Morning everyone; Dobby the house elf (super-sized version 
) checking in. Haven't caught up properly but hope everyone is ok. Another lovely day here weather-wise and the lilac is in full bloom so we have gorgeous scent wafting across the terrace.
It has to be said that - despite our extremely easy (compared to most people) circs here - it has taken us all a while to get back to the "new normal" after Easter (when we all got a bit grumpy) with dh working long hours out of what is now our dining room (now we have moved furniture around) and my new job responsibilities having disappeared for now (sob), because office expansion has been suspended under current circs, so it is back to the usual 3-day-a-week admin for me (tedium/sob) plus some billing and cleaning early in the morning and late at night (thank heavens for lighter evenings) so as not to disturb the workers (dd is sharing the office with dh) and the dogs. Feel like I am starring in a very middle-aged, grey and rather portly version of the Elves and the Shoemaker.
But I am taking an hour and a half early eve for myself when I go through a grim/tired patch around about 5pm - 6.30pm.
After an initial period of feeling overwhelmed/a bit distraught dd is MUCH MUCH happier now she is receiving proper lessons on-line and has a shed-load of study to do (strangely!). She is sticking to her running schedule too. The adjustment was a bit painful though it has to be said
It's all been a big adjustment actually and we all went through a bit of a bad crabby patch, but now we have worked out our individual routines, and worked out one another's routines are (clear communication is not our forté in this household) we are feeling a lot better.
The member of the household who is "suffering" the most is our "puppy"/youngest adoptee dog, who is actually a fully grown adult now, but owing to her horrible puppyhood, has developmental issues. She is VERY bright and very active and very bored ... . She goes a bit neurotic if she isn't occupied so I am trying to do a bit of training with her in the garden every day. She has two walks a day (one with me and one with dh) but it's not enough without off-lead exercise.
I've written a proper daily activity chart and a horribly long and fairly hideous task list of all the things I have been procrastinating over for many years. I am trying to cross one of the latter off a day but in reality it is one or two a week!
And Finally, finally, after Easter blow out, getting on top of new diet regime a bit too! Eating eggs for breakfast and skipping lunch altogether.
Fluffiest I've been meaning to say that our houses sound rather similar - ours is old and wierd too - with bits dropping off! Absolutely love the forget-me-nots and your print! And a belated happy birthday to your dh!
Foxes and Lane and Giveme really really lovely to see the photos of your fantastic small people! 
Lane should say that although I am not commenting on your memes daily; I am really enjoying them! And one of them inspired my daily activity chart! No need to apologise about lateness; home edding far more important! 
Willow arf at Willowhound's Dennis Healy eyebrows
Lisette arf re: ontological angst
Zoo I can't believe there wasn't a manned phone somewhere you could call about your lost shopping! That's outrageous! 
Ouch Bower hope your head is ok! Watch out for sporotrichosis aka rose picker's disease! Ha re: Gladys and vocal egg-laying !
Oh no Hazel so sorry about your sister 
Hope she is ok.
Give your hair a fortnight or so and it will be much better! Hope your mum had as good a birthday as poss in current circs!
KCC Qs:
Talent show = would have to be warbling badly (very low second alto, always made to sing tenor in choirs because there are never enough)
Painting = huge fan of Modigliani in general but would love to have a John Lavery on my wall!
Education = passionately believe ANYONE can be taught to paint and draw to a reasonable standard. But the techniques need to be taught properly first! There are methods that have to be learned and practised - like any other subject - before you get to be reasonably accomplished. Then you can let your imagination wander! So I would make time in the curriculum for that. And sewing and proper cooking.
Comfort food = anything with potatoes!
Cherry waves to all Fledglings! 