The CrepeVine

[MrsSchadenfreude]

How did we finish the other thread so fast...? Less than a month.

Wilbur, thank you very much for that advice. It really does sound like the way to go. I hadn't even thought about splashing out on a really decent pair of trews, but that actually makes complete sense. I did buy a smartish pair of trousers and a blazer from Banana Republic last summer, (in case I ever have to attend a job interview or attend a work do looking like a grown-up) but I've not yet worn either. (Would have been too work-y for last weekend's do) However, a pair or two of v. smart tailored trousers would be an excellent idea. I think I can work with that! And I confess I have never investigated Jaeger. I need to go and have a look.
I still luffs my waistcoats, especially in summer.

Dd is the same shoe size as I am and, although quite a bit taller and slimmer, still wears a lot of the clothes I have "grown out of".

On the peri-menopausal front: well, if I wasn't quite there before Christmas, I certainly am now. It's all gone a bit peculiar since the beginning of the year and I've just had 2 weeks of night sweats. Have now come on a week early and the old mooncup is struggling to cope. The situation puts me in mind of the Windows error message "Stack overflow at Line 1".

Had to work until after 1am, but have now finished monstrous job that I've been working on for a while. Hoorah!

@ "She can't find fault with the location of the hotel, though, as it is about 5 minutes walk from Primark at Marble Arch."

But MrsS, your reward is that you will never have to reproach yourself or feel guilty for not trying. You always do the right thing and if your mother is determined not to be nice or enjoy it, that's her problem. (Even though she apparently does her best to make it everyone else's)

MrsS, you are a saint - I would have given up bothering years ago!

I knew loads of rowers at uni - my bf was captain of the rowing club! But they weren't really my type - too squeaky clean

I am proud to say I avoided rowing at Oxford to the point when I didn't even know when the boat race was.

Did I mention I am going to Berlin this weekend?

And AIBU NOT to want to help make bunting for a slightly bridezilla if lovely friend's wedding? The very idea is making me feel faintly ill.

Sodding bunting. Needs to go on the same bonfire as c**nting cupcakes. Twee nonsense.

Mrs S - I think you should throw your mother a curveball. Next time it's a Travelodge on the outskirts of Nuneaton, lunch at Frankie and Benny's, and a quick scoot round a dowdy garden centre.

Herbs - she'f probably love that!

MI - I am not talking to you......

I had 5 missind calls, a text message asking me to call, and a voice mail asking me to call from dp. By this point aAIBU to assume something dire has happened? and thus AIBU to be livid that he only wanted to tell me I needed to collect ds as he had screwed up his diary? Could he not have just said so in the voice mail

BD, couldn't he have just text you that? I have finally trained DH to reply to my texts so I know he has got them!

BTM - exactly.... (he doesn't respond to my texts either, including the 'I'm on x train' so I never know if he will actually be at the station....)

MI - I should point out that there is an enormous Primark in Berlin .
Mrs S - tell your mother that lots of your friends would be happy to substitute should Claridges not be good enough.

I have been to see renovation of Parisian palace. It's hard to believe people have so much money. I was very happy peering off the rooftop into the very exclusive though smaller private houses with courtyards round about. The sort that you can't see from the street - just a big door in a wall.

BD what is it it men and texts - my DP cannot seem to manage either.

I'm confined to the bedroom as downstairs full of teenagers on the wii.

Dh is a happy texter. When he remembers to switch his phone on. Grrr.

Enjoy Berlin, MI

And now - with a long weekend away and everyone off on Monday - a commission comes through...

MI, have fun (missed that it was this weekend!) and sod the commission - surely it can wait till you get back?

Yep, tis an editing job, I can do it on Tuesday.

Dh has a scary and glossy new client who regularly emails us at 4am.

sichere Fahrt MI!
( Bon voyage nothing to do with farts)
Dh also not a fan of even a basic reply text. Surely there must be a market for an app that sends warm and consolatory messages from hope less partners

DH is having his friend over for dinner tonight as his wife's away. DC's have asked if we can eat at the kitchen table so they can watch Waterloo Road and Masterchef . Not sure how that will go down with DH - am pondering. This is what happens with communal living/dining rooms - (I would not have this problem if I had a palace - or even a slightly bigger house).

Ooh yes, Cremo, also an app that says things like "nice haircut" and "no, that dress actually makes your bottom look smaller"..

That's exciting Ruby, hope all is good with viewing.

MI - have a wonderful time in Berlin.

Ooh, MI, you lucky thing. Have a lovely weekend.

DS's Parents' Evening this evening; I have since hit the .

Let's just say there is plenty of room for improvement.

Am cream-crackered, the house is a bombsite, and I really should go to bed. This five-day week thing is a killer, although my pay-cheque this month was positively lavish.

V at Berlin, MI. We used to drive there from Warsaw in the 80s for a bit of high living R & R - left Warsaw at 4.00 in the afternoon, arrived in Berlin around midnight, dumped stuff in hotel, straight out clubbing on the Ku'damm, home around 5.00, alarm set for 9.00, quick breakfast and out to the shops as they were only open on Saturday morning back in the day, back to hotel, few hours sleep, then out sightseeing, via the NAAFI for teabags, out to dinner, earlyish night. Then up around 9.00 the next day, back to Warsaw via the American PX to buy loads of American non-foods and cheap electricals, and back to Warsaw early evening. Wasn't allowed in east Berlin in those days - used to peer at the Brandenburg Gate from the viewing platform by the wall. I went back a few years ago, and it was so much better, being able to see the whole city and walk round it. Can recommend the Jewish museum and Checkpoint Charlie museum. Also some very good art museums in the East.

CV, I feel your pain - 5 days is hard work (especially after 11 part-time!) Top Tip is Get a Cleaner

Also feel your pain re your DS - my DS is on short rations after a call from one of his teachers about his behaviour in class....

Oh mrs S - what a hoot. What a life you've led.