Episode 34 - The Tearoom moves to New England

[beanandspud]

At this time of year New England is famous for its glorious foliage as billions of leaves change from green to a kaleidoscope of colours. The air is crisp and cool ? perfect for hiking, biking or a drive along back roads, where farm stands are piled high with crunchy apples and orange pumpkins.

Everyone is welcome. There are tea, cakes and wine aplenty so pull up a comfortable chair and join us.

The usual rule applies - no fisticuffs please!

Is it all crazy go-go-go until you leave, Scout, or have you got it organized well enough that you can draw breath in the next 48 hours?

I'm sorry I haven't kept up lately, all :(

Tell us about your new house, Jacksmania. And the ::drum roll:: garden.

Oh, the new house is just bloody marvellous :o
We adore it. Huge windows so lots of light, lots of space. We still haven't hung the pictures but will do that this weekend. It's spacious but cozy. And now that it has been chilly for a few days we're experiencing the joys of forced air heating. Bliss. Warm air!!! I know I sound like I've lived in a cave but our previous home had a gas fireplace in the living room, which was supposed to hear the main level, and electric baseboard heaters downstairs. It tended to be a bit chilly.
A few weeks ago I ripped out literally everything in the garden. All I left was one bush of heather. The previous owners were into rhododendrons and hedge cedars. Which I loathe. And it was all overgrown. So it all ended up in a massive pile on the lawn. I just planted to last of everything yesterday.
3 lilacs
1 dogwood
2 clematis
3 climbing roses
3 camellias
4 hydrangeas
2 peonies
1 lavender bush
That's a lot of digging in clay-based soil. My arms feel like they're going to fall off today and my back and stomach muscles are aching. So worth it.
Then I loaded up all the ripped-out stuff onto DH's truck and drive it down to MIL's. She lives on a bit of land so we dump stuff like that in the woods at hers. It was two truck-loads. I don't know when I last lifted so much. I guess I'm feeling better.
The lawn is a mess :o. It needed help before but it's a muddy awful mess so when it rains next week I'm going to overseed it and hope it takes before everything goes to sleep for the winter. If not, oh well. We'll do it again in spring.

Scout, could you PM me your parents' address again so I can send your Christmas card?

UniS, many thanks for the surprise that arrived in the post today!

JM, I'll email you.

Maud, SB keeps asking to take the train to London (like his Daddy) so I might indulge over Christmas -- will you and Girl be around?

We are mostly organized. Bags packed and down at the in-laws (we leave from there since they're so close to Heathrow). Tonight I need to pack the carry-on bags which, for me, includes a fully topped up nappy bag with extra changes of clothes and pajamas and lots of books/toys/snacks for SmallBoy. Then I need to do things like finish the washing up, scrub down the stove, empty the 'fridge of potential smelly stuff, take out the trash and then empty the bathroom trash/nappies and take them out (though that's done as we leave the door since SB always gets a change just before we go). I need to go to Sainsbury's to get the last few foodie things that need to go with us.

We're going to Berks tomorrow and leave Saturday.

If I have time I'll address the US Christmas cards so I don't have to take my address book and write the addresses for postcards onto sticker labels (again, so I don't have to take my address book). However, I'm not going to stress myself out trying to get those done.

Tomorrow I'll empty all of the trash and load the car of trains and carry-ons. No, trains aren't going to the US (well, the normal "go to the café" train bag will travel with us as MomScout has bought SB lots of train things for his birthday) but they will go to Berks to be played with since we'll be there before we leave and for a day or two when we return. SB keeps talking "o-sticks" (gymnastics) and I'm thinking of taking him tomorrow morning.

MrScout is bringing home pizza -- wahoo!

Wow... so only one or two things left to do
I bow to you. That's a ton to fit into two days!!

::bows to Scout's domestic management skills::

Yup, we're at home over Christmas. I've already bought quite a few Christmas presents.

::Maybe some of Scout's skills have rubbed off on me::

Decided not to sort out the 'fridge contents until tomorrow since I won't take the trash out until tomorrow. I have gone through, though, and put some things into the freezer and all of the contents for the bin on one shelf so tomorrow I just need to dump. Washing up is done.

I got stopped mid nappy bag by SmallBoy crying and calling for Mommy. So I changed his nappy, gave him some Calpol (his cheeks are bright red but the rest of him is okay -- he is struggling with these last two molars, keeps grabbing his face, whimpering in his sleep, etc), a drink of water and a long cuddle.

Really need to get my bum in gear and do up the carry on nappy/toy/snack bag.

WOW- you ARE a domestic goddess tonight scout. Thought you might like a nice surprise, glad it got to you in time.

Boy knows NOTHING of his impending trip away , including flying... I might keep it a surprise till we are at the airport.

Bathroom rubbish bagged so diapers will go straight into it all day tomorrow. Carry on just about complete but feels like I'm missing something. There are shops at home so don't worry about forgetting most things but stuck an a metal tube for eight hours with a toddler is enough to make a grown man weep. I have:

Jeans (x2)
T-shirts (x2)
Sweatshirts ,(x2)
Pajamas (x2)
unopened pack wipes, pull-Ups, baggies, Calpol & ibrophen, oaty bars (x2), mini choco fingers, raisins
Stack of SB's favorite books, a couple of puzzles, new train sticker book, markers, paper, his new tablet w/fresh batteries and two spare sets of batteries plus new game for it he hasn't seen yet
Reins and tire pump (for stroller)
Passports (all), purse with USD and US cards
address book (I refuse to check it)
Two books for me to read
SB's toothbrush and toothpaste

What am I missing?

Your own toothbrush and toothpaste?
iPod or similar for you?

Bunny or other soft toy?

Specs/spare contact lenses if you need them?

Moisturiser, lip balm?

Blanket or fleece, travel pillow?

Chewy sweets/lolly for take-off or landing?

Have a fantastic time back home Scout!

Scout's toothbrush, check, but toothpaste is too big to get through security. I'll borrow SB's paste if desperate.

Don't own an iPod or similar.

Yes to moisturiser and face wipes.

Yes to sweets.

No need for specs/contacts and MrScout is in charge of his own. MrScout is also in charge of his own anti-seizure meds (though I did double check he had enough for the trip plus extra in case).

Bunny (and most likely Creamy Bunny) are currently being used so will travel separately. Baby Bunny and Baby Creamy Bunny (the newest addition to the warren -- joined us last month) will go checked luggage.

They don't seem to make plain Mini Wheatabix any more so can't get any for SisterScout. Remembered to pick up Cottage/Shephard's Pie mix for MomScout. Got extra goodies for JM as well. Splurged on the newest Steam Train magazine for SB and MrScout to enjoy during take-off.

SmallBoy gave the veteran/Poppy Appeal volunteer £1 today and was so excited when he gave him one of these rubber bracelets that are all the rage now. "Watch, Mommy, SB got a watch!" He's so proud of that "watch" he keeps looking at it on his wrist.

Right, I'm going to go start loading the car (stroller, camera bag (x3), trains, carry-on backpack, bag of food stuff that needs to be packed into checked luggage and laundry I'm doing at PiL tonight). Gah, still worried I'm forgetting something. (Laptop will get packed later....)

Goodies for JM?? Did you say GOODIES FOR JM????????
Really???? I'm getting goodies????

I'll need to email you or new address.

Oh my goodness, that's just completely made my day!!!!!! :) :o :)

Right, I need to get all the last minute stuff packed but I'm tired.

Goodies for JM.

Oh, I bet you are!
We're off to Seattle (again) in just a few minutes, I'll poke my head in when I can.
Safe flight, and have a wonderful time!!!! (((((((((((((((((Scout)))))))))))))))))) xxx

Seattle?!?!?! Jealous!!! Have a great time!

My SiL rocks -- she's offered to take us to Heathrow rather than driving us to the train and dumping us.

Lovely SIL

Do you think SmallBoy would like a postcard of the Space Needle?

Oh, and please remind me to email you and ask you for the recipe for the spice mix you sent me - it's nearly gone and I love it! I want to make more. I've made dip for vegetables quite a bit but I'm also using it for cooking (made enchiladas the other day, DH just inhaled them).

Oooh, I'm sure he would. SB was going to send JM a postcard, too, but not sure of where yet since we're going to about five different kid-focused places this coming week. The Crayola Factory, the Steam Train museum (& ride, I think) and The Please Touch Museum to name just a few.

Actually, that reminds me, if any other Tea Room DC would like a forrin postcard let me know. I was already thinking/have the details for Maud, bean and UniS (as well as you, JM).

JM, check your email. Not your PM, your email.

Sorry, SB was going to send JB a postcard. GAH I'm tired and should be in bed but need to sort out the final packing first.

Yes please. Boy was curious about who was going to be getting that book. I may persuade him to write back for homework, he needs reasons to write.

Yes please to a postcard, Scout!