Just Jo!

We haven’t had a family night this week; another of A’s friends birthdays. Lots of them are turning 18 now, so parties are no longer a couple of hours in Charlie Chalks. They are planned with military precision, various venues and events throughout the week and a biggie at the weekend. Can’t wait for A’s …

O went to her friends birthday party at a swimming pool and had a great time – loads of floats, body-boards and a huge great inflatable thing. Lisa and her girls went too and gave us a lift home, so I invited them round for dinner. Lisa took all the girls off to walk her dog for a couple of hours while I got on with making a huge pot of stew and dumplings.

After they’d gone, my bug came back for another visit so I spent a long time soaking in the bath feeling very sorry for myself.

I had a horrible bug a few weeks ago and it came back to bite me last night, and way into the early hours of the morning. Looking on the bright side – the hours spent in the loo means that I’ve just about finished my library book!

The morning was spent in bed, not rising till gone 11. o was quietly amusing herself in her room. I think she was just keeping her head down to avoid me making any suggestions as to how she could be profitably spending her time! When I eventually surfaced, I put a wash on, put some porridge on, set O up with some English and went off to wash my hair. When I’d finished, O had gone up to bed for a lie-down. “Er, no, I don’t think so, get on with your work!”

When I looked at her work – mostly finding alternative adjectives and a bit of alliteration – I just thought, “What?! I really try hard not to criticise, but sometimes it’s almost impossible not to, especially when she’s making really silly mistakes – ‘lions’ spelt ‘linoys’? Come on! Anyway, I wasn’t exactly complimentary and nearly half her work got rubbed out …

To top it all off, I remembered that she’s got a friends’ birthday party tomorrow and I hadn’t got a present. So we had to head into town. On a Saturday. In a mood (both of us). With a dodgy tummy. And I really hate shopping. We also had to get her party food ‘cos it’s easier to take her own than expecting someone else to cater for one vegan out of loads of kids. We got the present and, walking past Waterstones, made a detour to buy a children’s Thesaurus.

Getting home, the washing had finished so I hung that up in the kitchen I’m ill and it’s far too cold to be prancing around the garden with wet washing. O got on with re-writing her English using her new Thesaurus. How much did she like it?

“This is brilliant! Much better than a boring, ordinary dictionary. I’m going to use this loads more!” English was finished in about 5 seconds with no spelling mistakes, result being one happy daughter and one happy mummy. Yeah!

O then started making some Hama coasters to take over as a present for Nanny and Grandad in Spain. She heated up the rest of yesterdays soup for herself and got on with the coasters quite happily. So what was looking to be a truly foul day ended up being saved by a thesaurus and Hama beads. Simple pleasures!

I cruelly dragged O out of bed this morning. She got on with her Bible activity book – Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours now – while porridge was cooking.

We watched some school programmes this morning. We haven’t had the TV on since Monday morning. I think the novelty of day-time TV is already wearing off because she hadn’t even noticed; but she did say she loved school programmes. She only sits still for any length of time if she’s very tired or very ill anyway. There’s usually something much more interesting to be doing instead of just being sat there.

We popped down to the shops after lunch so O could buy the ingredients for her tomato soup; she wanted to make some bread rolls as well. They didn’t have everything at the local supermarket – so after dumping it all in the kitchen – we got the bus into town. We saw Lou’n’two (plus one) again. It has been freezing today – even snowing a bit. I just happened to mention that we’d be in Spain in less than two weeks, and she told me to shut up! How rude! What are the chances of it snowing when we’re over there in southern Spain? A big fat NO!! can’t wait.

When we got home, O made an immediate start on the rolls. She wanted to make ciabatta ones, although it was a close run thing between them and sunflower seed rolls. She chopped up the onions and cried – which she was actually quite pleased about (weird child) – peeled and grated carrots successfully; made a simple stock; opened tins of tomatoes; and clearded up the mess as she went along (admittedly with a bit of prompting!). she just had so much fun, especially when it came to using the mixer and hand-blender. She supplemented Lisa’s original recipe by adding dried basil and oregano (her favourites) and dried chilli (not her favourite). I was surprised about the chilli, but I suppose she’s seen me adding a little to so many things, so many times, she’s become indoctrinated.

The all-important taste test? It was really good – ooh, Lisa, you’ve got some serious competition! I can just see a cook-off at dawn!

We watched ‘Frida’ later on. I’ve had the DVD on loan from the library for about 2 ½ weeks – the fine will be big … fingers crossed the computer goes down again. O’s been almost obsesses about Frida Kahlo ever since she saw a trailer for the film on another DVD. It was a good thing we watched it up in my room so I could shove her head under the duvet at certain … let’s say, ‘graphic’ moments.

I was really tired last night, not having been able to get rid of people until nearly 10! A got home just after that so O had to show him everything that she’d been doing. And then I woke up; wide awake, not even the merest hint of a yawn until 3am. 3am! Which meant that today, being Wednesday and our busy day, didn’t exactly get off to a good start.

We got to group late and sketching was about to start. O didn’t want to sketch but she was willing to pose for the budding artists. She actually managed to sit still for ten minutes. That has to be some kind of record as sheis the world’s greatest fidget. Even she was impressed and kept going on, “I sat still for ten minutes, ten whole minutes.”
“Yeah, how about not actually saying anything for ten whole minutes? That’d be quite impressive.”
“No. It wouldn’t. That would be silly.” Oh well, I live in hope!

Spanish as usual after lunch. Then most of the group disappeared off to bowling, but as ballet had resumed after a short break, we stayed for that. Not me obviously, that would be almost as silly as thinking O might possibly consider a ten minute silence!

O picked up 3 very girly, very pink books from the library all about tiara princesses or something. Ooh yeah, I forgot that this morning we’d taken about 5 books on the Romans back that I’d forgotten so they were late and I had to pay a fine. But the computer went down and the man said to forget it, I didn’t have to pay. I saved a grand totalof … 20p. Small things like that make me happy. I’m either totally not materialistic or just really cheap. I prefer to think of myself as the first!

Drama again in the early evening then a lift home. A phoned to say he was staying out; at a reasonable time for a change. It was a birthday party out of town and he’s getting a lift to college inthe morning.

Guess what we had for dinner - yep, left-over Chinese. O was sent to bed early with her library books, just so that I could have some time on my own, slobbing out on the sofa, listening to music and reading my library book in peace.

A quiet, serene start to the day before the hordes descended. We spent the morning resurrecting O’s Chinese dragon that she’d made last year. We usually keep big things she’s made for a few months before taking photos and throwing them out - we just don’t have the room to keep everything. But the dragon’s been lurking on the shelf outside O’s room for a year now.

It was a good day, a very good day I think. A perfect day of educational value and just fun. Lisa’s girls, Lin’s boys and O made dragon puppets (and snakes and a dog!), Chinese lanterns and flags, bookmarks, fun worksheets answering a few questions and colouring in maps, working out the Chinese horoscope; who were rats, horses, tigers, pigs, rabbits and oxen (I think that’s everyone!) all while listening to our groovy Chinese CD.

The kids all settled down to watch Mulan while we cooked a huge feast of fried rice, 3 different stir-fries, noodles and pancake rolls; most of them having a go at using chopsticks as well. Lychees and ice-cream for dessert - lychees not proving popular with everyone. That’s OK because O and me love them so we can finish them off tomorrow! And it was all vegan - even the ice-cream!

All the kids had helped tidy things away during the day, and with the washing and drying-up after dinner. So then the dragon was allowed out to play, charging around the living room - it’s at times like that I really wish I had a bigger house! But they all had a go at being the lead with no arguments. In fact, considering they were confined to the sitting-room for over 8 hours (apart from slaving in the kitchen and the odd toilet break!) they were all brilliant, it was a real pleasure having them all round.

And thanks to Lisa and Lin for their contributions. It’s your turn next Lisa!!

The villa had been moved up to my room for Tuesdays get-together and came back down again in the evening. It usually sits on the floor in front of the fire, so it’s been kicked about and trod on a few times; looking a bit like an earthquake’s hit it now. Repairs were carried out first thing and it now has a new home on the table.

O finished two of her library books last night, so she wrote book reviews for them – something she’s done since she finished Booktrack last August. She’s still reading Lemony Snicket Book 7 as well; she’s like me and usually has a couple of books on the go.

Spanish homework was done after the book reviews. Then she got really excited because she got some post addressed to her. The Roald Dahl magazine that she’s been collecting and hasn’t heard anything from since way before Christmas. The last one was no. 4 and today she gets nos. 10 and 11. what happened to the others?! I haven’t been charged for them so that’s OK, but it’s still odd. There’s more important things in life to ponder I suppose. Lisa and girls dropped by in the afternoon. We had a cup of tea while I waited for the washing machine to finish. The girls played with the villa; I managed to remain calm and not at all worried about the recent repairs and whether the glue was still wet or not. Not so O, “Two trees have come off.” Chill child.

We all piled into the car to nip round to Lisa’s. she made us a lovely tomato soup that O wants to have a go at making. Well, if Lisa can make it, I’m sure it can’t be that hard … hee, hee!! It was delicious, so thank you.

The girls ran around in various costumes and fancy dress, tinkled the ivories in some semblance of a tune and watched a bit of a video. An argument erupted over ‘Hello Kitty’ when O said it was babyish. Apparently, that’s tantamount to treason. M obviously had to put it on just to wind O up. Well, if O goes around criticising people’s tastes, she’s on her own. I think they might be getting a bit tired and emotional!

Lisa dropped us home a little later than originally planned; so it was another stir-fry for dinner – it’s quick! But I think that’s the last of the Chinese for a while, I’m getting low on sesame oil and soy sauce anyway.

O finished painting a pretend Chinese fire-cracker decoration this morning so that we can scare away all the evil spirits for New Year.We watched some school programmes this morning, before a quick tidy-up and heading into town.

The library was the first stop-off to take some books back. We also wanted to get a CD of Chinese music for tomorrow. But midway through New Year celebrations, what was I thinking? All Chinese CD’s are already out on loan. Oh well… Bumped into Lou’n'two while we were there. O didn’t have her usual plaits and Lou couldn’t get over how long O’s hair is.

Stocked up on loads of stir-fry veg and sauces, and also ended up buying a cheap Chinese CD. I’ve found Solo is very good for world music, wonder if I’ll get a discount now, maybe if I shout louder…

I assembled the fire-cracker when we got home and O made some Chinese lanterns. She also started a new English workbook and did her Spanish homework. When we later watched “Around the World in 80 Treasures”, O was really pleased with herself when she translated Mesa Verde into Green Table. “I knew that, I really did.” Then it was “Tales from the Palaces” before I threw her out of my room so I could watch “University Challenge”. Well, I need to concentrate on the questions.

Then - after another bath! - it was Supernatural. Thanks Lisa! I’d have missed out on that if it wasn’t for you! And I really need to get my TV watching levels up … who else to inspire me, eh?! Sorree … you know I’m only joking. I hope!!!

How long was I in the bath last night? 9.25 till 12.05! That’s long ! That’s bliss!! Not one single, solitary interruption at all! Water got a bit cool towards the end, but the heating was whacked up full so I was absolutely fine. More than fine; absolutely, perfectly wonderful!! Oh, I did enjoy it!

A stayed out last night at a friends. He very kindly phoned to let me know he would be; at 1 in the morning mind, but I was still in heaven and nothing was going to bring me down. He came home in time to get changed into his kit and off out for another football match (Sunday league this time).

O made a Roman laurel wreath, a lovely silver one that’s too heavy so shehasto holdon to it as she walks around. I can see a toga materialising fairly soon.

As it’s the beginning of Chinese New Year, we started making decorations for it - we’re having friends over on Tuesday for a party-type, get together-type thingy. This meant lots of red and gold paper and paint, and Feng Shui-ing the front room. Luckily the fire’s in the right place, ‘cos I don’t think the council would appreciate me ripping it out because of inauspicious positioning.

A came home really aching but happy because his team won 4-1. Yeah! We used to go and support; but me yelling my head off, showing my disapproval if he gets fouled and telling him to watch his language is supposedly embarrassing. Can’t see it myself, but I’m banned now anyhow.

Concerns have arisen recently about O’s mental faculties. Listening in on my phone call to a friend about my marathon bath, she said she didn’t like me having such long baths because then she’d be on her own.
“Um… you’re in bed, dear, asleep, you’re always on your own.”
Then 5 minutes later, getting out a metal rule to measure a ruler.
“That’ll be about 30cms, love, give or take.”
I’m left fearing that the descent into Blondesville is rapidly becoming an avalanche.

Up lateish this morning; but hey, it’s Saturday. Oops, forgotthat we don’t actually do weekends as such. Nevermind, moving swiftly on …

O started on the Lego city first thing until I suggested that she have breakfast first. and as there were still acrylic paints all over the floor (lids on, well done!) from yesterdays Klimt moment, “It might be a better idea to finish the masterpiece before the Lego city gets a paint job, dear.”

We went over to Lin’s in the afternoon. O and the boys watched Lemony Snicket, while we consumed loads of caffeine. Incredibly low on educational value, but really could not care less!

We bumped into another friend on our way home. O was being shown a few things on her guitar by a friend who has now abandoned us for pastures new up-country; so O hasn’t really touched her guitar in a while. But running into this friend (this is getting confusing!) was a stroke of luck since he is more than willing to carry on where S left off. O had a smile bigger than her head; me too when he said he’s stillgot a bottle of wine that he’s been saving for nearly 2 years now. 2 years!?! It wouldn’t have lasted 2 days in my house!

O finished off her painting; and after dinner carried on with some knitting that she hasn’t touched since the beginning of December. She’s knitting herself a scarf; should be ready by next Christmas hopefully. Was that sarcastic? Didn’t mean it to be …

When the painting was dry we stuck it on the wall. I found some prints of Klimt (The Kiss and La Jeune Fille) and stuck those up too. After looking intently at the print of La Jeune Fille while listening to me read the description - I have to admit to feeling smugness at my intellectually arty daughter - her only comment was, “There’s a lot of nipples in this picture”.
“It’s art”, says I, smugness totally evaporated.
“But there is, look, there’s one there, one there, another one over there, one there somewhere, look, I counted 5 at least.”
“Yeah, alright, it’s bed now, go and clean your teeth!”

Anyway, I checked, and there’sonly two, no idea where the other 3 came from.