Singing in the rain....

My my. Time is aflying away and I just can't keep up.

The celebration of the passing of time went well. Since the Elder and I almost share the same day, we decided to share the adventure. We spent the day at Movieworld.

And Sunny joined us.

They talked me into going on the Scooby Coaster. O.M.G. I think I spent a lot of time screaming. But apparently it still didn't drown out Sunny. And Elder laughed maniacally the whole way. She's done it before. Many times.

We lined up for the Police Academy Stunt Show. I love that show. It's brilliant. Sitting on the stands is boring. But the show is worth it. I managed to get some good photos. Quite by accident and surprised the heck out of myself.

They went on the Loony Tunes ride. I stayed outside and held all their stuff. And they had plenty of it by then. And looked like a pedo I'm sure. Sitting outside in the kiddie area, with a camera and no kiddies....

They went on the Wild West Adventure ride. I stayed outside and looked after their stuff. Just as well too. They got wet. And I didn't. Nhyer.

Sunny thought he found someone he once might have known. And the Elder found something she thought might have been tasty.

We ate ice cream and sat on the footpath to watch the street parade. At least, they sat. I was a bit worried that if I sat I would never be able to stand up again. Shrek came by to say hello to the crowd. He asked for a bite of Elder's ice cream. She refused. He showed his approval by picking his backside. And flicking it at her. We laughed.

We dived into the line up for Shrek 4D. Nattered on about inconsequential stuff. And sang songs about rain. When you go on the ride, you first must wait in the 'dungeon' before you gain entrance. We waited. I got bored, and poked Sunny in the back. He gets uptight and tense. So I poked him in the back. In one of his 'special' places. He went to water. And whimpered. Don't know what the woman standing in front of him thought, but she gave us a strange look. Made us laugh. A lot. I wussed and sat in the back row. For wusses and invalids. But I knew about the spiders. I had my backpack on the floor and my feet tucked up. And I jumped every time that darned Farquad breathed on the back of my neck.....

And I decided to sit out the last ride of the day. The Wild West Adventure again. This time I decided I would sit it out under the shelter of a covered table. Just as well. It rained. Hard. But, they were going for the wet ride, so I guess it didn't really matter.

So, end of day. My feet hurt. I managed to get sunburned. It's been so long since I've seen the sun, I forgot what it could do.

It must have been a fun day though. I was exhausted. Usually a good sign......

Big mouth or what??

Seems I may have spoken too soon. Also seems that Top Deck won't be over on the weekend.

They broke up this morning, while she was on the way to school. She is devastated. But I think time with her friends will be better than time alone.

She's not convinced.

Got that song stuck in my head now...

I happened to look back at a previous post. The title of that post is a line from a song. And now, it's stuck in my head. Hopefully not permanently.

Again, I am back at work to recover. Had a house full of people again. Thankfully, only a select few of those are a permanent fixture. One almost is, we haven't managed to scare him away yet. One was totally brand new.

Sunny and a friend of his came over Friday afternoon. We dropped them off this morning. The friend has known Sunny for a long time. He and the Elder have been chatting, introduced - as far as one can be online - by Sunny. So, this was the friend's first face to face meeting of the Elder. And he decided to do it all at once. And take on all of us. He's either very brave or very silly. Either way, it says a lot for Sunny's powers of persuasion.

Saturday afternoon, the Teen asked if Petunia could sleep over. MOTH and I have decided the grounding thing is more or less over. She has the hiptop back now, and can have friends over. We'll wait a while before I let her back unsupervised in the city though.

That's where we will be next weekend. Saturday afternoon at any rate. When we go to collect Top Deck. Ah, another fun filled weekend.

Time is racing t'ward us..

It certainly is! It's almost the weekend already; Teen has nearly finished her second week of school. I'm still not certain if she likes it though.

It's nearly time for a birthday or two. I have no idea what I'm getting for the Elder. I think I shall try treat myself to a trip to Movieworld. That's where she's going and I intend to tag along and make a nuisance of myself. If I can manage. I am getting old you know.

Have Sunny and one of his friends over tonight. Should be interesting. I haven't met this chappie. I'm told he makes Sunny look small. And Sunny towers over me. Well, heck, let's face it - most everybody does. But I think Sunny is at least a head taller than me. And the new chappie makes him look small? Yikes!

Next weekend we have Top Deck over for the weekend. Saturday, at least. Not sure about Friday. He's welcome. Because it's Valentines Day. And I thought they make such a cute couple that I could stretch my tolerance to another night. They won't have seen each other for 2 weeks by that time.

April seems to be rushing head on. I was worried that I wouldn't have enough saved by then to be able to travel at all. But again, it's rentals to the rescue, and I have booked the flights. Booked the accommodation as well. Wow. Everything is on the ball. Just have to get the confirmation numbers. And since the room cost will be split 4 ways, I don't have to worry quite as much. I'm so happy about that.

So, sister of mine, watch out. We are all prepped, ready and waiting to wreak havoc on you and yours for a couple days. .... Excellent ....

Mondoze......

Yes. It's Monday. And I'm back at work for a rest.

Saturday. We three ladies - and I use that term loosely - ventured into the city. The Elder was hoping to meet up with a friend; the Teen to meet her boyfriend. Me, to collect a very important addition to my collection. Yes. A comic. I'm collecting the series. I'm up to issue #5 of 6.

Elder's friend didn't show up. Top Deck - ex Skunk, cause, you know, his hair really is brown and white - was working till 3pm. We had some time to waste. The weather was terrible. It was raining and muggy. While wasting time, Teen was approached by all and sundry. Whom she hasn't seen for a very long time. We found one or two of my 'children' and wasted a little time with them.

I picked up my comic. Elder and Teen decided we needed to waste more time watching the nerds play DDR at Tops in the Myer Centre. A computer game that involves dancing. On the arrows on the floor. You get the picture. So we did. An asian bloke was getting Perfect on every one. Typical.

We found another of Teen's friends. He's a very nice chap. He, Elder and some of his friends decided to play with some bouncy balls they had received for prizes. He dropped one over the railing; it landed next level down. A girl tried to throw it back. And missed woefully. It bounced into the foodcourt on the bottom level. The game continued. And it seems, after we had gone our separate ways, that Security wasn't too happy about that. Hopefully, he got away in time. *grins*

On Sunday we go to visit rellies. They now live within about a 2 hour drive. And MOTH's mother was visiting. So, left the house at 8am. Dropped TD off on the way. Actually a little bit out of our way, but the drive was scenic. He doesn't live close to us.

We spent the whole morning there, till past lunch. We dined on chicken and salad, at tables set outdoors under the trees. The sun shone for a bit, the sky was blue for a bit, the breeze blew and it was lovely. And I got sunburned. It's been so bloody raining and overcast for so long, I forgot to sunscreen. Teen got burned too.

Finished there and popped over to a friend's place. They now live in the same area as the rellies. Kill two birds with one stone. So to speak. And spent Sunday afternoon there. It was great to see them again. I got plied with so much coke! So did the girls. Oh, and biscuits. And chocolate.

What a weekend. Back to work now for a rest.

And it's first week over....

I think she's beginning to settle in. At school. She has mentioned, in the last day or so, that it's getting better. I had thought that she might have been turning into Piglet - scared of Everything. Piglet always gets a capital letter for the stuff he's worried about.

She's met a couple of people who she seems to like. I have seen them from a distance. Ok, so it was a very short distance. When I walked past them to let her know she was required to join MOTH and I on the other side of the food court.

The lad is joining us this weekend. It's the second time he has slept over. He's very quiet and shy. No, this is not Sunny, who is no longer shy and retiring. This is ... ummm ... actually, I haven't thought of a name for him yet. Maybe Skunk. And that has nothing to do with scent. Skunk lives up the coast a bit, so getting them together requires some thought. He has to catch a bus to the city, then the train to our place.

At any rate, he doesn't talk much. Smiles a lot though. Has the requisite piercings. Has brown and white hair - hence the name. Not a great complexion, but hey, can't all be like me. He's slightly younger than she. And, I've been told, has Aspergers and dyslexia. Unfortunate combination that. For him. The Teen thinks it great and rags him about it mercilessly. How do you spell this? How do you spell that? Shakes her head, giggling. Skunk, you're stupid. Kind of nasty (yes!) and kind of cute at the same time. In a weird way. I am also told that he prefers that no one knows just how special he is. So we don't know, right? I guess we are just supposed to think he's stupid? Teen tells us often enough he is.

But where was I? Oh, yes. He's sleeping over. Again. And then we get to drive him all the way back home. But that's ok - we are spending, I hope, the day at Bribie Island. Unfortunately, part of that visit will be with the Outlaws. But then, I can actually tolerate this bunch.

New beginnings. For some.

... You know, it's been about a week and a half since Chef left home. And how easy it's been to slip back into the old routine. The lounge room seems bigger. There is no one sitting at my desk. Constantly. We can mooch about the house in our pyjamas. There is still no food in the cupboard though.

... The Teen had her first day at school yesterday. Well, not first first, but first at her new school. I'm not certain she was impressed. She mumbled something in passing that it seemed ok, but it was all very scarey. I was busy at the time, so she didn't get much beyond "Well, it's new and different". Later she said she didn't want to talk about it.

I'm hoping she settles in all right. I understand it can be daunting. New school, new rules, new expectations, not to mention a whole lot of new people. And she doesn't do that type of stuff well. So she will surely need time to settle in. I'm hoping desperately that she will eventually drag herself out of that. And not spiral downward because she has convinced herself it's all too scarey and she cannot possibly cope.

Alas, she cannot be Piglet all her life... ... even if he is kinda cute ...

... Ground Hog Day ...

So for something different I decided to watch a dash of tv this morning. There is, after all, a tv in our bedroom. MOTH often retires to watch it after dinner. A bad habit, methinks, but then it does save some arguement about who watches what. Between he and I, that is.

But; I digress. We decided to flick on the tv before I went to finish getting ready for work. Oh, btw, I have no idea if this is what I was thinking about that was blogworthy. I suspect not.

There was some American morning show on. One of the ones that tries to follow the Australian format. And well they should. There is no way we would ever consider following theirs, right?

But the basic scenario was:

.. we watched it for a couple of minutes. Something about lapband surgery and how it's helped overweight people with diabetes.
.. cut to adds. About the new upcoming episodes of Bondi Rescue; something new with kids and hospitals and probably some other stuff. Which I forget for now.
.. back to the show. Something about lapband surgery and how it's helped overweight people with diabetes.
.. cut to adds. About the new upcoming episodes of Bondi Rescue; something new with kids and hospitals. If that much.
.. back to the show. What's Her Name Dreyfuss was on. That chick from Seinfeld. They talk for a couple of seconds.
.. cut to adds. About the new upcoming episodes of Bondi Rescue; something new with kids and hospitals.
.. back to the show. And about there, I think, dawned a whole new day.

Or something like that, anyway.

No, wait. I had to go to work. A repeat of yesterday...

Don't you hate it when.....

... you and MOTH are talking about something. It makes you giggle hysterically, and you find yourself thinking, Oo possible blogworthy!

But in the cold light of day, there's nothing there?

It's all in the name.

The Elder and I meet for lunch every week day. Usually, at least just lately, we dine at a cafe attached to a bookshop. Bolt down lunch then spend the rest of lunch hour browsing books.

Imagine my surprise then, while browsing through a book of sci fi baby names, to find.... Sol.

A liver-spotted old codger from somewhere or other. Oh yes, something called Soylent Green. Constantly waxing nostalgic. Everything was better in the old days. The world was better. Food was better. Actually, food is a big theme in that book / movie. Sol decides he would rather enter a sterile suicide chamber, than go without his lamb shanks.

Anyone see any pattern here?

Strangeness abounds....

Been a rather strange weekend, really.

... The Teen came home Friday. Hadn't been behaving. She managed to wrangle herself a severe tongue lashing. She's grounded. Until she's 18. Well, who knows. Priveleges back when she earns my trust again.

... Saturday we went out and purchased a couple of dresses for her to wear to school. With no uniforms, she needs something to wear. We also had to organise new ear jewelry. Something suitable for school. And a replacement, preferably a retainer, for her lip stud. We found a stretcher for her ear - slightly larger than what she currently wears, but the right size is scarce. Apparently! Retainers for lip piercings are as well. We ended up with a tiny plain black stud. I'm hoping they will find that passable.

... Saturday evening Teen and I were watching tele. Prince of Egypt. So, it's an old bible story, but heck, I love the animation. She was wriggling and I was beginning to find how just how bony her knees and shins are. After asking her to stop several times, I pinched the back of her leg. She reacted and kicked me in the nose. I know, it's a bit hard to miss. *Quiet, peanut gallery!*

Hurt like the blue blazes. And my eyes are streaming and my nose started to run. I asked for a tissue and she wouldn't get one. Nor, when she did, would she pass it over. She is busy chanting Your nose is bleeding while she dangled the box in front of me. I'm ashamed to say it, but I got angry and frustrated. I really showed her. Yep. I burst into tears. That's right. Ha. That'll learn her! It did give her a nasty shock though. She gave me the tissues. And she got an even bigger shock when she realised that my nose really was bleeding!

No black eye though.

... Sunday morning, bright and early, Chef left the building. We stayed at the airport long enough to make sure that we saw him cross the tarmac, and they pulled away the stairs. Then we left. His departure cost me a fortune, but I think MOTH thought it money well spent.

We got to the airport and at check in, they told him he had excess baggage, and would have to pay. Guess what. 6 kilos over, and a cost of $28. WHAT?!! Bloody airlines! Pay it or unpack 6 kg worth of stuff. And where, I wonder, was I supposed to put anything he unpacked? So, I had no choice. I had also brought my other wallet with me, and luckily had put my atm card in it. Just in case. Lucky.

And then they charged $11 for parking.

Glad I'm made of money...

... Got home. House is silent. Wandered back to bed for a bit of a quick nap - we were up at 0330. When I woke up, the lounge carpet is vacuumed, the lounge pushed back to where it should be. Wow. There is that much space in here?

... A message on Sunday afternoon. Sunny. He has been 'house sitting' with a friend. Close by. But the house has been full of transient friends. And he needed some quiet. We gave him coffee. We gave him a place to nap. We gave him food. And we sent him back.

But the quiet. And I can get changed into my jammies when I have a shower. Oo, look at me. Wandering the house in my jammies.....

Daring.

All quiet here on the Eastern Front.....

Things have been a little quiet here. Everything seems to have settled into some sort of routine. MOTH snipes at the Teen, the Teen snipes at MOTH; the Elder snipes at everyone; MOTH, the Teen and the Elder all join forces to snipe about Chef. Chef snipes at the Teen - through MSN. As you can see, all is wonderful.

Decided to take the bull by the horns and make a financial investment in my peace of mind.

I bought and paid for Chef's one way flight to Mackay. He tells me he wants to spend time with his grandparents. All going well, he flies out of Brisbane at 0620 on Sunday. MOTH thought it money well spent. I'm not going to celebrate though until I am standing at the airport and the plane is taxi-ing out to the runway. Then I might breathe.

Till then, all is quiet on the Eastern Front.

Wild animal rescue....

It never rains but it pours at my house.

Night before last it was an owl they rescued. Last night it was a kitten. I'm inclined to believe it was feral. Or at least headed that way.

They heard it crying in the back yard. I was in the bedroom and got up to investigate. MOTH continued on watching the tv. Totally oblivious. But then, he is that a lot these days.

So, I looked to see what the noise was. And next thing, the Elder creeps around the side of the house. The first thing I noticed was that she was wearing my expensive thongs. Oi!

I went out a little later. After I noticed both Elder and the Teen creeping about the back yard and through the gardens, armed with a towel. They almost had it captured at that point. But I was very sharply admonished not to come any closer. Then directed toward the bushes at a particular spot. I wasn't happy with the catching of the thing. The RSPCA wouldn't have any interest in it. And frankly, neither did I.

Teen nearly had it. Then it had her. She had scratches and a bite to boot. Elder managed to get it wrapped in the blanket. But I deliberately made a none too subtle move and it wriggled out of her hands. Back into the bush she just pulled it from. Then it dived across the yard and tried to jump the fence. It succeeded the second time, when I made a move toward it. Up and over the fence and gone. I heaved a sigh of relief.

I always knew being big and scarey would come in handy some day.

Wonder what's going to show up next?

Now owl did that happen?

Sitting here, feasting on the leftovers from something Chef cooked for dinner night before last. He has now cooked dinner two nights running and I am wondering what he's sucking up for. He hasn't cooked for a little while now. He leaves it till late, Ken gives up waiting and starts something. Or leaves it for me to start. It was a seafood fettucini, with a cream based sauce. And chilli. I told him about medium, but I think it turned out medium/hot. The prawns in it were delicious though!

I did mention that we had given the Chef the date. Everyone seems to be on the countdown now. It will be good to have some privacy back. You know, the small things you take for granted when living with your family - like the quick dash to the bedroom from the bathroom while just wearing your underwear; roaming about the house dressed in your jammies. I seem to be the only household member these days who can tolerate him. And even I am looking forward to the end.

The dinner he cooked last night was home made chicken nuggets, chips and some vinegarette dressing thing with tomatoes and onion. I ate all I was given. The girls weren't keen to eat anything Chef might have cooked and were going to go out and get takeaway. I managed to talk them out of that and getting dessert instead.

Took them a while to come back with it though. But the Elder walked into the house holding something carefully wrapped in a towel. The Teen followed excitedly behind.

Turns out that while out wasting time and avoiding the house, they came across a bird that had been stunned by a car. It was an owl. A dainty little brown bundle of feathers it was. They thought it might have been a boobook, based on an acquaintance with one who lives on campus. After dinner - the Elder raved about the chicken, out of Chef's earshot of course - they rushed out to take the owl to a friend who is a wild life carer.

The owl turned out to be a barn owl. It was in excellent health although a little concussed and probably dehydrated. It will be released by the carer today.

They didn't get a photo. And, sorry to say, neither did I.

2008 Whatever next?

Well, it's been a mad rush. At least, it certainly seems like it. Then again, my life seems to be flying by like a hamsters treadmill. On speed. That is when it's not a mad, mad whirl like the fabled Eleanor Rigby's.

Christmas has been and gone. I eventually relented and let them put up the tree about a week before the main event. Did I mention that in a previous post? I think I did. Sunny was over at the time. The girls got into it, Chef stated unequivocally that he hated Christmas. It was a sentiment echoed by Sunny. I rolled my eyes and said nothing. But guess which one of them asked if they could join in the decorating?

The main event arrived. Along with some really great gifts. I felt on edge from the moment I woke up. Maybe I was expecting trouble. And it arrived. Chef started in on the 'hate Christmas' angle, complete with expletives. Untill I growled his name from the kitchen. He went quiet. He did cook us breakfast though; french toast and bacon. I almost forgave him. Almost. The gifts were doled out and lo; Chef had one. He told me later it was his first ever Christmas gift.

I finally managed to gather the courage in both hands, and gave Chef a 'move out' date. Australia Day weekend. That was tough. The Elder thinks we should be careful. She's of the opinion that some of our stuff could move out with him. How the heck did she get so cynical and bitchy? It's not like she has ever 'lived' enough to develop that. Her cynicism does indeed exceed my own. And I've worked at Centrelink.

New Year also came and went. Now how did that happen? But this year, I managed to stay up and see the year in. Do I amaze you? MOTH tells me it was about 0230 when I dragged myself off to bed. Mind, I was awake again just after 0500. I moved out of the room though after listening to enough musical breathing to drive myself crazy.

And didn't get to sleep again until about 2330 last night. Haven't had late nights like that for many years now. Phone me around 1500 today to wake me up, will you?

Social butterfly time...

So, Sunny went home today. The place is going to feel empty.

MOTH started cleaning up the house for the rental inspection last night. And was shocked to discover just how messy Chef is. He has been sleeping on the stretcher behind the couch. When MOTH went to tidy that area, he discovered clothes strewn about under the bed. Along with a veritable garbage dump. Which he was most upset about and claimed he was ready to ask Chef to move out. But when you think about it, it's hardly different to the state of the room being used - and abused - by the Elder.

Perhaps I'm making excuses, but it is nearly Christmas. I think that getting him thinking about moving on can wait till after, don't you?

On a lighter note, Sunny and I went to the movies last night. With the GTs. Apparently someone's gf groaned at the thought of Beowulf, so that made it highly recommended as viewing of choice. I really enjoyed it, and I think Sunny did too. He tells me he doesn't handle suspenseful movies well, but had calmed down a bit by the end of this one. At one point toward the beginning he jumped and grabbed my arm tight. I sat there grinning cause it was funny. Until I got a fright myself later on. Then it was his turn to laugh.

Y'know, I have just discovered that skittles and cold coffee don't really mix.......

But, back to the movie. It plays like a cut scene from a video game. And detailed enough to be able to recognise the actors behind the characters. F'rinstance, you couldn't miss Anthony Hopkins. In my most humble opinion - the only one that counts - this movie would have been stunning in 3D.....

Old age. Or trying to manage late nights....

As some of my devoted readers may know, I've had a houseful of guests lately. And more on the way. And being young and relatively untrained, they all need some level of supervision.

Very tiring, it is.

Especially when you do silly things. Like, stay up watching telly. And get asked, when they get home from work, to stay up with them and watch a movie. Which you end up doing. What the heck, you're only young once, right?

So, in the last couple of weeks, I don't think I have been to bed much before 11pm. And a couple of those have been 1 or 2am.

Last night was close to 12 midnight I think. We kicked off the evening with Labyrinth. Accompanied by a healthy - or not - side of nachos. And, as an aside, I found out how to make good sour cream. None of this add lemon juice nonsense. I had a tub of cream and a tub of natural yoghurt. Worked a treat. Because I forgot to get some when we raided the supermarket. And I forgot the avocado too. Can never win sometimes. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes. Followed by Nightmare Before Christmas. I found out that Sunny can do a pretty good version of Jack's Lament. And throw a couple of tim tam slammers in there as well. With the double coated tim tams.

Chef came home halfway through Nightmare, and moaned. Of course. He hates that movie. But he laughed along, made comments and watched right along with the rest of us! Then we watched Beetlejuice, and indulged with triple caramel Pauls light icecream. Or was it Peters? I can't remember, but it was darned good.

But the upshot is that I am dragging today. I've had two cups of coffee, but it's just not happening. Not even the chocolate has salvaged my get-up-n-go. And that is truly, truly sad....

Changing of the Guard. Or is that just changes?

Seems to be the month for changes.

Well, the Teen had an interview today to change schools. Finally, after bugging me for the last couple of years, I have relented. She had to check things on the website and see if she really wanted to go.

She did and had the admission interview today. The prospective student must attend, accompanied by a care giver. MOTH and I both went.

In comparison, the current school is more aesthetically pleasing. The facilities are newer and the class structure is better. The new school is - in the words of the Guidance Officer - very 60s but well maintained. And true, it does remind me very much of the old primary schools I attended while growing up. Walkways under the buildings and the big stumps. Weatherboard walls. You know the style - the old Queenslanders have walls like that. We didn't get to see inside any of the classrooms, apart from a brief glance as we went past. Desks set up in rows. Nostalgic, really.

I hope she settles in well though. To the best of my knowledge, she doesn't know anyone who attends the new school. A couple of her friends from her current school were thinking of transferring over, but I have to say that at this late stage, it's not likely.

At the end of the intertview, the Guidance Officer told her: see you on 29 January. Looks like formal acceptance is a .......... formality. Sorry, couldn't help that.

Here's to new beginnings and I hope she settles in well. And achieves to her full potential. I'm hoping this school welcomes her penchant for debate. To put it nicely......

Times-a-flyin....

Holidays are nearly over. Already. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was just leaving work. Now it's time to go back. Fair enough, it's only been two weeks, but a lot can happen in that time.

As you know, we have been settling in with a boarder. Whom I have christened the Chef. Because he is. We are still all getting used to each other, but even MOTH is getting used to having him there. I thought about it, and would have to say ... you know when a bunch of relatives you barely know land on your door to stay for a while? The ones that sort of take over and seem to be everywhere at once? The Chef is like that. All rolled into one person.

Funniest sight I have seen for a while happened the other day. MOTH was standing at the top of the hall in the lounge. Chef charged up the hall, grabbing MOTH on the shoulder with a yell. Truly, MOTH's feet actually left the floor. It left him standing and gasping, while shaking his shorts. It left me rolling helpless on the couch. I haven't had that much fun since MOTH got caught outside when lightning and thunder flashed at once, and left him dancing in the air.

See who is living at my house? And no comments about Mrs Claus either. The Teen and the Elder got into the spirit of the evening, even managing to drag one of their friends into decorating himself with tinsel and joining them. The recipients of the dress up and lolly distribution were the local NHW for the Carols by Torchlight. Apparently it was a roaring success. Santa was escorted to the part in a highway patrol car complete with sirens.

No pic of my pseduo-son in his decorations though. He's very camera shy. He calls me mum, and I will hug him and squeeze him and call him George. Wait, that's already taken. I will call him Sunny. For the purposes of this blog.

Sunny slept over the second weekend of my holidays. And again the following Friday and Saturday night. And maybe this weekend too. I don't mind. He's welcome any time.

Saturday I had another ring in. The Teen has a friend she's not sure if she's crushing on. He slept over Saturday night as well. I don't know where I manage to keep all these people. This lad is ok for a 15yo Skinny White Dude. Hereafter referred to SWD.

SWD is pleasant and polite. And, unfortunately, didn't seem altogether phased by me. Now that was a bit of a disappointment I can tell you.......

Yay, I finally get a turn!

Time is flying. Year-wise that is. I can't believe that it's Christmas month. Where did the year go?

So I mentioned last time that the Chef has moved in. I'm beginning to feel like the Christmas turkey. All fattened up and ready to go.

But this doesn't come cheap - I need to keep topping up the fridge and the pantry. A lot of what he cooks I don't have the ingredients for. I'm thinking that in future, I'll keep what he gives for board as a slush fund for more food. Hope that works!

Possibly emotionally costly. I get he's broken. His way of dealing though, is to lose his temper and take it out on other things. Slamming doors. Throwing things. And yet, when he's feeling 'stable' - for want of a better word - he's easy to get along with and usually quite funny. Oh, and he also has a foul, foul mouth. And bulimia, he tells me - although I've not seen him binge, I've heard him purge.

And I deal with this by ignoring this behaviour. MOTH, on the other hand, doesn't like the language, and can't deal with the temper tantrums. He tells me that yesterday, an episode made him feel depressed.

You know I thought that heart attacks were supposed to make you take stock and slow down. Not this one. It's made him more uptight, less tolerant, and now everything depresses him, or annoys him.

I'm beginning to think I can't wait to get back to work. And that's bad.