tattyhousehastings

It's the end...for now

2011-07-13T15:35:00.003+01:00

I've spent some time reviewing this blog, with the intention of publishing it. I've enjoyed writing it, I've enjoyed reading back over it, and most importantly it has been a lifesaver in keeping my sanity at times. It has been fantastic to have a record of our family's last four years, our move to Hastings, managing on one salary, our ups and our downs and our everyday life.

We're happily settled now, we have a lovely, albeit naughty dog Lily. Both children are settled in school and we've found a good community and great friends around us. M is in a new job as a Deputy Head, working hard to change a local school around and I'm exploring voluntary work options whilst staying primarily as a housewife. I'm now proud of staying at home and looking after the family, I've come to terms with this as a feminist and remain largely happy with my roles.

Who knows what will come next for us? But I do know if we stick together as a family we'll do alright, and have a few adventures on the way.

Bev

I'm the world's worst employer....

2011-05-24T08:22:00.002+01:00

Because the staff never turn up....still waiting for the scaffolders, and in turn the builders. Keep thinking of suitable punishments - outing the rubbish company, not recommending them, keeping half the money until they are finished, letting the dog take sips of their tea and so on.

Off to visit a couple of dog kennels this morning, part of the deal in getting a dog was knowing we'd have to put her in kennels sometimes. Very anxious about it, almost feel like I won't like any of them but am trying to stay positive. Largely because we'll have to put her in one on Friday for our Big Trip to...wait for it....Disneyland Paris. Children are, understandably very excited about it all. At the moment I'm just worried about all the logistics but am sure will do like the advert and get up early when we are there.

In other exciting family news, Lily dog has a bit of an eye infection (bit yucky), J's continuing to struggle to learn to read, Ol's reading very well but writing is a bit more casual.

Chimney don't fall down yet...

2011-05-18T09:31:00.003+01:00

So we're having our chimney taken down, and re-built as it is lopsided. Been a bit of a back burner worry for the last four years, particularly as it is on the side of the house that gets the sea storms first.

It's one of those annoying jobs though that need two sets of tradespeople - the roofer, and the scaffolders. As they seem to be friends, or at least work together frequently I assumed it would all go smoothly. Not the case. The scaffolders turned up at lunchtime yesterday, built a bit, had a cup of tea, then had to 'get on with something else' at two. I bumped in to them in town at three in bhs, so goodness knows what they were up to. Knicker shopping?

Then the roofer was supposed to come today, but we've put him off until Thursday as the scaffolding is nowhere near the roof yet. But he now says he might be busy until Monday (how does that work?).

And to cap it all it is raining today, the scaffolders were not due until lunchtime again (something to do with vans and strikes that I didn't understand). But I bet rain stops play again. Although they might squeeze in a cup of tea. Sadly I didn't offer biscuits yesterday, this may be the root of the problem.

Eurovision of course....

2011-05-15T10:43:00.003+01:00

Ah, so Austria are our friends too. Surprised about Austria to be honest...but not about the others. Perhaps next year we could do some specific promotional work in the former Eastern block, plus perhaps do some positive discrimination and have a singer originally from there who could garner a bit of home support. Come on UK!

Evil Spike of Doom

2011-05-09T08:55:00.002+01:00

So -lovely weekend mostly, spent the morning yesterday at a car boot sale. Lily dog is a bit unsure about the delights of car booting, think she gets a bit overwhelmed by the number of people and smells there. She spent a fair bit of time trying to hide under random cars which was a bit pitiful.

Then after a quick dash around Asda (not keen on their cheese and onion rolls as picnic food) just time to put together a lunch and head off to the East Hill for a friend's birthday picnic. Had a lovely hour or two, children climbing trees, dads playing rounders, me sitting on a camping chair I bought with me (very pleased with that decision) and just chilling out. Then Ollie ran across a bit of the barbecue area, and right over a massive spike. It went through his shoe and sock and up in to his foot. Luckily it wasn't stuck in, so to speak but there was an awful lot of blood for one small ish boy.

So we went straight off to A&E, fortunately despite the chairs being totally full up, the wait was only two hours. Two hours of waiting in a small room crowded with other (sick) people not perfect with two primary aged children who don't have 'DS's or are not allowed to 'play on your phone'. There was an even smaller children's room, with very nice murals on the walls. But sadly with only two toys, one of which was nailed down to a table. Do intend to ask the hospital if they need local people to donate toys and books, or if perhaps they have been removed due to risk of germs or something. Books and magazines definitely would have been most welcome.

Then Ol saw a lovely nurse practitioner who cleaned his foot (he was very brave), commented on seeing bit of 'white fat' in the cut. Unsure about the meaning of that actually. She told Ol to stay off his foot for at least forty eight hours, and gave him some crutches. Which he got the hang of very quickly. I was very impressed with her ability to procure the right size crutches immediately from a side room, have a feeling in London/big cities it would not be that simple.

So here we are - Ollie incapable of doing just about anything on his own, other than reading, watching telly and playing Wii (of course doing school work should be on that list). Not sure how he will be able to cope with school in a day or so when he is supposed to go back as he can't even go to the loo on his own. Maybe the magical quick healing power of the young will work though and his foot will get better speedily.

And even better, a friend of ours dug the spike put from the ground to save it for Ol.

The Wonderment of Drinking Pimms

2011-04-25T07:40:00.003+01:00

Yesterday afternoon I figured I couldn't feel much worse if I had a lovely glass of Pimms filled with strawberries and cucumber. And you know what? It actually had magical restorical powers
that made me feel a little better last night. Well enough to eat cake at least and watch telly.

Then this morning I woke up at the unholy hour of seven a.m. or something from a dream free sleep and felt just marvellous. Ready to tackle the day, and year in that order. So after a bit of loafing about in pyjamas it is off to a Certain Department Store to return some trousers that inconsiderately broke on Lovely M, to the garden centre for grass seed and maybe something for the window boxes, to walk the dog, and to list all J's branded baby dolls on e-bay as she says she is too big for them and now needs big girl toys. Although, to be honest on that one, none of us are entirely sure what big girls toys are.

Day - bring it on!

It's Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T09:25:00.003+01:00

...and the children weirdly still believe in the Easter Bunny despite us doing nothing to encourage them. Some years ago the Easter Bunny visited a friends' house
and had sprinkled eggs all over their garden. Ol remains convinced he saw an egg come from the sky, therefore the Easter Bunny flies (or is God?).

This year their eggs, from friends and families, plus an extra one they hadn't seen (from us) were on their desks in their rooms. They are convinced the Easter bunny put them there and gave them an extra one.

And as for me, I've been really ill - some sort of confusing fever, head hurting to move, aching joints illness for the last two days. Sort of better now but still a bit confused - mostly due to vast number of dreams I had last night I think.

Lily's better today...

2011-04-10T09:15:00.002+01:00

thank goodness, almost a complete total recovery. Wagging tail, naughty behaviour, curiosity up, and jumping about. Very pleased with the Power of Antibiotics. And in other news we have managed to take down the two garden fence panels, that were falling down anyway. Sounds simple, but was actually made challenging by all the ivy and trees growing in to the fence. So much pulling and pushing was required that we were absolutely exhausted by the end of the day and able to do no more than eat a Chinese takeaway and watch celebrity Total Wipeout. Which says something.

It's the first day of the Easter holidays...

2011-04-09T08:34:00.006+01:00

And Lily the dog seems a bit ill, she's shaky and more cuddly than usual. Plus, she only ate a tiny bit of her breakfast. Hope it is nothing serious. As for the rest of the family, well J's teacher's gave her a really long maths workbook for the holidays. Not sure if it was just given to her, as a special homework or to all the children. Regardless, she is delighted, did some last night (fortunately we had some teachers over for dinner so they helped her) and she is doing more this morning. Only annoying thing is it needs quite a lot of support from a grown up, i.e. me and I like to just sit and have a quiet coffee in the morning before starting on 'counting in tens' and 'teen numbers'. Ol is glued to a rerun of The Gladiators on the telly, he spends most of his telly time watching Challenge, which is all old gameshows. Not sure what this means, personally I prefer Sam and Mark or Ant and Dec, or any of the other inane presenters on the children's channels. And as for lovely Mat, he went on a Teachers Night Out yesterday, goodness knows how many of them invading the Old Town. Did warn them off the Black Market, and suggested the lovely Hastings Arms. But since Mat was in Very Late last night and is still in bed (unheard of for him at the late time of quarter to nine) I haven't found out what they were up to.

I like to organise things so much I do it in my sleep

2011-03-01T10:00:00.002Z

So at the weekend, we spent most of Sunday re-organising our house. Two chairs in the living room had to go because they were getting a little old and tatty, one leg was going, oh and the dog finished them off. So we shifted furniture about, threw away old magazines and newspapers - why, oh, why do we collect so many piles of these things all over the place? We even sorted through the toys in the playroom and made a big pile of things to car boot later in the year.

Finally, by the end of the day we had two tidy and organised rooms, with furniture shifted about and lots of cushions plumped up (important this, as they could have saved me later). Then after watching the fantastic 'Promise' all about Israel/Palestine we went to bed. Except I apparently dreamed of organisation so much I got up again. Whilst asleep. And managed to move our really heavy chest of drawers in to the middle of the room. I kind of remember thinking, that it was a really hard job and dangerous (as we're in the attic with steep stairs and there is no wall at the top of the stairs. The next thing I know is I'm in the bathroom with blood all over my nose, and pain. Then in the morning I wake up to by newly 'organised' bedroom and lovely blood splodges all over the chest of drawers.

Yes, what a freak!

Dear Blogger

2011-02-07T09:16:00.002Z

Please forgive me, for I have sinned, it has been over two weeks since my last blog (confession).

Actually naughty Lily the dog has kept me very busy, that and some random childhood illness', including J's random 'having a wobbly tooth and can't eat' sickness. The dog is settling in to the family, less mouthing, slightly less menacing the children, slightly less chewing forbidden things - well apart from the hole she has chewed in one of our very old second hand chairs.

Lily is lovely though, so friendly to us and strangers and an absolute delight in the evenings. I'm hoping to take her to puppy training classes at the start of March although I have taught her 'Leave it', 'Sit', 'Lay down', 'Down' and 'Come here', she even 'found her ball' for me the other day.

And J is starting to say, ' I just wish we had a trained dog' whilst sobbing slightly less. Slightly.

The PTA

2011-01-19T10:34:00.003Z

Just back from a meeting of the PTA, which I chair. Somehow the role of organising the school fete's and doing lots of the work for them falls to the chair at this school. Not sure how it has turned out that way as usually one would expect the chair to manage the work to be done but not do it herself! So I'm delighted to say that I asked if anyone would like to take on the role of leading the summer fair, and I had a volunteer. So no spreadsheets for me, no getting anxious about signage, and worrying about the logistics of all the tables and where to put them, let alone how to get enough people to run them. Yay-hey! Just need to make it clear to all it is voluntary, so no haranguing people who don't want to, or can't get involved then can just do the dull agenda' and minutes and bits that I like.

In other news, the dog has taken over chewing the shoe basket as her number one naughty task. And she still does not obey to leave it. Will have to get more treats out as part of training I think. I've been doing my homework, and as well as reading the puppy training book have been watching a very entertaining yet informative programme entitled; 'It's me or the Dog'. Quite posh British woman is the dog trainer and she does it all with treats. Quite small ones too.

Little spotty funny face

2011-01-17T13:58:00.004Z

We've got a dog; a cross Spaniel and Jack Russell, no please no more comments about what a 'lively untrainable mix' this is, I didn't know OK. She is called Lily, and is really nice sometimes. Other times she runs manically around the house trying to bite ankles, steal shoes to eat, get at the crisps, bark and have wees. When she's nice though, she is very very nice - cuddling up to the whole family, wagging her tail, playing with her toys, saying hello to other dogs and so on.

Lily is 18 weeks old, her first family couldn't manage her, their kitten and year old baby in a flat without a garden. She'd been crate trained there, but I can't bring myself to do that so she's a bit more free range at ours. Hence the need to train her to 'Leave it'. If I'm honest, there are times, when I'm fancying a bit of peace and do wish there was a way to get her to get in her bed for a rest and stay there for more than a minute.

I'm actually thinking having a puppy is harder than an over-active toddler, because (mostly) toddlers don't nip, are not so loud and wear nappies. Lily has settled down slowly since we got her though so do have faith in her ability to be trained. Well I do most of the time.

Off to dog training classes next week. Hoping trainer not too strict with owners as I did read something worrying in puppy book whereby the author said she could tell how well behaved a puppy would turn out to be by looking at the owner's children!

It is Christmas time and I'm having a break

2010-12-22T14:34:00.001Z

Hello lovely readers
Just to say we're all fine, looking forward to Christmas and I'm having a bit of a break from blogging at the moment.
Best seasonal wishes
Bev

Worst Cold in the World

2010-09-27T07:59:00.001+01:00

I've had a shocker of a cold since Friday, been unable to sleep, drink, even eat at times. I still feel very unwell although last night I had a better nights' sleep what with waking up every 2 hours rather than half an hour.

Late mark

2010-09-20T09:38:00.003+01:00

We were late for school this morning, forgot we planned to walk until too late and did not have the car as a back up. Did have to give my name to the school secretary for a black mark, surprised she didn't want the children's too but either she knows who they are or the black mark is just for me, deservedly so I suppose.

It's all about the coffee

2010-09-13T14:49:00.002+01:00

I've just decided, and agreed with the Bridge, our local community centre to start volunteering there. I'm going to work in the cafe on a Wednesday morning, not alarmed about it at all apart from the very swanky coffee machine I'm going to have to learn to operate. Of course am nervous it will get very busy, as it does sometimes and I'll have a flap but apart from that it should be fun and a nice way to help, and get out of the house.
At least I know the components of all coffees, and just need to worry about them having the right milk, and of course the machine itself. Expressio anyone?
Oh, and in other exciting news we've got a new hamster. We also bought a new hamster cage, which is very secure with no way of hamsters escaping or cats getting them free. The hamster is called Gnasher, and is mostly Ollie's; it seems very cute so far and also very fat.

One Wedding, two funerals

2010-09-07T09:11:00.004+01:00

We've got a memorial service on Thursday for Clive, as a popular teacher, and with friends and family I'm expecting it to be very busy, and very emotional again. I can't do justice to writing about Clive yet so I won't but needless to say he's been in our thoughts a lot.

We've also got a wedding to look forward to at the start of October - it's a small friends and family wedding; we're part of the friends contingent - it is one of Ollie's godfathers that is getting married. The service is in Lyme Regis, a lovely town so we're looking forward to spending some time there.

Weirdly we are staying in Charmouth, about a mile up the road where my childhood holidays were spent in a caravan. In fact, we have decided to stay in a caravan for the weekend, rather than spend a little extra for a lodge. I just could not resist for the nostalgia fest, plus the lodges are probably just wood cladded caravans anyway. Wonder how much the decor will have changed?

It's a sad time

2010-08-28T09:24:00.001+01:00

My father in law died unexpectedly, and suddenly in Spain of a heart attack. We're just back from driving down to Spain and back for the funeral.

Mini Kickers and Middle Class Park Takeover

2010-08-12T18:02:00.002+01:00

I took the children to the fantastic, Mini Kickers, football for little ones organised by the local community centre this morning. They loved it as usual, and the mummies enjoyed a good chat and discussion about how much we like (some of us more than others) the lovely man who takes the session and keeps our 3-5 year olds occupied and behaving well for a whole hour. Quite unusual to meet a younger single man who is fantastic with kids, and so bossy with them too!

Then we all went off to the new park on Bembrook Road, I've heard good and bad things about the park. A couple of friends of ours even got shot at with BB guns there a few weeks ago. But today, was a very middle class take over (that is, if we all accept the inevitable that we are middle class anyway) with a good ten or fifteen children mostly playing nicely together and taking turns. Very lovely afternoon polished off with a nice cup of tea and more playing in the Bridge Community Centre.

We're half way through the summer holidays...

2010-08-10T16:39:00.002+01:00

...and have managed to have a lovely time despite the weather and being on a budget, I think just for being in Hastings. We've had a pirate day, and a lovely Carnival topped off with a free firework display this weekend. We've also been to Chessington, which was great, on 2 for 1 vouchers. Particularly keen on the chimpanzees there, although the children were more taken with the rides, and the pizza for tea.

And this week promises just a few days before we go on holiday. We're off camping in the middle of France - the Isle de Re to be precise for a week. I feel slightly 'of the moment' as a possibly (to be discussed at a later date) middle class family off for a week or two of camping in France. I think nearly everyone I know will be doing it this year.

Oh, and we just might try out the Hop Farm tomorrow despite being quite pricey it seems like it may be fun, and if not worth poking a bit of fun at the olden days.

It's Pilates for me...

2010-07-20T09:27:00.002+01:00

I'm off to Pilates at the local sports centre in a minute, quite enjoy it although am not sure if is always tough enough. Then when it is of course I find it impossible to do those moves.

This afternoon I'm going to the Children's Sports Day at their Infant School, very exciting. Last year Ollie was so busy with his crowd pleasing smile he forgot to run, so who knows what this year will bring. Am actually very pleased that the children are at an infants school at the moment, it is so nice they are all quite small and innocent and there are no scary big children to worry about.

I have a denim dress

2010-07-18T21:10:00.002+01:00

...that I think I love but am not altogether sure about. I've been wearing it all day and have not been able to make a decent decision about it.
We went for a lovely walk along the seafront, down to free parking at Warrior Square then along the promenade, a quick paddle on the beach, and back. Very quiet, although with some enormous dog poo's along the way. A little alarming.

Here is Andrew the Penguin

2010-07-14T16:33:00.001+01:00

We liked grabby machines a lot...

2010-07-14T16:25:00.002+01:00

at University, so much so that one day we ventured out of town on a day trip to Cornwall and spent most of the day playing them. We managed to swop a number of small toys for a bigger toy; Andrew who we loved. Andrew came everywhere with us, to the pub, ice-skating, visiting houses and so on.
When we left University as he was under joint ownership he has been on extended visits across the county to all our houses. I've just re-inherited him a few months ago. And am really quite keen on him.

I tried to have a lie in....

2010-07-14T09:36:00.003+01:00

OK, I knew Id have to get up soon to take the kids to school but just another five minutes was working very well this morning. Until, that is I found out the students (teenagers) had mysteriously flooded the bathroom the night before, and used hand towels in an attempt to soak up the flood. Unsure how they managed it because I have taught them where the shower curtain goes (inside, inside).

Then I heard my kids playing with the toy pushchairs and soft toys. Ah, lovely you might think except they were projecting them down the stairs and in to the stair gate to see what happened to them. And one, was my University toy, Andrew, I think they were specially gleefully chucking him down was he had his own seat in the buggy shopping compartment.

And now I must go to the gym, well as soon as I've finished my coffee and sit down that is...

2010-07-01T08:30:00.002+01:00

What Jemima wants for her birthday...you know it has all the disappointment of a Mr Frosty just waiting to happen...

Shadow in the Wind

2010-06-17T19:58:00.003+01:00

This has kept me reading...and reading. Absolutely brilliant book set in Franco's Barcelona. Eerie and epic. Ignore the look inside sign, lazy cover copying from Amazon.

I'm the tiniest bit proud...

2010-05-27T15:42:00.005+01:00

I'm just back from the opening of the local nursery garden. I was invited because, as a member of the committee we were responsible for fund raising for the garden, and supported the nursery in its development. The nursery just has a really small outside space, so it was key to use it as best as we could, and to enable the children to use it all year round. This wasn't possible with the previous sodden grass on one side and without any shade. Now it is a gorgeous little space, with plants, a muddy digging area for the children, a play side, an outside classroom and is just lovely.

So I'm a little proud of getting the money to make it all possible, and proud to work with such a lovely and productive team to make it happen, including the landscape architect who worked with us (and is a local parent and friend).

Time for a haircut

2010-05-25T12:02:00.003+01:00

I'm off to get my hair cut this afternoon, one of the things I dread the most. Largely because I leave it too long (three months or so) and my hair goes out of style, and because the hairdresser always talks. She, and it doesn't matter where I go, they all say the same, will comment on how long I've left it, the condition of my hair, the amount of grey, and maybe on Eastenders.

Happy only with discussing Eastenders, and holidays. Anyone else share hair cutting dread? Oh, and as for the worry about price...

edit: It only cost £25 today, we did discuss my grey hair, and how long I left it but also the weekend not Eastenders. Also, why do we have to have head massages these days whilst the conditioner is being put on? Most unrelaxing.

Weekend in Hastings

2010-05-23T18:39:00.002+01:00

It's been a lovely weekend, kick started the weekend on Friday by a birthday pub lunch for a friend. We then went to the school quiz night, topic Geography and came um, last. Slightly shamed by that but know it was just the topics that let us down. Apparently if it'd been about Jordan's babies we'd have won.

Then on Saturday up the East Hill for tea, and a game of rounders. The East Hill is sort of national treasure of a park, with wild bunnies roaming around, lots of different and special flora and fauna, and amazing views across the Channel and countryside. There's also a handy lift up to it for people allergic to climbing up steep hills.

Today was a lovely garden party in the neighbourhood for a birthday party, complete with treasure hunt, bubbles, and fruity punch. Fantastic. Just chilling out with a beer now after an action packed weekend.

Our Front Garden - weeds or wonderful wilderness?

2010-05-21T15:41:00.001+01:00

Football Cards...

2010-05-19T17:27:00.002+01:00

...have been around for generations, starting with the old cigarette cards. My children have just started getting in to Adrenlyn XL cards, and spend hours looking at them and re-arranging their collections.

The fact is is such an old hobby appeals to me, even if the slight waste of money feeling buying them does not. Still, they are only 50p and they only get a packet a week or so after being good/tidying their rooms etc.

In other news for the last two days the sea fog has come in and slowly frozen us up the hill. Very chilly in the mist.

Man make Fire!

2010-05-17T14:06:00.003+01:00

Just back from a lovely, chilled out weekend at Wowo (http://www.wowo.co.uk/ ). We played on the swings, played football, made fire, had a gorgeous walk through bluebell woods to the pub, and generally relaxed.

Having a fire made it possible to go this time of year, even though the evenings were chilly our fire, and having a fair few clothes on kept us nice and warm. Unfortunately Wowo is getting really popular so is booked up most weekends this year, but I can highly recommend it for week day trips, or next year.

Noted the fashions of the weekend were mostly wellies, and shorts - not necessarily together but makes me glad I've invested in a pair of shorts for the summer. Next camping trip to Wareham in two weeks time!

Election Night

2010-05-06T21:10:00.002+01:00

There's a real buzz in the air tonight, who's going to win? Who's going to come second? And actually, how many people will vote - certainly today we're expecting a high turnout. I'm just not sure what that means.
This is the first time we've had the party leaders do live debates at election time - which is interesting, can't help wondering how many people think they are actually voting for the leaders though and well, discuss.
My vote is in, as is Mat's. The voting went fairly OK bar Ollie accidentally falling over the nursery barriers in to their tent (sorry A nursery). And I had a monent of tick versus cross debate in my head, which was a worry.
So good luck, and may the best party win. Or at least my one.

Lovely presents from Tall Boys

2010-04-25T18:32:00.001+01:00

Just picked up a couple of lovely boys from Falaise Road, new student pick up place. Forgot all about them at first but luckily was not too late after a reminder phone call. And luckily had cleaned their bedroom all ready for them.

Sometimes having students to stay is like having a lovely birthday present; these kind boys bought us honey wine, honey from their town, coffee, chocolates and sweets. Really nice presents from really nice tall boys!

And they smile a lot, so I know I'll like them already.

Hastings in the sun

2010-04-18T14:48:00.001+01:00

It's a flip flop day -just back from a walk on the seafront and can confirm the season has started. The flip flops, mostly with jeans, shorts and roller blades are out in full force.
I've even got my black Haviana's on.

A Good Night Out

2010-04-11T09:59:00.002+01:00

Had a good night out on Friday, we met in the Jenny Lind in the Old Town which is always nice for a sit down and a pint. Then on to the vodka bar, which had a true one man DJ band playing. And people 'larging it up' to the music. Despite the lovely drinks - I had a bison vodka and apple juice we just could not take the loudness or the 'music' generally.

So I convinced everyone to go the the Brass Monkey, as I'd looked it up and it was soul night. Got there to hear an extremely loud 'heavy metal/punk cross over' band playing. All followed by lots of laughter and a bit of ribbing. It turns out the band did have soul in their name, hence my error. Then home via a taxi driver 'mishearing' us and nearly taking us to the wrong town.

Fancy Followers

2010-04-08T09:37:00.001+01:00

I do, actually, fancy some more followers so if any of you fancy being a follower, having a shout out, or not, then do feel free. Can't think of any more benefits other than boosting blog's self esteem though.

Sorry I couldn't wait...

2010-04-07T09:10:00.003+01:00

...for your comments so I went to Ikea. Lovely shiny Ikea of hot dogs, ice cream and colour. Bought a few great bits; a solar light inside a waterproof round lantern, a table runner, a green rug for Ol's room, and the best bit a chest of drawers for our bedroom with loads of space. Loads and loads of space; all I need do now is sort out the clothes and transfer them. Then we'll actually have a wardrobe with hanging space rather than all sorts stuffed in the bottom.
Very excited about new storage - stationary and storage -items from the Gods all.

Lovely Weekend

2010-04-05T16:31:00.002+01:00

We've had a lovely Easter weekend, been to Bedgebury, which is a pinetum (place where pine trees live) and the tree part of Kew Gardens, bowling and just hung out.
Now having the 'we're quite broke but do need more storage' age old issue of which is better Argos or Ikea. Of course, the better thing to do would be source a second hand chest of drawers that is solidly built etc. etc. However since Billie the hamster holing up minus an eye in an old storage unit we have it has put me off second hand a bit for keeping clothes in at least.

You never really know what has happened do you? What if an older lady had weed in the drawers? Or anything?

So which is best; Ikea or Argos? Ikea would normally have been our shop of choice but factor against it from here is that it is at least an hour there, and the petrol that two hour round trip costs too. Argos is just down the road, well in the town centre, and has marginally improved its design recently. Still, both shops have a specific 'look' neither of which I'm over keen on.

Any thoughts? What shall we do?

Reference Request

2010-03-31T09:35:00.001+01:00

Embarrassingly they have asked for a reference, which is a bit rich considering I didn't get the job. Suspect they ask as a matter of course before all interviews then interviewees too embarrassed to tell references not to bother as they were too rubbish at interview. If you see what I mean.

I'm just never going to get excited about a job again...

2010-03-30T15:28:00.002+01:00

As it always seems to go wrong. This morning I went for a job interview, as a earning assistant at a local college. I got really excited as the job was in the Social Care section and I imagined teaching Sociology to the enthusiastic young students.

Of course it turned out to be teaching pre-GNVQ Health and Social Care, and Childcare to students with lower grades AND all the interview questions were (surprising to me anyway) about my experience teaching and supporting young people. Course my experience is limited to hosting foreign students, and um, being young myself twenty years ago. Neither of which seemed to go down particularly well in the interview.

And I didn't even want the job.

Still, didn't get it so just as well.

It's veggie chilli

2010-03-29T15:33:00.001+01:00

We're having vegetarian chilli for tea tonight, no onions though as have run out. Leeks will have to do as an alternative.

We Went Up the Hill

2010-03-28T10:25:00.002+01:00

Lovely Hastings has re-opened with a little fanfare, its' East Hill funicular railway. As a result there were free rides up and down on it yesterday.

We went up to the East Hill, which was much chillier than the Old Town and saw all the activities laid out for the children. J got her face painted and they both participated in an obstacle course and won a book and an inflatable ball (which of course is now in the neighbours garden). We saw a lot of people, hello people we saw!, and we went back down in the actually quite/very steep carriage.

All good fun.

Costa stole my coffee (name)

2010-03-25T08:15:00.002Z

Flat white is what I've asked for as a coffee for years, particularly in London. (Down here I seem to drink Americano with semi skimmed milk).

And now Costa have launched a drink called Flat White; which is made of frothed milk just sort of flattened down and horror of horrors full fat milk.

Gutted. It's not my drink anymore. Not only do I hate full fat milk I'm distinctly unkeen on things that have been frothed; even then flattened I'm not keen.

Jobs for the Girls...

2010-03-24T15:59:00.002Z

I've had a busy couple of days. One of the biggest things I did was go to a job interview. It was really hard, but, I had thought, had gone well. Well, that is until the end, when although the post was full time I asked if they would consider job share. All the right things were said, and I was to wait to hear...but I think I'll be waiting forever.

I don't want to moan because I am very lucky to have this time with the children, and um, housework in the middle of the day but it does seem an almost impossible task to find a job that fits in with the children, and our life. And frankly, I want one as I am getting a bit bored; the money would come in handy as would the activity itself.

At this stage I do want to work around the children though; after all I had them to look after them myself but it just seems impossible to get the right balance. And to find the job with the right balance, a job that isn't with more children that is. Teaching assistant jobs seem perfect, except not for me. Plus, the pay is terrible.

They were chubby and did not eat vegetables

2010-03-18T09:54:00.002Z

There is something about people who leave all their vegetables that really gets to me. I guess it is the opposite upbringing to mine - whereby you had to sit at the table until you finished all your vegetables even if it got quite late. The last two students were of the leave vegetables types, and to make matters worse, their English was so bad that even if they had tried to explain a vegetable allergy or something to me I'd never have understood.

I actually feel a bit cross with them still, even though they've now left.

And another thing, both had a habit of standing whispering outside rooms to I guess plan their sentences, or entrances but it was bloody annoying especially when they creeped up on you.

We're done with students for a couple of weeks now though, which is quite nice actually. Pleased to be able to fling open doors without fear, cook vegetables, (and proper vegetarian food with lentils and things), oh, and I guess build up excitement and cultural awareness skills ready for the next lot.

Dinner Dinner Thai Man

2010-03-15T08:13:00.002Z

Went to the marvellous Thai restaurant in a bookshop last night. Food so gorgeous it will stay in the back of my mind for ages. We took the children, and they were well looked after too. They both had a special main course of noodles and tofu made for them which they loved, and even said was better than my cooking.

Took our own wine too, which is always good, even if I drank most of it as M was driving home. Did bring some back to watch 24 with.

Oh, and for those of those who know what I mean I'm on Book 3 and rooting for the werewolf. Bella could have lovely cute little dark haired children and live merrily in La Push enjoying the beach. Think Edward bit too moral for my liking.

Bye Billie Bye

2010-03-13T14:41:00.002Z

We lost Billie the hamster, nothing out of the ordinary, was no more worried than before. Until we found her. The cat had got hold of her; hurt her leg, bitten her side, and she'd lost an eye. It was terrbly sad, and worrying.

The vet was concerned about her leg, and said it may never heal. She gave me a choice to have her put down straight away or take her home with medicine and wait. I couldn't face putting the lovely lovely Billie down; she'd been nothing but a delight and she didn't deserve this.

I took Billie home with me, giving her medicine twice a day, and blocking all the holes in her cage so she didn't get in to the tunnels and hurt herself more. Her leg swelled up and she started to smell. She continued to be lovely; taking her painkillers, drinking a little, not eating much but nestling down to her bed.

By the end of the weekend it was obvious something was seriously wrong and we took her back to the vet. For the last time. Her broken leg was causing internal bleeding, and the infection was from that. The antibiotics had, and probably could not work. We said goodbye to the loveliest little hamster we'd known.

Eurotastic - they're all plastic

2010-03-13T08:34:00.003Z

Just been watching this years' song for Europe - song is written by Stock and Waterman and the singers well...let's just see on the day. For now I can say that out of our three contenders Alexis doesn't do the song justice although hewas very good. The girl, Esma got the timing wrong and said Sorry in the middle of the song. But slightly smarmy Last Man gets the timing, and the excitement right and is so so Pop. A true Rick A for the 21st Century.
Fingers crossed.
And yes, lovelies, I'm back - regular updates to follow...

Blank Page

2010-03-05T10:10:00.000Z

I've got nothing to say.

Eavesdropping

2010-02-28T10:03:00.002Z

Overheard in the hairdressers in Priory Road:

' I am a wine snob, I can only drink posh wine'.

'Oh really, so what do you drink?'

' Blossom Hill Zinfandel'.

I kept quiet, I know nothing about wine anyway.

Still got blocked creativity chi or something...

2010-02-25T15:39:00.002Z

But if I was writing it would be about the silly students leaving the front door wide open this morning. I discovered it half an hour later, lucky we don't live in crime filled area although very encouraging to criminals to leave doors open for them.

Or I'd write about everyone at school giving me the evils because I parked on the corner, and then got car in wrong gear and nearly ran over road crossing families. Nearly it was. Or about how when I went forward another group of children and parents got in my way. But I'd seen them of course, just did not like the looks in their eyes.

Jesus, sometimes just the littlest things are the hardest. Like closing doors, or getting my automatic, with only 2 gears in the right one.

Forgiveness...

2010-02-23T09:18:00.002Z

Forgive me dear reader for I have not blogged for ages. I could say it is because I've been busy with the gym and my courses. Or it is because we went away at half term to Swindon and lovely Bristol. Or I could say I've been busy with the housework (but that would not be true).

I think the real reason is a kind of creative block; not just on my writing but also on my art work which has meant I'm stuck, not going anywhere and with no good ideas. So sorry - hopefully normal service resumed shortly, hopefully.

It's twilight for intellectual reads

2010-02-12T14:13:00.003Z

I've just finished reading this; using the time I should have been reading 'Tess of the D'Ubervilles' for my book group. And its fantastic, really enjoyable, page turn-able fun. Twilight, that is not Tess which has almost put me to sleep every time I've picked it up.

Tess is an allegory for what - the fact that no one really cares about poor Tess and her feelings (unsurprising as she is so so boring despite her misadventures) but Twilight is a good old fashioned story about love, and thwarted love, and the challenges that lovers face. OK, so it is not all that well written, and the descriptions are a little wordy (use wow words I can imagine Stephanie's editor saying, and she certainly does) but it is fun and it keeps you interested.

So sorry bookclub, I've failed the Tess test and joined the teenagers this month. Anyone else prefer Twilight to Tess? Or Tess to Twilight for that matter?

It's snowing again and this time we're not having any fun

2010-02-10T09:16:00.005Z

Fed up with the snow, I'm unsure whether it will settle but either way there's no more fun to be had. Last time around we were out making snow men, playing on the sledges, sliding and drinking hot chocolate. This time, we'll be sitting in the house seething at the boredom of it all and drinking bourbon.

The house is safe at least...

2010-02-05T10:04:00.004Z

I've had a madly busy early morning. Took the children to school, then rushed to B&Q, which incidentally was absolutely full of staff today, all of whom were helpful and nice -weird, and bought a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector. Popped a book back in the helpful box for when the library is closed and came home.

I then actually took the appliances out of their packet, which as an electrical screw driver phobic was a big deal.Read the instructions, and put the batteries in then tested them. Jesus at this rate I'll be wielding a drill next week. I then propped them up in appropriate places as really could not understand wall mounting stuff.

Then I've whizzed around changing all the bins, making beds, washing in and out of the machine, cleaning the table, and um, sitting down. Now it's just past ten and I'm waiting for a gas safety visit, hence the devices.

Early to bed...early to rise

2010-02-03T13:07:00.002Z

If that is not bleeding obvious I don't know what is...but went to bed early last night, up and full of beans this morning. I decided to head to the gym on the bus, enjoyed the lovely bus ride laughed at loud on way home when I heard a small child exclaim; 'Look at the scary man mummy' close to the West Hill. Couldn't spot the scary man unfortunately though suspect it was Mr Grey Area on way to work.

I got a phone call at the gym from our students company saying the girls were trapped in the house. I felt a moments concern then realised they had just been stymied by the double handle thing on the door so told the agency to get them to call me if still stuck, or worst case scenario to leave by back door. Got home unconcerned and then realised I had actually, um, locked them in the house. They had managed to get out by the back door, of course leaving it unlocked for the burglars to enter.

Fortunately, all's well, I'm out of the shower, cat and hamster safe from burglars and students out for blistery walk on Suicide Hill, or whatever they call Beachy Head these days.

God I'm cross...

2010-02-02T08:05:00.002Z

Largely because I went to bed early, couldn't sleep and somehow reminisced for hours about hideous work situation seven years ago whereby a white middle aged man tried to bully me in to silence. And partially achieved that, certainly in public although my organisation understood the situation. It made me cross all over again last night, and I even vowed to name and shame the horrible man who was trying to protect his fat cat Chief Executive position at all costs. Even attempting to blame me for his failings.

Of course, this morning I'm still in a mad albeit more sensible frame of mind so won't be giving the silly person the air space. Instead the poor children and hamster are driving me bonkers. They all want something, and they all seem persistent in not doing what they should be doing (children - getting dressed, hamster - being quiet and doing her playing at night time not first thing in the morning when we should be busy).

Oh, and I'm annoying myself as I also need to get a move on...

It's time for lunch

2010-01-28T15:30:00.003Z

I've been meaning to write about packed lunches for a couple of weeks now - the importance of them to children (and adults), the mixing of socially acceptable food with healthy family food, belonging to both peer group via food and lunch box choice and home by having things your mum or dad packed for you.

Somehow I just can't write a decent post or article about this though. Truthfully I think I have over thought it, I've written an essay plan, for my course on it; written an exercise on how packed lunched evoke the different senses and done lots of thinking.

So there it is, thought I'd write something, it is fascinating; brown bread in the 1970's, Cup a Soup's in the office - but never anywhere else, Wagon Wheels and houmous and bread sticks. I can't write it but I'd love to have your thoughts on it? What's healthy and acceptable to the peers? What is unacceptable to your peers, or was? What is downright fantastic? (e.g. Wagon Wheels)...

Quickie Update

2010-01-27T12:00:00.002Z

I've been to the gym three times this week. Loved it every time, apart from the bit where a piece of equipment accidentally fell on my head today that is. But is is great, only challenge is to not eat everything I can lay my hands on when I get home as I really do get blood sugar wobbles afterwards. Managed a handful of nuts, a little dark chocolate, and an early lunch today so not too bad.

Don't let anyone tell you it is a phase....

2010-01-24T09:14:00.002Z

But my new one, as of yesterday is the gym. Had a very respectful induction with young man who didn't fall over laughing when I said I preferred seven minute sessions, and intended to go down to dress sizes on this by popping in twice a week for two or three of these mini sesh's.

He was very kind in fact and showed me all the new fangled equipment - a TV in the screen of the treadmill. And the less new fangled; apparently the rowing machine hasn't changed since my last visit, oh um, five years ago. That was a touch embarrassing to admit, but pretended I had been very busy with my babies.

I might even go again today. Will have to have a shower first though.

Fifty Pounds Richer

2010-01-21T14:22:00.004Z

We'll be quids in after our power cut, fifty quid to be precise. Apparently the electricity company are obliged to pay out fifty pounds to each domestic customer who has no power for eighteen hours, then twenty five for every twelve hours afterwards.

Although the food in the fridge and freezer nearly came to that, and we had fifty pound excess so could not claim on the insurance, so probably it all means nothing.

Nothing, nothing at all.

I had a dream...last night

2010-01-20T11:21:00.003Z

And it was quite disturbing. Henry the Eighth, and his horse were in it, plus me and some carriages. We had to run away from some horses that had gone bad. The evil in them was coming out of their noses in the form of toxic smoke and one sniff and you were dead. Henry the Eighth had some shoe trouble and was looking for some casual shoes to wear whilst running away from the toxic horses. He had some smarter boots but I was worried they would hurt his feet after a while so hunted for his shoes to no avail. I think we just got away in time.

What does it all mean, and is it connected to me having a cold, and incidentally thinking about getting some white low Converse as summer shoes? Horses and kings of England I don't know about!

Difficult Days

2010-01-19T19:12:00.003Z

It's been a tough couple of days; we had a power cut yesterday, from ten in the morning. I have to say I'm not sure I realised how much I relied on the phone, internet, and lights. Heating we managed without as we're got a wood burner so at least the living room was warm but in a hark back to old snobbishness about Hastings days all I can say is; 'The bloody countryside!'

This would never happen in the city, or at least not for over 24 hours; for some reason it took that amount of time to find a generator that worked so we can have electricity at least temporarily. Apparently something caused the local sub station to blow up and catch on fire meaning a little block of houses near me were all affected. We don't have a gas light, and the battery camping light - oh, yes, maybe I bought a kids one because I preferred the way it looks, and it did not really work. And the other lighting epiphany was that candlelight isn't actually very bright at all. So we could only just about read with torches, which isn't fun; we tried to watch a film on the computer but it ran out of power; and we sat in near darkness before having a cold wash and bed.

Oh, and in the end, all the food in the freezer has gone bad. It'd have been OK if we'd cooked it up in the dark last night and had a party. But we didn't as I naively assumed the freezer would be OK if I didn't open it and that the power surely would not be off for more than 12 hours.

Right, normal service resumed, grump over.

Bubbly Budget Booze

2010-01-17T19:48:00.003Z

Oooh, I've discovered a new drink. In my brief phase of low carb dieting I started having vodka, soda and a slice of lime. Lush once you get used to it, and tonight I decided to have another. But shock horror, we were out of fresh lime. Knowing my area, and I do, I decided the chances of a walk to procure a fresh lime would probably be unproductive so I decided on lemon. And here's my budget, bubbly booze recipe:

Ice
1 or 2 shots of vodka
Fizzy mineral water
Thick slice of lemon
Dash of PLJ (or other) lemon juice

Mix together in a tall glass, sit back and enjoy.

Particularly good in front of the new fantastic Glee, see E4 tomorrow at nine pm if missed tonight, or ingredients missing, and Mondays are acceptable decadent telly watching nights. Glee is camp, fun and full of songs, with a little drama. Love it. Any other favourite drink/TV combo's?

Shall we have some more questions?

2010-01-16T15:08:00.002Z

Talk about self conscious blogging, but recently on my Creative Writing course, which actually encompasses all styles of writing including blogging, the teacher described it as a very interactive process with lots of questions to engage the reader. I realised I consciously did do that a year or so ago, and have slipped back in to simply noting things down and expecting you, dear readers, to know I love comments, and involvement. Maybe that is not good enough though and we must have more questions.

So - what do you think? Would it seem a little false if I ended more posts with a question? Or is it an excellent way to get reader participation in the blog?

I blog...therefore I am...

2010-01-12T12:59:00.002Z

a bit boring at the moment. I've just re-read some old posts and realised I've been a bit lacklustre of late, both with my blogging and in life. In all honesty I can say I've been a bit bored; sometimes having it all (or at least without a job) is actually, ho, hum, not enough and bit well, dull.

However new day, new year, new me, I've had a lovely morning doing 'art' I've got a fabulously funny friend coming to visit this week, and I'm all excited so I must note the following:

1. I need to stop smoking for various reasons but these are the current ones;

The pictures on the packets make me feel a bit ill, and I really don't want a diseased heart/lungs.
I don't want the children to see me smoke.
It's cold outside.
See above, so I could put my pyjamas on earlier if I stopped.
It's expensive unless you brave dodgy cheap shops and do special looking down techniques to get the bargain stuff.

2. I made a lovely vegetarian possibly beef style stew last night and just had it for lunch.

3. Must remember I really like soya chunks, see above.

4. I must get some soft pencils, I'm almost obsessing about how much I need them, even if truth be told I very rarely use a pencil.

5. It's like really cold, and I'm pleased I've discovered the delights of long sleeve tops underneath short sleeved ones. Sort of a t-shirted baggy tank top look.

6. That is all for now, except I really like to blog.

Sledges are out again today....

2010-01-10T15:22:00.008Z

We so could be in the Alps, or at least Wales couldn't we? And this picture is so J - absolutely photo posing face.

P.s. yes, these are really my children, honest.

My etsy shop

2010-01-07T19:14:00.001Z

I've just started to populate this with some handmade or upcycled goodies, many more to come, watch this space: http://www.etsy.com/shop/tattyhousehastings

We (will do some more) sledging again today...

2010-01-07T07:57:00.003Z

It's snow day mark two. Honestly in my day, the village school used to open nearly every day, just closed whenever the boiler broke, which was probably a euphemism for a snow day now come to think about it.

We did some sledging

2010-01-06T18:14:00.002Z

We couldn't face walking as far as the West Hill, particularly as was worried we'd all get cold and wet. Well knew we would.

So instead we wandered down the street pulling our supersonic (more of that later) sledges, called for some friends and found a great little hill on the edge of the East Hill. Sometime after we'd be sledging down it causing it to become a great slippery ice rink of a hill we realised it was actually a shortcut to some houses and middle aged ladies kept trying to walk up with bags of shopping.

However, that did not deter us, we risked the railings leading to the frozen reservoir on one side, brambles on the other and sped, I say, sped down the hill. Our friends had a more sophisticated version of a sledge which was a much more sedate ride, which dare I say I preferred.

We only had two big tantrums between us, laughed at each other, particularly at unskilled turning skills and had a brilliant time. Roll on tomorrow's snow day!

2010-01-06T07:46:00.001Z

It's a snow day today. Yay! Just need to venture down to town and see if we can get a sledge. If not the bodyboard will be put in to use again. Without me on it this time, as now M more important think he'll be working even on snow day. Shame.

My World will get better a bit bigger soon

2010-01-04T08:22:00.002Z

Things are changing in the tattyhouse this week; smallest child is full time at school (with the proviso that we pull her back to part time if she gets too tired), M starts a new job - and we're all very proud of him, and I, um, have registered to do two courses. Of course (geddit) I could not just start with one but am about to undertake hopefully, quite low level morning a week courses in Art and Design and in Creative Writing. Not sure I have a novel in me, and have only just realised I have a 'voice' so am keen to just keep trying on the basics; i.e. write stuff that makes sense and does not bore people too much.

And as for Art and Design, I'm really excited about that too - and its local and up the hill which always makes me happy. Rumour has it we might do some lino printing too and I can't forget how utterly satisfying making marks in to lino with a sharp scraper is. I think the last time I did it was during my GCSE's when I did a project on my hands. Or it might have been washing up, but I remember talking lots of hand photos and have a nice unlined one to look back on.

We're all going to be busier than ever - but planning is a great thing. Oh, and I've got a lovely moleskin diary to write it all in so I don't mind.

Falling apart at the seams...

2010-01-02T22:19:00.002Z

OK, so remember my neck issue where possibly stress made it a bit itchy and red. Well it turns out, after a visit to my helpful nhs pharmacist I am actually suffering from fungus neck. It sort of is better than my fungus face episode a number of years ago, as it not on my face. But is sort of ten times worse as it looks so so ugly and it really hurts.

Luckily there is an answer and it is some supersonic athlete's foot cream. Which is a fungus too, although hopefully a different kind. Oh, and lovely pharmacist said; 'Ooh, it looks red and a bit wet.' Grim.

And I've got some spots on my chin.

Happy New Year All

2009-12-31T10:07:00.004Z

Of course I celebrate New Years', even though out it can be a bit scary and miserable. Nothing better than an excuse for a small party with friends. This year we are off to our friends' in Hampshire and their gorgeous eco house. Lovely light, and wood and people.

So happy new year all you celebrators and markers of the occasion (which is largely, after all quite a pointless excuse for a party).

Ten Years Later...

2009-12-27T18:01:00.003Z

There hasn't been a great deal of fanfare about heralding in a new decade, although most people have looked back on the last ten years and where they were and are now.

I'm tempted to do a quick round up of my life in ten, even though I could never really cover it and it is all a bit 'surface level'.

Essentially, I have the same partner, cat and am the same person, taking on a few pounds of course. I have two children, I started my career properly, and left it within the decade. I had some money during the earlier part, and now don't. And I've moved from East to South to East London then Hastings. I've become part of two fantastic geographical communities, and sadly left one all the time realising how important all the communities we're in and have been in are to us.

And I've lost some people on the way; and gained some people. The losses have been great to us, and people around us. The gains; two children and some fantastic friends some who have stayed the same and some new.

We've also had a 'credit crunch' realisation and have spent our first Christmas, and much of the last couple of years without credit. It's been tough, a bit embarrassing sometimes but so worth it. And the bonus is that of course things can only get better.

And talking of things can only get better; I lost my politics during the last ten years; disillusionment set in, and its only now I'm beginning to understand the politics with a small 'p' that are important to me, and the issues that really really matter.

This decade I plan to be working in the house at the start and doing some courses and studying. By the end of the decade I hope I'm in the same house, with the same people and friends. Just maybe with the addition of a dog. Small things eh?

Merry Christmas one and all

2009-12-24T18:17:00.002Z

The hatches are battened down, the fridge is full, the trial run of Yorkshire puddings were flat (cook them longer next time), the booze is in and the stockings are up.
Merry Christmas everyone.

This year's Christmas Wreath at Tattyhouse

2009-12-22T18:58:00.004Z

This is our Christmas wreath, made out of re-used cardboard, scraps of paper, and old decorations. Poor Christmas angel teddy used to have a whole family of friends but bits of them keep falling apart, aah.

Soap, soap and lip balm

2009-12-22T09:52:00.002Z

I've been meaning to mention this for ages but one of the nicest consequences of this blog is I've 'met' virtually a lovely woman who has been sending me soap. Yes, that is right lovely, lovely all vegan natural gorgeous smellling soap to try out. I've been doing this for some time, and waiting for her to set up her website so I can add the link. Well, rather belatedly on my part here it is;
http://www.brackencraft.co.uk/

All gorgeous, natural stuff, no harm caused in the production and you know you're doing the right thing in buying from her.

Advertisment and promotion formally over...

If I could be doing anything right now...

2009-12-21T21:48:00.001Z

I'd be sitting in a busy pub, on a comfy sofa drinking a lovely vodka and cranberry chatting with friends and smoking Marlboro Lights indoors. I might even have a game of pool, and hope the lights would shine the way to home, or at least the holes.

Shine on and smoke on UK.

Snowed in down South

2009-12-21T18:32:00.002Z

We were planning to go and visit my parents tomorrow, up in Hertforshire but sadly the weather has changed our plans. The snow up there has stayed since Friday, and it is just getting snowier and snowier with treacherous roads and traffic jams on the motorways. Train travel not possible either; and apparently fights are breaking out amongst the commuters at London Bridge trying to get home.

Misery, misery, misery - oh and Eurostar has been cancelled for three days.

Queens Head is Good Bon Viveur's Pub (according to Saturday's Guardian)

2009-12-20T18:22:00.005Z

And doesn't it look lovely? Amazing views across the county too. And apparantly good beer for those who know what that is (i.e. not me). Here's the link; http://www.queenshead.com/ . All's good bar the writing on the roof.

Must go this Christmas.

Fancy a pint anyone? Oh and gis' a lift as don't fancy being the driver.

There is a snow day after all...

2009-12-18T12:14:00.002Z

Just been called in to the school again to pick up children due to power cut. Which was a little premature as power was on (again?) within few minutes. Still, not much learning going on today and more fun. They'll just have to enjoy some colouring and making and the telly.

For now anyway - some friends are over later so usual Friday madness of a little wine, popcorn ground in to floor, DVD's and possibly sharing pjymamas to come..

No snow day today

2009-12-18T08:20:00.002Z

There is a little snow on the ground, all buses are suspended in Brighton and it seems nearly all schools. Here in gloomy Hastings all seems to be open, just quiet and dark and wet. Oh, and the carol concert will no doubt be cancelled. Which is a shame as I fancied a quiet cry in the back row.
After Jem's attempts to sing as loudly as she could at the last carol concert though it may have been tears of another sort in my eyes.

No snow day. No snow day.

Best Kept Secret in Town

2009-12-16T07:41:00.002Z

I had the best night out last night, fantastic film in the school hall; 'Like Water for Chocolate'. Suddenly I like the magic realisim, and I adore the book. Then off to dinner with our school book club to the best kept secret in town. Here is the lovely place:

http://thaicafeandbookshop.com/home . Amazing dinner, spicy yet edible, and gorgeous gorgeous aubergine for main. And one of the best bits was the atmosphere; dinner squeezed in to tiny tables in the middle of books, full of people browsing the shelves, chatting and drinking bring your own wine and as much of the free chillled water as needed. This was quite a lot during my Tom Yum soup.

Want to go again tonight for dinner.

Speedy News

2009-12-15T08:04:00.001Z

My neck still hurts, it is cold, we are up early and I've had two coffee's already. Latter potentially a mistake though I'm a buzzing with hill walking energy though lacking will to get out in the icy weather.

Tiny Thing Conversion Factory: Pandas to Gnomes by Mochimochi Land

2009-12-15T08:02:00.001Z

Love it, from Craft.

It must be Christmas stress

2009-12-14T07:47:00.002Z

I've got my neck disease, a sort of allergic reaction that looks, and is very painful and can have the appearance of someone who has tried to hang themselves. Last time I had it in a significant way I was doing a really stressful job, working shifts and generally totally miserable. It morphed in to a horrible itchy underarm thing that only got better when I stopped using all products, including deodorant. Luckily was on holiday in chilly Poland/Czech Republic at the time so not too bad for people around me.

This time I'm not sure what to blame on neck disease. Sort of Christmas stress; over-use of products, hair dye? Who knows - no cream will make it better, and I'll just have to ride it out. The first time I had one of these skin things, it was during my finals, and was cunningly of my body, elbow disease, making it really hard to sit still at desk with my arms on it. This time it is just hard to not pull my own bloody neck skin out Ala a Christmas chicken.

Dear Auntie Beeb

2009-12-10T21:55:00.002Z

I shall have to stop watching 'Never Mind the Buzzcocks' shortly if you persist in having horrid unfunny presenters like that nasty piece of work Frankie Boyle on. Can you not find a decent proper replacement for the lovely, albeit sometimes sarcastic others.

I'm also very unimpressed with the grumpy fat one. There is nothing worse than seeing an old woman hater calling prostitutes whores. It's just not on.

So dear Auntie sort it out please.

Bev age 37 and a bit

P.s. Noel Fielding is lovely, and he can stay.

Dear Father Christmas

2009-12-10T14:52:00.001Z

I'd quite like one of these please. Then I will make some vegetarian marshmallows with it.

Thank you very much.

We had a power cut last night...

2009-12-10T08:16:00.002Z

They happen about once a year or so, here in the country/outside London world. Always a bit inconvenient - last night I could not sleep and was reading/watching telly when the world went a bit black. We're relatively well organised with candles to hand, lighters, a torch and a battery lantern. Trouble was the renewable energy torch decided last night it would take its kinetic powered status a little far and only work when you shook it. Leading to some shaky lighting.

Still, it only lasted about half an hour, and is fairly dramatic as a little reminder we're not in town now. Of course we are in town, local town so also bit confusing as to why Hastings itself is in 1970. And we're talking about bringing trams back, which I'm delighted by. Used to adore Croydon's trams and getting them to work.

A House of One's Own...

2009-12-08T19:49:00.001Z

So today, for the first time since I think last July I had the house to myself from 9.30 until 2.30pm. I had not realised it had been so long, and in a false sense of security I did not plan any exciting time to myself so I did the obvious:

Washing, cleaned the bathroom, gardening, tidying, wrote Christmas cards and um, sorted some paperwork. I even considered the ironing but fortuitously Mat had broken the iron only this morning. Well maybe it had broken itself by having two feet high flames leaping out if its plug socket earlier.

What will I do with my time when Jem is at school full time? I'm hoping to do a class in Tai Chi, and not just the one for older ladies. I'm trying to get on a free community course in creative writing; although it seems amazingly hard to sort out (part of the paperwork earlier). And um, got to be more to life than housework and coffee...

Sun Jars Really Do Work!

2009-12-06T17:12:00.002Z

I've wanted one of these for ages, well about a month anyway. And I've got one! Yay, with some birthday money and via the post. I had it on for a night, loved it, re-charged it in the day on the window sill and come the second night - nothing. The bloody thing didn't work. Was very upset but did not want to admit had been fooled by lovely marketing and maybe they didn't work at all in gloomy UK winter etc. so just moved it to second room. Hoping magic would occur.

Then I tried again last night, it only lights up when dark so I spent some time wandering about with the gorgeous darkened jar trying to find a little dark spot. When Mat asked why I didn't just turn it on. Apparently he'd turned it off a few days ago. And I was composing cross complaint letters in my head!

Do you have to be self obsessed to write a blog?

2009-12-04T20:04:00.002Z

One of my friends in all innocence said that she could not ever write a blog as she was not self obsessed enough. Which made me start wondering; the obvious how self obsessed I am but also whether it is an interest in yourself that makes you write. Or is it a need to get the incessant internal dialogue out without boring people. Alternatively or boring them but as they are reading from a distance you don't know.

Or is it self reflection; a real kind of diary or journal writing when one notes the actions and thoughts of the day; mostly for yourself, maybe a little for posterity and maybe some to be 'out there. Of course the latter is the most alarming concept and leads to the thought that all bloggers are exactly blatant attention seekers, including the author herself.

Now of course this is not wholly true, as we tend to be computer nerdy types who sit in our quiet rooms on our own with our incessant internal dialogues rather than out on Big Brother or trying to get footballers. Although it may just be that we are uglier. But of course that is not true as I have yet to meet a scary faced blogger nevertheless it is a thought.

What do you think? Not of me. of course, but of blogging as a form of self obsession?

Hamster Bill Hurried Home

2009-12-04T07:38:00.003Z

She's been found. Located due to shuffling noises in downstairs bathroom and found as she'd trapped herself in the empty beer bucket and could not get out.
All really pleased. And Bill pleased to be back in warm cage, we think...

Thank you for all your lovely helpful comment - most useful was Sophie suggesting use of humane mouse trap on reflection. As I guess that was beer bucket in the end.

Missing - Hamster Bill

2009-12-03T07:47:00.002Z

Oh God! Where is Bill? Can anyone help us? We've lost the hamster - somehow he got out of his cage and we can't find him.

Mat says he's never heard of a happy ending in these cases.

Pom Pom Tastic Fantastic

2009-12-01T16:35:00.003Z

This years' lovely pom pom tastic fantastic, thanks to the lovely Craftzine blog...

Prawn Cocktail Tales

2009-11-30T23:15:00.002Z

My grandma loved prawns, especially just bought ones from Brixton Market - which she'd peel, and eat a couple for luck. She made a fantastic prawn cocktail, and I've only just remembered her secret - Marie Rose Sauce.
Essentially, its 4tbs of mayonnaise, 1tbs of ketchup, dash of Worcestershire saure and a little lemon juice. Can't wait to make it. Of course I'll be using my vegetatian Worcerstershire sauce, with my um, fresh local prawns, which will of course be real.

Perfect starter for Christmas day, followed by stuffing and the works.

Can't wait.