Tumble Tots and Matthew & Evie's birthday party on Saturday, then looked at a creepy flat in Blackheath on Sunday. They had converted the attic and the ceilings upstairs were eaved to the point where even I couldn't stand up straight in the hallway. Ridiculous and the price they were asking for it was obscene. So, not for us.
Still keeping an eye on The Flat and waiting for it to come back on the market. J and I have come up with various plans to get the current owners to move such as egging the building and do the old bag-of-poo-on-fire trick. My personal favourite is using a crane to lower me onto the roof terrace with a sheet over my head to convince them that the flat is haunted and they must move immediately, selling it for less than the asking price.... or else. BoooOOOooo!
Monday, February 28, 2005
Friday, February 25, 2005
Oops again
Just cannot get those photo links to work. The link is here:
http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeANGTNq1ZuGzCBA
Just a few pics I took hanging out of the upstairs window and in our garden. Not terribly interesting but you can check out our street and see the lovely snow.
http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeANGTNq1ZuGzCBA
Just a few pics I took hanging out of the upstairs window and in our garden. Not terribly interesting but you can check out our street and see the lovely snow.
Snow Day
Woke up to a winter wonderland this morning. Beautiful, but it meant we had to cancel plans to see Elizabeth and MC today. After I saw a few cars skating down our street I decided not to risk it. I'm hardly the World's Greatest Driver at the best of times.
All for the best anyway as Toby suddenly developed a weird rash on his right forearm. It looked very strange to me and, being the well-trained Mom that I am, I did the glass trick. I'm sure all you parents know just what I mean. You press a glass against the rash and if you can still see the rash through the glass you hightail it to the hospital. Well, I could still see the rash.
I stripped Tobes down and couldn't find the rash anywhere else. I frantically ran upstairs for my meningitis information card and read through the symptoms while turning Toby this was and that, getting him to touch his chin to his chest, etc. The fact that I had to keep chasing him around the room was probably a good sign that he didn't have meningitis.
So, I didn't run to casualty but I did call the doc and I cancelled Toby's appointment for his development check. We got a Dr's appointment for two hours later but the receptionist recommended I call NHS Direct immediately (the National Health advice hotline) or take Toby to the hospital. I burst into tears. We took the appointment and I called NHS Direct. We went through the symptoms again and they said he sounded fine but to keep my doctors appointment.
Needless to say, Toby does not have meningitis. The doctor couldn't say for sure what the rash was but apparently there are many types of 'non-fading' rash, ie rashes that fail the glass test. I did not know that. It was finally put down to an allergic reaction to something but we were told to watch the rash and watch Toby for any other signs of meningitis.
What a morning.
All for the best anyway as Toby suddenly developed a weird rash on his right forearm. It looked very strange to me and, being the well-trained Mom that I am, I did the glass trick. I'm sure all you parents know just what I mean. You press a glass against the rash and if you can still see the rash through the glass you hightail it to the hospital. Well, I could still see the rash.
I stripped Tobes down and couldn't find the rash anywhere else. I frantically ran upstairs for my meningitis information card and read through the symptoms while turning Toby this was and that, getting him to touch his chin to his chest, etc. The fact that I had to keep chasing him around the room was probably a good sign that he didn't have meningitis.
So, I didn't run to casualty but I did call the doc and I cancelled Toby's appointment for his development check. We got a Dr's appointment for two hours later but the receptionist recommended I call NHS Direct immediately (the National Health advice hotline) or take Toby to the hospital. I burst into tears. We took the appointment and I called NHS Direct. We went through the symptoms again and they said he sounded fine but to keep my doctors appointment.
Needless to say, Toby does not have meningitis. The doctor couldn't say for sure what the rash was but apparently there are many types of 'non-fading' rash, ie rashes that fail the glass test. I did not know that. It was finally put down to an allergic reaction to something but we were told to watch the rash and watch Toby for any other signs of meningitis.
What a morning.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Feeling indigo
Just did another pregnancy test and got another negative. I think that's it for this month and I'm absolutely gutted. I really thought it was happening and was even daring to let myself daydream a little bit. I think I'm reaching the end of my rope and have made an appointment with the doctor to talk about it all. It's been almost a year since we started trying for No 2 and I'm ready to take some tests and maybe get some answers.
This is one of those situations where the NHS is a nightmare. I'm not sick, I'm certainly not dying so it will be considered low priority. Because we already have Toby I know I'm going to have to fight for any attention. I'm dreading the whole experience but I think it's time to just do something. I've booked my appointment with a doctor at our practice who I know has quad boys via IVF so I'm hoping that he'll be understanding. Either that or he'll just think I'm being frivolous. I can't imagine what he and his wife went through before finally having IVF. It's not like in the US where it's so readily available.
I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow or even tonight after pizza and cake for dinner. I think it's just been so hard this month because I really believed it was happening.
This is one of those situations where the NHS is a nightmare. I'm not sick, I'm certainly not dying so it will be considered low priority. Because we already have Toby I know I'm going to have to fight for any attention. I'm dreading the whole experience but I think it's time to just do something. I've booked my appointment with a doctor at our practice who I know has quad boys via IVF so I'm hoping that he'll be understanding. Either that or he'll just think I'm being frivolous. I can't imagine what he and his wife went through before finally having IVF. It's not like in the US where it's so readily available.
I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow or even tonight after pizza and cake for dinner. I think it's just been so hard this month because I really believed it was happening.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Our schoolboy
Well, Toby is a schoolboy now. He had his second morning of preschool today and he's really enjoying it. Yesterday, I stayed for about an hour in the morning at the request of the Headteacher to help 'settle' Toby into preschool life. Toby took very little notice of me and I ended up sitting/squatting on a tiny chair in the corner watching him play with the other children. I arrived to pick him up fifteen minutes early, again at the request of the Headteacher, and arrived just as Tobes was getting upset about not getting a second biscuit. The children get a biscuit and a drink (milk or water) as a snack and Toby wanted more. Yep, that's my boy!
This morning Tobes ran into the classroom, chucked his coat and scarf in my general direction and didn't even look up when I said goodbye. Just waved over his shoulder as if swatting away a fly and said 'Bye, Mama!'. OK, I know my place.
The best bit was when I went to pick him up and he came running over to see me, arms outstretched, big smile on his face. My God, that made up for every sleepless night, every cookie crumb in my bed, everytime we went out and I realised that I had forgotten to brush my teeth because the morning had been so stressful. That's the only time this week that I really thought I was going to cry, and it was from absolute joy.
Still haven't abandoned my little obsession though and have been using up my stash of pregnancy tests. Five so far and five negatives. I did find a brilliant website that proves that some women are even more crazy than I am. The site is www.peeonastick.com and it's for POAS addicts like me. It even includes tips on dismantling tests to make ABSOLUTELY sure there is no line. Hilarious.
This morning Tobes ran into the classroom, chucked his coat and scarf in my general direction and didn't even look up when I said goodbye. Just waved over his shoulder as if swatting away a fly and said 'Bye, Mama!'. OK, I know my place.
The best bit was when I went to pick him up and he came running over to see me, arms outstretched, big smile on his face. My God, that made up for every sleepless night, every cookie crumb in my bed, everytime we went out and I realised that I had forgotten to brush my teeth because the morning had been so stressful. That's the only time this week that I really thought I was going to cry, and it was from absolute joy.
Still haven't abandoned my little obsession though and have been using up my stash of pregnancy tests. Five so far and five negatives. I did find a brilliant website that proves that some women are even more crazy than I am. The site is www.peeonastick.com and it's for POAS addicts like me. It even includes tips on dismantling tests to make ABSOLUTELY sure there is no line. Hilarious.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Monday, February 21, 2005
The minds of children
This morning I asked Toby if he could do me a favour and bring me the phone. He said 'I do you favour, Mama? You want vanilla?'.
Think about it.
Think about it.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Lecithin is our friend
Went to Blackheath this morning to see The Flat. I rang the estate agent to double-check our appointment only to be told that the owners had decided to 'put everything on hold' for a while. Hmmmm, in estate-agent-speak I think that means that after the stampede of people wanting to view the flat they've decided to take it off the market for a while and then put it back on at a higher price. I was afraid it was too good to be true and it looks like I was right.
Thank goodness we had something else to look forward to today. Elizabeth (fellow Southern gal) and Andrew had invited us over for what can only be described as a feast. Elizabeth's Mom and Dad came over from Georgia and very kindly brought over some of my most favourite American delicacies. Now, when I say delicacies what I mean is American 'foodstuff' that probably wouldn't actually qualify as food under the European Trades Description Act. I'm talking Velveeta cheese, Hamburger Helper, Ranch Dressing, Jello Chocolate Pudding with Dream Whip and Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip cookies. So bad, but sooooooo good. Perfect comfort food after a disappointing morning.
So we ate and talked and laughed a lot and I lost all trace of my pseudo English accent as I enjoyed the friendly, open, uniquely Americaness of the evening. Heaven.
Nana & Grumpa and Elizabeth & Andrew - A great big Thank You!!
And just for anyone who might be counting:
Number of pregnancy tests so far: 2
Number of positives: 0
Still early days though.
Thank goodness we had something else to look forward to today. Elizabeth (fellow Southern gal) and Andrew had invited us over for what can only be described as a feast. Elizabeth's Mom and Dad came over from Georgia and very kindly brought over some of my most favourite American delicacies. Now, when I say delicacies what I mean is American 'foodstuff' that probably wouldn't actually qualify as food under the European Trades Description Act. I'm talking Velveeta cheese, Hamburger Helper, Ranch Dressing, Jello Chocolate Pudding with Dream Whip and Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip cookies. So bad, but sooooooo good. Perfect comfort food after a disappointing morning.
So we ate and talked and laughed a lot and I lost all trace of my pseudo English accent as I enjoyed the friendly, open, uniquely Americaness of the evening. Heaven.
Nana & Grumpa and Elizabeth & Andrew - A great big Thank You!!
And just for anyone who might be counting:
Number of pregnancy tests so far: 2
Number of positives: 0
Still early days though.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
I Love London
Had the most fantastic day in London. I made a picnic lunch for the train then we decided to splurge and rather than tackle the Underground we took a taxi to the theatre. Postman Pat was really cute. Tobes was a bit reticent when he heard there was a dragon in the play, but after the interval he was singing along with the other children.
After the play we took another taxi to Covent Garden. I love it there. We watched the street performers on the cobbled square and then, as if by magic, it started to snow! It was a perfect London moment.
We ducked into the warmth of Porters for a dinner of pie and chips for J, suet pudding and veg for me and chicken, chips and baked beans for Tobes with a chocolate chip pudding and chocolate custard for dessert. It was all wonderful. By the end of the evening we were talking about moving to Covent Garden.
Once we got back to Chislehurst we decided to do a drive-by at the flat in Blackheath. We wanted to see it at night and see how busy and noisy things were on a Saturday night in Blackheath. J fell in love with the flat too! Now we're both desperate to get it. We go for another viewing at 11.30 tomorrow and, if J likes the inside as much as he likes the outside, we'll make an offer. I'm so excited but so nervous too.
OK, going to go spend some time with J now that Tobes is down for the night. We took some pics today and I'll post them ASAP.
After the play we took another taxi to Covent Garden. I love it there. We watched the street performers on the cobbled square and then, as if by magic, it started to snow! It was a perfect London moment.
We ducked into the warmth of Porters for a dinner of pie and chips for J, suet pudding and veg for me and chicken, chips and baked beans for Tobes with a chocolate chip pudding and chocolate custard for dessert. It was all wonderful. By the end of the evening we were talking about moving to Covent Garden.
Once we got back to Chislehurst we decided to do a drive-by at the flat in Blackheath. We wanted to see it at night and see how busy and noisy things were on a Saturday night in Blackheath. J fell in love with the flat too! Now we're both desperate to get it. We go for another viewing at 11.30 tomorrow and, if J likes the inside as much as he likes the outside, we'll make an offer. I'm so excited but so nervous too.
OK, going to go spend some time with J now that Tobes is down for the night. We took some pics today and I'll post them ASAP.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Has it been a whole month already?
Just about time to start peeing on sticks again! This is the best time when we're trying for a baby. That time in between 'trying' and knowing for sure if we are or not. Right now, I can dream that I do have a little one in there snuggling in for a nine month stay. In a few days and few hundred tests I'll know for sure.
Saw a flat in Blackheath today and totally fell in love with it! It's a bit more than we were thinking of paying (isn't it always) but it's immaculate. We could move in and not do a thing to the place. After virtually rebuilding this house that sounds like heaven. It has three good-sized bedrooms, a huge bathroom and.... drumroll please..... a utility room with space for a dryer!! It's a dream home! The only issue is that the living room and kitchen are open plan, which I like, but there's no dining room and not a lot of space for a dining table. We'd have to get creative. It's a flat, so no garden, but it does have a roof terrace and it's about ten yards from the heath which is a huge park. I looooooove it. J is going to see it on Sunday and I know he's going to love it too. There have already been thirteen viewings though so I think we'll be in for a battle for it. I feel like we probably won't get it just because we haven't even put our house on the market yet and I would guess that someone else could move faster. I do think it's going to become the measuring stick against which we compare every other place we see from now on.
Toby starts preschool on Tuesday. They changed his days to Tuesday and Wednesday, which is fine. It gives us a day at home to rest after the weekend before we get busy again. I've got to write his name on all of his clothes, shoes, wellies, etc this weekend. Years and years ago Jason's mum gave me some tiny labels that say 'Futers'. She used them to label Jason's clothes when he was at school and now I'm going to use them for Toby's. I've had them in a drawer for so long and I used to get them out and dream about the child who might use them one day. Now he's here!
Tobes is getting excited about school. I received the information pack and this term they're going to be learning about shapes. We've been talking about what he'll do at school and about his teacher and going to the potty at school. Potty training has, unfortunately, come to a standstill. Toby started getting tense about it so I backed off. Hopefully once he sees the other kids using the bathroom he'll want to do the same.
OK, time to hit the grocery store. My Valentine treat for the guys is a trip to the theatre tomorrow. We're going to see a groundbreaking production of.... Postman Pat! I think Toby will love it. It's at Sadlers Wells and we're going to have dinner at Porter's in Covent Garden afterwards. Toby has Tumbletots in the morning so the poor guy is going to crash tomorrow night!
Saw a flat in Blackheath today and totally fell in love with it! It's a bit more than we were thinking of paying (isn't it always) but it's immaculate. We could move in and not do a thing to the place. After virtually rebuilding this house that sounds like heaven. It has three good-sized bedrooms, a huge bathroom and.... drumroll please..... a utility room with space for a dryer!! It's a dream home! The only issue is that the living room and kitchen are open plan, which I like, but there's no dining room and not a lot of space for a dining table. We'd have to get creative. It's a flat, so no garden, but it does have a roof terrace and it's about ten yards from the heath which is a huge park. I looooooove it. J is going to see it on Sunday and I know he's going to love it too. There have already been thirteen viewings though so I think we'll be in for a battle for it. I feel like we probably won't get it just because we haven't even put our house on the market yet and I would guess that someone else could move faster. I do think it's going to become the measuring stick against which we compare every other place we see from now on.
Toby starts preschool on Tuesday. They changed his days to Tuesday and Wednesday, which is fine. It gives us a day at home to rest after the weekend before we get busy again. I've got to write his name on all of his clothes, shoes, wellies, etc this weekend. Years and years ago Jason's mum gave me some tiny labels that say 'Futers'. She used them to label Jason's clothes when he was at school and now I'm going to use them for Toby's. I've had them in a drawer for so long and I used to get them out and dream about the child who might use them one day. Now he's here!
Tobes is getting excited about school. I received the information pack and this term they're going to be learning about shapes. We've been talking about what he'll do at school and about his teacher and going to the potty at school. Potty training has, unfortunately, come to a standstill. Toby started getting tense about it so I backed off. Hopefully once he sees the other kids using the bathroom he'll want to do the same.
OK, time to hit the grocery store. My Valentine treat for the guys is a trip to the theatre tomorrow. We're going to see a groundbreaking production of.... Postman Pat! I think Toby will love it. It's at Sadlers Wells and we're going to have dinner at Porter's in Covent Garden afterwards. Toby has Tumbletots in the morning so the poor guy is going to crash tomorrow night!
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Isn't it funny...
how our children reflect our lives and priorities, especially in these early years when they still have some respect for their parents. Today Tobes and I walked down to Cafe Rouge for lunch and as we were leaving Toby pointed to a parking space right in front of the restaurant and said 'That's a great space for you, Mommy'. Hmmm, I guess that comes from not having off-street parking at the house and spending the better part of many afternoons circling the block looking for a space.
I remember once when Tobes was about 18 months old and we were out having lunch, the waiter brought the bill and Toby picked up his Crayola to sign it. You would think I might cut back on our lunches out after that, wouldn't you?
I think it's even worse when you hear your own words spoken back to you. Yesterday was a tough day, the grocery order was over two hours late, Tobes was cranky as hell after all the sugar the day before and potty training is not going so smoothly. I had just managed to wrestle Tobes down on the floor to change his nappy when the doorbell rang, the grocery order had finally arrived. I admit that an expletive did pass my lips as I got up to answer the door. I was in a foul mood. When I came back to Tobes he had on his 'telling off' face and said very matter-of-factly while shaking his head 'Naughty Mommy said a bad word. We don't say 'f**k', we say 'crikey'.' Well, what can you say to that. He has a point.
I remember once when Tobes was about 18 months old and we were out having lunch, the waiter brought the bill and Toby picked up his Crayola to sign it. You would think I might cut back on our lunches out after that, wouldn't you?
I think it's even worse when you hear your own words spoken back to you. Yesterday was a tough day, the grocery order was over two hours late, Tobes was cranky as hell after all the sugar the day before and potty training is not going so smoothly. I had just managed to wrestle Tobes down on the floor to change his nappy when the doorbell rang, the grocery order had finally arrived. I admit that an expletive did pass my lips as I got up to answer the door. I was in a foul mood. When I came back to Tobes he had on his 'telling off' face and said very matter-of-factly while shaking his head 'Naughty Mommy said a bad word. We don't say 'f**k', we say 'crikey'.' Well, what can you say to that. He has a point.
Monday, February 14, 2005
A dream coming true??
I'm so excited. Our friends Jim & Kellie might be moving to Houston and they wanted to know if we would be interested in buying a beach house in Galveston with them! They have two job offers and they'll either be in Houston or Chicago and they're trying to weigh it all up now. Having a beach house would definitely be one in the 'pro' column for Houston. Kellie and I have been scouring realtor websites and talking about furniture and decorating. It will be very cool if it happens.
Ever since Toby was born I've wanted to be able to spend 'real' time in the US. Not just vacation time, but real time living an American life. I want for it to all be normal to Tobes and not some novelty item in his heritage. J and I have talked about a holiday home for years and this could be a great solution. It's going to be interesting to see how it all pans out.
We had a nice weekend. Went to the mall and movies on Saturday, then went out to Blackheath to look around and have lunch on Sunday before going to one of Toby's friend's birthday party. We exchanged Valentine cards and chocs on Sunday too and Tobes was on the sugar roller coaster all day. Such a nightmare. We really should know better. Today is a No Sugar day. Gotta try to detox the kiddo a little bit.
Ever since Toby was born I've wanted to be able to spend 'real' time in the US. Not just vacation time, but real time living an American life. I want for it to all be normal to Tobes and not some novelty item in his heritage. J and I have talked about a holiday home for years and this could be a great solution. It's going to be interesting to see how it all pans out.
We had a nice weekend. Went to the mall and movies on Saturday, then went out to Blackheath to look around and have lunch on Sunday before going to one of Toby's friend's birthday party. We exchanged Valentine cards and chocs on Sunday too and Tobes was on the sugar roller coaster all day. Such a nightmare. We really should know better. Today is a No Sugar day. Gotta try to detox the kiddo a little bit.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
My boy wants to potty all the time...
Feeling so much better so I thought I would tackle the mountain of chores, errands, things 'to do' that have piled up while we've been ill. First thing was the laundry which, for reasons discussed in my earlier message, is always a huge pain. I've managed to do four loads now - one is being cooked in the 'dryer' and three are dispersed around the house and steaming on the radiators.
Next, a good tidy-up, organise the recycling, sort out Toby's toys and find something for dinner that will be gentle on the stomach.
And the final task... the one I've been dreading... start potty training. Toby is actually supposed to be fully toilet trained before he starts preschool on the 21st but, because it's a new school and they need students, they're willing to be a little flexible. He can start in a Pull-Up but we have to start training now in the hope that once he sees the other kids using the bathroom he'll want to do the same.
Now, here's the problem. Tobes has always loved his potty and for months now he's been quite happy to sit on it and produce a dribble of wee or even a tiny poo a couple of times. The part he doesn't understand is NOT weeing and pooing in his pants. He doesn't seem to understand that he should hold it in and then put it all in the potty. I've been trying to communicate this to him but it's just not getting through and I fear the house will start smelling like the stairwell of an Underground station soon, if it doesn't already.
Oh well, I'm willing to test the limits of the school's fexibility on this issue. I don't want for it to become a big stessful thing for Toby (or me!) so we'll just take it as it comes.
Next, a good tidy-up, organise the recycling, sort out Toby's toys and find something for dinner that will be gentle on the stomach.
And the final task... the one I've been dreading... start potty training. Toby is actually supposed to be fully toilet trained before he starts preschool on the 21st but, because it's a new school and they need students, they're willing to be a little flexible. He can start in a Pull-Up but we have to start training now in the hope that once he sees the other kids using the bathroom he'll want to do the same.
Now, here's the problem. Tobes has always loved his potty and for months now he's been quite happy to sit on it and produce a dribble of wee or even a tiny poo a couple of times. The part he doesn't understand is NOT weeing and pooing in his pants. He doesn't seem to understand that he should hold it in and then put it all in the potty. I've been trying to communicate this to him but it's just not getting through and I fear the house will start smelling like the stairwell of an Underground station soon, if it doesn't already.
Oh well, I'm willing to test the limits of the school's fexibility on this issue. I don't want for it to become a big stessful thing for Toby (or me!) so we'll just take it as it comes.
Oddities of Britain I
I love living in England but sometimes I just have to vent. Do feel free to add your own observations!
- Ice, or the lack of it in cold drinks. I know this is an easy shot but it does irritate me. Tobes and I went to McDonalds recently and my Diet Coke didn't have a bit of ice in it and it wasn't even very cold. I've heard the whole climate argument - not hot here so people don't care about ice, etc - but come on, it's not about temperature it's about taste. Coke tastes so much better ice cold and yet I have lots of English friends who keep their Coke on the counter or in a cabinet and drink it at room temperature! It even says on the bottle 'Best served ice cold' so it's really just a matter of following instructions. You wouldn't drink a mug of cold tea or coffee so why drink a lukewarm Coke??
- Electric windows in cars on the front two windows only. It seems strange to me to have both electric and crank windows in one car but if you're going to do this then shouldn't the electric windows be in the back? If the driver is the only person in the car he or she can always lean across and crank down the passenger window but they would have to be a contortionist to reach around and crank down the back windows. I know because I've tried and I am definitely no contortionist. Just doesn't make sense to me.
- This is a big one - lorries (semis) on the M25 during rush hour. I wish I had a pound for the number of times I've sit in parking lot traffic on the M25 surrounded by lorries. Remove the trucks and it would make a HUGE difference. In Texas most things are shipped by truck overnight so you don't get these huge vehicles clogging up the roads all day. Here it seems that truck drivers work 9-5 like everyone else which means that the roads are packed with lorries all day while everyone else is trying to get to work and back again. There should be restricted hours for shipping, at least during rush hour but preferably making all shipping an overnight job. Jason says that it would cost the companies too much because they would have to pay the drivers extra to work 'unsociable' hours. I say the government should supplement that money to make it possible. It would greatly improve the traffic situation and probably save money in the end because they wouldn't need to build new roads. Someone elect me Mayor of London please!
- Not having a clothes dryer. Yes, they do have dryers in England but you don't see them very often. First, you need to have room for one. If you're lucky enough to have a good-sized kitchen you'll probably go for a dishwasher in the extra space rather than a dryer (and often there's not even room for a dishwasher). I've seen people with a dryer in their dining room, but I wouldn't like that. We have a combination washer/dryer in our kitchen which means that the dryer part is a condensation dryer and isn't vented so it basically cooks the clothes dry and it takes quite literally HOURS to dry a very tiny load of clothes. So what you generally get is loads of damp laundry hanging up on all the radiators and any available hanging space inside the house (so often it's too cold or wet to hang them outside). It just seems so Victorian and silly in the 21st century to have clothes hanging up all over the house. What I wouldn't give for a separate utility room with a big top-loading washer and huge vented dryer. Ahhhhh, now that's luxury.
I knew it had to happen
Tuesday night, or more correctly very early Wednesday morning, I was up taking care of Toby and started feeling nauseous. I thought it was just exhaustion but a few hours later I was tossing my cookies. J had gone back to work but I had to ring him by 9.30 and ask him to come home. Oh yuck.
Spent all day yesterday in bed and feel better this morning though still a bit fragile. I sincerely hope that this it and the Futers household is done with illness for quite a while.
Spent all day yesterday in bed and feel better this morning though still a bit fragile. I sincerely hope that this it and the Futers household is done with illness for quite a while.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Katherine Nightingale
Oh dear, Tobes is ill. Pancake party cancelled. Went to the doc's and they say he has a virus so we just have to ride it out. J is still ill too. He went to the doc's yesterday and was very lucky to get one of the better doctors. The Dr said J should've had antibiotics for his tooth and that he also had an upper respiratory infection, gastritis and was basically knackered. So J is on antibiotics, something else for his stomach and bedrest. Miraculously I'm still well so I'm playing nursemaid.
Oh well, we can freeze the pancakes I made last night and have them later in the week or even sometime next week.
Off to make tea and toast for Poorly Guy Number 1 and juice and biscuits for Poorly Guy Number 2.
Oh well, we can freeze the pancakes I made last night and have them later in the week or even sometime next week.
Off to make tea and toast for Poorly Guy Number 1 and juice and biscuits for Poorly Guy Number 2.
Monday, February 07, 2005
House moves and ill hubbies
I've been thinking about my feeling of unease and I think it's because we're talking about moving AGAIN. In the last five years we've moved five times, and usually big moves - Cambridge to London, London to Tokyo and back again, London to a flat in Chislehurst and then six months later we moved into our house. We've been here just over a year and now we're talking about moving back into London to an area called Blackheath. We miss London and I think it would be the right move for us but.... GAHHHD! It makes me tired just thinking about it.
I need a hometown, an anchor. I like feeling a part of a community and, now that I'm sure we'll leave Chislehurst, I don't want to invest myself too much here. So we're just floating. Trying to find a place to put down roots. I think there's more urgency now that we have Toby. I lived in the same small suburb of Dallas from the age of 4 - 20 and it was great. I want the same for Tobes. My parents live about four hours drive away from Dallas now and I think that contributes to my feeling of being disconnected. When we visit them it's not my old home, just the place where my parents live.
But all of that is a huge and probably lifelong issue. I'll worry about it for a few days then put it back in its box ready to come out another day.
The lunch yesterday went really well. It was great to see Pete and Philippa and the food all turned out really nice (God bless Nigella). Then around midnight last night J woke up, went to the loo and was violently sick. I don't think it was the food though because Tobes and I have felt fine. Jason has been ill off and on for about six weeks but hasn't stopped long enough to really recover. He had a wisdom tooth pulled on Wednesday and I think that's just pushed his body over the limit. Poor guy is upstairs sleeping now and will see the doc this afternoon. Hope they can help but I think rest is going to be his best medicine.
Going back to his tooth, I was very surprised that they didn't stitch it. He just has an open hole where the tooth used to be. They also didn't give him any antibiotics to combat infection and no painkillers either. It's been a long time but when I worked for a dentist in Dallas he always put in a couple of stitches, prescribed antibiotics and painkillers. Have things changed or is this a British/National Health difference? I hate things like that. Cutting corners to save money. I had to fight for J's doctor's appointment today too. Our practice here is completely crap to be perfectly honest. I don't think I've seen the same doctor twice and half the time it's just temporary locums with no investment in the practice or local community. Grrrrrrr, drives me crazy.
I talked to Mom and Dad last night and Nik is doing well in Chicago. She's been doing a lot of sightseeing and getting to know the city. Sounds like she's having a good time.
And tomorrow is Shrove Tuesday which is celebrated as Mardi Gras in Texas - with drinking, crawfish, music and King cakes - and is Pancake Day in England - with, uh, pancakes. I do like Pancake Day though and we're having Toby's playgroup over to eat pancakes and make Valentine's Day cards. Traditionally the English pancakes are more what I would call a crepe - very thin cakes that you roll and serve with lemon juice and sugar. I thought it would be easier to eat Amercan-style silver dollar pancakes, which are very small ones. I'm going to do blueberry and banana with a little sugar on top and we can have them with our tea in the afternoon after all the strenuous card making. Really looking forward to it.
I need a hometown, an anchor. I like feeling a part of a community and, now that I'm sure we'll leave Chislehurst, I don't want to invest myself too much here. So we're just floating. Trying to find a place to put down roots. I think there's more urgency now that we have Toby. I lived in the same small suburb of Dallas from the age of 4 - 20 and it was great. I want the same for Tobes. My parents live about four hours drive away from Dallas now and I think that contributes to my feeling of being disconnected. When we visit them it's not my old home, just the place where my parents live.
But all of that is a huge and probably lifelong issue. I'll worry about it for a few days then put it back in its box ready to come out another day.
The lunch yesterday went really well. It was great to see Pete and Philippa and the food all turned out really nice (God bless Nigella). Then around midnight last night J woke up, went to the loo and was violently sick. I don't think it was the food though because Tobes and I have felt fine. Jason has been ill off and on for about six weeks but hasn't stopped long enough to really recover. He had a wisdom tooth pulled on Wednesday and I think that's just pushed his body over the limit. Poor guy is upstairs sleeping now and will see the doc this afternoon. Hope they can help but I think rest is going to be his best medicine.
Going back to his tooth, I was very surprised that they didn't stitch it. He just has an open hole where the tooth used to be. They also didn't give him any antibiotics to combat infection and no painkillers either. It's been a long time but when I worked for a dentist in Dallas he always put in a couple of stitches, prescribed antibiotics and painkillers. Have things changed or is this a British/National Health difference? I hate things like that. Cutting corners to save money. I had to fight for J's doctor's appointment today too. Our practice here is completely crap to be perfectly honest. I don't think I've seen the same doctor twice and half the time it's just temporary locums with no investment in the practice or local community. Grrrrrrr, drives me crazy.
I talked to Mom and Dad last night and Nik is doing well in Chicago. She's been doing a lot of sightseeing and getting to know the city. Sounds like she's having a good time.
And tomorrow is Shrove Tuesday which is celebrated as Mardi Gras in Texas - with drinking, crawfish, music and King cakes - and is Pancake Day in England - with, uh, pancakes. I do like Pancake Day though and we're having Toby's playgroup over to eat pancakes and make Valentine's Day cards. Traditionally the English pancakes are more what I would call a crepe - very thin cakes that you roll and serve with lemon juice and sugar. I thought it would be easier to eat Amercan-style silver dollar pancakes, which are very small ones. I'm going to do blueberry and banana with a little sugar on top and we can have them with our tea in the afternoon after all the strenuous card making. Really looking forward to it.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Why am I awake?
I should definitely be sleeping. We're having friends over for lunch tomorrow and I'm doing the full English Sunday lunch - roast beef, roast potatoes and honey roasted parsnips, various veg and even Yorkshire puds. I need to be well-rested. I went a bit mad with the beef. I always worry about not having enough and ended up hauling about half a cow home. J will be eating roast beef sandwiches for lunch all week.
Had an unsettling dream last night and woke up with the blues this morning. In the dream I realised that we should be living in the US and it all seemed so clear and straightforward. Didn't seem simple in the light of day, still the same complicated, difficult decisions. Anyone reading this has probably heard me say this before but, when you love two countries you never really feel at home in either one. You're always missing the other one. Ugh. So true.
On a happier note, my sister is in Chicago now at a post-grad fair thingy. Lots of universities meet up and interview potential post-grad students and my sister is one of the students attending. Her first degree is in stage design and she wants to take it further with a Masters. I'm so excited for her. UC San Diego are flying her out for an interview later this month and I know she'll get lots of interest at the fair. She's also applied to St Martins here in London (how much would I love that!!) and in a couple of years I'm sure you'll be seeing her work on Broadway... or the West End in London... or anywhere there's groundbreaking theatre design. She's so cool. I wish I had half of her confidence.
I remember when Nikki was little and in pee wee drill team. She must've been about 9 so I was about 18. They were doing officer try outs and the girls were put into groups of two or three to audition. It worked out that Nikki would have to audition on her own. I was suddenly gripped with anxiety for her. The thought of dancing on my own in front of a bunch of judges and an audience of my peers would've made me wet my pants and probably throw up at the same time. When I asked Nikki if she was OK with it she smiled a big smile and said, 'Yea, it's great! It means they'll only be looking at me.' What a gal!
And now I must try to sleep. Got to build up my strength to cook Ermintrude tomorrow. Hope the Yorkshires turn out OK. This is the first time I've made them. Night night!
Had an unsettling dream last night and woke up with the blues this morning. In the dream I realised that we should be living in the US and it all seemed so clear and straightforward. Didn't seem simple in the light of day, still the same complicated, difficult decisions. Anyone reading this has probably heard me say this before but, when you love two countries you never really feel at home in either one. You're always missing the other one. Ugh. So true.
On a happier note, my sister is in Chicago now at a post-grad fair thingy. Lots of universities meet up and interview potential post-grad students and my sister is one of the students attending. Her first degree is in stage design and she wants to take it further with a Masters. I'm so excited for her. UC San Diego are flying her out for an interview later this month and I know she'll get lots of interest at the fair. She's also applied to St Martins here in London (how much would I love that!!) and in a couple of years I'm sure you'll be seeing her work on Broadway... or the West End in London... or anywhere there's groundbreaking theatre design. She's so cool. I wish I had half of her confidence.
I remember when Nikki was little and in pee wee drill team. She must've been about 9 so I was about 18. They were doing officer try outs and the girls were put into groups of two or three to audition. It worked out that Nikki would have to audition on her own. I was suddenly gripped with anxiety for her. The thought of dancing on my own in front of a bunch of judges and an audience of my peers would've made me wet my pants and probably throw up at the same time. When I asked Nikki if she was OK with it she smiled a big smile and said, 'Yea, it's great! It means they'll only be looking at me.' What a gal!
And now I must try to sleep. Got to build up my strength to cook Ermintrude tomorrow. Hope the Yorkshires turn out OK. This is the first time I've made them. Night night!
Friday, February 04, 2005
Bits and pieces
A few snippets from yesterday:
- Looked at a quite charming house in Blackheath but was put off by the dozen or so tower blocks of government housing surrounding it.
- Finished the eagerly awaited Sue Grafton detective novel 'R is for Ricochet' and was sadly disappointed with it.
- Walking down the street in Blackheath Toby turns to me and says in a very loud and clear voice, 'MAMA, MY DINNER IS COMING OUT MY BOTTOM.'
- Woke up in the middle of the night last night and realised that Toby's preschool is run by a. pedophiles, b. kidnappers, c. people with anger management issues, d. drug dealers or e. all of the above. Think I'm starting to have some separation anxiety.
And that was Thursday.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Busy day
Got up feeling very rested and cheerful so Tobes and I decided to make pancakes. American pancakes. Big, fluffy, thick golden discs that fill you up for a week and a half. Unfortunately, we didn't have any buttermilk but they still turned out yummy. Not great for the diet but does wonders for the soul.
Then we visited a preschool right down the street from us and got Tobes all signed up. He starts on Monday 21 February!! I'm so excited. He's still on the list for the great school in September and this school is only OK but I think it will do him a world of good. The facilities aren't great but the teachers were enthusiastic and the kids looked happy and played together nicely. Tobes had a brilliant time during our visit and I think he'll really enjoy going. It's literally about six doors down from us so it'll be so easy. I could even walk him down in my PJs if I wanted to, don't think I will though but you never know. He'll go two mornings a week from 9.30 - 12.30. I think this will be a very good thing for both of us.
Then we went to the mall and I bought myself a pair of Converse sneakers. It's been well over a decade since I wore Converse but I used to love them and I felt it was time to enjoy them again. I don't wear trainers very often though and I do feel a bit like Jerry Seinfeld with the big white toes poking out from under my jeans but I'm sure I'll wear them until they fall apart.
Then we went to see Toby's friend Matthew whose birthday is today. Matthew is two today and today was just a little impromptu get-together. He's having the full blown Thomas the Tank Engine party in a couple of weeks. It was a nice afternoon. Matthew's mum, George, had some arts and crafts for the kids to do so Tobes was in heaven, then they played trains and took turns with Matthew's new Dyson toy hoover. So I'm sure Tobes will sleep well tonight.
And that's all from us. Just going to start rummaging around for something for dinner and settle down for the evening.
Here's our pancake recipe from this morning. I'm afraid it's in the British metric measurements but it's from Nigella Lawson's 'How to be a Domestic Goddess' and her books in the States are all converted to US measures if you really want to try it.
225g flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1 tsp sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
30g butter, melted and cooled
300ml milk
Just mix it all together for your batter until reasonably smooth and cook them on a skillet or on a flat griddle in a little butter until golden brown on both sides. I up the sugar to a tablespoon and I don't wait for the butter to cool which doesn't seem to make much difference. You just don't want it so hot that you end up with scrambled eggs in your batter. A few blueberries or banana slices added to the uncooked side before you flip a pancake is gorgeous. As is adding a bit of cinnamon to the batter. I love my pancakes, can you tell?
Then we visited a preschool right down the street from us and got Tobes all signed up. He starts on Monday 21 February!! I'm so excited. He's still on the list for the great school in September and this school is only OK but I think it will do him a world of good. The facilities aren't great but the teachers were enthusiastic and the kids looked happy and played together nicely. Tobes had a brilliant time during our visit and I think he'll really enjoy going. It's literally about six doors down from us so it'll be so easy. I could even walk him down in my PJs if I wanted to, don't think I will though but you never know. He'll go two mornings a week from 9.30 - 12.30. I think this will be a very good thing for both of us.
Then we went to the mall and I bought myself a pair of Converse sneakers. It's been well over a decade since I wore Converse but I used to love them and I felt it was time to enjoy them again. I don't wear trainers very often though and I do feel a bit like Jerry Seinfeld with the big white toes poking out from under my jeans but I'm sure I'll wear them until they fall apart.
Then we went to see Toby's friend Matthew whose birthday is today. Matthew is two today and today was just a little impromptu get-together. He's having the full blown Thomas the Tank Engine party in a couple of weeks. It was a nice afternoon. Matthew's mum, George, had some arts and crafts for the kids to do so Tobes was in heaven, then they played trains and took turns with Matthew's new Dyson toy hoover. So I'm sure Tobes will sleep well tonight.
And that's all from us. Just going to start rummaging around for something for dinner and settle down for the evening.
Here's our pancake recipe from this morning. I'm afraid it's in the British metric measurements but it's from Nigella Lawson's 'How to be a Domestic Goddess' and her books in the States are all converted to US measures if you really want to try it.
225g flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1 tsp sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
30g butter, melted and cooled
300ml milk
Just mix it all together for your batter until reasonably smooth and cook them on a skillet or on a flat griddle in a little butter until golden brown on both sides. I up the sugar to a tablespoon and I don't wait for the butter to cool which doesn't seem to make much difference. You just don't want it so hot that you end up with scrambled eggs in your batter. A few blueberries or banana slices added to the uncooked side before you flip a pancake is gorgeous. As is adding a bit of cinnamon to the batter. I love my pancakes, can you tell?
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