Summertime...and the Crepeys are easy

[motherinferior]

With much love to BD.

(We are going to county cork btw in frugal manner.)

Beachy, I LOVE that tunic and was considering it for myself. This may or may not be a recommendation.

Attempting to work on my novel on the train...

I still look like a tomato and one of the ELFs (Evil Little Fuckers, aka the DDs) has either used up or lost the aftersun cream. Suspect it is in DD1's room under pile of books or clothes.

I like the tunic, too, Beachy, but am mildly amused that it is called a "grazing tunic". Have a lovely reunion with DD.

Safe journey home, Herbs.
*
Hatty*, 'enjoy' your shopping trip with DD. We had breakfast on the patio at 7.45 this morning: it's absolutely glorious here. DH has gone to badminton and we think we will go for a bike ride later.

I have sympathies with grumpy husband syndrome: I used to reckon it took DH a week to wind down when he was working, by which time we were thinking about our return from holiday.

A child free day here, too, ready for the onslaught when DD's two arrive tomorrow morning: I foolishly suggested that she and her DH went away for a night, so they're off to the Borders. The DGC will go home Monday afternoon, to return on Tuesday. And then I wonder where my time goes....

Have a good trip to Norwich, MI.

Sorry I shouted: obviously got the T and B's mixed up for some reason.

Tunic doesn't look middle-aged Beachy - I like it! Glad to hear DD1 is nearly back

Herbs, the paying doesn't exempt him - hope you've had your swim and he's done his bit

DH is thankfully in his element on holidays.

Off to catch the sleeper soon.

Interesting... Didn't take him long to come and find me, ask if I was ok, give me a hug, etc. Any departure from norm of 'briskly cheery' is noticed. I took the opportunity to ask if he was better today, as he'd been c quiet yesterday and it was quite difficult keeping up jollyness. And that it made me/DS feel we'd done something wrong. He went silent again at that point. So I left.

Then had a cry when DS sang his farewell song to the kitten.

I want a kitten now. Wonder what our elderly mad moggy would think?

Re tunic, I like it also. As my waist grows, so does my love for tunics.

Speaking of which, this Hol has left me feeling v fat and flabby. But had revealed that regular swimming helps my dodgy hip. Lasysplashing upon my return it is...

Re DP. His argument is that 'I'm just quiet'. Well, yes. But there's a fine line between quiet and rude.

Love the tunic, Beachy. Would look good on you too, MI. I like both colours too. I have bought a khaki jumper for my holiday. It is possibly a bit too big (yes, MI, I did order a size larger than I usually wear... ) but I don't care and cba to return it. I will cheer it up and slim me down with a strategically tied scarf.

In other S & B news, my highlights have toned down a bit, and I look less Bet Lynchy. It is also the best cut I have ever had - I can wash it, run my fingers through it, shake it, and it all falls into place.

I am slathering LRP's Lipikar lait on my sunburn and think it is now more golden brown than red. But it is quite dark in here and I don't have my lenses in...

Be achy I have been eyeing up that tunic too! Surely all these crepeys can't be wrong :)

Herbs I agree with BTM and others. I have had hissed convos with dp in the past along the 'he's your child too' lines and, as I said,I have just said you two go and do something I want me time...... I think largely dp and I know how each other works and as long as I give him his early coffee on his own, and the odd beer solo he's generally very good.

At the minute I feel weirdly 'on hold' - this time next week we will have the memorial.

BD , thinking of you. It is quite a long gap to have til the memorial. Can't be easy.

Beachy the dres, tunic is perfect for running about in. I love Seasalt, and have indeed got a lovely short Mac from them ( via eBay). I wouldn't go for the fisherman S tunics though. A step too far.

Splendid day yesterday exploring beautiful Bordeaux, which is all blushing cream sandstone and cobbled alleyways full of little specialist shops. Our anniversary dinner was at a top notch vegetarian where there was one menu, 20 people and unlimited wine included. Our plates of incredible artistry and arrangement were extraordinary. Will be remembered for a long time to come.
We have zipped up the autoroute and are now ensconced Chez Maman et Papa beside the seaside. It is scorchio. It is home. Now we can completely relax.
On the subject of dh's and holidays, well mine was unbearable for years, but coming to the same place, and his being familiar and comfortable in it, seem to have won him over. He is sadly attached to the laptop despite the fact he's on holiday, I can see he is sending work emails. I have come to accept this and say fuckit. I did a massive strop one year and came here on my own, leaving dd with Dh to go camping and fishing. It was utter bliss and to be recommended. The French do hive their children off to holiday camps a lot. I think it is to be encouraged

Herbs, so sweet that ds sang a little farewell song to the kitten. Just a golden moment.
Italian driving, is demented. Even the maps are impossible to follow and bear little resemblance to reality.
I nearly lost the plot driving a vintage fiat 500 in Verona. I just pointed the car in the mostly right direction and surged forth at speed. Seemed to be what the locals do. But shit yourself scary, yes.

BTM , glad dd behaved last night. Must be very wearing. I do feel for you.
Stropps, glad the majority of the pain has subsided. Sorry you are still suffering though.
MI, hope the MU with old friend is a nice diversion and that your Dad is no trouble .
Xxx.

BD, I think the limbo feeling is entirely to be expected - until you have had your service, it feels as though you can't close the chapter. We had to wait over 3 weeks to have my dad's funeral and it was the strangest time. Sending you hugs.

Herbs, I think the holiday thing is very common with men. They feel they need and deserve a break from work and general daily grind and want a pre children holiday even though there are children present. My wise and wonderful GP told me ten year ago as I quietly wept on her with a six week baby that on holiday each parent should have an hour a day without their children. I would say that this is a bare minimum. Like yours, my DH outearns me and so pays for a lot of things, but I feel I am entitled to spend the money too by freeing him to pursue his career whilst I wash, cook, clean, child rear and shout. Oh, and occasionally I teach a bit of Law as well.

Ladysplashing is very good for head clearing too, I find. Glad it has helped your hip.

Beachy, I am so glad that your DD1 is nearly home. What an adventure!

NU, you are indeed the most lovely granny (and mum). Hope your DC realise just how marvellous you are and how very lucky they are .

MI, is it just for men beard that i need for my eyebrows? Which colour should I buy? I am going to Superdrug to investigate later on. Have the DDs arrived yet? It's a long way...... Hope today goes as well as possible

Crem, I hope you are getting some rest in on your French adventure now you are chez vos parents. How long are you staying? Scorchio sounds ace.

Stropps, I am so sorry your back is playing up after the good period. Can Jesus fit you in on Monday perhaps?

BTM, loving the holiday pics on FB. Glad DD is playing ball too.

Rose, hope your change of guests will go smoothly and that you get some time to relax next week.

MrsS, so sorry you got a soaking in Brighton. When are you off to Margate?

Hatty, any word on DD1's interview? I will give my pal a nudge for top tips next week.

Hello Rudy

Right, been up since 6 and now taking the folks to John Lewis to buy a new dishwasher. Second white good to give up the ghost in 3 months (having lasted almost exactly 5 y since the new kitchen was put in). Keep your fingers crossed for the fridge and oven to fare a bit better. I will then pop to Iceland to fill the freezer with rip off magnums then I think a Campari and a bit of book in the garden beckons.

Happy Saturday, lovely Crepies.

Monty, go fairer rather than darker.

Am taking a few of my mother's books....

Greetings from St Sebastian. Am sitting outside a very nice bar on the edge of a beautiful garden square with dh and a book and a huge Campari soda. Have despatched children up a nearby mountain on a funicular railway... result!

Not much to do here which is lovely. Just drinking and reading between meals really.
Life is good...

In other news (which I am trying not to think about too much atm my (not so dear) mum is in hospital with a chest infection...

Love to all, home and away... X

Say hello to 'Puppy' for me in Bilbao GGG!

BD our hotel in Bilbao looked directly onto the museum and our room was opposite El Puppy! Have met up with ddc for (yet more) Calamari and they have now taken themselves off to the Aquarium. Meanwhile dh and I ensconced in super hip coffee shop... with our books.
It will be very different in 10 years time Herbs. Patience!

Hotel Domine GGG? Recall the aquarium on a very wet day in August - the whole of San Seb was in there!

Earliest re mum would have been Monday (that's when cremation will happen), couldn't do anything this weekend as Dnieces birthday and that would just have been wrong...

Yes BD! Hotel Domine it was...

First hotel I stayed in with dp in Bilbao - fond memories!

Back from shopping crepies - have failed to get an 18th birthday present for DD2 but she has got a new swanky duvet cover from Zara Home and lots of really cheap sports wear from Gap.

The boys seem to have enjoyed accrobranche so all in all a good day.

Have asked DH for wine but he seems to think 5.30 pm a little early - have put pressure on!

I think my DH seems comparatively alright on holiday - he is more grumpy at home and really annoys me when I tell him something to find he has not listened at all.

Monty - thanks for asking about DD - will send you a PM with the gossip - she's going to be quite busy next week!

Ahh rosé and olives have arrived.

I am sure that one of the reasons our marriage has lasted for 30+ years is that we are 100% in agreement on holidays.

We both love good sea swimming, somewhere not 'too' touristy, reasonable food & plenty of .

DH was a pilot (military, teaching & North Sea) & always found it easy to leave work at home. Thank heavens!

And it is very lucky we did not disagree as, statistically, pilots' wives are the most likely to be murdered by their husbands!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad he told me that before we tied the knot

Hatty - WTF is' accrobranche'???

I have visions of your DS's being acrobats in trees!

I think "accrobranche" is one of those climbing things in trees with ropes and high up platforms?

DH and I have been Out and he is now cooking.

Yes it's that Mrs S - I have no idea what it's called in English.

The one my two have been to is called "Go Ape", so that is what it is known as in this house!

Believe it or not, there is now a Go Ape in Battersea Park. If anyone wants a day out in Battersea Park, I am your woman since I am also the Park's biggest fan.