Hi everyone, I seem to be just dipping in and out but I'll have a proper catch up today.
I made my first quiche yesterday using the BBC Good Food quiche lorraine recipe (see pic). The pastry was fine but the filling was still a bit runny even after I'd left it to 'set'. Also, it was a bit too rich and the contents sat uneasily in my stomach afterwards or maybe that was fear of getting salmonella. I'll definitely make quiche again but I might try a different recipe next time. I also cooked asparagus for the first time this week, because DD has gone off a lot of veg. but has recently discovered a love of asparagus. So it's been a week of new things.
I think I mentioned already that I've a lot of my Christmas shopping done. I'm going to wrap as much as I can next weekend. DD has asked me if we can put the Christmas tree up on the day of the Late Late Toy Show (27th November) and I've agreed. Left to me, I'd be happy to put it up around the 15th December, but DD has other ideas. We have the cats this year so we may well end up putting the tree up on the 27th and taking it down on the 28th! We'll see..... Inspired by an MN thread on books, I ordered two Christmassy books. One is 'The Christmas Chronicles' by Nigel Slater. The other is 'Christmas Days' by Jeanette Winterson. 'The Christmas Chronicles' is mostly a collection of recipes for the winter season/Christmas but there are some nice depictions of his childhood Christmases in between the recipes. This guy really loves winter and snow! I've only just started the Winterson book.
My Christmas clothes and pyjamas arrived so I'm going to have a shower shortly and try them on. I was tempted by a nice dress for Christmas Day but it's going to be a very subdued Christmas, so I figured I'd be wasting €70 for a dress that will be worn maybe once or twice during the year. So I bought a pair of black trousers and a nice shirt/top instead. I'll get a lot more wear out of them - smart office wear or smart casual for a night out.
I haven't watched the John Lewis ad yet or the SuperValu one. There's been lots of comments about the SuperValu ad on Craicnet. DD is with her Dad this weekend, so we'll watch them together on Monday evening.
DCat1 was back for a check up yesterday but the vet was concerned that his gum is a bit inflamed. She gave me a different antibiotic and some paste to rub on his gum. I haven't attempted the paste yet. I'll report back on how that goes and whether I still have both hands afterwards.
The separation process is moving very slowly. I think I mentioned a few weeks back that I'd been approved to take over the mortgage. The bank said they'd sent a letter to my solicitor. Unfortunately, my solicitor never received the letter. After a few weeks of toing and froing between the bank and my solicitor, the bank finally sent another copy. Only thing is, the approval has a time limit of 3 months and expires on the 30th November! If I don't get everything sorted by then, I'll have to start the application process all over again. I'd completed an Affidavit of Means for my solicitor back in May or June but at this stage, some of those figures are out of date. So now I have to check them all. The solicitor also recommended changing some of the figures. I spent a bit of time working on it yesterday and I need to look at it again today. Oh, in case anyone doesn't know, an Affidavit of Means is sort of like a full financial statement. You have to list all of your assets, your debts, your household bills, your personal spends, spends on DC etc.
DD's exams are over now, thankfully. In my head, I'm someone who supports my DC's education 100%. But in reality, my heart sinks when she comes in holding a copy saying, "Mam, will you test me on my Biology/English/Home Economics etc." Especially after a long day at work.
Anyone else watching 'The Crown'? The new series starts tomorrow on Netflix. I'm going to treat myself to two or three episodes tomorrow and then try to ration the rest.
The election of Biden in the US and the news about the vaccine has lifted my spirits considerably. And we come out of Lockdown2 on the 1st December. So a bit of light at the end of this tunnel.
Anyway, moving on to your news.
Curls I hope the move from tax credits doesn't cause you any financial hardship. Financial uncertainty isn't good - especially in the current climate.
Snuggly sorry to hear about sleepless nights.
em that's great about DH agreeing to counselling. Enjoy the comfy mattress. I was a bit concerned about your excessive lottery spending but then I realized it was for work.
Unescorted so happy for you that your DC will be home for Christmas. Is it two you have at university? The birthday cake sounds fab.
Happier also really happy for you that things are moving with the house. Good news about the lower interest rate also. I must look up that programme about renovating your home. It sounds good. That's a cute image of your DS falling asleep in the middle of assembling his Lego. We need a heart smiley on MN.
life that's so frustrating about the offer on your house being withdrawn.
Mrsmad some great bargain hunting there with the toys from Argos.
Wolf I'm sorry you had such a backlash from DS after his session 
. I agree with Snuggly that the session probably stirred up all of his emotions. I'm sure you know already that you're not a shit mother - you've been there for him 100% through all the tough times. I'm sure in years to come he'll look back and be ashamed of his outbursts. But that's probably not much consolation to you now. And I'm sorry he damaged the walls. You worked so hard (and spent so much money) these past few months, to make your home nice. As for your Ex, I'm sooo mad that he is demanding your furniture. What kind of a shit Dad deprives his son of such basics as a sofa to sit on, or a dining table to eat at? I agree with the others that it will probably take him forever to make arrangements to move it all. But that means a lot of uncertainty for you, especially in the run up to Christmas. Can your family or friends help out with some spare bits of furniture, to help tide you over until you can gradually replace things? Would a charity help you out? Also, IKEA is really good for cheap furniture, but you probably know that already. Is he taking absolutely everything i.e. cooker, fridge, washing machine, furniture? I really wish I could help you more. Sending virtual hugs and flowers and wine and runny quiche seems so inadequate in the circumstances. You've gone through so much in the few years that I've known you and you've had to shoulder so many heavy burdens. It must be incredibly hard having to pick yourself up each time you fall down. You're one incredible lady.
north fingers crossed for the assessment. That's lovely that your parents are helping with the cost. Good news re: DS's laptop and software also.
madden hope all goes well with your house move.
I started typing this about two hours ago! Oh well, that's two hours spent in the company of good friends, eh? 
I'm going to make another cuppa and read one of my Jeanette Winterson stories. Then I'll get stuck into laundry and cleaning and looking at the Affidavit of Means again. This evening I'm going to chill with an open fire and Strictly. Have a nice weekend everyone.