Goodbye to snow

Unbelievably, this was Boxing day!

Back in London now, it is rainy and grey.

Ah well. Can't have everything. White xmas was enough to keep me going a while!

Xmas gifts

There were so many presents under the tree!

Everyone did exceedingly well in the unusual gifts department. I got my very own slush making machine, and a disco light that goes in the bath and lights up the water. Darling Simon got a clock that is powered by cola. The Hubby got his own vine on a wine estate. Dr Lauren got a soft toy in the form of the common cold virus. MOTHER got a 'stop smoking, start saving' money box. She was not amused.

Between the 12 of us and all the fabulous gifts we have boosted the British economy no end.

White Xmas

I have always dreamt of a White Xmas....

No child in the world, awaiting Father Xmas, could have been as excited as I was by all this snow.

Darling Simon's side of the family looked at the South African contingent frolicking in the snow in much the same way as one would observe funny looking animals in the zoo.

Odd things that are different between an English xmas and a SA xmas.

12 of us in the holiday cottage, lots of cooking and tidying up going on. The Brits couldn't find anything because the SA's put everything in the fridge, and vice versa.

Cries of WHY IS THE TOMATO SAUCE IN THE FRIDGE??? (Brit)

WHO LEFT THE BUTTER OUT??? (SA...0r Saffas as we are called here)

Saffas opening windows and doors, Brits closing them. Don't you love the cross culture experience?

The meals were great, the turkey would have fed a small village...it was magnificent.

I was in charge of gravy and vegetables, but excluding parsnips and roast potatoes.

Great Aunt Faith was in charge of all dessert.

The Xmas meal went off very well, and then, as is a great Brit Tradition, we staggered into the sitting room to see the Queen's speech. I stood up when God Save the Queen was played. Put my hand over my heart, but removed it quickly as I realised Americans do that, not us. As far as I know.

Boxing Day Beef was perfect, and nobody knew we had dropped the whole kit and caboodle on the kitchen floor. In fact MOTHER said it was the best beef she had had in 20 years. Her family were butchers so she should know.

No cell phone signal, no wifi...but a walk up the lane to where one was about ankle deep in snow would sometimes produce a weak signal. managed to speak to loved ones, if briefly and faintly.

With 12 of us, Dr Lauren had quite a few opportunities to use her medical skills. She is going to be a wonderful doctor. The Hubby and I are very proud and cannot wait until she gets her first prescription pad. The doctors here do not give you drugs. The pharmacy would't sell me stugeron when The Hubby had vertigo because it wasn't travel related and stugeron are for travel sickness.

Bloody hell.

Next year we will be 16...booking larger cottage. Taking same amount of food. Buying smaller presents. Dr Lauren solved this problem very cleverly. Whatever we couldn't fit in the car, we took a photograph of the gift and put it in an envelope for the recipient. Was very funny.

Spreadsheet Error

On Dr Lauren's xmas spreadsheet I was supposed to be in charge of Brussel Sprouts.

(a big responsibility)

However, Dr Lauren made an error. This does not often happen, but indeed it did.

So, both Darling Simon's Aged Grandparent Ronald and I were in charge of Brussel Sprouts

Aged Grandparent Ronald GREW the Brussels Sprouts.

No contest.

I took mine back to Sainsbury's and got a full refund.

£2 for Brussel Sprouts for 12 people.

Grow your own

Priceless

snow stories

I love the snow. However, I am realising there may be such a thing as a wee bit too much snow.

Car #1 could not leave on Monday night . Too much snow. Roads not working. Hmmm.

So Car #1 left today, and did arrive safe and sound.

Luckily, MOTHER arrived yesterday, as today the station at Glasgow was closed.

As it was , took us 3 hours to get from Kings Cross to home, admittedly , an hour of that was spent in a pub waiting for rush hour to subside. We had to take a taxi from the o2 to the flat, The Hubby and I could have walked it, but not MOTHER. Greenwich was in gridlock, with no buses running, luckily, the taxi could drive in the bus lane up to our flat, but no further.

These poms....a wee bit of snow and the whole country comes to a bloody standstill.

Car#2 has to be picked up tomorrow at 9am and driven back across London... so for the first time ever in my life, I am hoping it does not snow too much.

Then Car #2 needs to drive to Fuckingham, a 2 and a half hour drive (under normal circumstances) to the Xmas Manor. Oh, not Fuckingham.. what the hell is it called??? Fakenham.

Cars#3,4 and 5 are having problems. There is not enough space to take all the xmas presents, food and all the other stuff we need for 12 people.

However, Dr Lauren and I have cleverly solved this. We have taken photos of the larger presents and then left those at home.

So the recipients will get a photograph of their present. I am glad that I am personally not one of those recipients. But will be very funny for those that are. Dr Lauren and I are going to love this!

We have been advised not to undertake unnecessary journeys. Unfortunately , this is a very necessary journey. The Xmas Manor was very expensive and we will not be refunded because of snow.

We have further been advised, that should we decide to take a journey, we need to be prepared. So, indeed we are.

We have bought 2 flasks, and will fill them with a hot drink. We will take blankets in the car. And a change of clothing. Quite why this is advised, I do not know. But I am new to being trapped in the snow so will comply.

There were people trapped in their cars for 8 hours yesterday. I truly hope this does not happen. I would kill MOTHER for a start.

Which is probably not very xmassy.

still some snow

Still blue skies and sun...and still snow, but it is the same snow, no new stuff, am hoping for new snow , and lots of it, when we head off into the country on Wednesday. Am getting a bit fed up with the old snow, is just a bit slippy slidy now on the walk to Sainsbury's.

xmas

The run up to xmas is hectic. For a start it is very exciting what with the snow and all.

I have learnt that many many men wear a black coat, gloves, and beanie, plus a striped scarf. Only one of them is my husband. Is always best to check before holding a hand, patting a bum or leaning upon such a person.

Today is Dr Lauren's birthday, so the small London clan gathered, celebrated, and then went to see Avatar.

Was a good movie.

Also, dropped all the xmas gifts off to be transported in CAR #1 , on the great trip to the Xmas Manor.

CAR#1 leaves Monday pm with Dr Lauren and Darling Simon

MOTHER arrives Monday pm, in rush hour, of course.

CAR#2 departs Wed am with MOTHER, and all the rest of us plus remaining gifts, food and other essentials.

We will then venture on through the snow.

CAR#3 departs from Norwich somewhere , I am getting vague on the arrangements here, as we need more drivers, as there is now a CAR#4. And also, I think, a CAR#5.

Hopefully, all 12 of us in our many cars, bearing gifts and food will be at the xmas manor on Wednesday.

Is all very complicated. But, Dr Lauren has a spreadsheet so we all know where we stand. Hopefully.

I, personally have forgotten a lot, but am sure it will all turn out splendidly on the day.

We have a shit load of alcohol, so all will be great.

let it snow let it snow let it snow

Oh yes. It is snowing up a storm! Is resting on the floor...about 2cm thick so far...Oh is so lovely...

let it snow let it snow let it snow indeed

xmas tree

Gloves and scarves reprise

Also, with gloves, you cannot undo buttons or zips , I nearly peed in my pants. And , the loo in North Greenwich station has stainless steel seats. Is bloody freezing. Your bum freezes to the seat. Was only desperation that made me have to pee before walking home.

One has to hover. Luckily I got this down to a fine art before it got as cold as it is now. Was bloody cold enough in autumn.

Amazingly, on the walk down to the Tube this morning, there on the pavement was my scarf! A bit wet and snowed upon, but there nonetheless. I am pleased seeing as it was brand new and matches my gloves.

It snowed again today. We went out to Caterham today to look at a house, and the snow there was much heavier than in Greenwich. Lovely , really....

The house was ...... small. Nice, neat, sweet, awfully well placed and in the loveliest of Villages, but small.

Not being picky here...truly I am not. But in total, including 3 beds and 2 baths, with all the normal rooms that go in a house, still did not quite make 100 sq m. That includes a garage.

Bloody hell.

But, not at all daunted, we are returning on Saturday to look at other houses (bigger houses) in this truly lovely and snowy village. A good sign as well, is that the estate agent is not a total arse like the last few have been. Of course, I feel obliged to tell these agents just how bad they are and that they would never ever have worked for me. This does not always go down too well, although some agents seem to be quite thick skinned. This particular agent is a very holy christian who is hovering on the edge of sharing the blessed gospel with us. Poor man has no idea, so best he restrains from this path.

I laughed merrily at one agent's approach to sales. Felt The Hubby cringe somewhat, but even he is starting to take a low tolerance approach to the absurd stupidity of the UK agents.

Being stuck in a lift for an hour at a viewing with our least favourite estate agent was rather interesting.

We will find a house. Eventually. Somewhere.

The Hubby has been persuaded again to work another month for the Irish lot. They love him.

But no, we are so not going to live in Dublin. Is too far from the children.

Too many potatoes, and I am already as fat as a pig from the not smoking. If we moved to Dublin with all the potatoes I would be on the news as one of the people who was removed from her house with a crane. As it is I need a crane to move me from the bed to the bathroom. Looking for a house may be more complicated as we may need an extra bedroom just for me.

Hmm

Yay ! Snow

Today it snowed!

Very exciting and lovely and I wanted it to snow all day and night and settle, but it was not that kind of snow. (am not really quite up yet with the different types of snow)

My sunglasses kept the snow from blowing in my eyes, which was good, also, I am prepared, as snow blindness is no laughing matter .

Gloves

Things you cannot do with gloves on

Eat crisps

Pick up coins

Take cards out of wallet

Use cell phone

Turn pages (newspaper or book)

Things you can do with a scarf

Lose them . I have lost 3 now

Blue skies

This is what the weather looked like today. Bright sunshine. See the sissy baby poms in their coats and scarves and jackets. See me in my sunglasses. This was about 2 o clock. By 4 o' clock it was dark and much colder. But 2 o' clock was good.

Friends

Yes! Indeed. I have Friends. I have at least 5 friends.

Lordy lordy.

I had 2 functions in 2 days

And combined with The Hubby working only 3 days away from home...

what will I do? what will I do? too much excitement altogether...

xmas tree

The xmas tree of the moment here in London, is a BLACK tree. Tres elegant! Also, the upside down tree, which also, is very in. And indeed, the upside down black xmas tree...

The Hubby wants an electronic tree. Not to sure what that is all about, but will hit Oxford street tomorrow and find out.

I am down to the last xmas shopping. Dr Lauren and The gorgeous son are outstanding xmas gifts, and they are in luck, as it gets closer to xmas I get more generous, (and more panicked!)

Am looking forward to the holiday cottage for xmas. It has an indoor pool. I bought a costume today. Looking at a Free Willie type of thing. Lordy lordy.

Be like a whale stuck in the ice

Fuck

Anyway, today it was 8 degrees, with no wind, so was actually not a bad day weatherwise.

8 degrees is not cold. I lived in the Free State . Was much colder there. Not all day, but nonetheless , was cold in the morning.

Weather is not too bad here. Truly

ukky ukky

Whereas I do feel desperately sorry for The Dear Hubby, it is not so much fun while he has an inner ear imbalance and vomits copiously into a bucket.

I just whisper to myself "in sickness and in health...in sickness and in health..."

Knowing that when I am sick I could actually DIE before The Hubby would actually bring me a glass of water.

Here was I , lovingly emptying buckets of vomit into the loo, and returning a nice clean dettolled bucked for more vomit.

Yay.

Santa Fun Run

Dr Lauren and Darling Simon and Gorgeous Son and Lovely Niece Sam all ran in the Silly Santa 5 k run to raise money for charity...they did so well, it peed down with rain initially, but cleared up for the run! Yay! Well done Team!

I was on the sidelines, had to throw my umbrella away after it blew inside out... drank coffee inside..BUT was still there for you!! Well done all my Silly Santas

Speechless

I am , indeed , speechless, laryngitis , or probably something more sinister according to Dr Lauren, nonetheless, I have been unable to talk. Which some may see as a good thing. But is a tad awkward if you are home alone and the phone rings.......... Anyway, can now after a few days, croak , so all is well.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Of we went to a Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park...was lovely. Lots of Mulled Wine, but no real snow...bugger! I so want it to snow. Am on my own with that wish!

Reading Group

I may have been a bit mean about The Reading Group in previous blogs.

I was comparing them to our Book Club which is obviously the best Book Club in the whole world, and nothing like a reading group.

So, not fair then.

I LOVE my reading group.

I am sorry that I was a tad mean when I first went to Reading Group. it's just that it was all a bit different for me.

Oops..italics? how did that happen?

Anyway..I like Reading group . I like that we read the same book, I like that the librarian chooses it for us, and that we have to read it, like it or not. I love the discussions by all the different people on the same book. I have been invited to a xmas open house by a member of the Reading Group on the 12th December. Is my very first invitation out here in Greenwich!!

ooops in all my excitement have set the smoke alarm off cooking pork chop.......bloody hell

gloves

In the new (to me) cold weather, glove wearing is something of a novelty, needless to say I lost one of my gloves on the way back from my Reading group (more about reading group later)

The next day, on my way to view a property, lo and behold, there was my missing glove, slipped over the armrest in the bus shelter. How cool is that?!

Loony Tunes

If I am ever going to make friends I am going to have to stop talking to myself.

On the way back from Sainsburys , it started to rain, and I said (very loudly actually)

" Don't Rain On Me!"

Did not see the Sainsbury's staff having a smoke under the awning. I could hear them laugh all the way to the main road.

On the upside, the rain did stop.

Laundry

I have 3 children. At one stage they were all going to school at the same time, The Hubby was working, which equals 20 shirts a week (excluding weekend wear)

So how is it at all bloody hell possible that with only TWO of us in the house , there is so much Laundry?? I seem to iron all the time and there is always washing on the clothes horse. I have just ironed for 2 goddamn hours and The Hubby arrives home from Dublin tonight, bringing more washing. How many outfits does the man wear in a day?

Also, while The Hubby was alone in London he bought shirts that are made out of woodchip . They are ugly and impossible to iron. He loves them. I am going to take them to Oxfam.

Oh you Pretty things!

First flowers I have recieved, from Lovely Lindsay Loo.

Also, wonderfully diverse mushrooms we get here!

Robots

Ok, truly have learnt to say 'traffic lights ' now. Also 'Roundabout' and not 'Circle.'

First saw this Traffic light when driving with Dr Lauren, nearly had heart attack.

Actually is artwork not real robot...but who would know?? Is at intersection. Luckily I was not driving at the time. Was bad enough being passenger. Screamed loudly and frightened Dr Lauren.

smoothie

I the interests of my 5 a day I buy these smoothies. Called 'innocent' At the minute they come with their own little wooly hat

Sunglasses

The Poms are so into the wearing of jackets and scarves and stuff in case it gets colder. Which is fine....and I have learnt from this.

BUT... today, coming out of Sainsbury's ..the sun was shining, and the poms are like 'oh my god what is that, i am blind , i cant see...

It is SUN

Have sunglasses.

Admittedly I am usually the only person in the whole of the UK who wears sunglasses .

If you can wear a whole wardrobe in case it gets cold, surely you could wear sunglasses in case the sun shines...

It is still a bit odd that I am usually the only person that wears sunglasses.

The Hubby says rude things like 'pretentious tw*t' which I think is a bit unfair, I am sensitive to the light.