J-Bar Blog - 2009

Thursday 31st December

For a year that began with a car being driven into our garden, 2009 has been pretty good.  It's certainly been a sociable year.  My guerrilla gardening activities brought me into contact with some really nice people, as did my work at the Small World Shop and of course I've made new friends via the Fabulous Wifies.  We've seen more of our neighbours than in previous years and more of our friends and family.  And we stayed in our London house (or Ellowen Deeowen - I've also discovered I'm a Salman Rushdie fan).

The noughties has been been my favourite decade (but then 70s weren't pleasant, the 80's were miserable and the 90s - what the hell was that all about?!).  The noughties delivered three children, one husband, assorted in-laws, four nieces, and an Alan into my family.  It was also the decade I discovered bookcrossing, went geocaching, stopped smoking and started cooking.  I also moved to Prestonpans, where I hope to stay for a very long time.  

At the grand old age of 40, I've learned:
You get out of a community what you put in to it
An act of kindness is repaid tenfold
Homemade pizza is a 10000% better than shop bought
You can learn from anyone
No good comes from gossip
Some people aren't nice

My resolutions are: lose weight, be tidier, listen more, catastrophise less.

Wishing you health and happiness in 2010 and beyond.

Wednesday 30th December

 I've never really got on with reward charts but I want the girls to realise that their behaviour has consequences.  

Using a clock face template from Enchanted Learning, I made three clocks, each with a photograph of either Emily, Lucy or Georgie, with the hands showing their usual bedtime.

If I had to stop what I was doing to break up squabbling, or had to repeat myself, then bedtime became 5 minutes earlier for the guilty party/ies.  They got the chance to earn back the lost minutes by doing helpful jobs.

In other words, they waste my time, I take theirs.  They save me time, they are given time.   I'll let you know if it works.

Tuesday 29th December

In a remarkable bit of synchronisity, the first letter I opened was a new batch of Smile Cards with a list of suggestions as to how to help others.  The first on the list was 'Thank your heroes'.

The next letter I opened was a 'Help for Heroes' Christmas card with a note from my brother-in-law asking us to spare a thought for the thousands of his Army colleagues who cannot be at home this Christmas.

Heroes, like thoughts, are unique to each person.  I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I know who my heroes are, and I'll be thinking of them long after ConsumerFest is over.

The rest of the things on the Smile Card list were: "send flowers to a friend, read to a child, clean up your park, buy someone coffee, talk to a senior, leave a book at a cafe, wash someone's car, send a thank you card, pay the toll for person behind you, recycle, volunteer, donate used clothes to a shelter, send an anonymous gift to a friend, call your mom, bake cookies for a neighbour."  I haven't ever washed someone's car.

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I've spent a large chunk of today watching our newly-hatched stick insects nymphs.

Website of the day: Operation Nice - encouraging individuals to be proactively nice. (Sorry, I can't allow the 'p' word, I may be nice but I'm also classically educated).

Monday 28th December

Included in our mailbag of Christmas cards was a 'round robin' from someone on Nigel's side of the family.  I've never met this branch of the family but enjoy receiving their news and often look at their website.  This year's newsletter was particularly joyful and began by welcoming their son's wife to the family ("...we have a daughter at long last and could not be happier" - isn't that wonderful!).  

It made me think about relationships and families.  

It's entirely feasible that, by the time a person reaches their three score and ten, they may have acquired some 30 or so relatives they didn't choose (i.e. didn't marry or give birth to) but have inherited through marriage (either their own, their siblings or their offsprings).

If you're very lucky, you might have a positive relationship with this ragbag of recycled relations. Unfortunately, it is not possible to have a 'neutral' relationship with them because anything other than a positive relationship with a family member is negative.

Website of the day: Present Sense - dedicated to making sustainable gift giving easier

Sunday 27th December

I really couldn't be this slothful every day.  But it's been fun.  I'm going to miss Nigel when he returns to work.

Website of the day: The Nag - combine forces and collaboratively change things for the better.

Saturday 26th December

A supremely lazy day.  Lots of lolling about and ploughing our way through the delicious assortment of foodie gifts: NotJustAnyFairTradeHamperButM&SFairTradeHamper (thank you Christopher), a Yorkshire selection (thank you Rachel and Peter), Welsh goodies (I'm officially addicted to Welsh cakes, thank you Julie), huge tin of shortbread (thank you Kathleen and Bryson) and my favourite Anthon Berg marzipan confectionary (thank you mum and Alan)

Craft Activity of the Day: Make a stapleless 8 page book

Friday 25th December

Merry Christmas!

We had a lovely day.  We spent most of the morning opening presents and were then visited by Laura and Kev.  

One rather special gift was made on our behalf, (we eventually discovered) by Simon and Carina, to the World Land Trust Action Fund to purchase and protect threatened Orang-utan habitat in Borneo.  I was delighted with this as we already boycott Dove soap (Unilever chop down the orang-utan's forest home for palm oil).  Every year there is a surprise hit with the kids, some wee toy or other that we couldn't have imagined would be so popular.  This year it was a voice changer.

I was really pleased with Causing a Scene and am full of ideas for 2010 improv.  I also received a beautiful felt and ceramic brooch, crafted by a local artist.

Lunch was wonderful and, as always, Nigel's veggie roast (lentils, nuts and carrots) was superb.

Thursday 24th December

Every Christmas there is pressure to do what everyone else does and buy stuff we don't agree with, need or want.  Every year we resist.  Every day my values seem at odds with other peoples.

Most of the pressure comes from the Daily Whailers who complain about young people and the 'evils of the Internet' but don't seem to notice they themselves spend most of their lives in front of a screen.  

We were all out playing in the snow - even the neighbours joined in the fun - when such a person rang - to inform us that Pinnochio was on television.  What?!

Quite apart from the fact it has been the best snow in living memory, and it is very controlling to suggest what someone might want to watch in their own home, why would anyone want to watch a film about a compulsive liar?

I once worked with a compulsive liar who would add embellishments to even the most mundane of events.  He could never just buy a sandwich, it had to be the last sandwich; one made especially for him with ingredients flown in; or given for free because he is such a valued customer, that kind of thing.  

I remember one time where he was regaling everyone with details of his holiday and how he had been "upgraded to Concorde".  There was an embarrassed silence and no-one wanted to point out that the supersonic airliner had long since been grounded.  Perhaps the inflight movie was Pinnochio...

Wednesday 23rd December

It's snowing!

Nigel couldn't get into work which was nice for us but caused him some agita.  

I was desperate to get the girls outside and playing in the snow but couldn't get a sniffling Georgie to get dressed.  

"What's wrong?" I ask her.
"You won't let me say  'bloody hell'" she replies.
She eventually joined us outside and the girls and I had a fantastic time making snowmen, sliding and snowball fighting and no-one said bloody hell once.

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We visited Fay & Allan this afternoon which was another opportunity for a snowball fight.

Watched the final American Gothic this evening. It's taken us months to watch the spooky 90s series.

Website of the day: The Toy Society - a handmade toy version of bookcrossing - leave a toy for someone to find

 Tuesday 22nd December

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." Marcel Proust.

Website of the day: Little People - wee folk, left in places to fend for themselves - street art at its very best.

Monday 21st December

Emily and Lucy both had school parties today and the excitement in our house this morning was reaching fever pitch. Walking them to school we passed the decorated bus shelter.  The tinsel has gone but the Christmas tree poster is still there.
 
I'm beginning to feel a little more festive, helped by the delivery of a lovely Christmas bouquet from my in-laws.

Happy Winter Solstice!

Daft story of the day:  Priest suggests shoplifting - just nick what you want from big corporations says Father Tim....or, alternatively, steal a few quid out of the collection plate.  Ooh, check out the lead on the roof of St Lawrence and St Hilda's Church.

Sunday 20th December

I ♥ being Mrs Nigel.

Saturday 19th December

It is freezing today.  I thought Speedy looked cold unhappy so he is now residing in a cardboard box in the hall.  He seems much happier and it's really nice to walk past and see him.

Trying to get the girls to tidy their bedrooms was the biggest headache of the day.  There are clothes everywhere with barely a square inch of carpet on display. I can't stand it!

Friday 18th December

I had a quiet day at home with Georgie, who is now on holiday from nursery and Lucy, who is off school because she is full of cold.  

Emily and Nigel went through to Musselburgh Grammar this afternoon where Emily and her Girls on the Go teammates were taking part in a Fitness Festival.

This evening Nigel and I watched 'The Innocents'.  It has to be one of the most atmospheric films I've ever seen.  Not to mention downright unsettling.  I haven't read any Henry James and I don't think I'll be able to read The Turn of the Screw, on which the film was based,  without having the creepy children's voices in my head ("Oh look, a lovely spider!  And it's eating a butterfly!").

Website of the day:  Give Ross a Future - the East Lothian toddler's needs Proton Beam Therapy in the U.S. (paid for by NHS).  His family is fundraising for travel, accommodation and long term aftercare.

Thursday 17th December

Another sleepy start to the day.  Lucy had been awake during the night with a sore ear and stuffy nose but was a bit better this morning.

It was Georgie's nursery Christmas party today which she really enjoyed and told Nigel and me all about it over our Christmas lunch at the Pitstop in the Pennypit.  I had been looking forward to it and it didn't disappoint.  The tables were all festively decorated and Christmas songs were playing in the background. Starters were either Winter Broth, Prawn & Avocado Salad (which I had) or Fantail of Melon with Seasonal Berry Coulis.  For the main course, I opted for East Lothian Turkey & Trimmings but could have had Supreme of Salmon with Lemon and Parsley Butter or Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni.  The turkey was wonderfully succulent although I could have done with half as much to leave plenty room for trifle (or Christmas Pudding in Brandy Sauce, or Cranberry & Blackcurrant Sundae)  Our bargainous (£10.95) Christmas meal was finished off with coffee and mini mince pies.  I'm so glad we went there - thank you Pitstop Cafe staff and trainees.

Because of the complicated logistics of three children, two performances and a ban on children in the audience at the Infant school, Nigel went to see Lucy's nativity and Georgie and I went to watch Emily's performance of Joseph.  I really enjoyed it, especially the drumming at the start. It was great to see Emily singing out so confidently after all her practise.   Two women in front of me kept going on about kids not being allowed which made me a little uncomfortable.  I'm happy to say Georgie behaved very well, better than some of the adults certainly.  (If there is a ban on photography - don't take photos.  If you are so important that you have to make and receive telephone calls, stay away).

Lucy really wasn't well enough to return to school for a second performance so I didn't get to see her in her role as sheep #43.

Bright Idea of the Day: Why not have an official recording or school performances for viewing at a time that suits people who can't go to the live performance?  It defeats the purpose of a photography/filming ban to sell copies, unless there is some technical workaround but audio copies might be an option?)

Wednesday 16th December

Permit me a bah humbug moment....
...I sympathise with people who can't get to daytime school performances but the evening shows are incredibly disruptive to family life.   We all had a slow, sleepy, grumpy start to the day.  Lucy was snuffly and Emily forgot her snack for the pantomime visit.

After dropping Georgie off at nursery I had a look round the new-build nursery.  It's nice, bigger than I thought and very airy.  I'm going to miss the old building though. I like the quirky features like number '17' on one of the doors and the high windows.  I think the old peg hook pictures should be preserved and reproduced in a booklet.  I'm sure people would buy it as folk are quite sentimental about their child's nursery.

In the nursery raffle I won a box of Irish Cream Liqueur Butter Fudge, the same one I donated.  It contains mostly sugar, butter, condensed milk and syrup.  Confusingly, the 'nutritional information' panel informs me that it accounts for 5% of the guideline daily amount.  Of what? Irish Cream Liqueur?  Good job I've plenty Baileys in stock.

I'm very disorganised this Christmas and still have cards to write, things to make, etc.  I asked Lucy what she would like to give her teachers for Christmas.  Without a moment's hesitation she replied "For Miss Stirling, a bar of chocolate, for Mrs Leitch, a bottle of wine for Mrs Meek, some flowers.  And, for Mrs Kettell, some rollerskates".  

Later this evening, we were walking back home after collecting Emily from the panto when we had to negotiate a path around Annemarie dustbin.  The pavements on that stretch are very narrow and, as there were lots of cars about, I thought it would be kind and sensible to wheel my friend's bin back into her garden.  When I began to push it, it was heavy so I lifted the lid and realised it was awaiting collection the following morning.  I sheepishly returned it to it's original position only to come face-to-face with Emily's schoolfriend and her dad.  Goodness knows what they thought I was up to!

Tuesday 15th December

What's happened to Superdrug?  It used to be like Boots's edgier, naughty sister.  These days its more like a chavvy cousin of Semi-chem.  

It pretty much set the tone for my visit to Musselburgh this morning.  Disappointing, lacking in bargains, and tat and tinsel as far as the eye could see.  The only thing that made it worth my while was a trip to Oxfam (videos 5 for 99p) and Just the Thing (which had quite pleasant gift items).

One of our videos included Hong Kong Phooey which Georgie enjoyed (and I haven't seen since I was about her age):

"Hong Kong Phooey, number one super guy.
Hong Kong Phooey, quicker than the human eye.
He's got style, a groovy style,
and a car that just won't stop.
When the going gets tough, he's really rough,
with a Hong Kong Phooey chop (Hi-Ya!)
Hong Kong Phooey, number one super guy.
Hong Kong Phooey, quicker than the human eye.
Hong Kong Phooey, he's fan-riffic (gong!)"

Peter dropped in on his way back from Glasgow so we were able to exchange Fort/Barker Christmas presents.  My sister gave me a big fright when she said today was the last posting day (it isn't, she's a numpty).  The dates are: Second Class: Friday 18th December.  First Class:  Monday 21st December.

Website of the day:  Do the Green Thing - yet another eco-site, I know, I know, they are becoming like bags for life, but this one is good, honest.  It focusses on seven things we can all do to be more green....and brown.  And scarlet and black and ochre and peach.  And ruby and olive and violet and fawn.  And lilac and gold and chocolate and mauve.  And cream and crimson and silver and rose.  And azure and lemon and russet and grey.  And purple and white and pink and orange.  And red and yellow and .. (sorry....Emily performed in her first Joseph performance this evening.    She was pleased with how it went.  I'll have to wait until the daytime performance to see her.  She has been singing day and night for weeks.  We all now know all the words to Joseph's Coat.)

Monday 14th December

I took delivery of a fabulous hamper today, a gift from our best man (who, as we speak is gadding about in India).  Thank you Christopher x.

I had a pleasant evening crafting.  Happiness is a sharp pair of Fiskars.  Even though I say it myself, my handmade car fresheners (made from car-shaped pieces of felt infused with geranium and patchouli) are very nice!

Totally unnecessary product of the day (but, my, isn't it gorgeous): John Burgerman Wallpaper you can colour in yourself.  

Sunday 13th December

Lucy had been excited about going to her friends' birthday party today but when she got there she got all clingy and wouldn't stay.  It was so frustrating because I know she would have really enjoyed it had she plucked up the courage to join in.

Useful info: Call 01875 824305 to tell East Lothian Council about barking or stray dogs, dog fouling, fly tipping, road defects, street lighting, special uplifts, trees and litter.

Saturday 12th December

I had a busy morning with a pricing gun in the Small World this morning.  There was a last minute flurry of customers so the morning went quite quickly.

Back home I was delighted that my box of Seedboms had arrived from Kabloom.  They were a prize in a competition in Greener View.

Lucy helped me to plant some bulbs in every available planter.  We even planted up an old vacuum cleaner with tulips and daffodils.  

This evening Nigel and I watched Dark Days.  I've been interested in subterreanean living since reading Jennifer Toth's  Mole People, and Nigel's birthday present to me of Invisible Frontier: The Jinx Book of Urban Exploration reignited my  interest in the Freedom Tunnel.  

Website of  the day: Jinx  Magazine - reports of worldwide urban adventures

Friday 11th December

It has been very foggy all day.  So misty in fact that I couldn't see beyond the other side of the main road.  Annemarie's new iron railings have disappeared from view.

The weather conditions added a spooky dimension to our final speech therapy session for a while.  Edenhall Hospital used to be 'Edenhall Hostel for Limbless Sailors' - just the place you want to be wandering around in the fog.

Website of the day: East Coast FM - East Lothian's Community Radio Station - 87.7FM 

Thursday 10th December

I've noticed an increase in the amount of stressed parents and smacked children.  It's a shame that Christmas has that effect on people.  

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Lucy is delighted that she can fit into an old coat of Emily's.  It's a faux sheepskin, lined with pink 'fur'.  We were walking up the hill looking like like extras from "Where the Wild Things Are" when Lucy asked "Is my coat made from a real animal?".

"No, no, definately not" I reassured her.

"It's just a dog.  Maybe"  added Georgie.
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I've booked our trip to celebrate Chinese New Year - no, not to China but Newcastle's Chinatown.

Today is World Human Rights Day - please, send a greetings card to a prisoner of conscience around the world.

Wednesday 9th December

It was my turn to host a meeting of the Fabulous Wifies.  The evening was very loosely based on revenge-themed novels so it became a 'Just Desserts' evening (just desserts/revenge, geddit?).  

It was nice to have a couple of new members along and there was a good balance of people and personalities.  There wasn't too much in-depth book analysis (although Tiger Woods and golf-club style revenge did feature largely) but books were discussed and swapped.    I'm going to read Got You Back which, based on the cover (chic fic looking), I wouldn't have picked, but Anne really enjoyed it so I'll give it a whirl.

I was quite pleased with my Spotify playlist which created a nice backdrop to a pleasant evening which included lots of wine, laughter and streamers.

While the Fabs invaded the sitting room, Nigel and the girls were exiled to the Monkey Loft.  It sounds like they had quite an exciting evening  - next door's missing cat turned up and decided to join their party.

Tuesday 8th December

The message not to be late must have been drummed home quite hard because this morning the playground was full of bleary-eyed sleep-deprived parents.  The reason for the nagging/anxiety/excitement was the whole school trip to the panto at the Brunton.

Stop press:  I'm banning Jacqueline Wilson from this house.  OK, not the Dame, but those books of hers - misery memoirs for minors.  Oh, Yes I Am.

Monday 7th December

Fords the Bakers must be making strawberry tarts.  The fruity smell is wafting through the top 'Pans.

Sunday 6th December

I enjoyed my chicken curry at the Edinburgh Mosque - the highlight of any trip to Edinburgh.  I also had a good look round Digger which is a kitsch treasure trove of Hindu and Buddist deities, vintage style sewing kits, handmade journals and incense.

I had been looking forward to Mike Leigh's Happy-Go-Lucky, .  I liked it, but not as much as his other films.  The extremes of the main characters (angry racist and eternal optimist) jarred a little.

Saturday 5th December

It was a cold dreich morning but the welcome at St Gabriel's Christmas Fayre was warm.  We got there before the crowds but had no success on either the tombola or the 'water or wine' stall (a fun idea). I bought a Christmas present for the princely sum of 20p! 

Down the road at the Infant School, we couldn't wait to buy the tea-towels with the self portraits of all the pupils.  There were lots of lovely craft items on sale but not as many toys or as much bric a brac as in previous years.  I thought it was a masterstroke to have pizza on sale in the gym hall.  It was delicious and a great advert for Dominoes Musselburgh who were donating all proceeds to the school.

I'm always amazed at the ingenuity of the teachers.  This year, Mrs Leitch and Miss Stirling had transformed the staffroom into a bowling alley!

Then we went to the arts, craft & gift fair at the Goth where we bought another couple of Christmas gifts before having lunch there.  My soup and sandwich platter was good value but the winter vegetable broth was a little lack lustre.  Nigel was happy with his stovies though and the girls were happy with their kiddy meals, especially as they came with chips.

We burned off the calories with a brisk walk to Sam Burns where I bought yet more pretty plates and teacups.

Friday 4th December

As we began walking to school I glanced down at Georgie's feet.
"What on earth are you wearing?" I said.  "I don't know" she sniffed.
She was wearing some kind of flimsy stretchy flippy floppy deck shoe type of thing possibly designed to go scuba diving in.  Certainly not winter footwear.  One foot was noticeably bigger than the other.

If I wasn't already in a grump, I soon was when I approached the school.  The same parents who took the decision to ban children from the nativity on the grounds of safety had no hesitation in parking on double yellow lines outside the school. 

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I'm about to belatedly start writing thank you letters for the lovely birthday gifts I received.  I've also started a log of presents received prior to Christmas to make sure I keep track.  I could no more go without acknowledging someone's thoughtfulness than I could drop a bit of litter.  It never fails to surprise me how many people don't say thank you.  It's frustrating from a practical point of view as you never know whether a gift sent by post has reached its intended recipient and, in the absence of any feedback, how do you ever know what that person likes?  

Some people are easy to buy for.  Some are more difficult.  And then there are the people whom I don't know well enough to buy presents for.   I don't feel I know Nigel's brothers any better today than I did when I first met them at our wedding.  We rarely see them without their parents and they don't really keep in touch in between times.  I don't know what makes them tick, their opinions or aspirations.  But I do glean fascinating facts from my mother-in-law like Andrew's girlfriend's gran's Freeview box is on the blink.  

Slightly more interesting is that Simon's girlfriend Carina is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro today.  An uphill struggle indeed.

Thursday 3rd December

I had a meeting at the shop this morning which went on rather longer than any of us anticipated.  It's very easy to focus on the niggles and lose sight of the bigger picture.  

Today is the 25th anniversary of the Bhopal disaster.  In the shop we sell leather goods made by people who lost their family members in the tragedy.

 A quarter of a century after the world's worst industrial accident, people are still struggling, children in the area are being born with birth defects, and no-one has been brought to justice or accepted responsibility.

New Book Launch: Bhopal Survivors Speak: Emergent Voices from a People's Movement  -  Eurig Scandrett.

Wednesday 2nd December

Georgie used to get her eyes and her ears mixed up, pointing to her ears saying her eyes hurt and vice versa.  She has only just begun to get it right and today, the day after getting her "hears" tested, she went to get her eyes looked at.  The poor wee thing has conjuctivitis (which, to be fair, looks far worse than it is).

Tuesday 1st December

Walking up Cockburn Street this morning I noticed an object in a shop window, the purpose of which was either a) to imbibe substances or b) to liven up one's sex life.  I couldn't tell which.  I'm not sure whether that makes me naive or deviant.

We were in Edinburgh to take Georgie to her hearing assessment.  One ear is still outside the normal range but this will not affect her speech and she will continue to be monitored.

We had time for lunch at the City Cafe then a look round the Nicholson Street charity shops.  I bought a 'Bah Humbug' set of led lights from Save the Children - now there's a shop that could benefit from the Mary Portas touch.

Our over the road neighbours have put up rather fetching blue lights along their balcony.

Website of the day:  Buglife - devoted to the conservation of all invertebrates from bees to beetles, and spiders to snails.  Lots of activity sheets too!

Monday 30th November

Happy St Andrew's Day!  I'm glad "SNP's Homecringing" is finally over - it turned into a backwards looking folly.  I prefer looking forwards.

Yes, we are having haggism but with sweet potato rather than the traditional haggis and neeps.  Incidentally, I discovered that although sweet potatoes are grown in Polynesia, no-one really knows how they got there from their earliest traceable homeland of Taiwan.  It' a mystery, a bit like a root vegetable version of the Easter Island Heads.

Website of the day:  Send a Smile - help Blue Peter to provide surgical gowns (from old t-shirts) for children receiving cleft operations in India.  It's easy to do!!!

Sunday 29th November

I am 40.  I feel that there has been some kind of administrative error.

I had breakfast in bed and a lazy start to the day.  Nigel and the girls gave me fantastic craft items (including a Dremel multitool, cutting boards and blades), brilliant books about urbexing and clothes.  My mum had got me the outdoor trompe l'eoil I've been coveting from DZD, and also sent my birthday cake (which arrived wrapped in a beautiful sari).  My sisters had put together an enormous wicker hamper containing 40 well thought out items including a 'virtual' gift of 50 trees being planted in my honour, CDs of my birthday # 1s through the years, lavender-scented coasters ... the array of gifts was staggering and I was still discovering presents an hour later.  

Best of all, Nigel has been working on my blog (this one) to make it a proper blog with comments etc!  Watch this space.  He also made me a lovely kedgeree and looked after me all day.

Thanks to everyone who made it special.

Saturday 28th November

It was a busy day in the Small World shop with the first customers arriving before we had officially opened.  There were three large orders going out, a few customers and a last minute order to be made up.

I'm putting something together for an article in a local publication so had a root around the files to glean some dates and names.  Frustratingly, none of the press cuttings were dated and the only article I found that might possibly have helped declared that the shop had opened "two years ago", again undated.

Rosemary and Carol returned from the Town Hall where Prestongrange Church had been having a Coffee Morning.  Rosemary presented me with a large tin of chocolate biscuits which Nigel and the girls had won in the raffle.  Not bad for "Buy Nothing Day".

This evening I went to Leona's house for cocktails and canapes.  It was a very nice evening and Leona is a lovely host.  My only misgiving is that there weren't more fabulous wifies there.  When people who already know each other start blethering, it's very easy to become excluded from the chat.  I try to regain the conversation in a bid to include others but am aware that this can be misinterpreted.   I think I had a cosmopolitan, a kir royale, a flirtini and a mohito.  It's all a little hazy.

Website of the day:  Docstoc - it's likely that the form, template, chart etc you need is here

Friday 27th November

At speech therapy today I was really pleased that Lucy waited patiently playing with her WoWbag.  Two much older children were fighting and screeching while their mum looked on.    I was glad when their session was finished and the waiting room was quiet again.  It wasn't empty for long though as familiar faces trooped in (but with much better behaved children).  Nigel and Emily returned from their shopping expedition in Musselburgh at just the right time and we able to travel home together.  

The speech therapists are re-jigging future sessions so that Lucy and Georgie will be there at the same time which is very helpful and much preferable to spending nearly two hours in what has to be the hottest building in the Northern hemisphere.

Website of the day:  ShapeTrace - looks and sounds simple but is very tricky

Thursday 26th November

There are some things I say that are so predictable I could have them recorded and save myself the daily bother, e.g.:
"...but other people are allowed".  
"Well I'm not other people...."

Then, there are the conversations that I could never have predicted:
"Ooh, look Theodora has invited us to a Winter Solstice gathering"
"Theodora?  Is she a Guerrilla or a Fabulous Wifey?"

And then there was today's gem which didn't end as I expected.
I was cleaning out an unusually dirty and smelly guinea pig hutch while Nigel looked on.
"I had no idea...."
No, this sentence did not end with "...that this job that you alone carry out is so unpleasant and time-consuming - here let me help" but...
"that the mod scooter scene was so big in Doncaster"

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Instead of having an actual turkey for Thanksgiving, we sponsored the word 'turkey' from adopt-a-word.  We did have slices of turkey ham with our cauliflower cheese though, so you could say I 'ate my words'.

Wednesday 25th November

Emily came home with a book of raffle tickets from school.  The accompanying letter explains that the children have written to local businesses asking for donations and that they "hope to have a good response".  I hope they do too but I wouldn't be approaching local businesses unless the organisation already had strong links with them.  By which I mean, employees having lunch at the school, handing out awards to pupils, hosting exhibitions and giving talks etc. And frequent (not yearly, just before Christmas) contact with the school acknowledging their support and demonstrating its value.

During these difficult times and, in the absence of a real relationship with local organisations, I would be firing off emails to online retailers asking for donations or vouchers.    Or perhaps looking at totally new ways of raising the cash.

I heard of a novel fundraising idea recently.  Instead of asking for £1 for dress down day, a school asked pupils to donate a raffle or tombola prize for the forthcoming Christmas Fayre.   The pupils responded enthusiastically and the ensuing fayre raised a record amount.

Meantime, I'm happy to buy raffle tickets, make traybake, donate a bottle etc, but I would love to see a different approach to fundraising, say through grants and awards (it won't be easy, especially now Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland has suspended its grant-making programme, but this funding website should help).

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The girls may laugh at my 'wolf' coat (vintage Komodo fair trade faux fur bought second hand in Portobello I'll have you know) but while the rest of the parents were shivering in the playground, I stood there like a giant womble feeling wonderfully cosy.

Website of the day:  Golden Time - free activities and ideas for KS1 & KS2

Tuesday 24th November

Nigel and I weren't the best hosts when Laura and Kev were round this afternoon.  Nigel could barely stay awake and when he was awake was having coughing fits.  The slightest movement on my part has me reaching for my puffer.

They came round to deliver my birthday present from my three sisters (it's wrapped and it's big) and a lovely pre-birthday gift of a buddleia, a camellia and a hydrangea.

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Following her visit to Gullane Primary School, Annemarie reported back that the prototype WoWbags went down very well with the young readers.  I'm so pleased.  I wish I had the energy to devote to a proper launch but I'm pretty wiped out at the moment.

Website of the day:  Just Pay P and P - a superb blog of freebies that can be yours for the price of postage and packing - alright it's one of my (many) blogs, but it *is* good.

Monday 23rd November

After a week off with being poorly, Georgie was a little fretful about returning to nursery this morning.  

I arrived back home with a tightness in my chest and a racing heartbeat.  Not because Nigel was at home but because the walk up the hill really exerted me.  

Nigel now has the dreaded bug and was on his way to the doctor's when it occurred to me that the surgery might not be best pleased to have a potential swine flu victim in its midst.  After a farcical few minutes with me acting as go-between and Nigel being safely quarantined in the car park, the doc delivered his diagnosis via mobile phone: rest and take paracetamol.  i.e. exactly what 've had to do for the past ten days (but without the 'rest' bit or the bonus of a sympathetic spouse on hand).

I ventured into Haldanes today.  It is the worst of all worlds.  The range isn't as good as Somerfield, but the rude staff are still employed there.  A quick price comparison reaffirmed what I already suspected...Lidl is cheaper.

Mcvities Christmas mint digestive slices:    49p in Lidl        £1 in Haldanes
Bailey's Irish Cream:                                    £9 in Lidl        £9.99 in Haldanes

 I had a migraine this evening.  I have never successfully managed to explain the effect noise has on me during an episode. It's unreasonable to expect everyone to sit in silence because every rustle of paper makes me want to vomit, so, I went upstairs and put my head under the pillow and fell asleep - only to be awoken by Lucy.

Sunday 22nd November

Apologies for the lack of blogposting - I've been poorly but am better now.

Monday 16th November

I had a dreadful night's sleep and not because I'm reading Frankenstein.  Georgie now has the dreaded bug and was very unhappy last night.  I decided Lucy and Georgie both needed to have a day at home.  Unfortunately, mid morning, I got a phone call to say that Emily was feeling poorly so I had to get them up and dressed and go to school.

I'm quite tired and the house is in quite a chaotic state.

Sunday 15th November

It was lovely to see my nieces today.  We met up with the girls, Julie and Chris in the Goth where a very busy table sale was taking place (bargains included: 50p sundial and £2.50 parasol) and had lunch there.

Back home I gave Hollie, Hannah, Melissa, Emily, Lucy and Georgie free rein of the craft box with lovely results.  Later we had a birthday tea in Speedy's honour.

Saturday 14th November

Today in the Small World, I had lots of time to think about the best use of my time and whether or not it is feasible for me to continue volunteering.  Admittedly, I was having a bad morning but it all seemed too much.

Lucy is still unwell - her temperature was 100.9 at one point so, I stayed at home with her while the rest of the Barkers went to Andrew's 50th birthday party.

She way lying on the sofa with an impromptu sick bowl beside her when the others returned home.  

Spotting the old Quality Street tin beside her sister, Georgie said indignantly "Why has Lucy eaten all those sweeties?"

Website of the day:  East Lothian 4 Community - Community funding support information for East Lothian

Friday 13th November

Lucy is still a bit under the weather so I decided to keep her off school this morning.  

She had perked up by lunchtime and, as both she and Georgie had speech therapy appointments, we went into Musselburgh this afternoon.

I didn't have nearly long enough to look round the Eco Market in the Loretto Gallery.  It was really nice.  Lots of clever, unusual gifts all using repurposed materials to great effect.  My favourite stall was that of Evie Zaccardelli - what a treat!  She had the most exquisite journals and wallhangings.  As the organiser remarks on her blog, you are never quite sure whether people are going to 'get it' or not.  After a week of crafting Christmas decorations from packaging materials I empathise.  There are some people to whom I could never gift my 'philosobaubles'  - I call them Argostines.  

A 'short cut' to Edenhall proved to be a long cut and the session had already started.

Website of the day:  Greener View - Scotland's only magazine dedicated to sustainable living.

Thursday 12th November

Nigel got a lift through to Livingston from Johnston this morning.  Which meant he left the house later than usual and we had a reasonably leisurely breakfast and read the papers (why must every edition include something about "former Marillion frontman"?  I couldn't give a flying fish whether Derek Dick has applied for planning permission).  It also meant he got to witness at first hand the chaos I go through every morning trying to get three kids dressed, fed and to school.

Good News:  For the first time this week, Georgie managed to have two gym shoes of the same size in her nursery bag.
Bad News: They were both right foots.
Good News: I found a size 10 left foot in the lost property box.

Yesterday the postie left a card saying he had tried to deliver 6/7 parcels.  A bit vague, I thought.  Was it 6 or 7?  When I collected them today it crossed my mind that the figure might actually be 617 as they were contained in two sacks.  The nice man at the delivery office said I can keep the sacks.  One is particularly nice: grey with the Royal Mail's royal insignia.

II was saved from the walking up the road looking like Santa by Christine who gave me a lift.  We're lucky to have such kind friends.  Which reminds me, like ripples in a pond, the waves of kindness keep on coming - thank you Chas.

Website of the day:  Ministry of Type - Typography blog.

Wednesday 11th November

I'm glad the Smile cards and accompanying gifts are being well received.  I was particularly keen to ensure they had the correct postage.  Can you image if the recipient ended up having to pay the excess postage?  More of a Random Act of Tightwaddery than Kindness! I had to pay £1.30 at the sorting office this morning. Of course, I had no idea what it was until I paid and it turned out to be a letter from the local Labour Party.  

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I was disappointed to miss Andrew's private view this evening but it couldn't be helped.  The "Skyscapes, Portraits and Still Lifes" Exhibition  in the Bistro of the Goth runs until 13th December.

Website of the day: Stallfinder - putting event organisers in touch with stallholders.

Tuesday 10th November

Happy 3rd Birthday Hollie and Hannah!

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Mornings shouldn't be stressful but they are.  No matter how much preparation we do the night before, there is always one child who cannot find their shoes, schoolbag or homework.  We were late again this morning.  

I had thought I was meeting Aileen at the Small World shop at the back of 9 to go to a meeting in Tranent.  There had been crossed wires and Aileen instead collected me at 10.30 to go to Elvon.  

Our meeting with Bill Bradford and James Bruce was very encouraging.  I was interested to learn about the business models of other not-for-profit organisations and how they are funded and staffed.

Word of the day: Antwacky - meaning old-fashioned, unfashionable.  Possibly from 'antique'.  Mostly heard on Merseyside (I think I heard it on Brookside).  I'm the only Barker who uses this word.

Monday 9th November

Could the cold weather be behind the increase amount of dog poo on the streets. Do owners perhaps chuck the dog outside rather than take them for a walk?  Whatever the reason...eurgghhhh.

Website of the day:  Kids on Roof - why are the Dutch so good at design?  I love these totem trees!!!!

Sunday 8th November

We took a nice stroll between the two new housing developments up to the old railway line this morning.  It was joyous to see again the view we used to have before the building work began.

We urbexed our way through Mid Road industrial estate where I noticed a pretty wooded area which, with some seating and a bit of imagination could be quite a nice picnic area.

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I wouldn't normally go out on a Sunday early evenig but today I had dinner at Lanna Thai with Anne and Leona.  The pre-theatre menu is very reasonable (although we weren't actually going to the theatre).  I had the spring rolls, vegetarian thai green curry and coffee.  We shared a very lovely bottle of white Thai wine.

Saturday 7th November

We walked down to the Artists' Workshop Gallery where the girls bought some badges and I coveted beautiful felt cortages from Blackbird Alley.  Adele is committed to stocking only locally produced work - in fact, the furthest any item has travelled is from Joppa!

I picked up some pretty, but mismatched, teaplates at Sam Burns place this morning.  These, together with an assortment of books came to £3.

Joke of the day:  Knock Knock. Who's there? Doughnut.  Doughnut who? Do not ask me again.  

Friday 6th November

Lucy came running out of school to greet me.  She had a huge grin and was clutching a certificate which read "I'm a Confident Individual".

The award, which she received at assembly, was given for "becoming more confident when talking to adults in school".

I was very proud and we had chocolate cake to celebrate.  I'd love to say it was homemade but it was a Betty Crocker (it was reduced to 50p - it would have been rude not to).

She certainly is gaining confidence...and attitude.    Everything she says to me has a silent 'well, duh?' at the end as if I'm an eejit.  She was being uncharacteristically mean to Georgie and ended a berating of her with "...and I know EVERYFING".

"Everything, Lucy" I corrected. "You know 'EveryTHING', not 'FING' - and hurry up with your coat, we are going to be late for speech therapy."

Our Action Aid plant tags have arrived and I took great delight in 'planting' one in the produce section of Scotmid.

Website of the day:  PurpleTrail -free printable cards and e-invites.

Thursday 5th November

Rosie and her colleague Barbara popped in today and it was mild enough to sit outside with our coffee.  Rosie is always full of great ideas and her latest one is using plastic bottles to make a raised vegetable bed.  You fill the bottles with water for insulation and you could add food colouring to make it look pretty.  An idea I'll pinch if I ever source enough bottles.
  
I'm in a good place mentally and am feeling thankful for many things.  Today I decided to pay back my good fortune by paying it forward.  Makes no sense?  Maybe not.  You might receive something or have something nice happen.  Why not do the same?

Wednesday 4th November

Well done Emily for being elected Pupil Councillor.
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I was quite relieved when Aileen phoned to say this morning's meeting at Elvon wasn't going ahead because I had quite a bit to be getting on with.

I went to the opening of the Artists' Workshop Gallery in the High Street.  It was buzzing with people.  The gallery shop is packed with beautiful pieces.  It's going to be great to have a place to buy unusual handcrafted gifts.  The prices are very reasonable too - Lynne Schroder's gorgeous copper robins are under a tenner.  I would have liked to have stayed longer but Jan H and I were already late for the Books and Boxes meetup at J-Bo's.

We walked the mile or so to Jane's where Operation Christmas Child was in full swing.  In total, we wrapped and packed twelve shoeboxes and had enough contents to fill several more.  It was a fun night.  I met new member Faith, and Vickie whom I hadn't seen for a long time.  Leona and Anne were there too.  It must be confusing for new folk: Jane, Jan, Jan and Anne!

As usual we didn't talk too much about books but, thanks to Vickie, I now know what to do to avoid spending a night in the cells if I get arrested (say you have chest pains). Everyday is a learning day...

The Artists Workshop Gallery, 15a The Belfield Pottery, High Street, Prestonpans, EH32 9DS.  Opening Hours:  Friday - Monday 12-6. 

Tuesday 3rd November

One of the school mums had her new baby with her, a gorgeous wee poppet.   I don't know many of the P1 mums but they are not unfriendly. There is certainly no-one as unpleasant or as attention-seeking as the Bull Terrier who used to cackle over her cauldron during Emily's time at the infant school.  Her child was, according to her, perfect.  He excelled in everything, represented Britain at tiddlywinks and was on the books of Models 1.  

At the very busy and dangerous Preston Road/Mid Road junction there is a small railing to stop people running straight onto the road from Northfield Gardens.  As an Eve's Coach came thundering towards him, a young boy dangled on the road side of the railings attempting to shock the driver and enjoying the attention from passersby.  It was the Bull Terrier's son.

All parents are delusional about their children's talents, creativity and genius (apart from me of course).

Nigel and I were sorting through CDs when Lucy picked up Rockin' Poppin' Favourites

"That's the man who drew that" she says pointing to the  four panels of "Minimum Wage Love" (Neat Stuff #1) on the wall.

Nigel could barely contain his delight: "You're such a clever girl Lucy, being able to  recognise Peter Bagge's drawing".

"Mummy told me it was him".

I called through from the kitchen "Who wants mushroom on their pizza?".
Georgie yelled "ME!!!!" then came running in moments later asking "What's a mushroom?"
I showed her and she replied "Oh, I thought you meant the camping ones'"
"Camping ones?  What are camping ones?"  
"She means marshmellows" says Lucy.
"Yes, marsh-MELLOWS confirms Georgie.

I repeated this exchange to Nigel who thought it was a perfectly reasonable mistake "after all, you do toast marshmallows when you go camping".(????)  

Quite apart from the fact that we haven't ever been camping, let alone toasted a marshmællow, what has that got to do with mushrooms??  If I too was delusional I might think she was attemping to say champignons.

Website of the day:  Simon Schubert - amazing pictures from folded paper.

Monday 2nd November

I am aware of the danger of 'work expanding to fill the time' and it is very easy to fall into the trap of doing 'stuff' which is not remotely useful to anyone but keeps me busy.

Today however, I was usefully productive.  It felt almost like being a proper employed person.

Direct Action of the Day:  Print out these Tinkering School labels and plant them in Toys'r'Us.

Sunday 1st November

My Sam Burns calendar shows Glen Etive and my Graeme Neil Reid desk calendar shows some type of wartime aircraft (I know nothing about such things).  Actually I only know it is Glen Etive because it says so. There are huge parts of Scotland which are a complete mystery to me.

It has been a relaxing sort of day.  We've got some chores done but mostly we just chilled out.

Saturday 31st October

There is a book group which meets in Prestonpans Library on the last Saturday of the month at 10.15a.m.  Saturday's aren't usually good for me but as I hadn't any other plans I went along.  Obviously, Saturdays aren't very good for anyone else either and it was only Laura, Nigel and myself.  As pleasant as it was, I think more people are needed for it to be classed as a 'group'!  

We spent some time in the garden, clearing away leaves, removing rubbish and generally pottering.  My favourite part of the day was pimping the old server which we had planted it up with bulbs earlier this month.  It now it houses my everyday tools and pots and bears the words "Resistance is Fertile".  I'm very pleased with my 'mobile gardening unit'.  The outer casing is now a garden table which hides the recycling crate.

This afternoon Melissa came round to play.  I thought the girls could do crafts or something that wasn't too tiring but no, they wanted to bounce on the trampoline and climb trees!

We had two groups of guisers call on us and, although they didn't go guising, the Barkerettes all enjoyed themselves.

Happy Make a Difference Day!

Website of the day:  the freeconomy community - register the skills, tools and spaces you are happy to share with others.

Friday 30th October

The girls and I often play 'The Interesting Game'.  Briefly, they get points for things they see, the more out-of-the-ordinary the sight, the higher the score.  Today would have been quite high scoring with sights including

Lots of witches, ghouls and zombies (schoolkids celebrating Halloween early)
Broken traffic lights on Preston Road
Water gushing out of a big pipe coming from the swimming pool
A drunk passenger being ejected from a 26 bus on Ayres Wynd

Thursday 29th October

Kids need your presence more than your presents
Be more, have less
The best things in life aren't things.

All stuff I've said before.  And I'm going to keep on saying.

Wednesday 28th October

I met up with some of the Fabs in Andrew's studio for an informal papercraft evening.  From old maps, dog-eared copies of Nude magazine and vintage knitting patterns we made envelopes, cards and Christmas decorations.  Some were fabulous, some fabulously funny.

Over a plate of Carmel's delicious biscuits and a cup of fairtrade coffee the nine of us got to know each other.  A pleasant evening.

Tuesday 27th October

For the avoidance of doubt:  I do not want to go out on my birthday and will be seriously pissed off if a babysitter has been drafted in as a 'surprise'.

Having other people look after my children has never been a great success.  Let's face it, unless you are going away for an entire weekend, what's the point?  You can't roll in drunk and continue partying till the wee hours - and you still have to get up the following day and be perfect hangover-free parents.

The effort required to tidy the house, find matching pyjamas for all the girls, squeeze into 'going out' clothes etc, is hardly worth it for a few pints in the labour club.

We once took the kids to someone else's house but they overhead the husband and wife arguing (about looking after them) which must have been miserable for the girls.

I don't want to be made to feel guilty for going out once ever few years.  I feel guilty enough for not going out.

Website of the day:  Free Gong - because sometimes you just want to bash something, really f*****g hard

Monday 26th October

Reasons to be cheerful:  My in-laws brought with a cherry tree for our back garden.  
Reasons to be a bit whiney: Nigel strained his back digging a hole for it.

Had a lovely lunch at Lanna Thai today.

Website of the day:  Worksheet genius - free, printable worksheets that can be differentiated and randomised at the touch of a button (with Java, like Wordle).  Word lists, phonics, handwriting and numeracy.

Sunday 25th October

We had forgotten the clocks went back this morning.  

Saturday 24th October

Three observations:

People that claim to "hardly watch television" are strangely able to talk at length about a 'celebrity' of whom I have never heard (and certainly have never 'celebrated').

The problem with giving your children more responsibility and freedom is that, essentially, you are trusting other adults to be thoughtful, sensible and respectful of your values.

Coming from some people, derogatory remarks about my life choices are very welcome.  I'd be worried if Nick Griffin, Yahoos and Royston Vaseyites thought we had something in common.

Website of the day:  Quiet Like Horses - the chirpy and intelligent blog of free-wheeling 20-something Californian.

Friday 23rd October

Nigel had a rare day off today so we had a nice easy day.  We went to the cafe in the Mercat Gait and then pottered around the garden.

Our guerrilla gardening in Prestonpans has made the news.

Website of the day:  Brewdog - own a share of this punk brewery

Thursday 22nd October

I received a halloween postcard from Eric 'Instructables' Wilhelm.  I'm almost as happy as Emily was yesterday when she received a letter from Buckingham Palace in reply to her letter to the Queen.

Website of the day: I ♥ East Lothian - register in seconds and post news, view, events & info for free.

Wednesday 21st October

I was dreading taking the girls to see Hannah Montana the Movie at the Brunton Theatre today.  I played the Ramones to negate the saccharine sweetness of Miley Cyrus but...d'ya know what y'all?  It was fun.  A simple plot, lots of slapstick moments and plenty of singalong songs.  The girls were happy which made me happy.

Website of the day:  Wishnut - post a gift idea; if enough people vote for it, Wishnut buys it for you

Tuesday 20th October

I was covering a colleague's shift in the Small World shop today, so set Lucy and Georgie to work sweeping up leaves.  Emily was desperate to serve customers so was delighted when Bobby and Betty came in and she got to use the calculator.

My 'Make a Difference' t-shirt arrived from the CSV.  I'm going to wear it when I hand out 'Volunteers Needed' leaflets.  Also in the goodie bag was a bar of Divine chocolate which I think I'm going to need to keep a) my energy levels up and b) my spirits up.  We need more volunteers.  We need more customers.  We need more enthusiasm for the task ahead.

Online game of the day:  Bailey Bear's Listening Walk -  encourages listening skills.  One of several games from the Communication Cookbook. (for Georgie x)

Monday 19th October

Mmm....that's me eating a Jordans papaya & pineapple frusli bar I received in the mail.

On the first day of school holidays, the children decide to play 'schools'.  This is despite me giving them free access to every sequin, card and glue stick in my craft cupboard.  I even let them rummage through my button box - can they really be my children?

Sunday 18th October

I watched the most bizarre Come Dine With Me ever.  The Preston diners included one woman who fell asleep when it was her evening to cook leaving the guests to fend for themselves while she snoozed.  Perhaps the poor woman has narcolepsy, but her behaviour was reminiscent of someone suffering from an attention-seeking personality disorder.

This afternoon we met up with some of the Fabulous Wifies at Prestongrange Museum's Multicultural Day.
 
What makes any of us fabulous?  Some people confuse being 'high maintenance' with fabulousness. A few of the Wifies might be alpha females, but you will never catch them being a prima donna (unless it's it's sponsored diva strop for a very good cause).  

Everyone has their own definition of fabulousness but sitting in the marquee watching the bellydancing, I could see there were two different types of women: the type that admired, respected and encouraged the fabulousness of their sisters...and the other type.

Website of the day:  Book Party - cocktails, music and literary hooliganism?  Could this be the coolest book group, like, ever?!!!

Saturday 17th October

I paid my first visit to Solidarity Goods in Guthrie Street - what a treasure.  They have wonderful fairly traded goods which support communities in Palestine, Afghanistan, Mexico and Gambia.  They are also home to The Hearty Squirrel, a food co-op which is having an open day with free falafel on Thursday 22nd October, 12-6 p.m.
  
We had sandwiches and drinks in the National Library where we had a look at the Gutenberg Bible exhibition, the last letter of Mary Queen of Scots and, the kids' favourite, the John Murray Archive exhibition.

This evening, Nigel and I watched Mike Leigh's 1993 film Naked. An intense and dark film (and probably bad karma to watch during the Festival of Lights) but I enjoyed it.

I've not been very organised this Diwali and haven't bought new clothes for the girls, applied mehndi or bought barfi.  I did buy fireworks but we didn't get round to lighting them.  However, Nigel made a lovely feast and we lit our candles.  May peace and joy enter your heart.  Happy Diwali!

Friday 16th October

My children are never in a rush to get anywhere and I constantly have to chivvy them along as they dawdle along the street, distracted by ladybirds, oddly-shaped dog poo, aircraft etc, etc.  I've probably said "come on/hurry up/keep up" a zillion times but I don't think I've ever shouted "MOOOVE!!" at them - yet, it's a word I hear every day going to school.  I am very glad it is the holidays.

Plug of the day: Musical Youth/Encore presents “Showtime 2009 - Broadway to Hollywood”, 5th, 6th & 8th November.  Tickets available from Prestonpans Community Centre.

Thursday 15th October

A feelgood day:

Sandra was showing me some footage on her phone of porpoises playing in the Forth.  What a wonderful sight that must have been.  

Later, I saw Rosemary who was admiring the foliage on the trees on the opposite side of the road (they have turned a wonderful russet colour).

IKathleen is keen to volunteer in the Small World.

The nursery stick insects will be staying chez Barker over the holidays.

The best things in life aren't things.

Wednesday 14th October

Today is the 125th anniversary of the Eyemouth disaster -  a severe storm that led to the loss of 189 lives, mainly from Eyemouth and the surrounding areas but also from Fisherrow.  I didn't notice any sort of commemoration in Musselburgh today but I wasn't along at the harbour where perhaps the anniversary may have been marked.

My first visit was to to the Debra charity shop in North High Street where there is a men's clothing sale.  The woman working there said they were always trying to encourage men to shop there without success, hence the buy-one-get-one-half-price offer.  I bought two shirts and 4 ties for Nigel.  I was also pleased to pick up a charger for my mobile phone.  I have a very old phone with a charger that verges on dangerous. It doesn't take photos or anything fancy but until a phone with maps and GPS is available on a low tariff I'm going to persevere with it.

After a quick trip to Borders Scrap Store I had a very lovely capuccino and fruit scone in the Bistro in the Brunton.  It was nice to see Frances in Oxfam as our shifts in the Small World don't coincide.  

I do try to shop locally and support local traders.  For example, although I shop at Lidl, I have made the conscious decision not to buy newspapers or magazines there as we have a good newsagent, and I only every use Fords, the local baker not Greggs.  

However, some local businesses don't deserve any customers.  One shop I went into in Musselburgh made me feel quite unwelcome.  "Whatyoulookingfor?" mumbled the woman barely lifting her head out of the Greggs paper bag from which she was guzzling something.   "A rotary compass cutter for making circles from card" I answered. "We've nothing like that" she says.  "OK, do you have a refill for a Parker pen?"  "That's a stationery item.  Have you tried a stationers?".

While browsing I see several pairs of craft scissors which I could do with, lots of craft kits to keep the kids busy during the holidays and then I see a lovely Parker pen. And then I remember the rude woman and think, sod it.  She's not having my money

Website of the day: Parker Pen Refills - free worldwide delivery  

  Tuesday 13th October

Nigel is exhausted.  He took the day off and slept like a log until lunchtime.  This commuting lark is no fun.

Emily got a very good report from school and, chose as her treat, money to spend at the bookfair.

Monday 12th October

In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

We celebrated the discovery of the New World with cowboy pie - mince, beans, carrots, tomatoes with a potato topping.  Emily helped me make it and it was all going well until she realised we actually expected her to eat the meal.  Cue, one big strop followed by lots of shouting.  Her behaviour just now is really quite exhausting.

Sunday 11th October

Sundays are always a little short of focus.  We really need to plan our day and get more out of it.

A day of grumpiness, tantrums and flooded bathrooms.

Saturday 10th October

We were taking part in The Big Draw in the Small World.  I wasn't exactly swamped with visitors unless you count my three.  

Lucy had chosen to go to Aroma bistro for her treat for doing well at school.  I was so pleased to see Melissa there with her family.  Barbara was clearly delighted to have her home for the day.  I noticed that Emily seemed strangely shy with her friend - a little fearful even.  I suppose we have all been so relieved at Melissa's recovery that I hadn't taken into account how Emily might react to seeing her friend in a wheelchair.

I left the others in the cafe and jumped on a 26 to Porty where Lucy-Ann and I carried out quite an audacious mission that involved a lot of wresting with buddleia and broke my shoe..

Worryingly, at the Community Growing Space, there were several blue markings on the ground, presumably in preparation for some digging, and not of the sort we are used to.  After a cup of coffee we decided to call it a day until we can find out what's happening.

Friday 9th October

We were just walking past the entrance to Northfield House when a gust of wind blew hundreds of leaves from the grounds of the stately home into our path.  For a few seconds it was likewalking through a giant wave and Georgie giggled and giggled.

On our return journey later in the day, all the children waiting inside the school bus were busy cleaning the bus windows.

To be young and so easily pleased is a great thing.

I'm a firm believer that we can all learn and take inspiration from each other, including from youngsters, and today was no exception.  I went to the Small World with Georgie and explained to her that I wanted to write "Welcome" or "Come In" on the path.  She looked at the slabbed path and said "It looks like hopscotch".  So I laid out a a hopscotch shape in chalk.

Thursday 8th October

I love it when Nigel has a day off.  After nursery and school drop off we took a bus to Musselburgh and spent ages browsing the books in the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf shop.  Our purchases included Anita and Me, A Good Man in Africa, Grimus, a volume of short stories, Patrick Robertson: A Tale of Adventure and A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.  

Nigel was keen to try the 3-in-1 diner so I gave it another chance but alas it let us both down with its undercooked black pudding so I doubt very much we'll be going back.

While I was at a Small World shop meeting (we're in crisis and urgently need volunteers), Nigel took Georgie swimming.  We were reunited again over a cup of tea at Annemarie's house.  When Nigel went to Lucy's Parent Consultation he took my set of keys with him so I once more took refuge in the Allen household.

We took a walk along to meet Emily and her friend from their after school activities and, as Lucy had a good school report, we had cake for tea.

Plug of the day: To celebrate National Poetry Day, Universal Records have announced the release of Words For You which will raise a minimum of £10,000 for I CAN, the charity that helps children communicate.

Words For You is a collection of 27 of the greatest poems of all time, read by Joanna Lumley, Lindsay Duncan, Geoffrey Palmer, Honor Blackman, Brian Cox, Alison Steadman, Martin Shaw, Miriam Margolyes, Lennie James, Samantha Morton, Anthony Head and Ben Whishaw - and set to some of the greatest classical music ever composed.   Combining William Shakespeare's 'Sonnet 18' with Beethoven's 'Piano Sonata No.8', Robert Browning's 'Home Thoughts From Abroad' with Dvorak Symphony No.9 and the heartbreaking WH Auden's 'Stop All the Clocks' with Mahler's Symphony No.1 [lll], Words For You combines the best of the best.

Words For You will be released on 16 November 2009 on Universal Records.   To preorder Words For You, click here. (Nigel that was #1 of 40 hints).

Wednesday 7th October

It's been a two cafe day for me.  I'm almost a food critic.  On which subject, the winners of the East Lothian Food and Drink Awards 2009 have been announced.

Earlier in the day, while in Musselburgh, I popped into the 3-in-1 diner for the first time which is located in the former Lemon Tree tea rooms.  The building is entirely the wrong shape (a doughnut with a bite out of it) to seat more than a few round tables comfortably and would really benefit from custom seating around the windows.  It looked pretty enough but the cappuccino was mediocre and the cheese scone a tad too light and sweet.

Georgie and I went to the new cafe in the Mercat Gait centre where I had a delicious cauliflower and stilton soup and Georgie had a ham sandwich.  It is very child-friendly offering half a baked potato and small portions of soup for little ones.  I'll definately go back.

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Two pleasant suprises today:  the freebie Blondie t-shirt which I had forgot I ordered arrived today; and I had a nice long telphone chat with a former colleague.

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The Fabulous Wifies met up at Jan H's house.  Jan showed us some of her bellydancing moves and then Carmel, Jane, Julie, Leona and I had a go too.  It was good fun but I wouldn't fancy wobbling about in public.  I'm sure we must have talked about books at some point but to be honest, after my fourth glass of wine I can't be too sure.  I do recall some lively debate about Operation Christmas Child.  We are supporting the charity and nursery kindly gave me a bag of toothbrushes and toothpaste to put in the shoeboxes.  

Website of the day:  Community Repaint - reusing paint in the community

Tuesday 6th October

I saw Barbara this morning who told me Melissa spoke yesterday.  This is tremendously good news two weeks after the accident. I wasn't able to visit her on Saturday but hopefully will see her before too long.

Christine gave me a lift to Lidl to pick up a couple of bags of compost.  For once, Nigel and my hobbies collide: I'm planting up an old server with tulips.

There is a gorgeous aroma of lotus and frangipani wafting through the house thanks to the lovely body puree sample Christine gave me. I placed the empty sachet on the fireplace and it's like being in South Pacific (or perhaps the tropical glasshouses of the Botanics)

I caught the end of what looked like an interesting programme on Aspergers programme.  As I'm currently nearing the end of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time“ (narrated by an autistic boy) I would have liked to have seen more.

Website of the day:  Mary Glasgow Magazines - free online educational activities cunningly disguised as F1, football, pop music quizzes, for Elementary through to Advanced level English.

Monday 5th October

My lovely neighbour, Mrs Douglas (whom Georgie thinks is called "Mrs Duckling") brought round some delicious homemade jam: one strawberry, one plum.  Yum.

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What is this wasp madness?  At one point today I was doing battle with three of the little devils simultaneously.  

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The writer, hostess, horticulturist and plant collector Lady Dorothy Nevill once said "The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment".   An updated version of Nevillettique might include using the correct medium.   My tolerance levels are even lower than usual which means even more tongue-biting.  But I will say this (again)....there is a generation of people who are devoid of all social skills thanks to their use of 'social' networking sites.  How would they cope at a formal dinner?  Send text messages "Cld U pass the Port pls?"  

Website of the day:  Words can heal - pledge to use encouraging, engaging and enriching words.  In other words...change the world, one (spoken) word at a time.

Sunday 4th October

The hardware store is closing down so we decided to take a walk along and stock up on guinea pig food and other stuff in their 40% off sale.  On the way home, Emily wasn't happy that we weren't going to the park.  She flounced off in the direction of the park announcing she was going on her own.

Now, we could have dragged her along the road kicking and screaming or otherwise wasted our energy yelling at her to come back but, to be honest, we are a little tired of these diva strops.  So, instead, we ignored the outburst and carried on home, assuming she would follow sulkily behind.

To cut a long and harrowing tale short: three hours later she wasn't in any of the places I looked and had crossed several busy roads roaming from house to house.

She hasn't been at all contrite - unless that is some kind of rhyming slang.

Saturday 3rd October

Last night's winds have blowed down the buddleia but nothing else appears to be damaged.

I was working in the Small World this morning.  It was the first time I had to deal with the return of sale or return stock.   I think I did everything correctly.  Since my last shift, a new piece of paperwork has been introduced.  Will I ever get to grips with the various processes?

When I got home Nigel had made pineapple muffins.

Website of the day:  Denny Craft Moulds - moulds for soap, chocolate, seedbombs...

Friday 2nd October

Georgie waited patiently while I was getting a small filling at the dentist.  I was very pleased with her and, as a reward for this good behaviour took her across the road to Aroma.... And jammed her thumb in the door.  The poor wee thing was so upset that even a lolly from Michael didn't console her.

Thursday 1st October

I had a lovely morning at Annemarie's looking over old photos.  She and Jim looked every the inch the Californian hippies.  The photos were a welcome distraction from the splinter I had lodged under my fingernail.  Despite Annemarie's best efforts with her famous yellow ointment and a needle, it just wouldn't budge.

After nursery, Georgie and I had a very pleasant lunch with Christine and Sarah in the Pitstop Cafe (thank you Christine). The Christmas menu looks nice.

Later that afternoon, I was very brave and managed to squeeze out the largest part of the subungual foreign body.  The remaining splinter/lumber puncture will have to stay there.  I'm well on the way to become half woman/half tree anyway.

Website of the day:  Future Me - write to yourself a get the message delivered at a point in the future to suit you.

Wednesday 30th September

I went to Borders Scrap Store this morning.  It's a very interesting place.  I picked up a few industrial offcuts and pieces of material and look forward to becoming a regular customer.  It was also the first time I had been to the Fisherrow Centre, which is having an open day on Saturday 10th October 10-2.

In Musselburgh High Street I bought a bag of toy cars in Oxfam, had a look round the £1 shop (everything now 50p).  Then I had a roll and coffee in a cafe where some old soak was giving a girl on work experience a hard time ("You look Chinese - are you Chinese or no?").

Website of the day:  Scottish Craft - a portal for unique handmade products from Scotland.

Tuesday 29th September

My CSV Make a Difference Kindness Kit has arrived.  It contains a pack of field cornflower - perfect for seedbombs.    My preferred bombing target is Donald Trump's arse.  I find it incredible that Aberdeenshire Councillors are even considering using a CPO to evict people from their homes to make more money for Trump.  We are not talking about a hospital or school but a %"*£%*& golf course!!

I hope I 'make a difference' some days.  Depressingly, I've realised that most people don't give a damn about anything or anyone other than themselves (and sometimes not even themselves).
--
While clearing out a drawer, I discovered that what I always assumed was a balaclava turned out, in fact, to be legwarmers.  There's a message there somewhere, I just don't know what it is.

Petition of the day:   To the leader of Aberdeenshire Council.  Don't force local families to leave their homes for Donald Trump's golf course!  We, the undersigned, call on Aberdeenshire Council not to use compulsory purchase powers to force residents from their own homes on or adjacent to the Menie Estate.

Monday 28th September

Anyone seeing Lucy walk up the road barefoot might be forgiven for thinking it was a Yom Kippur thing but no, her new shoes are hurting her feet.
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I am getting rather tired of sentences which begin "Other people...".

How to manually set a Sky remote control for a Hitatchi television:  Turn on TV and press TV key once - LED blinks once; press and hold SELECT and RED key - the LED blinks twice; press TV key again - the LED blinks once; enter 0145.  LED will blink twice and switch off automagically.

Sunday 27th September

I was so pleased to see Barbara this morning.  She talked about how hurtful and distressing the malicious rumours have been.  If anyone truly understood the consequences of their gossiping they would never engage in it.  

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We are clearing out the garage (again).  Ideally we will have a big clear workspace for comic sorting, crafts, diy, cocktail bar etc.

PDF of the day:  Five Dials, Number 8 - I love these literary magazines but I doubt I will print out all 45 pages of 'The Paris Issue'

Saturday 26th September

I had a very early start this morning as I was meeting my guerrilla gardening chums to transform a neglected patch of earth.  It was dark when we began to plant bulbs, bedding plants and perennials and we worked quickly.  Less than hour later the job was done and the residents of Prestonpans were waking up to a very different looking High Street.  We haven't 'claimed responsibility' and folk will probably assume it is the work of The Cooncil -but we blog readers no different don't we ;-).  You can see the pictures here.

After half of our party made their way back to Edinburgh, Rosie and I went into to the Infant School to plant some daffodils (not a stealth mission - we had permission from the head!).  

The official Big Bulb Plant in took place in the afternoon at Cuthill Park.  I was glad people turned up as we had 250 tulips courtesy of The Big Bulb and 300 bulbs thanks to Lidl.  We still could have done with hundreds more volunteers though. It was a lovely day and, as we sat drinking cups of tea that Jan H brought along, I couldn't help thinking that the park should have been full of picnickers, frisbee-throwing families, walkers and kids.

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The best news of all is that Melissa is no longer dependent on a ventilator and has moved from intensive care to high dependency with a view to moving to a regular ward shortly.  I saw Andy again this morning when councillor Stuart Currie came for a meeting at his and Barbara's house to discuss what traffic management measures were available.

Website of the day:  I'm Thankful - the journal facilitates positive communication and sharing of values between family members

Friday 25th September

Saraswati Puja was marked by some truly delicious lentil cakes.  I hadn't had very high hopes for the dal vada mixture which came in a Gits box but they were superb.

Website of the day:  Craft Guerrilla - a diy sisterhood of anti-tat

Thursday 24th September

I enjoyed the Harvest Festival assembly at the Infant School very much.

The children sang "Thank You God for the Harvest"; "Big Red Combine Harvester", "Cauliflowers Fluffy and Cabbages" and "Autumn Leaves".  Reverend Simpson spoke entertainingly about a girl who dreamed she was a cornflake and Mr Clark, the new head of Preston Lodge introduced himself.  

Afterwards I went to Musselburgh where I bought bedding plants and bulb planters and had a look around the cavernous Hearing Dogs for the Deaf shop.  

I really like the new golf ball-shaped sculpture on the Levenhall roundabout. Passing in Christine's car, I hadn't realised that it owes its filligree appearance to the way it has been constructed...from horse shoes.

---

The day after the accident, three drivers chose to endanger more young lives with their irresponsible parking.  Today, there were six cars obscuring the view across Preston Road.

Wednesday 23rd September

I am trying not to let the crass insensitivity of others upset me.  

Instead I will focus on the positive aspects of human nature.  Classic CBT. 

Tuesday 22nd September

I cannot stop thinking about this afternoon's terrible accident.  Our neighbour's little girl was run over by a car and we are all hoping she is fully recovered quickly.

Get well soon Melissa.

Monday 21st September

Nigel has the day off work - hurrah!  

We took the train to Longniddry then went on the railway walk.  We were in search of the "About Half Way" geocache, so called because it is at the halfway point between Longniddry and Haddington.  

Sometimes, geocaching is a bit like paying the minimum payment on your credit card. You plod on, and on, but don't make any real progress.   Following the winding track meant we weren't going the most direct route and consequently, the 'minutes to go' seemed to stay tantalisingly at 39 minutes for about an hour. When we reached the vicinity it took us a while to find the cache as it was cunningly disguised.

It was a nice trip out, with views of Redhouse Castle, wildflowers, ponds and birdsong.

Website of the day:  Ecofont - holey fonts to save ink - whatever next?

Sunday 20th September

It has been years since I've been inside an Argos and it hasn't changed much.  There was the obligatory confused elderly person and a couple of tourists who didn't understand the ordering process.  I was there to spend Emily's birthday vouchers on a Harry Potter wand, and a cheap laminator (not with her vouchers - I'm not that mean).  

After that, I ventured into the hell that is Forbidden Planet on a Sunday.  When I asked if they had comic boxes I got the distinct impression they thought I was a mum buying for her son rather than her husband.  

I didn't have far to carry my purchases because I met up with Nigel at West Richmond Street where Lucy-Ann and Andrea were engaged in some ranculus removal.  I know the area very well having worked nearby for several years but the site beside the apostolistic church never looked so pretty.  The sunflowers are massive and the wildflower meadow is nothing short of spectacular.  

After saying goodbye to the guerrilla gardeners (see you Saturday!), we made our way to the Twice a Day geocache.  It was easy to find but difficult to retrieve without being spotted.

It was a short hop to our favourite Sunday eatery, the Mosque Kitchen, where I thoroughly enjoyed my vegetable curry and naan bread.  It was surprisingly quiet given that Ramadan has just ended.  I imagine it was much busier yesterday with families celebrating Eid al-Fitr.  

After some charity shop browsing we went to the Forest Cafe for coffee and date flapjacks.  The Free Shop was in full swing but there wasn't anything I needed (who hands in one odd wellie? surely you'd be better planting bulbs in it).  

We took a walk around The Quartermile (the area between The Meadows and the old Infirmary has changed considerably since Nigel and sauntered through 20-odd years ago) then had a quick look at the Museum on the Mound.  

Saturday 19th September

Yarr!  That was me celebrating Speak Like a Pirate Day.

I had quite a horticultural mailbag this morning:

My order of ten creeping thyme seedlings was delivered.  I'm planting them in between the cracks in the paving slabs.  Hopefully they will spread out and soften the appearance of the ugly concrete.  When stepped on, thyme releases its lovely scent.  I'll have to watch I don't stand on any bees though, because they love its high nectar content.

I was pleased to receive a letter from Lidl confirming that they will provide five bags of daffodils for the community bulb planting sessions.    Their support is going to make such a difference and is really appreciated.
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I could smell the three Guerrilla Gardening lavender pillows before I even opened the envelope. The designs are camoflauge, large grey silk and white with yellow diamonds - they can be seen at the end of this video.  

I also received a mixed box of spring bulbs which will come in handy on a forthcoming stealth mission.  (If you want to join me early a.m. in a week's time, have your own balaclava and hand tools then get in touch).

I've won a bottle of Percola.  I've found some fair trade colas (and Pepsi) a little perfumey but this was very pleasant and a very similar to 'the real thing'.

This evening I was too tired to watch The Island (again).  Scarlett Johansson is so beautiful my eyes hurt watching her.

Friday 18th September

My poster for the Small World's Big Draw event got stuck in the laminator.  I'm a little annoyed.  

I've taken out a group membership for the Fab Wifies at Borders Scrap Store.  I can't wait to check out their Fisherrow store.  

A friend called round today.  She was a little stressed. After some therapeutic tea, blether and crafting she was a little brighter.  I'm glad I was able to help but very sorry it was necessary.

Website of the day:  Turismo Chile - happy National Day Chileans

Thursday 17th September

In the bank, there was quite a queue but I was seen quickly and my transaction dealt with swiftly.  And then came the sales pitch.  "Have you considered upgrading your account. Blah Blah blah."  I just wanted to pay in a cheque - where are the robot tellers when you need them??

I had hoped that I might manage to buy some school polo shirts for Lucy and a small gift for our neighbour in Musselburgh but it was not to be.  At least three of the shops appear to be selling identical tat - how many cushions does one household need?

I ventured into Tesco - a soulless shed of a building, astoundingly busy at 10.30, astonishingly noisy, with an overpowering aroma of roasting chickens.  While I waited in line in the 10 items or less aisle, an assistant offered to scan my items at the 'self' serve station.  I must have looked either shellshocked or incapable of self-service.  

In the playground, AnarchoDad told me he is planning to open an underground restaurant (i.e. illicit, rather than subterranean - but that would be fun too!) in his home.  I'm guessing his customers would be friends rather than members of the public, but what a good idea!

This evening, I met up with Alan, Dave, Rosemary, Aileen and Frances at Sandra's house for an informal Small World meeting.    We urgently need more volunteers, more customers, more sales which prompted the question "What would Mary Portas do?".  It was an interesting evening with lovely food and wine and Sandra gave me some jars of her picked beetroot to take home. Yummy.

Website of the day:  Local People Leading -  the voice for strong and independent communities

Wednesday 16th September

In wartime, people used to grate potato, add seasoning, fry it and serve it as 'mock fish'.  Now the aspiring classes do the same thing and call it rosti.  I tried it today and was amazed how much liquid I squeezed out of the mixture.

Website of the day:  Smashing Magazine - a place for web designers but freebies like nice fonts and Twitter icons make it handy for us lesser mortals too

Tuesday 15th September

The clock in the sitting room has stopped working.  It was a cheap vintage find, gaudy orange plastic and I loved it.  In particular I loved the "whirrr......click!" it made every 15 minutes.  

I keep glancing to where the clock was.  I am bereft.  As it is beyond 'make do and mend', I need another clock.  As I'm not going to buy some 'retro-style' thing I was delighted to find a near identical version on ebay.  I'm afraid it's clocking up (pun intended) some airmiles though.  Which poses the question: How did a 1970s clock, manufactured in Ireland, end up in Mexico?

---ooOoo---

Nigel went along to the Curriculum Evening and found it really interesting.  There was the usual chat about cycles in schools.  As long as the majority of parents insist on driving their little darlings everywhere, we will not have a Safe Route to School.   In any event, cycling proficiency tests aren't given until children are around 9 years old, so its a moot point in an Infant School.  

Website of the day:  Seedbom - a seedbomb, shaped as grenade - (file under "I wish I'd thought of that")

Sunday 13th September

As part of Doors Open Day we went of a guided tour of Preston Village.  We left from The Mercat Gait centre where there was an exhibition of old photographs. The highlight of the tour was our visit to Northfield House where Finlay kindly showed us the Renaissance tempera ceiling and wall paintings in the dining room and two of the bedrooms.  The gardens are magnificent and I can't do them justice describing them here.

---ooOoo---

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by how much I have to get done this week.  I could really do with the weekend lasting twice as long.

Website of the day: Wooleys of Arran - we like their oatcakes.

 Saturday 12th September

Prestonpans Library was selling off books so I bought "To the Ends of the Earth" William Golding, "East of the Sun" Julia Gregson and The Autumn of the Patriarch, Gabriel Garcia Marquez - 90p the lot!

As the weather was so glorious we took a walk along the beach, built a few pebble palaces and enjoyed the view.

Event  Plug:  The Big Fabulous Bulb Plant, from 2.30 p.m. on Saturday 26th September, Cuthill Park, Prestonpans.  Bring bulbs and hand tools!

Friday 11th September

At the time we should have been leaving the house, Georgie was sat under the table, sobbing and refusing to get dressed. A rubbish morning but the day improved.

I was glad to hear East Lothian Roots and Fruits are going to start selling fresh fruit and vegetables at the Pennypit on Thursdays (10-11.30.).

Thursday 10th September

A summary:
Dentist (check up), School (Lucy), Nursery (Georgie), Aroma Bistro (bacon & egg roll), Carousel (two crochet hooks), Lidl (eyelet maker), beach (mental wellbeing).

The same surveyor who assessed the fence damage was round today to see the water damage in the Monkey Loft.  To have the entire floor revarnished will cost a small fortune.  Fortunately we are not perfectionists.

Wednesday 9th September

The day did not start well.  Georgie wanted to play hide and seek instead of getting ready for nursery.  When we finally got out the door she was crying, snotty-nosed, wearing and wellies and had no backpack.

Seeing another reluctant child in nursery was enough to make her cling to my legs and plead to go home.  I persuaded her to sit in the story corner while I had a cup of tea in the parents' room with Heather.  When we emerged she was happily baking with Mrs Dunleavy so I made my escape.

After nursery, Georgie and went for a walk along the beach.  Like gardening, any time by the sea is good therapy.

Back home I made a hummus-style dip from borlotti beans and courgettes which we had with homemade rosemary bread and radish seed sprouts - very virtuous.

This evening I went to The Goth for the first Meet Up of the East Lothian Book Club for Fabulous Women.  Anne, Jan H, Jane and myself talked about books (unsurprisingly!) and the type of activities we wanted to try out.   This was a long list but included bellydancing, crafty stuff, long walks and martial arts - we're going to be busy.

Tuesday 8th September

I won a competition with Fabstuff for solving an anagram in their newsletter.  My beautifully wrapped prize arrived today - a Puck Candle Holder in oak by Swedish designer Jon Eliason.

Website of the day:  The Big Bulb Plant - like the Big Lunch but this time getting communities together to plant bulbs.

Monday 7th September

I was pleased to read about the primary school's improved attainment levels.  The figures for reading are now above the East Lothian average.  Attainment levels for writing and maths have also increased dramatically since last year.


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 - the lower the price, the greater the hassle.  It's •:*¨¨*:•.Freecycle•:*¨¨*:•. for me in future.



As I put the phone down after my daily phone call with Nigel, Georgie danced around me chanting "Mummy's got a love boy".  

The downside of colouring my hair magenta is the state in which it leaves the bathroom.  I feel I should add some 'crime scene - do not cross' tape.

Just when you thought you couldn't stand the excitement of the J-Bar Blog any longer, I bring you a thrilling new feature - our menu plans and shopping lists.  (It was Nigel wot done it wiv a script or sammink).

Unless I buy a £20 Sky Viewing Card, by the end of September I will lose access to Five and Sky 3.  Bovvered?

Website of the day:  Make the Promise, Come Home Safe - approximately 45 people die in farming accidents each year - this accounts for 20% off all work-related fatalities in Britain.  Things must change.

Sunday 6th September

Very dull fact:  Nigel  swapped over the doormats
Random fact: Had Yorkshire salad with sausages and Yorkshire pudding
Quite interesting fact: I discovered a secret compartment in a piece of furniture

Saturday 5th September

Happy Birthday mum!

Despite being up until 2, Nigel was up early to collect a parcel from the sorting office.  It's annoying that they close at 9.30 a.m. on a Saturday.  Still, it got us up and out of the house in time to visit both a car boot sale and the pipe band's coffee morning.

The threatened rain might have put off some of the carbooters because it seemed quite quiet. The girls bought some toys and books and Nigel and I bought coats.
 
At the coffee morning, a mix up at the tombola proved serendipitous.  I drew a winning number but the prize wasn't anywhere to be seen so I was given another five tickets, two of which were winners - one a bottle of champagne!  We bought some delicious quiche, chocolate and strawberry cake and some coconut slices from the homebaking stall. Bric-a-brac bargains were thin on the ground but it's always nice to get out, see friendly faces and support our community.

This evening Nigel and I watched Kubrick's The Killing, an intense gangster heist.

Freebie of the day:  Splashproof Kathy Lette book courtesy of Radox.

Friday 4th September

The rain has been unfeasibly heavy.   I've had to change outfits after each leg of the school run.  Clothes are drying on every radiator.  However, laundry is the least of our worries.  I noticed water leaking from the eaves of the MonkeyLoft and spent the majority of the morning on the phone to our insurance company, the insurer's agents and roofers.

Someone came round in the afternoon and repositioned a roof tile and fortunately, there isn't any damage inside other than some cosmetic water marks and a few soggy paperbacks.

Website of the day:  The British Larder - culinary inspiration featuring mostly British seasonal produce

Thursday 3rd September

This morning I've been thinking about my niece's first day at school.  I know Lauren will be fine and I hope Rachel will be too.  I suspect she won't have to endure the playground clique as the dynamics of their village in Nidderdale are different from here.  

For one thing, there is a great pride in the area - both from people that have lived there for generations and 'incomers' alike.  Sadly, I have noticed that there are people moving to Prestonpans who do so under sufferance, with no intention of playing a part in the community yet think they are doing us a huge favour by moving here.  In other words, people aspire to live there and deign to live here.  I cannot stand that attitude but then I ♥  Prestonpans.

The playground mums are a curious breed.  One one hand, they refuse to understand why school rules should apply to them, yet desperately seek approval from teachers (or anyone they consider middle class, or, bizarrely, anyone with a southern accent).

And they do this weird competitive thing where they try to outdo each other with how much better they are acquainted with each other:

Know the name of mutual friend's husband                  10 points
Casually mention the colour of mutual friend's kettle    50 points
(Extra points for longevity of friendship or promixity of respective houses)

---ooOoo---

I was playing "I Spy" by colour with Georgie.  
"I Spy, with my little eye, something...pink!"
"Is it your red bag?" she asks

I have changed outfits more times than a catwalk model today.  I got absolutely drenched going to school in the morning.  And again on the collection.  And again...

Website of the day:  Responsible Citizen - reference point on how to beat anti-social behaviour and promote good citizenship

Wednesday 2nd September

Happy 5th Birthday Lauren!

---ooOoo---

Today has been a little frustrating/worrying/annoying, depending on whether Georgie is mishearing, not hearing or ignoring.

I say something to her, e.g. "hold my hand" and then ask her what I just said and she ventures "be sensible?".  Also, I've been aware of her staring intently trying to read my lips.  

---ooOoo---

Heather phoned to see if I was free for coffee and cake.   Sorely tempted as I was by my friend's Mars Bar Cake, the only tête-à-tête I had time for today was the one included in my spring bulb collection (also containing chionodoxa, Anemone de caen, tulip tarda, oxalis, and dutch iris).  Even with the help of the girls it took the rest of the afternoon to plant them in the flower bed (along with allium caeruleum, sphaer, aflatunense, and ostroskanium).

Nigel didn't get home till late which really threw our routine.

Tuesday 1st September

As we enter the ninth month, I feel my stress levels rising.  Perhaps I am becoming a grumpy old woman.  I think I may write a book called "Other People - their part in my grumpiness".  A common theme running invisibly through the day has been how Other People perceive I spend my time.  

Simple fact: I have to take children to school and nursery.  And collect them.  At a mandatory time.  As determined by the school.  This is not flexible.  I repeat.
A common sense approach to engineer visits would be most welcome.  Family-friendly appointments and two-hour time slots please.

I messed up spectacularly in not noticing that Lucy had taken to school the wrong homemade envelope.  Instead of her £1 for baking, she had in fact taken a very similar envelope containing mystery orange seeds from a plant in the garden.  Fortunately I spotted it before any poisoning incidents took place.

---ooOoo---

Laura and Kev came round and I was mortified when they trooped upstairs to admire Emily's 'tidy' room.  It is an absolute mess (but she has arranged her butterflies artistically).

---ooOoo---

I am geekishly delighted that Halls newsagent stocks coloured Sharpies.  

---ooOoo---

Dinner was a very tasty pasta with frankfurters and spinach.

Website of the day: BHF Big Donation - join the fight against heart and circulatory disease - drop off donations at branches of Argos, Homebase and Lidl.

Monday 31st August

Today is laundry/pets/gardening day on my new Stepford schedule.

The contents of the laundry basket are not as expected (don't ask me how I can tell, I just know).  And one laundry basket is missing.

I successfully cleaned out the stick insects without any major catastrophes but the guinea pig escaped while I was cleaning his hutch.  He's not named Speedy for nothing.  He was lured back with lots of dandelion leaves.

In the garden I sowed a wildflower meadow over what used to be a pond and planted some hyacinths in the smallest bed.  

I am normally quite restrained when shopping but today, on impulse, bought a coco palm.  Quite what possessed me I don't know.  I have nowhere to put it.  I don't have the necessary tall ceilings or a conservatory and I doubt whether there will be sufficient humidity.

We don't have hot water today.  Or rather, we are relying on the immersion heater to supply the water until the British Gas engineer sorts us out.

Lucy came home from school with a copy of Mr Big in a nylon book bag, a gift from Booktime.    Their website has lots of related activity sheets.

I made plum chutney, plum ketchup and plum sauce (we still have a lot of plums, despite giving away bags of them to anyone who stands still long enough).

I love polenta with grilled cheese and today we had it with spinach and sardines.

Website of the day:  National Wildflower Centre - promoting new wildflower habitats through creative conservation.

Sunday 30th August

We were at the Labour Club this afternoon for Dylan and Ewan's Christening party.  They looked absolutely gorgeous in their tiny wee kilts.  We had a lovely time and it was nice to see lots of our neighbours there.   Thank you Lisa and David for inviting us to share your special day.

Website of the day:  Recyclart - be inspired

Saturday 29th August

It was a (relatively) busy day in the Small World today with packing, pricing and a steady trickle of customers.  One customer I was particularly pleased to see was Johnston who popped in before Preston Lodge's game against Newton Stewart.

I met up with the rest of the family in the library and we had lunch at Aroma before going home and spending some time in the garden.  

Dinner was baked gnocchi with mushrooms and spinach in a cream sauce.

Website of the day: D-Barcodes - barcodes as art

Friday 28th August

Primary 1 parents were invited to have lunch with their child today.  Lucy was delighted to see that ice cream was one of the choices for pud.  I think she is going to like school dinners.

---ooOoo---

I can see hay bales spaced evenly over the top field.  It will probably be the last time I will see them as, across the road, the foundations are being dug for the homes that will oblitterate the last bit of view I have.

Website of the day: Nothing To See Here - It's time this treasury of unusual/everyday places got another mention...

Thursday 27th August

The day started badly with Emily tantrumming.  It perked up when I went for breakfast in Aroma with Nigel.

When I collected Lucy she was proudly clutching a brown paper bag.  It contained a water bottle, a dinner money purse and a note of the school dinner menus together with tips and recipes.  What a lovely 'Welcome to Primary 1' pack.

We went for lunch at the Pitstop Cafe which was busier than on previous visits.  Jacqui told us about her group's forthcoming exchange visit to Italy.

Kedgeree for tea, accompanied by more tantrums.

Website of the day:  Mikodesign - blog of Dutch textile artist.  The caravan playhouse is tooo beautiful for words.

Wednesday 26th August

I planted my free pansies in between the nasturtium and borage at the back, and beside the artemisia at the front.  (This isn't of interest to anyone else but I like to record what, where and when I plant stuff).

As I planted them I was reminded of the guerrilla gardener/artist Paul Harfleet who plants pansies at the site of homophobic attacks.    I think this is a wonderful way to show support or to honour the memory of someone.  I plan to buy 'Milly' - a vivid magenta sweetpea named after Milly Dowler - available from Matthewman's Sweetpeas from September.

---ooOoo---

Jane came round this evening and we had a chat about starting the equivalent of the Naperville Book Club for Fabulous Women to which she reckons she owes her sanity during her year in Chicago.  We've talked before about starting something similar here (although it might be too late for my sanity) and here it is:

Click here to check out
The East Lothian Book Club for Fabulous Women!

Tuesday 25th August

The arrival of Rachel, Peter and the girls was a very welcome break from mopping the kitchen floor.  I haven't seen my nieces for ages.

My girls were pleased to see their cousins and they were a useful diversion for Lucy who was upset by an incident at playtime.  Briefly, she had found a ladybird and showed it to her new best friend.  They named it Lily and put it on the ground and two girls(!) came over and and stamped on it "making it be dead".  

---ooOoo---

Why does Georgie speak like an Eastenders character: "Ave yer got pyper?  I wanna myke sammfink".

Bulgar wheat, mackerel and radishes for tea.

Nigel and I watched Missed Call - a creepy (but inane) movie.

School rules: Follow instructions from all adults; Keep hands, feet and objects to themselves; be kind and thoughtful to others.

Monday 24th August

I've devised a new routine to ensure I get the housewhiffery done.  Today has been laundry day.  Listening to Radio 4 makes the task so much more enjoyable.

Lunch was a salad roll followed by some greek yoghurt, into which I stirred a dollop of my neighbour's strawberry jam.  Sublime.

I've having a good day.  

Scots word of the day:  'Sweetie-wife' - a garralous gossipy person

Sunday 23rd August

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

May the blessings of Sri Ganesha be upon you all! May He remove all the obstacles that stand in your spiritual path! May He bestow on you all material prosperity as well as liberation!

Saturday 22nd August

Visitors to the shop included a mother and daughter who are new to the area and we spent some time talking about the difficulties of getting to know people and finding things to do.

In my experience, the real problem isn't meeting people (who are plentiful) but making genuine friends.  I recall being pumped for information by someone in a bid to see whether I was 'useful' to know (I'm not!).  Almost as annoying as these social climbers are the butterfly collectors.  I'm always suspicious of anyone who declares that they have "allsorts of friends" (ooh can I be the round coconut one?!).   The problem with befriending someone because of their 'novelty' value is, well doh...they don't remain novel for long.  And how does it work anyway?  Do they have a quota system or a questionnaire or something?

---ooOoo---

In the afternoon we went to Prestongrange Museum with Laura and Kev where the Family Activity Day was in full swing.  We were too late for the circus skills and rhymetime but had a look at the Countryside Rangers' stall, made some badges on the mobile library van and played putting and swingball.  With the help for Jimmy Berry of Lothian Disability Sport, Emily had a go at archery.

Website of the day:  It is on - receive invitations to the sort of events you like, gigs, exhibitions, launches etc.

Friday 21st August

It was nice to have a blether with Jill in Aroma Bistro.  I blethered so much in fact I had to make a mad sprint into the playground to collect Lucy from school.

This afternoon I made cookies with cherries, berries and jelly beans.  They were nice and chewy.

As Nigel was having a night out, we had a girls' night in.  This largely involved pampering and chorusing "Boys are horrible!".  We cleansed, toned and moisturised; put cucumber slices on our eyes; had head and hand massages; spritzed our feet and curled our hair.

Website of the day: Uncyclopaedia - Like Wikipedia but bogus.  And completely, instantly editable by anyone.  

Thursday 20th August

Lidl should pay me commission.  Today I spotted one solitary laminator for a bargainous £12.99 so I phoned Elaine who had said she wanted one and minutes later she was carrying it through checkout.  I bought a plug in night light on a dimmer switch.

I went to nursery to discuss Georgie's hearing.  As always, they were incredibly supportive.  

I popped into the Small World shop to buy wine glasses for my sister and a birthday present for my niece.   Stock from the new catalogue has arrived.  My favourites are the dragonfly bracelets, recycled magazine pots and the purses made from recycled plastic packaging.

There has been torrential rain today.  Lucy and I got soaked to the skin walking home.   

My kurties arrived from Rupali today - the arrival of sequins (or sunshine or small birds) never fails to liften my spirits.

Website of the day:  Annemarie Allan - the website of the awarding winning children's author of Hox, Breaker and the forthcoming Ushig.

Wednesday 19th August

Another milestone.

It was Lucy's first day at school today.  She was a little nervous but when I collected she declared it had been "Fine.  Very fine actually".

Emily's day didn't go so well.  She is learning about the fickle and fragile nature of female friendships.

Later in the day, Nigel took Georgie for a hearing assessment at Lauriston Buildings.  Although one ear is fine, the other was registering 'low'.  We will learn more about what this means in practical terms at a future consultation but right now,  we're feeling a little shell-shocked.

   Tuesday 18th August

Lucy had a speech therapy assement today.  She really has improved a great deal.

Website of the day: East Lothian Museums Blog - a nice 'behind the scenes' peek.

Monday 17th August

The teachers have returned to school for in-service training and back-to-school preparations have begun in earnest for the start of term on Wednesday. The girls have had their hair cut by Sharon at 202 and now look very smart.  I've Sharpied their names on to every item of clothing.

I'm going to enjoy having a little time to myself again.  The additional walk to/from school in the afternoon might help me shift a few pounds.  

It will be nice to get in a routine again.  During the holidays the day has sort of drifted.  I'm really going to try to manage my time better.

I'm not looking forward to running the gauntlet of the playground mafia, but I'm a bit more confident these days - and I'll take a book with me.

Website of the day:  Levi Roots - the home of Reggae Reggae Sauce.

Saturday 15th August

I was working in the Small World this morning.  It was a successful day with a couple of new customers including a very cute baby.  Bernice gave me some dressing up items for the girls who were delighted when I returned home with  hats, masks and eyepatches.

It's been a disconcerting sort of afternoon:
While delving in a box in the garage, I pulled out a dead mouse.  
A bulb blew in a light fitting so I went downstairs to get a replacement, and tripped over something left on the stairs.
I reached into a overhead cupboard only to have lightbulbs fall out and smash on the floor.

I think I may have to lie down and sniff some lavender.

Twitterer of the day:  Hobec (aka Nigel).  Follow him.  And when you can't stand the excitement any longer, follow me.

Friday 14th August

Happy Janmashtami (hare krisna hare krisna krisna krisna hare hare ,hare rama hare rama rama rama hare hare..).

Traditionally, Krishna's birthday is celebrated by drawing baby-sized feet at the entrance to your property (symbolising the Hindu deity's safe arrival at his foster parents' house).  I had considered drawing wee feet in chalk but it has been pouring with rain all day. Instead, I placed old wellies, planted up with lavender and wildflowers along the path leading to the front door.

---ooOoo---

Good luck Jane who is attempting to cover a mile for every year of her life. Today's challenge will clock up 15 miles walking around Dalkeith Estate.  Tomorrow the Bonnars will cycle 20 miles from Rosewell to Gladhouse Reservoir and the 42 mile challenge ends with a 7 mile walk following the dismantled railway routes from Roslin to Bonnyrigg .  Rather than ask for sponsorship she is asking people to hand in clothes, books, music & homewares etc to Oxfam, which is reporting a 12% drop in donations in 2009.

Thursday 13th August

I really need to get out.  The only people I've seen today are those I've either married or given birth to.

I have to have this book - a sort of Henry Root/Timewaster Letters for the noughties generation.

Ratatouille and rice for dinner.

Wednesday 12th August

We spent Nigel's 42nd birthday discussing The Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything.  No, not really.

The day began with Nigel opening his cards and presents which included Cornershop's Judy Sucks a Lemon for Breakfast, The Very Best of Melanie, Oxford World Classics books (The Woman in White, The Turn of the Screw and Other Stories,  Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave and The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner), a laser pointer, a hand-crank mobile phone charger, Hipo hyfryd chocolate, and comic strip pyjama trousers.

We then walked to Port Seton, stopping off at The Secret Garden before having fish and chips at the Harbour cafe.  After a look round the charity shop there (purchases: cereal bowls and more books) we took a bus home.

Nigel made a wonderful dinner of scallops with chickpeas, parsley and bacon and we had lots of Pimms before the day ended watching the Perseid meteor shower. Glorious Twelfth indeed.

See Nigel's take on the day here.

Website of the day: League Against Cruel Sports - there is nothing glorious about the current legislation which allows a child of any age to obtain a certificate to possess a section 1 firearm if it is for a sporting purpose 

Tuesday 11th August

As the girls all wanted to take out various wheeled things (Georgie: doll in buggy; Lucy: Bike; Emily: Scooter), I decided to make the trip to speech therapy by train to Wallyford, a 3 minute journey, then walked to Edenhall Hospital.

Georgie will still need speech therapy but I'm not sure that the group sessions are the way forward.  She is such a show-off that I think she will relish a new audience rather than taking it seriously.

Monday 10th August

Happy Birthday Georgie!

We went to Dunbar Splash Pool for Georgie's fourth birthday.  It has a 25m freeform pool with a shallow 'beach' area. Twice an hour, a siren sounds and the wave machine is operated.  As well as a flume, there are also assorted water features such as waterfalls, showers and bubbling spas.  In other words, not a lot of swimming goes on but there are plenty of laughs and shrieks.

Dunbar High Street has some lovely old buildings and a surprising array of shops and cafes. We bought ice cream at the lovely Bellfine gift shop.

By the station, on the site of the former goods depot and yard is the wonderful Coast Cafe.  It is run by the same people who run the surf school and, as you might suppose, the emphasis is on healthy and wholesome.  We drank our coffee in the beautiful garden where gourds and runner beans grew amongst lavender and a very pungent curry plant. The girls enjoyed playing in an old boat and on the skate ramp.  The garden was decorated with painted driftwood and cable spools.

Website of the day:  Dunbar Community Website - information about Sunny Dunny for visitors and locals alike.

Sunday 9th August

We've had a calming restorative day.

Georgie stayed home with me while the other three went grocery shopping.

She is very interested in numbers at the moment and was quite happy playing with a calculator (or countalater as she calls it).

---ooOoo---

Things my husband says that I am unlikely to say:

"I bought it while I was at Quantum Mechanics Summer School"

Saturday 8th August

I went to the Mela for the first time since having kids. It was good but the great performance by samba drumming band Pulse of the Place and all the other activities were overshadowed by Georgie's disappearance for ten minutes.

Briefly: after some lunch the three girls took the empty food containers to the bin - but only Emily and Lucy came back.  

We were thankfully quickly reunited but it shook us up enough to call it a day and go home.

I can't thank the police or the security staff enough. They remained so calm and professional which in turn prevented me going into emotional meltdown.

Friday 7th August

I helped Charlie and Helen bag up more branches this morning while the girls gathered plums.

In today's mail was a packet of carrot seeds celebrate the launch of Bonsai Barber wii game in Europe.  To get your free seed packet, email your name and postal address to: bbseeds@zoonami.com.

This afternoon I made a plum bread and butter pudding and a chilled pea and mint soup.  Needless to say, the kids looked at the icy cold green swamp before them and wouldn't eat it.

---ooOoo--

It seems to me that people are more self-aggrandising, duplicitous and self-serving nowadays.  Genuine selflessness is about as rare as a girlfriend at a comic convention.

Website of the day:  Aquila Children's Magazine - younger kids are well-catered for on the web but that's not the case for older children.  The readers' section of the website has top quality downloadable activities for 8-13 year olds.

Thursday 6th August

In a rare display of community spirit, seven out of 12 households turned out to clear the communal grassy area of litter.  By clearing away some shrubbery, we have made the area more open and less of a 'den' for ne'er do wells.

Not quite so supportive has been the reaction from my family to my eye injury.  Honestly, you would think I did it on purpose to upset their equilibrium.

Website of the day: Museum of Communication - the UK's only collection of early electrics, telegraphy, telephony, radio, television and I.T - and it's in Burntisland.

Wednesday 5th August

I was up a ladder lopping branches when it started to get windy.  I decided it would be safer to work at ground level so began the undemanding task of pulling ivy from my fence.  Big mistake.  The wind blew dust and grit and my eye and, after an hour of showers and eye baths, I still couldn't see what, if anything, was in my eye.

Kathleen ran me to Roodlands where the eye was numbed, dyed, examined, flushed.  The general consensus is, whatever had been in my eye is probably gone but my eyelid is scratched.  I came home wearing a rather fetching eye patch and some ocular cream.

Website of the day:  The Unexpected Twists and Turns - a mum on feminism, the environment and life outside her (Montreal) door

Tuesday 4th August

The Small World shop, 9A Orchard Crescent, Prestonpans, EH32  9JJ,  reopens today after it's summer break.  It deserves a wee mention:

In addition to a great range of fair trade groceries, refills of Ecover products, household goods, toys, hand-crafted gifts, clothing and stationery, the Small World also offers:

A speaker service and loan of fair trade promotional materials.
Goods on a 'sale or return' basis to community groups
Loan of fair trade recipe books
Ordering of non-stock items from the Traidcraft catalogue
Volunteer opportunities

The opening hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 10-12 and 2-4 and Saturday: 10-12

The shop has a blog - sw9a.blogspot

Monday 3rd August

Thank you Nigel for bringing me coffee in bed this morning.

---ooOoo---

I tested the Ph levels of the soil today.  I'll have to read up what 7/neutral means in relation to growing vegetables.  

I wanted to save some seeds but almost every poppy head I opened had a clipshear/earwig inside.

I'd love to create a Jarman-esque garden at the front, substituting Dungeness for Cockenzie, but I'm scared it will just look like I've put some stuff out for special uplift.

---ooOoo---

I'm determined to use up as many apples off the tree as possible this year.  I made another apple crumble today but I'm going to have to find some other uses for them (chutney perhaps?) or a way of storing them.  I'm one crumble away from morbid obesity.

Website of the day:  Xgeronimo - freelance creator of such weird concept as get-a-flu

Sunday 2nd August

The weather has been lovely and the garden is full of butterflies.   I could have sat in the garden all day but I was meeting my guerrilla gardening chums in Portobello.  

When I arrived there were some new faces, which is always encouraging. After a bit of tilth and filth, I saved some seeds from some lunaria for future seed bombing then made my way southwards in search of the Pawtobello geocache.  

I felt a bit self-conscious rooting around the undergrowth on my own and didn't find the cache but what a hidden treasure Rosefield Park is.  The ornate gate is quite a sight to behold.  I spent some time meandering around that part of Porty. There are some lovely cottages in Adelphi Place overlooking the Figgate Burn.

I was walking up West Loan, when I bumped into (not literally!) Betty on her fab new scooter and had a good blether.

Happy Friendship Day! 

Saturday 1st August

Barker Family Pecking Order:

Nigel
children
guinea pig
stick insects
squeaky wheels
me

Website of the day: Sha-do - lights that cast shadows.  Beautiful. Can I make one myself out of a torch, an old tin and some duct tape?

Friday 31st July

Credit where it's due, East Lothian Antisocial Behaviour team responded very quickly to my email  A Community Warden was at my house this morning and this afternoon I got a follow-up visit.

---ooOoo---

I started to trim the berberis hedge and was overwhelmed by the enormity of the task.  So, with Emily's help, I dug the whole thing up and planted an artemisia in its place.  I'm so glad it's gone.  And I think I know where I'm going to shove the jaggy branches.

We had a Domino's pizza in celebration of System Administrator Appreciation Day - and you know what? My homemade pizza is much nicer.
 
Website of the day: Edinburgh Things and Stuff - a wiki-in-progress of free/worthy/radical orgs, places and events in the capital.

Thursday 30th July

Our new Family and Friends Railcard arrived today.  I renewed it online using the code DAILYM09 to get 50% off (and no, I do not read the Daily Mail).

Also in today's mail was the RHS Learn To Garden book.  I can't sing it's praises enough.  It's a really comprehensive introduction.  There are lots of photos and it assumes minimal knowledge, rather than maximum stupidity.  And it had a whopping 78% off at Play.com.
 
I made cookies again today.  The preferred variation is sunflower oil, flour, sugar and lemon curd, mixed to a firm consistency and baked for no more than 10 minutes.

Website of the day:  TrustPilot - read reviews of customer service here before you order from a company

Wednesday 29th July

Despite being a highly logical and non-spooky type, sometimes, coincidences happen at such a rate I begin to wonder if they have a deeper meaning.

Last week I had just finished reading a forum posting that had the signature "Remember, lily pollen is poisonous to cats" when Nigel called upstairs to say Coronation Street was starting.  As I walked in the living room Emily Bishop's niece Flora(?) was giving the same piece of advice to Norris.  Weird.

My genealogical searches have taken me, virtually, to North Tyneside. In between marvelling at photographs of Tynemouth and looking at maps of Backworth, I came across a property for sale which I recognised.  It was my late great aunt's former home.  Many years ago I had been a bridesmaid at her daughter's wedding which took place in the church immediately behind the house.  This evening I saw the churchyard again.  On 'Who Do You Think You Are', Kate Humble went to Earsdon to visit the memorial in St Alban's Churchyard to the 204 men and boys killed in the Hartley Pit Disaster. (The Springwatch presenter had discovered that her great great great grandfather had been the colliery viewer at the time of the disaster.)

---ooOoo---
.
There have been lots of butterflies in the garden today and I noticed three irises which I can't remember planting.

Website of the day: Nico Van Hoorn - Environmentalist Artist extraordinaire

Tuesday 28th July

And......bump.

That was me falling back down to earth.  I've had worse landings.  I had a dreadful night's sleep.  I need to focus.

Reason(s) to be cheerful:

My size 1 crank clock key (winder width 2.50mm) from Highams Clocks fits my cuckoo clock and I can now hear a satisfying tick tock
(and the usual stuff)

Website of the day: My Food My Poop - (food+drink) - (poo+wee) = energy.  Erm....why?

Monday 27th July

I've worked my way through a list of activities drawn up by the girls.  We have baked cookies, done papier mache, watched Mary Poppins...and still they are squabbling.  

I was retrieving some paperwork from the understairs cupboard when Lucy appeared by my side.  
"It's a bit messy in here mummy.  Maybe you could tidy it up"
I said very calmly "Yes, I could tidy it, but my job isn't tidying up after everyone.  My job is looking after you children"
"But we could just watch  television" she says
"Yes you could, but I still have all the other jobs to do like washing or washing up"
"Hmmm....you get grumpy sometimes don't you mummy?"

Feeling quite low today.

The June photographs have been uploaded here.

Website of the day:  Jupiter Wildflower Nursery - specialist growers of native and naturalised plants in an organic and peat free establishment

Sunday 26th July

This morning: I danced around the living room to the Darjeeling Limited sountrack
This afternoon: I was filmed helping my guerrilla gardening buddies make a compost bin from pallets
This evening: I made plum jam (and made a mess of the kitchen tiles) and drank a Moscow Mule  (vodka, ginger and lime)

Website of the day:  Altuse - alternative uses for everyday products.  Shame I've run out of vodka, I could have used it to clean my tiles.

Saturday 25th July

Waverley Station was busier than usual today. As well as the usual Hen and Stag gatherings, we saw lots of kilted folk, presumably making their way to the Clan Gathering at Holyrood Park.    I haven't been to any of the Homecoming events but I would quite like to see the Original Export exhibition at the National Library of Scotland (I've left it too late to see I kent his faither in Musselburgh).

We were in town primarily to go to the Compassionate Living Fayre but first paid a visit to Avalanche before going to Greyfriars Kirkyard where we successfully tracked down the Greyfriars Bobby geocache.

Across the road in beautiful St Augustine's Church, a person in a bunny costume was giving out free samples of vegan cake.  That kind of set the scene for what lay ahead inside.  

Lucy and Georgie made a beeline for the colouring-in table and facepainting while Emily went around the tables blagging samples of lipgloss and bathbombs.  "I hope she doesn't buy a Plane Stupid t-shirt" whispered Nigel. She didn't.  Our little bunnyhugger spent her money on an "I'm Not a Coat" badge.  

While Nigel bought quinoa flakes and soya beans from RealFoods and chatted to AK's Alexis, I spent a couple of quid on the strangest tombola ever.  Usually, a ticket ending in a '5' or '0' would win a prize but at the Fayre there was a list of seemingly random winning numbers (891, 332, 62 etc) with anything ending in '11' or '55' winning a magazine.  It made it interesting but I'm not sure I would be brave enough to try that method at a school fair or in the Town Hall!

Lucy-Ann was there doing hair wraps and across the hall Andrea was being filmed by Velveteen Screen making seedbombs.  The (vegan) food was fabulous. Wraps, salads, couscous and loads of delicious homebaking.  Nigel and I had tea and coffee while the girls enjoyed strawberry soya milk.

We had a look in Deadhead then popped into the Forest where the Total Kunst gallery's 'Hang Them' exhibition brings to an end two years of fortnightly shows.  There were changes too in the cafe which has been refurbished since our last visit.  The wee tables and chairs are probably more efficient but I liked the comfy big sofas. I liked Magda's artwork on the walls though.

After yet more vegan chocolate cake we had a look round the Old Town's charity shops.   Star finds were a reading light and a nightlight - both items which were on my shopping list.

I probably had a bit too much sugar today because when I got home I could feel my hands disappearing (the start of a migraine) and felt a bit wobbly, but what a pleasant day!

Friday 24th July

I'm experiencing a bit of a manic episode at the moment.  I've the classic symptoms: racing thoughts, fully-paid up membership to  the WideAwakeClub and general unstoppability.

I've created an East Lothian events blog - for no other reason than it seemed like a good idea at the time.  
 
Website of the day:  Kinghorn Lifeboat  - read details of the latest shouts from the RNLI station

Thursday 23rd July

The recent winds have blown hundreds of small yellow plums on the ground.  I ate one, it was nice.  I used my newly purchased fruitpicker to retrieve some apples and, together with a tin of peaches made a crumble.

---ooOoo---

I have slipped on yet another comic bag cover left at the top of the stairs - is my husband trying to kill me?

Website of the day:  The Alternative Market - medieval style trading for today's economic crisis. First market 15th & 16th at the Edinburgh Academy grounds (thanks Thea).

Wednesday 22nd July

I have a new tactic for keeping the girls happy/house reasonably tidy/me sane: I let them do whatever they want and pay them to tidy up afterwards.  

Nigel hardly gets a mention on my blog these days. To make up for it, here are two vignettes about the l♥ve/bane of my life:

I began to iron a shirt for Nigel.
"This isn't a work shirt" I say
"I know, it's my 'first date' shirt, I thought I would wear it on Saturday".
"Is it the 'first date' shirt?" I ask
"Yes, and very successful it was too"
"Yes, I'm the one that now irons it"

I asked Nigel if he had any ideas about what he might like for his birthday.  
"I'd quite like something I haven't tried" he mused.  
"We are talking food here, right?" .
"What's that thing they always have on Come Dine that we've never had?"
"Truffles?"
"No, scallops"
"Erm, ok, that shouldn't be too difficult.  Anything else?"
"Hmmm....Pimms".
"You've never had Pimms?!"  

I sometimes forget how much posher I am than my simple husband.

Tuesday 21st July

We visited Carmel and the kids and picnicked at Cockenzie beach. Yes, I know if was piddling down today. It seemed like a good idea at the time and the kids didn't seem to mind.

Website of the day:  Silent UK - another urbexing site.  I can't explain why I like this stuff so much...  

Monday 20th July

The girls had a super time with Esme today.  They had spent the morning at the beach and cafe. When I went to collect them they were taking it in turns to try on Annemarie's wedding dress.  

Nigel made a fab dinner of puy lentils and sausages.

Event plug:  Compassionate Living Fayre, 25/7/09 10-5.30, St Augustine's Church Hall, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.  Organised by bunnyhuggers who promise free food, talks, cinema, workshops, stalls, kids activities.

Sunday 19th July

We were making our way through Princes Street Gardens when were tempted by "A Taste of Spain" at the Mound.  We got to discover the regions of Andalucía, Balearic Islands, Madrid, Murcia, Galicia, Castilla y León  and Valencia Region.  Our favourite was Madrid.  I'm already making plans to go.  We came away with straw hats, cotton bags, foam aeroplanes, sweets and, best of all, a lovely soft blanket - all courtesy of the exhibition.

The blanket came in handy when we eventually made our way to Treefest as the grass was a bit soggy after the earlier showers.  We saw some familiar faces including Sandra and Angus & Carole.  In a change from the usual facepainting, the girls got glitter tattoos and made finger puppets.  

There was some kind of 'angel workshop'/meditation guff, and yes the dreadlock/tie-dye/patchouli count was quite high.  There were more crusties than you could shake an overpriced stick of driftwood at.  But it was a pleasant and very well organised event.  

On the way back, we looked at some of the charity shops in lovely Stockbridge.

---ooOoo---

On the train home there was a young girl talking extremely loudly on the phone.  She was like putting like in every sentence like '"Then he like said....so like I was like, well if, you like, are going to like be like that like...Then he like said...."  

All of which might have been laughable if she hadn't been so ridiculously like loud.  

Website of the week:  Museum on the Mound -  HBOS's exhibition of money, design, technology, crime, trade and security

Saturday 18th July

Emily and went to see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince this morning.  Despite not having seen any of the previous Harry Potter fims, I enjoyed it and managed to follow the action.  I haven't ever read a Harry Potter book but I'm fairly familiar with the general storylines because Emily is quite obsessive about them.It's not a deliberate snub on my part, more that there are several other books I want to read first.  Perhaps I will read one someday.

The plan was to meet Nigel, Lucy and Georgie at Oxfam's comic workshop in McDonald Road library.  However, when Emily and I left the Omni, we saw a stony-faced Nigel with the other two.  Lucy and Georgie had run about and generally made a nuisance of themselves so Nigel felt compelled to leave.

We reluctantly returned home, taking a shortcut through Katie Herrin's Close, just in time to see a wedding party.  Georgie in particular was very happy to see the beautiful bride.  When we got home she and Lucy assembled 'veils' and wedding dresses from random items of my clothing and began singing "Here Comes the Bride".  Why couldn't  they play nicely when Nigel needed them to?
   
---ooOoo---

Quite why I felt inspired to start researching my family tree I don't know.  One family line is a very common surname and I didn't hold out much hope of getting anywhere fast so I decided to start with my maternal great grandmother - whose surname is also quite common.  A search of the 1911 and 1901 census revealed nothing...until I tried a different spelling.  Almost immediately I was looking at the right record.   I can see this could be very time-consuming.

Website of the day:  Woodhorn - Northumberland at your fingertips

Friday 17th July

This afternoon Julian Frostwick, of Archictecturejfltd came round to have a look at the MonkeyLoft as part of Shelter/Riba's Architect in House Week.  According to him, our plan to knock through from the main house is perfectly do-able, relatively low cost and would take less than a fortnight.

I discovered a large clump of borage alive and thriving in the garden.  It has pretty starlike flowers and apparently goes well in a glass of Pimms in much the same way as you put wild hibiscus in the bottom of a glass of fizz.  I may freeze some of the flowers for this purpose.

Emily and I made maltester cookies which, despite some errors of omission, turned out quite nice.  

We had haggis rolls for tea.  I made the wholemeal seeded baps myself and added a dollop of marmite to the dough mixture for an extra kick.

Greetings to our visitors from Morocco, Burkina Faso, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Macedonia, Montenegro, Qatar, Ghana, Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Thursday 16th July

No sooner had Lucy uttered the dreaded words "I'm bored" than the postie delivered a Nature Detectives Club activity pack from the Woodland Trust.  The Spring/Summer pack is extremely well designed with beautiful posters, competitions, craft activities, puzzles, games and stickers.  There are more downloadable activities at the club website and they email each Friday with a nature challenge for us to log in our challenge diary.

After a few errands I went round to Mo's for a coffee.  Kelly came back with us for a craft session.  The girls made garlands and glitter pictures.

Website of the day:  Lost in the Forest - blog of a maker of wearable art and lover of vintage.  

Wednesday 15th July

It's been a messy, manic day of accidents, spills and trapped butterflies. My mushroom loaf was a bit of a disaster.

Website of the day:  We Make Zines - an online community for zinemakers and readers.

Tuesday 14th July

The whys and wherefores of Emily's unhappiness on the morning of her 9th birthday are not for public consumption, however, suffice to say, we were the ones on the receiving end of her ill-temper.  

As she berated us on the walk to the station, I could have quite happily turned back, but we continued with our planned trip to North Berwick.  Happily, after fish and chips, time at the beach, a pack of Migraleve and some charity shop purchases, order was restored.

Things were much improved at teatime when her friends came round for a slice of Tardis birthday cake and a whack at the pinata.  

Things to remember for next time:  Fruit kebabs = hit.  Fruit flapjack = miss.  Lemonade = hit.  Fruit cordial = miss.  Play Your Cards Right went well.  Phone charms and other cheap tat in the pinata worked...like a charm.  The pinata really needs a bit of sabotage first (even if you imagine it is the face of someone very stupid, it is hard to smash it to smithereens).  And most importantly....Keep Calm and Carry On.

Bastille Day wordplay - If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine.

Monday 13th July

Two men from 'the Cooncil' have erected a street name at the entrance to Athena Grange.  It reads "Dolphingstone View".  

I remember when I had a 'Dolphingstone View'.  Now I have a view of someone's washing.

I remember when I used to hear skylarks.  Now I hear people clearing their throat.

Admittedly I always used to hear traffic going past, but now I hear it stop, doors slam, and, my pet hate, horns being tooted.

It's going to take some getting used to.

Readymade project of the day:  Sprout a Couch - a sofa that requires mowing.

Sunday 12th July

I could say I need lots of lemons to clean my house in an eco-friendly way.  I could pretend that I need lots of lemons to deter next door's cats from pooping on my vegetable patch.  But the truth is, I need lots of lemons because I drinks lots of gin and tonic.  But why do my lemons need to be in a net bag?   Another example of overpackaging.

Tonight I watched Revenge of the Binmen.  I say bring on fortnightly collections and half bins.  

Saturday 11th July

I don't normally watch trashy stuff (honestly, I really don't) but during this week I have been watching reality daytime tv.  I like the irony of putting my feet up to watch How Clean is Your House knowing full well that Kim and Aggie would be disgusted by the unwashed breakfast dishes in my kitchen.  

It's been nice to watch Come Dine With Me with Emily for half an hour each afternoon while Lucy and Georgie play together.  The irony that we watched the gastronomic show while eating Hula Hoops wasn't lost on me either.

It should perhaps have struck me as ironic that I was calling upstairs to Georgie to get back in her bed while I was watching Supernanny, but I just felt sad.  The mum of three young girls was at the end of her tether.

Sometimes I have days when I'm aware that I'm simply 'getting through' the day (until Nigel gets home) rather than enjoying it.  Fortunately, there aren't too many days like that.  Unfortunately, for the TV mum, most days involved 'getting through' the day' (until the kids fell asleep).  Thanks to Supernanny's sagacious words and the mum's dogged determination, things started to improve but, my goodness, lone parents deserve a flipping medal.

---ooOoo---

I got shorn and dyed by Sharon at 202.  My new 'do' has more than a touch of Aladdin Sane about it.

Supernanny's advice of the day:  The behaviour that is rewarded will be repeated.

Friday 10th July

A terrified postie delivered a huge box.  Admittedly the box had stickers on which read "Live Insects" but they were only our tiny stick insect nymphs.

We picked the last of the blackcurrants and the few redcurrants we could reach from the 'forest' part of the garden.  The raspberries haven't fared so well this year, probably because the sycamores are blocking out a lot of light.  I love having a mature garden and I love trees but ...I loathe sycamores.  They have to be the messiest tree on earth.

Anti frugal Website of the day:  Renova - It's bright, it's bold, it's expensive, it's loo roll.

Thursday 9th July

I have started reading a collection of short stories by D H Lawrence and can't stop putting 'appen in my sentences.

The book is one of the Heinemann types reminiscent of my schooldays (I think we called them 'Windmill' books).  I can't recall where I got it from but it is stamped 'Portobello Secondary School 25 February 1969'.  The inside cover is nearly as entertaining as the stories, 'appen.



I think it is safe to assume that 'Brian Monteith Bb3 1974' is the former MSP.  I wonder where the other folk are now?   'Appen it's a decade to early for former alumni Ewen Bremner or Gail Porter to have signed their name.

---ooOoo---

Popped in to see Annemarie who gave me a sneak preview of her new website (lovely muted 'ice cream' colours) - and a lettuce.  Continuing along Preston Road I bumped into Christine (must meet up soon) and had a look round the hardware shop on Hawthorn Road.  I haven't been in before - they have quite a wide selection.

---ooOoo---

I had fully intended to sort laundry, vacuum, dust etc etc but Rupali have a new range of Patiala suits that were just too diverting, then The List arrived and a competition prize 'Let's Go with the Children'...

Website of the day:  Sporcle - mentally stimulating diversions - thanks Johnston (like I need any more diversions)

Wednesday 8th July

I am quite possibly the most easily distracted person in the world.  I am now beginning to wonder if it is symptomatic of something else.  Possibly Acute Hauswerk Avoidance Syndrome.  

I was washing the dishes this morning when I noticed the colour of the buddleia now resembles Silk Cut purple.  At this point a sane/industrious type would have left the subject but, not me, no siree. I have to dry my hands and start 'researching' the subject, which leads in turn to more fascinating discoveries and emails are popping into my inbox which I begin to read etc.  Half an hour later, the dishes remain unwashed and, despite not quite exhausting the fascinating subjects of marketing, branding and tobacco I return to the kitchen sink where...

...two coke cans catch my attention.  They stack you know.  At this point a sane/industrious type would have left the subject but, not me, no siree I have to go outside to the recycling crate to investigate just how many cans I make stack and how I can make them stick.  (Oh, where did I put the duct tape? I wonder if my No More Solder will work?  Perhaps I could make an aluminium totem pole...)

It really would be so much easier if I had a dishwasher - I'll just have a quick look on t'Internet.

Website of the day:  Robert Opie Collection - the world's largest collection relating to British nostalgia and Advertising Memorabilia.

Tuesday 7th July

Website of the day:  Johnstonblog -  described as 'Ordinary Stuff in Words and Pictures' - ignore that, it's an extraordinary blog about chemo, rugby, food and life in East Lothian.  Informative, witty and enriching.

Monday 6th July

It's been a great day for frugality.  The postie brought 'My first wildlife fun book' a lovely freebie from the RSPB packed full of activities; and lemon 'eureka' tree which was a Guardian 'just pay for p&p' freebie.  I also took delivery of a pink wisteria which I got using a £15 off code so only had to pay £3.95 p&p to Additions Direct.

I have to confess that I only know what the plants are because they came with a label otherwise I'd be clueless.  I have loads to learn about gardening.  I am currently confused as to whether we have elder, ground elder or cow parsley growing in the garden.  Of course it could be hemlock.  

The kids' bickering has been quite annoying today and, as tempting as it is to give them a glass of refreshing hemlock cordial, I'm giving them a bit of leeway because (we think) the nursery stick insect has died (it's hard to tell).

---ooOoo---

Mackerel, polenta, spinach and mushrooms for tea. Yum.

Website of the day:  woZZon - over 66,000 mobile and web event listings 

Sunday 5th July

We met the Allans on the train which was a nice surprise.  We were just popping to Edinburgh to renew Nigel's season  ticket and, as the Sunday service is hourly, we shopped in Marks & Spencer in the station before catching the same train back.  

---ooOoo---

I noticed we have loads of greengages this year. I must look out some recipes.

It's been nice to have a quiet weekend.

Website of the day: Re-found objects - raRE or REmarkable, REcycled,REscued and REstored goodes.  If I haven't mentioned them before, shame on me,  if I have, well, they deserve another mention.

Saturday 4th July

I was glad of some time to myself which Nigel took the girls to the library. They joined the summer reading scheme which requires six visits to the library to get some kind of reward.  Emily thought it involved borrowing six books and in her haste chose some rather interesting titles.  She was disappointed that 'When Parents Split Up' was a non-fiction book and not a novel by her beloved Jacqueline Wilson.  I don't think 'Alcohol and its effect on your body' will hold her attention for long either.

When they came back the girls and I picked rose petals and put them in the freezer.  I don't know what I'm going to do with them but my bag of pink 'crisps' looks very pretty.

Heather dropped by and was telling us about the MoonWalk - it sounds like she and the other Patchwork girls had a great time!

This evening Nigel and I watched Control, a film about Joy Division's Ian Curtis.  Not a happy film.  I don't recommend it for first dates.

Website of the day: Secret Cinema - date and location (which is always relevant to film being show) remain a secret until nearer the time.

Friday 3rd July

As the girls had behaved well in Lidl we went to the park.  It was nice to see it so busy for a change.   We walked home via Tower Gardens which is looking very smart.

Website of the day:  Phillippe Legrain - economist who talks a lot of cents

Thursday 2nd July

I got the girls making dreamcatchers this morning.  It went better than I expected and they all really enjoyed their craft session - they weren't so keen on clearing up though...

I didn't think it was possible for the girls to get any filthier than they were yesterday but they are.  I suppose running around the garden starkers while being chased with a garden hose will do that.

Website of the day: Cardboard Cutout - I love those seaside props you stick your head through

Wednesday 1st July

The first day of the second half of the year has been a scorcher.  My Sam Burns calendar for July/August  features Newhailes.  My Graeme Neil Reid desktop calendar shows 'Crawling Death' featuring zombie soldiers.

THERE is a month between the swath and sheaf
When grass is gone
And corn still grassy;
When limes are massy
With hanging leaf,
And pollen-coloured blooms whereon
Bees are voices we can hear,
So hugely dumb
This silent month of the attaining year.
The white-faced roses slowly disappear
From field and hedgerow, and no more flowers come;
Earth lies in strain of powers
Too terrible for flowers:
And, would we know
Her burden, we must go
Forth from the vale, and, ere the sunstrokes slacken,
Stand at a moorland's edge and gaze
Across the hush and blaze
Of the clear-burning, verdant summer bracken;
For in that silver flame
Is writ July's own name--
The ineffectual, numbed sweet
Of passion at its heat.

Michael Field (a.k.a.Katharine Harris Bradley & Edith Emma Cooper)  It was a mistake to take the girls on the bus to Musselburgh as we had to jump off halfway when Georgie said she didn't feel well.  After walking the rest of the way, we were too hot and bothered to trudge around for long so we sat by the Esk eating grapes.
  
On the return journey, we got about halfway when the driver told us all to go on to the bus behind.  I must have been the only passenger who wasn't moaning - I was happy to break the journey, albeit very briefly.

We had lunch in Aroma then walked home via Rope Walk to check on the sunflowers (which are faring a little better than the Pennypit park ones.).

This afternoon Georgie fell out of a tree but apart from a swollen and grazed cheek she is fine.

---ooOoo---

I was disappointed to have missed The Age of Stupid at the Brunton tonight.  I booked the tickets based on the starting time being 7.30, which was do-able.  However, in the booking confirmation the time was given at 7.00 p.m.  I know they like to get sat down in time for the show so I suspected it was a case of 7 for 7.30 but phoned the Brunton to check.  They were very firm that the starting time was 7.00 p.m. and the website was incorrect.  This was a bit tight for me so I told my pals not to be surprised if I couldn't make it.  Then, at 7, my friend's husband called to relay the message that the film was actually starting at 7.30....arrghhh!

Tuesday 30th June

A rather lovely competition prize arrived today which I will squirrel away for a birthday present.  Or possibly a Christmas present - I met someone on Saturday who has already finished her Christmas shopping.

Mum's Summer Playscheme featured: nail varnishing of all 60 nails; 'Play Your Cards Right' for sweets; picking blackcurrants and redcurrants; making fruit kebabs with our own strawberries ...and tidying bedrooms.

Website of the day: Yellow Arrows -  now in v3, it uses digital and analog technologies to map interesting physical sites.

Monday 29th June

The first official day of the school holidays has been a little frought.  It's my fault. I should have taken them out somewhere or tried to keep them occupied.

Anyhoo, lesson learned, 50 days to go...

---ooOoo---

I was really pleased with my leeks and bacon in cheese sauce but the kids weren't too keen.

Website of the day:  Room for 5 - hotels for larger families

Sunday 28th June

The mission was to have a fun day in Edinburgh spending as little money as possible.  

Armed with a fistful of money-off vouchers we took the train to the capital (kids go free with FirstScotrail).  First stop was Burger King where we had Buy-One-Get-One-Free vouchers.  We then used the M&S vouchers from my Marathon goodie bag to buy drinks and went to Millies Cookies where our voucher got us 24 cookies for the price of 12!

We wandered through the drizzly but beautiful Princes Street Gardens and stumbled across a surprisingly low key memorial to Robert Louis Stevenson.  We had hoped to find the Crag and Tail geocache but were frustrated in our efforts by the closure of Castlehill.

We went a very round-about way to get to floors 4-6, 24 Torphichen Street to see the Heavy Metal Mouth exhibition.  

The blurb reads: Heavy metal culture represents an attitude which is not generally connected with fine art. Yet from cock-rock to black metal, it is an extremely nuanced, contradictory, and complex organism, mutated on currents of northern romanticism, sublime melancholy, gothic horror, expressionism, fin-de-siècle occultism, surrealist eroticism, and existential doom. From extreme violence to delicate sensitivity, from complexity to minimalism, it is a kind of anti-art with a unique identity; misanthropic, tasteless and belligerent.

These artists draw new metal ores from distorted rock; alchemists of the blazing northern sky.

Artists included Liz 'Eskimo' Adamson, Neil Clements, oor pal Malcy Duff, Benjamin Fallon, Alexa 'Hyperground' Hare, Sacha Kahir, Masahiro Kawanaka, Duncan Marquiss, Rachel Mclean, Emily Ritchie, Norman Shaw, Eddie Summerton and Andy Wake.  

Although we went specifically to see Malcy's 'The Heroic Mosh of Mary's Son' (which was terrific) we really enjoyed all three floors. My favourite was Masahiro Kawanaka's Life Sound Plate made from cassette tape.  We all loved Rachel Mclean's scary videos.  

The former job centre is a great venue, affording 360° views over Edinburgh which prompted us to walk over to Palmerston Place and have a look round St Mary's Cathedral.  The three Millennium Windows designed by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi are stunning and must be glorious when the sun streams through.   I also liked Borthwick's 'The Presence'.  Someday I hope to be able to see the Song School murals - I've been fascinated by Phoebe Anna Traquair's work for many years.

After the calming atmosphere of St Mary's, we walked along to Studio One where I spent many a happy lunch hour 20-odd years ago.  It is still a delightful shop, crammed full of the unusual and the handmade but this time I spent more time saying "Don't touch!" than I spent browsing.

On the return journey from Frugalburgh, I picked up a discarded copy of Spectrum which contained an article listing 50 Scottish attractions which don't cost a penny.

We already knew that you don't need to go to a gallery to see fabulous artworks and you don't need to spend lots of money to have a good time, but it was good to have that reinforced.  (But kids, a little less whining, wandering off and picking up things in shops would be good, pleease).
 
---ooOoo---

Nigel and I watched Rushmore this evening.  I really enjoyed it.  The soundtrack wasn't bad either.

Saturday 27th June

We awoke to the sound of flutes and drums.  Alas, it wasn't the Prestonpans equivalent of Pride.  It's that time of year again.  
.
We divided into three separate teams.  Emily went off to Melissa's bowling party; Nigel took Lucy and Georgie with him to the book group meeting in the library; and I escaped to the Small World shop.

The shop was busier than usual with people clearly stocking up on their favourite before we close for the summer break (the shop reopens on Tuesday 4th August).  I borrowed The Fairtrade Everyday Cookbook from the small selection of lending books in the shop.  I can't wait to try some of the recipes out.

---ooOoo---

Currently, at any given time, at least two Barkers are having communication problems; sometimes as many as four.  Some cannot communicate without whining.  Some cannot communicate without shouting. Some cannot communicate.

Friday 26th June

I've finished reading Cockroach which offers a dark slice of the Montreal émigré underground inhabited by an unnamed thief during his visits to a court-appointed psychiatrist.  I enjoyed the hallucinatory elements and the general trippyness of it.  I think Nigel will enjoy it, it's quite a 'male' book.

---ooOoo---

People have moved into the houses opposite.  It is strange to think that 'Athena Grange' (which sounds like a Harry Potter character) was just a mountain of earth a year ago.

---ooOoo---

I was attempting to spread the contents of the composter into what will be my vegetable patch.    The stuff in there hasn't rotted down enough and it is absolutely crawling with bugs.  To make life that little bit more interesting, I no longer have a garden fork.  It is hard, sweaty, disgusting work.  Georgie came outside carrying the post.  InStyle magazine offers 'Fast Fashion Fixes', a feature by Lizzy Jagger on 'A Model Holiday" and my favourite "Unleash your Inner Supermodel".  I've unleashed her and she's yielding a blinged up Dolce and Gabbana spade.

---ooOoo---

School's out!  And Emily is partying with Sophie.

Thursday 25th June

Today was the last day of nursery and every bit as emotional as I expected it to be.

We are glad to be looking after the stick insect.  I hope some of the eggs hatch over the summer.

The squabbling has already begun in earnest so I am going to work extra hard to keep everyone entertained and happy.   I've added a summer holiday activity booklet to the Stuff we make section.  The quick link is http://tinyurl.com/toodarnedhot

I've also made a dinner money ready reckoner because I'm rubbish at the 17 times table (and I'm a geek).  Blimey, I'll be forking out £13.60 a week.  That could buy me a copy of Fantasy Annual 5, New-Age Renaissance Man: Confessions of a Middle-Aged Italian, or Matthew Kenney's Entertaining in the Raw (this information brought to you courtesy of Amazon Filler Item Finder).

Wednesday 24th June

We got Lucy's 'Learning Story' home today from nursery.  She started the folder two years ago and it is a record of her progress made through the Curriculum for Excellence.  It is heartwarming stuff.

---ooOoo---

The garden is awash with the scent of peonies in their last few days of glory.

---ooOoo---

Tonight's Rathayatra veggie feast was great fun.

Website of the day:  Air Sickness Bag Virtual Museum - the museum of bleurggh currently exhibits 2155 bags.

Tuesday 23rd June

I had elevenses with Annemarie and Jane today and over scones and tea in Annemarie's garden we heard all about Jane's adventures in Chicago.  We are so glad she is back!  We also held the inaugural meeting of the East Lothian Book Club for Fabulous Wifies (or something - the name needs some work).

I always seem to leave Annemarie's house with more than I arrived, usually books, this time, lily of the valley... and two chariots.  I'm borrowing the chariots for Rathayatra tomorrow.

Back home I unravelled the garden hose (which is a much bigger job than it sounds) and watered the garden which was a bit too exciting for Lucy who decided to have an impromptu shower.

Peter is working in the area so popped in and spent some time with us.

Monday 22nd June

While digging a hole for the neighbours' new fence at the back, the workmen went through our gas pipe.  

I immediately took the girls out the front door.  The workmen hadn't managed to track down the correct number* so I called 999 and was put through to the National Gas Emergency Service.

These things happen and I don't bear any ill will towards the workmen (although if the situation were reversed I would definately feel the need to apologise for any inconvenience).  I was however extremely pissed off with the bloke from Carillion.  

I hadn't a clue what was happening or whether it was safe to go back indoors.  When pressed, he said that a team were on their way to repair the pipe and...if I had a gas oven then I could always get a takeaway for tonight's tea. For that comment alone the misogynistic git wasn't offered a cuppa.   Three hours later, my gas was still switched off but a second man was working on the pipe amid lots of laughter and blokey banter - and I was none the wiser.  Curiously, they were considerably more informative to Nigel and once the pipe was repaired he came in to check the hob and the back boiler.

---ooOoo---

After sampling Thea's delicious elderflower cordial I kept in mind her advice and had a good sniff of the stuff growing in my garden.  Apparently the fragrance is very important - mine smelled of cats piss.

(Apologies genteel readers for the two-piss blog posting)

* - If you smell gas, call free on 0800 111 999. Don’t create a flame or operate electrical switches

Sunday 21st June

Nigel had breakfast in bed as the girls presented him with Father's Day presents: Jumbo Universal Remote Control, a tie and some handmade chocolate and their cards.

I joined Lucy, Andrea, Thea and Emma for an exhilarating afternoon of guerrilla gardening behind Portobello Town Hall.   We all brought food to share to celebrate the summer solstice like pagans.  Thea's elderflower cordial was divine.  We battled with an enormous root, which was in the middle of what will become the growing space, and planted up an abandoned loo with wild strawberries.

Saturday 20th June

I was working in the Small World today while the rest of the gang went to Infant School summer fayre.  They had a great time and unsurprisingly loved the ice cream and bouncy castle.  I hope the school raised lots of money but if Nigel was anything to go by, most of the money went to car booters rather than the school!  He spent a small fortune on books.  After a quiet couple of hours in the shop, I had just enough time for a quick look round the remaining car boot stalls when we went back to find Emily's lost frisbee (amazingly, she found it!).

Afterwards, Carmel came to take Emily to Aoife's birthday party.  It was an art party in Andrew's studio and she came home with a lovely self portrait on canvas.

At teatime we went to a BBQ at our neighbours Barbara and Andy's house - or a 'Barbaracue' as it will forever be known.  Kathleen and Bryson were there too.  It was a nice night.

Friday 19th June

The day didn't start off well.  Emily was not happy at having to go to school while everyone else was at home. After being persuaded to go, she returned home after five minutes.  Nigel walked her to the school gates but she refused to go in the building and they returned home.  This prompted a phone call from the school checking everything was okay (which is reassuring).

It was a fraught start to what should have been a calm day - Lucy's special day of visiting her classroom and spending time with her new teacher (she did enjoy her time and is excited about getting her uniform).  

Emily eventually went to school and returned with her end of year report card - "always sensitive to the feelings of others.....a pleasure to teach".

Website of the day:  Waverley Railway Project - I've probably blogged this before and, I know I'm a saddo but isn't the planned Borders rail link soooo exciting??!!

Thursday 18th June

We were visited by two thirds of the Wrexham Barkers and half of the Basingstoke Barkers today.  Simon is taking part in The Longest Day -  XRV adventure motorcycle forum's '5 capitals in 24 hours' fundraiser for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.  Bill and Brenda came along too and, as they were all staying over, it was a nice relaxed visit.

Nigel's dinner of mackerel and potatoes with capers and lemon was sublime.

Free clipart site of the day:  better than average line drawings for personal and educational use.

Wednesday 17th June

I had to laugh when I read Chris Lamb's definition of stupidity.  My Friends Reunited equivalent is Facebook.  I occasionally sign in to look at friends' photos but it always upsets me and causes me mental anguish.  It's bad enough reading bitchy comments from people who are old enough to know better;  I'd rather not know that a professional acquaintance has "Just got an airstrip at Waxing Lyrical".  But I really, really don't like Facebook's suggestion that I add a complete psycho to my network based on the fact we have mutual 'friends'/victims.

---ooOoo---

My two favourite items of footwear are unsalvageably busted.  The running shoe type thingies have a puncture on the sole and the green converse no longer resemble trainers. This presents me with a bit of a dilemma.  I can't remember the last time I spent more than £20 on footwear.  Seriously.  My running shoes were in a Schuh sale before we got married and the trainers came from a charity shop in North Berwick.  Despite having an indecent amount of high heels, I'm only really comfortable in heavy duty shoes.  After dinner (egg noodles, cabbage and cashew) I stood up to clear the table and realised I was still wearing my wellies!  However, I have discovered Toms.  For every pair of shoes you purchase from them, they will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need - sort of ethical BOGOF.

Website of the day:  Old Bailey Online - view the records of London's Central Criminal Court from 1674 - 1913.  Read about the 8 year old who was sentenced to death for pickpocketing.

Tuesday 16th June

Our neighbours had their conifer hedge removed today and I love the light streaming the kitchen window.  At some point our détachées will be erecting a fence but for the time being we are enjoying our 'open plan' garden.

I dug up some massive roots in what will become my vegetable bed and used my new riddle on the soil.

---ooOoo---

Emily has been learning about 'cool responses' to bullying at school - i.e. not passive, not aggressive.   She was able to use assertiveness today and articulate to someone how their behaviour made her feel and what she wanted to happen.  I am so very proud of her.   But sad that it was necessary and unconvinced that the person in question will change their behaviour.

---ooOoo---

Our May photaes are up - http://www.barker-family.info/photos/2009-05-May/index.html

Riddle of a different kind:

There are nine balls on the table, on that same table there is also a set of balance scales.   One of the nine balls is a fraction lighter than the other eight, but you cannot feel this difference by holding them in your hand.  You are only allowed to use the scales twice. How do you find out which ball is the lighter one?

(If you are very good I may tell you the answer tomorrow).

Monday 15th June

Sunday 14th June

Trying to get the children to help around the house is nigh impossible.  I did my very best to keep up everyone's spirits, plied them with energy snacks, kept the mood light and the music heavy.  And what happened?  Tthey ran riot in the garden beheading all my flowers.

Website of the day:  Behance network - "a free platform for the world's leading creative professionals".  We're not worthy (bow, bow).

Saturday 13th June

After quite a late start, we walked to the station just as it started to rain.  And rain. And rain.  It was very heavy and I felt sorry for the people attending the gala.  

It took us a while to find the pony rides at Leith Links because there were so many stalls and activities at Leith Festival Gala Day.  The girls waiting patiently in line and were delighted to have a wee ride on the cute ponies.  Lucy decided that hers was definately a pony, rather than a unicorn as "it didn't have a 'une'".

I got a henna tattoo on my hand.  We browsed the bric-a-brac stalls.  We ate pakora and samosa, soaked up the atmosphere, listened to Leith covers band Streetcar on the main stage.  

Leith became my home as a 16 year old setting out to conquer the world.   I love the energy, the edginess, the boho vibe, the diversity, the dynamism... and the roughness round the edges. Yes, it's vitally important to support your local community (I do try!) but it's also important to enjoy yourself and today my spiritual home had more on offer than my residential one.

Today was a really smashing day out...  

...then we came home and the girls behaved dreadfully.  Grrrr.

Event Plug:  Prestonpans Infant & Nursery School Summer Fayre and Car Boot Sale  - Saturday 20th June, 10-12 p.m.   Bouncy Castle, Tombola, Raffle, Refreshments, Homebaking, Ice cream and fun and games galore. 

Friday 12th June

It was nice to meet fellow Small Worldy Jane and have a blether.  We were out and about looking around the town at the gala decorations.  This year's theme is 'mining'.  Not the easiest subject to portray in your front garden but people have done a fab job.

º¤ø,¸¸¸¸,ø¤ººº¤ø,¸¸¸¸,ø¤ººº¤ø,¸¸¸¸,ø¤ººº¤ø,¸¸¸¸,ø¤ººº¤ø,¸¸¸¸,ø¤ººº¤ø,¸¸¸¸,ø¤ººº¤ø,¸¸¸¸,ø¤ºº
I was interested in an item on eBay but I suspect some shill bidding.  It may be perfectly innocent but both traders are currently selling items which have clearly been photographed in the same house and garden!  ‹(•¿•)›
.•:*¨¨*:•..•:*¨¨*:•..•:*¨¨*:•..•:*¨¨*:•..•:*¨¨*:•..•:*¨¨*:•..•:*¨¨*:•..•:*¨¨*:•..•:*¨¨*:•..•:*¨¨*:•..•:*¨¨*:•..•:*¨¨*:•.

I registered for Architect in the House - I do hope I'm successful as the scheme, which raises money for Shelter, is always oversubscribed.

Website of the day:  ohdeedoh - kids design blog from the stable as Apartment Therapy.  It features our polystyrene wall art project.

Thursday 11th June

I'm not sure where today has gone.    I could really have done with an extra pair of hands today.  Or well-behaved children.  Or a smile or friendly wave.

After nursery, Lucy and Georgie ran amok in the Small World shop.  I'm going to have to stop taking them in there.   At least I could console myself with the fact they weren't the naughtiest children at the Primary School, where we went to watch Emily compete in Sports Day.  Her house, Gryffindor Drummohr won.  The other houses were Mercat, Inchview and Bankton.  

The headteacher praised the pupils for being supportive and encouraging.   I could do with a little support and encouragement myself.

Website of the day:  Babooshka - the place to buy Matryoshka dolls.

Wednesday 10th June

Buying a new diary is always a vexatious issue for me.  I always seem to compromise on some factor as there is never the perfect one for me.  For the past couple of years I've used the Dairy Diary  and, although I like the page layout and the recipes, I don't need 70(!) pages of 'useful' info (including stuff about stoats and weasels; Tudor architecture; and 'Chair embellishments').  

I bought a personal organiser from the Small World shop last year and today I ordered a portable 6 hole punch for it.  This means I can make my own inserts where necessary (D*I*Y Planner will be useful) and add in anything I can punch a hole into.  There are ready-made refills available but the diaries tend to be aimed at business folk with a Saturday and Sunday squeezed into a wee space in the corner - and I've never yet found an address book which is fit for purpose.  

Random stuff:

My fevered brain is quite addled - I keep getting mixed up between Santander and Setanta.

My only decent-sized strawberry has disappeared.  "Why did you eat the strawberry Georgie"? "Because I wanted to see what it tasted like."  Fairenough.

We always knew there had been a pond in the garden.  It has been covered over but now I'm wondering whether it would be a big job to reinstate it.  More importantly, could I make it safe?

Lucy:  "Let's go outside Georgie, Mummy is a little bit grumpy."  I wasn't!  I only asked them to wash their hands before lunch.

Where is my Eat Natural bar?

Will I get to go on a transporter bridge?

Website of the day:  Jupiter Artland - contemporary sculpture, near Edinburgh.

Tuesday 9th June

After three and half years of legal wranglings, I'm happy my sister can finally put behind her the dreadful car crash (I resist saying 'accident' as that would imply it was somehow unavoidable).

I can't help feeling that her 'friends' of the fair weather variety would have been a damned sight more supportive if her injuries were the kind you can put in plaster (or plarster as we say up north).

Website of the day:  Eat Seasonably - food at its freshest - better for you, better for the planet

Monday 8th June

I went to investigate the excited chirping coming from the garden and was met by at least half a dozen great tits on the tree.  They were so tame I was able to stand in the middle of them all.  What a great start to RSPB's Make your Nature Count week.

Feeling fluey but trying to be brave and not whiney!

Website of the day:  Vegware -  compostable, sustainable partyware

Sunday 7th June

At this time of year there is so much happening.  It's great to have a choice of interesting things but, inevitably, it means I miss out on other things.  I  enjoyed my time in Porty today but would have liked to have gone to the open day at the mandir in Leith.  The Summer Fayre at St Gabriel's looked a lot of fun too.

At the Portobello Town Hall Site, the hard work of the past two weekends is evident.  There is still a lot to do but it is great to see some progress.  When I got home I began to feel shivery and unwell.  My nose hasn't stopped running.  Perhaps I've dug up some ancient spore.

Website of the day:  Cockenzie Power Station - the coal-fired power station must close by 31 December 2015.  Learn about the various options at a community consulation event.  Wednesday 10th June, 12-8 p.m., Port Seton Centre, South Seton Park, EH32 0BQ.

Saturday 6th June

Today we went to the Arts Market at Out of the Blue where we had lunch (fish soup, home made burgers and bacon rolls) in the fabby Arts Cafe.  It was really quite busy and there were loads of wonderful stalls including Frugal Cool, Alice Melvin, Lynsey Walters Jewellery, Rachel Mary Elliot Tartan Glass, Montserrat Castellano, Sharon Whyte, Carmenland and Knock My Socks Off.

We then went to 'Parklife', part of the Leith Festival organised by the 'Friends of Dalmeny Street Park'.  I helped plant herbs in the raised beds and the girls enjoyed having their faces painted and going on the bouncy castle.  From Scottish Natural Heritage stall I picked up a packet of 'Bird, Bee and Butterfly' seed mix and a lovely booklet 'Go wild with your child'.  It was really nice to have tea in a real teacup and saucer (with poetry at the table!).  The tea was served from flasks which were refilled from nearby tenements.  It was a real example of what can be done with a bit of community spirit and made me think about what might be possible in Cuthill.

---ooOoo---

Tea was fried polenta and cheese, avocado, ham and boiled eggs -scrummy.

This evening, I really enjoyed Snowcake, a finely balanced not quite a road movie, about the friendship between an autistic woman and a traumatised man.

Website of the day:  Free Minibooks -  printable light-reading from Featherproof

Friday 5th June

It was nice to see my mum and Alan this afternoon.  The girls were very excited to see them, not least because of the giant Smarties cake they brought with them.  It was a sunny enough to have lunch outside.

I was pleased the new TFT monitor arrived from Dabs.  I'm glad it was easy to put together because the instructions were not terribly helpful:

"Connecting Cables to PC and Monitor (Referred images for operation).  Lie the monitor fitly.  Align the base rail into the stand runner by hands, and then use proper power to insert.  Hold the stand cover in the right way by hands, and then insert it into the stand."

Website of the day:  Social Innovation Camp - think tanks to formulate web-based solutions to social problems

Thursday 4th June

Eeeek, we forgot to renew barker-family.info so haven't been able to receive mail today.  We've put 50p in the meter and are up and running again but I'm afraid if you emailed us today we won't have received it.  Soz.  Must say I was pleased with Lunarpages support (even though it wasn't a hosting issue).

The Small World is Venue 39 in this year’s 3 Harbours Arts Festival of 'Art in Unusual Places' so I popped in to have a look at their exhibition of hand-embroidered, appliquéd and sequinned cards.

---ooOoo---

 I went to the polling station after nursery drop-off.  It was very, very quiet.  On the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, anyone one hasn't exercised their democratic right to vote should hang their head in shame.

What do you have for European Election dinner?  Red peppers?  Left-overs?  Chez Barker we are having Democracy Pizza -  with elect your own topping.

Website of the day:  27b/6 - 'Jeff's workout' will make you wet your spandex pants. 'Dear Neighbour, you are not invited to my party' gives me chest pains.   

Wednesday 3rd June

We know Lucy will be in a P1/P2 composite class of 24 in August.  There will be plenty of familiar faces from nursery together with eight new friends from P2.  We are now waiting to find out who will be teacher, exciting!.  

I received my Bzz Agent pack containing two packs of Seeds of Change organic chocolate bars.  One is Apricot & Cashew Milk Chocolate, the other is Orange & Fig Dark Chocolate.  Oh, the trials of being a product tester...

''Word of Mouth' marketing is big in the US but still quite new here.  It's weird being sent freebies in exchange for my opinions.

Weirder still is why I'm so bothered by people's opinions of me, but, I am, and their unpleasantness hurts. It would be much, much easier to be megalomaniac.

---ooOoo---

In the absence of a toxic waste crate, I put the BNP pamphlet in the paper recycling crate and was glad to see the back of  it.  How can people with so much spite and intolerance be happy?

Website of the day: The Spoof - made-up stories, dog found at centre of universe etc (I always knew everything revolved around the Barkers)

Tuesday 2nd June

After waiting all day yesterday for a parcel to be collected, I felt like I had been released from prison after the courier came round today.  With my new-found freedom I went to Lidl where I got a bit carried away and filled all four shopping bags.  Fortunately for me, Mo was there with Michael so they gave me a lift back up the hill.

Nice to see Christine looking well today.  Our paths haven't crossed in ages.

Great to hear Jane will be returning soon - if anyone can get a 'East Lothian Fabulous Women's Bookgroup' off the ground it is J-Bo.

Really enjoyed Mary Portas this evening.  The big message was Donate - Don't Dump.  Charity shops are not to be used as dustbins.  Give only quality, saleable items.

Website of the day: Frugal Cool - handcrafted, sustainable treasures from Musselburgh 

Monday 1st June

I'm attempting to be supportive to a friend whose situation is similar to mine was during the grey years.  It's not easy, the people most in need of help are usually those hardest to help. If we only ever spent time with friends while they were 'up' i.e. confident, inspirational and scintillating company...well, that's a scary thought.  

---ooOoo---

The girls and I paid a visit to the Preston Road sunflowers this afternoon.  Amid the weeds, nettles (ouch!) and crisp packets, the seedlings are thriving.

The same woman who saw us planting the first batch was out walking her dog and remarked on their progress.  The passengers on the passing X5 looked confused:amused in equal parts.  Curiously, our neighbours completely ignored us. I guess our 'hood won't be taking part in The Big Lunch...

A stray sunflower seed has found its way into a gap between the road and the pavement and is coming along quite nicely - proof that nature will do her thing regardless of our attempts.

Website of the day:  Portobello Online -  community website serving residents, ex-pats and visitors to Edinburgh's seaside

Sunday 31st May

I left the house quite early to call on Mo.  We had time for a cup of coffee before setting off for our hydration station at Prestongrange.  We arrived on time and got to work opening bottles of water.  

Mo and I were tasked with handing out personal water and energy supplies to some 'elite' runners.  In my case, to #3  Peter Tucker, from Blackheath & Bromley Harriers (who came fifth).  Mo had the more difficult job of having to spot #29, Holly Rush (who went on to win the Women's race).  

Elite or no, anyone who attempts a marathon (or part thereof) has my utmost respect.  I saw some truly inspirational runners including Amanda Peak who was running in memory of her sons Arron and Ben; 98 year old Fauja Singh (of Sikhs in the City relay team) and Kurdish double amputee, Shaho Quadir who, with the aid of crutches, completed the course in a little over eight hours.  

Full results here.

Saturday 30th May

I was on the tombola stall at the Summer Fayre.  It was a popular stall (at a guesstimate I think it probably raised £200).  There was only one prize unaccounted for which was quickly substituted with wine from the 'Hook a Bottle' stall.  I was kicking myself for not buying the terracotta planters before my own money ran out.  

Nigel and Georgie arrived in perfect time to walk back with Emily and I.  We had no sooner arrived home than Annemarie brought Lucy back.  Along with Esme and Jim, they had been to see the Book of Beasts and by the sounds of it, thoroughly enjoyed it.  

After lunch I was back out again to meet up with fellow guerrilla gardeners to clear the area at the back of Portobello Town Hall.  It was much worse than the last vist and we could have done with a lot more volunteers.  Still, two hours of chopping down vegetation and removing litter made a bit of a difference and we will just have to do a bit at a time.  

While on my hands and knees I spotted a hole in the ground.  I peered inside and saw what looked like a large eyeball peering out - a pale brown ball about 6 cm diameter with a black spot in the middle  - it was a wasps nest.  Thankfully in its early stages with only a few angry wasps in it.

I decided to call it a day and headed home.  There were loads of people in Porty today.  Every bit of green space, beach and bench were being utilised.  Summer is here!

Website of the day: Girl Geeks Scotland - a community for women interested in technology, creativity and computing.

Friday 29th May

The day began with trying to get two cats out of the kitchen.  They were absolutely terrified after the back door closed behind them and were darting about everywhere knocking everything in their path.  I let them out and they shot out into the garden - scaredy cats!

---ooOoo---

I was just off the phone from talking to my sister about, amongst other things,  'rules' when Emily came home with a note from school setting out their rules:

Doing as you are asked first time, every time
Keeping hands and feet to your self
Using appropriate language in school.

The only hard and fast 'rule' we have at home is 'Keeping hands, feet and objects to yourself'.   The rules in nursery are quite hilarious as they are drawn up by the children themselves hence include things like "do not pull faces because the other person might think it is really scary and be sad".  

After lunch the girls and I went along to Emily's school to help set up the school fayre.  I haven't been to a fayre in the primary school before and was pleased to see that the teachers all get involved.  There were lots of beautiful items made by the different classes but a disappointing amount of stuff handed in from parents.  I'm certain some of the tombola prizes have been doing the rounds of local events for at least 18 months, presumably they get won, donated, won and donated until they downgraded to bric a brac.

---ooOoo---
 
I used the breadmaker to make the dough for rolls.   I was pleased with how good they turned out.  Warm crusty bread rolls with bacon and black pudding.  Mmmm.

Thursday 28th May

I was painting the communal fence with Bryson this morning.  I suggested having a 'painting party' with the other neighbours bringing a brush (and a bottle!).  Perhaps we could use the Tom Sawyer approach on passing dogwalkers.

I was painting when the nursery coach went past on its way to Biggar and gave them a wave.  Lucy and Georgie have not enjoyed being at home today, even with the added attraction of Nigel being home.  They have been a little demanding.  OK, they've been complete monsters.

Despite having house full of toys, they would rather play with handfuls of gravel and make a mess of the garden.

I popped into the Small World and while I was chatting to Alan and Irene, Lucy and Georgie had turned on the Ecover dispensers. I was so fed up with them (L&G - not A&I).  I felt like locking them in the store cupboard (the one with the loo rolls and spiders - not the one with the chocolate and juice).

It's been a wonderfully foody day.  Grilled goat's cheese and bacon on toast for lunch; and mackerel, capers and roast potato for dinner.

Website of the day:  Leith Festival - the brochure is out and it's looking brilliant!

Wednesday 27th May

Georgie yelled "I want to ride on the bike" all the way home from nursery.  The magic words "Georgie, would you like to be a baby mermaid?" did the trick.  Being a baby mermaid mostly involves me cradling Georgie in my arms while she squeaks "I can't speak, I'm a baby mermaid".

A very dull dinner of baked potato, cheese and coleslaw.  

Website of the day:  Matthewman's Sweetpeas - growers of top quality sweetpea seeds.

Tuesday 26th May

I’ve been writing blurb for Volunteers Week in the hope of recruiting new staff at the Small World. Consequently, I’ve been giving a lot of thought about the ‘V’ word.

 The Small Worldies are truly some of the nicest people I have ever met. However, not all groups fare so well with their volunteers.  I've noticed with other organisations that there always seems to be a self-appointed leader who is always on hand for the media but is as elusive as hen's teeth when there's hard work to be done.  Others turn up with the sole purpose of moaning about how few volunteers there are.

Their reasons for getting involved are puzzling.  Networking?  Looking for a gong?  Empire building?  

I've concluded that there are many reasons for volunteering – some less noble than others.  But whether that actually matters probably depends largely on your own reasons for volunteering.

Website of the day:  Awkward Family Photos - uncomfortable, cringemaking...compulsive.

Monday 25th May

Walking along the main street I heard someone call my name.  It was Laura from the bookgroup.   As I won't be able to attend this Saturday's meet up, we had a coffee in the library and a blether about this month's books Something Might Happen and Reservation Road and the film Coraline.

There is a librarian’s joke that goes along the lines of: a man walks into the library complaining that the fitness book he borrowed is rubbish. 

“It’s not ‘How To Jog’” the beleaguered librarian points out.  “You’ve picked up a volume of ‘Encyclopaedia Prestonpansica’”.

The borrower looks at the shelves where there is a gap between ‘Gra-Hov’ and ‘Joh-Liv’.  He had picked up ‘How – Jog’. 

I have a variation of this joke called “How to Irk” which I might share sometime.

---ooOoo---

When I went to collect the little two from nursery, Lucy excitedly told me all about her trip to 'big school'.  I'm glad she is looking forward to starting school.  Georgie was upset because three children had hit her.  She said she was "too shy" to tell the teacher but after a chat with Miss Dunleavy agreed to tell a teacher if it happened again.  Walking up the hill we were were met by the aroma of vanilla, presumably wafting down from Fords.
 
I had a lucky escape on ebay this afternoon.  I had spotted a nice ecclesiastical collectable with less than an hour to go.  My initial modest bid was quickly outbid.  However, instead of stopping there, I carried on bidding.  Bidding fever had set in and I had bid way more than I would have done for the same item in an antiques shop.  Fortunately, with 22 seconds to go, another bidder outbid me.

---ooOoo---

As it isn't a bank holiday here, we decided to have bank holiday food for tea.  I made up newspaper 'pokes' and filled them with chips and scampi which we ate outside with a liberal sprinkling of vinegar - great fun.

Website of the day: Wage Concern - Save the minimum wage!  

Sunday 24th May

After a lovely lunch of leek bake, bacon, Yorkshires,  stuffing, roasties, carrots and peas, we went for a stroll.  

I was pleased to see the transplanted sunflowers are thriving in the 'Welcome to Prestonpans' planter.  

We continued along to Sam Burns' yard.  We were on the lookout for a small bookcase but instead bought a couple of pretty china plates, some books and videos.  As we were about to leave I spotted a Vax Rapide carpet cleaner which we bought for a bargain £15.  I was very happy.

We walked across the road with our purchases and played for a while with the frisbee and hula hoop.  The girls like nothing better than to run around like puppies and I think the walk did us all good.

Website of the day: East Lothian Community Planning - could this be the place to find out what's happening in the County?  

Saturday 23rd May

I dropped Emily off with Bianca before going to the Small World.  It was a very quiet day in the shop but it was nice to catch up with Bernice who, amongst other things, shares my love of wordplay.  She shared this very long palindrome with me: 'Live dirt up a side track carted is a putrid evil' which is miles better than 'Able was I ere I saw Elba' and infinitely more sensible than 'He won't, ah, wander, Edna. What now, eh?' (which is highly reminiscent of the style of writing of a certain self-publicist who shall remain anonymous, eh?).

Back home Nigel was grumpily trying to make sound appear (does sound 'appear'?) out of a speaker.  

Now, when Nigel is poorly, I run around making sure he has everything he needs to be as comfortable as possible.

When I'm poorly,  I run around making sure he has everything he needs to be as comfortable as possible.  Unless I'm too poorly in which case he sulks as if I'm deliberably being ill.  Am I being mean?  Probably, but it's my blog and I'll whinge if I want to.

Friday 22nd May

I'm croaking away like a frog and feel like I'm wearing a corset.

Emily's behaviour continues to be atrocious and she is incapable of having a conversation without both arms being oustretched, her eyes wide and using a tone that implies I am incredibly stupid (which of course I must be having devoted the majority of my 'spare' time to providing crafts and baking for her 10p stall at school).

But on the positive side:

This morning, I saw a bird taking food from the feeder and feeding a little bird waiting on the branch above.  This continued for about five minutes.
I enjoyed The Devil Wears Prada much more than I thought I would.  

Tuesday 19th May

I've not been too well today. I could really do with phoning in sick to my boss.  Oh, that's right, I don't have a boss.  Best get on with it then.

Website of the day:  Skull a Day - a skull, every day.

Monday 18th May

I've won a copy of Cockroach in a Waterstone's Card prize draw.  I can't wait to start reading it, it looks great.

Had a fun afternoon with Georgie trying to 'teach' me how to play dominoes.

Website of the day:  Stories from Space - unusual and whimsical site from a woman who sees and makes art in all sorts of places.

Sunday 17th May

It was lovely to sit in the garden reading the papers and doing not a lot.  

After a traditional Sunday dinner we went out for a walk.  First stop was the 'Welcome to Prestonpans' sign on the top road where I transplanted a couple of my sunflower seedlings.

We paid our first  visit of the year to Prestongrange Museum and went on the last tour of the day.  The volunteer guide told us about his plans to start a 'Friends of Prestongrange' group to do some clearing, repairing, painting etc.  I'd happily  lend a hand as long as it didn't involve working at heights.  I really didn't like being at the top of the Beam Engine house and Georgie knew it.  The little minx kept sticking her legs through the railings and looking at me to gauge my reaction.  It's funny how I'm happy to be subterranean but not high up.

Had a laugh watching Extras this evening.

Saturday 16th May

Along with Rosemary, I was working in the Small World today.  It's good to have more than one person on for practical and safety reasons (and for company of course!) but there wasn't really enough work for both of us so I did some weeding on the path.   I put my bubble machine outside in the hope that it might attract some customers but the wind was blowing the wrong direction!

It was nice to meet fellow volunteer Patricia.  Our paths haven't crossed before because we work different shifts.  Sandra also popped in which made the volunteer count higher than customers.  Emily, Lucy & Georgie were delighted to meet Sandra's new dog Molly who is very well behaved and loved all the attention she was getting.  
  
 I was glad to see that both the 'Police Station sunflowers' and the Pennypit sunflowers are starting to grow.

When we got home Nigel cooked a fabulous lunch of sausages and puy lentils.  

We watched Waitress, a bittersweet film about an unhappily pregnant woman who pins her hopes for escape on winning a pie-making contest.  It was okay but I prefer eating pies to watching them.

Friday 15th May

Three cheers for Emily who had a great day today:
- no work needed following her dental check-up
- did well at swimming lessons today
- won the 'dress as a famous sportsperson' thing at school (she went as Paula Radcliffe).

Thursday 14th May

The Special Uplift service is available to East Lothian householders who have excess domestic refuse or bulky household items they need collected.  You can book a special uplift by calling 01875 824 305 (local rate).  You need to have a list of the items to be uplifted.  

Allegedly, you can also book an uplift at a Local Area Contact Point (or Area Office) but I haven't successfully managed to do this.

Oh, and book it before 1st July when the SNP/LibDem administration will start charging £22.50 per uplift.  Councillor Paul McLennan admits that this ludicrously backwards step "could lead to a rise in flytipping". (no kidding, Sherlock!).

We have the smallest size of rubbish bin which is rarely full as we reduce, reuse and freecycle (and compost) wherever possible and could very easily make do with a fortnightly refuse collection.  If we have occasion to use the Special Uplift service we will effectively be penalised for not owning a large vehicle.  What price a SNP Council Tax 'freeze'?

---ooOoo---

My free fuschias from the Guardian arrived today.  The offer is still running (£3.28 p&p).  I received two boxes of plants, so I gave one to Rosie who came round today with her arms full of lunch.  

It has been a great day to be outside.  It got a little too hot for Lucy and Georgie today but they retreated into the cool end of the garden where the trees provide a great canopy.

Things you don't want to hear:  "Come quickly, the water is coming very fastly!" (Lucy trying to fill a watering can)

Website of the day: The Future Shock - time-travelling prank thingy - too weird to explain

Wednesday 13th May

Lucy was off on a trip to Biggar Puppet Theatre with the rest of the pre-school year nursery class so it was just Georgie and I this morning.

'Mummy and Georgie's Day of Fun' went like this:  We had a lovely day with a trip to Aroma for breakfast followed by a walk along the beach and a splash in the sea.  Georgie collected lots of 'treasures' from the beach and then we went to Lidl where I even let her sit in the trolley - a rare treat.

We had a play in Cemetery Park and then called in on Betty.  It was lovely to sit in her conservatory overlooking the lovely garden and have a catch up over a cup of tea.  Betty has a lovely Bird of Paradise plant, currently sporting two large flowers. She gave us lots of seed packets (nasturnium, foxgloves, gypsophila, larkspur, nicotiana, delphinium, polyanthus, aubrietia, petunia, cosmos, sea holly, candytuft) for guerrilla gardening and, when we left her, we sowed the gypsophila, nasturnium and candytuft in the Wilson Avenue site.

Lucy came off the bus white-faced but she hadn't been sick (hurray!).  She really enjoyed the performance of Pips and  Panda and you can read her report here.

I had a go at making moss graffitti this afternoon.  I blended yoghurt, beer (sorry Nigel!), moss and compost in the food processer then painted a letter 'B' on to the brickwork.  I hope it works but after I did it I research other people's methods and they don't seem to add the compost.  Oh well, I'll soon find out whether my method has worked and it's fairly quick to make and apply but the cleaning afterwards is a bit yucky.  

Today's mail includes an overdue reminder for 'Mysterious Disappearances' which Emily borrowed from the library and can't find "anywhere" - oh, the irony.

A bumper crop of photographs have been uploaded for April here.

How I'm feeling today:

No one I think is in my tree,

I mean it must be high or low;

That is you can't, you know, tune in

But it's alright,

That is I think it's not too bad.

John Lennon, from Strawberry Fields Forever

Tuesday 12th May

I jumped on a bus to Musselburgh today and spent a pleasant hour meandering there before popping into the Small World.  I put my name down for a couple of shifts and had a blether with Rosemary.

I popped into the library and had a read of 'House & Gorgeous' or something, then delivered a book to Annemarie where I had a cuppa.  She has given me a draft of her latest book and I can't wait to read it.

My willow obelisk arrived today in an enormous box which Georgie and Lucy have been using as a tunnel, a rocket and a castle.  Unfortunately this adventure required the addition of every item in the dressing up box and the entire contents of the toy bucket.  The back step is now covered with teddies, cushions, dinosaurs and feather boas.

I went to a website with the intention of purchasing something I had seen yesterday for my sister.  It seems they no longer stock the item.  The moral of that story is Don't Put Off Till Tomorrow What can be Purchased Today.

Couscous and roasted vegetables for tea.

Monday 11th May

The scent of Lily of the Valley is wafting through the kitchen, a souvenir of this afternoon's visit to Annemarie's house.

It was nice to have Emily's friend Sophie round today.  When it was time to go home, we crossed the road with her.  I was shocked at just how busy the traffic is on the B1361.  Lorries come thundering past and there is only one spot where we had a good view of the road.  I can't see whether the new building works incorporate a crossing but I've been in contact with the Council to find out.  

A result of playing outside most of the day is that we all have sunkissed faces.  All except Georgie that is, whose angelic face is, as usual, covered with dirt.

Inspired by Eat What You Want Day, I made pizza and allowed everyone to choose their own toppings.  Emily is keeping a food diary for a school project.  "Make sure you put that it was 'homemade' pizza" I bleated.

Sunday 10th May

We had considered going to the Slow Food Fair in North Berwick but the weather didn't look too great first thing and there is quite a lot to do around the house.  Emily and Lucy made an effort to tidy their respective beds without any help from Georgie who steadfastly refused to do anything and has been a little trying all day.

When the sun finally came out the girls drew with chalk outside (the big tub from Lidl has been a great buy!) while Nigel cooked port medallions, courgette and chick peas for lunch.

Saturday 9th May

It was quite appropriate that we were in the Fair Trade town of Linlithgow today, World Fair Trade Day.  Despite the lashing rain and the presence of numpties, it was a very nice day.  

First stop was a visit to the Canal Centre.  We had drinks and cakes before going on a short trip along the Town Stretch of the Union Canal onboard the 12 seater Victoria.  In the Vennel we looked around the stalls, guessed the weight of the Sheltland pony and bought delicious fair trade Montezuma's chocolate from Fair Tradewinds.

Alas, there wasn't time to see the Lieutenant Commander "Scotty" Scott exhibition (James Doohan 'was' reputedly born in Linlithgow in the year 2222) but the girls got Communicator toys that say "Beam me up" and a USS Kelvin from Burger King on the way home.

This evening, Nigel and I watched Hallam Foe - he enjoyed it but I didn't really rate it.

Website of the day: The Automatic Inanity Idiom Extruder -  painfully oblique messages from the peeps wot brought you Hun Deflector & Damp-O-Matic 2000™

Friday 8th May

I went to the sorting office to pay £1.08 due on an item of mail which had insufficient postage.  It was a 'large letter' which had been posted with a first class (i.e. 39p) stamp but the Royal Mail's ludicrous pricing system meant, even being sent second class it was 8p short.  The stupid 'large letter' system, combined with the recent price rise causes no end of problems.

---ooOoo---
 
I love Lucy's sense of style, particularly her use of colour.  Everyday she gets herself dressed and manages to look very cool.  Today she is a riot of CMYK.
 
We said goodbye to Julie, Chris and the girls who were making their way back to south Wales via Yorkshire.

My first win of the month is a £20 Dobbies voucher in a Scottish Government Go Greener competition.  I've used it to purchase a sieve, some plant labels, a willow obelisk and a dibber.

Nigel was working late tonight and I was glad to have him home by 9p.m. instead of the forecasted 11 o'clock.

Website of the day:  Philosophy Football - sporting outfitters of intellectual distinction

Thursday 7th May

After a morning of convoluted phone calls, it was a welcome relief to have lunch with Hollie and Hannah who were visiting today with Julie and Chris.  My youngest nieces have grown a lot since I last saw them and are enjoying their holiday in Scotland, despite having chickenpox.

--ooOoo---

I don't watch 'reality TV' and until last week had never heard of the ubiquitous Susan Boyle, but....I do like The Apprentice which, I suppose, is every bit as voyeuristic and pointless.  I'm glad Philip's gone.  I think James or Yasmina will do well (and probably gobby Debra).

HOPE not hate
Celebrating modern Britain

Wednesday 6th May

Previously, when tenants have moved out, the timing hasn't worked out for us to stay in the flat.  This time however, the break in tenancy fell on a Bank Holiday weekend so we seized the opportunity to show the kids 'our London house'.

We arrived in Forest Gate at lunchtime - it was just as bustling as I remembered.  It was a thrill to find our keys worked after six years.

I am far from being a domestic goddess (as anyone who has ever visited me will attest) but even I was shocked at the condition of the place but we just had to roll up our sleeves and get on with it.  After some deep cleaning, the next priority was to acquire the essentials that would allow us to stay there.  Fortunately Green Street and Romford Road had everything we needed and Nigel managed to get beds delivered the same day.

We all enjoyed different aspects of the trips and I loved seeing the children's reactions to all the new sights, sounds, tastes and smells.  For me, the highlights were West Ham Park and its beautiful Iris Garden; meeting up with my mum, Alan and Christopher at Thames Barrier Park; watching a wedding party outside the gurdwara; meeting all three sets of neighbours; spotting the Google car on Katherine Road; shopping for saris; and delicious mango lassi and pistachio kulfi in Vijay's Chawalla.

Friday 1st May

As all good guerrillas know, May 1st is International Guerrilla Sunflower Day. You can read about other people's activities on this Guerrilla Gardening forum thread. We couldn't join the rest of the troop in Edinburgh so carried out a series of missions in our home town of Prestonpans.

This morning, I took Lucy and Georgie to a tiny patch of land off Wilson Avenue to plant sunflower seeds. It is my favourite type of guerrilla gardening site - lots of pedestrian traffic, largely unnoticed... and with the potential to be stunning. Ironically, it backs on to the formal and very well maintained Tower Gardens, notable for its beautiful laburnham archway.
We removed some weeds and broken glass then planted gladioli and the front and sunflower seeds all along the back wall. For a bit of instant colour we transplanted some grape hyacinth taken from our back garden.

After a good water (we took a milk bottle and take an extra, punctured lid to act as sprinkler) we paid a visit to our second site in the Conservation Village - the 'Caged Sunflowers' on Preston Road, (they were planted in a tree cage). We removed some of the choking weeds and were pleased to see the seedlings are coming on fine. A police patrol car gave no more than a passing glance at our 'Little Princess' and 'Barbie' gardening trugs.
Back home we grabbed the seedbombs we had made a couple of days ago (wildflower seeds, sunflower seeds, compost and fuller's earth) and flung them over the parking lot in Preston Court.

When Emily got home from school, she and I planted another three packets of sunflowers along the bit of land I've been weeding on the other side of the fence.

You can see all the Prestonpans sunflower sites plotted on this map (switch to 'Bird's Eye View' for a glimpse of the beautiful gardens).

Thursday 30th April

I picked up a copy of the Edinburgh International Festival brochure in the library - I LOVE the pink toile de Jouy cover by the inimitable Leith Agency.  It features famous Edinburgh landmarks as Greyfriars Bobby and St Giles Cathedral alongside roadworks, vagrants and CCTV.  

I am seriously considering stockpiling loads of brochures and using them as wallpaper.  Am I certifiable?

---ooOoo---

Rosie came round for a quick bite of lunch and brought with her some borage seedlings.  She has a zen-like calmness which is very restful .  I wish I was a little less manic.

---ooOoo---

I made dinner tonight: sausage casserole with leftover leeks, chopped tomato, carrots, rosemary, marjoram and thyme from the garden and liberally sprinkled it with a mixture of seeds and red wine.  Emily crushed some cornflakes for a crunchy topping.  It was very nice.

Wednesday 29th April

It is remarkable how when a day deviates from its usual pattern, things change quite considerably.  

Emily was having tea at a friend's house which meant the tv didn't get switched on which meant I spent more time playing with Lucy and Georgie which meant that Georgie fell asleep which meant it was just 3 of us for leek risotto which meant Lucy was enjoying getting lots of attention which meant I got a chance to escape and do some guerrilla gardening.

I discovered that after one glass of pinot grigio, I am full of enthusiasm to tackle the weeds, but, after two glasses, I have trouble balancing on my garden fork.

Discovery #2 was that marjoram has a very high nectar content - perfect for a bit of guerrilla bee attraction.

Website of the day:  Boyfriend Arm Pillow -  it has its advantages.

Tuesday 28th April

Some lunchtime litterpicking was just what was needed to blow away the cobwebs.  I also did a little weeding in the front garden but left the foxgloves growing between the paving slabs because....well because paving slabs are ugly and the foxgloves are beautiful.  Despite wearing my new gloves, I still got jagged by berberis.  I have so many thorns in my hands I may evolve into a half plant, half woman creature.

Dinner tonight was couscous with roasted courgette, aubergine, garlic, onion and carrot, drizzled in balsamic vinegar.  It wouldn't have won Come Dine With Me but it was really very lovely.

The girls did a good job of tidying their bedrooms with me supervising (in the guise of a robot master).

Website of the day: Stones3 - the place to buy your gabions.  Ooh, I love gabions. (what do you mean you don't know what a gabion is?!) 

Monday 27th April

I'm very tired today.  And a little down, not depressed exactly, just a little short of joie de vivre - and energy.   It's been an exhausting day of dentistry, messy children and blocked loos.
  
On the positive side:
I feel greatly reassured about Lucy starting school following today's meeting with her nursery teacher.  
My free gardening kit from Stour Valley Offers arrived today.
I've got a few things ticked off my 'to do' list.
It's raining for the first time in ages - the garden and the guerrilla sunflowers will appreciate it.

Website of the day:  Friends of Abbey Gardens - transforming a derelict strip of land, close to the Olympic site, into a community harvest garden.

Sunday 26th April

I was quite pleased with my lasagne (tomato, olive & tofu) but the kids weren't keen.
We had a lazy day in the Monkey Loft listening to long forgotten records and playing with the train set.  

I finished reading Something Might Happen.  Initially found the lack of quotation marks a tad confusing (is the person thinking or talking?) but I soon got into it and it was a quick, absorbing read.  It starts off with a murder, but is not a 'whodunnit', rather, it is portrayal of grief and the fragility of relationships.  I didn't think it had the depth to do the subject justice.   There wasn't really enough story and some of the dialogue seemed a little superflous (although I thought parts of it gave a realistic portrayal of small town family life).The ending seemed to have been bolted on - shocking and desperately sad, but an afterthought. I enjoyed it but I thought it was neither one thing or the other and I would have preferred some sleuthing.  

Website of the day: Camcorder Guerillas - Glasgow-based collective of artivists.

Saturday 25th April

We were a bit late for this morning's book group in the Library.  We took a copy of both this month's books: Something Might Happen and Reservation Road.  They both look more promising than last month's offerings.  While we were in the library we picked up a copy of the 3 Harbours Festival programme (which is being officially launched on Tuesday 28th April, 7-9 at The Goth).

After lunch we took the train to Longniddry where the scouts were having a jumble sale in the Community Centre.  It was a proper jumble sale and very, very busy.  I think some of the customers had sharpened their elbows specially.  I gave up trying to get anywhere near the clothes stall which was 3-deep, but managed to get a large wooden carving and a big copper lampshade - both of which are now homed in the garden.

On the way back we noticed more than the average number of trainspotters on the platform and the conductor was kind enough to let us know that a steam train was due to pass through Prestonpans at 1513.  Sure enough when we got off at Prestonpans there were even more spotters waiting.  There was a platform announcement to say when the 'special' train was passing through - Scotrail do seem to look after rail enthusiasts!  We took position near Gardiner's Monument and managed to get a couple of photos of the steam-hauled LNER A1 Class 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado en route to Waverley from Kings Cross.

---ooOoo---

Nigel and I watched Shrooms - a horror about a group of spaced out young people being pursued in some woods.   I've never tried magic mushrooms and can't see the attraction of hallucinating.  I prefer my 'trips' to be the type involving a Family Railcard.

Frugal tip of the day:  Those lovely people at Millies Cookies have BOGOF vouchers to print off at their website.

Friday 24th April

My Renbow hair colourants (cyclamen and vermillion) arrived today - less than 24 hours since I placed the order.  Not bad considering p&p was included in the £4 price of a bottle of Crazy Color.  Unfortunately, it is going to cost me much more in cleaning products to rid the bathroom of its Texas Chainsaw Massacre look.

Nachos for tea.  Quick, easy, vaguely wholesome (I mushed the avocados meself).

Didn't enjoy Martin Clunes' version of Reggie Perrin.

Frugal tip of the day:  When searching on Amazon, add &p_6=ATVPDKIKX0DER at the end of url if you want to search only amazon products; Add &pct-off=80- at the end of url to search for items with 80% off; Add &pct-off=40- at the end of url for items discounted by 40%.

Thursday 23rd April

The postie brought a bumper assortment of goodies: my Instructables t-shirt, stickers and badge which I plan to show off ad nauseam; some London walking maps and a packet of Fuller's Earth.  The Fuller's Earth will double as a seedbomb ingredient and a facemask.

It was nice to spend time with Rachel, Peter and their girls, even if it was just a fleeting visit.

Emily introduced me to a new friend and her mum today who have just moved to the area.  It's always nice to meet new people - I think there should be an "Incomer's Survival Guide to the 'Pans" or maybe the equivalent of the US 'Welcome Wagon'.

We celebrated St George's Day with Bangers and mash.

Website of the day: The Toymaker - paper toys you can make yourself.  We loved the printable Anxiety Dream Theater.

Wednesday 22nd April

This may well be my Gerald Ratner post (and, if so, thanks for reading this crap so far) but seriously....this blog is boring.  The most exciting thing I did today was travel on the top deck of the bus to Musselburgh.  Would anyone really be interested in such a mundane detail?  Would they find that nugget so fascinating they had to tell someone else about it?  Would the news of my adventure travel feverishly around the top 'Pans? I wouldn't imagine so but then I'm not so sure....

Other people's priorities are different to mine.  For example, when their first grandchild was born, it took my in-laws a month to come and visit.  I can't imagine anything keeping me away but we are very different people.  The other night, Nigel was on the phone to his mother.  After the call I asked "Everything okay with B&B?" and Nigel told me at great length about some gravel which was being delivered - not to my in-laws house but to a third party (whose garden we haven't even seen).  I mean, really?!!!!?

I was very, very tempted to send a card saying "Congratulations on Your New Gravel!!!"

Website of the day:  The dullest blog in the world - it is boring, I grant you but I've seen, read and heard duller.

Tuesday 21st April

It was lovely to read of fellow guerrilla Thea's efforts in Marchmont.  Guerrilla Gardening is terribly zeitgeisty at the mo', yet the people doing it are neither 'new' nor 'crazed'.

I read somewhere that art in the garden shouldn't be obvious, it should be just out of sight waiting to be discovered.  I'm fortunate to have a nooks and crannies garden so have been experimenting with mirrors, bird baths etc.  Yesterday, Lucy came in from the garden declaring "I'm never going to play in the garden again!" after getting a fright seeing her reflection in a newly placed mirror.  I tried not too laugh and promised to put it somewhere else.  Today, I nearly had a heart attack when I saw a big fat (it's a distorting fairground-type mirror, obviously) shears-wielding woman in my fruit bushes.

---ooOoo---

We handed in our nursery treasure trail.  One of the 'treasures' was a "picture of your favourite character".  Georgie wanted to put a picture of Mrs Miller in but was persuaded that Dora the Explorer might be better.

The nursery photo of Lucy and Georgie together is very nice.  Georgie keeps kissing it.

---ooOoo---

My new camera has arrived.  It is a replacement for my old Olympus which suffered some Georgification and the zoom won't, well, zoom.  Digital cameras have dropped in price dramatically.  You can now buy a 10 megapixel camera for the same as my 3 mexapixel cost.  But why would I need 10mp?  It's not like I'm taking photographs for a magazine or owt.  Digital cameras have made 'photographers' of everyone.  Fortunately for this happy snapper, it means I can replace my easy-to-use camera with a near exact model for thirty quid.

Tea tonight was a very nice homemade pizza using half wholemeal, half white flour for the base.   We all chose different toppings.

Website of the day:  39 Forks - art installations and off-the-wall projects.

Monday 20th April

It was hardly surprising that Georgie was tired this morning - she was still awake at ten o'clock last night.  

While the rest of the Barkers were eating cornflakes, Georgie was lying on the floor crying "I just want to go to sleep".  I cuddled her for 15 minutes while she 'powernapped' after which time she was sufficiently revived to get to nursery in time.

After I said my tearful goodbye to the stick insect (only kidding - but I did enjoy looking after him) I went to Lidl where there seemed to be a lot of activity around Mercat House.  Perhaps salvageable architecture is being removed being demolition.  Maybe they were just removing a skip, who knows?  But I've never seen a demolition before and, whether the decision to build affordable houses is popular or not, I would like to see something being blown down or imploded or whatever it is called.  (If anyone knows how to find out about scheduled demolitions please let me know).

After a pleasant stroll along the beach I took the girls to the secret park and  searched in vain for our lost Shane Warne cricket ball in Tower Gardens.

Back home a prize was waiting for me: Oh, the Places You'll Go! (Dr Seuss Green Back Books)which I'm sure Emily will like.  It is the second book I've won this month (the first being a review copy of Madonna of the Almonds).

We celebrated Lima Bean Day with, erm, borlotti beans, pasta and smoked sausage in a tomato sauce.

'Well I didn't know that!' of the day: A marrow is an overgrown courgette 

Sunday 19th April

We each spent an hour on chores and then Nigel took the girls to play for a bit.   As I sat in the garden, soaking up the sunshine, I realised that it was the first time I had been on my own for over a fortnight.  I savoured the moment - just  before they returned, arguing about something or other.

Nigel made a fabby lasagne of olives, tomato and spinach.  What really took it to the next level was the sauce made with semolina.

I finished The Other Hand and was distinctly underwhelmed by it.

Website of the day:  Stick Insect Crazy - where we hope to get our next pet.

Saturday 18th April

We went to the Community Centre this morning for the launch of Tom Ewing's new mural “Gala Days Through Time”.  Tom was there with Jan and we chatted about their plans for Cuthill Park.

There were also a few stalls so Nigel bought a couple of 25p videos: The Beatles - Help!  and the silent classic The General.  I bought a bling bracelet, a crocheted hat, some a dozen blind spot mirrors for £1 and the most delicious tablet I've ever tasted.

We went straight to the station to catch the train to Edinburgh then walked up Cockburn Street to Avalanche.  We really enjoyed listening to Withered Hand who were playing instore as part of Record Shop Day.

We had lunch in Forest where the 'Free Shop' had opened.  I took some placemats, a tattered old annual I will use for crafting and a shiny orb I could envisage in my garden.  We arrived a bit too early to join in the singing workshops and circus games being organised in the hall upstairs.

IWe got to the station just in time to see the steam train 60009 Union of South Africa arriving from York.  Back home we saw another steam locomotive, but this time it was in our sitting room and the driver was Buster Keaton. 

Friday 17th April

The tidiest room in the house is, erm, the garden.  And even that isn't very tidy.  it is pretty though, with pink blossom blowing about and gathering in corners.  

When I'm weeding, I am constantly getting scratched and jagged so have ordered some 'proper' gardening gloves (as opposed to my cheap and cheerful cotton things that are quite cumbersome).  They will also come in handy for litterpicking.

I have given up trying to get the girls to do anything to help so I now work on the basis that, as long as they don't make a mess and leave me to get on with the hausverk, they can play.  I left them colouring in while I loaded the washing machine for the nth time.  Georgie cut her hair and now looks like a waxwing.

---ooOoo---

I finally managed to get round to making some Labour Party Phonebank calls.  I picked Edinburgh North & Leith constituency but mostly got answermachines.  I will, of course persevere.

---ooOoo---

My books pages have been updated (as if readers of this blog didn't have enough excitement in their lives) and the February and March photographs have been uploaded.  

Website of the day:  Sub-Urban - the adventures of two friends who happen to like exporing sewers and storm drains.

Thursday 16th April

We had a poor night's sleep with Georgie waking up several times.  This morning I vaguely remember Nigel leaving for work and Georgie asking if I could switch the television on (she must be feeling better!).  When I went downstairs she was asleep on the sofa.  

We went to the chemist to get more infant paracetamol and ibuprofen.  What a palaver!  The till showed the transaction had gone through but then a second printout showed it had been cancelled.  There was no way of telling whether my debit card had been charged so I had to pay in cash to get my purchases and have to return if it transpires I've been charged twice.

I took the girls to the Pitstop Cafe for doughnuts and we walked home via Pennypit Park planting sunflowers as we went along.  We've got a good technique now: we press the handle of a teaspoon into the ground; push it forward and place the seed in the resultant gap; remove the spoon and use the other end to flatten the earth.  

We saw lots of friends on our way to the The Small World .  They were divided into those who are looking forward to Monday and those who are not.  In other words, those who are parents and those who are teachers.  For my part, I've enjoyed the holidays and all the things we have done - although I will be looking forward to having a little time to myself on Monday.  In the meantime, we've a nursery treasure hunt to complete - now where will I find a white shell, some sand and a blue shell?

Website of the day: Land of Lost Content - A million memories from the 20th Century. Stuff you, your parents and grandparents endured, loved and threw away.

Wednesday 15th April

A day of ears and snouts.

Ears - Georgie's got a sore ear, either as a result of some cousinly tussling, or possibly to do with the glue ear the audiologist noticed last week, or maybe a combination of both.  Whatever the case, when she was screaming in pain and started retching I called NHS 24.  She fell asleep while I was on the phone to the very helpful nurse and she carried on sleeping past dinner time.  When she awoke, she was well enough to eat my rhubarb and pineapple crumble.

Snouts - ridiculing my family in cyberspace has earned me an Instructables t-shirt which I'm going to wear with geeky pride.

Website of the day: Art for Housewives -  A link-heavy sewing/textile/outsider art blog using recycled materials.  .

Tuesday 14th April

Who would win a fight between a crow and two magpies?  I dunno but it was intriguing to watch.  

The girls helped me make flapjack today with goji berries, omega seed mix, sultanas and millet flakes.  I possibly didn't put in enough butter or syrup because it didn't stick together very well but no-one was complaining when I poured melted Easter egg over the top.

I was disappointed that Lidl have finally stopped selling seeds - just as I was about to stock up on sunflowers.

---ooOoo---

Over at the Edinburgh Community Gardening Activists blog, we are looking for suggestions for neglected areas that need a guerrilla garden makeover.  Each entrant gets entered into a draw to win some bee attracting seed mix.

Website of the day:  New Caledonian Woodlands -  bringing environmental improvements to Scotland and offering training and cheap 'Biodiversity Weekends'.

Monday 13th April

Happy Birthday Rachel!

We've been so lucky with the weather over the holiday weekend and today we spent a lovely day in the garden.  We also managed to sort out a lot of things in the garage to make it a much more useable space.

The raspberries are doing well on their new supports and I cut the small amount of the rhubarb that is ready.

All in all, a really pleasant end to the long weekend.

Website of the day: Answer4Earth - it works like free rice and free poverty - every answer you give helps plant a tree

Sunday 12th April

After some tidying up to try and work off some of the girls' chocolate-induced madness, we took the train to Musselburgh and walked to Newhailes.  

On previous visits there, the plant centre hadn't been open but today I took the opportunity to have a look around while Nigel counted the number of windows on the historic property as part of the Easter Egg Trail.  We were rewarded with yet more chocolate which I think will have to find its way into a traybake or, as I've a bag of millet flakes to use up, chocolate flapjack.  

I've finished White Tiger and have started reading Too Close to Home. (This is really just a note to myself as I can't get my books page to update at the moment.)

Inspirational pdf of the day:  How to build your own recycled bottle greenhouse 

Saturday 11th April

We met Laura and Kev at the Drill Hall for brunch accompanied by the smooth vocals of Laid Back Ruby.  I opted for a delicious Easter platter of hot cross buns, cooked meats, hard boiled egg and pashka. It was Laura and Kev's first visit to Out of the Blue and they enjoyed the laid back atmosphere.  It is a rare gem in that it is genuinely child-friendly while maintaining grown-up coolness.  One of the grown-ups had been soaking up the atmosphere to the point that they were dancing barefoot (with baby strapped to front) in their own private world.  

We then continued down to Leith Links where I showed off our guerrilla gardening there and did a bit of litterpicking.  We spent a good while at the well equipped playpark.  All three girls had a great time of the zipwire and Emily especially liked climbing up the enormous rope spiderweb.  It's nice to see a park so busy and well-used.

We paid a visit to ACE where we bought Zapatista coffee, apple, apricot & ginger chutney and mung beans - and pretended not to notice the guy asleep on the sofa.

After saying goodbye to Laura & Kev, we got the train back home, had leek risotto and watched (the campest ever) Doctor Who.

This evening Nigel and I ate rose and pepper chocolate from The Chocolate Tree and watched Little Miss Sunshine - a great road trip movie.

Website of the day: IndyMedia Scotland - grassroots coverage of radical and activist happenings

Friday 10th April

Nigel was off work today and we had a deliciously lazy day.  I read lots of The White Tiger, planted some summer bulbs, sowed some carrot seeds and generally pottered.

Kathleen came round with some Easter eggs and asked Emily, Lucy and Georgie is they knew anything about a gnome that had appeared on her doorstep last week to which the girls yelled "April Fool!".

Thursday 9th April

A bit of mental spring cleaning (you may prefer to come back when the cobwebs have been blown away)...

You have to wonder what it takes for some people to get the message.

1. In the case of the Creationist cretins (I'm moderating my alliteration), wearing an 'I love Darwin' t-shirt, not being a Christian or saying 'actually, I'm a Satanist' won't be enough.
2. Some people's persistence is out of all proportion to the amount of time/level of involvement in another's life.  A bit like getting Christmas cards from a couple you met on holiday twenty years ago.  I cannot imagine why anyone would continue pursuing someone for years after they have parted.  Do they seriously think that the person is going to suddenly realise that they actually like bitter, obsessive types with no self-respect?
3. And Friends Reunited - where to begin?  The pattern is always the same...I get an email from a former schoolfriend whose face I can't picture or about whom I remember very little.  At the end of each message is "Are you still in touch with N?".  Message to the bi-curious: if N didn't fancy you then, what the hell makes you think she will now?  And don't use me as a postbox.

Website of the day: Thames Barrier Park - on my 'to visit' list.  Check  out the information booklet (pdf)

Wednesday 8th April

East Lothian isn't the easiest county to get around on public transport.  As a non-driver with travel-sick children there are still many parts of it I haven't been to and I dread having to go to Haddington.

This morning I had to wake up the girls at silly o'clock to get to Roodlands Hospital for 9.00 a.m.  Despite a travel sickness tablet and an aromatherapy bracelet, Georgie was sick on the second bus.  She recovered quickly enough and passed her hearing test but I could not face a two bus journey homeward which left me with a choice of walking over 4 miles to Longniddry and getting a train to Prestonpans, or, getting a taxi, which we did.  I've arranged for future assessments to take place in Edinburgh which, ironically, is far easier (and cheaper) for us to get to than our county town.

Website of the day: Spices of India - food, spices, sweets, ingredients and kitchenware free delivery over £30

Tuesday 7th April

The day started with a trip to the sorting office to collect some parcels then to the Pennypit for breakfast in the Pitstop Cafe.  I can recommend sausage on a roll.

We stopped off at the park before going home.  The forecast rain didn't appear which was good because the girls were modelling with air drying clay outside.

Website of the day: Craftzine - more needlepoint than glue gun if you know what I mean but the textile-based crafts are very funky and I always love creative uses for plastic bags.

Monday 6th April

At 10.00 a.m. the queue at the City Art Centre for the Science Festival for just too long.  People who had sensibly pre-booked where being fast-tracked to the front so the queue showed no signs of moving forward.

I decided instead to go to the Museum of Childhood.  It's a shabby little place, and not really a place for children because, with a few exceptions, the exhibits are either behind glass, have 'Do Not Touch' signs or sadly were 'Out of Order', but...the girls had fun.

We then went to Cafe Vivo where we had ice cream (proper stuff  with real vanilla pods) and capuccino then across to have a look at the statue of Robert Fergusson outside Canongate Kirk.  After a lightning dash around the People's Story, we went to the Scottish Storytelling Centre where I enjoyed Ken Shapley's exhibition 'The Half Seen World'.  We went to investigate the beautiful garden we could see from the Centre and stumbled across the Brass Rubbing Centre - a place I've never been before.

The Brass Rubbing Centre is housed in the beautiful Trinity Apse, a wonderful peaceful space.  Or at least it was until we turned up.  We spent a good half hour before going back to the City Art Centre where the queues had subsided.

Initially, I thought I had made an expensive mistake as there didn't seem to be anything suitable for wee people and all the drop-in activies were packed.  However, the staff pointed us in the direction of 'Wee Wonder World' which was perfect.

We didn't celebrate Tartan Day - unless you count looking at the tat in the Royal Mile.

Website of the day: The Chandler Project - tasks and diary on one screen (thanks Chas)

  Sunday 5th April

After a leisurely lunch of dhal, rotis, bhaji, samosa, cucumber and mint raita, we set off to find the Su Doko Lagoons geocache.  

As the name suggests, some puzzle solving is required to find the coordinates of the hiding place of the next set of clues.  After solving the first stage we caught a bus home and will hopefully complete the next part before too long.  I just hope the su doko doesn't get progressively more difficult as I'm finding it quite tricky.

Another puzzle which is still giving me problems is the musicals quiz set by Encore.  I am short of just two answers but have drawn a blank.

---ooOoo---

When we got home I made the girls some hot chocolate and we all had a yummy pear pudding which I made thus:

Pudding: 2 tbsp sugar,  2 tbsp, 1 tbsp mixed spice, 6 cored and sliced over ripe pears - mix and place in greased dish, then add:
Crispy topping (mixture of 1 cup rolled oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar,  1/2 cup flour, tbsp mixed spice, 1/4 cup sunflower oil)
bake in medium oven for 30 minutes.
We had ours with plain yoghurt but crème fraîche would have been better.

Saturday 4th April

Armed with wildflower meadow mix, pva glue and some nibbles, Andrea, Beinta, Thea and I sat making up seed packets.  After a couple of glasses of wine, some of the folding was a little wonky and I suspect I will have have a wildflower meadow growing in the dining room in a couple of months. Still, it was fun and we made over 60 seed packets.

Friday 3rd April

Happy Ram Navami!

Thursday 2nd April

It was nice to have a look round Julie's new extension and her pretty garden this morning.  I was in a bit of a rush so was grateful to her for the lift to Lidl and for dropping forms in to school on my behalf.

I went to the Small World shop to spend the girls' Easter money on peppermint creams, Belgian chocolates, yoghurt raisins and a bar of Divine chocolate - all for a fairly-traded £10.10.   The new Ecover dispensers have arrived for customers to refill their empty bottles of washing up laundry liquid.

It was the last day at nursery before the holidays and the Georgie was exceptionally excited about taking home the stick insect for the holidays.  Mrs Henderson came over and asked if she could have a word.  "We think he may be... D...E...A...D..... as he hasn't moved this morning" she said.  Mrs Wood was more hopeful suggesting  that maybe he was just having a 'big sleep'.  Anyway, we took the lifeless creature home and, as it was so hot, I misted the tank and his leaves with some water.   Lucy insisted on showing me how to hold him, at which point he began twitching and moving his legs.  Ever since he has been running around full of life.

The weather has been glorious so Rosie and I sat in the garden to have our lunch.  While we were chatting a peacock butterfly landed on the table and sat there for a few seconds.  The garden is beginning to come to life.  The daffs are obviously all out now as are some tulips.  The smell of hyacinths wafts through the garden.  It feels like the middle of summer.

I was so pleased to be able to give blood today.  My haemoglobin levels were too low previously but I finally managed to give my 470ml of O Rh+ this evening while the girls ate too many chocolate biscuits under the disapproving nose of a grumpy nurse.

Website of the day:  Egg a Politician - don't let fair trade slip of the G20 agenda.  

Wednesday 1st April

I was at the checkout in Scotmid when I noticed the woman behind me grimace and clutch her stomach.  
"Are you okay?" I asked
"My waters have broke" she whimpered.
If it was an April Fool's joke, it was a very convincing one.

---ooOoo---

I've been feeling a bit hypocritical going round tarting up neglected areas of land when the strip between our fence and the pavement is a complete and utter mess.  Not least because of some particularly nasty thorny things (horticultural term) that are creeping through from our side. So, this afternoon, I tackled it best as I could and filled a bin bag with bottles, cans, trainers, bags of dog poo (why do people bag up their dog's mess and they throw it in a bush?).  It's still got a long way to go. I got some funny looks from passers-by and when I got home I could see why - I had pink hair dye running down my face.  

---ooOoo---

Quite often during the day I receive phone calls from agencies, conference organisers and software sellers wanting to speak to Nigel.  I took such a call today and could barely make out what the caller was saying because of children shouting in the background.  I tried to conceal my irritation because it must be difficult trying to work from home so was somewhat aggrieved when the woman tetchily said she would call back tomorrow.  As I ended the call, Emily came running in saying "Mum, mum, Lucy and Georgie are playing with the phone in the Monkey Loft".  Arrggggh.

Website of the day: Bowel Cancer UK  - A change in your normal bowel habit lasting four weeks or more; bleeding from the bottom and/or blood in your poo; extreme tiredness without obvious cause; pain and/or lump in your belly may indicate bowel cancer.

Tuesday 31st March

The end of the financial year means bugger all to me these days.  

While others were signing off their annual reports or calculating how many leave days they have left, I was singing The Tyrannosaurus Drip Song.  Recognising that most parents don't use the £1 World Book Day token, the nursery has instead bought a copy of this book for each child.

Actually, I did have a couple of vaguely fiscal tasks today including not authorising new carpets for Forest Gate (long story) and attempting to get to the bottom of the Laura wine glass mystery (long and boring story).

Website of the day: Landshare - Linking people who want to grow their own food to space where they can grow it.

Monday 30th March

Even when I haven't lost my voice it is rather tedious having to repeat myself.  I say, repeat myself.  When I have lost my voice, everyone I encounter seems to be either hard of hearing, argumentative or just plain bewildered.

I went to Musselburgh this morning where my star purchase was a mini Sharpie on a lanyard for 49p (try explaining that to the hard of hearing or bewildered).

It was gratifying to hear from Elaine that Gregor liked his birthday present.  I'm not very confident choosing for boys and let Lucy select an item out of the 'birthday box'.  It sounds like they had a great party although I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to have that many guests!

Website of the Day: Pocketmod - free, recyclable personal organiser

Sunday 29th March

I was up and out of the door at 6.00 a.m. (adjusted time) this morning.  My brain (and my feet) insisted it was only 5.00 a.m. and refused to wake up.  When I boarded the bus and asked for my day ticket, I realised I had lost my voice and could only croak.

After meeting up with Andrea, we set about transforming a neglected 8' x 2' strip of land beside Leith Athletic F.C.  There were lots of dandelions which we made short work of as the soil is really quite loose.  After clearing the site of leaves, rubbish and weeds we sowed some bee-attracting flower seeds along the back wall. The daffodils that were planted on a previous mission are beginning to surface and we supplemented these with dahlia pompon, liatris spicata and some mixed oriental lilies.

It will be a good few months before we see the results but the site is already looking better.  After breakfast in the Leith Walk Cafe we made our way to Cambridge Street to meet Erland and Hélène to see if we could help progress matters with an unloved plot in Cambridge Street.  

Andrea and I went our separate ways: she to her allotment and me on a 26 bus.  It had been a very productive morning and we were lucky with the weather.  

I made two observations on the bus:
1 - There is now a Prestonpans Map machine next to the totem pole.
2 - My DaySaver ticket was marked 'Peru'.  Whatever does that mean?

I got home just in time to croak goodbye to Lucy and Georgie who were off to Gregor's birthday party.  I started to tell Emily all about my morning but fell asleep as she massaged my feet.

Saturday 28th March

After last night's temper tantrum, Emily completely trashed her bedroom.  This morning she seems to have forgotten that we are not best pleased with her.  

---ooOoo---

This morning we all trooped down to the Town Hall where the Star of the East Flute Band were having a jumble sale.  Despite us being there at early doors, there wasn't very much there. I couldn't even find anything of interest on the 'five books for £1' stall.  Disappointed, we walked along to Prestongrange Church Hall where the Boys' Brigade were having a coffee morning.  The kids all had juice, biscuits and sandwiches while Nigel and I enjoyed some delicious coffee.  We won a nice bottle of sauvignon blanc on the tombola.  

We popped into the Library where we spent a pleasant half hour chatting to Laura who is hoping start a Book Group in Prestonpans (10.15, the last Saturday of the month in the Library if you are interested).  It was refreshing to have a conversation that went beyond weather and children and didn't include the sentence "You must have too much time on your hands".   I didn't want to read the Marion Keyes book on offer but took a copy of The Other Hand which I plan to read when I've finished Dark Times in the City.

In case there is any doubt as to just how much 'free' time I have on my hands...i spent 17 minutes tracking downs photographs of pigs snouts which I laminated and stuck to the bottom of various drinking vessels.  My unsuspecting family were transformed into pigs.  

We switched off the lights for an hour to celebrate Earth Day.

Friday 27th March

The British Gas engineer replaced the ball valve in the cold water tank.

Unfortunately I completely forgot about today's talent show at the school but at least a) it was well attended and b) Emily wasn't performing.
 
We had a long wait in the biting wind for a bus to speech therapy today.  Fortunately we made it in enough time to have fish and chips in the canteen.  Georgie is making great progress at blending her sounds e.g. s+p to say spider/spoon instead of 'pider'/'poon'.

---ooOoo---

I think Nigel should write a book about his commuter friends.  I love hearing about the boozy couple, the Ernst & Young employee whose laptop doesn't boot up until Falkirk et al.

---ooOoo---

Thanks to Johnston for proffering the following collective nouns for tits:  banditry, dissimulation and a volery (specifically for long-tailed tits).  

Website of the day:  Purdies -  pure, Scottish, handcrafted soap.

Thursday 26th March

A day of to'ing and fro'ing.

I had time to kill between Small World and nursery visits to had a coffee with Bernice, Aileen and Sandra.  

Sandra dropped by later with some cardboard boxes which were picked up by a Freecycler to be filled with football strips and sent to Brazil.

Late afternoon the overflow pipe from underneath the guttering (i.e. from the the cold water tank in the loft) began to cascade.  Fortunately, the British Gas Homecare agreement covers this so I decided not to worry about it and enjoyed having a waterfall.

I saw my first butterfly of the year yesterday and a couple of bumble bees.  Today a group of blue tits flitted between the trees.  What is the collective noun for tits?  A know about a murder of crows, a murmering of starlings and a bellowing of bullfinches.

---ooOoo---

I received lots of goodies from Nakd today.  They are for a guerrilla gardening event in May.  I think I'll have to put them on a very high shelf until then.

Website of the day: Iffyton - funky t-shirt store, and they are giving away The Boy Racer from Friday 27/03/09 at 6pm (pay p&p).

Wednesday 25th March

Just wondering...:
why people use Facebook when they could be having a real conversation with real friends over a real drink (and develop some much-needed social skills at the same time)?
what 'real nappy lactivists' will use to feel superior to lesser mortals when their kids grow up?
if other parents realise what a huge achievement it is for the nursery to be graded 'excellent' -  the highest possible grade - following an (unannounced) inspection by the Care Commission?
if listening to Radio 4 in the morning could be my 'thing'?

Website of the day: Nowtopian - blog of horizontal communications, organic communities and public space

Tuesday 24th March

I've been meaning to arrange a special uplift of the assortment of metal gazeo legs for ages.  It occured to me today that I should actually keep them to make supports for my raspberries.  The moral of this story is: Never throw anything away.

Monday 23rd March

It was a very windy night and this morning I noticed the little sunflower seedling I have been nurturing was gone, it's plant pot overturned.  The weather has turned distinctly wintery but, luckily for me, Christine had very thoughtfully waited to give me a lift up the road. She drove me to Strawberry Corner where I picked up some bulbs, foxglove seeds and fat balls.

In today's mail was a review copy of Dark Times in the City and a Baileys milk frother.  I also picked up two parcels from the delivery office, one of which was a free sample of Viper which I gave to Christine (she needs an energy drink more than me as she's always helping other people!).

Website of the day: Better Homes and Gardens - ignore the naff adverts and twee crafts, there's a wealth of home info.

Sunday 22nd March

I had a very lovely Mothering Sunday breakfast in bed: smoked salmon and scrambled eggs prepared by Nigel.  The girls had gathered flowers, leaves and herbs from the garden and make three little posies for me.

I had an extended lie in and read the Observer.  I thought Barbara Ellen made a lot of sense.  We don't need tragedies 'spiced up'.

Carmel and I escaped to Luca's for cappucino while Andrew and Nigel unpacked stuff from the garage ready for the move to Andrew's new studio.  They stayed for lunch of celeriac mash and veggie sausages and we had Carmel's delicious plum and apple cake for pud.  

Website of the day: Sprout People -  the wildest selection of sprouts and sprouting supplies - heaps of advice too

Saturday 21st March

Nigel was my only customer in the Small World shop today.  He was very happy because he had just been to a Musical Youth/Encore coffee morning in the Town Hall and bought techy books, homebaking and had several tombola wins.

In the afternoon, Emily came back from a trip to China China with Esme and showed off her pound shop purchases.

I set up a blog for the Small World shop  drank a glass of tombola rosé.   I can blame my sister Rachel for introducing me to Google Street View and wasting a couple of hours stalking folk.  Our sister Laura actually appears on it, blethering on her mobile at a bus stop!

Oh, and Georgie can now hop.

All in all, a relaxing sort of day.

Website of the day: Butterfly Conservation - take part in the Peacock survey (Scotland)

Friday 20th March

As nurse Cindy predicted, Georgie has come out in a rash - a result of her booster jabs last week.  She has been getting very overwrought at times.  Lucy is not well either so I decided we could skip speech therapy in favour of ice cream.  I'm feeling a tad under the weather myself today.  

Emily's school were celebrating Red Nose Day today as the majority of P7's were away last week (a lame excuse in my view but ho hum).  Emily went to school in pyjamas.  Had we gone to hospital after all, she might have been mistaken for a patient.

Website of the day: World Storytelling Day - a global celebration of the art of oral storytelling.  This year's theme is 'neighbours' - ooh, the stories I could tell about some of my neighbours over the years...

Thursday 19th March

I went to Lidl first thing, ostensibly to buy groceries but ended up being seduced by lavender (6 plugs for £3.90) and what is probably the world's largest outdoor brush.  I walked back up the road with Mo so didn't feel as daft as I might otherwise have done.  

It has been a warm day today - far too good to waste on domestic drudgery.   I spent most of the day in the garden and felt so much better for it.  I weeded, tidied and planted, accompanied all the time by birdsong.  In fact, it has been one of the best days I've had in a long time (I must try to recall this when I have darker days).

We planted some sunflower seeds in Rope Walk.  Unfortunately, after planting hers, Lucy stood up and bashed her head on the metal handrail.  Ouch.

This evening we all went to the launch of Breaker.  There was a good turnout and a celebratory vibe flowed through the library.

Website of the day: Make Art Not Trash - does what it says on the recycled Coke can.  An impressive load of links.

Wednesday 18th March

Nursery telephoned to say that Lucy had fallen against the side pit and had a bruise.  I collected her early after first paying a visit to Fords to buy some cheering fudge doughnuts.  She has a whopper of a bruise along her cheekbone.  Hopefully the arnica I rubbed in will do the trick.

I had a houseful when the British Gas engineer came round today.  By coincidence, Lauren and Martha were visiting the last time I had my annual service - people will think I'm either a childminder or have loads of kids.   Rachel had been buying up the entire garden department of Morrisons and brought me a gorgeous twisted willow and some seeds.  

My nieces has been unwell the day before they arrived but soon perked up and played outside in the sunshine.

While Peter was here I asked if he could remove the remnants of a broken bulb from my lightfitting with his long-nosed pliers.  

"It just shattered" I explained.  
"A sign of paranormal activity" concludes my sister.
"Cheap bulbs" says my brother-in-law.

The engineer then asked Peter if he could set up a smoke bomb while he went outside to look at the chimney.

"Busman's holiday" he muttered.

---ooOoo---

My XBox 360 Arcade has arrived.  It is identical to this one.  Anyone want it for £90 ono?

Website of the day: Margaux Lange - "unique, handcrafted jewellery" or decapitated Barbies - what's not to love?

Tuesday 17th March

In yesterday's mail was some promotional guff from from DFS, the furniture company who seems to be permanently having a half-price sale.  The sales bumf included ten '£40 notes' - i.e. money-off vouchers designed to look like banknotes.  I gave them to Lucy and Georgie and we played shops.  

Today, I spotted the same vouchers being sold on ebay.  At the time of writing the lot had attracted 9 bids and the price was £5.50.  There are some very enterprising people out there.  

The term 'stay at home mum' hasn't really applied to me today - I've been a 'stay outside in the sunshine as long as possible and avoid going home' type of mum today.  

The roof is being put on the flats opposite which means I will no longer be able to see Fa'side Castle.

Website of the day:  Weird Gardens - Warning:  contains scenes of creativity.  Not suitable for folk that like a nice ordered life.

Monday 16th March

In the four hours between opening my eyes and having lunch:

I collected two parcels from the delivery office
I went to Lidl and bought half price cucumbers.
I saw a very cute newborn baby boy
planted a potentilla
and...
...another storey had been added to the building opposite!

I kid you not.  When I opened my curtains this morning I could make out several hi-vis vests on the scaffolding (I didn't have my specs on) - now there are walls and a first floor.

---ooOoo---

I've had a clearout of my wardrobe.  Several stripey jumpers will now be going to a charity shop because I now associate them with Granny "Me Too" Murray.  Ditto, one grey and black stripe jumper because it makes me think of Karen Matthews.

Website of the day: Maker Faire - I'm absolutely kicking myself that I missed the first UK Faire in Newcastle

Sunday 15th March

Georgie was very excited about going to the swimming pool today.  It is very rare that we are all go together and, as Emily had a swimming lesson this morning, we decided to all go to the pool.  We planted some more sunflower seeds on the way home.

This afternoon Nigel was like a dynamo going round fixing broken things, sweeping up leaves, doing the washing.  He even drew a design on the 'feature wall' in the hall freehand and painted it a very zesty orange.  I don't know where he has been getting his energy from but I could do with some myself.  I've been addled most of the day.  I keep walking into rooms thinking "What did I come in here for?".  And I've been uncharacteristically clumsy  - I tripped in the garden and scraped my hands and leg.  

I've been having a lot of 'senior moments' recently.  Last week I completely forget the name of one of the nursery teachers.

Website of the day: Pangaea Interactive Game - for Rachel

Saturday 14th March

We had hot cross buns at a coffee morning this morning.  There wasn't a lot of bric a brac (although the girls were delighted with their respective pendant, brooch and bracelet) and, after trying our luck at the tombola and buying some homebaking, we made our way to the library.

There is a self-serve machine at the library which I hadn't used before and was pleased to find how idiot-proof it is. Well,  not quite, Nigel 'checked out'  Scarlett Johansson's 'Anywhere I Lay My Head' CD only to discover when we got home that the the CD was missing from the container (because it is kept behind the counter).  Ah well, he can just look at the cover.

We hadn't been home long when Rosemary came round to kindly drop off my raffle prize - a set of 18 Ravenshead glasses. However, the wonderfully retro tumblers weren't the first prize of the day - I was one of 10,000 people who won a Rimmel Lasting Finish Mineral Powder Foundation.  

I had just enough time to slap some on before heading out to Portobello Town Hall where I met up with Lucy and Andrea to tidy up the Sir Harry Lauder Memorial Garden.  Lucy pointed out a beautiful Corkscrew Hazel (Corylus avellana) which was specially chosen as a nod to Sir Harry's own crooked walking stick.

One of the security men came out and gave us some primula that were left over from the window box planting.  We planted these in the memorial garden, picked up some litter and did some weeding.

Behind the Town Hall is a very overgrown patch of land which could be just the project the Edinburgh Community Gardening Activists are looking for. We decided to go for a coffee at nearby Kitcheners and formulate a plan of action (okay, we just blethered really!).

I got home just in time for dinner - a cauliflower and lentil pie (avec chips) in celebration of Pi Day.

Website of the day: Sstickers - I predicted way back in June last year that wall art was going to be huge.  This is one of the better collections.

Friday 13th March

Emily has a cough and Georgie is feeling sorry for herself.  Lucy has been happily using her Doodle Book.

I made cauliflower cheese with supercrispy bacon for tea and we watched Comic Relief.

The house is unfeasibly untidy.  When am I going to have a chance to restore (dis)order?

Website of the day: Omniglot - languages and writing systems of the world.

Thursday 12th March

This morning I have the post Holi washing to do.  There is a heap of Jackson Pollockesque clothing on the kitchen floor.

It was "Wear Something Funny for Money" day for the morning kids in the nursery.  Lucy wanted to be a clown so I made up her face with clown eyes, nose, cheeks, outsize mouth etc and she wore bright stripey clothes and braces with a red curly wig.  Georgie wanted to go as a nurse, with a clown's nose.  Fair enough.  Just as we were ready to leave the house, Lucy declared she didn't want to go to nursery.  I asked her if she would like me take off her face paint and she agreed.  

It was quite a spectacle in nursery with all the different costumes and pyjammed kids and teachers.  Lucy began to regret her change of heart and was quite clingy.

After nursery Lucy and Georgie were delighted to have Tracy Trickster (or Sarah as we normally call her) walk home with us.  We safely passed the wolves' house, swam across the river of many crocodiles and crept past the witches tower.  We got back with enough time to plant some seeds that Blue Peter had sent us to attract bees.

Georgie got a 'brave lion' certificate after getting her MMR Booster jabs today.  Poor thing.  At least there will be no more shots until the girls reach 13 or we have an exotic holiday - whichever comes first!

It was Georgie's Parent's Night at Nursery and the reports were very good.  Her chosen treat?  To "go to nursery"!!

Wednesday 11th March

Holi Hai!

With handfuls of paint powder and water pistols we celebrated the beginning of spring.  We made quite a spectacular mess.  Despite stripping off in the kitchen and showering off thoroughly, there are residues of powder paint everywhere.  Emily's hair now has pink tinges and Georgie's scalp is green.  

---ooOoo---

It was great to hear the East Lothian Council has won a Clean Britain award - the only Scottish council to do so.

---ooOoo---

I could rant and rant about the cruelty of hunting with dogs or the arrogance of those who sign a declaration of intention to flout the law but.... I thought it would be more effective to ask my MP to support the Motion to amend the Hunting Act 2004 to include a reckless behavour clause.

Tuesday 10th March

I'm not sure why there's been a sudden spike of visitors to Barker-Family.info but welcome (Stumbleuponers, please give us a thumbsup!).  

The search terms (listed below) used to bring people here are interesting.  Presumably lots of our visitors leave without the info they were looking for so, where possible, I've linked each search term to (possibly) more useful sites.

• barker family
• barker family leeds
• urbexing
• doxdirect started
• east lothian business directory loyalty card 2009
• family barker
• image for kid holding on to dad and climbing the apple tree
• jessica pope ginger
• jodie sugden Leicester
• john hillaby's funeral
• john rattray golfer
• nigel barker blog
• nigel barker's camera
• origami flapping bird
• scotmid carriage collection
• the words to lament for a lost dinner ticket
• urbexing old houses
• what was the song playing in the background on coronation stree
• when i right click on something to delete it it use to send it  (erm...have you tried switching it on and off?)
• why does pepper spread when u have it in water and put sopa on

It was a gloriously sunny afternoon so I cut back the ivy and curry plant  while Lucy, Georgie and Sarah ran around the garden. 

Emily's class is moving classroom so she has been bringing artwork home.  My favourite is an orange and red plaster face which has pride of place by the fireplace.

Nigel made a wonderful noodles, peanut and cabbage dinner.

Website of the day: Scanwiches - pictures of sandwiches, bagels, rolls etc.

Monday 9th March

I went on an impromptu trip to B&Q with Christine and Michael this morning.  I got some paint, plants and their famous orange buckets and then Christine treated me to a McDonald's brunch.

I wish I hadn't bought Hobnobs (on a twofer at Scotmid) - I can't stop eating them.

The firefighters must have been paying a visit to St Gabriel's today as I kept hearing intermittent 'nee-naws'.

Happy Commonwealth Day!

Website of the day: Generation Green - earn 'leaves' for your local school

Sunday 8th March

International Women's Day was mainly spent listening to The Damned and trying to persuade my children to do some chores.  

I did some guerrilla planting of sunflower seeds on the way back from Redburn Road. 

Saturday 7th March

I never relish the prospect of going to Glasgow - too many unpleasant associations - but I wanted to see the revamped Kelvingrove.   We were just carrying our coffees to our table when we saw him - the scheming, manipulative bully.  Gray O'Brien, the actor who plays Coronation Street's psychotic Tony Gordon was also getting some culture.

There was so much to see but my favourites were Creatures of the Past; Ancient Egypt and the Art Discovery Centre where we took part in a still life workshop.  Lucy and Georgie loved the Mini Museum and its collection of giant shoes.  And of course, we all loved the Life exhibition.  

Across the road in the Museum of Transport, I was impressed by the quick and efficient service in the cafe and loved all the trains and trams.  

Blokes kept checking out Nigel while we were charity shopping in Partick.  I blame his pink trainers.

Friday 6th March

My Happy Puzzle Company 'Lucky Dip' contained: Cranium mega marbles; Cranium super jacks; Add & Subtract magnetic poetry; Learnplay magnetic home & travel play set; Usborne Puzzle Journeys book; and Ravensburger Matching Madness. I think it was certainly £25 well spent (p&p was free) but I'm not convinced it represents a saving of £35+.

---ooOoo---

Georgie did well at putting together rhyming words at speech therapy today. That might be something to do with hearing  "Georgie Porgie, pudding and pie" since she was born!

The nice canteen lady gave us apples today so I ate my first apple of the year (I'm aiming for 5 this year).

Website of the day: Passive Aggressive Notes - painfully polite and hostile writings from shared places around the world

Thursday 5th March

My good fortune continues.  I got a phone call this morning informing me I have won a runner's up prize of chocolate in East Lothian Council's Fair Trade Fortnight quiz.  The postie brought me another prize: a Winter Health Kit containing Strepsils, vapour rub, digital thermometer, Vicks inhaler, pack of tissues, Echinacea tablets and vitamin C tablets.

It occured to me recently while browsing the Man Booker Prize site that I haven't read any of the nominated books from 2008.  So, as today is World Book Day,  I went to the Library to reserve The White Tiger.  While I was there I got a pin number for my card so I can request books and renew them online.

Emily missed out on her bedtime story tonight after she opted to play her Gameboy rather than brush her teeth.  She tantrummed for the next half a hour.  I feel very angry and, if I had a big book on parenting, I might be tempted to whack her with it.

Feelgood song of the day: Sun Street, Katrina & the Waves

Wednesday 4th March

We got to Edenhall bang on time but, rather irritatingly, the speech therapists seemed to running late so we had a bit of a wait.  

I'm not the most patient of people so not knowing how long I'll be kept waiting kills me.  It wasn't the lateness per se that bugged me but the fact there was no explanation or apology for it. Hey, I'm just the parent of a child with disorded speech.  I've probably nothing else to do with my time, right?!

I've come across this attitude before.  Usually, from the same people who suggest I "try reading" to my child which drives me insane -  not because I think I'm a brilliant parent (I'm not!) but because of the perverse assumption that if I'm seeking 'professional' help I must be a crap one.  

Haggis and sweet potato for tea.

Website of the day: Scottish Indian Arts Forum - group dedicated to the promotion of music, dance, drama, literature, film and festivals of India.

Tuesday 3rd March

Six random things:

I've enjoyed having Nigel at home for the past couple of days.  We are a good team.  He prepared the leeks and I made the cheese sauce for tonight's tea.

I planted some sunflower seeds today.  I think I know where I'm going to plant the rest (but I'm not going to spoil the surprise).

I told Lucy that Speedy the guinea pig had been speaking to me.  "I thought only hedgehogs could talk" said Lucy doubtfully.

A potentially awkward situation has been resolved maturely and diplomatically (aided by alcohol and the absence of men).

It is 'House Day' - the anniversary of our house move.  To celebrate, I did a full 10 seconds of dusting and pulled a few weeds.

I got an email to say I've won a Xbox 360 in a Tango competition (the soft drink, not the dance).

Website of the day: Barfi Box - freshly made luxury Indian sweets

Sunday 1st March

I was taking Lucy to a nursery pal's birthday party and, as we were a bit early, I took the opportunity to replace the log in the Totem Pole geocache.

Lucy has been looking forward to the party all week but was a little shy when we got there.  I've never been to the Bowling Club before and thought it was a lovely venue for a kid's party.  Having a face painter there for the quieter kids plus a crazy balloon modeller was a stroke of genius.  I left her enjoying herself while I popped on a bus to Porty to the guerilla gardening meetup.

It was really nice to meet up with Thea, Andrea, Beinta and Tom in Lucy's flat.  We had a chat and some of Lucy's lovely fridge cake before braving the rain to have a look at the community garden on the promenade. The focal point of the garden,  on the site of the old lido, is the three ornate pillars.  (The pillars form part of a 2-stage geocache which I had earlier tried in vain to locate).  There are ornamental grasses reminiscent of 70s swingers, and some clumps of lavender but not a lot else.  Fortunately, the area is remarkably free of litter.

Another site of interest is The Sir Harry Lauder Memorial Garden by the Town Hall.  I'm not sure who would benefit from a revamp of this neglected patch though as it appears to be closed to the public.

I said goodbye to my fellow gardeners and headed back along the Promenade towards Joppa where I was surprised to see a familiar face.  I was even more surprised when the driver of the 26 was none other than David a.k.a. Mr Christine.

Website of the day: Gardening by the sea - a database of salt-tolerant plants.

Saturday  28th February

In the Small World shop today, I used a hoover, a pricing gun - and a calculator.   Mental arithmetic was never my strong point but I find I'm using a calculator more and more these days.  

It was a pleasant day and I had hoped that more people might have stopped by.  Perhaps we need to set up a table outside on sunny days!  

I made several purchases including a very pretty mermaid card and some chocolate covered ginger which I haven't had before.  And some chocolate.  And some cookies. And yoghurt covered raisins -  I like to do my bit to support Fair Trade Fortnight ;-)  (I know I could have bought the healthy plaintain chips or paradise fruit mix but the chocolate is just so scrumptious).

Different
Individuals
Valuing
Each other
Regardless of
Skin,
Intellect,
Talents or
Years

Friday  27th February

Thanks to a combination of a kindly bus driver and Emily's great running speed, we made it to Georgie's speech therapy session in time with just enough time for a bowl of chips.

In the canteen Emily asked me "What's a norrywolter?"
"I've never heard of it.  Where did you hear it?"
"Up there on the noticeboard"
Sure enough there was a notice: "Found.  Camera Memory Card.  May belong to a Norrie Walter"

---ooOoo---

I enjoyed tonight's Coronation Street.  Becky Granger described Steve McDonald's previous fiancee's thus: Little Miss Moneybags, Fiona Scissorhands, The Gobby One and Glossybonce.

Website of the day: DoxDirect - get your PDFs printed and delivered.

Thursday 26th February

Georgie is the latest Barkerette to be struck with the bleuurgh bug.  Lucy has been so kind, putting a blanket over her and giving her a little drawing that said "I Love You".  

As we are entering birthday party season I've begun stocking up on suitable presents.  I've always been impressed by The Happy Puzzle Company so decided to place a 'Lucky Dip' order with them. I've always liked the idea of lucky dips but I'm not sure I'd risk £4.99 on a 'Bag o Crap' from Big Pockets.

Plug of the day: Launch of Annemarie Allan's latest book 'Breaker', Prestonpans Library, Thursday 19th March, 7-9.  Children Most Welcome.

Wednesday 25th February

I went to Lidl this morning where I bumped into Julie who gave me a lift back with my groceries (which included a pack of three gooseberry bushes for a bargainous £2.49).  I haven't seen Julie for an age so it was nice to catch up over a coffee.    

We were back at Edenhall for speech therapy this afternoon and decided to walk back along Ravensheugh Road as it was so pleasant.  We continued along a cycle path that brought us out at at the place the vehicles from the ash lagoons get washed.  This was quite exciting for Georgie.  We had just reached the entrance to Prestongrange Industrial Museum when the heavens opened.  The downpour lasted less than a minute and the sun came out revealing a beautiful rainbow.  

Website of the day:  Stuart Semple - website of the YBA who has just released happy clouds outside the Tate Modern.

Tuesday 24th February

Lucy is better today - well enough in fact to have pancakes.  The girls opted for traditional sugar and lemon on theirs.  I had leftover dhal from yesterday's Maha Shivaratri feast.

"Fat Tuesday" is living up to it's name.  I could not believe the numbers displayed on the bathroom scales.  I signed up with SparkPeople with the target of losing 32lbs by 6th October.  I'm not sure whether this is the right program(me) for me but I need to do something.

Nigel didn't eat with us as he was at Parents' Night - Emily got a great report and her choice of treat is mezze at Aroma followed by chocolate cake.

Website of the day: Tesco Value Greetings Cards - for these difficult financial times, a free printable Mother's Day card - now with added sincerity.

Monday 23rd February

Lucy had a good day at nursery.  Unfortunately, it didn't last.  We were in Scotmid when she announced she was going to be sick.  Like all eco-warriers, I always have a bag with me.  Unfortunately for Nigel, it was his Chumbawumba 'Recycle or Die' bag she chucked up in ("I get knocked down, I puke up again").  We had to abandon our shopping and make a hasty retreat.  

Outside she wailed "I told you I wanted to go straight home!".  
I reply "I'm sorry sweetheart, I didn't hear you.  When did you say that?"
"After I pooped my pants".

Emily's rude joke of the day:  Why did the baker have brown hands?  Because he kneaded a poo.

Sunday 22nd February

We caught the train to Wallyford and went in search of the 'More East Lothian Elephants!' geocache.  It was a nice, quick find and we returned home via Tramps Tunnel.  

In the tunnel, someone has set up a bed/seating area from pallets and there is even a generator and tools.

It's a shame there is so much litter on the road alongside the Royal Musselburgh.  I thought the area around the Welcome to Prestonpans sign was particularly bad (and would certainly benefit from some guerrilla gardening).

Back home Nigel prepared a delicious lunch of mushroom and yellow split peas and I made the rotis.

Website of the day: Wallpaper from the 70s -  retro styled wallcoverings

Saturday 21st February

I went to The Small World shop to pick up some stock for an exhibition in the Library for Fair Trade Fortnight.   I followed Erica's suggestion of putting the more eye-catching items, trinket boxes, sequinned purses, glittery jewellery etc, in the display cabinet containing the printed material.  

While I was in the library, Nigel came in with the girls.  He explained that they had got themselves dressed.  It showed.  All three were wearing the most bizarre mixture of clothing; their hair hadn't been brushed and Lucy was wearing clearly odd socks.  

Leaving the library, I  met Carmel who helped me back to The Small World with the cumbersome trolley (which is more of a hindrance than a help).  The peacock bangle from the new catalogue which I've been coveting isn't in  stock yet so instead I bought a cheerful bracelet before saying goodbye to Bernice.

I then bumped into Wattie Anderson who brought me up to speed on some of the goings on with the Community Council. It is regrettable that the Community Council doesn't appear to have the support of the coalition administration.

Emily and I were reunited with the other Barkers in Aroma where I shared a wonderful mezze with Nigel.  After trudging back up the hill with the Lidl shopping, we settled down to watch Penny Serenade.

Friday 20th February

It was Georgie's first speech therapy session today.  She was very relaxed about attending the group session.  Hardly surprising when we've been so often with Lucy. In fact, we are such regulars that when we went to the canteen today, the girls were given some birthday cake by one of the catering ladies.

---ooOoo---

Why is that when the kids break something it is always something irreplacable, beautiful and mine - never the fugly orange dogs Nigel insisted on buying in Sam Burns?  The latest casualties of exuberant dancing include Holmegaard glasværk and a Pyper's Wynd dish.

Website of the day: Miller McCowan - shop for Highland Toffee, Pan Drops, Wham bars etc online - use 'FURTHER10%' code to get 10% off already discounted prices.

Thursday 19th February

Wine and wineglasses -  great customer service and rubbish customer service.  What am I on about?  

I'm very impressed by Virginwines.  We've accumulated quite a 'cellar' so, rather than continue to pay into our 'wine bank' each month I asked if I could suspend the account for a few months.  The answer? "No problem at all.  How long far?  Right, that's it all sorted".  Now that is the kind of customer service I would like to see a bit more often.  

In contrast, Scotts of Stow have messed me around from start to finish over an order of wine glasses which was delayed, then 'discontinued', then turned up today...broken.

---ooOoo---

Lucy has been a little withdrawn at nursery.  I think she may be missing her pal or perhaps just taking time to get back in a routine after being away.  Whatever the case, the nursery staff are aware of her reticence and I have every confidence that their plan will do the trick.

She was certainly much happier after we had a wee chat and we sang some songs for the Chatterbox Challenge.    This year's theme is weather so we sang Incey Wincey spider,  I hear thunder! and The sun has got his hat on.

Website of the day: Urban Adventure - superior urbex blog - the photos and reports are a welcome relief from the usual bluster

Wednesday 18th February

Daytime television shows summed up:

Family decides to move to Australia.  Realises that property is more expensive and wages are lower.  Decide not to stay in Blighty.
Person buys house at auction.  Annoying presenter scornful of lurid interior decor.  Buyer paints everything beige.  Property increases in value.

---ooOoo---

I use PDFonline a fair bit so was pleased to see that their premium service is free during the beta stage.  I am now able to convert larger Word documents and add a watermark to the resultant pdf.

I've finished reading No Time For Goodbye.  I haven't read Linwood Barclay before but I really enjoyed this.

Tuesday 17th February

On the journey down to nursery, one of Emily's friends came over and thanked me for her birthday present - a charming and increasingly rare display of manners.

Lucy drew a great picture of me at nursery, complete with red hair, black boots and bright clothing.  She showed it off to Sandra, Rosemary and Bernice in The Small World shop where I went to pick up the new Traidcraft catalogue.  The shop has some new stock in and was looking really nice.

I spent some time chatting to Effie whom we bumped into on the way back up the hill to have an al fresco lunch - it's been so warm today.

Later we called in to the Library to speak to Erica about the forthcoming Fair Trade Fortnight exhibition.  I also picked up the 2009 East Lothian Business Directory and Loyalty Card.  Annemarie was there so we walked back up the hill together eating popcorn.  According to Annemarie, if you don't like popcorn you must be an alien.   It takes forever to get anywhere in Prestonpans as you always bump into someone you haven't seen for ages - in this case, Heather, who is just back from her holidays and looking very slimline.   She may have declined the popcorn because of her fitness regime, but I can't help wondering....Hmmmm.  

I was glad to see Rachel, Peter, Lauren and Martha.  I was grateful that they didn't act out shock/horror at the sight of the carbuncle.  It is quite irritating to have people visit us only to go on and on and on about the blot on our landscape.  While some are genuinely sympathetic, others can barely contain their glee.

Rachel bought me a pink camellia, a pieris and a choisya to help with my plan to grow lots of climbers along the new fence, as well as a garden lantern and some new socks!  I'm lucky to have such a thoughtful sister.

Monday 16th February

We are in the unusual position of not having any menu plans for the week ahead.  Today is Lithuania's National Day so I looked up some traditional recipes.   I reassured Emily that, even if I could source a pig's snout and tail locally, I was definately not going to cook hodgepodge.

We went to Lidl where, amongst other things, I bought a cherry tree and a pear tree.  We had brunch at Aroma on the way back and then saw Fay and Allan in West Loan who kindly gave us a lift back up the hill.  

When I dug a hole for the pear tree the spade clunked against something solid.  I couldn't get any deeper that a few inches so had to reposition the tree - but what is under my soil?

Website of the day: Monument - official website of the Monument to the Great Fire of London - re-opened today after a lengthy period of refurb.

Sunday 15th February

Emily had a party this afternoon so, me, Laura, who was visiting us for the day, and Emily walked along to the swimming pool.

Laura and I talked about the books we had read recently and she went away with some I thought she might enjoy in exchange for The Five People You Meet in Heaven and No Time For Goodbye which I'm looking forward to reading.

Website of the day: Bouf - unique home accessories from the world's leading designers - at sensible prices

Saturday 14th February

I spent some time in the garden this morning.  Trying to fight my way through the honeysuckle was like wrestling with several lion cubs.

It might be Valentine's Day but there is not much love in the air chez Barker.  The only thing in the air is the various missiles daughter #1 has been throwing in temper.  I always feel terribly guilty complaining about my children as there are so many people with far, far worse to worry about. But....it has been a very stressful few days as #1's behaviour has been appalling.

Nigel took daughter #2 swimming while I payed hama beads with daughter #3 so at least they had some fun today.

I coloured my hair 'fire' today but it looks more pink than red.

Website of the day:  Anna Magnowska - artist cum waitress who sketches her customers.

Friday 13th February

I've updated the Stuff we Make page to include Light Switch Covers.  

I baked some more pineapple and cheese bread today.  Yesterday I used wensleydale which barely registered but today I used a mixture of cheddar and cheshire which seemed to work well.  We ate it this evening with black pudding and bacon.

My housework avoidance plan continues unabated.

Website of the day: Dr Rant -  the chunterings of NHS clinicians.  I share Dr Rant's view of Kelvin MacKenzie.

Thursday 12th February

A recipient of Emily’s new school photo lost it within five minutes of being given it.  A clumsy choice of words thereafter added insult to injury.  Today, as so often happens, I am copping for Emily's anger/hurt.

Even if I could devote 100% of my energy to the exhausting task of undoing the damage, I have two other children who also need attention.  I've tried to make today fun, and to a degree, I've succeeded.

We had to stock up on provisions and rather than trudge to Lidl, we went to Scotmid.  On the way home, I suggested the girls start rolling a snowball to make a snowman when we got home.  Snowman= Great idea.  Starting it in Redburn Road = Rubbish idea.

We carried the boulder across Preston Road and after a few minutes of gobbling up snow on the triangular patch it became too big too move.  We had to abandon the headless snowman on the other side of our fence.

---ooOoo---

I've been enjoying catching up with the adventures of the Bonnars in Chicago.  

---ooOoo---

We celebrated Darwin's 200th birthday with a Galapagos Casserole (dodo, blue-footed booby & green turtle).  Ok, so we really had sausage casserole (sausages, chopped tomatoes, butter beans, french beans, potato and carrots with topping of oats).

---ooOoo---

I thought Salma Yaquoob was very good on Question Time this evening.  At least two panellists might as well not bothered turning up.  

Website of the day: British Humanist Association - if you're a human, you might like to take a look...

Wednesday 11th February

It has been a day of bumping into people.  We saw Anna on the way to the post office then bumped into Fay, Erica and Nicola in the High Street.  On the bus to Edenhall I saw Jan H who told me about the latest news on the upgrading of Cuthill Park.

After a bowl of chips in the canteen (It is National Chip Week) we sat in the Speech Therapy waiting room and waited.  And waited.  It transpired that there was no group session today but, as we weren't at last week's session, we didn't know.

I took the girls to the park for a bit and then bought them a magazine in Pinkie Mains Farm Shop before catching a bus back to the 'Pans. Between bus fares and treats it was a dear trip. 

For some reason, the bus driver needed to brake sharply and all the people about to get off at the totem pole went flying.    All in all, I was glad to get back home today.

Tuesday 10th February

Nigel and I are looking at ways to screen out the houses opposite.  We can't agree on whether to install a totem pole or net curtains.  Actually it's more straightforward than than: Nigel wants conifers.  I don't.  

I'd prefer something in a pot - ornamental grasses (Japanese Blood Grass - too small? Blue Bamboo - too unruly?), ferns or possibly a passion flower vine.    Alternatively we could add a raised area, put in an aviary or coloured plexiglass - all of which will be costly.  My head is buzzing.

I've started reading Waiting which I think will be a quick read.

Website of the day: Recycle This - creative ideas for recycling just about anything you can think of.

Monday 9th February

We awoke to a winter wonderland and Emily and Lucy were delighted to finally be able to build a snowman.  Georgie preferred parking herself in front of the television and watching CBeebies.  After this they spent some time making 'charms'.  Apparently every mobile phone, bag, and pair of jeans must be adorned with beads, baubles and dangly things.

In today's post was four Hipp spoons, guides to Leeds and York and a Rosenborg calendar.

I think Nigel and I may be bidding against each other on ebay for a Peter Bagge CD.

I've now finished Life Of Pi. I'm not sure what I'm going to read next.

Music now playing: The KKK Took My Baby Away - The Ramones

Sunday 8th February

A day of catching up on chores and emails.

Almost every email I deleted was about valentine's day. A 'gift guide' from the Buchanan Galleries had put their products in categories: 'New Love'; 'Dating' & 'Married'.  Hrrummph!  

Actually, they should have a 'Grumpy Auld Wifie' category because that's what I'm turning in to.  

When we were waiting for the train yesterday three trainspotters were talking about the recent snow.  One remarked that it didn't matter if people in Tranent were snowed in as most of them didn't have work to go to.  What an outrageous assumption.  I didn't assume that just because they were noting down engine numbers on a Saturday morning they were sad losers, living with their mothers who wouldn't be needing a valentine's gift guide this year or any year.

On the journey home, there was a group of five women in their 40s.  For 14 minutes, one woman held forth about X-Factor and Cheryl Cole's fitness to be a judge.

Did they really have nothing else to talk about?  Their afternoon in the Capital?, their purchases, their lunch? (I assumed they were on their way back from an afternoon in Edinburgh - they may have been on their way to a rioutous night out in Drem for all I know.)  

Website of the day: Treasure Trails - buy a £5 treasure trail or murdery mystery for your chosen area, solve it and enter the prize draw.

Saturday 7th February

We had a lovely day at Edinburgh Zoo today.

There have been many changes since I last visited, most notably the creation of the Living Links Research Centre which houses the cutest capuchin and squirrel monkeys. This wasn't the only magnificent erection I saw at the zoo - those Indian Rhino's are big boys...

There haven't been any elephants at the zoo for several years and now, there are no longer any giraffes (and the camels are shortly to leave for the Highland Wildlife Park).   We didn't manage to see the polar bear or zebra.  It was very cold today so perhaps some animals were staying in their houses.    

There were several funny-looking creatures, e.g. the capybara, as well as very cute ones (e.g.  koalas and lemurs).  We saw lots of big cats including a lion with a roar that could be heard from far away.  We all love the primates.  I particularly liked the various birds, including a raven which seemed to be in communication with it's non-caged crow cousins.
  
My favourite part was visiting Rainbow Landings and feeding the rainbow lorikeet. These very tame birds landed on our heads, arms, hands and fed from a small plastic cup.  Forget swimming with dolphins, this was a very special experience.

Unfortunately,  the 4-star visitor attraction is let down by its 1-star cafe.  I've come to expect overpriced food in touristy places but the quality of the food was dire.  Despite being cooked to order, The kids menu wasn't any better, and having two of a party of five wait for their food is never ideal.  

With hindsight, we should have taken a picnic - that's what all the folks without children were doing.  Actually, there were a suprising number of young couples - the zoo must be the place to go on a date.

Website of the day: Shackup - how I love Wayne & Gerardine's curvaceous butts. 

Friday 6th February

Happy 5th Birthday Lucy!

Just like last year, Lucy didn't want to be the focus of any attention today and didn't want us to sing "Happy Birthday" to her.  

She was, however, delighted with her cards and gifts, which included, ponies, clothes, ponies, purse and handbag, ponies, books, hama beads, ponies, ponies and more ponies.  

In particular she was very pleased with her London Eye snowglobe.  We all had fun with the singing glo tube and space blanket - bargain purchases from The Novelty Warehouse (which specialise in tactile, interactive and stimulating multi-sensory resources) and stretchy frogs which stick to the ceiling and fall on your head when you least expect it.

When we had Lucy's birthday tea, she asked "Was I really born on this day?".  "Yes" I  replied "The doctor cut a line along my tummy and reached in and pulled you out".

"That must have been very exciting!" 

Website of the day: Urban Remade -  boots made using vintage seating upholstery from London tube and buses.

Thursday 5th February

French doors and windows have gone in on the carbuncle opposite and, even though there is no roof yet - let alone occupants, it already feels like an intrusion.

The postie brought several parcels, including the most beautiful birthday cake I have ever seen.  Lucy was thrilled with Grandma Edith's cake which features a pony, complete with bridle, fences and carrots.

Nursery phoned to ask after the girls.  Although they are greatly improved, I did the right thing in keeping them off today because both Lucy and Georgie have slept most of the day and have been a bit emotional.

I've updated the Stuff we Make page to include the bunting that I've made for Lucy's birthday. I've also uploaded to Instructables.

---ooOoo---

Welcome to the 30s club Laura - it's a shame you're joining just as my membership is about to lapse ;-)

Website of the day: 2dayatschool - a genius idea.  Kids tell their pet dinosaur about their day at school (because lets face it, they never tell their parents).

Wednesday 4th February

Lucy appeared to be much better today.  She thoughtfully made me a tissue dispenser, made from paper and sellotape and stuffed with loo roll!

Georgie continues to cough like a poorly seal and Emily, well, she continues to try my patience.

The Mittwoch Madness started when I asked her if she had any homework to do.  It went downhill from there.  She screeched, stamped and threw her jotters and pencils around the room like a two-year old having a temper tantrum.    She marched upstairs and there was a lot of noise.  I guessed she was probably trashing her room but, in its current state, how would i every know?

Website of the day: Team Patchwork's Moonwalk fundraising page -  support the parenting group as they Walk the Walk to raise funds for breast cancer research.

Tuesday 3rd February

It's been a rotten couple of a days as both Lucy, Georgie and myself have been unwell.  Nigel and Emily have so far avoided the nasty bug.  I'm grateful to Christine for braving the snow to bring round some Calpol late last night.

The world doesn't stop because we're poorly and my phone continues to ring all day long.  At one point I was tempted to take the phone off the hook.  It was a good job I didn't, as the school phoned to say Emily was ill.  I dressed Lucy and Georgie in outdoors clothes and trudged to the school where a very happy Emily was waiting for us.   The Bad Mother in me was tempted to say "could you not have lasted another hour/you better had be bloody poorly".  Fortunately Good Mother was on duty and I instead bought cheer-up cakes for all of us.

I've started to read The Life of Pi but it's a bit much for my poor fevered brain to take in.  I've only read four other Booker winners (The Inheritance of Loss, Vernon God Little, Disgrace & Midnight's Children).

---ooOoo---

I was sorry to learn that Kaleidoscope Supplies are closing down at the end of the month. I bought lots of perspex display stands and paper bags from them.

November, December and January photos have been published.

Wisdom of the day: People will forget what you did, forget what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.

Saturday 31st January 

My original plan had been to take a 26 bus to Portobello and pick up a free copy of The Lost World which is being given away in City of Edinburgh libraries as part of this year's One City, One book.  That was the plan but I felt so groggy and nauseous that I stayed at home.

Heather took Emily swimming and Nigel took Lucy and Georgie to the library while I felt sorry for myself.  After lunch I fought off torpor to take the train to Edinburgh where we went to see Bob Dylan's 'Drawn Blank' exhibition in the City Art Centre.   The drawings and paintings, all created between 1989 and 1992, give a sense of the loneliness of a life on the road.  Many had a voyeuristic quality, often looking down from a balcony, along a corridor or through a doorway.  The girls enjoyed - they were the only children there.  I was tempted by several items in the gallery shop but resisted all but a pack of postcards from the exhibition.

The City Art Centre were giving away old exhibition catalogues which I always find interesting.  Emily took a copy of "Immortal Pharaoh" - a 195 colour hardback catalogue of The Tomb of Thutmose III exhibition.  I  took a catalogue about Japanese ceramics which,  with a bit of origami, will be reincarnated as envelopes.

Back home we had nachos for tea and later Nigel and I watched The Life Aquatic which was watchable but not as good as I'd hoped.

Website of the day: Sniggle -  An encyclopaedia of subculture and activism.

Friday 30th January 

I received an email to say I've won a calendar from English Provender, the company behind the 'Very Lazy' range.  My first win of 2009.  I had thought January might be a prize-free zone.

I recently received a subscription notice for a local interest magazine.  I have been swithering whether or not to renew.  The publication has drifted away from its historical slant of late and the articles have been lacking in substance.  I decided to look online an the current issue.  Hmmm, an article on 'social enterprise'. Yes, social enterprise is very important. Yes, Roots and Fruits is an excellent initiative.  Yes, quango rhymes with mango.   Do I want to pay to read an advertorial for East Lothian Council (which has a website devoted to this very subject)?  No.

Website of the day: Bombarock - uses beautiful fabrics to create bespoke furniture.  Check out their online accessories shop - I love their skull aprons.

  Thursday 29th January 

It was nice to catch up with Christine over a cuppa before going to Lidl to stock up on seeds and laminating pouches.

I told Rosie about the bargain 23p seeds and, after a quick bite of lunch, she too stocked up.

I've joined Twitter so now you can follow my unbelievably exciting life even more closely on our home page.

We started watching The Wire last night.  I'm not hooked in the way I was with The Sopranos but I'll stick with it.

Twenty years ago I answered an ad in Loot looking for a flatmate.  I am, of course, biased but I think it is still better than its counterparts: Gumtree, Tapthat, Vivastreet, adoos, freeukclassifieds, ad-mart, , ukfreeads, friday-ad & tao01.

Website of the day: Stopped Clocks - a blog of stopped clocks.  

Wednesday 28th January 

After nursery, we walked a fair old bit of the way to Edenhall for Lucy's speech therapy.  I really enjoyed my chicken tikka and rice in the hospital canteen.    While there, I bumped into midwife Leslie.   As she glanced at my expanding tummy, I assured her I wasn't on my way to the antenatal clinic, and my bulge was the result of Christmas excesses.

In the Speech Therapy Department, Georgie really wanted to join in but I managed to distract her with a 'bag of lovely things'' (or a Busy Bag as we used to call them).  The clear pencil case stuffed with Christmas cracker novelties, broken jewellery and laminated stamps kept her amused for the duration of the session.

 Lucy seemed to have enjoyed her new group and was very pleased to be given 'homework'.

We had just got back home when Peter returned.  He very kindly fitted one of a pair of light fittings that have been gathering dust since he brought them with him on his last visit.   It is very dramatic, made from mirror discs which hang from a long spiral frame - a charity shop find from my mum.

I've finished Midnight's Children.  Wow.

Website of the day: Faces in Places - a blog of 'faces' found in everyday objects

Tuesday 27th January 

At the nursery there is now a parents' tearoom.  It was very nice to have a cup of English breakfast tea after saying goodbye to the Lucy and Georgie.  

Peter dropped in today.  I'm glad he was able to stay for a bit longer and have dinner with us.  My brother-in-law tends to get used as a messenger service, ferrying various things between my sister and I.  This trip he brought with him some of Lauren and Martha's delicious baptimism cake.  He will take away with him some Fortean Times.

---ooOoo---

Emily's homework task was to either draw a cake, make a model of a cake, or bake a cake.  Unsurprisingly, she opted to bake a cake.  She found the recipe herself using google, worked out the timings, and made it all by herself, only calling me when it needed to go in the oven.  

Website of the day: Scene 360 Illusion - eclectic showcase of arty stuff and cool design.

Monday 26th January 

Gung héi fáat chōi!

We celebrated the Year of the Ox simply but pleasantly with prawn crackers, spring rolls, chicken hoisin money bags, prawn toast and noodles with egg strips. Bought from Lidl, our fortune cookies contained bi-lingual messages: "Lass die Vergangenheit sein - jetzt ist die Zeit fureinen Neuanfang" ("The past belongs to the past, now the time is right for a new beginning.")

I think there must have been a mix-up though as I'm sure "No-one can resist your charm" ("Ihrem Charme kann kaum jemand widerstehen") was meant for me.

Website of the day: Fastfingerskeyboard - a non-QWERTY keyboard for one-fingered typists.  Did you know the top line on conventional keyboards contains all the letters of TYPEWRITER?

Sunday 25th January 

We do things a little differently, so, instead of having a Burns' Night, we had a Sam Burns Day.  We set off from our house this morning accompanied by a few friends, picking some more up along the way and made our way to Burns yard where we met up with the rest of the group.

When we all got back to the house we watched The Flee Market (which is set in Burns' yard) and had some haggis, neeps and tatties.  The best way to quickly serve haggis to 22 tired and hungry walkers was to bring the microwave out of storage.

We watched the film again with my mum's fruitcake, Carmel's Islay Loaf and some shortbread.  The kids all played well together and enjoyed the activity sheets I printed off from Burns Heritage Park.  

A very pleasant day which I hope our guests enjoyed as much as we did.

---ooOoo---

Thinking of Lauren and Martha on their special day.

Website of the day: Kiva - loans that transform lives.

Saturday 24th January 

One the way to The Small World shop I spotted a man waiting at a postbox.  I thought it was a strange place to loiter and, in the few seconds it took me to cross the road, he had disappeared.

When I reached where he had been standing I realised that his 'trainer' was a Ford's the Bakers paper bag; his right 'leg' was in fact a garden post and his 'head' was nothing more than foliage.  Perspective is everything.

In the shop it was 13°C.  So flipping cold that I kept on my coat (which is designed to withstand Kathmandu temperatures) and I was still freezing.  Alas, there wasn't a single customer all day.

Website of the day: Earthcam - where tbe world watches the world.

  Friday 23rd January 

I'm glad the missing Cleethorpes schoolgirl has been found safe. 

There is a lot in the press about online safety, which is of course important.  However, I fear we are in danger of forgetting that children are at greater risk from the people they know and trust, than from a stranger.  A sad but accurate fact that people don't like being reminded of.  Since becoming a mother, I have no fear of putting my head above the parapet and saying unpopular things - or indeed putting the bell on the cat.  

Website of the day:  TV Ark - the online television museum

Thursday 22nd January 

This exchange reminded me of Mr Mann from Little Britain:

Lucy announced that she would like a snow globe for her birthday.
"That's nice" I say, "I'm sure I can find one for you".
"A snow globe, with a monkey inside" she added.
"Erm, okay, I'll see what I can do"
"...with a hat on.  A RED hat".

Warning:  there now follows a very dull insight into my life.

I had to buy a cucumber for Speedy so called into Scotmid only to discover they didn't have any.  I didn't fare any better in Fair Price, so, as time was marching on, I decided to go to Somerfield - a place I last ventured in exactly four months ago and was unimpressed by the rude staff.
I took my cucumber to the checkout only to be charged £1.30.  The 65p sign apparently relates to half a cucumber.

People might look down their nose at Lidl but I have to say their range, prices and customer service is consistently good -  and a cucumber is a cucumber, surely?

---ooOoo---

The photographic proof of Emily's school photo came home today.   She looks very beautiful.
 
Website of the day: East Lothian Council - finally, a re-vamped website.

Wednesday 21st January 

I didn't sleep well last night.  An alarm clock kept going off at 30 minute intervals.  Once I'd disabled the alarm and returned to bed for the umpteenth time, I had to get up again because Lucy had a bad dream.  After settling her down and falling into a deep sleep I was awoken with the sound of Nigel saying "awwphrum awah aaaah" or something.  I'd had enough.  It was 4 a.m. and I felt very awake so I went downstairs and started washing dishes.  Around half an hour later the timer on the oven started to ping.  Nerves shot to hell, I made myself a cup of tea and went back to bed.

Needless to say, I was exceptionally exhausted when it was time to get up and get the kids dressed, fed and to school.  My original plan had been to take Lucy and Georgie to nursery then go straight to the hairdressers.  As I was running late I decided to go straight there leaving Nigel to do the nursery run.

My two hours in 202 were very pleasant.  I got to drink a cup of coffee while it was still hot, and sat under the lamps reading Midnight's Children.   I left the salon met Nigel on his way home from the shops.

"Well?" I said "What do you think?" (I've had another short crop dyed a very vibrant copper)
"Do you like it?" he  replies.
(Attention dimwits: do not answer any question in this way)

We trudge up the hill and, as I open the front door, I am greeted by a mountain of shoes.  Every shoe, slipper and wellie that every Barker has ever owned appears to be lying in the hallway.  Nigel explains that he couldn't find Georgie's other shoe which was why the girls were over an hour late for nursery.  I resist saying anything that could be construed as criticism (e.g. "Why didn't you just put her in wellies?"). 

Amid the chaos, I find a beautiful houseplant in a yellow pot (thank you Elaine!).  

"Oh, Elaine came round with a plant for you" Nigel says, leaving me to wonder what my kind visitor must have thought of the mess.

---ooOoo---

We lunched at Edenhall hospital canteen (mince and tatties - boiled for me, mashed for Nigel and chips for Lucy and Georgie) before going to Georgie's assessment with the speech therapist.

To avoid any Georgie-bleurghiness on the bus, we walk a good proportion of the journey.  On the way back home, Nigel got all tired and low-blood sugary and stopped to buy some chocolate.   I mentioned how tired I was after my awful night's sleep prompting Nigel to tell me about his dream of being pursued by a giant rabbit (which explains the "awwphrum awah aaaah" noise he kept making).  Lucy's dream involved lobsters and crabs nipping at her feet while she jumped on the trampoline.

I think I may sprinkle their respective pillows with lavender tomorrow evening.

Website of the day: Ugly Sofas - some of these are actually okay but I would say that considering my sofa is actually featured here...

Tuesday 20th January 

High emotion and tears - no, I'm not talking about the inauguration of America's 44th present.

The girls were very upset when I told them about Moby.  I reassured them that Speedy was still alive and seemed well.  "What about Fastie?" asked Lucy.  "Fastie is Speedy.  That's just what you call him" I explained.  We buried him in the garden and sprinkled frozen rose petals.

---ooOoo---

The challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. - no, I'm not talking about the remaking of America.

The SNP's proposed cuts to the education budget will really test the mettle of Parent Councillors.

Website of the day: Wordle - create beautiful word clouds from your text.  I LOVE it!!!

Monday 19th January 

The girls were delighted to see snow today.  Unfortunately there wasn't enough to build a snowman or even have a decent snowball fight so I let the girls throw rose petals at each other instead (my roses have finally bit the dust but the freesias are still going strong and smell wonderful).
 
'Blue Monday', the saddest day of the year (based on sprurious factors such as weather, debt and motivation), barely registered.  Until, that is, I went to look in on the guinea pigs and found Moby dead.

Website of the Day - Tales of the Road - a funky, upbeat government road safety website which replaces the Hedgehogs (who have gone into hibernation).

Sunday 18th January 

I had just finished hanging paper snakes from Lucy and Georgie's bedroom ceiling when I read the news that Tony Hart had died.  The key to the success of the Vision On programme was that it used items readily to hand.   It's a pain to find a kids' art project that looks good only to discover it requires sheets of perspex, concrete, chicken wire, a kiln and/or soldering iron.  

I liked the slow pace of Vision On and the music that accompanied The Gallery.  I never figured out that the programme was primarily aimed at deaf kids.

Encouraged by Christine, I am keeping a note of low-tech, no chicken-wire required projects.  Of course all 9 of you loyal blog readers (hello Panners, Belters, Weegies, relatives, guerillas & Johnston) will be the first to hear about it when its ready.

Websites of the day: (I've misplaced my bookmarks, so now's a good a time as any to add a few regularly used ones)
#1 - Instructables - biggest and best user-created  how-to and DIY community.
#2 - Activity Village - Coloring pages, crafts, puzzles, sudoku, games, jigsaws, holiday and educational activities to enjoy with your child.
#3 - Etsy -  the place to buy and sell handmade items (or just steal their ideas - be inspired).

Saturday 17th January 

We have a new fence.
We had liver risotto for tea.
Watched the very disturbing Funny Games (2007 version).
Wishing we had a trip to London planned.
Wondering where my Firefox bookmarks have gone.

Website of the day: Green Street -  the Green Street of beautiful salwar kameez, cheap cafes and sparkly shoes, not football hooliganism.

Friday 16th January 

I knew that there was a chance, that after Christmas, Emily's bedroom would become messy again with her new toys and gizmos.  After keeping it reasonably tidy for a few months I was anxious to have order restored before the job became too overwhelming for her.  So, with the promise/bribe of being allowed to go the disco tonight, she spent an hour yesterday, with my help, sorting the mess out.  

Unfortunately, despite several tellings, at 10.00 p.m. last night she was still awake, getting in and out of her bed, calling through to her sisters and generally being silly - so I told her she couldn't go to the disco.

This morning, unsurprisingly, she was very tired and had to rush to avoid being late for school.  She clearly assumed I would have a change of heart and, when she realised I was sticking to my guns, there were floods of tears, followed by shouting and temper. 

This afternoon, as a compromise, I helped her paint a wall in her bedroom which she enjoyed.  After the decorating took place (she's not daft) she started ranting and raving again.  I still didn't let her go to the disco.  Am I a completely rubbish parent?  How else could I have handled it?  At least I stayed calm.

---ooOoo---

Thanks mum for the Anthon Berg marzipan chocolates.  Read the flavours and try not to drool: Cherry in Rum,  Grape in Muscat Wine & Raspberry in Orange Liqueur.  I let the kids share one chocolate between them and was rewarded with "Daddy!  Mum gave us booze!".  Erm, now I do sound like a completely rubbish parent.

Website of the day: Styrofoam - I saw the builders put loads of the stuff we call polystyrene in a skip.  I'll use this site for arty ideas when it inevitably blows into my garden.

Thursday 15th January 

It was great to see Rosie for lunch today.  Now she's back working in the area I will hopefully see her a bit more often.   She understands better than most my distress over the garden.

Nigel took a day's holiday which has been nice for me but hardly relaxing for him.  He hadn't realised quite how oppressive the scaffolding opposite is.  Or how noisy the building work is.  Or how we have no privacy in the back of the house or garden.  (I might have to put a sign saying "Caution: Danger of Splinters - Do Not Stick Nose Through Here").

As you will know if you have a spelk in your neb, Nigel cooked black-eyed peas and rice for tea. I LOVE soul food.  

Website of the day: DIY Planner - productivity and passion - ok, it's templates for your Filofax and FlyLady stuff.

Wednesday 14th January 

I'm feeling a little more relaxed about stuff today.  We have decided to take a cash settlement and organise the repairs ourselves.

I will be happy when we have our privacy back.  I'm not exactly agoraphobic, but I'm getting kitchenaphobic.  Despite my reluctance to venture into the Mid Road Diner, I am on cooking duty tonight.  

Last night we had a warming plate of stovies (it was St Hilary's Day - reputedly the coldest day of the year but was in fact remarkably mild).  This evening we had a harvest feast to mark Makar Sankranti/Pongal.  We are not celebrating Pastrami Day this year - I'm fat enough.  My new boots arrived today.  It's going to take some squeezing to get my Jaime Hernandez style calves to fit into them.

Website of the day:  Approved Food -  what's not to love about a website with such a reassuring name - and the food is only 'best before' not 'use by' (!!)

Tuesday 13th January 

Because of the gaping hole in the fence, I'm having to get used to locking up the Monkey Loft as I flit to and fro with washing.  And my plans to celebrate World Naked Gardening Day have been scuppered.

I refuse to change our habit of having lunch in the kitchen with the back door open though.  Now when joggers, dog walkers and random passers-by ogle my toasted sandwich they can also see beautiful roses and freesias.  They were a present from my sister Rachel and very much appreciated.

Also in the mail was the film The Flee Market which I've borrowed from The Scottish Screen Archive. Included on the tape are: Build Me Straight; Queen for a Day; Haste to the Wedding and A Bird in the Hand.

Lucy, Georgie and I watched The Flee Market twice this afternoon then all five of us watched it again this evening.  We recognised a few faces, including that of Emily's former classroom assistant.

The surveyo