A big hello crepies - I'm really sorry for my absence - I've just had a massively hectic two weeks. I've skim read the thread but I fear am not fully up to date with all.
Anyway, am back from DD1's graduation which was fabulous and the weather held up (only just). Very mysterious and arcane graduation ceremony with much ancient Latin - no photo's permitted. French DH who had received his degree in the post was highly impressed.
Had gone prepared with cream linen trousers, sleeveless top and sandals then glanced at the skies and panicked. Rushed into LK Bennet at 9 am on the day of the ceremony and got swanky (but painful) shoes, lovely navy trousers and long tweedy coat thing, all in the sale, which I wore in the end. These articles will do for other smart occasions (although tweedy coat draws attention to itself on the photos so probs was a mistake for the graduation much though I love it).
DS has had his exams and was a star staying home alone - I am quite proud how my DC's have managed themselves over the weekend.
Auriga - dreadful about the baby. I cannot imagine anything worse. A friend of mine's 8 week old baby has just been in hospital for two weeks and nearly died of whooping cough. Please make sure your nanny's are vaccinated people - especially if they are from remote corners of the world where universal coverage isn't assured. It would never have occurred to me (or her) that you could pick up whooping cough in a smart suburb in summer.
Stropps - if you're still here - I hope things are going OK. My DD's godfather's daughter has had similar trauma but at 21 has done an access course and has got into a great uni to do law.
Anyway, will check back in later - rainy here in Paris - am going to mooch around slowly and put on washing machine ...