Crepe Fear!

[GiddyGiddyGoat]

Ta Da.

Just got in our cab home - very easy trip!

BD sounds like you and your DS had a fab time - are you feeling refreshed?

Cremo, hope you're not struggling in.

Doesn't feel like a Friday, glad I have the weekend ahead before I go back to work!

BD your boy is gorgeous, even in plastic wellies ( laughing, no , not me) I can see you in his features.

Glad the travellers are home safely . BTM, hope the jet lag doesn't bite you.
Southend is a funny one. Allegedly you can go there from here, but unless it costs 99p I wouldn't necessarily choose it.

I am resting, I promise. I have an audiobook and a yoga mat.

Rudy, I keep meaning to ask how you are, and how are things with the dcs.

Love the orange wellies BD - so glad you're refreshed. Glad you're back safely BTM. DD1 uses Southend to fly to Amsterdam for about £20.

Here beautiful day - I'm going to walk DS (and friend this time) in the forest again.

Just for Cremo (don't put your back out laughing)

Aqua Alta for the uninitiated....

I didn't know that there was an airport at Southend. It must have gone up in the world since we lived in Essex. Welcome home, BD and BTM. (This is when I have jet lag coming back from the States, although NY isn't really that far away compared with the SW).

Good to know that you're relaxing, Crem, keep it up.

I am never sure where I stand on Hallowe'en, and I have a DD who hates it, and a DDiL who loves it, so I sit on the fence, removing splinters, and say nothing. My DM used to take part in Mischief Night when she was a child. We always buy in sweets for visitors, but the last couple of years haven't had any.

I actually managed a swim this morning so am now tired. The weather is dreadful so DH is hanging around the house - I think window shopping this afternoon so I don't fall out with him.

Oh Rudy, how lovely. So pleased for you (and that you're enjoying time with DH). Fab particularly about DD too.

Yes, that all sounds great, Rudy - extra pressure at work less so, but at least you should be able to rest assured that your job won't disappear in the near future

Got back to DM rather frustrated/confused on the phone, but no idea what's set it off. I think she's OK DH and DS have done no shopping/anything, so the fridge is bare - good job I did an order from NYC DD's bf has just come round, so she is happy. I am feeling a bit tired...

What ho, crepeys!

Sorry to have been AWOL. I think I only realised how tired I was when I stopped and as a result I have done zilch. Nada. Rien this week. The kids are enjoying plenty of telly, snacks and games, interspersed with the odd bit of reading, walking, park etc. It is clearly just what sister ordered and I feel refreshed which is fab. DH has worked late every night this week, so I have been able to watch rubbish TV and have face packs. So sorry to miss MI and MrsS on Tuesday though. I hope the babysitting teenagers will be in need of some Christmas cash so that we might reconvene.

BD, I am so glad you are having a fab time with your boy. You sound much more like your old self and I am so glad you have got to have a complete break. Are you going to be able to take some more time off when you get back? Thinking of you.

Crem, I am very sorry about your back. I wonder if it is linked to the terrible stress you are under at the moment. Please try and rest as much as you can. Are you allowed to do anything like swimming which might loosen it a bit? Take care.

Rose, sorry, too, to hear of the latest news. How is your dad today? Has he been moved back to the home? I hope you feel a little rested after your break. Can DD not take her kit with her to rehearsals to get ready for her party? Am sure friends will only be too happy to help out when DH is away. Will reply to your text too.

Herbs and MrsS, I am sure you are / will be an asset to your various new roles. You would not have been appointed if they were remotely unsure of your abilities. Sorry to hear about all the red tape though.

Have loved hearing about the holidays and seeing the photos on FB. BTM, NY looked amazing. Very envious. What did you bring back, S and B wise?

I must book a hair appointment then off to Ikea. Wish me luck.

X posts, Rudy. Glad to hear things are settling down and well done for surviving protracted extended family visit. DD sounds to be in a great place . Long may it continue.

Right, the Swedes are calling. Meatballs and chips all round....

What a lovely, positive post, Rudy! Great that you're spending more time with DH, and so encouraging about DD enjoying college.

BTM, sorry to hear about DM, but that the men hadn't bothered to restock the fridge.

The weather has improved so DH is going out for a bike ride, which means I have decided to stay in and veg out.

Cross post with Monty - your week sounds just right for me, you sound nice and relaxed.

Rudy, such a cheering post, thank you.

NU, you and your dh sound like those weather vane people on towers - one in, one out.

Oh yes, S&B news!
I got 2 pairs of trainers - 1 very funky AirMax and 1 retro New Balance plus a pair of black low-top Converse.
2 pairs of capri leggings for the gym, a sports bra and 2 gym tops, a big grey hood and a green/khaki hooded light puffa.
A pair of Levis high-rise skinniest (they no longer do demi-curve) a big boxy grey pnj and a semi-fitted strethy grey tunic.
Also Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream at customs! TBH, the shopping wasn't all that inspiring - I felt like everything I got was a bargain/good value, but much other stuff wasn't any cheaper. The sight-seeing/vibe, food, people, everything was fab though and I definitely want to go back!

Rudy - great to know that the DC's have settled and especially DD at her college. It's lovely when it all comes together. I am back from walking the boys, DS has blisters - well it's not my fault he insisted on wearing his new shoes.

Monty - I love it when I get the telly to myself and I can watch something I know DH will hate. Next time, I will try to do this with face mask .

DD2 still not heard from her teachers regarding her PS going off. I have said to her several times it is half term - she does not find this an acceptable reason for the delay .

Hatty that's a bit worrying about personal statement.but I'm sure they must have sent it. Were they just checking it before it went?

Rudy, so glad I asked. Also very pleased for you that dd has settled. I am about ds's 5 (five, V) A'levels. Janey Mac that's a lot.is he very Mathsy?
That's so good you are getting couples time, which I can highly recommend. Although Dh is a wretched remote Monster and pre programmes the nights viewing when I am out of the room. Infuriating!,Hulk Smash.

Monty, thanks for your message. I hope ikea not frazzle-inducing given its half term.

Snorts @ BD's pics

Ruddy glad things are going well with the DCs.
Cremo glad I made you :)

MC - thanks for the kind words, I realise I had gone completely off the rails. I was doing work emails (I know) in prep for Monday and was generally 'meh' so what about most of them rather than feeling particularly persecuted or put upon which I take to be a good thing. I would love another week off, but suspect I wouldn't go back at all and that's not really possible I don't think.

Have decided if I had my time again I'd find work that allowed me to move from place to place every couple of years ...... It really appeals!

Rudy (ruddy autocorrect :) )

Lalsy, I think the worst thing about DH being retired is that he seems to be always there, iyswim. It's not that I don't like doing things with him, but if it's bad weather and he's got nothing to do, he will decide to come with me and I do find it rather restraining. He works on the principle of buying things because they are necessities, unlike me - I will buy something if I fancy it. Mind you, he does sometimes surprise me and will spend large sums of money (and you might have noticed that he is very good about holidays).

BTM, your haul sounds good, but I do agree with you about the shopping, and it's very easy to be drawn in because some things are such good value.

I too loved the Rudy Roundup and would be delighted to read any and everyone elses for the year so far (Sept or Jan on, up to you!)

BD, seriously, has it been two weeks already??
Thanks for all Aqua Alta pics and explanations to you and Crem.

DH too is rather too in control of what we watch, damnit. (And boycotts anything too exciting after 9, which is when we watch basically. Almost everything is considered too exciting except wildlife and excellent BBC4 music docs).

I brought my mum over today hoping DD2 and she would entertain each other. DD2 declared this 'your idea' even when I couched it as granny sitting, so it was poor childcare but it was quite relaxing sitting on the sofa with me mum, arms linked, blanket over us listening to DD1 play her new birthday guitar.

On the drive home DM outlined what she eats: mackerel, chicken slices, blue cheese and shop bought egg mayo (each seperately, not a Smorgasbord) 'all on toasted bread with an occasional piece of fruit.' I said 'Any vegetables?' And she said 'No,' in exactly the tone she would have used if I'd have asked 'Shall we invite Dad?' I have no wish to push veg on her, she's 85 and can do what she likes. Which is also to eat a lot of biscuits.

Monty you sound splendidly bushy tailed and your week sounds lovely (this is pre-Ikea though). I meant to give you empathetic noises the other week re your school app. Did you get to marry up the supplementary forms in the end? I just put down S for DD2. DD1 is already there in Y9 and we're happy all in all. I didn't put anything 2nd, 3rd or 4th because any viable schools all require extra forms and then banding tests down the line and I just Couldn't Be Arsed which I don't know whether to feel militant or embarrassed about. The ennui and embuggerance of the whole thing last time.... and it was me who did the whole thing. Anyway, DH is fretting now 'If she doesn't get into S, we'll get offered some school out in St Mary Cray.' Am I right do you think MI, to be confident that sib policy and distance will see us right? (And if worst came on offers day, surely it would shake down before end of term?)

BD, we used to move place approximately every two years when we were first married because DH changed jobs. I enjoyed it in a lot of ways, but I did get fed up eventually. When we came here 30 odd years ago I assumed we would be transient, but I am very glad we stayed. Stay away from work emails, you naughty girl!

WAF, you must get in surely on sibling policy as there can't be 240 looked after children ahead of you! I am in the bottom category on distance alone and am keeping everything crossed. The furthest child last year was 4.1km and we are 2.1km according to crow flying map so I am hoping we stand a chance. MI mentioned when we had lunch that the uncertainty over the head might have put people off and in any event the catchment is going to be large because only half the children living in the area are girls. You will be fine, I am sure. I only put down 1 school at primary for DCs 2 and 3 as they had guaranteed sibling places. So don't worry .

I didn't sort out my scholarship cock up alas as I was way too late. When I rang they said the letters informing people of the outcome we're going out the next day so no chance of a sneaky late application. I was bonkers but DH sensibly said that even if she got one, she would struggle to keep it as she is not given to music practice and she would have her music lessons at home anyway. He also said he'd take the flak from dd when we told her and say it was his fault. That is in fact his only contribution to the entire process. She hasn't mentioned it and is desperate to go to S anyway so I hope it might not be an issue.

Ikea was rammed so we had our meatballs and chips before beating a hasty retreat