MMXV (2015, twenty fifteen) : Here Come The Crepeys!

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More crepey wisdom.....

Me too

But is it salted caramel, Stropps??

Well it sounds lovely, Stropps, but I have just had a truffle from the Chatsworth Farm which we bought before Christmas, and it tasted bleurgh. DH on the other hand enjoyed his. I am beginning to wonder when I am ever going to enjoy eating anything again.

NU, I don't think a choc truffle would be my first choice of foodstuff if I were feeling peaky. Hope your appetite returns soon.
MrsS, nah, boo sucks to salted caramel. It was properly luscious not-mucked-about straight-up caramel. Db may have dubious parenting skills, but he is a dyed-in-the-wool foodie and does give most excellent edible presents.
This afternoon I dragged the dcs out on a proper walk by the sea. We went old skool and took an Ordnance Survey map and did some exploring. It was fab. Then I came back and cooked the joint of beef Dm gave us - which is from a smallholder who supplies the Country Market she works at on Mondays. Properly hung, very lean and just absolutely delicious. And I didn't cock up the cooking for once.
A good day. (Although I did completely fail to do any coursework).

Foodie heaven chez Stropps!

Am stuffed after pigeon and pie in the pub

Sounds a fantastic day, Stropps! Quite envious - although I too had a nice day, with pfb. In Oxford Street! But I'd booked him a free Personal Shopper session in Top Man and it's luuuuuvly - highly recommended for any young men who can't bear to clothes shop. You go to the top floor where it's all luxury and quiet, and a neat young man goes and gets clothes to try on. No minimum spend or anything. Honestly if it can persuade pfb to acquire new and different clothes, it can persuade anyone. I think it will definitely help his confidence - they requested a full briefing about him in advance, so they were able to deal with his stuck-in-the-mudness and general resistance to trying on any new clothes at all, ever. (I do realise that some, perhaps most, young men have to be stopped from buying clothes, especially trainers. Pfb was never one of those.)

Not like spas, BD?? I find them blissful; a bit of swimming, jacuzzi, relaxing with a good book, a massage, maybe a spot of yoga, stopping regularly for refreshments....it's certainly all the better for good company to share it with. Yes, BTM, it will be Tring, because DM lives a couple of miles away; it's where I went for the MN Pru Health freebie back in March.

I must say, crepeys, I'm loving this long, lazy Christmas break. A whole lovely week until I go back to work. We all got up late again today; DH and DS went off to play golf with BIL, then DH took the DDs rock climbing. Meanwhile I hit the Sales. I started off with all the best intentions, picking up a couple of pairs of "useful" work trousers (Zara and M&S), a top and some PJs (Next) and a dress (White Stuff), but then I hit the M&S handbag department and had a bit of a rush of blood to the head. The less said about that the better. I can always return it.... I came home to a houseful of DS's huge mates watching zombie movies in the living room.

Ooh, Molly - that sounds great re Topman shopping. How old is your pfb? Ds1 is not a shopper/dresser, although he is v pleased with the parka I made MIL buy him for Xmas so there are tiny signs of interest in his appearance and I'd love him not to be permanently dressed in rags that are just a little bit too short. It would be a good confidence boost too. He's just approaching the smaller men's sizes now.

Gnnnnn.... settled down slightly reluctantly to a sober evening in front of some slightly lame films - Italian Job and Trading Places. When I checked my phone just now, I'd been invited to the pub at 7.30. That'll learn me...

He's 20, wilbur. I do recommend it. I googled personal shoppers for men, and the Guardian had given Top Man the best review. Alfie was our guy.

Things have just got much worse. DH is going to have to have to take DCat to the vet as he is failing fast. I am so upset as I know that it's the end. DD is calling in on her way to work to say goodbye. Just can't stop crying.

Oh NU :(
So very sorry. It's not been a good one for you has it? I have really noticed DDogs age this break, yesterday when we had a house full of kids he took himself off and got under a bed - a year or so back and he'd have been slap in the middle of them. Now he's like a old man grumbling about 'the youth of today'.

Here we dealt with blocked drain, which was disgusting and stank the house out.

CV like you I'm loving this long break! Sorry spas - as I say not good at pampering myself!

I don't do NY resolutions but am going to get back on to 5:2 and shift some poundage.

Just looked in from my mum's house and saw your news, NU. I am so sorry. Poor cat and poor you. You are doing the kindest thing for her but that doesn't make it easier. Thinking of you. Much love x

NU, what horrible news. One of our cats is clearly on the way out and I am dreading it.

NU sorry to hear that - you have had a gruelling time this Christmas.

Had a lovely evening in a country pub last night. The teens got taught how to play bar billiards by a local while we played cards Last breakfast and back home this morning.

You can tell you are a teacher when all others are enjoying the "long" break and you are saying only 6 days till we go back

Oh NU, that's horrid. I'm very sorry to you're having such a miserable time.

Very sorry NU. Hope it will be painless for DCat.

Don't talk about poundage. I am at my peak heaviest ever. Not helped by my own laziness: DP cooks a lot of stodge and a lot of meat. As I have to take over sole cooking the week he's away doing The Martial Art We Do Not Mention, I have planned much veganny goodness. (Nice food. Am a good cook when I can be arsed. But a lot of veg soup, chickpea curry, lentil pasta sauce...)

Also my own habit of stuffing self on cheese and choc and swigging wine may of course play a role in this.

NU, I am sorry to hear about dcat. You have had a rough time, your poor thing.

Just checking in from couple of days away in South Wales. Lovely weather if freezing. Poundage here too.

Off to see my parents. I am a bit worried about my cough but will keep my distance and her last chemo was three weeks ago so her immunity should be OK...

Cleansing house in preparation for lunch guests. Relatively new friends, but we really hit it off. She's rather glamorous, but brilliant fun, and he's a very good cook. They have a very tidy and tasteful house. No pressure on any front, then...

Sorry to hear about NUCat. It's so heartbreaking. Our lunch friends' cat just died two days ago - must be the season for it.

Courage, MI. Maybe some parent-based pacing can burn off a few pounds...

Herbs remember they are coming for your company not your house (which I am sure is lovely anyway!)
MI bon courage!
Lalsy, lots of hill - walking then?

NU - so sorry about poor old cat. Sounds like you need a break after Christmas this year.

MI - hope everything goes well for your visit to DM.

Herbs - I know exactly how you feel re glam guests. I never feel our house is good enough or my cooking fab enough.

DD and DH have gone to the airport to meet DD's godfather. I am feeling a bit cloth headed. I hope this was the result of being kept awake by chatting teens last night and not the start of a cold.

Greetings crepemeisters. Thank you for being there to lurk on over Christmas with ILs (quiet. Non-festive. Much telly and potato waffles. MIL doing v well with 7 weeks ago broken hip and cheerier than in a long time). All praise to Barry Minor Injuries. DD1 fell off skateboard in Penarth at 12.30 and we were in and out with her humerous buckle fracture in an hour. Will need to liase with HOD re: uniform hack - really don't want to have to buy anything extra, and early lesson interchanges to avoid jostling. She is being charming. dd2 taking the spotlight shift v badly.

NU so very sorry to hear about puss. Sad, sad, sad.

Courage to sale shoppers. Gentle high fives to lazing abouters. And go get em's to anyone having to Do Stuff.

Waves at WAF- good to hear from you and Happy new Year.

NU how heart breaking. They just become part of the family don't they? Every cat we've had has wheedled into a little place in my heart. I am so sorry that your Christmas has been miserable. I am sending you much love for an improved new year.

Here in work, you'd have thought everything would have calmed down, but no, the spending continues apace. I am losing my legendary patience and my frozen smile is slipping.
Dhaka has agreed to a short break in Italy - praise be - as January is a long month without something to look forward to.
Dd departed last night- cue some mild weeping and wailing from me. I worry so much for her. And her life choices, but I have ceased to be any influence in her life it seems. I know this just happens with young adults- I'm not so naive , but I did remind her that we would always be there for her, unlike some of the friends she's made ( and invested complete trust in )at the end of the day.
God I sound just like my old dad. She, needless to say chose not to really listen to me and flew out the door like I was a nut job. . It just makes me rather sad. That and the lack of any thanks for presents, food or effort by dh and me to make the week special.