Where were we? Flipping those darn flat pancakes again

[BeachysSandyFlipflops]

Hello, damn quick work there by MNHQ

I think the Hotter sandals look pretty good with bright nails. Definitely don't wear with tights though DM's look before she went into the home, though not with silver sandals, but definitley Hotters!

I might try Hotter and East in the same day.... we also have one of these shops, but I think that is beyond Hotter

www.shuropody.com/products/womens-footwear/shoes.html

They look lovely, DQ.

If it's any consolation, BTM and Flipflops (and anyone else), I struggle with how everyone else's dcs are dealing with A levels and university. But it is becoming easier with time. You get a very different perspective on it all as life goes on. I'd rather have a tricky teen that has expressed their trickiness to me and we've tried to do our best to work through it than a teen that pretended it was OK and fell apart later.
Obvs, in an ideal world, it would all go swimmingly and there would be no tricky things to negotiate. But we're all human, and we all have difficulties to deal with -and grow through dealing with them.

I love those silver Hotters, DQ. I think I will have to have a trip into Newcastle.

I am sorry things are making you unhappy, Wellies. It really does get better, eventually. I know MM, would agree with me about that.

It's blowing up for a storm here; fortunately it's been fine all day. Forecast for tomorrow is dire.

I have just used the last of our eggs in a Blueberry Boy Bait cake (from Smitten Kitchen) to stop the blueberries from going off...

Think I might repack tonight...

I'd like to echo Stropps' last post. I say the words "building resilience" a lot. And people say it to me.

I know you are absolutely right. I'm happier that the 'falling apart' has happened here rather than in a bedsit later in life (when the expectation not to fall apart is probably greater).

I was telling him how proud I was that he'd managed to go into all his exams so far and he just said' actually I'm quite proud that I'm here at all'

Oh beachy, how very sad. Huge hugs to you all xxxxx

I think I'm building resiliance!

Rose - I think DD2 is in a bit of an end of term fug - she says she's sticking with her current course - but if her results are really bad I'm not sure it's worth it - it's only going to get harder! I wish Eurostar wasn't so expensive for last minute bookings as she could have come home this week which would have done her good.

Beachy, Stropps - I know many many people over here who have children who are struggling or for whom things have gone unexpectely wrong - there are always those who sail through but even their parents have a "never say never" attitude.

Mrs W - I hope those in exams without microscopes etc get that taken into consideration when marking.

Lovely sandals DQ. I have delved into the depths of my wardrobe and come across a pair of sandals I actually forgot I'd bought so am feeling quite pleased (except am pondering the memory loss).

It's a horrible thing to hear as a parent. Much sympathy, Flipflops. Again, if it's any consolation, I've heard similar here on many occasions.

Yes big hugs Beachy. And

Totally agree with Stropps.

Yes, it is definitely better than in a bedsit later in life.

Oh Beach - sorry to have cross posted - sending huge hugs as well - poor DS and awful for you as a mother. You are doing a fantastic job supporting and loving him.xx

Aw Flipflops, no wonder you are feeling a bit navy. The stress involved in support of an ailing child can not be underestimated. It's exhausting. The second guessing , the background strain, the wishing a corner could be turned. Hope today has been a bit restorative. If not , take yourself off to see a jolly friend tomorrow and break the routine for a few hours. Sounds like you need to do that.

Great looking silver / neon feet DQ.
I am so not going into Hotter though, sorry ladies. Barefoot and hot coals come to mind....

Has anyone messaged the lurkers on the 'Where are the Crepeys?' Thread?

I have been whippingvthe garden into shape today and had the elderly dps for tea and a scone. Chat solely about how fabulous and interesting their friends children are, and how marvellously successful. Uhhuh....
Definitely a load of imagined rubbish afaik.

Thanks all. Sorry that sounded so morose; I mean he really is a lot better at the moment. It's just been a long journey. He's been teaching dd2 boxing and rugby tackles in the garden!

Oh Beachy that post re I'm here at all - fuck!! What are we as a society doing so very wrong that our children are so screwed...

So many different reasons BD.
Its sad but at least we are here for our young people and are able to prop them up and get them to the other side.

I had a similar comment from DS a few years back when he was off school for 7 weeks and in extreme pain aged 14ish. It completely floored me.

You just want to take the pain and trauma away and make life better for them.

However, he's still with us. We worked through it, and learnt a lot along the way.

Keep doing what you're doing. It is the right thing.

Wellies.

It does get better & it's so good that he can talk to you, that's the thing to hold on to.

And second-guessing is exhausting for the brain....hope many corners are turned soon.

Dullest of dull BH weekends here - dh is mildly unwell (makes a change from working I suppose). And it is going to rain again this afternoon.

I need to do some work today. I have Thursday off but need to climb a mountain work wise before then. Sun is not out either so working in garden not an option.

Dd1 being mildly hysterical again. Slept with me last night, consigning Dh to her rather narrow single. Give. Me. Strength.

Absolutely hurled it down last night - but feels fresher this morning.. .. I might tackle the pit that is ds's bedroom - wish me luck....

Terrible night's sleep here too - ddog not very brave in the face of thunder and lightning- so spent much of the early hours barking madly. At least it's a BH!

Grey and dull here now- a bit like me... dh keeps saying what shall we do? I feel like the entertainment officer sometimes...

I was woken up with the dawn chorus this morning: a wretched magpie was obviously raiding (or trying to) the blackbirds' nests. Cue me getting up and making a lot of noise to frighten away the magpies. I love birds, but can't stand magpies.

When I eventually got up I did 25 minutes on the exercise bike: a record since I had my new knee. DH and I are discussing going on a cruise to the Canary Isles with my sister in March. I must admit that a bit of sunshine wouldn't go amiss, but my sister, her DH and my DH tend to band together and I just get dragged along. I think I will need to grow a pair.

The joys of ironing and office work for the charity I am involved with are on my agenda for the day. Two of the DGC are coming for a sleepover later (their request).

I've got chores too, NU, along with being available for exam support although ds is currently watching mad men with his breakfast which seems less than committed. I've flitted in twice so far and asked if I can do anything to help - code for shouldn't you be getting on with it.

Crem - or indeed anyone else - can you recommend somewhere for lunch in central Porto? we're arriving mid morning and have an early evening flight out so lunch seems to be the missing piece.