Crepeys are an August bunch

[MrsSchadenfreude]

Here ya go...

So pleased to hear that you know what arrived in plenty of time, MI. Well plenty of time if you were going next month.

I had forgotten the joy of shopping for new school uniform in August. And the relief of no more exam results. Hand holding for the DC who are waiting for them. DS's were awful and I vividly remember all the anxieties.

I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays and that the weather has improved for Stropps. Only three weeks until we go away.

BTM, I hope you get sorted out ok.

My dc know that no often doesn't mean no . Often their requests have involved eg sleepovers, alcohol, technology of various sorts, going out etc - I put my foot down and then quite often they explain what they really want or mean and I see their point and that in their world it is reasonable (even if I still think wrong), so I then have to change track. Their world is very different from mine. As this has gradually dawned on me, I have tried to ask lots of questions first and then say I'll think about it. Still getting the hang of it.

Lalsy I know what you mean- the workd has changed s fast, but z(not getting at you just a comment) it doesn't stop us putting rules in. So my administrator has a rule if she texts go her ds and he doesn't answer within 30mins she's in her car and on her way to collect.... I.e you talk to me or else (he's coming up 16) so I guess there's a way of making it work for you as well?

Oh I agree completely BD, and we do have rules - often unspoken - and dc do stick to them pretty well (staying in touch, being back at agreed time, sensibleness at parties, etc etc). (Mine would have a fit if I went to collect them if they didn't reply within 30 mins though and I wouldn't expect them to in the daytime unless they were late for something).I suppose what I meant was I have finally learned that boundaries that make sense and specifically relate to the world they operate in work better and if those are the result of pestering rational explanation and discussion then so be it. Sorry, put all that badly, as you were everyone.

Yes I agree Lalsy - that is what I do. As long as they can convince me and they keep in touch, I am happy!

So the air bnb condo is amaaaazing and only 80bucks a night! 3 double rooms, each with its own bathroom and ours has a megabed, huge bathroom, walk in wardrobe and balcony! 5 flat screen TVs (all in Spanish!), living room, dining room and kitchen with washer and drier. So glad I persevered with booking it. Even DD had to eat humble pie and apologise

I guess we are constantly having to reassess our parenting! I know my fil thinks we let ds know too much - I don't see why (within reason) he shouldn't know what the world is like....

Day three of the bathroom makeover - washing hair at the kitchen sink.... Reminds me of many dodgy bathrooms whilst inter railing.....
Today the electrician comes so I am assuming I might have lights.....

Absolutely BD, I reckon I could make a pretty good stab at parenting a teen, now dd is ready to fly the nest. I think ideas about how much dc should know about Stuff has changed very much within a generation.

BTM, that sounds amazing! What's the coffee like?

It does sound great, BTM. Oddly enough I was reading about Airbnb at the weekend - it does sound like a good way of getting accommodation, particularly if you take the rough with the smooth - and you seem to have fallen on your feet.

I hope the bathroom is coming along nicely, BD - I bet you will be glad when it is finished.

I am packing. Because I'm going on holiday. Did I mention I was going on holiday? Abroad? I can go on holiday abroad, you see, because we have all the passports.

Mind you it's only for six (6, vi) day.

MI :) (I am off on holiday on Saturday - only 7 days here)

Lovely image I now have in my head - thanks :)

Yes, thanks MI.

Really, MI, I had no idea. And yes, thanks for the picture of your DNeighbour - I am now convinced he is an exhibionist.

I am already counting down and it's just under three weeks until mine.

I have worked out where we're going. It's in the Loire Valley. Parc Nationale de Brenne. Looks lovely. Sod lack of washing machine and only two hobs - I just want to go!

Sounds lovely, MI. Always plenty to see and do in France and the Loire is very pretty: all those spectacular chateaux. It's great for cycling, too, if anyone can be persuaded. And lack of cooking facilities to me means lots of eating out (do remember lunch is always cheaper than the evening). Enjoy yourselves.

Good point re lunch.

I have finished a feature and may start on another...or may not. It all seems to be relatively containable. Famous last words...

My friend's little girl would have been eight today. I have just watched online the slide show they played at her funeral (Molly was there too).

MI you may bump into Stropps! Have a brilliant time and keep us updated!
about your friends little girl.

Lalsy, I bow down to you. teens are NOT my forte!
Infact I slunk upstairs to read/watch tributes to RW on CNN last night whilst they watched a film on Netflix (yes we have that here too!) as I just needed a break from the constant banter/bickering/noise...

Nah, BTM, we all feel like that at the time I think. Nice solitary lie downs essential when parenting teens. As time appears to have stood still today, I may sneak one of them in later

Great re holiday, MI. What a relief! Very tragic re. your friends little girl though.
Your neighbour is a perv. Happy viewing
Tilly I am ashamed to say I had to google Airbnb…it sounds fantastic…and good on you for taking time out. I need my space and it's one of the things setting me on edge, facing 2 weeks in hotel rooms with my lot…

BD another few days closer to a fab new bathroom…have faith.

Ok, I'm in that mode…the one that happens a couple of days before a big trip. My Mum used to call it something like 'Reiser Fever'…any German speakers around here…I don't know how to spell it. Running around buying meds, last minute realisations that we don't have something essential…wondering why on earth I didn't just stay in Sussex. Now going for gels, pedi and the heinous but necessary ouch treatment….for heavens sake why do pubes start advancing down legs when you get old????

Rose, we are now 2 weeks into our hol - I think thats why I need some space

God knows Rose, a horrid trick of evolution?

I have done the insurance, paid the apartment bill and booked coach tickets for a day trip. My bag and ds's are packed.

I don't do gels, or pedis or (god forbid) waxing.....
I am good to go :)

Good timing BD - will the bathroom be finished when you get back?

BTM at the rate at which they are going - yes! As we are away from Friday they will work Saturday and all next week. Us not being there means they can just crack on with it. Now the bathroom is residing on the patio I can see how truly minging it was

I am secretly DREADING all my lot coming back tonight. I have very occasionally very slightly missed them. Mostly not.