Ventured out out earlier this week. Proper shoes, touch of mascara. Blondie did double fur, similar to double denim; only if you’re brave enough. She is, so did. Wasn’t just any out out, it was an M&S out out. Me for birthday yum-nuts (Blondie been harbouring a craving since Mid October), and my blonde companion came along for what I thought was a browse, turned out she was also coming for Yum-nuts. She was most put out to find she wasn’t going to be having at least two before the sun went down but instead would be forced to wait until the big day itself…
Interesting take on essential shopping. Ensuring no one goes upstairs for non-essentials by turning escalators off and blocking stairwells and then just brought everything they hoped to sell downstairs instead. Admittedly, we did look around but only because we thought it was ‘essential’ that we did. After realising fairly quickly that we didn’t need ‘Say goodbye to 2020’ Christmas/ New Year cards (who exactly do they think is going to buy them?). We met up again at checkout, me with an armful of newly named donuts, two packs of bacon and a Dine-In for a tenner, Blondie with essential bath oil (she wasn’t exhibiting a primary need, that’s what it said on the bottle), and other soak-themed paraphernalia, as well as a packet of triple chocolate hot cross buns, that she was trying to pass off as a snack when I already knew they would essentially (there it is again) become dinner. Half a bottle of hand sanitiser and two fresh face masks later and we’re back to base….Mission complete.
What d’ya say when you’re 26?…..
Happy Birthday lovely one! Bacon sandwiches on white farmhouse as promised; Mr G thought it was his birthday too. Some distanced garden visits at varying times from the well-wrapped up, welly-wearing little people, more than happy to share yum-nuts with their older sis. Ok, she’s their auntie but for some reason they don’t expect the same level of responsibility and sensibility from our Blondie, wonder why that is? Hand-made cards lovingly crafted and written carefully and colourfully were presented. Pressies were opened and lots of much missed children’s laughter filling the air at the homestead. Caamp played away in the background, the GO bounced around filling the atmosphere with golden hair and the lovely one shared out the goodies, but in all the excitement couldn’t actually face one of those calorific, sugar laden yummies she’d been craving for the last 3 months….
Visits over and the bath oil and candles came out, what a treat for the birthday girl; a 4pm bath and newly gifted pj’s, freshly washed and warmed dressing gown…what’s not to love about being 26? Bathtime also consisted of a bag of bacon rashers, chocolates and a can of Diet Coke, obviously, she wouldn’t have gone for the full fat variety…far too many calories. The aroma that filled the homestead was befitting of the spa-like experience, everyone a winner.
All the small things…
Over at Bramley Cottage, the smallest princess has a new wake-up time; 2am… She loves her bed, she knows what to do in it but once she’s had enough, that’s it… “MUM”…
Curly Sue treated Mrs Coles to a Zoom incognito. Dressed for ‘work’ in black trousers, white shirt, black tie and…sunglasses. Mrs Coles thought a new pupil had arrived. Curly Sue was most indignant…”its not a disguise, I’m in character” she explained rolling her eyes.
Grande sprog, takes it all far more seriously, when there’s work to be done, she’s your girl. Ever so quietly, getting on and doing what is asked, when she’s asked is her character. She doesn’t need to don a work garb. Excitedly waiting for the results of the latest Tracey Beaker competition she’s entered; 3 things you love about TB said the competition organiser… “ I just love EVERYTHING about Tracey Beaker “ said Grande sprog “especially her attitude”… uh-oh…worrying! (I remember reading the TB stories to the brood back in the day, and that was definitely a girl with attitude).
The Dodger (“Nuthin”), has loved his Pre-school sessions and being mothered by big sis, who got bored of doing that eventually and went to play with her homies. More words, more mischief…watch this space for more action. He’s like a little rocket, waiting to take off, just as soon as he can shake off all the growdy uppies that keep following him. The popsicle likes a bit of ‘down’ time too and has become a Master of hide and seek. Kids ruling the world is what they’re aiming for I believe. “Why won’t all the fun sponges just leave us alone”, they all cry.
More spinach on the menu over at No.15. Bubba doing what it’s supposed to be doing and growing in all the right places at all the right times. Excitement brewing and birth plan emerging… All missing the family conflabs and shower that takes place when a new sproglet emerging; such a lot of catching up to do.
Up, up and away….
Snowdrops; what a gorgeous addition to the homestead these little batches of newly flowering treasures are. After a morning of rain and sludge, the sun came out and drenched the woodland and beyond with a raft of seasonal blue sky and light splashes; truly stunning. We watched blue tits and long-tailed tits; robins, chaffinches, blackbirds and magpies as well as squirrels compete for the wintry feasts from the bird feeders and the long grass and flower beds. With a buzzard flying expansively and spectacularly above reminding them all who’s boss, we are mindful and thankful of where we are and what we have; truly thankful.
Happy Friday everyone, let’s all be thankful for what we have, we are very lucky.
Have you seen my Crocs? 