I was very naughty yesterday. Tad was well enough to go back to school - he ate on Sunday night and then bounced out of bed in the morning blithering for England. After we'd dropped the boys off at school Mum and I went to a big M&S near us and went shopping.
I bought some new jeans and long sleeved t-shirts which were cheap and essential. BUT I also bought myself some wide legged jersey trousers and a long v-neck jumper that actually make me look slim. Well they do in black and navy. In red they make me look fatter than fat.
We got back for lunch then let the chickens out. On Sunday night Goat and I had moved the hen house belonging to the old girls back into the pen so they were all in together overnight. When we let the lot out there was no obvious problem other than a few feathers on the ground. None of the girls looked harmed so possibly they are all getting along well with no pecking order problems. You can never tell with chickens. Only 9 eggs so some of them are laying somewhere we have yet to discover. I only hope we find it before they go off - treading in off eggs is not fun at all.
Con woke us at 3am to tell us he'd been sick so he is off school today. Feeling a bit better when I last checked on him. He came home with the class mascot yesterday so I need to stick that through the washing machine before it goes back. Joy.
The house is freezing cold at the moment -the sun hasn't got in through the windows yet. At least its shining today. I could put the heating on but we were trying to hold off until October just on principle. I might have to try an aerobics work out to warm up. Kill or cure. I was going to hoover throughout but the poorly boy upstairs really needs to rest.
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Sunday 27th
So - we bought 10 chickens on the way home on Thursday. They're lovely. We got 8 eggs from them on Friday and yesterday but only 5 today. The first night the boys and I had to chase them around the pen to get them in. Not easy in the pitch black with a torch but we did it. The second night all but 2 were indoors and last night they were all tucked up in bed. The old girls are clearly laying somewhere very hidden as we've only had 2 eggs each day from them but that will be sorted tomorrow as I've let the new ones range today and will move both houses into the pen. That way we can feed them all together and let them out at lunchtime once they've all produced.
I went into school on Friday to talk to Tad's year 1 class about the body complete with chat about poo, wee and why they mustn't smoke. They seemed to enjoy it.
The veggie box hadn't come by the time I left for school so I got some veg from Waitrose - only to get home to find they'd come at 4pm! Argh!!
Mum arrived about 8pm - they boys were still awake as they were excited and we were all looking through Con's telescope at the moon. Lots of "Wow" and "Awesome". The moon is beautiful.
Yesterday Con had to go to Arundel castle for a 'Gifted and Talented' session about history that West Sussex LEA arrange. Mum and I spent the day wandering here and there in Arundel with Tad while he was in the castle. We had lunch out - nice tomato and basil soup (with chips - oops) and then Tad played in the playground. Managed to get some Christmas shopping done in the craft fairs in Arundel and Con really enjoyed his day.
On the way home we popped in to the local organic farm to buy some meat (loin of pork to roast, beef) and some milk. Mum has chosen a cardi that she would like so I will need to go back to get the kit and knit it for her for Christmas. The wool is from the hebridean sheep on the farm. Nice.
I'd cooked some organic beef in beer for dinner in the slow cooker. Delicious but Tad wouldn't eat. We found why about half an hour later when he vomited copiously over himself, me and the sofa. He was sick another 3 times that night but luckily stopped at about 11pm. So my little vomit boy has stopped being sick but he's still recovering. Right now he's asleep beside me on the sofa.
I reckon he just did it to stop us going to the big M&S at Shoreham and the beach today. Hopefully he'll be fit enough for school tomorrow.
Today I got the boys to tidy their bedroom and the playroom while I cleaned the fish tank. Life is so exciting. I had intended to get out into the veggie patch to do some digging but the boys are flopping around and mum's asleep so I'll miss it for today
I went into school on Friday to talk to Tad's year 1 class about the body complete with chat about poo, wee and why they mustn't smoke. They seemed to enjoy it.
The veggie box hadn't come by the time I left for school so I got some veg from Waitrose - only to get home to find they'd come at 4pm! Argh!!
Mum arrived about 8pm - they boys were still awake as they were excited and we were all looking through Con's telescope at the moon. Lots of "Wow" and "Awesome". The moon is beautiful.
Yesterday Con had to go to Arundel castle for a 'Gifted and Talented' session about history that West Sussex LEA arrange. Mum and I spent the day wandering here and there in Arundel with Tad while he was in the castle. We had lunch out - nice tomato and basil soup (with chips - oops) and then Tad played in the playground. Managed to get some Christmas shopping done in the craft fairs in Arundel and Con really enjoyed his day.
On the way home we popped in to the local organic farm to buy some meat (loin of pork to roast, beef) and some milk. Mum has chosen a cardi that she would like so I will need to go back to get the kit and knit it for her for Christmas. The wool is from the hebridean sheep on the farm. Nice.
I'd cooked some organic beef in beer for dinner in the slow cooker. Delicious but Tad wouldn't eat. We found why about half an hour later when he vomited copiously over himself, me and the sofa. He was sick another 3 times that night but luckily stopped at about 11pm. So my little vomit boy has stopped being sick but he's still recovering. Right now he's asleep beside me on the sofa.
I reckon he just did it to stop us going to the big M&S at Shoreham and the beach today. Hopefully he'll be fit enough for school tomorrow.
Today I got the boys to tidy their bedroom and the playroom while I cleaned the fish tank. Life is so exciting. I had intended to get out into the veggie patch to do some digging but the boys are flopping around and mum's asleep so I'll miss it for today
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Thursday 24th - post cub camp
Well - I survived. The 5 Cubs that I took were all incredibly well behaved and a credit to their parents. They were asleep by 10:30, said please and thank you and got stuck in to all the activities. I would be happy to go again. I got there on Friday and pitched our 3 tents with my 2. We then settled the others in before the start of the camp. Following that there was a wide game played in the dark and then football before cake and cocoa and then bed. Tad and I shared a tent although he really wanted to be in with the big boys.
In the morning they all ran around the field before breakfast then we walked 2 miles to a lake to go canoeing. Tad and I played while they canoed - shooting bad guys, leaping in helicopters, blowing things up that sort of thing. When the Cubs came back most were wet as they'd jumped in! 2 mile walk back for lunch. After that we played on the assault course until it was time for the crate challenge. The highest tower that any-one stood on was 1o for us but the girls next door were up to 20. Very high. When we got back to camp the boys made things with big sticks - tent frames, swords, spears - the usual. We had dinner then went to the campfire sing song where we learnt some new songs - mostly irritating. Following morning we got up, packed, collapsed the tents and had a ceremony at the end at which I invested the youngest Cub. Parents all turned up on time and I got home by 1 to discover that......my new washing machine had arrived. Yippee! Goat had already done 2 loads.
Monday - back to school (after doing some washing :*). I went to Brighton with Sarah to get her friend a present and ended up buying myself a cardigan and a scarf. We went swimming after that, I bought Tesco and made it to school in time for a curriculum meeting (please buy pens, rubbers, pritt and coloured pencils, there's a school trip to the Mary Rose £18 and 3 nights away for £120. Arghh!!!)
Tuesday - helped out in the morning, was going to go swimming but mooched in the car and read instead
Wednesday - work in the morning, Beavers and Cubs in the evening. Both good fun - played a fairtrade game with the Beavers. I unequally shared out some sweets before talking about fairtrade. Cubs came up with their own safety codes. Sitting down to dinner I noticed the lights outside were on - logs being delivered. Goat went to help and came back with the info that the local organic free-range egg farm is selling off their 18month old chickens for £1.50 each so we are getting 8!
Thursday - school run. Have just done a visit for the church then got back to clean the hens out and get the old hen house ready for some new girls. If I can find a suitable box I will get them on the way home tonight after the governors meeting. Boys have karate and Con has choir. On top of that TAd wants me to help at swimming. No rest for the wicked.
Mum is coming up this weekend.
So all in all a busy few days. Diet still sort of on track - I ate a piece of cake on camp and one on Monday night (half a bottle of wine and some spiced rum lowered my reserve). I also nicked 2 fruit pastilles last night but other than that I am being very very good.
In the morning they all ran around the field before breakfast then we walked 2 miles to a lake to go canoeing. Tad and I played while they canoed - shooting bad guys, leaping in helicopters, blowing things up that sort of thing. When the Cubs came back most were wet as they'd jumped in! 2 mile walk back for lunch. After that we played on the assault course until it was time for the crate challenge. The highest tower that any-one stood on was 1o for us but the girls next door were up to 20. Very high. When we got back to camp the boys made things with big sticks - tent frames, swords, spears - the usual. We had dinner then went to the campfire sing song where we learnt some new songs - mostly irritating. Following morning we got up, packed, collapsed the tents and had a ceremony at the end at which I invested the youngest Cub. Parents all turned up on time and I got home by 1 to discover that......my new washing machine had arrived. Yippee! Goat had already done 2 loads.
Monday - back to school (after doing some washing :*). I went to Brighton with Sarah to get her friend a present and ended up buying myself a cardigan and a scarf. We went swimming after that, I bought Tesco and made it to school in time for a curriculum meeting (please buy pens, rubbers, pritt and coloured pencils, there's a school trip to the Mary Rose £18 and 3 nights away for £120. Arghh!!!)
Tuesday - helped out in the morning, was going to go swimming but mooched in the car and read instead
Wednesday - work in the morning, Beavers and Cubs in the evening. Both good fun - played a fairtrade game with the Beavers. I unequally shared out some sweets before talking about fairtrade. Cubs came up with their own safety codes. Sitting down to dinner I noticed the lights outside were on - logs being delivered. Goat went to help and came back with the info that the local organic free-range egg farm is selling off their 18month old chickens for £1.50 each so we are getting 8!
Thursday - school run. Have just done a visit for the church then got back to clean the hens out and get the old hen house ready for some new girls. If I can find a suitable box I will get them on the way home tonight after the governors meeting. Boys have karate and Con has choir. On top of that TAd wants me to help at swimming. No rest for the wicked.
Mum is coming up this weekend.
So all in all a busy few days. Diet still sort of on track - I ate a piece of cake on camp and one on Monday night (half a bottle of wine and some spiced rum lowered my reserve). I also nicked 2 fruit pastilles last night but other than that I am being very very good.
Friday, 18 September 2009
Friday16th - wish me luck for camp
Am typing now whilst waiting for the boys to come home from school. We are off to Cub camp in about an hour and I am bricking it!
Wednesday went to work (fun) and then ran Beavers and Cubs in the evening. Beavers went well - we did stranger danger, what to pack in a rucksack and picnic ideas. Cubs was even better - we pitched tents. I now have 3 in my boot plus all the kit the boys and I need. How the kids are supposed to carry it all themselves I don't know but ho hum.
Yesterday I worked at the hospice and then went to school to help year 1 change for swimming. I got to watch Tad swim and was glad to see he had fun. After that I helped out in Con's class more for something to do than anything else. Con had choir after school so Tad and I sat, cuddled and he read me his reading book then we wandered into town for a snack before they did karate. Tad's second lesson and he loved it. Con could remember his kata from before the school holidays which was good.
On the way home we got sausage and chips so diet not so good yesterday but not really too bad.
This morning I have packed the car full of camp stuff. The weather forecast isn't 100% great but hopefully it wont be too cold or rain. Both could be a problem for me. I really dont want to do cold! I also hope the kids go to sleep early enough. I can't face a 2 am finish.
Final credit card bill through from the holiday. It will have cost under £2k all in which is brilliant for 4 weeks in france I reckon.
Wish me luck for the weekend.
Wednesday went to work (fun) and then ran Beavers and Cubs in the evening. Beavers went well - we did stranger danger, what to pack in a rucksack and picnic ideas. Cubs was even better - we pitched tents. I now have 3 in my boot plus all the kit the boys and I need. How the kids are supposed to carry it all themselves I don't know but ho hum.
Yesterday I worked at the hospice and then went to school to help year 1 change for swimming. I got to watch Tad swim and was glad to see he had fun. After that I helped out in Con's class more for something to do than anything else. Con had choir after school so Tad and I sat, cuddled and he read me his reading book then we wandered into town for a snack before they did karate. Tad's second lesson and he loved it. Con could remember his kata from before the school holidays which was good.
On the way home we got sausage and chips so diet not so good yesterday but not really too bad.
This morning I have packed the car full of camp stuff. The weather forecast isn't 100% great but hopefully it wont be too cold or rain. Both could be a problem for me. I really dont want to do cold! I also hope the kids go to sleep early enough. I can't face a 2 am finish.
Final credit card bill through from the holiday. It will have cost under £2k all in which is brilliant for 4 weeks in france I reckon.
Wish me luck for the weekend.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Tuesday 15th
So - helped out at school today in the morning, whizzed home for lunch then back to get the urchins. On the way home stopped with Con to spend his birthday money - he got a folder for his art stuff, an illusion kit from Dangerous Book for Boys and a moon to go on his wall that lights up with the phases of the moon.
Diet still on track. Cooked a lentil stew with beluga black lentils. Tasted OK but no better than puy lentils.
Tired now but waiting for Goat to get in.
Diet still on track. Cooked a lentil stew with beluga black lentils. Tasted OK but no better than puy lentils.
Tired now but waiting for Goat to get in.
Monday, 14 September 2009
Monday 14th September
Wow. What a weekend. I went into the hospice in the morning and got away quite early so I was back in time for lunch to see the boys before Goat took them off in various directions.
I spent the afternoon researching washing machines and came up with what looked like the perfect solution - a machine made by a company who dont want them to breakdown and when they do the parts are cheap. That night I got called back into the hospice at about 10pm and didn't get home til midnight. When I did Goat and I looked at Jupiter through Con's telescope and we could see 3 moons! I got to bed at 2am. Woke normal time, started the day well but tired and then got called back into the hospice to review some-one.
In the afternoon Tad and I made a clock kit that he got for his birthday and we all had some time together before they went to bed. I made Goat and I roast veg risotto for dinner (yum) and intended to go to bed early but stayed up to watch The Runaway Jury until I couldn't keep my eyes open.
Talking in the evening we decided to go for the ISE2 washing machine as we thought it was our best option.
Today I dropped the boys off at school, shopped, swam 1km (in 34 mins) in the pool and came home. After I collected the boys I spoke to the local ISE engineer who said that he and his son no longer stock the cheaper ISE machines as they weren't really selling. So quick chat to OH at work who worried that if the machines aren't selling then if they do last we wont be able to get spares easily. He's happy whatever I get.
So I've gone online to order an AEG as I know if it all goes wrong it will forever be my fault and I am a bit worried too about buying such a new machine. Price reviewing shows me that Comet are offering 20% off Bosch machines if you traid in your old one so... I've just bought a £480 Bosch machine with delivery and installation for £420. I could even pick delivery date and time.
So when I get back from Cub camp on Sunday I can either see the new machine or it will turn up soon after. So happy. But all that research has done my head in. We want a machine that will last and not have to go into landfill in a few years. I want one that washes quickly and uses very little electricity. By using very little water they all now go one for ever but this new machine has an option to cut bits of the programme out so hopefully I can cut washtimes down a bit.
Diet still on track although I will drink alcohol tonight. Need to after 3 days off!
I spent the afternoon researching washing machines and came up with what looked like the perfect solution - a machine made by a company who dont want them to breakdown and when they do the parts are cheap. That night I got called back into the hospice at about 10pm and didn't get home til midnight. When I did Goat and I looked at Jupiter through Con's telescope and we could see 3 moons! I got to bed at 2am. Woke normal time, started the day well but tired and then got called back into the hospice to review some-one.
In the afternoon Tad and I made a clock kit that he got for his birthday and we all had some time together before they went to bed. I made Goat and I roast veg risotto for dinner (yum) and intended to go to bed early but stayed up to watch The Runaway Jury until I couldn't keep my eyes open.
Talking in the evening we decided to go for the ISE2 washing machine as we thought it was our best option.
Today I dropped the boys off at school, shopped, swam 1km (in 34 mins) in the pool and came home. After I collected the boys I spoke to the local ISE engineer who said that he and his son no longer stock the cheaper ISE machines as they weren't really selling. So quick chat to OH at work who worried that if the machines aren't selling then if they do last we wont be able to get spares easily. He's happy whatever I get.
So I've gone online to order an AEG as I know if it all goes wrong it will forever be my fault and I am a bit worried too about buying such a new machine. Price reviewing shows me that Comet are offering 20% off Bosch machines if you traid in your old one so... I've just bought a £480 Bosch machine with delivery and installation for £420. I could even pick delivery date and time.
So when I get back from Cub camp on Sunday I can either see the new machine or it will turn up soon after. So happy. But all that research has done my head in. We want a machine that will last and not have to go into landfill in a few years. I want one that washes quickly and uses very little electricity. By using very little water they all now go one for ever but this new machine has an option to cut bits of the programme out so hopefully I can cut washtimes down a bit.
Diet still on track although I will drink alcohol tonight. Need to after 3 days off!
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Saturday 12th - RIP washing machine
No post yesterday as time ran out. Not sure why but that's how it goes somedays.
I did some shopping when I dropped the boys off and got the best part of what we need for the week for about £13 in Waitrose. Then I went to the farm down the road and got some organic milk (can't stand it but Goat likes it), steak, stewing beef and some stewing lamb as well. All frozen, all the meat grown on the farm. Yummy. Came to £17 which isn't bad.
When I got in the veg box had been delivered - we got half a spaghetti squash in the box among other things.
I then planned to get loads done and frittered the time away on the computer playing. I did at least get the cub bits done but that was about all. I got the boys from school after a quick trip to Wilkos where as well as the UFO light I said I'd get some-one I bought a wind up torch/phone charger and a door bell. Took the boys to Millets and got them walking boots for camp. Think that's it for the shopping now.
Today the washing machine died. Goat's been nurturing it for 4 years now and has replaced the bearings and drum as well as loads of other stuff. We've had it to bits but he can't work out what's wrong and no-one local repairs them. Every time we turn the machine on the electrics trip out in the house. I have now washed everything by hand after doing the ward round at the hospice and have done some research.
I quite fancy an ISE machine - they are designed by people who don't believe in built in obsolesence. They're a bit more expensive but should last. Now all I need to do is get Goat to part with his cash. Can't face hand washing for too long and there are sheets that need to be done this week as well as swimming kit. Oh goodie.
Overnight I roasted the spaghetti squash with some onion, garlic, chilli and tomatoes. I shall either use it as a pasta sauce tomorrow or risotto. Depends on how I feel. Tonight is left over pasta sauce with either more pasta or maybe spuds to make shepherds pie.
Diet still going well. Hopefully will be going swimming on Monday morning. Washing machine permitting.
I did some shopping when I dropped the boys off and got the best part of what we need for the week for about £13 in Waitrose. Then I went to the farm down the road and got some organic milk (can't stand it but Goat likes it), steak, stewing beef and some stewing lamb as well. All frozen, all the meat grown on the farm. Yummy. Came to £17 which isn't bad.
When I got in the veg box had been delivered - we got half a spaghetti squash in the box among other things.
I then planned to get loads done and frittered the time away on the computer playing. I did at least get the cub bits done but that was about all. I got the boys from school after a quick trip to Wilkos where as well as the UFO light I said I'd get some-one I bought a wind up torch/phone charger and a door bell. Took the boys to Millets and got them walking boots for camp. Think that's it for the shopping now.
Today the washing machine died. Goat's been nurturing it for 4 years now and has replaced the bearings and drum as well as loads of other stuff. We've had it to bits but he can't work out what's wrong and no-one local repairs them. Every time we turn the machine on the electrics trip out in the house. I have now washed everything by hand after doing the ward round at the hospice and have done some research.
I quite fancy an ISE machine - they are designed by people who don't believe in built in obsolesence. They're a bit more expensive but should last. Now all I need to do is get Goat to part with his cash. Can't face hand washing for too long and there are sheets that need to be done this week as well as swimming kit. Oh goodie.
Overnight I roasted the spaghetti squash with some onion, garlic, chilli and tomatoes. I shall either use it as a pasta sauce tomorrow or risotto. Depends on how I feel. Tonight is left over pasta sauce with either more pasta or maybe spuds to make shepherds pie.
Diet still going well. Hopefully will be going swimming on Monday morning. Washing machine permitting.
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Thursday 10th September
I cycled to work this morning! I am not quite the fat flob I think I am. I got there in about 20 minutes and back in about 18. The hospice was slow this morning but still fun to work at. When I got back I let the chooks out and collected the eggs - 4 in total today. When I finally got onto the computer I found an email from a reporter asking me for details to see if I'm suitable for an article she's doing. My chickens and I could be famous!
I caught up on my emails, sorted bits out for Cub camp and a list of things to do. The boys will need walking shoes and Con will need waterproof trousers. I thought this might be fun for them not expensive. Ho hum.
Beavers and Cubs went well last night. Several new kids in each group. Beavers were quite high and silly so I had to get quite strict but it went well. I arrived later than I usually do and in a rush so I wasn't quite as organised as usual - no parental rota for instance - but it was OK. 3 if not 4 of the Cubs have left because they've 'outgrown' Cubs. There were still at least 14 of them so the group will still function pretty well but I now need to re-organise the sixes. Again.
Diet still on track - I will drink too much tonight because I can't all weekend. At least I've done some exercise this week.
I caught up on my emails, sorted bits out for Cub camp and a list of things to do. The boys will need walking shoes and Con will need waterproof trousers. I thought this might be fun for them not expensive. Ho hum.
Beavers and Cubs went well last night. Several new kids in each group. Beavers were quite high and silly so I had to get quite strict but it went well. I arrived later than I usually do and in a rush so I wasn't quite as organised as usual - no parental rota for instance - but it was OK. 3 if not 4 of the Cubs have left because they've 'outgrown' Cubs. There were still at least 14 of them so the group will still function pretty well but I now need to re-organise the sixes. Again.
Diet still on track - I will drink too much tonight because I can't all weekend. At least I've done some exercise this week.
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
wednesday 9/9/9
First day back at work today after the hols. I managed to get lunch for the boys done and breakfast for us all and still leave to get to A&E for 8am. In fact the roads were so empty i got there early.
Bizarrely when Goat went to get the chooks up this morning the door of the hen house was off but I know I shut it last night. Wierd. Maybe I didn't latch it properly. The important thing is that all the girls are still there but I bet they weren't happy.
Work was OK. A bit busy but not as unmanageable as A&E can be. I left a bit late and got home to find the electricians working hard and no power. I managed to get access to the fridge to make lunch as I was starving. The dreadful thing is that with no leccie we couldn't do any of the things we normally do to relax - go on-line, watch tv, listen to music so Goat and I were forced to talk to each other!
Power back on now - obviously - so I can catch up with Scouting bits before the meetings tonight. We are doing a trail at Beavers - I took the boys along with me last night after school to set up the trail - and map reading at Cubs. Just had 2 texts to say that 2 Cubs wont be coming any more. Hopefully its not something I've done but just that football club is now on a Wednesday night or something. I imagine at least 1 if not 2 more will be absent tonight as well.
Last night was the final meeting about Cub camp. The closer it gets the more scary it becomes. Only 10 more days and it will be over.
Diet still on track at the moment. Tonight may be the turning point! I usually need lots of booze after Beavers and then Cubs. Better not as I'm working tomorrow.
Right- back to website creating
Bizarrely when Goat went to get the chooks up this morning the door of the hen house was off but I know I shut it last night. Wierd. Maybe I didn't latch it properly. The important thing is that all the girls are still there but I bet they weren't happy.
Work was OK. A bit busy but not as unmanageable as A&E can be. I left a bit late and got home to find the electricians working hard and no power. I managed to get access to the fridge to make lunch as I was starving. The dreadful thing is that with no leccie we couldn't do any of the things we normally do to relax - go on-line, watch tv, listen to music so Goat and I were forced to talk to each other!
Power back on now - obviously - so I can catch up with Scouting bits before the meetings tonight. We are doing a trail at Beavers - I took the boys along with me last night after school to set up the trail - and map reading at Cubs. Just had 2 texts to say that 2 Cubs wont be coming any more. Hopefully its not something I've done but just that football club is now on a Wednesday night or something. I imagine at least 1 if not 2 more will be absent tonight as well.
Last night was the final meeting about Cub camp. The closer it gets the more scary it becomes. Only 10 more days and it will be over.
Diet still on track at the moment. Tonight may be the turning point! I usually need lots of booze after Beavers and then Cubs. Better not as I'm working tomorrow.
Right- back to website creating
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
I hate housework
Diet went well yesterday and so far so good today as well. I might even go swimming later if I get everything sorted out.
This morning I got home from dropping the kids off at school to find a note from Goat asking me to clean an area he had cleared out this morning. An electrician is coming tomorrow to fit a new consumer unit (? - the big fuse box and unit that the electricity comes in to). When the electricity board came to check the work on our new meter it turned out our unit wasn't really all that safe. I love living in an old house. For some reason it sounds as though this chap will need to get to all the nooks and crannies in the house when he gives us a new earth rod (haven't got one of those either) so Goat moved all his motorbike gear and the stuff in the eaves and I've hoovered it. Trouble is doing that made me notice all the filth in the utility room so I've cleaned the walls and the skirting boards. That led to me deciding to tidy the whole room. I've cleared the top of the cupboards, shifted all the rubbish from on top of the fridge and rearranged the top cupboard so that all the plastic cutlery is in one place. I have a bag of bits for the charity shop and the room is almost perfect. I can almost feel a cupboard in the kitchen calling but it may have to wait.
Before I did all that I printed off my bits for re-starting Cubs and Beavers tomorrow. Not all of it as I can't get onto the web upstairs for some reason so I can't print off the OS maps I wanted to use but we'll manage somehow. I am asking all the parents if they would rather be contacted by email and have realised I could use a Blog as a way of sharing information as well. Cool huh?
This morning I got home from dropping the kids off at school to find a note from Goat asking me to clean an area he had cleared out this morning. An electrician is coming tomorrow to fit a new consumer unit (? - the big fuse box and unit that the electricity comes in to). When the electricity board came to check the work on our new meter it turned out our unit wasn't really all that safe. I love living in an old house. For some reason it sounds as though this chap will need to get to all the nooks and crannies in the house when he gives us a new earth rod (haven't got one of those either) so Goat moved all his motorbike gear and the stuff in the eaves and I've hoovered it. Trouble is doing that made me notice all the filth in the utility room so I've cleaned the walls and the skirting boards. That led to me deciding to tidy the whole room. I've cleared the top of the cupboards, shifted all the rubbish from on top of the fridge and rearranged the top cupboard so that all the plastic cutlery is in one place. I have a bag of bits for the charity shop and the room is almost perfect. I can almost feel a cupboard in the kitchen calling but it may have to wait.
Before I did all that I printed off my bits for re-starting Cubs and Beavers tomorrow. Not all of it as I can't get onto the web upstairs for some reason so I can't print off the OS maps I wanted to use but we'll manage somehow. I am asking all the parents if they would rather be contacted by email and have realised I could use a Blog as a way of sharing information as well. Cool huh?
Monday, 7 September 2009
monday 7th - diet starts today
Back to school again. Boys very happy to go today. After drop off I went to do 2 visits for the SVP - St VIncent De Paul society - a visiting group for the church. Sometimes I wonder why we visit the people we do but today the second woman we visited was much much brighter than she had been previously and I could see that for her, with her depression, visits from people outside the home were something pleasurable.
When I got in Goat had managed to get the plums that I had put in the kilner jars yesterday vacuum packed so hopefully they will last over the winter. Should be nice in crumble when the log burner goes back on.
Yesterday I dug up all the potatoes I grew earlier in the year - very disappointing haul to be honest but they taste quite nice. We ate them with the carrots I grew in plastic bottles indoors. Yum.
Today my diet starts with avengeance. I usually start on Monday and give up by Monday evening but hopefully this time I will be comitted to it. I plan to eat less volume and less junk (not that I eat that much) and try to get some more exercise in. I'll let you know if it lasts until tomorrow! The hard bit will be the booze particularly with the homebrew which is so nice and so cheap.
Have nearly finished planning for Beavers and Cubs on Wednesday. We are going to have a quiz as a way of making sure they all know the important stuff - who started Scouting, that sort of thing. I'd like to do a trail as well for the Beavers but that's really weather and time dependent. Cubs will be completing a map of the village and looking at the coat of arms. Tomorrow night we have a meeting about Cub camp which I am both dreading and looking forward to in equal measure. At least I won't have to share a tent with the Cubs like I did with the boys for Con's sleepover. Dreadful.
Have agreed to work on Thursday for the hospice now as well and back to A&E on Wednesday. Busy busy busy.
When I got in Goat had managed to get the plums that I had put in the kilner jars yesterday vacuum packed so hopefully they will last over the winter. Should be nice in crumble when the log burner goes back on.
Yesterday I dug up all the potatoes I grew earlier in the year - very disappointing haul to be honest but they taste quite nice. We ate them with the carrots I grew in plastic bottles indoors. Yum.
Today my diet starts with avengeance. I usually start on Monday and give up by Monday evening but hopefully this time I will be comitted to it. I plan to eat less volume and less junk (not that I eat that much) and try to get some more exercise in. I'll let you know if it lasts until tomorrow! The hard bit will be the booze particularly with the homebrew which is so nice and so cheap.
Have nearly finished planning for Beavers and Cubs on Wednesday. We are going to have a quiz as a way of making sure they all know the important stuff - who started Scouting, that sort of thing. I'd like to do a trail as well for the Beavers but that's really weather and time dependent. Cubs will be completing a map of the village and looking at the coat of arms. Tomorrow night we have a meeting about Cub camp which I am both dreading and looking forward to in equal measure. At least I won't have to share a tent with the Cubs like I did with the boys for Con's sleepover. Dreadful.
Have agreed to work on Thursday for the hospice now as well and back to A&E on Wednesday. Busy busy busy.
Saturday, 5 September 2009
new fish
Yesterday we went tent hunting. Not successfully but its still fun to get back inside a tent. I've a list of possibles so I rang up to see what they'd got up still. I am tending towards getting an Outwell tent but they had a Vango Diabolo 600 which ticked quite a few boxes as well.
On the way back we stopped off at an aquarium shop and bought a fish to eat the algae off the fish tank and 2 shrimps. Cute. Hopefully we will soon be able to see into the tank again!
When we got back we found a message from Thakuma asking if she could come over to see her grandsons and bring friends over too. Quick whizz round with the hoover and the house was acceptable. Good job too as they wanted the guided tour.
I'm getting good at hiding filth.
On the way back we stopped off at an aquarium shop and bought a fish to eat the algae off the fish tank and 2 shrimps. Cute. Hopefully we will soon be able to see into the tank again!
When we got back we found a message from Thakuma asking if she could come over to see her grandsons and bring friends over too. Quick whizz round with the hoover and the house was acceptable. Good job too as they wanted the guided tour.
I'm getting good at hiding filth.
Friday, 4 September 2009
Schools back!
The boys are back at school this morning. Yippee. They both went off happy to be back. Youngest one is a bit bemused with the new class, new teacher, new drawer bit but once we'd sorted all that out he was fine. It was nice to catch up with some of the mum's as well although there will be more time for that this afternoon.
I am currently stewing down some more plums to freeze and have put the rest out on egg trays to reduce squashage. I think Goat might make some more wine later and then with a bit of luck we'll have got through the bulk of them. I might take a photo of the plums to post somewhere as they look a bit like eggs.
I have to go back into school again later in a governor-y sort of way to review school dinners. Apparently they are hopeless first day back often giving the kids tinned sausages and beans. So I have agreed to go and enjoy/endure lunch with all the kids. No 2 so will be happy as he likes it if I'm there. After that I am off to buy stuff from Tesco before meeting a man from the council about school parking. Life is never dull. Well not if you like school dinner halls and meeting people from the council anyway.
I fancy treating myself to a quick look at tents and campsites in preparation for next summer. I know its only September and I've only been back a week but a girls got to get her fix somewhere.
I am currently stewing down some more plums to freeze and have put the rest out on egg trays to reduce squashage. I think Goat might make some more wine later and then with a bit of luck we'll have got through the bulk of them. I might take a photo of the plums to post somewhere as they look a bit like eggs.
I have to go back into school again later in a governor-y sort of way to review school dinners. Apparently they are hopeless first day back often giving the kids tinned sausages and beans. So I have agreed to go and enjoy/endure lunch with all the kids. No 2 so will be happy as he likes it if I'm there. After that I am off to buy stuff from Tesco before meeting a man from the council about school parking. Life is never dull. Well not if you like school dinner halls and meeting people from the council anyway.
I fancy treating myself to a quick look at tents and campsites in preparation for next summer. I know its only September and I've only been back a week but a girls got to get her fix somewhere.
Thursday, 3 September 2009
New blog
Great - found time and inspiration to put a posting onto my blog and... can't remember how to get onto it. So rather than waste time and effort I've done my usual and started all over again. Kids are watching a video so time is of the essence.
We got back from our month in France last Friday - 6 days ago. Our trip was fab. We started with an early ferry to Dunkerque and then drove to the Loire. We finished there last year and the car broke down on the way back so I was a bit anxious. The campsite (f0r those who are interested) is Le Moulin Fort, near Chenonceau. Its run by an english couple and is ideal for what we want to do in the Loire - namely go to the zoo at St Aignan and relax. The pool is far from wonderful though as its very deep and only accessible by ladder so we didn't swim. We did spend 2 days in the zoo and walk up the path to Chenonceau chateau.
We then drove to Murol in the Auvergne for a week. Weather started well then went downhill as it did last year. We shopped in the town market on the first day with the boys ordering in french. We also lit candles in the church for my dad as it was the 10th anniversary of his death (still miss him). During the week there we swam a lot in the pool with the boys loving the waterslides, climbed the volcano in town and also the Puy du Sancy which involves going up by cable car and walking the rest. We also found a few waterfalls - I love waterfalls - and a 'fairy chimney' of sandstone.
We then moved to the Midi Pyrenees near to Condom (well you have to don't you?). The pool at that site wasn't wonderful as it wasn't deep enough to swim in most parts and it was a bit noisy but the area was great. We visited a castle that Henri IV was born in and Lourdes. We also went to a place described as a mini Carcassonne (not really) which had green roses and nearby a place demonstrating medieval weaponry. Great fun for 2 hours. The area was very pretty but it was incredibly hot while we were there - 42 C in the shade at one point which made it hard work. We coped by driving around with the windows open.
After a week there we moved towards Nimes with the intention of watching the Courses Camarguaises. However the campsite we usually go to has been taken over by FranceLoc which meant it was packed and we got a really dreadful pitch. It was too hot and very noisy so we left. We will go back next year but to somewhere else.
On the off chance we moved to a municipal in Fleurie (Beaujolais region) which had a pool. We met a 12 year old boy called Ross who was lovely and the boys spent a lot of time with him and another lad called Will. We were there for 2 nights then moved to a campsite I'd booked in the Jura. There we canoed for free, visited Dino zoo, Saut du Doubs (should have been a really impressive waterfall but the river level was down) and made a brief trip into Switzerland - over the border, turn round and go back.
We tried to stay in the municipal in Chalons en Champagne but road diversions stopped us getting there so we went to another at Guignicourt near Reims - it was lovely and also very cheap. 14 Euros cheap.
Our last night was spent in a hotel in Tournehem. On the way there we went to the Canadian war memorial for WW1 - very impressive monument and an area where you can walk around the trenches as well. After that we went to the Blokhaus at Eperlecques - a factory where the Nazis intended to build and launch V2 rockets. Very interesting and sobering.
Tad was yet again a pain to feed. We ate lots of kebabs, petit sale, cassoulet and sausages as he agreed to eat them but this year he decided he didn't like french bread! Of all the things to come up with! He did however try frogs legs, fois gras and squid so he is getting more adventurous at last. On our last night we ate out - he polished off an entire pizza whilst Con ate a steak.
We got back to England to find a glut of plums. Goat had picked 1/4 of them and made some wine and bottled them. Since returning I have made plum cakes, plum muffins, plum jam, plum & ginger jam and plum brandy. I have also cooked and frozen plums, frozen them in syrup and made plum sauce to use instead of hoisin. We still have at least 50lbs to go!
Con had his 9th birthday when we got back. We celebrated with a family meal followed by a sleepover for 6 of his friends in the tent in the garden. The intention was to watch Men In Black first after eating pizza, run around a bit and then go to bed. Unfortunately he and a friend decided to quote through the film which spoilt it for the others. We were in the tent at half 9 and asleep by half 10. Awake at 5:30 which wasn't too bad. The day before we all went to a Mass said for dad and had chinese take-away. Yum
My veggie patch has been destroyed in my absence. I had purple sprouting broccoli and brussels doing really well. The caterpillars have killed them. Ho hum. I need to dig up the taties and start again. Again.
The chickens are doing well. Goat made them a new hen house before we left for France and with his help the chooks have moved in. Its an odd looking house as its made from leftovers including plastic bargeboard but it works and its a lot easier to clean than the old one. Hopefully he will do the old one up then we can get some more chooks - preferably ones we can eat. The girls aren't laying well at the moment - 2 a day from 6 is pretty poor really - but hopefully they will pick up again.
Boys are back to school tomorrow. Can't wait.
We got back from our month in France last Friday - 6 days ago. Our trip was fab. We started with an early ferry to Dunkerque and then drove to the Loire. We finished there last year and the car broke down on the way back so I was a bit anxious. The campsite (f0r those who are interested) is Le Moulin Fort, near Chenonceau. Its run by an english couple and is ideal for what we want to do in the Loire - namely go to the zoo at St Aignan and relax. The pool is far from wonderful though as its very deep and only accessible by ladder so we didn't swim. We did spend 2 days in the zoo and walk up the path to Chenonceau chateau.
We then drove to Murol in the Auvergne for a week. Weather started well then went downhill as it did last year. We shopped in the town market on the first day with the boys ordering in french. We also lit candles in the church for my dad as it was the 10th anniversary of his death (still miss him). During the week there we swam a lot in the pool with the boys loving the waterslides, climbed the volcano in town and also the Puy du Sancy which involves going up by cable car and walking the rest. We also found a few waterfalls - I love waterfalls - and a 'fairy chimney' of sandstone.
We then moved to the Midi Pyrenees near to Condom (well you have to don't you?). The pool at that site wasn't wonderful as it wasn't deep enough to swim in most parts and it was a bit noisy but the area was great. We visited a castle that Henri IV was born in and Lourdes. We also went to a place described as a mini Carcassonne (not really) which had green roses and nearby a place demonstrating medieval weaponry. Great fun for 2 hours. The area was very pretty but it was incredibly hot while we were there - 42 C in the shade at one point which made it hard work. We coped by driving around with the windows open.
After a week there we moved towards Nimes with the intention of watching the Courses Camarguaises. However the campsite we usually go to has been taken over by FranceLoc which meant it was packed and we got a really dreadful pitch. It was too hot and very noisy so we left. We will go back next year but to somewhere else.
On the off chance we moved to a municipal in Fleurie (Beaujolais region) which had a pool. We met a 12 year old boy called Ross who was lovely and the boys spent a lot of time with him and another lad called Will. We were there for 2 nights then moved to a campsite I'd booked in the Jura. There we canoed for free, visited Dino zoo, Saut du Doubs (should have been a really impressive waterfall but the river level was down) and made a brief trip into Switzerland - over the border, turn round and go back.
We tried to stay in the municipal in Chalons en Champagne but road diversions stopped us getting there so we went to another at Guignicourt near Reims - it was lovely and also very cheap. 14 Euros cheap.
Our last night was spent in a hotel in Tournehem. On the way there we went to the Canadian war memorial for WW1 - very impressive monument and an area where you can walk around the trenches as well. After that we went to the Blokhaus at Eperlecques - a factory where the Nazis intended to build and launch V2 rockets. Very interesting and sobering.
Tad was yet again a pain to feed. We ate lots of kebabs, petit sale, cassoulet and sausages as he agreed to eat them but this year he decided he didn't like french bread! Of all the things to come up with! He did however try frogs legs, fois gras and squid so he is getting more adventurous at last. On our last night we ate out - he polished off an entire pizza whilst Con ate a steak.
We got back to England to find a glut of plums. Goat had picked 1/4 of them and made some wine and bottled them. Since returning I have made plum cakes, plum muffins, plum jam, plum & ginger jam and plum brandy. I have also cooked and frozen plums, frozen them in syrup and made plum sauce to use instead of hoisin. We still have at least 50lbs to go!
Con had his 9th birthday when we got back. We celebrated with a family meal followed by a sleepover for 6 of his friends in the tent in the garden. The intention was to watch Men In Black first after eating pizza, run around a bit and then go to bed. Unfortunately he and a friend decided to quote through the film which spoilt it for the others. We were in the tent at half 9 and asleep by half 10. Awake at 5:30 which wasn't too bad. The day before we all went to a Mass said for dad and had chinese take-away. Yum
My veggie patch has been destroyed in my absence. I had purple sprouting broccoli and brussels doing really well. The caterpillars have killed them. Ho hum. I need to dig up the taties and start again. Again.
The chickens are doing well. Goat made them a new hen house before we left for France and with his help the chooks have moved in. Its an odd looking house as its made from leftovers including plastic bargeboard but it works and its a lot easier to clean than the old one. Hopefully he will do the old one up then we can get some more chooks - preferably ones we can eat. The girls aren't laying well at the moment - 2 a day from 6 is pretty poor really - but hopefully they will pick up again.
Boys are back to school tomorrow. Can't wait.
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