately a brawl broke out at a table, while I was standing in the queue and no amount of pretending that they REALLY weren't my children helped. No one else claimed them and the screaming (Tosca again funny that) got to levels that I had to go over and sort them out. Once they had some fuel (can't call it food) and a balloon each, relative normality and order resumed and we returned home tired but some happy children with their new purchases. All I got were a few more grey hairs!!
TG Stephen back tomorrow night! Lucan heads off on Monday morning for 2 nights and 3 days on his first school trip. He is so excited and even more so now that he has some new purchases to take with him. Small pleasures which make me smile as I sit here and unfrazzle with a glass of wine and think of their sweet angelic faces sleeping. It was another experience entirely in the daytime!
Another perfectly 'normal' Saturday ;-)

Cat Massage

2007-03-22T20:59:00.001Z

That's an Ali cats life ;-)

Labradoodle

2007-03-22T16:52:00.000Z

I was sitting at the vet waiting for Sisley (the cats) immuno therapy treatment (ask your vet!) with nothing other than "Dogs Weekly" or something like it, to read. Whilst perusing the pages, I came across a Labradoodle. Yes, I looked twice too having heard of many breeds of dogs and my lovely vet Danusia, later confirmed my worst suspicions - a cross between a labrador and a poodle!!! If you don't believe me, thats a second question for your vet......
Whatever next?! I guess the way the human race breeds these days, it's hardly surprising they're mixing up dogs too. I am also too frequently reminded (every 2 weeks to be exact) of the cost of our darling pet. Sisleys treatment so far which involves a 30 second injection every 2 weeks would have afforded me at least 4 sessions of botox by now. Then the children can stop asking me why I look so cross when I'm really in a perfectly pleasant mood.
Like this morning when I opened the curtains expecting another grey, english day and it was snowing! Yes, I knew it was time to hold onto the winter coat.

Spring Sprang

2007-03-20T21:39:00.000Z

Just as I predicted the cold snap arrived. Well actually the weatherman also predicted it so I am well prepared. We are back to freezing cold, sleety, wet, snowy weather!! Wasn't much fun with a false fire alarm at work today, standing outside with 1,200 pupils & staff freezing our everythings off. Hey ho, all in a days work and good practise I say. Glad I kept my hat and gloves handy ;-) The boiler is making very strange noises tonight and I fear I might wake up frozen to the sheets and unable to take a hot shower. Hmmm. Would be when Stephen has departed for colder shores of Salzburg until Sunday night!!
Having survived an 8 year old boys only party on Saturday (off the home premises I hasten to add), I prepare myself for the upcoming 7 year olds birthday. Tosca it appears has moved her birthday forward by a few months. On Friday, having conned all at preschool into giving her a present, singing Happy Birthday and generally making a great fuss of her she is in agreement it is not actually her birthday...yet. All 3 went to sleep tonight with their cd players on - one blaring Scissor Sisters, the other Kubb and lastly African stories. Sounded like an African disco.
Well I hope to survive the week without my butler, Stephen (I've even trained him to make MY sandwiches in the mornings but will have to start the production line earlier!!) There are a myriad of things as usual with PTA committments to join the list this week, but mostly a really busy time at work without my colleague who is the fountain of all knowledge. Hope she's enjoying Peru! So far so good with my boss close to hand and working out stuff as we go along. Blind leading the rooky. TG I'm loving it.
Time for some beauty sleep.......

My Mascot

2007-03-12T23:10:00.000Z

Spring is Sprung

2007-03-11T13:33:00.000Z

Well I finally succumbed to technology and Stephen's pushes towards a blog and here it is! First posting and hope to make it an interesting blog in the long run with updated pics of the clan.

The tops are down on the convertibles, the washing is out on the line and the grass had it's first mow of the season! Glorious weather prevails over the weekend and we are getting lots of fresh air again. Feels wonderful after the short dark days of winter. I will not be fooled into thinking this is it though, as every March we get a surprise cold snap to remind us that it is a while before we can put the coats back into winter storage.
It's Mich's 40th birthday today and thinking of her loads! I remember when we turned 21.........
I'm preparing for my own with lots of plans for myself this year. Today I jogged (about 50 meters!) and walked down to the green to watch Lucan's football match. It's only half a mile a way but I have to start somewhere!!! I have a few months to get ready for my Race For Life charity Cancer run in July, although I plan to WALK it rather than run it!
My muscles are aching all over after our karate class yesterday. I've added a few more bruises to my arms ;-) Lucan doesn't feel anything but that's youth for you! Pics to follow of us in our karate kit, still can't believe I signed up.
We are going out shortly for a family treat on a rare quiet Sunday. Over and out.