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Meet-ups

When meeting up take sensible precautions. Meet in a public place and let others know where you are going.

Meet in the middle at the schultuete shop!

961 replies

PiratesKnittingTreasure · 20/08/2012 20:13

Here we are Smile.

OP posts:
StitchingMoss · 27/08/2013 22:21

Ah didn't think of the character bikes! Have never looked at kids' bikes in Halfords tbh as we're so wedded to islabikes now - why not measure him and give them a ring? Dh said they were fab Smile.

Re SLR cameras, have you checked out second hand prices? My photographer friend says most professional photographers upgrade their equipment so often that second hand deals can be very good. The quality of my photos has improved recently since another friend suggested using my zoom lens - it means being able to take much more candid photos (such as my new cover photo of the boys on the raft) and gives a fantastic finish as the zoom focuses on the subject and nothing else. Mind you, I'm spoilt for choice on what to photograph here and DS1 loves having his photo taken which is great Grin.

StitchingMoss · 27/08/2013 22:26

Anyone up for a new thread to start a new school year? Smile

"Onwards and upwards" is my title suggestion - anyone got anything better?! Grin

DTisMYdoctor · 27/08/2013 23:49

I had noticed you'd taken some particularly good photos of late. Worth a thought re second hand. Thanks for bike tips btw.

New thread, how about 'hi ho, hi ho, it's off to school they ALL go'

But will also hold out for better suggestions Grin

Gigondas · 28/08/2013 08:38

shakes fist as stitching away as would cheerfully hand over her littlest god daughter who was up half the night.

The second hand camera Is a good idea. Dh has an slr and they are worth it plus they last.

No advice on bikes - no shock that big gig isn't that into them (always was less into physical stuff). Mini gig however already tries to scoot and has had a go on the balance bike.

Need Brew.

StitchingMoss · 28/08/2013 09:06

Ah she is a little pickle that one! Sorry to hear you've been up half the night Sad.

I will have words next time I see her! Grin!

You seen this ? Grin

Gigondas · 28/08/2013 21:38

I would sing that except she is a little parrot at the moment so explaining the f word could be interesting.

Blue badge assessment was fine-woman actually had helpful advice on what I can claim. Not sure i will tho as even tho not means tested , I feel not right to claim when I am ok and so many others aren't.

DTisMYdoctor · 29/08/2013 00:28

Gig, if you were a regular RL friend I'd say you need to take whatever makes life easier. It's what you've paid your taxes for x

In other news I bumped your York thread and you now have some replies Grin

Gigondas · 29/08/2013 07:20

Oh great dt - will check it out.

What the lady mentioned was the mobility allowance. This would give me money so could get a car that was easier for me to drive or someone else. assuming I can get my left arm strong again (which I am given time and Physio), if I got an automatic that would limit need to use left arm all time for gear change. Would also be easier for nanny who prefers an automatic .

Talking of which, having moaned about old one both new nannies are fab and so good at helping/looking after me. The main one tho is about to go on maternity leave (and has even found cover in one of her friend).

It's been nice (ESP for big gig) and exciting with her being pregnant as I think it helps big see someone being pregnant and healthy as I think she got bit confused with my illness following so quickly on having mini gig. But what I wanted to ask is what were your best baby presents as want to get her bits (she has already been convenient for all old baby clothes so we are joking it had best be a girl as is wearing them whatever Wink)?

StitchingMoss · 29/08/2013 19:21

Lol re singing the song - I was playing it on youtube yesterday while the boys were watching tv but had to quickly turn it off as didn't want DS2 repeating it Grin!

Hmm, that's really hard re best baby things - it seems a life time ago! The taggy you bought DS2 is still his most treasured possession so maybe something from their taggy range?

Or what about a nice mobile? Personally didn't go in for the all singing all dancing ones but both boys had simple old fashioned wooden mobiles and absolutely loved them for years.

I'll have a think and see if anything comes to mind.

Your nannies are very lovely - fab news that Nanny No 1 has found cover for you too Smile. Tell her I can't wait for some new baby cuddles either so she better pop over some time when I'm visiting! Grin

Re car, automatic sounds good - go for it!

DTisMYdoctor · 29/08/2013 21:24

Automatic sounds ideal Gig. Great news on the nannies.

Baby gifts - I always buy friends nice gro-bags.

Love the you tube clip. I used to sign something similar to DS when h was a baby Grin

disguisedeb · 30/08/2013 17:26

Hello everyone, just done a quick catch up. 7pm bedtime here for Ethan, he doesn't do bikes yet but should really try him with balance bike if there's one big enough. Automatic car sounds like a good option Gig, holiday photos look great Stitching. LaG, did you ever post after photos of your new kitchen(I know that was ages ago) and how's potty training going? DT, how;s school going? You asked a while ago about pencil grip, I'd try and correct it now if possible. What's his fine motor control like? Can he form letters etc?

This will be old news to all of you but we're having housing dilemmas...yes again!

The house we rent which we once nearly bought has been reduced again and there are apparently people waiting to view. So that put us into panic mode and we put in another offer, on the basis that we'd have a builder round and let them know what needed doing.. Today my lovely step brother(has own building company) drove from Norwich to look at this house and a couple of others for us. His view of this house wasn't great and he found 47 things to put right, estimating at about £50,000 with possibilities of other things going wrong in the future. So this one is a no, no., which means we could be needing to look for somewhere else to live in 2/3 months if the landlords find a buyer.

Today we have seen two very different houses
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-26311947.html
this one is in the village we live in. It's an old house and needs updating but it also has a 1 bed flat to convert for either holiday flat or long term let, a fantastic 0.8 acre garden for 3 wild boys and a dog and 2 acre field to rent out to horsey person.

Then we went to see this one which was like nothing else I've ever seen.
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-41668946.html?premiumA=true
The photos don't do it justice, but it had had all sorts of fancy heating things, very, very organised with a cupboard for everything. The kitchen was amazing with Neff domino hob with indoor barbecue!, fancy oven, high sink so you don't get a bad back, then she opened a double door full height cupboard and inside it was a baking station, worktop, with marble slab, stool, and so much storage above with all labelled containers, I'm sure in that kitchen I could be on GBBO next year.The en-suite was 4* hotel style, with shower with jets and piping to make a steam room. etc...etc...

BUT it's only 3 bedrooms and to get to the house with dream kitchen is along a track, with 2 gates to open and close every time you go out, or arrive home from work, and very narrow.

House no 1 is 400,000 and no 2 is 300,000 (because of it's location otherwise I know it would be a lot more)

HELP

StitchingMoss · 30/08/2013 19:29

Bloody hell you get a lot of bang for your buck in Durham!!!! Grin

I would go with No 1 personally, but then I'm not that fussed about cooking and the gate thing would drive me demented - plus I think the outside space sounds amazing in No 1 and with 3 kids that is soooo important. And more space inside too - as teenagers I think space becomes ever more essential as you crave your own personal space more.

DTisMYdoctor · 30/08/2013 20:23

I'd be very tempted by number 2, but I'm a sucker for that lovely modern organised look. Is number 2 the cheaper one? Could you build an extension with the money you save?

DTisMYdoctor · 30/08/2013 20:26

And on the pencil control thing, I've not had any concern about fine motor skills. He can form letters - not brilliantly, but with the school system being different here he's not had lots of practice. Apparently his teacher told him he was doing very well at his writing practice and drew a star in his book - he was very pleased Grin

Gigondas · 30/08/2013 20:27

The vote from me and mr gig is for one in village. I think it has a homely look, like outside space and more practical (rental potential, in village and space for boys). Mtt gig thinks will Hold value and be better for you cos of rental. Other one agree with stitching logic ESP the gates would drive me mad.

Had good few days as strong enough to cook ( which I love) -even managed trip (albeit on bus some of way) to get new Jamie Oliver book (which provoked bunfight here yesterday ). Now have cake for master chef final which am amazed have stayed swae fir after 4am mini gig wake up. It's lovely she likes her new toy pushchair but not so much when wakes early to play.

StitchingMoss · 30/08/2013 20:57

Saw the JO bunfight - there are some people on MN who see the nearest bandwagon and just love to jump on it! Grin I thought he handled it well tbh.

Gigondas · 30/08/2013 21:03

I agree stitching. There are. repeat offenders certain posters where you wonder what they are trying to achieve.

The book btw is good ( some of his books can be a bit hit and miss). I am not sure it's budget but some really tasty ideas there and practical as based around using a cut of meat for different meals. I like this (and some of ideas) as its going back to his original cook books which are IMHO good (if you ditch his obsession with chilli).

StitchingMoss · 30/08/2013 21:30

Nooo, it's NOT budget Gig - you have to be a millionaire to afford to spend £1.38 per person on a meal Wink.

Some of the arguments on those threads were so utterly ridiculous - a few well known names started the slagging and lots of others joined in. The worst arse licking wasn't aimed at JO but at the populist posters tearing him to pieces!

Will have a look at the book next week Gig as New School Year Resolution is to try and cook! Blush

disguisedeb · 31/08/2013 00:17

Thanks everyone xx

LaGuerta · 03/09/2013 20:01

Yes the first house Deb. Any more thoughts?

GBBO now anyone?

Re JO: saw a bit of the programme last night and it is a rip off of my all time favourite cookbook "Economy Gastronomy" which was also a BBC show 4 years ago. It is the only cookbook I have ever owned that the cover has fallen off. DH says he will buy me JO for Xmas seeing as I have used Econ Gastron so much.

StitchingMoss · 03/09/2013 20:43

I'm watching Grin!

LaGuerta · 03/09/2013 22:41

Hooked?

Gigondas · 03/09/2013 22:44

She is... Just wont admit it .Wink

StitchingMoss · 03/09/2013 23:09

Grin Grin

They had me at CustardGate Wink.

DTisMYdoctor · 04/09/2013 18:23

Still not seen GBBO! Are you all back at school this week?