A Crepey Advent-ure

[MontserratCaballe]

Over here, my darlings....

I mean it was a metaphorical rollercoaster ride, not a literal one - fast and furious, lots of twisty turns.

Oh yes Rudy, that would be a good one. Combined with a trip up the Shard for drinks (bar not too ridiculously expensive) or free trip up Sky Garden?

Stropps, you are giving me heart that DS's different but nonetheless extremely challenging problem will be overcome before I keel over with anxiety and stress myself and get even fatter

Rose, I can't say I'm sad that Brum is DD's 5th uni choice!

I am now feeling even more that I did not get an M&S calendar. Next year I definitely have to. The cinnamon flavoured nuts sound good too!

Had a lovely message from my DGodF who is coming up for 90, that he went to see DM today and she had not a clue who he and his son were (despite knowing him for over 60 years) but "prattled on quite cheerfully" - I suppose that's the best one can hope for in the circs.

Cocoa, it sounds like you are doing brilliantly - do take time for yourself.

BD (and others) I can totally recommend Hema and Tiger for stocking fillers, even for teen boys! But it sounds like you need more than that - the internet is your friend

WAF, a more intelligent editor is sure to come along soon - I bet your book is great.

MrsS, please keep us updated on the efficacy of the products! And it looks like you have a baking rival in the form of Cremo

I am feeling better than I have all day. Could be because DS has gone out to watch a match at a friends! I am passing on a night out tonight - DS is going to go up to town to meet friends over from NZ - just don't feel like being jolly

Cocoa , that's amazeballs you felt up to doing the church gig. I'm such a malingerer, and wouldn't have been over the doorstep for weeks. Respect.
My bereavement was quite a while ago btw, but it still smarts when I think about is. ( Our family arrangement is complicated Cocoa/ Rose but I'll PM you if you want the run down)

What is secret rooms Rudy?

Crikey! Memories if the sleeper train in Vietnam when we couldn't get the door open

DD and I have a crappy Christmas film and Faileys

By this time next year I will be able to afford an M&S advent calendar. How about that for ambition!

Just returned from exhausting but fun afternoon, firstly watching Sleeping Beauty at the Hackney Empire, which was brilliant, then a big meal at Turtle Bay, with associated cocktails. I had three. They must have been pretty weak (2-for-1), as I am still conscious. It was all in my lovely ex-nursery gang, who all (coincidentally) have only children. We meet up every school holiday for a picnic, or a panto. Next week we're going to see Santa.

DP had some kind of emotional crisis while seeing his mum. He came to join us in TB, and rallied, and is now having further beer with his chum. 'Home by 8,' apparently. We shall see!

One of the gang is a lady of similar age to me, who used to be a high powered PA. She gave it up, in order to create a portfolio career. She too is utterly unable to get a job, despite being capable and ace, and is signing on. Lot of it about...

There really is Herbs. I have two friends who retrained in areas of high need , and they can't get a job due to departmental cutbacks. Depressing state of affairs that although there is the need for more staff , the jobs are not forthcoming because if swingeing budget cuts. This is partly why I stay in Shit Job.

Have discovered this Black Forest Gateau Liqueur with which I am planning to design some kind of Christmas dessert to bring to dsisters. Was thinking of some kind of Black Forest Log type thingmy.
In development.

Cremo that puts me in mind of a delicious desert that my old boss used to make - he soaked ginger biscuits in sherry (?) And joined them together like a log and covered them with whipped cream then put it in the fridge overnight. Could you try something like that with choc biscuits and maraschino cherries or something?

Or a blackforest trifle with choc sponges and choc custard and cherries....

Oh, stop with all the pudding talk. I picked up a large "reduced for quick sale" lemon tart in Co-Op earlier, and we've just devoured the whole thing. With cream. Oink.

I had a lovely (now sadly annual) evening out with my NCT chums (17 years on....) at a Thai restaurant (OMG, easily the best meal I've had all year). Very interesting to hear how each of our PFBs are getting on, and how different they have all turned out. In what appears to be a familiar theme, one is suffering from such crippling anxiety that it is really starting to impact her future; she ducks out of school trips, refuses to look for a job, learn to drive, or do anything which would require her to speak to strangers or spend time away from home. GCSEs were at least a grade lower than they could have been, tears and vomitting every morning, poor child. Friend is now seriously concerned she won't be able to handle the idea of university so is now embarking on the CAMHS pathway and hopefully getting some help.

Oh Stropps, I am so, so pleased. Good for dd and double good for you. Reading top car insurance tips must, just must, mark a turning point on the path I think.

Crem, glad to hear about dd maybe also coming through, and love your stabby/lying down plan for a good Saturday night.

Rudy, a friend did Escape Room and said it was brilliant. My miserable lot all looked at me in horror when I suggested it. They did do the Rib thing for a birthday do earlier this year and really enjoyed. But in June. I was colder than I have ever been this week on the river.

ds has also applied to Birmingham!

Herbs, I know, it is incredibly annoying. I never don't get back to people.

Ooooh, I used to make a pudding where I soaked ginger nuts in whisky then sandwiched them together with whisky cream, then ate, then fell asleep. Think a version with that liqueur could be quite something.

Watched ds play his last football match for school today. Bittersweet, it has been such a big thing for us all. My Land's End thermal longjohns were superb, you will all be glad to hear.

And WAF, boo and boo again. But yes about loving the writing.

My NCT chums have organised our Christmas Party (as it now happens) the night before DFs funeral. Am trying to work out if Im going to be up for it.

Meh. I'm not going to decide now.

Not sure about Escape Rooms or whatever... I once got lost in a Maize maize and seem to have developed a dislike of places that I can't see an easy exit out of. I would just panic!
Now, a fast trip on the river would be more my thing!

A friend organised a private pod w champagne on the Millennium Wheel for her sons 18th - mind you , she had Granny right down to a 7 year old to entertain that night.

I think the uni is absolutely the business. Great campus. It's the town centre...whenever I come here, I can't get over how rammed it is. I don't get the same feeling in The Smoke (unless being kettled on the bloody Piccadilly line....)

Glad to hear all the NCT groups are still meeting up....

I think I would also panic in an Escape Room scenario...I don't even like lifts....

Lovely evening, lovely singing...DS has had a night cap with me and has gone off to a party still in his Tux!!! I am in bed. He is joining me for breakfast at the hotel tomorrow. Good night Crepeys x

For my 60th the DC organised for me to go gliding over the Cheviots: it was amazing: the views, the absolute quiet - would thoroughly recommend it, or something similar.

Rose, enjoy your breakfast with DS.

I remember the ginger nut and cream pudding, haven't thought about it in yeas, BTM. How are you today?

Hard decision re your NCT group MU, Cocoa. It's a difficult decision when you have to make up your mind some time in advance.

Well with half the crepey offspring at or applying to Birmingham or Warwick there might be the opportunity for a Midlands meet :). (Can't put you all up I'm afraid!)

Funny you find the city centre crowded Rose, I think it's a breeze compared to the West End, but you did hit it on Christas Market time...

I love Edinburgh.walked around it solidly yesterday ('research') and saw a lovely MN friend for supper last night. I understand my character more now obs though the day job(s) is swamping my writing time at the moment. No doubt under-employment will resume soon.

Herbs, forgot to say that every single freelancer I know, including the most dauntingly professional and experienced ones, has had a shocking year. I reluctantly face up to the fact that if DP didn't earn a LOT more than me I would have had to get a regular job years ago, and I have mostly had. a portfolio - one that urgently needs restocking!

NUF I've paid the deposit, so will just lose that. I'm trying to weigh up if being the the bosom of some of my oldest parenting friends that evening will be the best thing... Or the worst.
We go through a lot together (not dissimilar to this thread)!

Cocoa, can you leave it till the day if you have already paid the deposit? Maybe you will feel like popping in for a drink or pudding even if the whole evening is too long. It sounds as if they are the type of group where you could say "I am coming for a hour and I don't want to talk about IT" and that would be fine?

I agree with Lalsy, Cocoa. It's a good scenario to have something nice to go to, if you feel like it/think it would help, but can easily drop out of if you're not in the mood; and nipping in and out on a whim would be absolutely acceptable to everyone in the circumstances.

I have now had 5 (five, v) days with no giddiness AT ALL!!! I think the labyrinthitis has finally gone. I now have 10 days to get ready for going away, catch up on dental, optical & various other appointments etc etc. It is just so nice to be able to be busy again.

Hope all the other crepey sickies are also feeling better & all the ill DCs as well.

Aw glad to hear you're much better MM.

Agree Cocoa, You should leave it as a maybe. Go if you feel up to it, stay home if not.
I have backed out of Christmas Do this week as will now have to make time up as I've been MIA for so long. I owe quite a few shifts , I could do without frankly, but fortunately it'll all be over soon thanks to diminishing schedule of late night events. Just panto ad nauseum.

Edinburgh is gorgeous MI. And such lovely shops and places to eat. My lovely nephew lives there and works in one of the coolest theatres. I really must organise a double centre Scottish trip to G and E next spring. Dd might even tidy the flat.