Come and tell me your dull and unexciting news 31: Calmly through the day

[MissConductUS]

I've started a new one. Please join us and share the boring and mundane things happening in your world. It will be calming for all.

Here is a link to the prior thread:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5077459-come-and-tell-me-your-dull-and-unexciting-news-30-calmly-through-the-day

Welcome to all regulars, lurkers, and new contributors! Everyone is welcome to join.

@MissConductUS The bathroom will take about 5 days but the loo will be out of order only for an hour, when they take the old one out and replumb the new one. I have got a porta potty and a camping bathroom tent, which I can put in the conservatory. Thankfully not overlooked. 😁

Most of the family have arrived and it’s been lovely, but so noisy. They have gone out for a walk to a local ‘flash’. The Flashes were originally formed through the flooding of land which had subsided due to deep coal mining activities. It’s a National Nature Reserve and I used to take my children there when they were young. There are a lot more facilities there now. We used to go to feed the ducks and swans and have picnics. Now there is a playground, golf course, picnic areas and cafe but it never seems to get crowded.

The boys are back. Mum and Auntie have gone for lunch, OH is working and the boys have had lunch, are watching the end of Harry Potter before we have a crisp tasting game. They have 9 different ones to taste and tell us what they are.

I’ve written them a letter in code and made them a word search puzzle as well. The teacher in me is coming out again!

I’ve had a lovely if initially frustrating day in London. Met a friend to go to the Van Gogh exhibition at the National Gallery (she very kindly treated me as she’s a member) - but there was a massive queue outside. Normally members get priority entry but yesterday they announced they were instituting bag searches/security measures because of the number of incidents they’ve had recently that have damaged artworks. So everyone had to queue.

Fair enough, but they hadn’t thought it through and the queue was enormous. I’d have been furious if I’d travelled from afar, paid, missed my slot and had other things booked which I then had to scrap. We finally got in to the front 45 minutes late, only to find just 2 airport-style scanners - they needed at least 4, preferably more - and only one person at a time allowed through.

The exhibition was stunning but they need to sort out more streamlined security measures.

I had lots of work done on my house Miss when I had tiny children. We lived in the upstairs with no kitchen for a couple of months. We just used a bedroom as a makeshift kitchen. We had a small fridge, microwave with built in oven/grill, kettle and two ring electric hob. I vaguely remember having to only have two plugged in at once which was challenging. Then I washed everything up in the bath. At the time we just got on with it but I wonder why on earth local family didn’t have us over for the odd meals. I guess what I am saying is a quick kitchen refit should be doable if you have a space in another room you can put a fridge/plug in cool box, kettle toaster etc

HavocI enjoyed some cold water swimming this year, in summer. Enough said.

Belated happy birthday to your son Sprouts family meal sounds lovely.

I have had a busy week, a new pony joined my two old ones. This one is young, too young to ride yet so I have been settling him in and letting him lick everything. I’d forgotten how mouthy youngsters are, I’ve had my lad almost 20 years so he is the opposite end of the age spectrum.

Just hanging out at home so far today. Havoc woke up screaming around 2:30am. Took ages to settle. I thought a nightmare. Was awake again around 4am and seemed warm. Took temp and it was 38.9c. Gave tylenol + advil, milk with water and was back to sleep about 30 mins later. Temp of 39.9c at 11:30am and hadn't touched food and only half of milk. Was just lying on couch and moaning a bit. Gave tylenol + advil again and temp dropped to 38.5c after 40 mins. Havoc then ate about 1/3 of a bagel with pb&j and oatmeal which I mixed butter into for calories and added cinnamon and strawberries. Is now sipping milk mixed with water. It's difficult to tell, but back of throat does look red. Tongue normal, but signs of dehydration on tongue and lips. Monitoring for now.

Sorry for long details... but, will refer to this if I end up taking Havoc to emerg.

Hope he’s OK, havoc 😟 So much worry with two little ones!

havoc hoping the medication will kick in and his temp will go down. I had to resort to using cool, damp towels with DD4 a while back when even the combination of ibuprofen and tylenol wasn't having any effect.

We're expecting a spell of unusually warm weather for the season over the next four days and nights, so the plants still out on the deck will get a reprieve.

I'm heading to the Farmers Market tomorrow morning, then to the post office, then to inflate my tyres, and DD and friends are meeting up for dinner. I may well end up sitting out on the deck, which will be pleasant because the mosquitos have died off, and eating various leftovers from the fridge for dinner.

@Umanresources
My idea of hell, the loo being out of use! I remember past times at home when it was a bucket job!

@Mumtobabyhavoc

I hope your little one is soon better. I think they bounce back quick!

@mathanxiety

I am sure you can rustle up something tasty from your fridge. I enjoy doing that but only if the veg hasn't liquidized itself (yeuch!). Maybe a soup, stir fry, curry etc.

The morning started off weird. I was deffo down for working this morning. At 06.45 another bank worker came in asking what I was doing here! I showed her the rota and it was indeed me on today. She is on tomorrow. I think it was a case of wanting to be on a certain day and not listening to what our line manager said...

All is calm and peace now (for how long?). It was one of those days yesterday when everyone demands to see consultants and matrons and won't leave until they have. Of course the consultants don't come down. The person gets everyone else involved and it is my fault they cannot be seen apparently. Ho hum

@DandyDandylion

Yes, I wonder why family did not have you over for the odd meal or bring something that could be microwaveable. However, it is amazing how much we manage and just get on with things. My family always bought 'projects' as it was the only way to get a decent sized house then.

I seem to remember in one that an oven had been left behind. It looked smart (Italian made). It belched smoke whenever it was used. For far too long we put up with it and sat there eating, with our eyes streaming! I also remember we had (was it ?) rising damp for something else whereby if we needed to get to the kitchen/downstairs loo we had to walk a plank, all except the cat who left paw marks all over the ground of course! You can soon look back on these times with a laugh!

On the small good news front. I went to chuck out an M&S paper bag and out fell a selection of small choccie bars. This was part of the selection box I got from Cadburys at an outlet place! I am happily chomping now!

Got up with Havoc at 12:30am. Temp 39.8c. Have Tylenol and Advil. Now on the couch waiting for temp to drop. Pouring rain tonight. Lots of sirens.

Ooh Havoc hope the little one's temp goes down. Mine suffered with tonsillitis* *when they were small. Son had his out when he was 4 and daughter when she was 14. It's awful to see your children in pain.

I've just been given breakfast in bed and had a delivery of flowers. The third bouquet in two days. I'm feeling very lucky.
My two grandsons decided that they would do some chores for me. They were brilliant. I think the feather duster and the vacuum cleaner were novelties for them!
Dandy my godson put in my new kitchen and his dad helped him out sometimes. His dad was also our dentist so he's extracted our teeth and our kitchen. 😂 We also had just a microwave and kettle. Washing up was done in the bath.

When we had the bathroom done last time I missed having a shower, just having washes, my OH hit one of the large yellow builder's buckets. I put it in the kitchen and stood in it and poured warm water from a jug over me. It was bliss.
DiL and DD are off out again today, DS is arriving later so I get the boys all to myself. Lovely. They did their homework yesterday and the 7 year old translated his maths questions to English for me and then explained how to do them. His explanations were really clear and perfectly correct. The 9 year old had to compose a piece of music on his computer and do a science test. Teacher me was very pleased.

Just about to brave the chaos downstairs. Have a lovely weekend everyone.

I am in Liverpool today which is an interesting mix of cultures.

I went to university there @DandyDandylion. The Chinese community in Liverpool is the oldest in Europe - and the Anglican cathedral in your pic is the 8th largest church in the world. Two fun facts 😊

Hope you are through the worst of the illness Havoc, it doesn’t feel long since last time but I think that’s normal with little people. I’m sure you have some delicious food to pull you through the lack of sleep haze.

It is lovely weather here today maths hope you are enjoying the market. We do have our first named storm of the season tomorrow though. Bit of a worry as my stables which flooded last week are still a little damp.

@Deathraystare the house we are in now was definitely “in need of renovation “ when we moved in. Pink bathroom suite with green carpet and wood chip wall paper everywhere. When I see our paper steamer I shudder at the hours I spent scrapping it off. Worth it now, though we are starting to have to go round freshening it up again. 18 years wear and tear and two children growing up here has taken its toll.
Uman I wish I’d had a grandparent like you on hand during the covid homeschooling time. Actually it would be handy now, mine won’t listen to me now they are high school age. They also think they know everything but seem to listen to adults who aren’t their parents.

Very interesting facts @HildaTablet , I am now resting on a library sofa. Did plan to visit the bee exhibit at the next door library but think it will have to wait till next time. I worked in Liverpool for a few months but it has changed a lot since then, especially the docks.

Hope Havoc is getting better Havoc

Rather busy over past few days. It's DDs birthday this weekend and she also matriculated into Oxford University this morning and they are now punting. Spoke to her quickly yesterday as she was enroute to a party and she seems happy but very intense schedule though 8 or 9 week terms x 3 so that's fine. Booked lots of things as getting bored at home, so got two fireworks and one event booked and then contacted to say some of my stuff in an article and an exhibition which is nice. Then 2 trips are booked for December. Hospital check is tomorrow. Sent back 2 blouses did not want. Collected a veg box from local farm and have had the radishes and onions so far, the radishes were the size of potatoes and lovely. Neighbour had their trees done by tree surgeon who did from our side too. DH should hopefully be putting the new silkies flooring down today in the gap in the rain but currently napping.

Lovely picture MissC

Hope you have a wonderful birthday uman

Great Liverpool photos Dandy and lovely re pony.

Van Gogh sounds great Hilda

DD is living her best life, @Penguinsa!

Hope mini-havoc is feeling better, havoc.

Had a walk and took some pics of the autumn colours in the park. Beautiful blue sky and sunshine now after miserable rain earlier.

Just catching up.

DM birthday yesterday I cooked her dinner. Creamy prawn and garlic pasta with garlic bread.

food looks lovely as always Havoc.

DS continues to test me at every turn.

Tractor run just came by our house. ( agricultural area - tractor runs a very much a thing).

DS had best description of it: oh my gosh mummy it's like a carnival just for tractors z.

Dandy, that may have to be our strategy when we get the kitchen redone. Our cabinets are original to the house (1986) and in rough shape. We had a woman who runs a contracting (building) business remodel our master bathroom during covid and she did a great job. I'll have to find her email and ask her if she's interested in redoing the kitchen.

Penguinsa, happy birthday to your DD! The first term a uni is always a whirlwind. Does she know what she wants to study yet?

Hilda, I think our foliage is just a bit ahead of yours. We've had some nights near freezing for the last two weeks. And speaking of large churches, the Cathedral of St John the Divine in NYC is the 6th largest church in the world, and either the first or second largest Anglican church. I've been there many times, and it is indeed enormous. It's in an endless state of renovation, to the point where it's commonly referred to as St. John the Unfinished.

Lemons, that is quite an impressive tractor.

DS is in Boston this weekend, volunteering at the Head of the Charles Regatta.
He'll get some nice clothing as a reward. He's going to see some of his uni friends while he's up there. I've taken his absence as an opportunity to clean, organize and vacuum his room.

I think we may be a peak foliage a bit earlier than I expected.

Glad DD is settling in Penguinisa
Hope little Havoc soon recovers Havoc
Lovely photos Hilda - I've been watching on Instagram how to make an autumn garland with real leaves and wax. I may try it (if I can find time).
DH is repainting our kitchen this weekend. He did the gloss today & will do the emulsion tomorrow. Then I will feel obliged to clean the oven .
Can anyone recommend decent trainer socks that don't wriggle off while you're wearing them and make an uncomfortable heap under your feet? I've bought numerous pairs, but only 1 lot stay where they should an I can't remember where they're from.

IWandered sorry I can't help, I never have an issue with trainer socks. Tights and leggings on the other hand.........
Penguinsa did I read correctly that you have had something accepted for an exhibition? Pictures?
Lemons we have a local tractor run at Christmas with lights. Always keenly anticipated.
Hilda my friend and I were thinking of going to the Van Gogh exhibition when I visit next month. Any tips? Love the photo!
Dandydandylion I remember my childhood bathroom being turquoise suite and pink carpet!
Havoc oh children are such a worry aren't they? Hope all ok soon
Lovely pics Miss
Happy birthday Uman
DS played his first senior game today as he has turned 18 and his youth team had no game. He played well by all accounts although only in 2nd half so his much older teammates could suss out the opposition first and protect him. He was very pleased with himself though slightly battered.
Hope to go for a canal walk tomorrow to admire the foliage.

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful and kind words. 🩷
Havoc's fever is 38.3c, but Havoc is eating and drinking, so I'm not giving meds atm and Havoc is napping. God, it's only a month since last bout of this! 🤦‍♀️

Penguinsa, like Sprouts (good on ds, btw) was wondering what you meant as well. Also, what happened re the job? Did you lose out due to the surgery delay?

Am very interested in the tractor parade! What is it all about?
Still storming here. Atmospheric river and all that. 💨☔️

Thanks Hilda Love the colour of those trees.

Thanks MissC She is reading Economics and Management. Not heard anything about the course though just parties, dinners etc 😎 Regetta sounds good. DD was planning on doing rowing, it's 6 mornings a week at 6am so she was very happy to have no 9am lectures.

Thanks Iwandered Hope kitchen repainting goes well.

Sprouts It's only old photos of dubious quality. Hope you get your canal walk.

Havoc Hope Havoc continues to improve. I will send you a PM re your question, not supposed to put online.

DH is finally doing chicken flooring, awful weather today. Had lovely aubergine parmigiana yesterday with aubergine and parsley from veg box and will have their cabbage and carrots with our Sunday roast.

Fingers 🤞 that improvement continues, havoc.

@sproutsandparsnips it's a great exhibition with some ravishing canvases you might not have seen before. A few well-known pictures but lots that I don’t think are that familiar, so a great chance to see them as they’re unlikely to reappear in one place. It’s also not a huge exhibition, so you’re not exhausted by it - just about the right size.

Hopefully they'll have sorted out their security problems - as it was the first day, they were clearly struggling and the queue to process entrants was ridiculous. You can’t take in any liquids, and no large bags either. You have to go through a scanner. You can take an empty plastic water bottle though, and fill it up when you’re inside at their free water fountains, which seems a bit ridiculous.

Hilda, Van Gogh sounds great! Loved the museum in Amsterdam. Thanks for the trivia! 🤓
Uman, breakfast in bed and flowers sound so nice! Happy birthday! 💐
Lemons, hang in there. The struggle is real. Solidarity. 🩷

I should be sleeping! Painted a wall in the bathroom and touched up two others a few hours ago. Need to finish last wall, the most difficult one, now.
Havoc's fever has come down without meds!🤗
It's still raining, but wind seems to have died down.
It was election day here for the province. Neck and neck race between Conservatives and New Democratic Party (incumbent). If Cons get in, it will be first time in 100 years. If NDP are re-elected it will be a 3rd consecutive term. Forty-seven seats needed for a majority. NDP have 46, Cons have 45. All in-person ballots have been counted and it's down to mail-in ballots. Final tally on the 26th. I knew it would be a close one!
Federal election coming up and the Conservatives have increased popularity. Our PM is being urged to step aside and allow another candidate to lead the party - just like what occurred in the States with Biden.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_British_Columbia_general_election

Some art for a Sunday morning (or whatever time it is for you!)

Hilda thank you for that, feel all cultured now 😁
Havoc glad the temp is coming down in its own. Good news

Ive not posted in ages so there’s too much news for me to catch up on individually but hope everyone is doing well. I shall endeavour to catch up more frequently!

We have a tractor run in the village every Christmas, there are loads of farms around so it’s quite a sight. They’re all covered in lights and tinsel and the guys driving wear Santa hats. Last year the village committee (think that’s what they’re called) organised selection boxes for all the children who were watching on the pavements. Given DDs special needs we just watched from the window in the house but one of our neighbours, who is on said committee, came running down the drive with one for DD which was really kind of them to include her.

I’ve been looking into alternative ways to look after my bladder health as thanks to the MS I suffer frequently with uti’s. There are lots of natural things but the most recent one I looked at has something to do with soy phytoestrogens (or something) but Dr Google is not proving very helpful. Need to ring my MS nurse next week for a chat I think.