This is the Barker-family.info web site, the personal pages and projects of Nigel, Jan, Emily, Lucy and Georgina Barker.
Nigel Barker, Jan Barker, Emily Barker, Lucy Barker, Georgina Barker
Prestonpans, Prestonpandemonium, Monkey Loft Comics, Three Harbours Art Festival, Nulsh, Malcy Duff
Prestonpans, John Rattray, Book Crossing, Comics, Comics Quiz, EC War Comics Index, I Love You Toast, Toast in the Post
Prestonpans Nursery School Recipe Book
If you can see this text then your browser doesn't support or isn't configured for Cascading Style Sheets, or, erm, our template is broken again, so this page isn't appearing as we intended ...
2007 has been a good year.
As always, I'm speaking from a personal perspective rather than Barker Family Inc. but I hope they might feel the same despite it being a year beset with health problems and unemployment.
I ended last year saying I was going to be 'a little selfish'. Of course I haven't been selfish, at least I hope I haven't. But I have found myself in the unusual position of saying no to some people and gratefully accepting help offered from others when the need arose. In doing so I've cut down on contact with negative and duplicitous folk and have encountered many nice and similarly-minded people. My mental health is benefiting greatly.
A big part of trying to deal with other people's antics is attempting to understand the reason behind it. Be it an officious colleague who feels out of their intellectual depth or, a fantasist who doesn't have the emotional strength to deal with the truth - I'm going to try to view their behaviour as their coping strategy. I don't need to let it upset me.
Our hoped-for travelling didn't come to fruition. In fact it has been a very low key year - we didn't hold a comic mart or take part in Beachwatch this year. There have only been two guests staying in the Monkey Loft: Nigel and I on our only night out this year. However, we have spent loads of time outdoors and met up with many friends, old and new.
As for the future…well, like the majority of the population I aim to
lose weight (and manage my time better and make plans for my return to gainful
employment). Unlike the majority of the population I plan to drink more. We
rarely drink so, on the rare occasions we do, we get rather, erm, tipsy. Binge
drinking the tabloids would call it.
I really don't know why we receive quite so many visitors to our webpages,
and my blog in particular, but, thank you very much for visiting. We plan
to overhaul the site soon and hopefully I will have a blog where you can leave
your comments. I look forward to hearing from you!
Newhailes is probably the closest National Trust property to us, yet we hadn't visited it until today. The easiest way to get there was by train from Prestonpans to Musselburgh and follow the footpath for 10 minutes or so. The house itself is closed for the season but the grounds are open all year round. We were on the hunt for a geocache but first we had to solve some clues, the answers to which were dotted around the beautiful grounds. What a gem of a place. And a successful mission. Unfortunately I forgot my camera but we'll definately return.
I really want to try some more geocaches, especially via train. There are loads of caches hidden throughout the county as this map shows.
---ooOoo---
I thought it might be interesting to put my blog text in a word analyser and see which words I use most. Unfortunately, when I tried to do this I got the message "Only 100,000 characters allowed. You have 238,000 too many". Clearly I blether too much.
The words I have used most frequently over the past three months are:
I'm
Christmas Georgie today Emily Nigel Lucy really I've didn't going being another
because nursery cards nice can't girls books myself lovely actually coffee
used phone things into bag kids ideas blog birthday moaning stuff along days
waste trousers willing reading thanks decided around couldn't tomorrow doesn't
festive clothes bazaar later finished trying outfit Lidl however enjoyed etc
although parcel meeting glasses hours using makes parents instead seems shouting
favourite prize shopping including lots couple saying Prestonpans fortunately
everyone beautiful playing currently photos nearly wine bags someone mum keys
wearing Musselburgh anything afternoon arrived different started despite wouldn't
apples considerably ebay selection seen having price fairy delighted Pennypit
lights coal true raffle without interesting Halloween spare hardly making
traditional spectacles session file working newspaper Carmel gym library setting
lunch fayre included school's managed lives ordered longer yesterday furniture
sale looking presents missed surely funky taking met effectively tickets isn't
outside project bulbs involves pleasant mobile feeling unfortunately talking
I'll wee pleased eh Diwali.
(Uber obsessives can read the full report here).
'Litter' wasn't the most oft-used word - but I still manage to talk rubbish!
Website of the day: A Stupid Bag - You can never have too many 'bags for life' - you just need lots of lifetimes.
My day began with coffee and toast with strawberry & champagne conserve - part of our wonderful Fairtrade hamper from Christopher [hug].
After a half-hearted attempt at housework, some tears over arithmetic, and several squabbles, we split into two teams: Nigel with Lucy & Georgie in the Aroma Bistro Gang; and Emily and I in the Musselburgh shopping squad. It was wonderfully bright morning with terrific views across the Forth.
Emily had some money to spend but was torn between spending it and keeping it. I had no such 'cake and eat it' concerns and bought a string of chandelier lights in Woolworths End of Year Clearout for £5, a cheese grater for £2.50 and six teaspoons. Exciting stuff eh?
Website of the day: Primary Worksheets - a great maths resource from Reception Year to Year 6.
The first story in The Book of Other People is 'Judith Castle' by David Mitchell. Judith Castle asserts that there are three types of families: 1) Those who participate in each other's lives; 2) Those who simply report back to each other and 3) Those who do neither. (I'm typing this from memory but you get the drift).
Nigel's parents came to visit today. The kids were delighted to see them and it was particularly nice to see Simon and Carina whom we haven't seen since the same time last year. It occured to me that I didn't actually know the four guests any better now than I did when I first met them. Sure I know facts about them and their little routines and quirks (even to the point of being able to play Mother-in-Law Bingo* - and if there isn't such a game then there should be). But...I don't know them. Crucially, knowing someone is essential to participating in someone's life.
Does it matter if people are in different family types? Well, not if you are in type 2 or type 3 because you don't know what you are missing. But Type 1 people might find it confusing. As for me, this information was a revelation. I feel I don't need to understand what makes my extended family tick and suddenly, it all seems so much easier.
(* rules - cup of tea? backhanded compliment? Homebase anecdote? motorway story? HOUSE!)
Website of the day: Contemporist - gorgeous interiors, buildings, and gorgeousness generally.
We decided to take a trip to the shops - our first venture outdoors in days. Other than spotting a discarded Viagra packet (how festive!) and delivering a letter which had been wrongly delivered to our house, it was an unremarkable journey.
I've finished reading Two
Caravans
I'm in the process of updating my pages on the Barker Family website but it's going to take a while. Look here for a sneak preview of my Books and Bookcrossing page.
Website of the day: Tacky Christmas Yards - only a few days left to submit photos of the garish festive displays.
I'll spare you the details of Georgie's upgrading from pull-ups to real pants but I had to cut her out of the first pair.
---ooOoo---
Christmas morning began with the traditional creeping down the stairs to "see if he'd been" (he had) and the traditional breakfast of selection box.
Lunch was pleasant. My cracker contained a tape measure - a reminder if ever I needed one that I must lose some weight.
My pressies included a Poland
travel guide
The long-awaited Dr Who Christmas Special was a little disappointing. Eastenders and Coronation Street were desperately sad.
Today has been largely spent playing games and doing crafts.
---ooOoo---
Thanks Nigel for fixing my blog template.
It is our 5th wedding anniversary today. Wood. The day started with pain au chocolate in bed. Very nice.
Nigel had work, the girls had school & nursery, so it was business as usual starting off with a meeting of the Parent Council. It was quite a productive meeting during which many ideas were put forward and several things were progressed. Miles better than meetings where people waste time moaning about how few people are willing to give up their time (to listen to people waste time moaning about how few people are willing to give up their time to listen to people waste time moaning about how few people are willing to give up their time to listen to people waste time moaning about how few people are willing to give up their time to listen to people waste time moaning about how few people are willing to give up their time to listen to people waste time moaning about how few people are willing to give up their time to listen to people waste time moaning about how few people are willing to give up their time ad infinitum).
After some initial shyness, Lucy enjoyed her nursery party. She was quite exhausted afterwards though and fell asleep just as our Indian food was being delivered (vegetable bahar korma, vegetable dansak, chana masala). It's the last day of school tomorrow and I'm already demob happy.
Homonym of the day: Would that I be wooed in a wood.
In the playground a poor soul was trying to extracate themself from The Oddity's clutches. She's like some perverse angel of mercy, swooping down on the recently bereaved, estranged or depressed to glean a nugget of information with which to feed the assembled coven moments later. A sickening spectacle.
I was glad to escape to Christine's for a coffee, although our plans to go to McDonald's were scuppered when Georgie was sick. I'd been a bit unwell too so took my pal up on her offer to collect Emily. There was a bit of a communication breakdown which resulted in Emily being brought home by the head teacher. Oops.
I've finished reading "The
Moor's Last Sigh", Rushdie's
masterly
epic, which is undoubtedly my favourite book this year.
Website of the day: Peridot Press - stunning items by Jessica Pope. I love the Button Trees.
Thing that don't impress me much...
Corporatespeak - it really marks you out as a junior. Have you ever heard anyone at board level speaking in buzz?
Namedropping - wasted on me. I don't know an x-factor celeb from an x-box. But then, then I don't assume a viscount to be a chocolate covered biscuit either.
Whingeing about Christmas - don't celebrate it then. You don't hear me moaning about Be Nice to Nettles Week coming around so quickly or the fact I'm expected to be jolly on Speak Like a Pirate's Day.
Stuff - The fact I don't own a 50" TV goes some way to explaining why I do own two large houses.
Miaowwww.
Website of the day: How Many 5 year's Could you Take on in a fight - this is disturbing yet I still wanted to know the answer (9).
I don't know whether Mars is entering Jupiter or some or such nonsense but it was a morning for collywobbles. Emily decided that the outfit she had chosen wasn't nice enough and generally went into meltdown.
Lucy was okay until we reached nursery when she declared she had the wrong colour of tights. She then wouldn't enter the classroom and stubbornly sat in the cloakroom. When I returned three hours later a teacher said no-one had been able to understand what she had been asking for. They got as far as "I want..." but couldn't fathom out the rest and she had got very upset. I asked Lucy who tearfully explained she had been saying "I want...to say sorry".
Only Georgie remained emotionally stable - at least until she climbed on the nursery furniture and fell on the floor. She now has an egg-shaped lump on the front of her head.
...Notwithstanding the above, they are still more sensible than the vast majority of the hissyfitters I encounter.
I don't exactly have an abundance of spare time on my hands, (despite what people who 'work' might think) so I have to use my time effectively, use online collaboration etc. It amazes me the amount of people who cannot grasp 'smart working' and are simply unable to conduct discussions outwith a traditional setting. It does make me wonder whether homeworking is ever likely to work on a large scale or will remain the domain of the truly self-motivated.
Website of the day: iGoogle - your personalised Google page.
I was messing about with a bank note generator today. Specifically, I was creating my own Bank of Jan banknotes. When I tried to print them, instead of the janknote appearing, there was a Rules for Use message - how did they know??!!
Lucy was very happy after going to a trampoline party. It emerged she didn't actually go on the trampoline but still had a great time. Quite how Nigel managed to get lost on the way there is beyond me....
Still, he redeemed himself later when he fixed the hot tap. I've been filling up the bath using a jug.
Website of the day: Leo Kempf Cardboard Furniture - it's furniture, it's cardboard, it's designed by Leo Kempf (he of the license plate table)
As Lucy and Georgie were up till the early hours this morning, we are all very tired and grumpy. Actually, it is just me that is tired and grumpy.
My hair is sticking straight up. I look like Sid Vicious. Actually, I quite like it.
Website of the day: Food Calendar - how much am I looking forward to Marzipan Day??
Annemarie wasn't able to join us after all, so the trip to Kinnaird Park consisted of Carmel, me and t'other Jan. Why do I know so many teachers? I don't know. It's not a profession I've ever considered, even fleetingly. The film was good but long. I'm not good at sitting still - even at home where I have my comfort blankets of notebook, pen and coffee. That's the problem with being a megalomaniac, I'm always convinced my greatest ideas will come to me when I have no pen and paper and they will simple evaporate into the ether to be adopted by someone else.
I'm still turbo-charged this week. Ideas are formulating quicker than I can implement them and, as always, I get frustrated that things don't progress at my current (manic) pace. I guess it's a bit draining for everyone around me but hey, ho, I'll crash and burn soon.
---ooOoo---
The school nativity was lovely and Emily was a very beautiful angel. Lucy and Georgie were too excited and kept shuffling about. Georgie took a shine to a baby sitting behind us. I kept an eye on her and had to stop her from putting her dummy in the baby's mouth. That was the least of it. Moments later, the buggy toppled backwards. Thankfully the baby was fine and grinning away as she was well padded and securely strapped in but I felt dreadful (as did Georgie).
---ooOoo---
Oh, and I would like to publicly thank Nigel for bringing me a mug of real, made-in-a-cafetiere, coffee in bed every morning.
Website of the day: Caring Christmas Trees - your last chance to buy a tree which helps homeless people in Scotland
Essentially there are three ways to accommodate a growing family in Prestonpans: 1) Buy a new-build (more rooms but not necessarily space - and not a lot of ground), 2) Hope one of the few large old villas come on the market (and wait for the sellers to name their price), or 3) Extend, Extend, Extend. This is certainly a popular option. There can be few streets in Prestonpans that don't currently have building work going on. Some have used the plot imaginatively while others have squeezed a side elevation into every last drop of remaining space at the expense of a garden.
Of course, none of this actually helps first time buyers get on the property ladder so it was with interest that I read about the plans for the old Mercat House building. In a joint venture, This is G2 and Lidl have lodged an application (Number 07/01142/FUL) to erect 56 flats, substation, cycle store and associated works on the site.
This is G2 is part of the Taylor Wimpey group specialising in affordable contemporary 1 & 2 bed homes. And Lidl, well, they are of course the current owners of the building and are facing opposition from those who favour a community buy-out to create an Arts Centre. As much I would like a Prestonpans Artshole, preferably with cinema, freecycle shop and wholefood cafe, I can see both sides of the argument.
Tonight I'm off to the cinema with Lidl's fiercest critic...and one of their biggest fans. Which sums up what living in a small town is all about. You disagree. Sometimes loudly. You cross paths frequently. You hope that Denzel Washington will placate all parties.
Website of the day: American Gangster - based on the true story of heroin smuggled in the caskets of dead Vietnam soldiers
My poor addled brain couldn't fathom out what was wrong with Lucy's feet this morning. I had packed her off to nursery with two gym shoes - both left feet (one hers, one Georgie's).
I took Georgie along to Patchwork EH32's Christmas Party where she thoroughly enjoyed Pass the Parcel. She was less sure about meeting Santa and grabbed her present so quickly I didn't have time to take a picture. Some of the babies were dressed in tiny Santa outfits and one teeny tiny one was wearing a reindeer outfit. Awww. I had a mulled wine. Yum. And on that subject...
...I thought I had signed up to VirginWine's Winebank (you pay in £20 a month and Virgin top this up by £20 every quarter - to spend on anything on their website) but, I had actually signed up to their Discovery Club (they send you a mixed case of wine each quarter). They sorted it out over the phone for me.
---ooOoo---
I really need to start adding some 2008 events to what2doineh32. One event which sounds interesting is the 24-hr Burns-a-thon on 22nd January.
Website of the day: Pajama City - Jim Jams with feet - for adults - just plain wrong.
The nearest I get to urbexing or spelunking these days in sticking my head in the outside power chamber to plug in the fairy lights. It is a yucky task and involves millions of slaters falling in my hair. I don't mind the trillions of snails and spiders so much but those armour-plated scurrying monsters...urrggghh.
It was very nearly as unpleasant as when I stood on the scales this morning and got a big fright. A colossal, huge, gigantic fright. I shall apply myself to the job of losing weight after Christmas, or after all the selection boxes are reduced to 20p, whichever comes later.
Website of the day: The Small Object - hand made luvlies from Sarah Neuburger
Another school has banned individual Christmas cards - this time the reason cited is 'hurt feelings' when a child is left out. Am I being thick here? Even with my limited grasp on arithmetic I can see that a class card doesn't help.
School's suggestion: 30 kids each send 1 card to "the class" = 30 cards. Number of children receiving a card = 0
My suggestion: 30 cards get passed round children to sign = 30 cards. Number of children receiving a card = 30.
---ooOoo---
Emily's Festive Thought for the Day: "If you die on Christmas Eve do your presents get buried with you?".
Webpage of the day: Emilyisms - bonkers things said my eldest child
We took a wander around the town to deliver some Christmas cards but took cover in Somerfield when it started to rain. We've never used their home shopping service before and were impressed how easy it was. Bargains included a box of 12 Christmas crackers for £2.50 and a bottle of Glenlivet reduced from £24.99 to £14.99.
Back at home, we put up the Christmas tree and sorted out the decorations and tested the lights. We are not the sort of family who tastefully coordinates their festive decor each year. Instead we add to the decorations stockpile each year with us each choosing a representative tree decoration. One year I chose a very lovely fairy climbing a ladder which, unfortunately, has lost its head during its hibernation in the loft. I was reluctant to throw out my decapitated self so I now sport a sellotape 'scarf'.
Website of the day: Elvis Shakespeare - Music and Books
I'm less manic than yesterday thankfully. Our final Busy Bugs session at the Pennypit was great fun and burnt off some energy. We were using nylon scarves to make the kids 'fly' through the air and slide along the floor. It was reminiscent of rhythmic gymnastics (but less graceful!).
I've updated our front page with a Christmas greeting and added a Cluster Map which is looking a bit sad at the moment.
Website of the day: Hi-Ex! - Highland International Comic Expo at Eden Court, Inverness on February 2nd and 3rd
Seagulls circled above us as Debbie and I chatted. One pooped on Georgie's leg. She was not pleased. I can't say I was overjoyed when she did a wee on my office chair - and I sat on it.
Maybe it was Georgie's way of telling me I was spending too much time at my desk. I have been pretty buzzed and was jotting down ideas all day. It is great to get the creative juices flowing.
I still feel quite wired (despite Joy Division playing in the background). Maybe I need horlicks...
Nigel made a superb dinner in celebration of Finland's National Day. It comprised beetroot, bulgar wheat and onion which we had with hard boiled eggs and a couple of glasses of sauvignon blanc. It is also St Nicholas Day (Sinterklaas/Sveti Nikola/São Nicolau) and I'm beginning to feel quite festive.
Website of the day: Lint Mill - a one day artist workshops including three course lunch and afternoon tea - how terribly civilised.
Today is International Day of the Volunteer - I wonder how Gillian Gibbons will be celebrating the day, and her freedom..
Here in Scotland, there is apparently a shortage of volunteers and it is claimed that this is due to a fear of being falsely accused of harming children and/or form-filling. I am doubtful that this is a genuine concern. There were a few disgruntled parents at nursery today who, In accordance with child protection guidelines, could not accompany their kids to the loo. Anything which protects children has my wholehearted approval (and surely such measures also afford the adult protection from allegations?).
The 3 Harbours Arts Festival held a volunteers' meeting this evening and, surprise, surprise, they are short of volunteers to fetch and carry. I would rather fundraise any day of the week than try to drum up volunteers. When I have had to do this I have always found that a little bribery (booze and chips!), encouragement and appreciation goes a very long way.
For our part, we are going to hold another comic mart - Prestonpandemonium III. It's good to have a project on the go and start scribbling down ideas. Reading through my project book I see all sorts of scrawls that no longer make any sense, e.g.:
C. birth Tuesday - not Sat!
Bish.Staunton
N2yo.com
Alexis
Website of the day: Bulbs Unlimited - kits to create works of art from old light bulbs, I think.
It wasn't me. Just for the record. And, for what it's worth I don't agree with it. In case you were wondering...
What am I on about? In the same school bulletin announcing the £1,500 made on Saturday (£50 of which included sale of Christmas cards) was the request that only one 'class' card be sent rather than individual ones. Apparently it's an eco thing.
Arrggghhhh. Emily has already written out individual cards to her classmates (improving handwriting is one of her targets this year).
In some ways it would have been better if the school had gone the whole hog and banned all cards (like these two Welsh schools eager to secure eco-status) rather than imposing this new rule. At least that way, the eco-message is reinforced. This half-hearted, last minute message doesn't convince anyone of the school's green credentials. Besides, I think if you are going to change long standing traditions, you have to, not only be very sure of your grounds, but have some pretty imaginative alternatives, convincing ambassadors and a lengthy period of notice.
The school took a bold stance in banning balloon releases. They received support because they made the decision for the right reasons. If this new initiative is perceived to have been made for any reason other than the environment (e.g. to save time, stamp out 'popularity contests' etc) then the school will lose credibility.
A much less contentious issue is the Turner Prize. Conceptual artist, Mike Wallinger, has been awarded the prize of £25,000 for his facsimile of Brian Haw's peace protest demonstration. I love the Turner Prize. I love off-the-wall ideas, art installation and bonkers creativity generally. A now long dead professor and I were once discussing the Turner Prize when my thick, pushy, social-climbing boss muscled in on the conversation. "Ooh, Turner's brilliant, like, watercolours, yah, terrif, yah". Hmmm.
It really is a bad idea to bluff your way through a subject you know nothing about. You will get caught out. You will look ridiculous. I never worry about saying "I don't understand", "I've never heard of that" or "I don't know". That doesn't mean to say I never make a fool of myself - a colleague told me he was going to Parsifal at the weekend. "Is that in Eastern Europe?" I asked. "No my dear, it's an opera by Wagner" he replied kindly, before adding gently "...but not a very well known one".
Website of the day: - About.com's pages on Hanukkah - Happy Hanukkah
1. Someone remarks that you haven't met up for ages. 2. They then moan and complain about everything and anything. 3. Points 1 + 2 are not unrelated.
I've a few little tasks I must apply myself to today. Both teeny jobs which always slip through the great net of hauswerk. First is to get the cordless phones working. Currently, the only working telephone is the old dial phone (a 746 for telephony geeks) which is useless when faced with an automated system requesting you "press hash to continue".
Another wee job is to fathom out how to get the outside light working (how many Barkers does it take to change a lightbulb etc etc).
And review the pile of notes requesting money for school lunches, parties, raffle tickets etc. Don't they know this is frugal month?
---ooOoo---
Georgie has a new game - pretending to be frightened of my coat. This involves her tearfully pointing at my parka saying "scared". I then take it from the banister where I left it and put it in the cloakroom. Georgie then pounds on the door shouting "naughty coat".
She is refusing to sit in the buggy which would be okay if she would hold my hand or travel at a pace somewhere between a snail and an exocet missile. I let her post some letters and when the biggest one wouldn't fit she had a complete hissyfit. She took off her coat and threw it on the ground, closely followed by her hat and her gloves. She then clung to my legs saying "I want to sorry you".
---ooOoo---
I received a set of USB Christmas lights from ebay "for being a special customer". Crikey, don't tell my husband. He thinks I hardly ever go on t'Internet.
Website of the day: Using English - what's not to love about a forum whose members discuss the Gunning Fog Index?!
I planted some crocuses, daffodils and narcissi this morning. While raking up yet more leaves (and apples) I saw the tiny heads of snowdrops.
Nigel has been such a grump. I was tempted to thwack him over the head with my spade and put him alongside the bulbs. But I didn't. The November photographs are now published and the December ones will hopefully not include Nigel-shaped mounds of earth in the back garden.
He's lovely really.
Website of the day: Not for Sale - 2007 commemorates the 200th anniversary of the 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act outlawing slavery throughout the British Empire.
After a lazy start to the day we sauntered across to St Gabriel's where their Christmas Fayre was in full swing. (UPDATE: They raised £1900). We had the briefest of look rounds (to steal their ideas) before heading down to the Infant School's Christmas Bazaar.
What a joy it was to be a punter rather than an organiser. There wasn't a huge selection of books but as they were only 15p I stocked up on Harlan Coben, Christopher Brookmyre and Hanif Kureishi as well at lots of children's books. The items made by the children were very, very good. One class had photographed the wildflowers and trees and produced notecards from the result. Another class were selling notelets of a picture of Preston Tower. There were pebble paperweights, owl calendars and tree decorations. How could I resist? The only problem is whether I will be able to part with the notecards.
Lucy was too nervous to see Santa but both she and Emily had their faces painted. All three were very pleased with the Sit 'N' Spin game I bought for 50p.
When the date was first set, I was concerned that, by clashing with so many other events on the same day, the school would suffer financially. I was delighted to be proved wrong. As it turned out, it seems, like us, many people were doing the rounds of all the various sales. The school raised almost £1,500 which will go a very long way to purchasing much-needed playground equipment.
Nigel took a stall in the Pennypit at the Special Needs Youth Club Christmas Fair and, although he didn't sell too many comics or newspaper bags, it was also a very busy event. Nigel's take on the event can be read in his blog. (UPDATE: They raised £960)At packing up time I didn't know if a stallholder was offering to give the girls an item or trying to sell it. I averted any awkwardness by swapping a pack of newspaper bags.
Website of the day: Build a City - buy a plot in the virtual neighbourhood of your choice and support the work of Shelter.
To say my morning went pear-shaped is a bit of an understatement.
We were all ready running late when I realised I couldn't find my keys. While I was hunting high and low, Lucy decided to change her outfit, Georgie required a nappy change and the phone rang. I used my emergency set of keys and arrived at school 20 minutes late. I joined the other other mums who were setting up the bazaar in the gym hall which was partitioned off to allow the children to practise their carols. Unfortunately, this configuration meant I was effectively trapped until 10.30 and missed Busy Bugs. While in the gym hall, Georgie managed to spill juice down her front and was running about half-dressed with yet another dirty nappy (she's poorly, poor thing). I bought a t-shirt from the nearly new stall (the first of many pre-bazaar purchases). In the panic to get out of the house, I had left my bag so had no nappies, phone, money ... I raced along to the Pennypit to give my apologies and drop off traybake for the Special Needs Youth Club Summer Fayre (also taking place tomorrow, between 1 and 3). I then ran back to the house and gave the girls a snack while I had another fruitless search for the keys before retrieving my bag and returning to the school.
Setting up the Christmas bazaar involves sorting through the mountains and deciding where they are to go, e.g. tombola prize or bric-a-brac; setting up the catering side of things (a bit of a mystery to me) and creating Santa's Grotto. And folding lots and lots of raffle tickets. Tomorrow there will be the main raffle, two tombolas (one adult, one child), games (treasure maps, guess the number of sweets etc), facepainting, stalls (books, bric-a-brac, clothing, plants, items made by the pupils). There wasn't nearly enough helpers and after school finished the numbers dwindled further. I had to leave sometime after three because Georgie was getting quite upset after yet another 'accident'. I have to say I had been very impressed with the childrens' behaviour. Julie, who had been there since 9, was still there, along with Christine and the head teachers. I do hope everything will be ready on time tomorrow.
We arrived home to a pile of mail and....my keys. Had they been posted through the door by a kind stranger? Were they there all the time? Had the sprites returned them to me? Maybe I'll never know. One thing I do know is that the school is going to have to find some new helpers/sprites.
Website of the day: Scotland
- the official gateway - Happy St Andrew's Day.
(Today, on discovering an item bearing a Union Jack in the bric-a-brac,
a helper proclaimed "That's not very Scottish!" and
joked(?) "Get it out of here!". I wonder why
anti-English sentiments are still so readily acceptable. No-one
questionned the "Alba" car sticker despite the lack of Gaels present.)
I am 38! Twice the age I was when I met Nigel (and twice as wise, gorgeous and, erm, heavy).
It is 1.30 - my favourite time of the day - when the sun streams through the window and we catch 'rainbows' at my desk. I am surrounded by roses, chocolates, fudge, wine, lotions and potions, a massage voucher, chandeliers, books and bling!
I am very happy. I am also a bit thick sometimes...no, really, it's true. I am making yet more traybake and decided to use a nice cold can of coke as a rolling pin (very clever). It's thirsty work so I decided to open the can (not very clever). SCOOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you friends and family.
Website of the Day: Great Green Goods - a blog of unusual eco-friendly products. Their recycled tree ornaments page is an absolute joy.
I had a pleasant meeting at school this morning. Theoretically, Lucy could start school in August next year but my gut feeling is that she would benefit from having an extra year at nursery. Nursery, as ever, are supportive of my decision and I feel very relieved that she will be in their expert hands for a bit longer. The downside to deferring, from a logistical point of view, is that Georgie will begin nursery in August and, unless there is a morning space for her they will be in different classes and my day will be spent going to and fro. And, of course, Emily leaves Infants to got to Primary School next year. My girls are growing up so fast.
Not so pleasant was having to deal with the fallout from other people's thoughtlessness...again. Emily informed me I have to buy her a console because X is giving her a Simpsons game. As we are a Nintendo/X-Box/Playstation-free zone I was not best pleased. But considering this person gave her a cat's toy and a peg bag last Christmas I shouldn't really be surprised.
Website of the day: Albanian Overview - It is Albania's National Day today. Our former tenants painted their national emblem above the fireplace. Delightful.
My time wasn't used terribly effectively today. I had to take Lucy and Georgie with me to Musselburgh which I always dread because it invariably involves getting off the bus early when one of them feels sick. Fortunately, Lucy's pal Thomas was there to keep them occupied on the outward journey but on the return journey we ended up walking half the way home. They were then exhausted from their adventures and were both fell asleep in the afternoon. I was very grateful to Heather for collecting Emily. Of course, because of their afternoon power nap, neither Lucy nor Georgie will sleep tonight.
I must say a big thank you to Alan for loitering around Victoria tube station on my behalf yesterday to bag a freebie poster.
Other thing I really must do over the next few days include updating the website and fix broken links; finishing Christmas cards; labelling Christmas presents; sorting out stuff for the Christmas Fayre; copying photos to CD for a friend; and making traybake for Christmas Fayre. Finding a spare couple of hours is proving a bit tricky.
Website of the day: Fork - the zine for gardeners with soil in their soul
As the coal train passed my window I thought about the huge machinery I saw at the coal store. I wonder how much longer I will be able to enjoy the view as consent has now been granted for the reserved matters to do with the housing development.
---ooOoo---
I'm being given the runaround from a company we have regular dealings with. It's irritating to be fobbed off on the phone but even more so when I strongly suspect they wouldn't behave so badly with Nigel (or any other creature of the male persuasion).
Please can you click on this link and enter your birthday and I'll send you a specially chosen e-card when it's your special day.
I really like Ladybird's "Well Loved Tales" but some of them are quite nonsensical, for example:
The Princess and the Pea - she passed the test by complaining
she couldn't sleep comfortably - surely 'real' princesses have better
manners than that?!
Puss in Boots - the Miller's Son/pretend prince and his new bride move
into the ogre's castle - wouldn't the furniture be too big?
Rapunzel - how did she get in the tower in the first place?
Snow-White and Rose-Red - the girls are too young to marry the prince
and his brother, surely?
The Elves and the Shoemaker - I'm no financial wizard but the sums
don't add up. Regardless of who makes the shoes, if the sale of them
only finances the purchase of new leather, no profit can ever be made
Rumpelstiltskin - the King threatens to kill the girl unless she turns
the straw into gold, later she is 'overjoyed' to marry him.
Sleeping Beauty - this makes no sense whatsoever
---ooOoo---
I discovered Dreamweaver's spellcheck (Shift+F7) today. I had to add a few words, innit...
---ooOoo---
I made casserole with dumplings today. It was really nice - even if I say so myself.
Yep, I know, talking about casserole isn't very cool, edgy or shocking but you know something.........I used to be scared to have a blog thinking that everyone else has something more interesting, funky or right on to say. A lot do, but OMGA (Oh My Giddy Aunt), there's a lot of lying, self-obsessed, delusional, illiterate Emperors-in-new clothes in cyberspace. Fortunately for them there are also a load of sycophants.
Everyone, get a blog!
Website of the day: Shinyshack -
Extremely reasonably priced gifts and gadgets that are just that wee
bitty different
Emily and I walked along to the Power Station with Annemarie, Sarah and Esme where we joined up with some others from the Prestonlinks Woodland Group for a planting session. I'm pretty hopeless at things like this but Sandra kept me right and it was a really productive morning. We planted gorse, blackthorn and hazel along the top and sides of the bund around the coal store.
The highlight was Craig Yorkston's tour of the coal store. I took lots of pictures that will appear in the November photos. Sandra and I were talking about other places we would like to see 'behind the scenes' and it turns out she once visited the old GPO headquarters in Waterloo Places which must have been fascinating. Thanks Malcolm for the lift back.
Meanwhile, the few September photos we took can be seen here. I love the colours in the October photos which have been uploaded here.
Website of the day: Buy Nothing Day - Shop Less - Live More!
The girls and I went to Donna's this afternoon. Her extension is finished and looking fabulous. I enjoyed far too many glasses of wine with her and Jill. Fortunately Kenny gave us a lift home so I avoided being charged with being drunk in charge of three kids.
Website of the day: The Racing Pigeon - don't worry Donna, your secret is safe with me...
Self doubt and shyness have been much discussed this week. On the days when I struggle with the most mundane of tasks it's hard to believe I once held down a demanding job. It has been really refreshing to hear other mums talk about diminishing confidence post-kids and their dread of returning to the workplace. It has made me realise that my intelligence or abilities aren't in question, nor do I need to validate my choice to be a full time mum.
A group of us had gathered in the Parent's Room at school to discuss arrangements for the Christmas Bazaar and wrap Lucky Dip presents. The fire alarm went off (a faulty sensor) and, with lightning reflexes, the Head Teacher sprung to her feet and was checking the loos for stray kids. As we all hung about the playing fields waiting for the fire appliance to arrive I spotted Emily and waved to her. With her arm firmly by her side, she did the smallest possible wave so as not be uncool in front of her friends.
It was great to see the fire action plan in action as it were. Emily describes the excitement in her own words at the foot of her reports.
I've had a really nice, positive day today, and I feel really fortunate to have been able to choose to be a stay at home mum.
Website of the day: Powwowow - free voice and web conferencing (thanks to Christine for the info)
It is wet and cold. I was grateful to Julie for collecting Emily from school as Georgie jumps in every puddle and every outing necessitates another change of clothes.
This evening I went to Borders with Carmel, stopping first at Asda's stationery department. I had no idea it was so cheap! In Border's we had a good old browse of the books before having a coffee and a catch up. I really like Border's stationery section. Actually, I like all stationery departments. I can spend ages looking at notebooks and diaries. Fortunately, so can Carmel.
Currently whirring around my brain are ideas for a networking/ice-breaking event for new families to Prestonpans.
Website of the day: Spiralislanders - A two-storey home floating on an 'island' of 250,000 plastic bottles.
I love the Dewey Decimal System, I really do, but I have a shocking confession to make (librarians, you might wish to avert your eyes):
...I arrange my non-fiction books by..............colour!
As bonkers as this sounds, it actually works (because you can usually recall the spine of a book) and... it looks better.
Another thing I do is file friend's contact details under their first name in my address book. The exception being a mysterious group of eight people I file under 'C' and 11 I file under 'N'. The problem with this, otherwise perfectly sensible, system is that there are too many Js. And they change mobile number more frequently than the rest of the alphabet (or have more than one mobile phone). And they move house more than the rest of the population (or have more than one house). What is it with you Js? I'm not including myself in this. I file myself under 'O' for 'Own Number'. Logical innit?
It's been a wet and miserable day today. It is only ten steps from my back door to the Monkey Loft but I managed to get soggy several times flitting back and forth with washing and replenishing our Coke supplies - the sugary drink from Coca-Cola, not the white stuff.
Should I still be drinking Coke? I dunno. I missed my favourite laff-tivist, Mark Thomas, talking about Coca-Cola on Channel Four this evening.
Website of the day: Kids Should Be Kids - at last, a sensibly priced antidote to Bratz and other iffy clothing for children.
Lucy and I took a 26 bus to Musselburgh. En route we saw Andrew Crummy's mural at Sam Burns Yard and the start of Tom Ewing's new mural at Inchview. It looks like the former Lady Susan pub might be ready to reopen as a Chinese restaurant soon.
Woollies in Musselburgh didn't have any gym shoes so we bought trainers instead. I seldom spend time just with Lucy so took the opportunity to have lunch in "The Musselburgh Cafe" and very nice it was too.
While combing her hair this evening I noticed a section that had clearly been cut. "Lucy, have you been cutting your hair?" I ask. "Yes. With the scissors like this..." she demonstrates. It is hard to feel cross with her.
It is considerably easier to be cross with Emily who is still going through her Stig of the Dump phase. "Why can't I have a mobile phone?" she wails "Ellie has five!". There may well be five mobiles, a mobile phone mast and Ellie herself under the mountain of stuff currently on Emily's bedroom floor.
Website of the Day: London Fire Journal - In memory of the 31 people who lost their lives in the King's Cross Underground fire twenty years ago today.
Last night Nigel and I curled up and watched The Mighty Boosh - it was very funny. He seems a bit better today.
I planted a kiwi tree this morning and plan to plant some crocus bulbs tomorrow on some, neglected bit of land not too far away.
I'm really enjoying The
Moor's Last Sigh which was a
swapsie for "The Inheritance of Loss" with Mrs N.
I couldn't get into the 'Noir' book - it was just too surreal. Although my favourite painting is Salvador Dali's Metamorphosis of Narcissus, I don't like surrealism in any other medium. Hence me sitting here typing while Nigel is watching Mulholland Drive.
Website of the day: Propeller Island Hotel - a habitable work of art by German artist Lars Stroschen
I took Lucy and Georgie to Busy Bugs at the Pennypit. When asked what her name was, Georgie proudly shouted "Me Georgie!"...and continued shouting this for the next couple of hours. It was nice to chat to Anna in the cafe afterwards. Like me, she is considering returning to work in the not too distant future.
A few people have mentioned a particular post that they thought I should apply for. True, there are some aspects of the job that are "me" but, on closer inspection the job description resembles two disparate posts (each requiring different skill sets) welded haphazardly together. In other words, the local authority of trying to fill two jobs for the price of one. I strongly supect it is a poisoned chalice...but it has got me thinking...
Website of the day: Children in Need - it's that time of year again.
[I've removed the http://www.jigzone.com widget, it was taking an eternity to load.]
I really try to get to nursery on time, but I invariably meet people along the way and get blethering. I should have been on time this morning as I didn't have Georgie with me but, ironically, people stopped to ask where she was or what was in the huge box I was carrying (assorted goodies for the Christmas Bazaar courtesy of Biome Lifestyle).
Lucy has renewed her acquaintance with Lenon. Claire reminded me how the two of them used to sit together in the playpen when they were babies.
Website of the day: The Manchester Circuit Series - an offshoot of the Manchester Circle with lectures on a wide range of subjects - I think we should have one in the 'Pans.
N.B. N.B. A very, very good surprise birthday present would be a treatment with MG Therapies.
A bad surprise birthday present would be a surprise party.
A very, very bad surprise birthday present would be a surprise party, a balloon release and a selection of clothing chosen for me by a shell-suited harpy.
YOU CAN'T be too careful - Nigel told me that gamma hydroxy butyrate was found in in bindis - turns out he was talking about Bindeez.
YOU CAN'T take it with you - it is tempting to keep the Molton Brown Puritas hand wash and lotion for myself but that wouldn't be nice.
YOU CAN'T always get what you want - I get really annoyed to discover a brilliant product is only a 'concept' and doesn't exist outside a design studio.
YOU CAN'T judge a book by it's cover - but you can see the covers of the books I've read here.
YOU CAN'T beat a good laugh - thanks Heather.
Website of the day: Eat Me Crunchy - YOU CAN'T like soggy cornflakes! A bowl specifically designed for the 70% of the population that prefer their cereal crunchy.
My poor darling boy has noo_moan_ya
My poor darling boy has noo_moan_ya
That is to say, he has double pneumonia. Get well soon Nigel.
Website of the day: The Shell Grotto, Margate - Very pretty, very mysterious.
I finished the latest Ruth Rendell in the early hours of this morning. A deftly complicated, suspenseful book, "The Water's Lovely" is rich in parallels (Tess of the D'Urbervilles gets a mention).
Two of the characters are so dominated by the men in their lives it made chilling reading. There are some gloriously comic moments ("Is a socialite the same as a member of the Labour Party?") thanks to a cast of believable (and sometimes detestable) side characters including hypochondriacs, airheads, would-be poisoners and thieves.
I'm going to read "Noir" next, a novel about "political responsibility and moral choice".
---ooOoo---
I'm trying my best not to be annoyed by numpties but it's not easy.
---ooOoo---
Waving to Christopher and wishing he could be here with us.
Website of the day: Barcardi - 15,000
free memory sticks up for grabs (see under 'More Life')
Happy First Birthday Hollie and Hannah!
I am wearing black leather trousers and a black t-shirt. I mention this, not to get your pulse racing, but because this ensemble has again been downgraded. It started life as my "Second Date" outfit bought at great expense several years ago. Having been a spectacular success (Reader, I married him), my leather trousers were given a second lease of life as "easily cleaned with a baby wipe trousers" in the days I was permanently covered in baby sick. Today, they are my official "slobbing about the house feeling fat" trousers.
I hardly ever buy new and/or expensive clothes and want to clear up the "£100 haircut" myth. Once every six months I get my hair cut at Medusa. If I get my hair cut and coloured by a Creative Director, my visit, including tip, costs £100. However, if,as I have done the last couple of times, get my hair cut by a stylist and forego the colour, it costs less than £40. I spend the money I've "saved" in Musselburgh's charity shops in a guilt-free morning to myself. £200 a year to spend on myself however I like. It's hardly makes me a WAG, but it's great fun.
---ooOoo---
Nigel was in no state to look after the girls for any length of time so I could only meet up with the other Book Babes very briefly. Shame, because it seems like an age since we had a proper blether (despite our paths crossing umpteen times in the past few weeks there's been no yackety yack).
Website of the day: Pulpshop - funky stuff, irreverent stuff, nostalgic stuff.
Nigel has three marble eggs which I don't like. They never stay on their little stands and they roll about. I'm always fearful they will drop on wee toes... or fall from a first floor window killing someone below (I do have a vivid imagination). Yesterday, Georgie picked up two eggs and hit them together saying "bash, bash, bash" and the top of one sliced right off just like a boiled egg. Nigel was reading the local paper at the time and read out his 'stars' by Russell Grant: A boisterous youngster or careless pal may break something cherished or valuable...
Nigel was off work today, not mourning the loss of his beloved egg, but because he has the same horrible chesty thing I had. Fortunately for him, he got to stay in his bed while I took the girls to Andrew's 4th birthday party. They had a brilliant time on the bouncy castle, playing musical bumps and pass the parcel.
The Diwali celebrations in Leicester looked amazing. I'd love to go one year. Unfortunately, our own plans will have to be considerably downsized with Nigel being poorly.
Website of the day: A lovely video about our lovely library
There are frozen peas all over my dining room carpet.
They were used as a cold compress on Lucy's head but a second scuffle sent them (and Georgie) flying.
The peas will not get lonely. They have for company random toys, stray cutlery, a stapler, a bit of baguette and a segment of orange. The worrying thing is, the dining room is currently the tidiest room in the house.
Things have slid over the past few days and I'm struggling to catch up. A few things I should mention…
…I sold 16 packs of ten newspaper bags at Tuesday's Christmas Shopping Evening. The event was well attended and was hopefully worthwhile for the other stallholders as well. It was nice to see the "In Bloomers" there with their lovely floral arrangements.
…A big thank you to Kesarbai for the beautiful Diwali jewellery and bindis.
…I'm feeling better - yey!
...I added Google Adwords and, as you may have noticed, some of the adverts are a little strange...
…The Christmas Bazaar at the Infant School on Saturday 1st December is going to be terrific with a traditional Santa's Grotto, games for children and an amazing raffle.
…It's very windy.
Now, where did I put that hoover?
Website of the day: Just
Say No to Diamonds - why they aren't a girl's best friend.
I've had an unpleasant couple of day owing to a tummy bug (or as Spoonerism fans might say, a bummy tug).
November began when I woke up to Emily waving a school newsletter at me. It was about attendance and the importance of not taking your children out of school for holidays.
I sympathised with the parent who wanted to take their child to meet up with other family members at a celebration in the Middle East. Surely any child would benefit from such an infusion of culture. But, let's face it, most parents who choose to take their children out of school are doing so, in order to lie by a pool in the Costas, not to celebrate Eid-al-fitr in Damascus.
Then, there are those with dependency problems whose lives are chaotic and they simply cannot get their children to school everyday. Needless to say, the Costa families have plenty so say on the subject of such 'problem families'.
Differing values was a bit of a theme today. I'm trying to discourage excessive present buying but I know my pleas will fall on deaf ears. There is no way on earth I will buy huge amounts of plastic and spend loads of money over the festive period. It's hardly what it's all about.
And, on that subject... I'm not anti-church, I'm really not (some of them have lovely windows) - I'm just put off by a particular type of churchgoer. The type who thinks mere church attendance gives them special dispensation to behave in a spectacularly unchristian way. I hasten to point out that the vast majority of kirk attenders appear to be exceedingly nice, normal people.
---ooOoo---
As I turned over my Prestoungrange Calendar I was delighted to see a squiggle I recognised. Lucy had decided to 'help' Andrew paint a mural in the Prestongrange Industrial Museum. Sam Burns calendar features a cute hedgehog.
Website of the day: Norbert Rosing - wildlife photographer (thanks Shona for the info)
Happy Mother-in-Law's Birthday a.k.a. Halloween.
We only had one set of guisers at the door and as there is only one other family in our small cul-de-sac (who were either out or hiding behind the curtains) the girls didn't get to go guising. It was all a bit too much for Emily who started sobbing, then shouting, then stamping and slamming doors. She was sent to bed without watching the soaps (in this case, Coronation Street) - a modern spin on being sent to bed without supper.
Georgie dressed herself in pants and vest this morning. We didn't have any accidents until she took off all her clothes. At least we were indoors this time.
Lucy's nursery blog shows what fun they had dooking for apples. I adore the nursery blog, especially the slideshow about brightening up the garden (turn your speakers on to hear the wonderful music). It actually brings tears to my eyes. It is the work of one of Lucy's favourite teachers, who is leaving on Friday. I think she is going to miss him.
I spent too long on the telephone/email/t'Internet/computer today. Tomorrow I pledge to do lots of housework. Well at least get the Pledge out. It was hard to distinguish the fake cobwebs from the real ones.
Website of the Day: Astonishing Cakes at Funtasticus.
If this was a proper blog (and it probably won't be for quite some time), I'm not sure what today's title would be but the tags would include squirrel, soup and spectacles and a load more besides.
After the debit card debacle in Lidl I became convinced my card had been demagnetised. This once happened to all my cards...and their replacements. It subsequently transpired that the magnetic clasp on my handbag was effectively swiping them clear every time I took them out of the bag. I've always been a bit suspicious of magnets which probably dates back to my time working in legal offices when all the work was dictated onto tiny tapes which were erased after being typed by passing them through a magnetised tube. Once in a while, a tape would be swiped before it had been typed up and all hell broke loose.
I found out yesterday I have won a purple Agnes handbag in a competition run by Hive and Co. Whether it has a magnetic clasp or not remains to be seen.
This morning I took Georgie to Patchwork EH32's halloween party. She could not be persuaded to wear a scary costume and instead work a pink fairy outfit. She took part in the craft session and we both enjoyed the lovely buffet.
When we arrived home there were three packages waiting. Two of which were spectacles. To cut a long and very boring story short, I decided to order a cheap (£17.50 inc p&p) and cheerful pair of glasses from SpexManiac. Unfortunately, my order got caught up in the postal strike so I ordered a fun and funky pair from Glasses Direct at the discounted price of £18.75. However, SpexManiac appear to have got my order mixed up with someone elses, possibly Mr Magoo. I want to give SpexManiac a chance to redeem themselves (not just because they have the best name) but because they are the only 'budget' spectacles company that doesn't charge extra for thinner lenses and anti-reflective coating. I am happy with my funky purple pair from Glasses Direct but I had intended them to be a spare pair.
The third parcel was a large box from my mum, packed with beautiful Diwali outfits for the girls, bindi and jewellery for me and incense, sweets and a CD. Emily's outfit is a pink tunic with yellow trousers. Georgie's has a green/purple combo and Lucy's is orange/turquoise trousers. They all have very sparkly bangles which, needless to say, are a very big hit.
For lunch I made bacon and butter bean soup - a Nick Nairn recipe I spotted in a Lidl brochure.
On the way to collect Emily we spotted a very tame squirrel in Northfield's overhanging branches. He stayed long enough for me to take his photo much to the amusement of a very peculiar family waiting in the bus shelter. The young boy with them felt the need to block our path while his parents(?) looked on disinterestedly.
I went to a meeting of the Parents Council this evening. There's still a lot of policy matters to be sorted before the 'real' work gets underway. There is always the temptation to run before you can walk (especially if, like me, you have a zero level of patience) but I'm sure it will all come good given the level of enthusiasm I've seen so far.
TAGS: magnets, bank cards, competition, handbag, Patchwork EH32, halloween, spectacles, glasses, Diwali, soup, squirrel, school, Parent's Council.
Website of the day: EasyJet guide to Gdansk - the Edinburgh-Gdansk Route started today.
Today is not going according to plan.
The Lidl shopping trip was going so well, I'd got everything on my list (nearly - they didn't have couscous) and didn't buy anything that wasn't on my list (almost - Fox's Crunch Creams were on BOGOF). Then, when I tried to use my debit card at the checkout, the screen read 'Network Communication Error'. Only folk paying cash could get served and it took quite a time to sort out.
Back at home, I allowed myself to get distracted by a GNER fares for a fiver offer which led to me reading up on attractions in Durham and then wasting more time trying unsuccessfully to get tickets for the Bradford Animation Festival.
Emily has a headache and had to be collected from school. Happily, she seems perfectly fine now.
I got an email from eBay informing me that "a third party accessed your eBay account and used it to send emails to other eBay members without your authorisation". Hmmm.
It's been a day of little trials, but thankfully nothing that a cup of tea won't put right - although my teabag did split on my first attempt at making a cuppa...
To end on a positive note - I am so delighted with my Moo little book of photo stickers I have ordered another set to put inside Christmas cards.
Positive note #2 - four hours after I opened the mail, I discovered a half-opened brown envelope, no doubt squirrelled away by Georgie, containing a beautiful photograph of Lauren and Martha (photo #1 on the slideshow). What a lovely surprise.
Website of the day: Visit Bradford - This area has so much to offer, I'm going to have fun planning a visit.
While it's true you get an extra hour in bed when the clocks 'fall back', it takes me considerably longer than that to change the various gadgets that display the time.
We had a restful morning listening to Sub Pop: Infecting the Galaxy One Planet at a Time while half-heartedly attempting housework. This afternoon I raked up some more leaves and the last windfall apples.
Georgie has been very sleepy all day. She slept through Cleopatra and still went to sleep this evening.
This evening we watched the final episode of 24 on DVD - a mere six years after everyone else. I've thus far managed to avoid any reference to the final series of The Sopranos which was broadcast on Sky earlier this year and which we will watch on terrestial tv at some point. However, as it is shortly to be broadcast on E4 (a channel we can't get), reviews and spoilers are everywhere.
Website of the day: NotCot - Interesting, pointless, beguiling...
It was the last Church Clean Up Crew litterpick of the year and we met at the train station before following the path past Colonel Gardiner's monument (and admired the lion's new paw) along to Meadowmill. The sheer volume of bottles and cans on the playing fields was overwhelming. Another litter hotspot was outside Lothian Coated Fabrics where, in ten minutes, we filled a bag of cardboard coffee cups, fastfood wrappers, tickets, newspapers and other commuter-related debris.
I might not be a church-goer but I am going to miss my CCU Crewmates over the winter recess.
The Day Centre was transformed into a Night Centre for a fundraising Halloween party on behalf of the Three Harbours Arts Festival. There was fortune telling, dooking for apples, treacle scone tasting and pin the heart on the skeleton. And wonderful winter-warming food. There were some fantastic outfits including a headless ghost who carried his own head. I went as Magenta from the Rocky Horror Show and Nigel was the invisible man - I couldn't persuade him to be Frank-N-Furter and wear stockings and suspenders Tim Curry-style.
Website of the Night: Rocky Horror Show - the official fan site - enter at your own risk
Prestonpans stinks today. A 'farmer's field' smell permeates the air and I was grateful not to have to go out of the house after dropping Emily off at school this morning.
My Mini Sewing Machine has arrived. It is an early birthday present (thanks mum!). Ever since reading on Craftster about melting carrier bags to create sewable material I've been desparate to try this out. I'm not going to be making my own curtains or using it for anything remotely sensible so didn't want to buy an all singing, all dancing machine.
I tried it out with an old t-shirt of Georgies and was reminded me of my first few driving lessons. I bunny hopped all over the place and kept losing the thread. After a few more attempts I had the hang of it and the best results were achieved using heavy-duty polythene. I'm now thinking that a messenger bag might be a good project.
Website of the day: Timothy Rabbit's Myspace - Loving 'Sina's Song'
I had a coffee at Christine's before taking Georgie to the Bounce & Tickle session at the library. It was the first time she had been without Lucy and she was a little shy but enjoyed it. I was sorry to see the garden of our beautiful award-winning library strewn with litter.
In the Viking Clearance Sale there are 6 'luxury' Christmas crackers for £4.69 and 50 'economy' crackers for the same price. I am now very curious as to the difference between a 78p cracker and a 9p - other than 69p.
I was back at the library again this evening for the launch of Hox. It was buzzing. Nathalie had made one of her fantastic cakes and the wine was flowing. The Pans Glitterati were out in force in the form of Julie, Nathalie, Shona, Jane, Carmel, Adele & Gillian. And, everyone was buying books. By anyone's standards it was a huge success and I'm so pleased for Annemarie.
I'm enjoying Stuart Maconie's Pies and Prejudice very much. It's about 'The North' and what makes us Northerners different from those in the 'Sarf. One thing stood out. The uber-confidence exuded by southern softies is considered "showing off" by anyone north of Watford Gap.
I too take a dim view of attention-seeking behaviour. However, I suspect the increasing cockiness of the Oddity owes more to poor self-confidence rather than an abundance of it.
It is very misty today. St Gabriel's school has disappeared. I wish I could make a few pounds (like 30) disappear. I must be at my heaviest ever but I'm also at my happiest. :-)
P.S. Should there ever be occasion to prove my ability to be patient/good/kind/all of the above, I would like the following to go on record.
I have been baking all day. Emily has just finished helping me bake fairy cakes. As I am clearing up she asks if she can lick the spoon and I say no and give her a talk about listeria and salmonella that Professor Hugh Pennington would be proud of. I then sit down to a well-earned coffee - the first since breakfast.
A serious-faced Emily joins me. "Mum....when I was stirring the mixture, I was stirring the mixing bowl like this (stretches arm upward), some mixture fell into my mouth. And I swallowed it. Will I be okay?" I reassure her that she will be fine. Her relief is evident. She throws her arms around me and coffee goes EVERYWHERE - in my make up bag, on Christmas presents, on my trousers, in between keys on the keyboard.
I don't make a fuss. I take off my soggy clothes, I make another coffee...
Website of the day: Twenty1F
- 'Fashion for the 21st Century' (on which planet they don't say). Now
this is just showing off.
Despite Georgie's fondness for bringing assorted garments downstairs, she isn't so keen on actually wearing clothes. For the first time in an hour, she isn't totally starkers. She is however wearing a blue Ikea bag, one handle over each shoulder, rucksack style. Disconcertingly she keeps shouting "toilet".
I missed a parcel collection on the nursery run so went to collect it from the post office during the school run, during which time I missed another delivery. I can see this parcel madness spiralling out of control.
Update: Georgie is now slightly more dressed. She is wearing one high heel shoe (belonging to Emily), one flat shoe (belonging to Lucy) and a sunhat. The Ikea rucksack is now full of pretend food and a cushion.
Website of the day: Hipo hyfryd - 37 days until I turn 38, let the hinting commence (you paying attention NB?)...
I stayed in all day because I didn't want to miss a City Link delivery. They didn't show up and the limited information on the card they left on Friday doesn't indicate what the parcel might be. Their phone rings engaged constantly. I'm not impressed.
---ooOoo---
Free Rice is an interesting site. You click on the correct word meaning and, if you're correct, 10 grains or rice will be donated to the United Nations World Food Program. It's paid for by advertisers but I can't help feeling a little uncomfortable by it. Can't they just give the rice? Is 10 grains a fair exchange for the amount of advertising? I don't know, but Emily really enjoyed 'playing' it.
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The RSE's Events
Diary arrived today. I haven't had chance to read it
thoroughly but there are some fascinating lectures listed.
It's been a bit colder today and whether this is the reason for our apathy I'm not sure but it has been a day of not getting things done. We didn't go swimming. We didn't build the arbour. Nor did we fix Emily's bike.
We attempted to do a 1,000 piece jigsaw - big mistake. Only 3 out of 5 Barkers can tell the difference between an edge piece and a middler. Georgie kept grabbing handfuls of pieces shouting "edge!". We abandoned the project after 10 minutes.
Thing I did do include: putting up a new page to sell Newspaper Bags. I ordered 50 to use instead of gift wrap this Christmas and have used nearly all of them so ordered another 500. I plan to sell some at the School's Christmas Shopping Evening.
We rent a lot of lot of films through the post from LOVEFiLM so I've prepaid my year's subscription and saved £25.
Oh, and we now have a Hyacinth Bucket-style Westminster Chimes doorbell. We're being ironic...obviously.
Website of the day: Fat Statement - custom badges - no minimum order.
The mild weather continued today and Nigel played cricket/football/some sport thing with the girls while I fixed some spikey prickle strips to the fence to deter intruders.
We sauntered down to Lidl, via Cemetery Park, and did a big shop which included celeriac and a kaki. Although I've had celeriac before I've never cooked with it and I hadn't even heard of kaki, which apparently is more commonly known as a persimmon (not by me - I thought they built posh hooses at Priory Gate).
We caught a taxi home, put our feet up and read the Guardian Magazine which had a timely recipe for Celeriac and Lentils with Hazelnut and Mint. Nigel substituted hazlenuts for walnuts and it was a really fantastic dinner. The magazine suggested serving it with sour cream but I think I might prefer a natural yoghurt.
And, on the subject of yoghurt, Hage, those lovely people behind Totally Greek Yoghurt sent two coolbags and a binder of recipe cards as a raffle prize for the school Christmas Bazaar on 1st December.
Kaki and Totally Greek Yoghurt? That sounds like the making of a divine syllabub or mousse.
Website of the day: Katine - a community as ingenious and industrious as it is poor and deprived. The Guardian, in partnership with AMREF, hopes to transform it over the next three years with matched funding from Barclays.
I had a cup of tea with Annemarie before leaving my three with her while I nipped across to the surgery. My oxygen levels are approaching humanoid levels again and the doctor reckons I'll deffo be better in a fortnight.
The girls had a great time with Esme and Max. It's been very mild today, so much so that Sarah, Annemarie and I sat outside with our cuppa while the five kids ran amok in the garden.
A free sample of Daisy, a new fragrance by Marc Jacobs arrived. It has a pleasant, old-fashioned violet scent. I think I'll pop it in the vacuum like I did with the last perfume sample I got.
Website of the day: We Are What We Do - easy steps to changing the world
A new branch of Cath Kidston opens this afternoon in Edinburgh. I rarely go into real shops these days and haven't browsed George Street for over 20 years. I wonder if it is still full of posh shops that require you to ring a bell to gain entry. I recall, as a young teenager, not being able to open the doors of a boutique and wondered why the two assistants were just standing there.
I've deliberately stayed away from my desk today so I can give the girls my full attention. I find it very difficult to sit and watch a film but I sat through Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory with the girls.
This evening was a bit frustrating because Nigel needed to work on the pc and everything on my 'to do' list involved the computer. I restorted to doing 'high dusting'. There were quite a lot of cobwebs.
Website of the day: Stuart Haygarth - too cool for school designer and illustrator.
Annemarie came round this morning to take out Emily and Lucy. I probably should have used the time to tackle the dishes, dust and detritus but chose to put my feet up and finish 'The Virgin Suicides' by Jeffrey Eugenides. I enjoyed this book immensely and the telling of the tale in anonymised first person plural is a great technique.
I've finally got round to flicking through the Autumn/Winter edition of Well? which lists the signs of (flourishing) mental health as: 1. Satisfied with your life. 2. Positive effect in life. 3. Contribution to society. 4. Social integration. 5. Social growth and potential. 6. Acceptance of others. 7. Social interest and coherence. 8. Self acceptance. 9. Environmental mastery. 10. Positive relations with others. 11. Personal growth. 12. Autonomy. 13. Purpose in life.
---ooOoo---
These Historic Newspapers look interesting - get a 10% discount off all products if you enter AF05 at the checkout.
I made tea this evening - pasta, sprouts & bacon. It was nice. Everyone liked it.
I'm finding Betty's blog very uplifting at the moment. I hope
I can persuade her to let me put the link here. Pleased to read that
the missing cat Dillon has been found - hurrah!
Website of the day: JibJab - upload photos of yourself and your friends to star in a JibJab movie - thanks Rachel for the link.
We had a lovely afternoon at Christine's house today. After a smashing lunch, the kids burned off some energy on the trampoline. At one point there was seven children on the trampoline - and no, I didn't join in.
Website of the day: World Food Day was established by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on this date 28 years ago. This year's theme is "The Right to Food". Food is a basic human right yet people are still dying from hunger every day.
It doesn't take a genius to work out that if you can see a maintenance train parked on the track, then the trains probably aren't running normally. Weekend engineering works had overran, supposedly because of a freight train derailment on another branch line. This meant that Nigel was late for work but we did watch some news together while planning his journey.
The new museum on the Acropolis has renewed the campaign to return the Elgin Marbles to Greek. I've never seen the Elgin Marbles in the British Museum but I have seen those artefacts deemed "not good enough" for the British Museum, in the Earl of Elgin's ancestral home of Broomhall. Lady Elgin, and the 11th Earl, were showing us round and there, amid this beauty and antiquity, sat a remote control crawling hand as seen in the Addams Family. It belonged to a grandchild, they explained with a smile.
Carmel came round with Aoife and Prentice and took Emily and Lucy out for a couple of hours. Georgie has a cold and is a bit clingy so stayed with me.
It was nice to see Peter who was working in the area and popped in. Hopefully Rachel and the girls can accompany him on his next trip. I'm glad Nigel doesn't have to work away. I really missed him today.
Website of the day: Saint Valentines's Liquorice - these look lovely. I've just discovered from Wikipedia that the liquorice plant is a legume. I never knew that.
With my newly shorn hair (courtesy of Lyndsey at Medusa), "first date dress" (vintage Jeffrey Rodgers), very sparkly ring (FrostFire) and babysitters in place (my mum and Alan) I was all set for a night out on Saturday.
The trains arent' running at the weekend because of engineering works so Nigel and I caught the replacement bus service to Edinburgh. From the top deck we were able to see into our sitting room and enjoy views of unfamiliar parts of Musselburgh. Our magical mystery tour ended at Market Street in perfect time for us to walk to Harvey Nicks where we had dinner reservations at 7.
Up on the fourth floor, our windowside table had fantastic views across St Andrew Square and beyond. We both chose smoked salmon blinis starter. Nigel opted for the Pork Belly and I had fishcakes. We each had a glass of champagne and shared a very chocolately brownie.
Neither of us wanted to stay in the Hen Night atmosphere of Edinburgh's City Centre so took the replacement coach home where Real Radio added to the party atmosphere. We snuck into next door (a.k.a. Hotel Monkey Loft) and continued partying.
This morning we said goodbye to my mum and Alan, but not before having some wonderful almond and amaretto cake.
"You can't have a big slice.." I told Lucy "...it's got booze in".
"I like booze cake" she insisted.
---ooOoo---
Why are Nigel and I getting so much spam? I have to be sure to lock the computer away from wee eyes. Spam or no spam I must keep an eye on Emily's Internet usage. She has left loads of messages on her school's blog. They are all in her 'teacher' voice and sound very patronising (e.g. "my goodness nursery children, aren't you clever?!!!! You will soon know as much as me" - that type of thing). Just reading her comments makes my cheeks redden.
I'm on the road to recovery. Just don't make me laugh - it ain't a pretty sight...
Website of the day:Mailinator - for when you need to give an email address but don't want the spam. You can check messages via the (public) inbox.
Lucy attended her final group speech therapy session today. Thank you Christine for ferrying us back and forward these past few weeks and to Sarah and Andrew for playing with Georgie. It is also the last day of school before the the Half Term break. Thank you Heather for helping me preserve my oxygen levels by collecting Emily from school.
Donations continue to arrive for the school's forthcoming events. Yesterday the postie delivered some tres chic La Poule Blanche placemats (tres beaucoup Lavender & Sage). They will make an excellent raffle prize for the school's Christmas Shopping Evening on Tuesday November 6th at Prestonpans Labour Club. Likewise, the fabulous set of Tank Books that currently adorn my bookshelves are ultimately destined for a silent auction at school on 1st December.
The plans for the extension to the school are now available online. I always have difficulty visualising these things (I guess it's a right brain thing) but the new nursery block does look impressive.
Emily has passed her Level B reading test. Academically, she is a real high-flyer but her behaviour at home recently has been nothing short of appalling. She got into a strop this morning because she wanted to wear filthy dirty socks. She claimed the brand new socks didn't match and that her grey sweatshirt (despite being made of the same material as her favourite purple one) is 'scratchy'. She went to school looking like Stig of the Dump (a book she read at a remarkably young age).
A yellow rose has appeared in my garden. Apparently, yellow roses signify joy, congratulations and "get well". Surely a good sign.
---ooOoo---
A forum poster started a thread asking people which charities they supported. People gave all the details of which organisations or general subject they gave money to. Not one person mentioned gave a web address or further details of the charities. One Lady Bountiful went into great detail about how the recipient of her generosity "had tears in their eyes". My point? Merely that the thread served no purpose other than to share with the world what 'nice' people they were.
This doesn't surprise me - I spent quite a few years drawing up "Donor Recognition Programmes" to take advantage of this very thing. I'd rather people gave money for any old reason than didn't give money.
The late Lord Younger, Chairman of the Royal Bank and the only Tory worth a damn, once told me a brilliant anecdote. He had been visiting the opening of a new building where there was a Donor's Board built into the wall. A large American sidled up to him and said loudly "See that 'Anonymous III' up there? That's me".
---ooOoo---
With our local papers was also delivered the paperboy's sheet of who gets what paper. Shocking stuff.
Website of the day: Shedworking - guide to the lifestyles of shedworkers and those who work in shedlike atmospheres (or people like me who are just like sheds).
My oxygen levels are even lower than before which is a bad thing according to the doc. I've been given an inhaler which helps fractionally. Not having paid for a prescription for several years, I was shocked to have to pay over £13 (presumably the inhaler and aero chamber count as two prescriptions).
I'm glad the mail is back today.
With hindsight, I probably shouldn't have gone to the Family Night as it exhausted me but I'm glad I did. It was very well attended and it was great to see a mixture of schools represented along with people coming from the distant lands of Tranent and Haddington. Gary did a great job of getting people on the dance floor and I'm pleased that a fair bit was raised for the school.
I'm feeling a bit better today but still have a tight feeling around my chest. Any laughing results in a coughing bout. Laughs were in abundance yesterday, especially when Donna came round with her kids and demonstrated how to use the skip ball. I was disappointed to miss Jane's BookBabes evening, especially as I've a pile of books earmarked for particular BookBabes.
I've been taking it easy today and the weather was mild enough to have lunch in the garden this afternoon.
Unlike yesterday, I know exactly where to begin. By saying a huge thank you to the friends who have rallied round. Between them they have collected children from school, dropped off homemade soup, given lifts, carried bags and picked up the threads of my half-finished projects. And for the offers of help. Thank you. You know who you are.
---ooOoo--
In the same way as it takes a crisis to know who you can depend on, it also takes a crisis to show which of my quirky routines work. For example, everyone is listed in my address book under their given names - handy when your husband doesn't know the surnames of half the people you talk about daily. It would have been handy to have had an overnight bag ready made up.
---ooOoo--
And doesn't the Prestonpans Bush Telegraph work quickly?!
---ooOoo--
A big well done to Emily for getting a good school report.
Where do I begin?
During the night I had problems exhaling. Breathing in was alright, but breathing out was an effort, as if my lungs weren't working. It make me quite panicky and I began compensating by taking shallow breaths resulting in a dreadful headache and light-headedness.
I felt no better in the morning so called the surgery. The short walk there on the way back from school exhausted me. After attaching some device to my finger and then my toe, the doc declared I hadn't enough oxygen in my body and, at 9.00 a.m. my 'cough' became 'suspected pneumonia'. I tearfully packed my overnight bag and began making arrangements. Nigel came home from work and an ambulance took me to the Acute Receiving and Admissions Unit (ARAU) of the Western General Hospital - what a busy place.
Having discounted pneumonia or some kind of obstruction, bloods were taken. I was beginning to feel like a fraud. I was quite hungry by this point, it being over seven hours since my slice of toast but I had to track my clothes down before I could purchase a drink from the (very nice) WRVS canteen. When I came back, the number of people in the corridor had increased and my trolley (marked "do not use - under repair") had been re-allocated to someone else. The promised oxygen and paracetamol hadn't arrived. Dr Who/Hoo said my blood tests indicated a viral infection and I was able to escape this scene from Night of the Living Dead. I caught a bus, bought some Boots own brand paracetemol, which helpfully comes with a free bottle of water, and caught the train home. I was finally reunited with my family at 5.00 p.m. thankful that I didn't required an overnight stay.
The children have run rings around us the past few days and usual routine has gone out of the window as Nigel and I have been suffering from a chestywheezyhorriblethingy.
They remind me of lions, or perhaps monkeys, spotting an injured alpha female and deciding to wear it down.
I've almost lost my voice completely and the effort required to explain why they can't help themselves to an X, Y or Z is toooo much. So, I succumbed to pester power and, as a result, they've all overslept, have no clothes organised. Emily had odd socks ("I look mental!") and Lucy could find her shoes.
Needless to say, the house is a pigsty.
In the absence of drilling machines, I can hear birds (starlings?) again. Last night I thought I heard lots of geese (which is or course entirely possible).
On the way back from school I saw an injured pigeon outside the entrace to Turret Gardens. It was in the same place where a buzzard had swooped down on a seagull previously. Magpies sit atop Northfield House wall too so they too are possible suspects in Grievous Birdly Harm.
I dropped into the library to collect some boxes of books for Thursday's coffee morning and sale at the school and saw that Emily's class were in the children's section. It was nice to see her happy.
The bird was still there on my way home so, on the way back, I took my mobile and the SSPCA number only to discover it dead outside Northfield Mains Cottages.
Emily had a long face when I collected her - the result of an
incident, which required the world's largest plaster and a cream
meringue.
The monster machines and portakabins have left the field. I can actually sit in my own garden for the first time in months without the constant sound of drilling. A smell of woodsmoke permeates the earth - not sure of its source.
Parent Assembly was nice and upbeat- Emily won an award for her creative writing. Robert Simpson gave a talk about beauty coming from within using the example of a conker. I'm not 'face-ist' - some of my best friends have fallen out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down.....;-)
But seriously, it is very difficult to see the inner beauty of people whose ugly actions knowingly hurt others. Someone once said "Treat every person with kindness and respect, even those who are rude to you. Remember that you show compassion to others not because of who they are but because of who you are." Great advice, really hard to live up to.
I must remember to place my Presents for Men order while the sale is on.
Still hot/cold and snuffly.
I find litterpicking by the sea quite exhilarating but picking up broken glass from the all weather track at the Pennypit was just plain depressing. I had been battling with a headache all day and by the time I got home felt thoroughly miserable.
I've been alternating between feeling perishingly cold to feverish and am aching all over. It was a relief not to have any "dropper-inners". I never drop in on people. I blame cars. No one just 'drops by" if they are on foot.
I was really touched that Emily bought me a lovely bracelet and three postcards from her trip to the Royal Museum. I remember buying postcards from the Chambers Street museum so it was extra special to receive something I might have bought for myself 20 or so years earlier.
Website of the day: Moo - they print sticker books, postcards and contact cards using your own uploaded images - and they are very reasonably priced. Check out their blog for ideas how to use them.
Lucy and Georgie really enjoyed spending time with Sarah and Andrew today. In fact, Lucy enjoyed herself so much she decided not to disembark from the Knoxmobile and went home with Christine. She was returned later wearing a tiara and a big smile declaring that she wanted a big bike.
I've won a DVD box set of the Bourne Identity and Bourne Supremacy courtesy of Volkswagen (check out their 3D Stunt Simulator).
The IT Crowd was quite disappointing today. I usually find it quite amusing.
Website of the day: Magscapes - magnetic
wallpaper you can reposition as often as you like
As I browsed the books in the kids corner of the library my eyes fell upon "The Trouble With Mum", Babette Cole's tale of the boy whose mum is a bit different from other mums. Everyone is won over when she flies her broomstick over the burning school and puts out the fire with the aid of some clouds.
I suspect that, in real life, there would probably be a media witch hunt and mum, and possibly dad, would be accused of starting the fire in the first place.
Website of the day: Stuff Your Rucksack - find out what provisions are needed by organisations in areas you plan to visit.
An eBay seller informed me, three weeks after I'd paid for the item, that they'd just realised it was too big to post.
Given this was the first indication that there was a problem and that the item presenting them with such a problem was a mere poster, I was a little irritated. I suggested they try folding it or, here's a novel suggestion, purchasing a postal tube. I wasn't given the courtesy of a response but at least I did get a refund - of sorts...They chose to refund me in such a convoluted way that I ended up being charged 50p transaction fee. I was beginning to get a little annoyed.
Then came the moment where I got really cross. The would-be seller then left feedback stating they had emailed "several times" to offer a "full refund" but received no response from me! Outrageous! I abhore dishonesty in all its forms. Shame on this person!
Nicer parts of the day included:
Emily's class went to the Playhouse to see "The Awful Egyptians" and she really enjoyed it (and wasn't sick). Her review can be seen on her webpages.
Lucy proudly showed off her 'new' trousers to Nigel. They were only new in the sense that they were the nursery's "accident" pair.
Thank you Nigel for the lovely no-reason pink lilies (xxx).
Margot is probably the only (other) person I know that could get excited about getting new plastic hoopy things to hold open our litter-picking bags. I'm looking forward to trying them out.
The balance is restored and I'm a Hoopy Frood. Sorry if you don't grokk that.
Website of the day: Fix My Street - enter a postcode to report graffiti, fly tipping, broken paving slabs etc direct to your local authority.
I went to Patchwork EH32's first birthday party with Georgie, Morag and little Dean. Georgie liked seeing all the babies but wasn't so keen on me holding them. It was a good turnout but we had to leave before the fun and games got going. There were some lovely raffle prizes and I was delighted to win a fabulous Starbucks hamper containing a Bodum cafetiere, two bags of coffee, two mugs, six bars of chocolate, a waffle and a £15 Starbucks voucher. All the children were given a Bookstart goody bag which was a nice touch. Thanks to Heather for dropping off the hamper and the delicious cake.
In a change of pace I went to a meeting this evening at the school about developing a Parent Council. Disappointingly there were only six other parents. Having said that, they weren't the usual six faces which is encouraging and all years were represented. From a personal point of view, I find walking into a room of strangers the equivalent of an extreme sport and tend not to say too much.
Website of the day: Treasurehunting - I might just get my old metal detector out of the garage
After a flurry of visitors (Heather, Mary & Grant), I collected Lucy from nursery and bumped into Annemarie. We walked back from Somerfield together and I had a cup of tea at her house. Annemarie showed me her copy of the Joy of Cooking, which, being published in 1913, pre-dates Comfort's Joy of (in other words Irma came first).
Georgie had a rather unpleasant accident on the kitchen floor. Unfazed by this, Annemarie produced wipes, nappy and a spare pair of trousers. How many award-winning authors can you say that about?
I too was given a new pair of trousers (even though, I hasten to add, I didn't poop myself) and Harlan Coben's "Promise Me" which I'll read after "The Secret Life of E Robert Pendleton".
Website of the day: Tyne & Esk Writers
Team Barker were handing out water to Prestonpans Half Marathon runners. We enjoyed cheering them on the final mile and it was nice to see some familiar faces. I went out later to pick up the empties but they had already been cleared away.
---ooOoo---
It feels very autumnal today. The trees are turning and there was a crispness in the air. Brown and purple are the season's must have shades apparently. I'm loving Joe Brown's Autumn rage, but I suspect it is a bit young for me.
Website of the day: Oxfam Shops are now online - yup, you can actually buy genuine, pre-loved clothes over t'Internet.
I'm feeling a bit low. Emily and I have been on a collision course all day. Sometimes she is so full of aggression and resentment I just don't know how to deal with her.
Website of the day: Eat Natural - The most wickedly non-wicked treats around and I've got two boxes of them to use at various local events (thanks Marcella!!!)
It is International Day of Peace - A day of Global Ceasefire, peace and nonviolence. The day that 3,500 events take place in over 200 countries. The day that brings together more than 2000 organisations. The day that gets citizens of Earth working together for a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world for all....
...and the day that people in Prestonpans dress up in kilts and redcoats and reinact the Battle of Prestonpans...
It is Emily's turn to be poorly and is off school today. Unfortunately, even an upset stomach won't prevent my children fighting like Hanoverians and Jacobites.
May Peace Prevail!
Website of the Day: Family Records Centre
I checked my four favourite blogs today to see if they've been updated -they haven't. They are all very different but the common theme seems to be quality not quantity. Not something that can be said for the nonsense I churn out here.
I love discovering new blogs so do let me know if you have one. And for the record, the sites I check daily are The Fort Family, Chris Lamb, Classical Jaz and Betty's blog.
It's probably just as well they don't update them too often, I'd never get anything done and this afternoon the two littlest Barkerettes are poorly so I'm going to be a busy girl.
Website of the day: Planet Trash - "opening people's eyes to the beauty that can be reborn from the planet" (thanks to my mum for this link)
Ahoy there me hearties! It be Talk Like A Pirate Day - when all aboard the Pirate Ship Barker go treasure hunting, plunderin', and 'erm, eating sardines and couscous. I don't really know what pirates do.
When a letter marked "Oxford University Press" arrived my first thought was "why are they writing to me?". Surrounded by cardboard swords, eye patches and jolly rogers, its easy to forget that I ever had "another life" let alone been published. The envelope contained a catalogue of OUP's "Very Short Introductions - to almost everything" (not, alas, swashbuckling on the high seas). It is very interesting collection and I'm quite tempted by The Basics Box (Philosophy, Maths, History, Politics & Psychology). If Nigel was a Box Set he would be The Brain Box (Evolution, Consciousness, Intelligence, Cosmology & Quantum Theory) but I suspect he thinks of himself as The Boom Box (Ancient Warfare, Cold War, Crusades, French Revolution & Spanish Civil War).
Website of the day: WikiHow - another wiki I'm going to love.
Lucy didn't want to stay at nursery today and was very tearful and sad. When I said she had to stay and I was going home she just shook here head and pointed at the door. Leaving her in such a state was very, very difficult. I phoned the nursery about half an hour later and was relieved to hear that she calmed down very quickly thanks to the calming powers of Mrs Henderson.
---ooOoo---
The new server arrived today in a h-u-g-e box which caused great excitement to Lucy and Georgie who used it as a boat. Emily later used it to imprison Georgie.
---ooOoo---
I've finished my Christmas shopping. Well, to clarify...I have sourced suitable gifts for everyone except the four people I live with. I'm on course for ordering them all by the end of the month. The last few 'difficult' people (i.e. men) will be taken care of by Presents for Men who I've used before and who this year have lots of new items.
Website of the day: Edinburgh Craft Fairs
Attribute these statements to the correct Barker:
Naughty
Step!
I'm not even calming up
They're not actually pyramids, they're tetrahedrons
(answers below)
It's the "September Weekend" when it seems like half of Glasgow descend upon Seton Sands and the rest of Scotland visits Blackpool. And it rains.
Answer to today's conundrum:
Georgie
- pre-empting what was coming next.
Emily - in response to being told to calm down.
Nigel - on being asked if he'd like a cup of 'pyramid' tea (geek!)
Website of the day: Stickyups
It's been an unusually quiet weekend with no visitors and no trips anywere. It's been nice though.
Nigel was still buzzed from an exciting day at work was desperate to tell me all about:
"So, they've got a NAS with two shelves, each full of 14 133gig disks and they've bought another shelf which has got 10, sorry 12, 266 gig disks and we cabelled the new shelf in, but when we came to add the disks in, the disks in the first two shelves were in two size 16 raid groups. One with 16 disks and the other with 11 disks and one spare.
So when we added the 266 disks, five of them went
into the second raid group and they appeared as 133 gig disks but there
was nothing we could have done because once the raid group had been set
up it couldn't be reduced so the first five disks were always going to
go into that raid group."
ZZZZZZzzzzzzz
We celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi with rice, dahl and Somerfield Indian snacks (which aren't as nice as Lidl's own). Emily was very interested in the story of the how Ganesh got his elephant head. Specifically, she was more interested in the bit were Shiva chops off his infant son's head by mistake.
I cooked a rather nice Sunday roast and tackled some housework.
My straggly hair is driving me mad.
Website of the day: Your Amazing Brain
Today is Take Your Dog to Work Day. I once worked in an office where a colleague took her dog to work every day. There are probably lots of workplaces where a dog would be tolerated and even welcomed - a 500 year old educational establishment dealing with captains of industry was not one of them.
For me it was Take Your Daughter to Speech Therapy Day. Christine gave us a lift to Edenhall (thanks Christine!) and stayed with Georgie in the wee Dining Hall they have on site. Lucy finds the session exhausting but tries very hard. Georgie had been having a whale of time with Sarah and Andrew and all three were tucking into crisps and juice when we joined them.
As I collected Emily from school, Molly Sugden's Bridesmaid was feasting on new prey, and I felt very glad of the Monday holiday.
Website of the day: Obscene Interiors - how best to describe this? The author has trawled the net for photos from male personal ads, greyed out the person and taken the mickey out of their decor.
There was a loud crunch and my left shoulder restored itself to its proper position. I feel soooooooooooo much better.
---ooOoo---
Lucy's nursery has made a podcast - it really is very sweet.
Website of the day: Roald Dahl Day
A box full of raffle prizes very generously donated by Your Shopping Co. UK arrived today. I've not been to a Family Night before but the idea is simple. You take your own food and drink. A kids entertainer keeps the kids occupied and you get a cheap night out.
Family Night - Prestonpans Community Centre, Friday 5th October. 7.30 till late. Bring your own food and drink. Entertainment from Gary "Singing Kettle" Coupland. Silent Auction and Luxury Raffle. £8 per family (up to 2 adults + 3 children). Additional children £1. Pay on Door. More info & list of raffle prizes available here.
Website of the Day: Gary
Coupland's Bebo Pages
There is a strip of land in between our boundary fence and some shrubbery that has become a drinking den. I am fed up of picking up empty (and sometimes full) blue cider bottles. The other day, an empty vodka bottle had been lobbed over the fence. So today, I dumped all the prickly cuttings at each access point. As I did so I found myself humming "If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise".
This afternoon I had a big surprise, well, actually a heart-stopping, sick feeling moment.
Boring story cut short= I designed a flyer for a school event and published it on Google Docs with a shortened web address courtesy of tinyurl.
I then distributed the poster around various venues and set to work advertising it online. I opened the address to check something and then came the jaw-dropping moment - I was staring straight at a porn site. No matter how many times I typed in the url, I kept getting the same site. I checked the last email I had sent - yes, it was the same url. I completely panicked and left garbled messages all over the place asking people to take down the posters. It was only later I realised I missed a letter off the tinyurl in just one email and the one displayed on the posters and online was correctly linking to my Google Doc. It took about 5 minutes for my heartrate to return to normal.
I had to apologise to the person I sent the porno link to but tomorrow I'll also have to apologise to loads of people for leaving manic messages on their answerphones.
I've had an 'L' of a day.
Lidl - I did the weekly shop
Labour Party - my membership card arrived
Litter - there is so much of it in the conservation village at the moment.
Library - I had a shoulder and back massage as part of Suicide Prevention Week.
Lager - Enjoyed a half pint of shandy at Tom Ewing's brilliant exhibition
Lies - Superb acting by in Coronation Street by David Neilson as Roy learns of Hayley's (Julie Hesmondhalgh) deception
Website of the day: Big L - an independent commercial radio station - they were playing White Plains when I tuned in, followed by Amen Corner and KC & the Sunshine Band.
We did lots of cleaning and clearing today and the garage, garden room and garden are looking much better for it. The kids were delighted to discover a couple of crates full of long-forgotten toys in the garage. We try to swap out their toy collection every so often but haven't done so in it a while, mainly because of the two summer birthday which yielded a fresh crop of playthings.
It wasn't all work though. There were plenty of tea and tunnocks breaks and we had chips and barbecued sausages (and shandy) for lunch and Christine stayed for a cuppa and a blether when she dropped off my Body Shop order.
---ooOoo---
Waving to Ali in Donny!
Website of the day: Callum's JustGiving Page - Callum is taking part in the Prestonpans half marathon to raise funds for Cancer Research UK
In a bumper crop of mail was "Here Comes A ...Digger!" dvd which was a competition prize from Mum Knows Best. Lucy and Georgie were very pleased with it and Emily wasn't left out because her maths book freebie arrived. I can't say I would be very excited by the arrival of a maths book but then I doubt it many people would pore over the Amtrak System Timetable with as much delight as me (sad but true).
The Church Autumn Fair was was held outside in the glorious non-autumnal sunshine. It was nice to see some friendly faces in the form of Fiona, Lisa, Elaine, Donna & Helen (hereinafter known collectively as "FLEDH") who between them devote loads of time and energy to the community. They are the antithesis of the omni-present Oddity who was moaning, gossiping and bragging. Perhaps if she channelled her energies FLEDH-style, she might gain some much-needed social skills.
Today's bargains included an espresso maker, peacock feathers and books, books and more books. I also won some shower gel and two bottles of beer!
Website of the day: Barker Family August Photos - a shameless bit of showing off my gorgeous family
My washing machine arrived today. It has lots of programmes and additional options such as "non-crease" and "time travel". OK, I might have made that up.
One of the questions in Table Topics is "Given the chance to time travel, would you travel forwards or backwards in time?". It's an interesting question (as indeed are all the Table Topic questions). I've been giving the matter some thought as I am nearly finished "The Time Travel(l)ers Wife". It's been a difficult book to get my head around and I've found it a little creepy in parts and quite twisted at times. It's been described as "romantic", "wonky" and "sexy" - why?!! It's like a literary version of the Möbius strip.
I bet it will be made into a film. If so, this fab song should be on the soundtrack:
I went to the Prestonpans Pottery exhibition in St Andrew's Church yesterday but had to leave when Georgie was shouting "Tea!" very loudly. I stayed long enough to see Exhibit 16 - a very ugly teapoy whose equally ugly twin I had noticed on eBay with a starting price of £9.99. Today, the eBay auction lot has been amended and now has a starting price of £200. I wouldn't give the thing houseroom but I guess I see things slightly differently from most folk. I mean, I look at an old jumper and see an impromptu handbag.
The washing machine has only been dead a few days and already I'm looking at it with a view to cannibalising it for parts.
"A barbecue or a planter? What do you think?" I ask Nigel.
"A barbecue wouldn't work..." he replies "…a fruit bowl or a baby's bath would be best.".
"A baby's bath?!! How would that work? It's got holes all the way round!!"
It turns out, while I was talking about the drum, he was talking about the glass door.
It's not just aesthetics that I view differently though...my sense of humour is a little offbeat. I had just finished reading the local papers and marked the events to list on what2doineh32 when the phone rang. It was Erica. "The reason I'm phoning..." she began.
"...is to tell me about Suicide Prevention Week?" I venture.
There is a short silence before she says "How did you know?".
"Well, not only am I suicidal, I'm also psychic." I say "It's an interesting combination. It means I know when I'm going to top myself". An even longer silence ensues.
Website of the day: Real
Simple - Life made easier
Within minutes of giving myself a mental Ctl+Alt+Del, there was a karmic shift and everything got better.
Thanks to Freecyclist Jacqui, I am now the proud owner of a Qualcast lawnmower. I was unable to track down a replacement blade for the old mower and was reluctant to buy a new one for our postage stamp-sized bit of grass. Thank you Jacqui!
Yesterday afternoon I received a nice email from Jennifer Lance of Eco Child's Play informing me I was the winner of their monthly draw to win a hemp bag.
Now, what does today have in store?
Website of the day: Trunki - Hand luggage that doubles up as a seat on wheels for tired kids
Two days into frugal month the washing machine broke down. Mid cycle. Full of school clothes.
Mr F came to take a look at it and diagnosed a faulty circuit board. I'd been feeling lethargic all day and locating replacement parts or pricing a new machine seemed too big a problem for my frazzled brain.
I went to bed early only to spend the early hours of Sunday morning being sick...and sick...and sick. Nigel took the day off work to look after the girls and, as I began to get better, he began to deteriorate.
The washing machine problem remains unresolved.
...UPDATE: I have decided to rent a washing machine.
Website of the day: Stupid Comics
I can hardly believe it is September - traditionally the most horrid month of the year - and it was with some trepidation that I changed my three calendars (Prestonpans/Pottery Mural; Sam Burns/Dormouse; Foot & Mouth Painters/Sunflowers). It is also 'frugal month' when the Barker Family tightens its belt.
The day started off nicely with a wonderfully fragrant package from Ethics Trading containing Aromadough and soap nuts. The delightful aroma was lavender soap which will be a most welcome addition to the school's collection of raffle prizes plus a bar of Divine chocoate (which will be a most welcome addition to my waistline). A second package was from my mum and contained more organic fair trade chocoate, this time with rose petals! I'm looking forward to getting the girls in bed and watching the second part of Widows on DVD and having a chocfest. I'm not sure they will go to bed early though as both Lucy and Georgie are bit under the weather. Georgie is full of cold and Lucy was sick several times during the night.
Nigel went to get his hair cut this morning and took Emily along with him. Lucy and Georgie stayed with me and promptly went back to sleep so I found myself in the very rare position of being in a quiet house with no children to run after. I made myself a cup of tea and watched some extremely lame comedy with the muchlovedandgreatlymissedJohnThaw.
I've made plum flapjack and a plum cake. I got a bit carried away making the plum cake and added bananas, syrup, sesame seeds, lemon juice and red wine. It's turned out like a bit like a strudel. The reaction from the girls was mixed - Emily: "it's too plummy and sour"; Lucy: "it make me sick again" and Georgie: "Shruffloffyuffroff...mmmm...cake!".
Website of the day: FrostFireStyle - I LOVE THESE BLING RINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I first learned of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in the very early hours of Sunday morning ten years ago.
Much has changed in the intervening ten years. I now have a husband and three children. I also have an assortment of in-laws, an Alan, and four beautiful nieces - two of whom came to visit us today.
Georgie was especially excited by Hollie and Hannah's arrival. It was lovely to see them and their individual personalities are really coming out. Hollie is the mischevious one while Hannah is very laid back.
---ooOoo---
I've won a T Break CD Sampler 2007 in a competition organised by Tennant's Lager and The List.
Website of the day: Locher's - clothes
as rude as they are beautiful, i.e. tres.
People are often surprised to discover I'm actually quite shy when meeting new people or faced with a large group. Especially, if they've only ever seen me in full-on think tank/"I've just had a BRILLIANT IDEA!!!!" mode.
I was quite withdrawn at last night's Body Shop party but after a few glasses of zinf and some ice-breaking games I began to thaw. I bought some Christmas pressies and won a big teddy bear in a raffle to raise money for the Children on the Edge charity. Lucy loves the teddy almost as much as I love my new staple-free stapler (I know, I'm saaaaad).
---ooOoo---
Georgie entertained herself today by covering herself in white self-adhesive dots.
---ooOoo---
Enjoyed a pleasant evening of side-by-side computing/surfing/working/competition entering, listening to Bryan Ferry and feeling generally loved-up.
Website of the day: Amnesty International - Today is International Day of the Disappeared
The school wildlife garden is flourishing and, after a meeting there, I arrived home to be greeted by a pile of parcels. One of which was from Merchant Gourmet containing a box of Mixed Mushroom & Couscous Stuffing with Horseradish and a very interesting recipe leaflet. The Polenta and Plum Syrup Cake looks wonderful (and beyond my limited capabilities). I am still awash with plums despite giving bags of them to anyone who stands still.
The second parcel was my prize from Ethics Girls - a beatiful pistachio-green hemp top made in "Northwest Kathmandu in the afternoon shadow of Swyambhu Temple".
The third parcel contained my Muji order. I've begun my Christmas shopping and Muji have some small items which are perfect for friends, teachers and colleagues. Their sale is still on and shipping is only £2.95. I'm determined that all my Christmas shopping will be done, inexpensively, ethically and by the end of September.
Website of the day: Suck UK - Unusual, whimsical and quirky gifts. I know I shouldn't approve of a Smoking Mitten but what a clever idea!
Today is Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu festival celebrating the love, affection and trust between a brother and a sister. Girls of all ages tie rakhis — decorative bracelets - around their brothers' hands.
In the absence of her siblings, Lucy got last minute nerves before going to her first solo birthday party. She changed outfits several times before tearfully settling for a t-shirt and trousers. However, from the moment she got there she really enjoyed herself. It was a lovely event held in the church hall with traditional games and scrumptious food (Thanks Carmel for sitting with the other two).
Oh, and to Christine who was shocked by the presence of a swear word in yesterday's blog, I would just like to say...click here
Website of the day: Help Others - I
love the idea that kindness can be contagious... but I'm not so keen on
the Stories section. Is it necessary to tell the world you gave a
barefoot person money?
A chicken walks into a library. It goes up
to the counter and says: "book, bok, bok, boook".
The librarian hands the chicken a book. It tucks it under his wing and
runs out. A while later, the chicken runs back in, throws the first
book into the return bin and goes back to the librarian saying: "book,
bok, bok, bok, boook". Again the librarian gives it a book,
and the chicken runs out. The librarian shakes her head.
Within a few minutes, the chicken is back, returns the book and starts
all over again: "boook, book, bok bok boook". The
librarian gives him yet a third book, but this time as the chicken is
running out the door, she follows it.
The chicken runs down the street, through the park and down to the
riverbank. There, sitting on a lily pad is a big, green frog. The
chicken holds up the book and shows it to the frog, saying: "Book,
bok, bok, boook". The frog blinks, and croaks: "Read-it,
read-it, read-it".
---00O00---
I walk into the library. I go up to the counter to return Lucy's book. There is a woman in front of me and Erica is on the phone. Lucy hops from foot to foot. "Do you need the toilet?" I ask. She nods. "Quick, over there" I say, shepherding her in the direction of the loo. "Ahem....Are you going to put the books down first?" booms Erica. Aha! foiled again (I had of course intended to wipe my arse on the books).
Website of the day: Hog Wild - fun things like faucet lights that make the water coming appear red or blue according to the temperature it comes out of your tap.
The town of Sorryfermasel, twinned with Wye Me, is not a place I visit often. But, the combination of various body parts failing on me simultaneously has left me feeling a little bruised and battered.
It was disappointing to miss yesterday's beach clean up because I haven't seen Margot for a wee while and there's nothing like litter picking by the sea to blow away the cobwebs.
My remaining crown has popped out - fortunately I didn't swallow this one - and I look every inch the toothless old hag. My lower back aches and I'm not sure whether it's connected to my shoulder or if my kidney is about to explode.
I've finished "The Inheritance of Loss" (a bit flowery and mostly unfulfilling but quite funny in places) and can't decide what to read next. "The Time Traveller's Wife" looks promising (but I think may be quite sad) and "Last Tango in Aberystwyth" comes with Janes recommendation (but I suspect I won't find funny).
Website of the day: The Web Urbanist -
A promising new blog of alternative/arty/underground things.
The garden is getting messy again and I find myself squelching through piles of fallen greengages and plums. So, yesterday I decided to pick some fruit and do some pruning.
As I reached for a high branch, shears in hand, I felt something 'pop' in my shoulder. Ever since I have been in the most excruciating pain if I reach or turn. Getting dressed this morning was real fun...not.
Quite how I'm going to get through today with only one arm working I really don't know. I guess I'll just have to take it easy. tee hee.
Website of the day: Cool Hunting - this is where people without the benefit of my wisdom go...
The winner of the Kelpies Prize 2007 was announced at award ceremony at the Edinburgh International Book Festival last night. The winner is:
Hox by Annemarie Allan
Faced with a cold Saturday afternoon stuck at the Institute for Animal Research, Robbie is angry and frustrated at yet another weekend ruined by his father’s job. Then a disturbing encounter in the Animal House thrusts him into a perilous journey through the stunning but inhospitable landscape of a Highland winter; alone but for two enigmatic travelling companions. Robbie’s world implodes as he tries to make sense of a hostile environment, his old life slowly unravels, and a shocking realization emerges.
Hox will be published on 11 October - congratulations Annemarie!!!!!!!!!!!
Website of the day: Cooking by Numbers - Provides recipes based on the contents of your cupboard
I searched for a clear space to sit and read Emily her bedtime story. Not easy given the size of my bum and the state of Emily's bedroom floor. I perched uncomfortably between assorted detritus and began reading "The Snow Lady". I describe the overly-fussy Mrs Dean's very tidy house with its crisp white nets and polished floors. Emily says "I'm going to have a house like that". I survey the scene before me and say nothing. "When I'm grown up, I mean!!!" she adds.
My family: totally unfathomable, utterly bonkers but I do love them.
Website of the day: VistaPrint - save your ink and use the best online printers around. Check out their current offers.
It was Lucy's first day back at nursery as a 'morning girl' and she is a little tired and over-emotional.
She got in a big strop over an apple. It was very dramatic and reminiscent of the great grain argument ("It's bulgar wheat silly -NOT cous cous!!") but I managed to avert a full scale tantrum.
--O--
It is exactly 100 days until my 38th birthday. I'm taking comfort from the fact that on my home planet of Mars I am only 20. In my more philosophical moments I wonder whether the 20-year old me would like the 38-year old me. I suspect not. I'm quite certain I wouldn't like the XX-year old me (but wouldn't mind her figure).
Website of the day: A Low Impact Woodland Home - check out my retirement home
Reasons I don't give parenting tips:
#1 Reason - I find parenting difficult
#2 Reason - It's none of my business how others parent their children
#3 Reason - I won't know if I'm doing any good until they are much older
#4 Reason - I'm too busy being a parent
#5 Reason - I might want different things for my children
Hopefully the fruits of my labours will be three happy, confident, thoughtful children equipped with the skills to deal with all life throws at them. It goes without saying that they will be beautiful, intelligent and witty- they're my kids.
Like I said, I don't do parenting tips but…if I did I would probably say something like
Dance like no ones watching
Love like you've never been hurt
Parent like it's not a competition
Website of the day: The Anniversary
Present - if you take a few seconds to answer the 8 questions
in this survey you will get a 10% discount.
I've never understood why some parents dread the summer holidays. I enjoy the lie in, the spontaneity and the chance to meet up with friends I don't see too much of during term time. Having said that, on Friday the girls severely tested my patience.
It should only have taken a few minutes to nip to the shops and back but of course it takes, far, far longer and there is always some incident or other, usually involving nudity, almost always on Georgie's part.
It's not just the stripping off in public. She runs headfirst like Billy Whizz in a bid to catch Emily (who walks faster than most people can run). Meanwhile Lucy trundles behind at a snail's pace, examining every little creature and generally dreaming about whatever is happening on Planet Lucy. This means of course, we have to wait at every road for Lucy to catch up which means no fewer than seven people will have passed and commented on the fact that Georgie should be wearing a coat (coat! I'd settle for trousers).
When we eventually got home, I sat down with a coffee and the East Lothian News only to find myself quoted in it. I had asked the Community Council yonks ago if anyone had investigated the idea of opening a community shop but nothing came of it. A few days ago I emailed the new councillors asking their views and it seems to have gained some momentum. Local organisations could do with a new income stream following the funding cuts. It was a little surprising to read the contents of my email in newsprint though.
In a bid to at least pretend I was still in charge, I told Emily to get ready for school on Friday evening so if anything needed ironed, replaced, repaired, I had the weekend to sort it out. She emerged looking lovely and I mentally ticked school uniform off my ever-increasing to-do list. Fast forward 48 hours - i.e. 12 hours before school starts:"I can't find my shoes". It transpired that she hadn't actually been wearing shoes on Friday's "dress rehearsal". After a frantic search of her bedroom I found the shoes...only they weren't the shoes at all. They were the ones that were far too big and I thought had been put away for the future. We searched the attic, the garage, all over the place. Only to discover the correct shoes in a carrier bag an hour later.
Yes, I am looking forward to school re-starting.
Website of the day: FillerItem - if you've ever missed out on getting free postage & packaging by 49p you will appreciate this Amazon widget.
I'm not getting any email this morning. Where is my newspaper? I need coffee.
Congratulations to the Toast in the Post winners:aliali; lilmiss1982; ladette; emily; & spanishmorgan
YouTube of the day: Ramones - The KKK took my baby away
I will never get used to opening the curtains and seeing something other than an expanse of field before me.
The monster machines get switched on shortly after 8 and pound the earth menacingly until their human attendants silence them at 4.
--0O0--
We've changed our hosting service so you might experience a little turbulence. Fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride.
Website of the day: The Edinburgh Residence - Stay in a luxury suite and help the homeless - brill idea!
The latter part of Tuesday was full of suprises. Nice surprises included a visit from Carmel and the kids. I was unpleasantly surprised to have to wait an hour for my taxi home from Lidl in the evening. I wished I had taken my current book "The Inheritance of Loss" with me. Were it not for the biting wind I might have thought it was monsoon season in Kalimpong with the mist swirling around the Himalayas instead of the power station chimneys.
Today, India celebrates 60 years of Independence. I'm going to put mehndi on my hands and I might treat myself to something from the Red Hot Shop which has a great range of fairly-traded contemporary ethnic clothing. In their sale they have Kurtas (long tunics) for only £5. Most of the clothes appear 'undersized' with 12 being classed as "Large" and, gulp, 14 as XL.
Website of the day: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Online Application - auditions held around the country.
I was looking throught my lists of books to find a particular one whose title I've forgotten. In it, the mother is permanently exhausted from doing people's washing. The children were told to bring in some sheets that were drying outside. They played around outside for a bit resulting in the sheets getting dirty. They took them inside giggling and their mother put her head in her hands and sobbed. Today, I almost knew how she felt.
Yesterday, I was very productive and hardly spent any time online. I ploughed through the housework and washed a mountain of clothes. I placed a pile of clean clothes on each bed, but, at bedtime, Lucy and Georgie's clothes were in a heap on their bedroom floor - where I left them until this morning.
A combination of my inertia + a certain child's reluctance to be toilet trained = the whole lot has had to be done again. Unfortunately, I'm not feeling quite so full of energy today.
Website of the day: Flash Earth - the most detailed aerial mapping I've ever seen
Happy Left-Handers Day to all those who use the "wrong hand". I hereby acknowledge and celebrate your right to be left. Anything Left Handed is a brilliant shop packed with implements specifically designed for left-handers. I've had a look at this store and they have a wide product range. They offer an "essential kit" of scissors, tin opener, vegetable peeler, and corkscrew for the combined price of £13.95.
One thing that bugged me at the checkout section was the "Enter your promotional code" box. Do you ever get the feeling you are missing out on some great discount or freebie when you see that? Not to worry because I've discovered Retail Me Not which lists loads of active promotional codes for a range of companies. I successfully used it to get free shipping from The Book People (who have currently got a lucky dip 10 books for £7 offer).
Website of the Day: Greenfingers - I find them consistently cheaper than many other online gardening shops. Their shuttered mirrors are only £34.
HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY NIGEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After Nigel opened his presents we caught the train to North Berwick and, from there, jumped on a 124 to Dirleton. What a pretty little village. My favourite sight was not the village green or the 13th century castle but the gloriously incongruous garden with an alien peeking above a hedge and sculptures made from weathered old boots and golf clubs. From there we trundled the mile or so down to Yellowcraigs where Annemarie had booked the barbecue pit. Yellowcraigs is an absolute gem with its long sandy bay, woodland and adventure park. The weather was perfect and Nigel and I both got suntans (the girls were smothered in factor 30).
We left the party early to walk back to North Berwick via the John Muir Way. We had no sooner set off on our trek when the heavens opened and we spent a miserable hour battling nettles, sarky golfers and fatigue. As the tiredness set it, so did the sulks and tantrums. I think SuperNanny would recommend one minute on the naughty step for ever year of the age. Hmm 40 minutes on the naughty step - he might get a sair bum.
Website of the day: Quizzes Online - Test your knowledge of English counties and US states.
HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY GEORGINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can hardly believe my baby is two already.
Website of the day: Ecotopia - Environmental and Ethical Shopping at its best. Check out the Baby Elephant Jigsaw at just £2.50; Cardboard playthings; an amazing array of wildlife habitats and these funky gifts made from recycled circuit boards from only £1.69. With a collection this good it's hard to pick a favourite but the "Stop Junk Mail" labels are on my must have list.
There was much mention of the four-lettered word beginning with "C" and I don't mean Cuba.
The three-part book charts the lives of sex-obsessed former journalist Pedro Juan and his friends, neighbours and lovers in 1990s Cuba.
Poverty is omnipresent. Politics doesn't feature as much as you might expect. The main priority of the characters is how to eat, cope with 200 people sharing a bathroom without water and just survive. Every manner of making money is described: from stealing human organs from the mortuary to sell as pig's liver; prostitution and conning gullible tourists. There is no shortage of violent crime, suicide and despair.
Scarcely a page goes by without a mention
of sex. It seems as if everyone is having public sex, illicit sex, paid
for sex, gay sex, group sex, voyeuristic sex. Pedro Juan has sex with
young girls and old women and, occasionally with men (but prison sex
doesn't count apparently).
The book is neither a novel, nor really a collection of stand-alone short stories (and the timeline does get confused in places), but, despite the misogyny and racism, it is very compelling.
Website of the day: Shepee - Is this
for real? Apparently so...
The day is going well. The TV engineer has been and their girls are now watching Mama Mirabelle with a stoned look on their faces. He even left us a replacement remote control.
I've won a bottle of Baileys Irish Cream in a competition - my third prize this month! I'm definately going to enter more competitions at the Loquax website.
I've trawled the web looking for Nigel's big present and although there are lots of interesting 'zines and unusual items, I haven't found the perfect gift. I keep finding things I would like him to have (A-Z CD dividers) which would be a tad selfish of me. Or I find something in the States that won't get here in time. Or, I get distracted by chandeliers, mirrors and bedding sets. What do you get the man who has everything (including an easily distracted wife)?
Website of the day: Typo Hound - sniff out those eBay spelling errors!
Little things make such a difference.
Having a portable door chime means I can roam around the garden without missing a delivery.
Taking all the 'stuff' off the fridge door and re-siting it inside a kitchen cupboard makes the kitchen less messy.
Getting the children's hair cut today means I can see their beautiful faces.
The biggest change, however, came about as a result of Nigel using a big lidded box to keep his correspondence, random cables and bits of kit in.
Whether it's clothes, toys or comics there is never quite enough space to keep these things under control and accessible. I've discovered an amazing shop called Space which has funky organisational items, cheap and extremely cheerful card boxes and all sorts of modular storage.
Today, there may well be a little white puppy safely ensconsed in some kind of storage facility...we gave the Dog Warden's department a phone after seeing the puppy running darting in between traffic at the crossroads.
If wasn't straightforward using the council's website. For a start, the 'search' facility doesn't ever work, the site is badly designed, and the information buried so deeply that it is easier to Google the relevant keywords. And that was before I spoke to the staff. "Dog Warden?!" they reply incredulously. "He's not based in the office". I resist the urge to say "Well doh! otherwise he would be the most rubbish dog warden ever".
Website of the day: Space - A place for everything
Today's trip to the capital unsettled me. I felt disconcerted glimpsing a life that is no longer mine but is very much Nigel's world.
I find it unbelievable that Nigel would want to spend his bank holiday traipsing around shops with whining children. And me.
In-laws are still alive which proves we can cook "normal" food.
Website of the day: The Dodo Pad - Lord Dodo's Amazing Emporium of Earthly Dodelights.
My in-laws came to visit for the first time this year. They have to drive for five hours to get to us. But at least they stayed long enough to eat traditional (non-vegetarian) Sunday dinner. Alas, not long enough to let us have a night out as they drove back again the same day.
Website of the day: Beyond Skincare - organic skincare containing SeaBuckthorn believed to promote wound healing and skin regeneration.
There was a smell of burning and then the TV died so now we can't even watch DVDs.
After finishing all the books I had been given at Christmas I found there was nothing on my "To Be Read" shelf that took my fancy. I gave up reading "The Presence" by Heather Graham and sent it to a fellow Loquat. I then began "The Printer's Devil" by Paul Bajoria. It is actually a children's book but I'd sooner read well-written kid-fic than rubbish any day.
I needn't have worried though as in this morning's crop of mail was "Dirty Havana Trilogy" by Pedro Juan Gutierrez. I had ordered it after buying "The Insatiable Spiderman" and then realising it might be better to read the author's books in order!
An email from Amazon informs me that The Time Traveler's Wife;The Inheritance of Loss; The Kite Runner and Restless are all on their way to me so, once again, I have a TBR shelf full of books I'm really looking forward to reading.
I went to the library this morning, not to take out books, but to take the girls to the Seashore Crafts session being held there. It was nice to see Amanda and Elaine there with their children. The children really enjoyed making individual fish on sticks to take home with them and also working together to create two giant fish for display in the library.
Website of the day: kuati - build your own gift set from an exquisite range of luxury products.
I could say that in the absence of TV, we have been putting on plays and doing needlepoint but that would be untrue. The girls have been watching DVDs.
I have managed to prise them away from the television screen with baking, weeding and picking apples (39 of them!) but keeping them all occupied constantly is exhausting. I have realised how much I must use children's television to keep the peace or to give me some time to myself. I can't say I've missed any programmes in particular - although I miss the soporific effect of the soaps.
The July photographs are up - I've got to rotate a couple of them but it's silly o'clock now so it will have to wait till morning.
Website of the day: TruffleShuffle - funky retro t-shirts
Today is the Scout Association's centenary. Brownies and Guides weren't part of my culture growing up and I'm not comfortable with children's organisations that require uniforms, ranks and rules.
While these groups claim not to be linked to a particular faith, they are intrinsically linked with the Christian church. I can't help thinking that if a non-Christian religious group ran children's clubs and didn't make its affiliation clear it would be called indoctrination.
Emily is very interested in Bible stories and has a book called "Jesus in Danger". The denouement? "Read your Bible chapter #, verse #, to find out what happens next". Hmmmm.
And another thing…who keeps putting religious tracts in the bus shelters? I end up picking them up with my litter pickers when they get blown down the street.
Website of the day: Playday is the annual celebration of children's right to play.
I've cleared out loads of stuff from the understairs cupboard. It now reminds me of a flat I once viewed in Streatham, only less depressing.
Postive things:
Today my Bzz Agent package arrived with vouchers for Activia yoghurt. I am now the proud owner of no fewer than 16 prune flavour biobiotic yoghurt. It's fun being a reviewer. I think I'll sign up with Zoom Panel or some other market research, focus group, consumer panel type thing.
Negative things:
Fencing has been erected in the field opposite and portakabins and diggers have arrived.
Can't decide if this is a good or a bad thing:
We have no TV
Website of the day: The Diary of Samuel Pepys
After a bout of "heart attack indigestion" during the night I resolved to have an undemanding day and set aside a couple of hours for 'planning'.
There are only 3 more weekends before school goes back and between then and now I have to rrange haircuts, shoes, uniforms etc. There is also the question of what to get for Georgie's 2nd birthday and Nigel's 40th birthday which have crept up on me.
Nigel and I reviewed a couple of ongoing projects and I was feeling pleased with how much we'd achieved and how much clearer my head felt having drawn up a new 'to-do' list.
99% of the time, when Georgie is asked what she would like to eat she replies "Cous Cous" so it was with a certain degree of confidence that I decided to let each Barker choose a weekday meal:
"Sausages" said Lucy. Hmmm. (This wasn't going as well I had thought.)
"Dad Chips" said Emily. (I'm beginning to get chest pains again).
"Georgie, what would you like to eat?" (please don't let me down!)
"C......cake!"
Website of the day: DVZ - Intended for window dressers and set designers but I just know I'm going to buy something.
In a change of plan we went to North Berwick today. On the train there we saw some planes and helicopters taking part in the Air Show at East Fortune. It was the first time we had all been out together for a while and the girls were quite excited. The conductor paid them a lot of attention, pointing out Archie from Balamory's Castle (Fenton Tower - and no, it isn't pink) and printing them out pretend tickets for an epic journey from Thurso to Harwich.
We were surprised to discover the health food shop is now an upmarket confectioner. Needless to say we ended up giving in to temptation and bought some chilli and mango dark chocolate. A specialist clothing shop "Outside-In" on the High Street was celebrating its first year in business so I had some bubbly and nibbles while Nigel was checking out the collectibles shop. Emily was desperate to spend money and, in her haste so to do, spent 50p in a charity shop on a children's book, which began at page 15.
We were home in time for lunch and, for a change, I was able to read the paper and supplements. It normally takes me till about Wednesday to read Saturday's Guardian. It was a particularly good magazine this week. Jon Ronson was very funny. There was a very thought-provoking interview with a man whose son joined the Moonies. There was a piece on people who never quite became sport stars.
While I've never nearly become famous, I am intrigued at how lives can go on completely different routes "Sliding Doors" style based on whims, chance and Acts of God.
In the mid 90s, I wrote "The SuperTemp Handbook" - a manual for temporary workers. It contained keyboard shortcuts to the most popular word processing packages of the time (there was a lot - WordStar, Wordplex, WordPerfect, word et al) and reference sections on employment legislation, taxation etc. It was interspersed with anecdotes and tips about temporary employment based on my own experience of temping for five years. The business publishers Kogan Page were interested in publishing it and then…everything changed. Windows 95 was launched and almost every desktop pc used Microsoft Office and the EC brought in directives, which completely changed (for the better) employment legislation affecting part-time and temporary workers. The original manuscript now languishes in the attic destined never to see the light of day.
We celebrated Peruvian National Day with lima beans.
Website of the day: Raising Kids
I managed to successfully convert Rachel to the charms of Lidl while she was here.
As I ate some Lidl sandkuchen today, I half-expected to hear Lauren calling "Auntie, Auntie".
The Prestoungrange Arts Festival don't share my enthusiasm for Lidl. The PAF's bid to purchase the Lidl-owned 'Mercat House' was unsuccessful. The empty building has since been vandalised and there are rumours of a planned demolition by the new owners.
Personally, I don't believe the 1940's office block is particularly aesthetically/historically/architecturally wunderbar. I wish the same level of concern for Prestonpans heritage had been shown for the Scotmid-owned Beach House - an 18th century villa which was demolished in 2004.
Website of the day: Sys Admin Appreciation Day xxx
I could hear a newly-found confidence in Heather's voice when she phoned to tell me of her fundraising success. Receiving news of a successful funding bid is akin to winning a competition prize.
I read today about a woman who sets aside an hour a day to enter slogan competitions. She has won 21 luxury holidays worth over £50,000. I've largely avoided competions requiring a tiebreaker in preference of the quick and easy prize draws but I think I shall have a go (and I think fundraisers, copywriters and wordsmiths everywhere should too).
Website of the day: The Samaritans - available 24hrs a day 7 days a week for confidential, non-judgemental support. 08457 90 90 90.
Gadgetry and machinery are giving me grief today.
A beep alerted me to the fact I had a text message. I looked around for my phone for a while before deciding to ring it. After fifteen minutes I located it - in the bottom of a very full kitchen bin. I suspect this is the route by which the remote control escaped.
A gigantic drilling machine is working directly opposite. Sitting in the garden was not an option. I retreated into the garage and began clearing out some more rubbish.
Yesterday I uncovered a piece of medical equipment (an infusion/withdrawal pump to be precise) left by the previous owner. I didn't want to just throw it out so I asked on freecycle if anyone knew of an appropriate home. Good grief! You'd think I was offering heroin! I received several haughty emails telling me this could be dangerous 'in the wrong hands'. Yes, well so could a baseball bat. Or a voting slip. Or Internet access. Nobody gave any specific advice although there was plenty of "you could just hand it in to your local hospital" type responses. Quite apart from the practicalities of reaching my 'local' (i.e. Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh) hospital,can you picture the scene when I turn up at triage with a gigantic metal pump saying "I wondered if you would like this".
Talking of picturing scenes....thanks to all of you who emailed to tell me you've tried standing on one leg as described on 19th July. Only Carmel managed to keep her dignity (but she does yoga).
There's a competition at Tchibo to win £17,000 or a VW Beetle Cabriolet - it closes tomorrow.
Website of the day: Nee Naw - a blog of an ambulance despatcher
After a lazy start to the day, the weekend ended very pleasantly with burgers by the beach. We were there to gather shards of pottery to form a Bellfield sculpture. There was quite a decent turnout, including Jorgen Linder, Lord Mayor of Gothenburg.
Lucy immediately made a new friend - it is lovely to see her grow in confidence.
Website of the day: Small and Crummy
I've decided to put affliliate links on our Endorsements page. I'll only include companies we actually use and can wholeheartedly recommend so there won't be any flashing vodacon adverts or Balloons-R-Us banners. It is quite a learning curve for me as I'm unfamiliar with the terminology but I like a challenge. I'm currently using Affiliate Window, and Trade Doubler.
The next step will be to have 'real' blog appear on these pages but I'll need Nigel's help for that.
Website of the day: Forthfast - the two week trial of the Portobello/Kirkcaldy hovercraft ends 28th July
A day of visitors, laughter and cake.
Website of the day: Talk Like a Brummie Day
Apparently, it is nigh impossible for anyone over 30 to stand on one leg with their eyes closed. At the age of 37, I'm only just getting over not being chosen for the British gymnastic squad so it was a cruel blow to fall over after 5 seconds.
Will I ever get used to getting older? I have accepted I will never be attractive again. Before you all email me in your thousands, nay tens of thousands screaming "But you are beautiful, what are you talking about" let me finish...the best I can hope for is that, with my make up on and in the right light, I might be described as okay/nice/reasonably good-looking for my age.
Bet you try it. Bet you wobble.
Website of the day: Not on the High Street - their summer sale continues
During term time, our empty cereal boxes, egg cartons and loo roll innards get handed in to nursery for 'gluings'. During the holidays our bin is fuller than usual but still, not ever really full. I've noticed some of my neighbours have a really huge rubbish bin. What on earth do they put in it?
I am a hero having found the Sky viewing card (inside the vcr). We don't actually get Sky but need it to receive some terrestrial channels. Actually, we only need it for Channel 4 and the only thing we watch there is The Simpsons or "The Yellow People" as Lucy would say.
Website of the day: Bond and Beyond - the world's largest 007 online store - and it's based in Prestonpans.
I looked at the skinny little figure sitting opposite me eating cornflakes and wondered if her self-conscious gene would ever kick in. Emily had thought better of wearing a pyjama top or brushing her straggly hair. It was like breakfasting with Iggy Pop.
Nigel is looking for replacement trainers. His requirements are "punk not pink" and "not £60". Nigel was not convinced that I could find "ethical trainers" that were reasonably priced and stylish. As always, I was happy to prove him wrong, thanks to my friends at the Natural Collection.
I'm less than impressed at Royal Mail's sneaky £4.10 p&p which applies to any order below £35. The price of 100 x 1st class stamps? £34. I've ordered 100 x 1p stamps just to avoid paying the delivery charge.
---00O00---
Hooray! The Council have just delivered 12 litterpicking sets - thanks Fraser!
Website of the day - Ethics Girls - say it out loud - now do you geddit?
All over the world chariots are being decorated for Ratha Yatra, the Hindu festival celebrating Krishna's return to His home. In London the event is being celebrated on 29th July but here in the 'Pans we will be feasting today (unfortunately without chariots).
Today could be National Day of the Freebie. I've sent off for quite a few:
a 12 track
CD from those nice people at Ikon Footwear.
a pack of Trident
gum
Top
Trumps from Filmflex
Deep
Freeze Cold Patch
I wish I could find a diary with all these weird and wonderful dates in rather than trawl several websites. Of course the test would be whether they include Speak like a Pirate Day, Sys Admin Day and Be Nice to Nettles Week.
Today is also Marine Day - or umi no hi - in Japan and Swan Upping Day which I've discovered is an annual count of swans on the Thames. Sounds a bit posh to me.
Am I posh? No. Do I sound posh? I suspect not. Do I sound young? Perhaps. The phone range today.
I answered "hello?".
A woman's voice said "I'm looking for Nigel".
"Oh, he's at work, can I help?"
"I'm phoning about a job"
"Oh, okay, he's actually in contract until October"
[in a voice like she was speaking to a small child] "My goodness! Aren't you a well-informed young lady! Thank you. Goodbye!"
[absolutely gobsmacked] "Erm, goodbye".
Website of the day: World Bodypainting Festival
How to have a kid's party on the cheap: Win the party in a competition. Decorate plain paper bags; use puzzlemaker to make quiz sheets; personalise pencils and fridge magnets with each child's name; stuff with cheap stuff.
I think everyone enjoyed themselves at the Museum of Flight yesterday. Emily was certainly very, very happy. When we returned home I retreated to bed with a pounding head and, when I awoke, there were three sweets on top of a letter from Emily.
Cheap stuff was in abundance today in Woolworths. They have a WorthIt! range which includes £5 toasters and £18 vacuum cleaners. I love bargains but cheap electricals are the cause of so many things going to landfill - why repair when you can replace for less? Emily and I were visiting Woollies as an extra birthday treat. When I asked her a few weeks ago what she would like for her birthday she replied, without a moment's hesitation, "a pic n' mix, please mum".
Despite there being hardly any shops open on a Sunday, Musselburgh High Street was quite busy, mostly with fresh-faced teenage girls who are instantly recognisable as Loretto girls. I'm not sure exactly what gives them away, even when they are not in school uniform but when a sullen, round-shouldered teenager got on my homeward bus I could have bet money on her not being a pupil at "Scotlands oldest independent day and boarding school".
Website of the day: How Stuff Works - Ooh, I like this site.
HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY EMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The postie informs me the strike will be tomorrow. In this morning's post were three hessian Nescafe Bean Bags (thank you so much Rachel!) and The Second Wife by Elizabeth Buchan. It looks like a frothy, quick read (a quickicinno?) but, not being one to judge a book by its cover, (or indeed its h-u-g-e font) I'll start it this evening.
I gave the bean bags their first outing at Scotmid. I remembered to say no to plastic bags but they are foisted upon me at every opportunity. I declined the lift offered by a strange man, moments before I realised he was my neighbour.
After a bout of shouting from Emily I banned her from using the computer for a day which turned out to be a bit of an own goal as she then just goaded and generally annoyed her sisters. In an inspired bit of uber-parenting I sprayed sheets of card with industrial strength tack and ordered them outside to collect leaves and things. It kept them busy for far longer than I expected and they really enjoyed the exercise (If I was doing it again though I might use repositionable spray). When they next got restless I promised them their very own geocache. I put lots of coins, trinkets and toys in a tupperware box and hid it in the garden. The idea was that they use my GPS unit to follow the arrow and find it. I couldn't, ahem, find my GPS unit so they just had to look for it. I think they may be out there for quite some time...
Website of the day: Merchant Gourmet - does what it says on the tin, can, bottle, jar, packet...
Congratulations Annemarie for being shortlisted for the Kelpie Book Prize!
I've just learned that there is another postal strike planned for tomorrow. I hope Emily's birthday present will arrive on time. I earned triple Nectar points using this link you can too - and as a BzzAgent, I'll get bonus points).
The last version of CPanel (which I use to monitor stats etc) has deleted all my redirects so bear with me if your usual shortcuts to other parts of the barker-family site don't work. One shortcut which is working is www.barker-family.info/36 which points to the Travelling Cameras project. I've finally got around to publishing the photos from the Vigeland Camera (thanks to the Creaton/Manns & Selty families). The last photo is very strange/scary.
I can't decide whether the Spyke Spy Robot is scary or useful. At £200 it is either an expensive toy or a very cheap servant.
We had a really pleasant afternoon with Laura who made good use of the dressing up box and gamely played along with Emily's version of Rapunzel. The weather was lovely again so we lunched al fresco.
Website of the day: USDAW Online - Respect for Shopworkers Day
Wilnecote Wildlife Group?, Filton Abbey Day Centre?, Leuchars Youth Club? Any fundraiser worth their salt will be trawling the web to see what Arriva's donation policy is following their successful bid for the cross country rail franchise. Well here it is:
They suppport local and national organisations in the communities in
which they operate (check
out the new route map) with the following objectives:
· assisting people with
disabilities to make a positive contribution to their communities
· supporting the elderly
· encouraging the young to be involved in the community,
including education projects
· improving the environment
Get your proposal off to corporateresponsibility@arriva.co.uk
Website of the day: Fake is the New Real
All three girls were kept busy turning plain brown paper bags into colourful party loot bags. That was until the postie rang the bell with a parcel. It was my free "Green Survival Kit" from British Gas which included two energy saving lightbulbs, stickers, a booklet and...Top Trumps! We took a break from crayonning to have a game. The Kits have all gone now but the Top Trumps can be had by sending a £1 coin to Top Trumps Trust - Environmental, TOP001, PO Box 104, Ludlow, SY8 1YB or play online. The other goody I received was a fantastic wet n' wild mega shiny lipgloss.
I baked some rosemary bread and made bran scones using some redcurrants I'd picked. The garden has turned into a jungle again so, taking advantage of today's glorious weather, I got to work with the shears.
Lucy was delighted to discover a whole array of minibeasts and tried to give a snail to Georgie who ran away crying "bug....bug". I explained to Lucy that Georgie was a bit scared and not to try to make her hold the snail if she didn't want to. In a touching display of gentleness she placed the snail on the ground a few feet away from her little sister and said "There Georgie. It won't hurt you". At which point, Georgie immediately stopped snivelling, got up from the back step, marched towards the snail...and stamped on it.
Website of the day: Forth Bridges Visitor Centre Trust
I am as untidy as I am organised - i.e. incredibly. I can live in a mess that most people would find intolerable but over the past week things have reached a new level of squalor. I'd already earmarked today as hausverk day and Nigel, with all the efficiency of a Bosch Siemens production line, drew up a schedule:
09:30-10:30 - chores
10:30-11:00 - break
11:00-12:00 - chores
12:00-13:30 - lunch + relaxation
13:30-14:30 - chores
Aided by the Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks and Jilted John, we blitzed through the jobs. After a lunch of sausage, potato, beetroot, and quinoa, the children decided to go into the garden and pick blackcurrants. I was sitting sipping my champagne thinking how nice it all was when there was a smash of glass (and a rumble of boots?). Georgie and Lucy were fighting over a glass jar, the pieces of which now lay on the ground. I'd no sooner removed all the glass and resumed my seat by the window when I had to leap into action again. Georgie tried to fill up her sippy cup with champagne (and ended up spilling some on the carpet).
I can see the attraction of a tidy room - it is very relaxing. Quite how it's going to stay this way I've yet to fathom out.
Website of the Day: Gordon is a Moron
When the Traverse programme arrived inside this fortnight's The List, I felt a little wistful. Live theatre, like uninterrupted baths are a distant memory.
Nostaligic Erotiques has opened at The Out of the Blue Drill Hall. Andrew Maclean requests women to reclaim the bushes where young boys have read porn. He clearly feels guilt about his use of porn, which he believes has influenced his perception of women. I don't believe planting flowers and 'girly' stuff instead of girlymags empowers women. I find it a little sinister and manipulative.
I was probing around bushes today but only to pick up litter waiting for people to arrive at the Battle Visitor Centre. Meadowmill was extremely busy as a dog agility event was taking place. The weather had been nice earlier on but just before 3, the heavens open and it was raining cats and dogs (cue jokes about stepping in a poodle). It was the agility of the dog owners which was put to the test as they sprinted across the car park seeking refuge. We really enjoyed our first stint (wo)manning the centre but the kids got really restless so I have created an activity sheet for next time.
I've registered with working mums, a niche recruitment site I discovered via the Families Edinburgh site. Unlike zillions of other sites, its home-based jobs are genuine posts rather than ads for some MLM scheme. I've been increasingly irritated at the amount of sites selling training under the guise of writing or proofreading jobs.
Website of the day: MobMov - the global guerrilla drive-in movement
Alan Johnston has been released after 114 days in captivity. 114. Excellent news to wake up to.
114 - The atomic number of an element
temporarily called ununquadium.
114 - The number of suras
in the Qur'an
114 - The number of sayings of Jesus listed in the Gospel
of Thomas
114 - Stanley Kubrick frequently referenced the number in his films
I'd love to say there are 114 photos in
the newly published June
folder but there are in fact 59.
Website of the Day: US Independence Day (USA Government)
I've been giving a lot of thought to developing another income stream and have registered with Business Gateway. It is a useful site but really designed for someone with a specific business idea in mind.
Everyone who has ever bought a raffle ticket thinks that they are a fundraiser. Ditto, everyone who has ever drunk in a pub/read a newspaper/been to a concert thinks they would be a brilliant publican/journalist/event organiser. Being brilliant, I, of course, have no such delusions. However, I am struggling to think of things I can do from home which don't involve re-inventing the wheel, ripping off the gullible or exploiting the desperate.
Emily enjoyed her trip to Blair Drummond Safari Park and I was really touched that she bought be a pecking bird on a stick because it looked like a miniature litter-picker.
Freebie of the Day: Sally Hansen Manicure Set
My Edinburgh Marathon Volunteer Goody Bag arrived today. It contained a t-shirt, certificate, badge, packet of Dormen's Cashews & Almonds , Nairn's Stem Ginger Oat Biscuits, Nature Valley Crunchy Granola bars and Adidas active shower gel.
The summer playscheme is proving quite disruptive as I have had to drag Lucy and Georgie out six times a day in the pouring rain to deposit/return Emily and change clothes three times.
Website of the Day: Rhymer - online rhyming dictionary - you never know when you might need one.
We had a cuppa with Annemarie and Jim before dropping Emily off to go swimming with Esme. We had only walked as far as Schaw Road when the heavens opened and we had to take refuge in a bus shelter. When the rain eased off we continued on to the Battle of Prestonpans Visitor Centre. The portakabin is looking good and volunteer Shirley reported that there had already been visitors despite the dreadful weather.
We spent much of the remainder of the day watching the Concert for Diana. I felt old watching Duran Duran (Didn't John Taylor used to be the good-looking one?). I kept waiting for Sarah Ferguson to appear - I've never heard of the singer "Fergie". I didn't understand why Dennis Hopper was there but in an echo of Saturday's disappointing Dr Who he asked everyone to shout simultaneously...why? Will Princess Diana regenerate? With the exception of this and a cringe making performance from P Diddy it was good fun.
I've started reading "Three Sons" by Port Seton author Mary Turner which is set in Prestonpans.
Website of the day: Recycle Your Jeans - sandals made from your old jeans. Really.
"Is this voluntary?" asked a passing dog walker as I was litter picking on the beach. "Yes, would you like to join us?". "Erm, I have problems with my back". Hmm. I wonder what would have happened if my answer had been a) "no, I get paid £15 an hour" or b) "I'm actually doing Community Service."
We had to leave some big items including boat sections, an oil drum full of charred objects and, bizarrely, several bin bags worth of chips (with a white pudding thrown in for good measure). I pulled a retractable lead unsure whether it would yield a dead dog at the end of it but was so entangled it didn't budge.
On the last day of June, I really ought to mention Fran Crowe's new art installation at Ely's Babylon which opens today. Fran is fanatical about beach litter and has pledged to collect 46,000 pieces of beach litter. She's very nearly reached her target.
After my own, smaller effort, I undid all my good eco-work by doing a 10-bag shop at LIDL. Good old Tartan Taxis ferried me home for £2.80 although a kindly soul did offer to give me a lift.
I've been hearing drum beats all day. I guess it's the start of the marching season. Either that or I'm really a Timelord. I can't wait for the final Dr Who tonight.
Website of the day: Doggy Things - almost enough to make me like the creatures. Almost...
I make no secret of the fact I despise the gossip and inanity of the playground cliques so it was with some relish that I collected Emily from school for the last time for seven whole weeks.
The mum mafia are up in arms because there will be one less class next year and the new larger class sizes include a "consolidation" class comprising the youngest children in P3 and the eldest in P2. It is easy for me be to blasé when my child doesn't have additional learning needs and I really do sympathise with parents worried their child mightn't get the attention they need in a bigger group, but, I suspect lots of the people resisting the move are doing so for less noble reasons. This concern for their children's educational welfare wasn't evident when they were taking them out of school to go on holiday. Do they perhaps perceive a "downgrading" of their child into a group which includes younger kids? I doubt whether the parents of the kids in the class "formerly known as P2" are complaining that their little darlings are alongside "P3" pupils.
Another reason I don't enjoy the school run is because either Lucy or Georgie (and sometimes both) plays up on the walk home. Twice today I have dragged a screaming Lucy up the hill. The first time she was lying on the pavement hanging on the buggy chassis; the second time there was a big drama to do with a flapjack.
After not even four days of having a full set of teeth, my new crown came out...again. I think I must have swallowed it. I was a teensy bit annoyed about this.
Still, it's the holidays!
Website of the day: The Gluttonous Gardener
Happy First Birthday Martha!
I'm working on a new routine - housework that is, not stand-up. I want to incorporate some exercise as I am determined to lose weight over the summer holidays. To this end, I've stopped taking sugar in my coffee.
Website of the day: The Blackcurrant Foundation - information about the No 1 Superfruit (which I've got growing in my garden).
As GB starts his new job as Prime Minister, NB is starting a seven day contract in Livingston, prior to the long contract in Edinburgh.
Lucy's nursery garden party took place indoors which was a shame because the children had made beautiful bunting and other paper decorations. It was a really pleasant afternoon.
Website of the day: Loo of the Year Awards - get voting. Entries closes 31st July.
The BIG news of the day is that Nigel has a new contract that will take him up to Christmas!
This is a huge relief and, thankfully, the job is Edinburgh-based. So why am I still whittering about the SMALL stuff? Because it's been the small stuff that has got me through the last couple of days.
We won a quarterly membership to Junglee Fun -
hooray!
Emily had a nice trip to Wallyford Primary to see their production of
Oliver. It was really nice to see Carmel, Andrew and the kids.
I discovered a brilliant yahoo group called "Time
Swappers East Lothian" where you can swap your skills with
someone else - haircut for piano lessons, that kind of thing.
Emily took some peonies to her teacher and the petals were falling off
on the journey to school. I was able to retrace my steps Hansel and
Gretel style following the pink petals.
Nigel has won £100 with his Premium Bonds.
I really like walking past a certain foxglove knowing that I
surreptitiously planted it there.
I really enjoyed The
Navigators.
Lucy and Georgie were singing the alternative version of "Row,
Row, Row Your Boat". They get to the bit "If you see
a crocodile...don't forget to scream" and simultaneously
squeal. Very cute but it gave the members of the bowling club a big
fright.
Lucy is getting good at counting. Georgie thinks she can count too.
There is nothing funnier on this planet than listening to a child
earnestly counting "1, 2, 8, 4, 5, 2, 6, 5, 8, 2...TEN!"
"Kids and grown-ups love it so, the happy world of HarriBrow!" I am, of course, referring to Harriet Harman becoming Gordon Brown's Deputy.
Website of the day: The Labour Party
As Lucy cavorted over the balance beams yesterday her nappy could be seen. Some women were talking about the fact she is "still" in nappies, not in a particularly negative or nasty way but Lucy picked up on this. As we were leaving the school playground, she hitched up her skirt to waist length and walked the entire journey home displaying her nappy. Emily was mortified.
I wondered what she would do today but as it turned out there was a playground incident of another kind when Georgie fell from the play bridge cutting her head. Thanks to Mrs Colquhoun for applying first aid.
The smell of peonies is wafting through the house today. Wonderful.
The skylarks were very noisy last night. Perhaps they were voicing their objection to the planned 125 residential units that will take over their home.
Three-storey houses are likely to be built directly opposite us. While I think I have accepted the position and no doubt will get used to the loss of view and privacy...what about the skylarks? Where will they go? Will I ever hear them again?
I will, of course, oppose the development.
Website of the day: RSPB: Skylark
We often receive emails from other Barkers around the world and recently I was delighted to receive an "Emilyism" from another Emily Barker.
Emily had sore eyes and, suspecting conjuctivitis, her big sister asked "are they sticking together?"
"no" replied Emily, "my nose is in between them".
Thank you Layla for sharing this gem.
Meanwhile my Emily has been to Vogrie Country Park today (and wasn't travel sick - hooray!). She has reported on it at "Emily's Other Stuff" page.
Website of the Day: Natural Collection
- Best on-line retailer at the Observer Ethical Awards 2007
What did I say about having a quiet day?
Friday evening involved yet another trip to the Sick Kids, this time with Georgie who couldn't grip with her left hand. She's better now.
On Saturday I discovered I had won a party for 10 children at the Museum of Flight which will be great for Emily. She wants to invite her friend Melissa whose house we were at Saturday evening for a post-gala rained-off indoors barbecue.
Today, I forgot all about Father's Day.
I don't normally moan about my family (where would I begin? where would it end?)...but, at the end of a poisonous three days I can't help thinking....What if I sulked/tantrummed/gave up every time life doesn't go according to plan?
I'm in pain after my crown was reinserted. As I don't intend to anything much with my day I thought I would reprint last year's blog. Here it is - plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose:
Toooo busy.Tooooooooooo darned hot.
The phone rings. While I answer yet another 'marakatin' call, I hear the sound of smashing crockery in the kitchen. I tell the caller this is a bad time to which he responds "2, 4 6 or 8 windows?".
I return to the livingroom and begin cleaning the blood off Lucy. Georgie crawls over to me and pulls herself up by holding on to my legs. I now have Georgie-sized poo handprints on my legs and shorts. Georgie is standing in Lucy's discarded nappy.
Website of the day: Life Hack - The best productivity site around and less geeky than LifeHacker
Tanya "Little Angels" Byron MSc PsychD reckons that when children go to nursery they all pool their expletives. She cites the example of her own son who returned from his first day, singing "Piss Piss Piss Piss, Piss Piss Piss" to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".
We haven't had naughty words from Lucy yet but lots of new mannerisms, cheek and displays of temper. It is a very trying time.
I almost said a naughty word myself this morning when my new crown came out.
Funky product of the day award goes to - BabyLegs
More than 80,000 kids joined a walking bus today organised by BRAKE and have beaten last year's record of 50,000 walk-to-schoolers.
People often describe greenies as "smug" and mutter darkly about "political correctness gone too far".
I can accept the theory about green leanings being a manifestation of middle class guilt etc etc. but smug,me?! After Emily's travel sickness yesterday, the glee and self-satisfaction wafting over from the car-drivers was more nausea-inducing than the stench of vomit.
AS for the cynicism that surrounds children getting involved in eco-issues...is it really so unacceptable to give children information? - it used to be called "teaching", now it's called "indoctrination". Is it so unbelievable that children have opinions on matters most grown-ups don't give a damn about? Even young children grasp issues like fair trade because they have a natural sense of injustice.
But, as we all karaoked along to "Spring's Out" from CBeebies Springwatch, I must confess, I did feel smug.
"Spring's Out and the sun's shining. Reach your arms up, just like a tree that's climbing." Genius.
---ooOoo---
So, Simon won the Apprentice. Not sure that it matters. I'm waving to another Simon - the one in Basra!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you would like to send a letter or a parcel to someone serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, please write to: 'British Soldier', c/o GI Branch.
In Iraq the address is HQ Multi National Div(SE), Basra, BFPO 641.
In Afghanistan it is HQ Helmand Province Task Force, Camp Bastion, BFPO 792
Today is the Russian Day of Independence. Apart from knowing the very basic facts (Capital=Moscow; Alphabet=Cyrillic; President=Putin) Russia is a mystery to me.
Oh, and the currency is the rouble/ruble and kopek. 100 kopeks = 1 rouble.
The currency of the low-intelligentsia of Emily's playground is gossip.
I have invented a game for them called "The Idiot". Here are the rules:
If
you are the first to pass on a piece of gossip: 1000 kopeks
If you heard the gossip from a person "in authority":750 kopeks
If you are related to the subject of the gossip:500 kopeks
If you know the subject of the gossip:250 kopeks
For each person you upset: 100 kopeks
For each prole you pass the gossip onto add 1 kopek
Needless to say Molly Sugdeneski's bridesmaid is a Russian billionaire.
When Emily was brought off the coach white-faced and trembling it was clear she had been travelsick.
After a warm bath and some r&r she was fine and ready to celebrate Russia Day by having kasha (bulgar wheat, mushrooms, onions and egg) and a warm slaw for tea.
Damn, I forgot the vodka.
Website of the day: Russia Today
It's been so hot today. I tried to get Lucy to wear a skirt or shorts to nursery but she was having none of it. She insisted on wearing a pair of Emily's old trousers. They are way too long for her and frayed at the bottom...with a thick bobbled cardigan. She also insisted Nigel take her to nursery. I was happy to comply.
My mail has been playing up again so if you've not got a reply that's why. In fact, why not just send me an email today so say "hi"?
Thank you Christine for my wonderful Princess Tiara!
Whenever I receive a certain email about "enlarging your penis" I am reminded of my old window cleaner. I'd better explain...
One of the spam emails I regular received is headed "1 Million Satisfied Customers Worldwide".
When we lived in Acheson Drive, we could never tell whether the window cleaner had been or not although he always turned up for payment. When I confronted him with the evidence that he had certainly not cleaned my windows that day he replied:
"Spiders spin their webs everyday - as I have proved to millions of dissatisfied customers".
Without her big sister, Lucy was too shy to enjoy the school disco on Friday so I reluctantly took her home early where she fell asleep. Fortunately she woke up in time to see Grandma and Alan. Unfortunately she was still awake at midnight which meant all our plans for an early start today went awry.
Lucy loves animals but especially creepy crawlies. She thinks its "not fair" that people eat snails. So, when one of the presents from my mum was a bug viewer, she was very happy. This morning they were fighting over it and the poor snails inside were having a bit of a bumpy ride. I told them to have a bit more respect for the poor creatures inside. Determined to get one over on Lucy, Emily reported that Lucy had put the viewer (avec occupants) on the swing. Lucy looked aghast and said "My not do that! It was Emily!!!". The look on Emily's face gave her away - busted!
We found the Morison's Haven geocache (I love the Team Barker photo on this log!!!) this afternoon and spent a lovely afternoon on the beach building "houses" from pebbles and bricks.
This evening, Nigel cooked a fantastic mango risotto with black pudding. It was like being on Masterchef. Dr Who was particular good this evening.
Website of the day: Scottish Parent Teacher Council - good starting point for demystifying the PTA.
Lucy is being contrary.
Take this afternoon's conversation for example. I asked her if she enjoyed her sports day. She replied "we went outside. I really liked it". I was pleased she was talkative and animated.
When we got home I said "Tell daddy all about your sports day" to which she replied "I hate my sports day".
"Ooh, you big fibber! You told me you really liked it".
"I'm not a big fibber! My a small fibber!"
Website of the day: EasyPlants - how gorgeous are these?! And very reasonably priced.
If I may be permitted to name drop for a moment...I am "related" to McFly's Tom Fletcher, sort of. Admittedly there are seven people between our respective genealogies, and I've only met 2 of those (one being my mum and none being Tom). This morning we received a signed DVD of McFly's single "Baby's Coming Back". We haven't been that excited since we received an invitation to Jonathan Ross's christmas party (we later realised it was a different Jonathan Ross). Thank you Tom!
The weather was lovely for Emily's sports afternoon - unfortunately her mood wasn't so sunny and she had a complete tantrum because I wouldn't let her have crisps. "Everyone else had crisps" (not true).
Did some therapeutic spraying of the plum trees which are covered in greenfly.
Website of the day: Google Image Labeller - you get paired with another person and have to describe the image you see until you match. The point of the exercise is to improve the way Google Image searches work. it is very addictive!
I made three discoveries this morning.
Discovery #1 - Emily can run really fast. It was the morning of her sponsored run around the playground and, despite being very cross with her, I couldn't resist watching her run. She can really run well and I felt very proud.
Discovery #2 - bogus, promotional or exhibition stamps and other non-valid types of stamps are known among philatelists as "Cinderellas". For examples, take a look at ebay's category listing.
Discovery #3 - The "Scary Man" (ie. ghoulish looking doorbell that lives in the garden) has been going off constantly. Passers-by must be wondering who is shrieking "Beware! You're in a for a scare............hahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!" I couldn't get it to stop so I put it inside the chiminea. Now it echoes.
Website of the day: NASA's Discovery Program- with a mission budget of a mere $425 million it is the Ryanair of the Solar System.
Our website was down and I had lost countless emails; the freshly washed/dressed Georgie emerged from the garden covered in mud; Emily refused to eat lunch and announced she was leaving home. We needed to get out before the mood deteriorated further.
Our first exhibition of the day was that of Jim Allan and Rosie Haillay (Annemarie's husband and daughter-in-law). It was a lovely start to our "art trail". Emily's mood improved when we bought one of her pal Esme's artworks. We then went to Prestongrange Church Hall where Linda Sneddon was exhibiting her photography alongside Jack Marriott's fabby landscapes. From there we walked to the Power Station where there was an amazing exhibition in the canteen. Julie and Nathalie were already there with their families, having passed us in the car earlier. What a venue! What a view! The big attraction was Calum Colvin's spectacular Two Ways of Life series, of which "Siren" reminded me of the Russian icons at Inverness Cathedral for some reason.
Local artists were represented in the shape of Lynn Schroder's copper birds and Andrew Stirling's glass boxes. On leaving we were amazed to see so many rabbits sitting on the grass by the car park. They soon ran off when Lucy decided to say "hello" to them. Actually, Lucy said hello to everyone she met and told them that she did paintings at nursery. Her speech has really come on in the past week or so.
The Aitken/Coriton families caught up with us again at the Cockenzie Business Centre. They were soon joined by the Bonnars and the Brashs. The cultural elite of East Lothian were gathered to see the HAGs (a.k.a. Carol Duff, Karen Warner, Anne Gilmour, Trish Kane & Pat Turquand), ceramacist Diana Hoare and glass artist Robert Atherton.
Next port of call was the home of Sandra Watters who was showing her own brilliant work along with that of Shona Brash. Now I know Shona reads this so, I'm risking sounding like a sycophant but...wow! The programme had billed her work simply as "3D" so I wasn't expecting to see fabulous poppies of fused glass. Carole Melrose had opened her home to the public and the girls were very taken with her oils of animals.
We hadn't been to the Cockenzie and Port Seton Royal British Legion before. It is a gem of a place with wonderful sea views. The Coastal Art Group had an excellent exhbition here (including more Jack Marriott) and in another room were works by Adele Conn and woodscapes by Naomi Hare. Another place we hadn't been before is the Seashore Gallery at Marshall Street, Cockenzie. It is a lovely, bijou space, exhibiting Bert Simpson's watercolours and stained glass panels by Christina Moffat.
We couldn't visit Cockenzie and not pop in to see Carmel. She and Andrew were having an open house exhibiting textile collages of Jane McArthur.
We got a taxi home, kicked off our shoes and read the papers. Apparently Damien Hirst has created a £50m diamond covered skull.
I'd love to say that the injection of culture was just what the girls needed but Emily's behaviour was no better on our return. After being sent to bed for breaking Lucy's toy she trashed her bedroom. And you thought Damien Hirst was an enfant terrible...
Website of the day: New London 2012 brand - as from 11:00hrs, Monday 4th June.
It was the sort of warm, misty start to the day that promises great things ahead. As the marquee arrived in the playground I just knew the Summer Fair & Car Boot Sale was going to be a runaway success.
We were desperately short of helpers though, which really heaped on the pressure. More help was needed on the tombola as people started to get impatient awaiting their prizes. I was so relieved to see a friendly face in the form of Annemarie. Still, it was very worthwhile as over £900 was taken on the day which will help buy desperately needed playground equipment.
Things I would have done differently: promoted the silent auction in the preceding fortnight. Not volunteered for the tombola!
Things that worked well: The catering was a big hit; the publicity clearly worked.
You can have the best product in the world but if no-one comes you ain't going to sell anything. I was really glad that we were able to deliver such a large crowd of potential customers to the carbooters. One whinger who had began packing away his unsold boxes of books moaned that "Obviously no one in this town reads". Hmmm.
Granted, Prestonpans isn't exactly Hay-on-Wye but we do have our own Festival, well one-third of a Festival at any rate -the Three Harbours Arts Festival which officially started today. We managed to get to the Town Hall, the Pennypit, along some of the High Street, Cuthill Park and Inchview.
In the Town Hall I treated myself to some Beads of Tranquility. My favourite pieces were glass panels by East Lothian artist Kate Henderson. Georgie was quite taken with Moy Mackay's textile "Ramsay Garden".
The Pennypit Centre had a diverse exhibition. It was nice to bump into Jane who is showing her own striking exhibition there. Chris Bonnar's photography was simply brilliant and goes way beyond the arty, monochrome type of thing I've grown so weary of. Emily now wants "a photo with clouds moving above me". If money was no object I would have love to have bought the Edith Smith textile I saw Shona coveting (which reminds me, I must visit Shona's exhibition).
In Cuthill Park the MuralFest was in a full swing and there were two full size cows and a calf. As I began to tire, the girls seemed to have an energy burst and raced around the park. Lucy leant under the cows and began "milking" them. Strange child. We made it across to Tom and Jan's where they having an open house. We both really like his work and it can only be a matter of time before his work adorns the Monkey Loft.
We were back at our new favourite bistro today and Nigel and I shared a meze platter. Bliss.
Song in my head: "Sit Down", James
The last few days of May have been pleasant, if a little frought. Nigel and I actually had two nights out together thanks to the babysitting service of my mum and Alan. The first outing was to the Caledonian Research Foundation Prize Lecture at the Museum of Scotland's lecture theatre as mentioned in 16th May. Political philosopher Baroness O'Neill is a very entertaining speaker and we both really enjoyed the event. Afterwards we went to the Forest Cafe and had a stroll through Princes Street Gardens before having a few drinks in the Doric Bar. Our second night out together was at the Labour Club. It was really very nice and surprisingly busy for a Tuesday.
Saturday's Summer Fair seems to be coming together and there are some fabulous silent auction prizes. I really want the day to be a success because it was me who persuaded the PTA to cancel the balloon release. I should have the courage of my eco-convictions and spend less time worrying about other people.
When small businesses fold, I fret that the former employees
won't find work elsewhere. I needn't have worried. In Somerfield on
Wednesday I was served by a waitress-turned-checkout operator. There
will always be work for rude, insolent gobshites.
Happy Birthday Alan.
Website of the day: The Philosophy of Trust - the subject of Professor O'Neill's 2002 Reith lectures.
Cafe Aroma Bistro
128 High Street, Prestonpans
Espresso, Capuccino, Caffe Latte, Breakfast, Panini, Turkish Meze, Salads
Monday - Friday 08:00-17:00hrs
Saturday 09:00-17:00hrs
Sunday 10:00-17:00hrs
Mo and I were volunteers on Water Station 4 at today's Edinburgh Marathon. Apart from handing out water we shouted encouragement to the runners. It has been many years since I shouted "Come on Eileen!" but I did today, along with "Come on Macmillan! Go Traidcraft! Well done Rory! Go Spiderman! You're doing great Scottish Sikhs! Keep it going Portugal! Well done Bowel Cancer!". Despite the wind and rain, it was great fun. We met nice people, were given a Baguette Express lunch and our nominated charity received £25. And we didn't even have to run 26.2 miles.
I have the utmost respect for anyone who attempts a marathon - congratulations to the winner Ian Grime who completed the course in 2hrs 32mins and to all who took part.
-ooOoo-
My mum and Alan arrived this afternoon. The girls were so excited to see them. They were even more excited when they saw the sparkly shoes they had brought with them. Nigel and I got quite excited by the culinary equivalent of sparkly shoes...polenta, exotic bean mix & mushroom ketchup - just a fraction of the goodies now filling our cupboards.
Website of the day: Minack Theatre - Cornwall's theatre under the stars
Two boxes marked "Flying Flowers" arrived this morning. The first one contained a beautiful hamper of rose scented bath goodies. The second was a consignment of Belgian chocolate. My first thought was that they were donations to Saturday's Summer Fair - but from whom? Accompanying the pampering set was a gift tag from my sister Rachel. (She really is very, very thoughtful). I found a note inside the chocolate box: "Thank you for your hospitality. Philip". Eh? I don't know anyone called Philip and I certainly haven't shown him hospitality. I looked at the front of the box - it was addressed to someone in another town. I didn't have time to sort it out as I was racing down to the beach to join Margo and her litterpicking gang.
It was the first beach clear I've taken part in since the sewage spill- and there has been very heavy rain - just about the worst combination for a beach clean! There was a lot of sanitary-related items - mostly cotton bud sticks.
Two and a bit hours later I was back home and phoned Flying Flowers who have arranged to get a duplicate order to the intended recipient and told me to keep the chocolate with their compliments - thank you Rachel!
Website of the day: Bag it and Bin It
- Don't flush it!
We kept Lucy off nursery today after she was up all night complaining of feeling sick. It might explain her reluctance to stay at nursery yesterday.
I sent out lots of emails asking for raffle prizes for the school's Summer Fair. I got the kids to help me paint "Summer Fair" on an old sheet to be used as a makeshift banner on the day (2nd June). I wanted to keep them occupied and out of the way of Nigel's Silver Surfing student...who didn't turn up.
Website of the day: Sanoodi - map your routes and share your favourite outdoor activities online
I've finished Frank Swinnerton's "Summer Storm" and begun reading "The Chimney Sweeper's Boy" by Barbara Vine. The only Barbara Vine/Ruth Rendell I've read (I think) is House of Stairs, which I liked but I recall being very dark. I suspect this one will be much the same.
It's not often I come across someone who takes less pride in their appearance than I do but the mum who wore pink snoopy pyjamas to take her child to school made me look comparatively glamorous. The feeling didn't last long though because I bumped into Nathalie who is très chic. I've got an excuse though, I'm an eco-defender! I've got to look the part haven't I? I could hardly shin up a tree in Jimmy Choos (we were putting up bird boxes today).
Big Ask of the Day: One of our photos is published in the Smirnoff gallery - please mark it out of 5. Entries close on Sunday at midnight. It can also be sent as an e-card - how cool is that?!
In this date in history:
1915: The UK's worst ever train disaster took place when a train carrying a Royal Scots battalion were involved in a collision with two goods trains, a local train and an express from London Euston. The death toll was 227 but was kept secret until the war ended.
1960: The most powerful earthquake ever recorded (9.5 on the Richter scale) wreaked havoc across southern Chile.
1381: St Rita was born. She is a patron saint of sickness, wounds, marriage problems, lost and impossible causes, abuse, mothers. She repeatedly begged her parents to allow her to enter a convent but they instead arranged her marriage to a quarrelsome man.
Coincidentally, at breakfast this morning, Emily was "explaining" to us what an arranged marriage was. I asked her whether she would like to choose her own husband or let us pick one for her. Unsurprisingly, she wants to pick her own. I suggested she waits until she is at least 30 to make sure she picks the right one, like I did.
Website of the day: Art Meets Matter - home of the Factum, foldable, postable, recyclable, range of furniture
Last night we watched "Casino Royale" - I slept through a lot of it. I've never liked Bond movies and I thought this one was more confusing and pointless than others I've seen. I did, however, enjoy "Ghost World" which we watched a few nights ago and plan to read the original Daniel Clowes book shortly.
I suspect Emily is the only kid in her school who takes her dinner money in a Fantagraphics envelope.
Website of the day: Flatpacks Unpacked Ltd - is there any point in me saying I thought of this a million years ago?
We were picking up litter from the grass bit near our house when a young boy, one of a group, called across the road "Scuse me". I knew what was coming next. He dropped his bottle to the ground saying "you can pick this up". My instinct was to shout cheerily "Oh thanks! I'll pick it up next" but I just knew he would scarper off and any guilt trip would be lost on him. Instead I ignored him and carried on in the opposite direction which prompted "There's some dog shit here". We continued to Doo'Cot Place (which Emily thinks is "Doctor's Palace") when the heavens opened so we returned home.
I've planted some trailing lobelia in pots around the garden. I noticed that the berberis thunbergii has started to self seed - I must set some time aside to tidy up the garden.
Georgie is wearing one of my favourite kid's tops - it has pictures of aliens on and all three have worn it at some time or other. Today, I noticed it glows in the dark. How on earth did I not notice that before now?
Website of the day: Meanwhile Theatre Company
Thursday
Highlights - The Spooky Night raised £750 - well done
Heather.
Lowlights - Being bloated and in pain all day.
Friday
Highlights - I liked the story in the East Lothian Courier about the
mum who helped to paint a school's playground shelter. This gave her
the opportunity to learn English language skills and make friends. The
pupil's sourced a bike to help her make her 2 mile journey. Partnership
working in it's truest sense.
Lowlights - Knowing that Laura & Kev are in for a worrying time
[hug]
Today - Happy Birthday Julie!
Highlights - Finally visiting the Cockenzie and Port Seton In Bloom
Nursery Garden when the "In Bloomers" were holding their annual plant
sale. Nigel bought me some trailing lobelia [mwahh] and then we all
went to the Secret Garden at Cockenzie.
Lowlights - Walking against the 23mph wind on the return journey and
getting grit in my hair and eyes.
Website of the day: Scotland's Gardens Scheme
I like words that originate from Hindi. My favourite are: avatar, bungalow, caravan, dungaree, shampoo, verandah.
I love this power cable wall art
I enjoy bouncing ideas of positive people (as opposed to spending any time with those who are always moaning about something/someone).
I like flicking through the RSE's events diary even though I probably won't attend the Caledonian Research Foundation Prize Lecture: "Can Information be Private?" by Baroness Onora O'Neill of Bengarve.
I admire people who give (instead of take, take, take).
I love free samples - there's some Nivea ones here.
I'm mightily relieved that the best things in life are free.
Website of the day: Justgiving/Incentive Scotland - help the Body Shop At Home team support "Children on the Edge" - an international children’s charity committed to protecting and supporting orphaned, marginalised and vulnerable children across the world.
Walking down West Loan, someone was clearly having steak pie...for breakfast. Bleurgh.
Later, outside Somerfield, teenagers on their lunch break ate family sized bars of chocolate and individually wrapped slices of processed cheese. Bleurgh. I can't decide if that is better than worse than what appears on the shopping list I found in the street.
I helped to put together a food and drink hamper which will be a raffle prize for Thursday's spooky night. Heather and Debbie bought some additional items to add to the meagre collection and we ended up with two very nice hampers which will likely rise to three. I was surprised at how few items had been handed in. However, I think there is more to it than the usual apathy/donation fatigue. I had assumed that the requirement was for luxury food items like Harvey Nicks crackers and organic biscuits but people actually donate tins of soup and fish and packets of rice and, erm, cheesy pasta (bleurgh). If people were aware they could hand in things that are already in their cupboard they would be more likely to donate. There needs to be a Hamper Awareness Week.
I like Awareness Weeks - wedged in between last week's Compost Awareness Week and next week's National Vegetarian Week is Be Nice to Nettles Week. Quite how I do this is still a mystery to me. How you start an Awareness Week is a bigger mystery to me. I want to have National Awareness Week Awareness Week.
Tip of the day: next time you have problems accessing our website, try dropping the www - don't know what the problem is but http://barker-family.info is working fine.
I feel so proud of my town when I read the comments left by visiting geocachers who had previously only passed through the Pans on the way to somewhere else and had no idea what a lovely place it is. So, I was very saddened that the nearest cache to us has been "muggled" - container and goodies were spread about the vicinity with no sign of the logbook.
I attempted to make a basket out of an old juice carton like I read about - mine looked nothing like this.
I spent a ludicrous amount of time in the dentist getting impressions taken, x-rays done and a scale & polish. My temporary filling lasted four hours.
Website of the day: EventWax - track attendees, sell tickets and create name badges from an online customisable website.
Esme came to play yesterday and she, Emily and Lucy spent much of their time under the dining room table dressed as princess, witch and erm, I don't know what. Lucy's outfit consisted of pixie hat and a black and gold mirrored velvet waistcoat. Twenty five years ago I had my photograph taken in Brighton with a monkey sitting on my shoulder. I'm sure the monkey was wearing a similar outfit.
I had planned to take Lucy and Georgie out today but they tired themselves out indoors before I had the chance.
For the first time in ages I'm not got organising some big event. Which means I've got more a wee bit more time on my hands than I'm used to (although I'm still bloomin' exhausted). I supposed I could do some housework, I think I remember where we keep the cleaning stuff.
Website of the day: PansBands - yup, Bands from the Pans.
I came up with a cool way of conserving my ink while producing an eye-catching flyer for the Summer Fair. I've cut the shape of a marquee out of fabric and stuck that on the paper. I've also done a version using brightly coloured envelopes. A zigzag cut along the bottom edge of the triangular flap (handily gummed!) plus a pair of legs transforms the envelope into a 3D circus tent.
Website of the day: Where Can We Go - a UK-Wide events website
This week is whizzing by.
Tuesday was a bit rubbish. I battled a migraine all day. I entered the wrong co-ordinates in the etrex and, unsurprisingly didn't find the cache. In fact, Tuesday was a horrible day.
Wednesday was much brighter. I was one of five people getting my hair cut by Arlene in Annemarie's kitchen. I felt about three stones lighter.
Our email and website has been down intermittently for a couple of days which is a pain. We also discovered that someone has been running amok with my debit card. The bank knew all about it and their Spanish fraud department confirmed that the Italian purchases had been made online in Sweden - my bank details have travelled more than I have!
Today I had attended a fundraising think tank at the school which was both productive and fun (flapjacks and millionaire shortbread!). I was glad to be indoors as the weather was atrocious and the Primary Twos were doing their beach clear. The weather has been strange. Warm sunshine with sudden, heavy downpours - the type of fat rain that gets you soaked to the skin in 3 seconds. I braved the weather again to hear Annemarie's talk on witches in the Library. It was very interesting (and sad). I hope the library continues to put on speaker events but it's shame they are so poorly attended.
I made a big mistake in wearing contact lenses today. I got them in okay but taking them out was a nightmare.
I awoke from a dream about a bat emerging from a fireplace. Above the fireplace was the name J B Belfry - what can it mean?
We were up and about early today and after having finally tracked an elusive cache yesterday, went hunting again today. We found a micro cache hidden in the crook of a tree (I'm being deliberately vague).
We belatedly celebrated Cinco de Mayo by having enchilladas. We watched The Land that Time Forgot with the girls and did some housework.
We walked to Port Seton via Nethershot Road on a geocaching mission. We found it quickly but I had forgotten my bag of assorted toys and nick nacks to leave in the cache which was a bit silly of me.
It was nice to meet Sheila Chambers, one of the "In Bloomers", in the Community Centre. I noticed the staff at the Harbour Takeway collecting some fresh fish from the fishmongers there and made a mental note to return some time and have fish and chips al fresco.
We returned through Whin Park then Cemetery Park where the girls had a play while I did an inpromptu litter pick. It is only a week since the area was spring cleaned but was already covered with juice bottles, crisp packets and slush puppy containers.
We were all quite tired after all our walking today but really enjoyed our outdoor time.
Free Comic Book Day just passed us by this year.
There were only 70 places on the Summer playscheme so I couldn't be sure of getting Emily's name down when I joined the 27-strong queue outside the community centre this morning.
One woman proudly clutching registration forms told the waiting mums that she had been queuing since 7.40 a.m., was 6th in line and had bagged the 16th slot on the playscheme. A couple of mental calculations later I realised things weren't looking good for Emily but, no, I got the last place. The day started positively.
+ve things: Had a wonderful vitamin E facial from "BodyShop Christine". Enjoyed listening to Cat Stevens this evening. He has the sweetest voice. I'm enjoying Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola.
I was introduced to Kathy Sierra through Chris Lamb's blog. She talks a lot of sense (as does Chris). As regulars readers (hello mum, Johnston, Betty!) will know, negative people have an adverse effect on my mental health - read what Kathy has to say here.
Forget that "between me and the ballot box" nonsense. I proudly voted Labour.
In Coronation Street, Doreen Fenwick offered Ken a version of "GZY". It's worth repeating:
King Solomon commissioned a ring to be made that would have the ability to make a happy man sad and a sad man happy. The ring that was made bore the inscription "gam zeh ya'avor" - a Hebrew saying meaning roughly "this too, shall pass". The ring served to remind the wearer that even the worst of times are transitory, and that the best of times never seem to last long enough.
How best to celebrate May Day / International Workers' Day? Dance round a maypole? Wash my face in the morning dew? Go on strike?
Website of the day: Yellow Arrow - look out for yellow arrows appearing in Prestonpans...
A zed-bed, a microwave, and a cow's skull were just some of the items found in yesterday's big clear up at Prestongrange.
I've received some lovely emails from people expressing what a great time they had. Unfortunately Lucy didn't have such a great time - she was sick in the Visitor Centre and Nigel was stuck looking after here. Carmel give Lucy, Emily and I a lift home (like the true pal she is, she insisted in mattered not a jot if Lucy puked up in her car). Nigel got the chance to stretch his legs and pushed Georgie home.
This meant of course, I didn't get much post-clear up chat with the volunteers who turned out in force - some from as far away as Glasgow and Fife.
Andy Spence reported that the Cemetery Park clear up had gone
well and sent me this smashing
photo of the team there. I really appreciated his efforts,
especially as he is so busy - he's standing as an
independent Councillor in the election AND he's father to six girls
(including triplets).
And a word re my sponsors….The first prize of a first class
rail travel for two on the Caledonian
Sleeper was kindly donated by First
Scotrail.
Volunteers were rewarded for their hard work with an assortment of natural fruit cordials supplied by BottleGreen (everyone adored these), Eat Natural bars (The Barker Family are now addicted) and wonderful Mentos (made by the geniuses that brought us Chupa Chups). Apparently you can do crazy things with Mentos & Coke but I wouldn't want to encourage you…
Prizes of cleaning products and Fat Traps were supplied by Henkel (I can personally testify to the brilliance of Limelite products) and Scottish Water respectively. I suspect a few of the Fat Traps might find a new lease of life as a geocache container...
See all of April's photos here.
Website of the day: Six Cities Design Festival - the 110 page programme arrived today and had my heart racing.
Guest blogger: Emily B
Well we start today off swimming, I went swimming with
Ann-M-rey Sarah and Esmy after that we went( to the mesheins) to get
some food x drink. Then we went to An-m-rey s house to play with Esmy
(we wour a bit cheky and emtid the big box with lots and lots and lots
of toys in)we et crisps and Juise it was fun!.
Website of the day: Dave Love's West Highland Way in 48 hours in aid of the Sick Kids.
Emily has lost both of her top front teeth and now whistles and lisps when she talks.
I took delivery of several cases of Bottle Green soft drinks for Sunday. I spent some time mixing up the boxes so that each site got a variety of flavours. They sound divine - Blackcurrant & Blueberry; Cranberry & Acai; Cox's Apple; Elderflower; Ginger & Lemongrass and Pomegranate & Elderflower.
Website of the day: PDFOnline - Upload your document (including xls and ppt) or image and it will be converted to PDF and emailed to you.
A Fat Trap has been sitting on top of the fridge for a fortnight, prompting Emily to ask "Have you caught any fat yet mummy?".
Last night's PTA was quite productive and I distributed some NetMum flyers.
Top priority today is finalising the details for Sunday's clear up and starting to put the details of the 3 Harbours Festival on the EH32 website.
I spent much of today outdoors doing general garden maintenance. This included the serious pollarding of a cherry tree which made me feel like an eco-terrorist but it had to be done. No matter how much I swung from the tree monkey-style, the top limbs weren't going to break so Nigel finished it off with a saw.
Lucy strided into nursery, hung up her coat and waved to her teachers. She didn't notice me leave and is really enjoying her time there.
We celebrated Earth Day on Sunday by walking to Seton Collegiate Church. According to the AA Travel Planner it only takes 4 minutes to drive there it. On foot, across fields it took us a glorious hour and a half. We spotted lots of orange tip butterflies, discovered a farm shop and talked to fellow ramblers. The church and its carving was very nice although the girls were more taken with the ruins in the grounds. After a picnic we walked back through the small wood where there was wild garlic growing in abundance. We came across a hedgehog which presumably was ill or injured to be out in the daytime but we didn't know what to do with the poor creature.
Everything went downhill on Sunday evening and I've been quite depressed since. The stress of unemployment has been getting to us, or to be specific, my powerlessness is getting to me. I feel at the mercy of the whims of others. Like being a child again - and that isn't pleasant. I've begun to doubt my own abilities and feel generally quite useless.
But...I have to get on with every day stuff plus various voluntary stuff which means dealing with council employees. The rudeness, incompetence and unprofessionalism of some of these peasants astounds me. They simply would not be employed in the private sector.
To end on a positive note...it was Lucy's first day at nursery today and she settled in very well. She was happy and confident and I have to believe that at least part of that is down to me.
AFter buying gym shoes for Lucy in Musselburgh, we picniced by the river and fed the birds. We walked along the river and decided to keep following the John Muir Walkway. We cut across the lagoons area and went home via Prestongrange.
The MCS's Beachwatch Report 2006 was published today.
The girls were delighted to see me this morning and Emily had left me a card. The front has a picture of two people, one labelled "friend", the other labelled "mummy". They are holding glasses and saying "Chears". Inside the card the message reads "To lovey mummy. I hope you had a good time and enghoyn yourself. From Emily p.s. I love you lots. xxxxxx."
The Prestongrange clear up has become an official Geocaching Cache In Trash Out event. Huge thanks to Haggis Hunter and the GeoX Forum for helping with this.
Website of the day: Historic Scotland - Free entry at all properties this weekend!
As we waited for the bell to ring on the first day back to school the mother's coven was at work hubbling and bubbling. It is enough to give me a headache. It was enough to give me a headache. I retreated to the sofa for the rest of the afternoon.
Fortunately I recovered to go to the Goth and meet up with my own coven. It was exactly what I needed. Wit, wisdom and lots of wine.
But what really made it a good night was that when I came home, Nigel reported that the girls had been fine. Whether this is true or not was irrelevant - it was what I needed to hear to have a guilt-free night out.
I'm going to really try to get through tomorrow without worrying whether I talked too much, drank too much etc etc.
Website of the day: Rebel Clown Army
Today I will be:
thinking about Alan and Mum (virtual hugs are being sent from
all of us)
washing & ironing (back to school tomorrow)
running after Nigel (it's his turn to be ill)
keeping an eye on the weather (we had hoped to picnic)
getting increasingly bored with burlesque (what's so clever?)
Website of the day: Bzz campaign - testers for new products required - I'm about to test Wilkinson Intuition Plus razors.
(Using the link gives me extra points/prizes/samples or something).
I really resent having to tick "Unemployed" on survey forms in the absence of full time mum/housewife/bon viveur/wit option.
The main differences between working in an office and working at home seem to be:
I don't have time to send "humourous"/"cute"/petitions/advice in chain letter format.
It is no longer fun to read through a stationery catalogue
And the big one....I can't phone in sick. The girls are all better but Nigel and I are feeling a bit yuck.
Today we went on an expedition to locate a hidden tunnel and we found it. We must have walked over the top of it a zillion times. We found the ledge overhanging the mouth of the tunnel quickly enough but we had to work a little harder to walk through. The tunnel traverses 15 feet or so below the road. We took it in turns to crawl through a hole in the wall and lowered ourselves down from the ledge. There were plenty of trees to hold onto. It is obviously not such a big secret - the whole path is covered with dumped pallets, bikes and worse. The tunnel itself has an arched brick roof. It is short enough to see light through the other side and cool and dry inside.
Afterwards we bought ice creams at the Drum Mhor Camp site then spent some time at Prestongrange. We came back via Sam Burns before spending some time in the garden. The weather has been amazing. The garden is full of bees (which according to The Bumblebee Trust are at risk of extinction), wasps and butterflies.
Website of the day: Guerrilla Gardening - fed up with a neglected space? want to wage war on weeds? Are you a secret sprinkler of seeds/midnight planter of bulbs?
Song in my head: Release Me - Laura (the one from the Saab Biopower advert)
Happy Birthday Rachel! Happy Vaisakhi! and Lucky Friday 13th.
I finally got to meet Hannah, Hollie (and Brad). They are lovely! Even though they are twins they are very different, both in appearance and personality. We attempted to get a photograph of all the kids together but Georgie wouldn't co-operate. It would be lovely to get all four sisters and their respective children in one photograph but I'm not sure how we could make that happen. If such a thing were possible I'd like the picture to show all the children playing in the garden, hanging from trees, coming down the slide, jumping on the trampoline. Or maybe just get the mums to do that - now that would make a fun photo!
More about Vaisakhi the Sikh festival celebrating the birth of the Khalsa at Sikhi Wiki - Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
The change in Georgie is remarkable. She is well on the way to recovery and smiling again. Lucy is better too but still not eating. But....Emily was sick twice this morning. However, she perked up very quickly and hopefully is on the mend.
Inspired by last night's The Apprentice, I've been wracking my brains to come up with a business venture that doesn't involve driving, exploiting people or selling my soul.
The doctor advised us to be on the alert from redness in the face and a raised temperature. It seems the strawberry pattern on Lucy's tongue could indicate scarlet fever. We had to reschedule Julie & Brad's visit with the twins. I've yet to meet Hollie and Hannah so this was upsetting but unavoidable in the circumstances.
While Nigel was at the docs, I attempted to do some cleaning. I picked up the cork mat and out sprinted the ugliest creature I have ever seen. It was a woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata). I rehomed him outside and noticed how wonderfully fragrant the the garden is at the moment - unlike indoors.
Later, some Jehova Witnesses came to the door. When I explained I had two sick children they asked if I needed anything which was unexpectedly thoughtful.
Website of the day: Cagney & Lacey Official Site
Lucy and Georgie both ate porridge this mornng with no after effects but spent today sleeping 80% / whimpering 20%.
The blossom on the trees seems to have come out overnight.
Website of the day: Arika - the people behind Resonant Spaces and Instal fest.
Holiday Monday was a bit like a repeat of yesterday only now Lucy has the s&d bug too. Emily has been particularly well behaved - that is to say she hasn't been badly behaved which amounts to the same thing (I am a believer in the "ignore the negative and reward the positive" school of discipline). I made a point of telling Emily Iwas pleased with her behaviour - as Supernanny or someone said "the behaviour that is rewarded will be repeated".
The MOD's rationale for allowing military personnel to sell their stories is that the media were hounding them and their families. Interesting reward system...
Of course, if everyone claiming to be outraged by chequebook journalism just ignored it and didn't buy a newspaper....
Website of the day: Freakonomics Blog
Lucy got locked in the loo this morning and, unsurprisingly, was very upset. A long awl-like thing was needed but nothing we had to hand worked well enough so we had to break down the door.
Georgie is on the mend but still very sleepy and not interested in food so I volunteered to stay at home with her while the rest of the Barkers went hunting for eggs at Prestongrange Museum. This wasn't a hugely magnanimous gesture on my part as I was looking forward to some peace and quiet to, erm, eat chocolate.
With Georgie asleep on the sofa beside me I ate chocolate, drank coffee and watched the excellent The Ghost and Mrs Muir. On their return from Prestongrange, Emily and Lucy helped me make a papier mache thing - can't say what as it will spoil someone's surprise.
Emily has updated her webpages to include a book report - you can view it here (scroll down to the foot of the page).
The day began at approximately three a.m. when Georgie started being sick. We ran out of beds. She carried on being sick for the next couple of hours and at seven o'clock I woke up having fallen asleep on the sofa. Georgie was lying asleep at my feet.
Fortunately Emily was going out swimming with a friend and, later, Nigel took Lucy swimming so both non-poorly children had some fun outside the house.
I'm writing this close to midnight and Georgie has taken her first sips of water that have stayed down. It's been rough. She looks so forlorn and sad.
With a programme promising music, science, a crèche, nutritional advice and a grown-ups only café with aromatherapy, you might think the "Parents Like Us" Festival would be right up my street. Sadly, I cannot get beyond the unbearingly smug title.
If I'm being brutally honest, I probably am most comfortable with people from a fairly similar background (a lot posher than me and I start to flounder - much chavvier and I'm lost). But….I don't require my friends to be carbon copies of myself. Apart from the fact that would make me very narcissistic, judgemental and shallow, it would also be incredibly limiting - where exactly would I meet other metal detecting, polenta-eating, pro-breastfeeding, anti-bullshitting, geocaching, smoking tolerant non-smoking, greenish socialist, Guardian-reading stay-at-home-kickass mommas?
Where was that Festival again?
Parents
Like Us Festival, Friday 11 to Sunday 13 May 2007, Leith
Links, Edinburgh, 10:00am - 5:30pm, ADMISSION FREE
The glorious weather continued today. I put Georgie in a pair of white shorts and she looked absolutely adorable - for five minutes.
I enjoyed a pleasant child-free cuppa with Annemarie this afternoon.
After dinner we walked across to the field to look at what we now know to be the trenches for the archaeological survey. No sign of a mosaic floor or Bonnie Prince Charlie's sword or anything likely to halt proceedings but I thought the trench was remarkably shallow.
What are they doing in the field opposite? A digger is digging out zig-zag trenches that are then almost immediately filled in. Is it some sort of drainage check? A test of some sort? Waking up this morning it looked like gigantic moles had been at work. I still can't get used to opening the curtains and seeing 20 people opposite me. I can't begin to imagine what it will be like when I'm staring straight at a house.
Despite the noise of diggers, we are spending lots of time outside and today we saw our first butterfly.
I went along to the Community Centre today to give blood but, disappointingly, my haemoglobin levels are still not high enough. According to the leaflet I was given, I should eat plenty nuts, pulses, oily fish and green vegetables. I already eat tons of iron-rich foods and I've been popping iron tablets for the past three days. What do they want from me? Blood?
Website of the date: Meshcards - don't tell me you haven't heard of them! Everyone has them nowadays....(You're right, I don't really understand what they are all about. I think they are like business cards for hip and groovy young things.)
We were too late to join in the Easter activities at the Mercat Gait Centre today and I wasn't looking forward to keeping three grumpy children entertained all day. But Mo was at the door with Kelly and Dean. They too had missed out on the easter egg hunt and we all spent a pleasant afternoon in the garden. Georgie was very pleased to have a baby visit us and kept shouting "Baby!".
This morning an Easter egg arrived through the post for Emily. Perhaps anticipating my instruction to share it with her sisters she said "Mummy, I thought you should know that it says 'Not Suitable for Children Under 3' on the wrapping".
Website of the day: Edinburgh Marathon - why not volunteer at a water station? - I'm going to!
Today is Hanuman Jayanti - a celebration of the monkey-headed god considered to be an embodiment of Lord Rama. Hanuman Jayanti is a time to reflect upon how we can live in harmony alongside other living creatures and should be celebrated through acts of selflessness and devotion. Somehow litterpicking and bookcrossing don't seem to cut it. I suppose I could clean out Reggie's cage or make him a new cardboard house.
I've yet to see my first butterfly of the year but there are lots of ladybirds on the garden. I managed to persuade one to pose for a photo - which reminds me - March photos have been published here.
I received an email today from someone I don't think I know (maybe I do), forwarding some dubious "jokes" about "Scousers". Quite why I received this is a mystery but to restore the balance...
...Website of the day: Liverpool European Capital of Culture
I heard today that East Lothian Council has decided to rename some East Lothian towns because of the reputation they have outside the county. As of 01/04/2009, Prestonpans will be known as Gordonstown and Haddington will become Fishville. For the full story click here.
--ooOoo--
The weather was lovely today and we spent most of the day in the garden. I dug up lots of grape hyacinth/muscari which had spread into the gravel path. I replanted a few in the grass verge.
The full moon is looking beautiful.
Reminder to self: Monday 2 April 2007, 15:45-16:00 - 1707: In the Footsteps of Defoe (Radio 4 FM)
Georgie and Lucy have colds. Yesterday evening, Lucy had, unbeknownst to us, stood on the edge of the recycling crate in a bid to reach a tissue. The crate toppled over and her top two teeth bit through her bottom lip. This necessitated a taxi ride to the Sick Kids during which both Lucy and Georgie were sick.
Lucy was checked out and thankfully there doesn't appear to be any permanent damage. The inside of her lip will heal quickly and the outer part wasn't punctured completely right through. Even the wobbly top tooth should be okay but an x-ray will be needed to confirm that.
All three girls liked being out so late and we all happily sauntered across the Meadows and down the Bridges to Waverley to get the last train home. We returned home shortly before midnight, tired but mightily relieved.
This morning I was up and out early with my litterpicker when I joined the Churches Clear Up Crew for a clean up of the Pennypit. It was nice to meet other people who dislike litter as much as I do and it was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.
I don't "do" organised religion, and am a bit of a spiritual tourist celebrating Pagan and Hindu festivals more often than Christian ones...but a bit of humility never did anyone any harm. Besides, I love my town and I have a lot to be thankful for.
You Tube of the day: Krishna -A beautiful devotional song.
I've been having a few problems with my flux capacitor causing a timeloop paradox....that isn't really true. But I have been busy.
I completely forgot I had a 50 minute evening appointment at the dentist on Tuesday. It really isn't like me to be so scatterbrained.
There is a theory that most drunken fights happen because of the inability to pick up on minute facial "warnings" when under the influence.
I'm convinced that the under 30s will have similarly impaired social skills because of the amount of time they spend in online forums. They are no substitute for a real conversation (i.e. one where you can see the other person's facial expressions screaming "boring"). How will people learn the boundaries of acceptable taste and humour if they can't actually see the person's reaction?
-ooOoo-
I've updated my Lists.
The stress is getting to us both. Gardening seemed like good therapy. My sort of gardening involves hanging mannequins on the garden fence, sticking candelabra in the ground and arranging pebbles. Lucy pointed at the three female torsos saying "that looks nice mummy". Georgie was beside herself with excitement when she saw a ladybird although wasn't so keen to have it crawl on her. Emily pulled weeds from between the paving slabs.
Welcome British Summer Time! I missed the extra hour in bed but sitting in the garden drinking coffee and reading my book in the early evening glow is worth it. I'm on last chapter of "Blue Smoke" by Nora Roberts. It has made me quite jumpy and when I noticed a man prowling around the undergrowth I was a bit alarmed. He was with another man and a dog (who were waiting for him a few feet away). I'm sure there was an innocent explanation but I am a bit more jumpy than normal.
It occured to me that I must look equally suspicious poking around bushes with my litterpicker or looking under park benches for the ever-elusive geocache!
Website of the day: Royal Greenwich Observatory - did you know we've been springing forward and falling back for 100 years?
I hadn't originally planned to go to the library today but the combination of a thumping headache and the thought of missing out on a new leaflet or event flyer convinced me to join the rest of the Barkers for some fresh air. Afterwards we ventured eastwards along the beach - what a mess! The area at the back of Fowler's Court is an a shocking state with a staggering collection of cans and cider bottles, bottle lids, the usual pieces of plastic and two Somerfield shopping trolleys. We carried on to LIDL where we bumped into Julie who solved the mystery of the cushions.
We were almost home when a car drew up along side Northfield House. I get asked for directions a gazillion times a day on Preston Road but as the driver got out of his car and strode purposefully towards us he didn't look lost, in fact he looked very happy. "Nigel? Jan?" he said. It turned out to be Johnston - who regularly reads this blogorrhoea. I still find it hard to believe I have a "fanbase". I think I may get blogstipation. But it was very nice to meet him.
Website of the day: Newhaven Agency - now that is how a blog should look! A masterpiece of a website.
Thank you to Amanda, Annemarie, Barbara, Bronwyn, Carmel, Ceinwyn, Donna, Elaine, Jackie, Jane, Julie, Natalie & Nicola and their respective children for coming along to the Coffee Aftermorning.
Specifically, thank you for: noticing the Susie Cooper, not noticing the cobwebs, drinking coffee, buying books, bringing goodies, the hugs, refilling the coffee maker, not minding that I can't bake, bringing along new friends, laughing, rolling up your sleeves and washing dishes.
And to the 18 youngsters - you were brilliant!
It looks like we will have made over £50 for the Meningitis Trust.
Things that are puzzling me: Where did the two
cushions on the doorstep come from?
I can't bake. Worse than that, I always forget that I can't bake. Despite the fact one cake wasn't cooked in the middle, another was stuck in the tin and the flapjack was entirely ruined...I looked at this picture and, for a fleeting moment actually thought "I wonder if I have any bananas...". Will I ever learn?
Website of the day: Cox and Cox - seriously gorgeous garden and party items
What do you do if you have a Word document you want to be able to share with other people but don't want to email it to them or put in or your own website? Maybe there is a very straightforward answer but yesterday I couldn't think what it could be. What I needed was a Frappr for documents. As it turned out Google Docs & Spreadsheets did the job. I then plonked the text in the editor and shortened the URL using tinyurl.
The areas being targetted for the Sunday 29th April Spring Clean are: The Pennypit; Cemetery Park; Preston Links Sailing Centre; Prestonpans Community Centre; Meadowmill; West Links & Prestongrange Mining Museum. Prizes, goody bags and clean up kits to be had - the registration form is available here (which is of course the document I was referring to above).
Website of the day: 2D
dIGITAL iMAGING - studio portraits for all the family
In an echo of last year's Mothering Sunday, I sat watching reflections from the disco ball in the garden dance along my bedroom wall. This year, Emily has prepared breakfast in bed and made me a crown to wear. She offered to read a poem from "Crazy Mayonnaisy Mum" but then couldn't find the book. It all went a bit downhill after that.
I started to read "If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things" by Jon McGregor. It started off well, very poetic, but the multi-layered narrative didn't really work for me.
Website of the day: Bemz - discontinued covers for your Ikea furniture.
On Friday morning, Lucy's speech therapy meeting had gone well and we were happy. Then, Nigel's mobile rang - it was his agency.
The attempted fraud originating from our London house is causing problems. In short, it isn't possible to over-ride the CIFAS report. We looked into getting our file amended but this seems to involve filing a police report. The police aren't interested as we "aren't the victims". It sure as hell feels that way.
After this bombshell, I went to school for my mother's day pampering. It was really very nice to have a hand massage from Emily with BodyShop lotions and I decided to give myself time off from worrying about the future.
In theory, it should have been a good idea to watch Comic Relief and hear about people in far worse situations then I could imagine...but it didn't. I felt irritated by the silly presenters, their faux humility and expensive frocks.
Today, Emily and I walked down to the town hall with Annemarie and Esme for the Woodland Group's Coffee Morning. I was on the bric-a-brac stall which was fun. I bought several retro items including a clock; a coaster of GPO Tower (or London Telecom Tower as it now known) and some plastic eggcups. I also bought a tour of the Power Station for Nigel. It was nice to meet Stuart Macpherson and Abbie Marland, both of whom I have corresponded with but not met in the flesh. Dr Mac gave us a lift back with two trays of leftover plants which I hope to sell at Friday's coffee aftermorning.
Plug of the day: Join water sports enthusiasts, surfers against sewage and Scottish Greens to help keep our beaches oil free. Stop ship to ship transfers in the Forth and make your voice heard at a public rally on Saturday 24 March: North Berwick East Beach 11-12 Noon & outside Dalriada Pub, Portobello Beach, 3 - 4 p.m.
(If you can't make the rally, you can add your support to the petition here)
I had a mega migraine today. All I could do was retreat. Then, as if someone had flipped a switch in my head, it ended.
I'm still trying to work out what the very bright white light is that we've noticed from our bedroom window the past few nights. If anyone knows, please let me know.
And still they keep coming - East Lothian Courier article on balloon ban
Emily fell in the playground today and badly cut her chin. She will have to keep a steristrip on for five days and is worried that people will make fun of her. Thank you to Mrs Colquhoun for taking her to the medical centre and giving us a lift home; and to Cyndi and Barbara for the medical treatment.
After the drama of today combined with last night's poor sleep (the alarm system was triggered), we're all pretty wiped out.
Balloon story of the day: BBC News
The smell of hyacinths filled the dining room this morning.
Across the field I can see the barriers put up by the builders have fallen down again. This begs the question, how will the houses stay upright if they can't get a fence to stay standing?
I listened to a very interesting interview with ex-Scotsman Editor Magnus Linklater on Radio Scotland's Paper Tigers programme.
While Nigel and Lucy were at the Hillhead comic mart, the rest of the Barker girls stayed in the Pans. We had a pleasant time at the Church Coffee Morning. There were quite a few familiar faces in the packed Town Hall (Thank you Betty and her sister for the pigs!). Emily won a chocolate bunny for her colouring-in of an Easter egg. I bought a cycling helmet, some stencils, a handcrafted card and some home-baking. I next Saturday's coffee morning in aid of the Prestonlinks Woodland Group has a good turnout.
The balloon press reports continue to pop up. The comments on the Scotsman website are mostly favourable. There is also a mention in the Glasgow Herald.
We went hunting for a second geocache this afternoon but abandoned our search when we couldn't find it at the given co-ordinates and skies turned grey. We will try again another time.
The Evening News have picked up on the school's balloon story. There appears to be some confusion over balloon releases and balloon races. Some people actually think the school is against kids racing with balloons between the knees. For the avoidance of doubt, the school is against releasing balloons.
Nigel has been offered a six month contract in Edinburgh. I am elated he will not have to work away from home. I couldn't bear it.
Thank you mum for the perfectly timed champagne and flowers.
Website of the day: Join Me - Random Acts of Kindness from Danny "Leader of the Karma Army" Wallace
Really simple yoghurt cake (or muffins)
Empty your favourite yoghurt into a mixing bowl. Keep the carton to measure out the following: 1 carton sugar; 2 cartons self-raising flour; half carton sunflower oil; two eggs. I added a punnet of blueberries. Mix; bake; Robert's your father's brother.
Website of the day: Pressbox - free press release distribution service and PR tips. (the PR for the Balloon Release Ban can be seen here.)
I was delighted to take delivery of two boxes of Eat Natural bars. On box contained cranberry & macadamia with belgian dark chocolate, the other was yoghurt coated almond & apricot bars. These are for "Oblitter8", the massive Prestonpans-wide Spring Clean, scheduled to take place on Sunday 29th April. If you haven't already registered your interest, staked your plot, formed your team or picked your outfit, best get a move on - and drop an email to Stuart Pryde to let him know you want to take part.
I have of course, in my official capacity as something or other, tasted them. They are absolutely wonderful. My favourite is the cranberry & macadamia.
Having a thoroughly fab day today. Lucy enjoyed her first visit to nursery and we're really looking forward to her starting there after the Easter break.
Website of the day: Crossing the Line - website of installation artist Ettie Spencer
I am a perfect size 8. Well, to be accurate, my feet are a perfect size 8. Which would be perfect but for the fact that Lidl's lovely flowery £5.99 wellies only go to size 7. Nevermind, I picked up a tup of wildflower seeds to start a meadow somewhere.
Nigel having a study day today. I think he is shellshocked after West Ham's defeat yesterday.
There was a good turnout for today's clear up and it was nice to see some new faces. I've said it before but it's worth saying again...spending time with positive people is incredibly energising.
Big plug of the day: Oxfam Charity Ball on Saturday 10th March, Prestonpans Community Centre. Tickets for this fundraising extravaganza cost £15 (you can buy on the door or from eBay) and include a champagne reception, buffet, live music from Stagefright, raffle and a charity auction. Tell everyone!
I nearly forgot that today is a special day. We moved house a year ago today. In celebration, I got the hoover out. Nigel had a bonfire.
A nice Man From The Cooncil dropped off the litterpickers for Sunday's clear up so we took them for a test drive. In circling our house via Tower Gardens, we filled a pink refuse sack.
We watched Hellzapoppin' with the kids, Dancing on Ice and I baked banana bread and rosemary bread.
Iv'e been a little short on focus today and haven't used my time terribly effectively.
With the exception of bringing in the garden waste bin, I haven't been out today.
Curiously, I have found the February photographs I thought I had lost forever. I'm delighted to have them but am a little baffled.
I see from FutureEventz site that The Levellers will be appearing at this year's Prestonpans Music Festival. Wow! They will be supported by The Hussy's (The Hussy's's apostrophe, not mine).
Happy World Book Day (and St David's Day)!
The official opening of Prestonpans Library was very nice with speeches from the Lord Provost; Mary Contini and a great grandson of Andrew Carnegie. School children sang, photos were taken, food was eaten -it was a thoroughly pleasant event and I was glad to have been asked.
I've been gathering support for the school's stance on balloons and have received lots of positive feedback.
We had a very successful (home made) dinner this evening: falafel, tomato soup, crusty bread and lemon cake.
Website of the day: East Lothian Museums Service Photos of Flickr - check out the locomotives!
Today's PTA meeting was....interesting. There are some strong personalities (aren't there always!) involved with the PTA and I had my work cut out dissuading them from holding a balloon release. I felt my face burning as I held up the Marine Conservation Society's poster from their "Don't Let Go" campaign.
They are not going to have a balloon race and, better yet are going to pledge never to hold one. Quite possibly the worst presentation I've ever given in my life - with the best result.
Thank you Christine for the lift and for the books ("A Place Called Here" - Cecelia Ahern and "Solo" - Jill Mansell). I need a change of pace after finishing (the excellent) "The Star of the Sea" by Joseph O'Connor.
This evening's tea passed without incident. To the cous cous, Nigel added had added garlic, onions, sultanas, lemon juice a stock cube and, erm squid. I nearly screamed when I saw the teeny tiny cephalopods on my plate. The taste reminded me of kidney. I think I prefer our usual sidedish of sardines.
Website of the week: Fly in the Face - Fran Crowe's attitude to litter makes me look quite laid back - also one of the most beautiful personal webpages I've ever seen.
Emily's eating plan has fallen at the first cod fillet-shaped hurdle. We've tried so bloody hard to get her to eat. I even baked the cakes she asked for - all four of them. I don't know where we go from here but it is so frustrating.
Plug of the day: Want to make a big difference in your community? Join a large group of local organisations at a public meeting on Monday 5 March @ 7pm in Prestonpans Community Centre and see how you can contribute to OBLITTER8 - a massive day of community action against litter.
I have commandeered Lucy & Georgie's wardrobe. Finally, I can select an outfit, rather than wearing whatever is reachable and clean. It is a joy to see my beautiful salwar kameez lined up alongside outrageous Red or Dead numbers.
I can only get away with this move because the little two don't have too much that requires to be hung up. It will of course be different when they are teenagers but by then I'll just take over the attic (accessed of course from a stannah stairlift in my bedroom).
On Friday we were delighted to learn that Lucy will start
nursery after Easter. We were less than delighted to discover that
fraudsters, using our London address, could put Nigel's security
clearance in jeopardy.
We deliberately had a quiet weekend just pottering around the garden on
Saturday, playing Swingball and bit of shopping and housework on
Sunday. Nigel took time out of studying to rustle up some spectacular
meals including sticky black rice with mango and ice cream.
Big thanks to Henkel
for providing cleaning products for the groups taking part in the big
Prestonpans Spring Clean.
Today marks the start of Emily's choice of evening meals for the next
five days.
My litter picker has arrived.
Nigel has an interview.
Website of the week - In Kind Direct
Picture the scene this morning. Two out of three children breakfasting. None are dressed. Georgie spills an entire bowl of cornflakes on the only fully dressed member of the household - me. Emily is refusing to get dressed. I am reminding her that my obligation to the school extends only to getting her to school - and regardless of her state of undress we will be leaving for school in 12 minutes.
Amidst this mayhem Nigel says, inexplicably, "Blood Turnips". I look at him. "…a new name for beetroot" he explains. Of course.
Speaking without thinking & and acting without consideration of the consequences or feelings of others, have been the main causes of my angst this week.
I've been irritated by Cuthill Project plan. The Council have not been included in the process and, consequently, things have come to a standstill. Question: Where does that leave the people who give up their time and energy clearing rubbish. Answer: Back where we started - only this time without the goodwill of the volunteers, some of whom feel manipulated in a political/publicity pantomime. Partnership working is the only way forward.
I really must limit my exposure to limiting people.
I could always ask suspected numpties "How often do you read the Daily Mail?" and any answer other than a shriek of horror results in my swift exit. Problem is you can't always spot the Daily Wailers.
Despite detesting the Jeremy Kyle show, I understand its appeal - it's allows people to feel morally/intellectually/socially superior.
I see this in action daily. Complex problem to solve? Bitch about someone! (After all, gossip is the currency of the intellectually bankrupt) Don't understand something? Ridicule it! Don't like yourself very much? Bring someone else down!
Yes, the Jeremy Kyle Show is watched in huge numbers but
popularity is never an indicator of quality - the Sun
newspaper is sold in huge numbers. At the rate these type of
programmes are churned out we are going to run out chav fodder. This
will result in a huge number of people for whom finding someone to feel
superior to is going to prove quite a challenge...
When someone who has hitherto been downright unfriendly attempts to ingratiate themselves to me I can always pinpoint precisely what brought about my newfound popularity. I don't always know their agenda but there always is one…
Error of Omission: How could I have forgotten to mention meeting baby Dean for the first time yesterday- shame on me. He is absolutely adorable.
Another adorable baby is Amillia Taylor who was born after less than 22 weeks gestation. She measured 9.5 inches long and weighed only 10 ounces. Four months later, Amelia is doing well and going home. "The pro-lifers will be loving this story" says Nigel, apparently forgetting my own love of life. I hope everyone will love this story.
Pancake filling of the day: Chicken Curry
The garden is looking a bit tidier after spending much of Sunday collecting leaves and cutting back overgrown ivy. We had noodles and pork strips in a stir fry in honour of Chinese New Year and made paper lanterns.
I've got a new LIDL shopping method which involves carrying two BookStart bags over one arm, my Intercity ticket man's bag over the buggy handlebars and wedging two packs of nappies under Georgie's feet. It's a shame the new buggy doesn't have a better shopping basket but whaddya do?!
Today, in the library, I picked up "The East Lothian Business Directory" which contains a loyalty card giving discounts in shops displaying the logo. The best offer I could see was 40% off a cut and blow dry at Medusa (Monday - Friday).
Website of the day: East Lothian Litter Initiative - There will be a public meeting at the Community Centre on Monday 5th March at 7 p.m. to plan the 2007 Prestonpans Spring Clean (or Obliterate as I like to call it).
This Friday was even tighter for time than usual as I had a meeting about implementing a Prestonpans-wide (Pan-Pans!) spring clean. It was nice to finally meet Stuart Pryde (of "The Cooncil") with whom I've corresponded umpteen times. Ian Telford came along representing the Community Council - he has fingers in more pies than Desperate Dan. I was very pleased Mr Willie Galbraith, the Headteacher of Preston Lodge, could make the meeting. I hadn't met him before and he is very supportive of the project and full of enthusiasm and good ideas.
Late afternoon brought on a fierce migraine - nausea, flashing lights, shaky hands - the works. I retreated to my bed feeling utterly miserable. Downstairs everyone seemed to be singing/shrieking/yelling and every noise ripped through my head. (Non-migraine sufferers will not have a clue what I'm on about). At one point I thought they were all banging pots and pans together. I couldn't stand it and I couldn't adequately express how terrible I felt, having lost the use of my brain/speech co-ordination.
I was fed up with my family and Nigel was none too happy at being deserted for three hours though it only seemed like 20 minutes to me). I can't abide grown up sulking, and consider it terribly manipulative.
This morning, I was glad to get out of the house. Emily and I wandered down to the school where a few people were helping to make a vegetable garden. It was hard work carrying sleepers to form the beds; carrying sacks of concrete for the fence posts and wheeling barrow-loads of earth.
It was a lovely bright day and I was glad that Nigel, Lucy & Georgie decided to join us. There were plentiful supplies of coffee and delicious traybakes; the kids played well together and there was a really nice friendly atmosphere. After five hours, the volunteers went home tired, filthy, but happy.
Website of the Day: World Community Arts Day
Happy Maha Shivaratri
Website of the day: Maha Shivaratri -Celebrating the Night of Lord Shiva
Some time ago, in Stranraer, an American woman got chatting about how quickly children grow up and cautioned me to "take photographs with my heart". I thought it was a nice sentiment, if a bit schmaltzy.
Today was a deliciously crisp spring day so we walked along Gardiner's Terrace and up to the top of the pyramid-shaped coal bing. The view was out of this world. I was soooo happy. When we came home I uploaded the photos I had taken along the way. There were some nice ones: the two horses at Bankton House, a nice one of a high speed Virgin train and, of course, the ones from the top of the bing capturing the glorious views across to Fife. When I accidently wiped them from the camera without saving, I remembered the American tourist's advice.
And from bing to Bada Bing - I'm looking forward to watching the final episode of the Sopranos this evening.
A food blog:
I bit into a square of Cadbury's fruit and nut and immediately my tooth cracked. A trip to the dentist sorted it out temporarily but I'll need a crown :-(
It was nice to see Ceinwyn and the girls. We had pitta pockets stuffed with avocado, bacon, spinach and tomato.
Almost 18 years after he first made me Eggy Bread, Nigel made some for me tonight. Now we are posh we call it French Toast and have it with coulis ;-)
Website of the day: Notes from the Green Side - Nigel's new IT Security blog. It's all geek to me but doesn't he sound clever? Bless...
One of my favourite things is watching my children dance. Whenever I watch them leap about with wild abandon I am reminded of the Mark Twain quote:
"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth."
...blog like nobody's reading?
Website of the day: Bitecard
J: What was the name of the film you wanted me to rent?
N: Vulva
J: (outraged)What?!
N: (perplexed) What?
J: Vulva?!!!!!!
N: I don't know what it means - it's Spanish
J: (disbelievingly)You've never heard of "vulva"?
N: VOLVER - like the end of Revolver
And for the record, the title of this Pedro Almodovar film means "to return" and should be pronounced "Bol-ber".
Website of the day: Missing Twin-
we're eagerly awaiting the arrival of "The Blackest Gnome" - priced
£4..
On Friday, the buggy snapped in half. I hopped on the bus to Musselburgh fully expecting to pick up a cheap stroller in a charity shop but there were none so I continued on to Portobello. It is yonks since I've been there.
Portobello used to be one of those places that always seemed slightly out of my reach. When I was looking to buy my first flat I was quite attracted to the boho feel of Scotland's equivalent to Brighton, but it was always a bit too pricey. Sadly, looking around the High Street reminded me of many a London high street - shabbyness, To Let signs and neglect.
A glance at Portobello's Community Website reassures me that there is still a strong community feel to the place (and there are still of course several beautiful properties still slightly out of my reach) but on a grey day Edinburgh's Seaside appears to have lost some of its charm. But I did manage to find a pushchair in the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf charity shop.
Website of the day: WalkEars - get your free ears in make a donation to Comic Relief - maximum 2 pairs per household - no fighting now.
Georgie's reaction to yesterday evening's snowfall was quite lovely. She pointed, gasped and then waved her arms in excitement.
There was still some snow this morning and some older children threw a snowball at a passing car. The driver was incensed. He stopped his car and shouted "Idiots! You can take you out of the 'Pans but you can't take the 'Pans out of you, can you?".
By the time I trudged to school this afternoon the snow was almost all gone. The Eco-Defenders and I were tying our raincatchers to the school fence. The school have quite ambitious plans for the garden which sounds lovely if they all come to fruition.
Tip of the day: In order to cancel your Vodafone mobile phone account, send the following information to Vodafone Disconnection Department, Vodafone Ltd, PO Box 549, Banbury, OXON, OX17 3ZJ or fax to 08701 616500: first line of address with the postcode; date of birth; payment method; mobile and account number; landline number & your signature.
Happy 3rd Birthday Lucy!!!
The new/old library has reopened and is wonderfully light and spacious. With its comfy seating and flavia coffee maker it is more Borders than bibliotheque. Very cool.
It should have been a really pleasant day. We bought our Family Funday tickets which gave us a free trip on an open top bus round Glasgow. We planned to visit Kelvingrove and maybe the Transport Museum.
It started to go wrong when our train to Glasgow was diverted via Springburn due to engineering works. It was a slow journey and the kids were restless. Glasgow was grey and cold. We waited an eternity for the tour bus. We hadn't been on it long when Georgie began to shove her fist into her mouth and start crying - a sure sign she is about to be sick. Nigel bore the brunt of it. We pressed the bell to be let off the bus but the driver kept going and Georgie was sick again, this time on Lucy's head and in the hood of her coat.
We stank. We were tired. We wanted to go home.
We waited for the North Berwick train on Platform 4. We heard
a platform announcement stating our train was leaving Platform 10 in 3
minutes. We got to Platform 10 in 3 minutes and 2 seconds. We had to
wait an hour for the next train.
"Would you like to go on a picnic" I ask grumpy Lucy. "Hate nic nics" she replies. "That's just like when I left my tooth in my drawer at school" say Emily. It was after this bizarre exchange that I resolved to go on our first ever geocache.
We solved the clues fairly quickly but took longer to find the actual cache. OK, I actually forgot how to enter coordinates on my etrex but we found it anyway - a tupperware box with log and goodies. A brilliant way to spend some outdoor time.
I've had a good day.
I always enjoy school assemblies and today I had the privilege of presenting the Eco-Defenders with their bronze certificate. They are such an enthusiastic group. I enjoyed making rainwater catchers with them yesterday.
I fell off the mental health wagon last night and I'm still hurting.
That said, the sun is shining, spring is just around the corner - this is just a blip.
Today is the National Day of Nauru, the world's smallest
island nation in the Micronesian South Pacific. Read about Nauru's
fascinating past and uncertain future here.
I took Lucy and Georgie to Port Seton toddlers today. It was a nice walk there and the toddlers group had a great array of toys. What I particularly liked about it was that at a certain time, all the children sit together to have juice and a biscuit. After some initial clinginess both girls settled down and really enjoyed themselves. We had a look round The Anchor charity shop before making our way back via Cockenzie High Street. It was a wonderfully bright day but the return journey was a bit much for Lucy's wee legs.
Website of the day: Family Fun Weekend - If you travel from Edinburgh to Glasgow (or vice versa) this coming weekend, you will get free entry to selected attractions in the destination city. Free kids goodie bags can be collected on the station concourse or from onboard staff.
Lucy and Georgie had fun at the Art Attack session at the Community Centre. With the exception of Lucy wandering off and getting upset when she couldn't find me, it was a really nice day. We splodged, printed, glued and made the obligatory pasta necklace. Not even the presence of the Eternal Pessimist could spoil my mood (although I did find myself wondering whether the rest of E.P.'s miserable family are the result of nature or nurture).
We took advantage of the lovely weather and collected leaves from the garden - it was all going swimmingly until Lucy tripped and cut her lip.
Friday's launch of what2doineh32 had a good turnout and I was pleased to put some more faces to names. Big thanks to the Goth for providing the tapas.
On Saturday morning we breakfasted at the Community Centre where a party was being held for youngsters to celebrate the Centre's 25th anniversary. It was a pleasant start to the weekend and the girls had a lot of fun. Gary Copeland from the Singing Kettle was a star. I got ribbed plenty about the "campaigner for good causes" description.
On the return journey, via LIDL, we passed the what2doineh32 banners at Ayres Wynd. Thank you Steven and John - as if they aren't busy enough organising this year's Prestonpans Music and Beer Festival. Additionally, John is about to launch his latest venture - Future Adz so it was very kind of him to take the time to help.
Today was largely unproductive, I've completely lost my voice and just had a quiet day. And I forgot it was RSPB Gardenwatch weekend. Twit.
CONGRATULATIONS to Morag and David on the birth of their son yesterday afternoon. I can't wait to meet him!
There was quite an exciting delivery in the Barker Household this morning in the form of the new Cath Kidston catalogue. I fear the brand may go the same way as Burberry i.e. chav central. Other things in the mail included Aunt Bessies "Sit Down Sunday" booklet.
Two separate lots of M&S roses failed to last the guaranteed eight days but their letter assures me they are taking this seriously and encloses £20-worth vouchers as a gesture of goodwill which has gone some way to restoring my faith in the company.
I'm in the local paper to do with tomorrow's launch of the what2doinEH32 website. I'm described as a "campaigner for good causes" which makes me sound like a right old battleaxe. Which reminds me, I must do something about those lorries that are causing a hazard at the junction...
Chickenpox, tummy bugs and colds have taken over our lives. I'm feeling incredibly week and unable to rustle up too much enthusiasm for the various things that are bugging me, namely:
the removal of the swing frame from Cuthill Park - after Tom Ewing put in 10 hours painting it a shimmery gold. While this is incredible irritating, it does highlight the need to work in tandem with the Council, however tedious this may be.
The end of Nigel's contract. I hope it won't be too long before he finds another suitable contract but in the meantime, I'm really, really pleased to have him home.
I'm working on a joke that goes along the lines of "what's the difference between a trainspotter, a birdwatcher and a comic book fan?". Possible answers include: "The first two know they are nerds". Alternative suggestions on a postcard to the usual address please...
Attention Rock Stars Comic Fans -
there will be a Comic Mart at Hillhead Library 10th March.
Where has the week gone. I haven't used by time very effectively.
Website of the day: Jim Blanchard
I'm hoping a friend is going to start a blog/journal. Her emails mention poetry, music, family life, literature and nature and I love receiving them. It can be daunting committing your thoughts to cyberspace though. I've chosen not to have a "proper" blog, i.e. one that can be syndicated, commented upon, timestamped etc etc. Quite simply, I'm not confident enough in my writing abilities or up-to-date with current affairs to blog proper. And I'm not sure I would like someone commenting on my rants.
Although there are some excellent blogs out there, there is also an awful lot of rubbish. Many rely on photographs to convey a point (can't they use words?). Still more are written with the assumption that living in London or makes them interesting. Being defined by your postcode is as boring as being defined by your piercings. Additionally it misses the very essence of London living (by living there you cannot be defined, you can be anything you want to be - but that's another story).
While the world was blogging about Saddam Hussein, I was blethering about fruitcake and calendars. For the record, I am against the death penalty. Full stop. I don't feel the need to add "except in the case of [evil dictators/child molestors/delete as appropriate]…"
Perhaps there is a blogging template that goes along the lines: "I've nothing against [insert minority of your choice] but…" or "I'm normally against [insert subject here] but…"
Never in my life have I uttered a sentence that began "I'm not a racist but…". I think if you have to pre-qualify your sentence then you probably are in fact a racist.
What I'm currently reading: Arthur
and George - Julian Barnes - I'm enjoying this immensely.
I'm not sure whether it was me (Elvis has not yet left the building) or the Chumbawamba shopping bag that attracted strange glances in Nedsville today.
Emily reported that when looking out for me yesterday, she saw someone that looked like me. "Black hair, glasses...but she had no socks on.".
Offer Code of the Day: 20% off the Early Learning Centre - type "PARTY" in the offer code box on their website.
Today was a mess. After a very restless night we woke up late, tired and grumpy. Emily missed the first session of school. The school rang - I had got the collection time mixed up. Doh. A dollop of bicarbonate of soda (as suggested by Mary the HV) in Lucy and Georgie's bath seem to be helping the chickenpox.
One thing that did go right was my mushroom, tomato, spinach and butter bean bake with a cornflake, oats & cheese crumble topping.
Ceinwyn dropped by today and in doing so discovered how we untidy we are - i.e. disgustingly. Fortunately she is one of those people you can kick off your heels with and not worry about the squalor. People often comment on her name. Is it so unusual? Having attended school with a Gowan, Gideon, Hereward, Meredith, Bronwyn, Bertrand and Bryn (and countless Fionas), it doesn't sound unusual to my ears. And, for the record, I went to school in the Lothians.
Website of the day: The Vegan Family - packed with lots of recipes as well as giving a lovely insight to the family's life.
My weekend went something like this:
Saturday: Went to a coffee morning and bought some clothes, books, CDs and home baking. Did a big LIDL shop (including washing powder) after which the manager kindly called a taxi for us - that's customer service. I asked Nigel whether he thought my hair was getting less Elvis-looking "Yes definately, maybe, well perhaps I'm just getting used to it" he replied. Georgie's chickenpox got worse.
Sunday: I stayed at home with Itchy and Scratchy, who were utterly miserable, while Nigel took Emily to Glasgow. Every time Lucy discovered a new spot she declared "a chicken bite me again".
I was unfeasibly late for school this morning. Pushing the double buggy back up the hill against the wind with a flat tyre = no laughing matter.
Something I never thought I would say: "Can you pass me my mind map please Nigel"
Something to keep you safe: Reflectors
Something tasty: Carmel's Islay Loaf - Boil 1/2 pt cold water, 6oz raisins, 6oz brown sugar, 1tbs syrup and 1tbs butter. When cool, fold in 10oz s.r. flour, 2 tbs baking soda, 1 dsp mixed spice and 1/4 cup of chopped nuts. Bake for 1 hour at 180C. The addition of carrots makes its particularly sweet and moist.
Something that arrived in today's post: Personalised Luggage Tags
Something I haven't done for a very long time: Washed my hair with washing powder in an attempt to remove Elvis Presley black hair dye.
We watched "V for Vendetta" last night. I haven't read the comic so had no preconceptions of what it might be like (other than if it was as bad as "From Hell" then Nigel would be banned from choosing films again). I enjoyed it.
Received lots of nice mail today including a beautiful card (great colouring-in, Lauren and Martha) in an ingeniously home-crafted envelope.
Thanks to the arrival of my new press, the "Toast in the Post" range has been expanded to include "Happy Birthday".
Thinking about Granda Jim today. Sending a virtual hug across the Internet.
Website of the day: Your Perfume Gift - my three samples arrived today.
The system MI5 uses to assess the threat from International terrorism:
* Low - an attack is unlikely
* Moderate - an attack is possible, but not likely
* Substantial - an attack is a strong possibility
* Severe - an attack is highly likely
* Critical - an attack is expected imminently
The current threat level is assessed as SEVERE
Website of the day: PaperPod
It is too windy to play outside and the littlest Barkerettes are stir crazy.
They have invented a game. It works like this: Georgie sits atop the sofa. Lucy gives her a big push and she rolls off the sofa and lands on the floor with a bump. She immediately jumps to her feet, races to the back of the sofa where Lucy is waiting. Georgie gives her a big push and she rolls off the sofa and lands on the floor with a bump. She immediately jumps to her feet, races to the back of the sofa ...
I've put crayons and paper out on the dining room table in a bid to calm them down without resorting to TV. While I'm doing this they have got a loo roll and have spread it, Andrex puppy-stylee throughout the ground floor. There are baby wipes everywhere. In my crossest voice, I tell them I'm very cross with them. They both begin to cry, I feel like crying. I'm getting a headache.
I make a cup of coffee, Lucy comes over and says "sorry". We cuddle on the sofa and watch magpies struggling to fly in the gales. We're friends again.
I had a productive morning after dropping Emily off at school. I went to Lidl and was incredibly restrained and stuck to the shopping list..ish. They had reduced their delicious spiced biscuits to 19p. In fact, they had reduced lots of yummy things to 19p but I resisted (fearing I may be increased to 19 stones). I mentioned the dumped flyers we found in Saturday's clear up to the manager who explained they had experienced problems with their distribution company.
Website of the day: Compost at Home - I'm going to order a 220 litre composter for £6 (free delivery) which comes with a free caddy for kitchen waste.
It's been an outdoorsy weekend and I've really enjoyed it. Yesterday was the clear up at Cuthill Park and it was a lot of fun. The Council dropped off litter pickers, gloves and refuse sacks and Keep Scotland tidy provided hi-vis tabards and extra bags. All I needed was some extra hands. And I got them... huge thanks to the many people who came along to help out.
Upon arrival at Cuthill Park, you are "greeted" with masses of dog dirt and broken glass. However, one you have passed through the entrance, you may be forgiven for thinking it's not too bad, just overgrown (and lacking in play equipment). Actually, the fact it has been neglected for so long makes it the perfect dumping ground because even large objects are well hidden.
The fact that it has been a dumping ground for quite a long time made the clear up much more difficult, not just in terms of the sheer volume of objects, but the fact that lots of it was tangled in jaggy thorns or,as in the case of the bed spring, embedded in long grass.
While some of the group were focussing on the large, bulky items, others were painstakingly collecting the tiny shards of glass that littered the tarmac by the rusting carcus of the play equipment.
It was a different sort of clear up from the beachwatch - for a start it was much nicer weather. It was especially nice to have a large group and meet new eco-warriers. As I suspected, the kids that came along were really enthusiastic and worked so hard. We went to the Goth for our free burgers and chatted. Annemarie has brought along a lovely photo from c. 1910 of children playing in the park. The park would benefit from a regular tidy and there are certainly enough enthusiastic people to make it happen.
Today, I gathered up as many leaves as would fit in my composter. Through the clearing appeared what I think are crocuses. What I think was a coal tit sang as I fixed my outside clock to the wall and finally took down my Christmas lights.
I've finished my first book of the year, "Strangelands" by Tracey Emin. Phew. It was a journey.
Her experiences are delivered matter-of-factly, devoid of emotion. Occasionally we glimpse flashes of anger and she speaks often of her lonliness but still there is something curiously detached about the writing, reading as it does like an affidavit or accident report form. At times it is as if it is meant to be viewed in another medium, wallpaper perhaps. I don't say this disparigingly, she is a brilliant artist and clearly an exceptionally talented writer. The book comprises many published writings strung together diary form and each story as a stand-alone tale is well written, sharply observed and sometimes quite poetic (her descriptions of Turkey come to mind).
I read some harrowing books last year but where they differed is that they were written when their respective authors were in a much happier and settled place. They were no longer a 'victim'. Tracey Emin doesn't appear to have reached that point in her life.
Brilliant, but uncomfortable reading.
Website of the day: Tracey Emin
Thanks Peter for the brilliant Christmas Card Video!!
I had four things to do today: a meeting at the Community Centre; return Nigel's CDs to the library; buy 100 first class stamps; buy ReggieFood.
I was thwarted in my mission to buy stamps when I discovered that Musselburgh's post office is up a flight of stairs. Not easy to negotiate with a buggy and eight shopping bags (the charity shops were having a clear out). So it looks like the mailing of the thank you letters will be delayed another day.
Today's star purchase was a "new with original tags" school pinafore for Emily for 50p from Barnardos. We had a pleasant bite in the Brunton Theatre's Bistro which has gone waitress-served since we last visited. The day took a decidedly icky turn when Georgie was sick all over herself and me in the taxi home. I felt obliged to tip the sympathetic ("I've seven grandchildren, I'm used to it") cabbie.
Emily used a brilliant expression to describe horrible medicine - "it tastes like a crooked old shelf".
One of the few perks in giving up paid employment is that I no longer have a boss so I was a bit irked to receive a bossy email.
Bookcrossing book up for grabs: "The Reading Group" - Elizabeth Noble - get in touch if you would like me to send you this book.
Happy new year!
Wow Hogmanay was windy! We watched huge white sheets from the building site fly across the field in an easterly direction. On the stroke of midnight we were drinking wine and watching fireworks from the safety of our bedroom. It is amazing how tipsy I get after two glasses these days.
On New Year's Day we took a stroll up to Birsely Brae armed with Brenda's fruitcake, a flask of filter coffee and my Etrex. There were sheets of polystyrene everywhere - that was what we had seen the previous evening.
Today, I took down the decorations and, erm, analysed our Christmas cards - surely proof, it it were ever needed, of my nerd credentials.
The main themes varied but animals featured heavily. Santa was the overall winner though featuring on 13 cards. The rest can be broken down thus: Other-9; Winter scene-8; Bears-5; Penguins-4; Snowmen-4; Angels-4; Trees-4; Fairy-3; Baubles-3; Reindeers-3; Robin-2; Stars-2; Nativity-2; Photos-2; Snowflake-2; Disney-2; Dove-1; Candles-1; Seal-1
The majority of senders were the 21 schoolmates of Emily's; the second highest group was relatives (19) then friends (15) then the 11 neighbours in the cul-de-sac and 9 corporate type cards or from people we have never met.
Ubernerds will be interested to learn that the cards broke
down into charity:non-charity on a 17:58 basis. If you are still
reading at this point you will be really interested in the next
bit…41 cards were square, 32 were rectangle and 2 were
strangely-shaped.
If you want to something a little bit more creative with your own Christmas card collection, check out this section. Alternatively, you can take your cards to any mainland WHSmith store, TESCO supermarket (including selected Express stores) and TK Maxx stores where they will be recycled.
Website of the day: The Woodland Trust
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