Gunpowder, Treason and Crepes

[CointreauVersial]

Here we are again.....

Beachy so sorry to hear about DHs dad. Hope you are all okay, and yes I only have one but know any disruption to routine makes my head explode!!

It doesn't sound selfish at all - and you juggling all that meant he could be with his df and not feel torn. Hope you are all OK.

Sympathies to your DH and you, Beachy I'll add you

Rudy
BTM
Hatty
Auriga
Molly
MI
Lalsy
Rose
BD
QQ
Beachy

Beachy, sorry to hear of your/DH's loss and your fraught week - well done for keeping going

Thinking of the pre-Christmas meet up, addle suggested Ev's in Waterloo - presuming that no-one wants a three course Christmas dinner! What do we think? It looks good to me

Had a lovely crepey bike-ride in the afternoon sun, but was freeeeeezing by the time we stood up from our outside table!

Rudy
BTM
Hatty
Auriga
Molly
MI
Lalsy
Rose
BD
QQ
Beachy
Herbs!

Just back from our neighbours for an afternoon stiffener. Have had enough fizz to make typing slightly difficult.

Well, I am cleansed and generally gussied up and ready to go . I am going to make a determined effort to stay off-line from the time we go.

Rudy
BTM
Hatty
Auriga
Molly
MI
Lalsy
Rose
BD
QQ
Beachy
Herbs!
MrsSchadenfreude

Beachy - sorry to hear about DH's Dad

MI - have a fab time. I watched the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on TV last night and it really made me want to go to India.

DD1 has skyped me with her seriously first world problem of how she needs two ball dresses and she can't afford them.

Beachy, sorry about your dh's loss.

MI - have a great time! You deserve it.

BTM, thank you so much for organising our bike ride; and lalsy and addle for your company. I hadn't been on that bike for years. Part of my keenness to come was to Get Started again. And yay, it worked! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Safe journey to you MI and all my hopes that you are able to recharge your batteries so to speak, and have a real break. You deserve it.

I am waiting for my dinner guests. DD has lost her homework diary. DH is shouting because I asked him calmly to try and sort it out so that I can get the last minute cooking done. Someone has made the house smell by leaving a bathroom door open and not cleaning up…so I'm running all over the place with bleach.

Now I remember why I don't have dinner parties.

Beachy, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you

Hatty - a first world problem indeed.

Bon voyage, MI - look forward to hearing about it on your return.

So sorry to miss the S London Crepey workout session. We have been out near Winkworth arboretum today with friends for a big walk and a big lunch. All now slightly spent. Hurray. I drove so no booze at lunch, and having a celebratory sherry to make up.

Right, can hear bath overflowing for the kids. They are covered in mud and both DD1 and DS got stuck on one path and had to be lifted out of their boots. Hilarious!

Hatty, sorry missing a there

Rose, your supper will be lovely. Light a candle, have a small glass of wine and look forward to some fab chat. Your food sounds great and I am sure your friends will love it

Just catching up post Paris. So sorry to hear about your DFIL, Beachy.

It was a bit odd going back to Paris. I have to say, after a year away, it seems like a country in decline. I couldn't believe the number of shops in the area where we used to live that had closed down. And bars and restaurants - the "for rent" signs were everywhere.

Had some excellent food and wine, though, and met up with a number of friends. Weekend didn't get off to a good start - while I was waiting for my train, I got a text from a friend telling me that her husband had died. He was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer a few weeks ago, and was told he should see Christmas. What a shit year this has been.

Secret Santa:
Rudy
BTM
Hatty
Auriga
Molly
MI
Lalsy
Rose
BD
QQ
Beachy
Herbs!
MrsSchadenfreude
Addle

Beachyhead, so sorry for your DH's loss. Thinking of you both.

Moliere, lovely to meet you - and thanks BTM for organising.

MI, have a wonderful trip.

Monty I'm adding gin to my lime and lemongrass cordial as I type...

That's the spirit, Rose.

Addle, for some reason I can't C and P the list but please can I be added - I LOVE SS and all things festive. Cannot wait.

MrsS, so sorry things have been so pants. Here's hoping 2015 is quite the reverse of this sad year. It's sad, too, to see an area you love struggling financially and shops going out of business. Poor Paris. Such a fab city. Your supper last night did sound fab though.

Secret Santa:
Rudy
BTM
Hatty
Auriga
Molly
MI
Lalsy
Rose
BD
QQ
Beachy
Herbs!
MrsSchadenfreude
Addle
MontserratCaballe

There you go...

Sorry to hear your sad news Beachy and Mrs S.

Have a fantastic trip MI. I feel quite excited for you!

Well done the Sarf London cycling massif (innit).

MI, have a wonderful trip and keep up with daily updates

Rose, enjoy - your food will be delicious and friends will be delighted to spend a Sunday night with you

I am feeling a bit wasted now after a 1.30am finish this morning...

Please can someone add me to the SS -

Sorry, pressed the wrong button. Can someone add me to the SS - am on the phone and can't do it. Thanks.

Beachy, commiserations on the loss of your FIL, it must be difficult for your DH.

Bon voyage, MI, can't wait to hear all about your trip.

I am absolutely whacked: we have cycled 15 miles this afternoon and then I got a text from DS asking if they could all come round for tea, so our simple dinner for two turned into two courses for five. My premature GS now weighs over 14 lbs and is thriving.

I hope your meal is going well, Rose?

Secret Santa:
Rudy
BTM
Hatty
Auriga
Molly
MI
Lalsy
Rose
BD
QQ
Beachy
Herbs!
MrsSchadenfreude
Addle
MontserratCaballe
NU

That sounds perfect Rudy!