Bubble and Squeak*

I’ve got a headache starting. Just what I don’t need and if I stray from making a point, you’ll know why.

As Huw commented on my last post, this morning was dull. But at least it wasn’t just because of the grey clouds, we were also missing half the sun (and in fact I was grateful for the clouds as I couldn’t find my solar glasses – do you suppose that’s why I’ve got a headache?).

And it was about the best eclipse (partial or full) I’ve ever been lucky enough to see. So my day started well!

Another person having a good day, is our daughter J, who started school three weeks ago. She’s obviously made an impression and regardless of her tears in the morning seems to be shining. We know this because she’s been awarded the ‘Class Pupil of the Month’. I didn’t realise at first what an achievement this is, but a letter detailing that her picture is to appear in the school foyer along with a certificate and she gets to wear a posh badge for the month, soon had me beaming with pride! She got it for working hard, listening well and helping to tidy up (yeah, I know I should go in and check the picture to see if it's really her!)

It’s good timing too, as her little sister S, has her school interview tomorrow. My last baby! With a bit of luck they’ll be as ignorant as the boys’ school was, and won’t figure out both my youngest of the sexes make the teachers earn their money. Wish us luck!

I’m also in a constant panic at the moment with the kids’ hair as a nit notice has appeared on the nursery school door. I checked all mine yesterday and we’re clear – but I can almost feel what’s coming.

Last time it took me three weeks to get J’s head de-nitted. Curls might be cute to look at, but for every nice thing in life, there is a drawback. Nits are our nemesis.

We have one of those electric nit combs, but all the children scream as I can’t seem to do it without zapping the kids too. The mousse stuff works well on coarse hair, and the smelly Ly-clear is good for most people. Then you have the strong really smelly stuff that has to be left on till the hair dries, which in J’s case means staying off school for the day. But even that took three treatments last time.

And because I’ve used so many treatments to no avail, I thought I’d do some reading.

I was somewhat horrified to discover all those chemicals I soaked my children’s heads with, isn’t good. And that’s an understatement.

So this time, if we get them I’ve got tea-tree oil and shampoo at the ready, along with some lesser know treatments including vinegar (left on to dry), and mayonnaise (worn with a swim cap overnight – ugh!)

If you’ve heard of any others, please let me know!

And talking of hair, I had mine cut and coloured. And the BH doesn’t like it. He denies this of course, but what would you think if your husband stared at you a full ten seconds before answering whether he liked it?!

It’s shorter than I’ve had it for six years (about the same length as my weatherpixie) and I went darker because I felt I was too blond. There’s not a lot I can do about the length for a while, but I’m going back to more blond next appointment. Not because of the BH, but because I scared myself when I looked in the mirror the other morning.

And say hello to our next generation of toad! Isn’t he cute? He’s also got a death wish as he sits on the steps to warm himself in what little sun there is.







* I'm unsure if the title is universal, but around here 'bubble and squeak' is bits and pieces left over from the week, which is what I've given you (traditionally referrring to a meal your mother inflicts upon you, with all the leftovers)