Apologies for the interruption of service, the computer has been to the doctors.
A quick format and installation and I'm back up and running.
A fairly uneventful few days to be honest, although Leo appears to be developing apace. He has mastered 'hello', 'bye', 'up' and 'down' along with 'wet' and various animal noises (on demand no less!). Of course none of this happens when I am in a position to catch him on video. A shame as he is so cute when he's talking (I know I am biased, but hey).
No doubt you have all heard about the terrible events in the Nairobi shopping mall and the heroism of the survivors and the security services.
The story which got me was posted on Facebook via the Metro.
http://metro.co.uk/2013/09/24/british-boy-4-tells-nairobi-shopping-mall-terrorist-youre-a-very-bad-man-4099859/?ITO=facebook
Thanks to (insert deity/prophet here) for children and the mercy and compassion they inspire in others.
My thoughts are with those who have been affected by this outrage.
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Thursday, 19 September 2013
What a dreary day
It's cold wet and miserable.
Thankfully I have my own ray of sunshine to see me through.
Sorry I missed you yesterday, Leo was having a very clingy day and I didn't really have any time for self indulgence. By the time I got all the chores sorted and had a shave (how simple things become a treat) he was awake again. It seemed like he had only napped for five minutes, not an hour and three quarters.
He has been his normal cheerful self this morning, and despite the leaden skies we still risked a jaunt to the park.
He didn't spend a lot of time on the swings etc, he was more interested in chasing tractors (the council were mowing).
I had to track down parkie this morning. I wondered over to the council compound and asked one of the workers if the park manager was around. Parkie wondered around the corner smiling, "I don't mind being the manager" he quipped. "You may not want to today" I commented. He looked at me quizzically.
I informed him that the spinning tyre swing in the adventure play area was covered with vomit. His face fell. "Okay, I'll sort it out, thanks for telling me" he said as he wondered off looking for a bucket. Some people are charming aren't they? As if he doesn't have enough to do, without cleaning up after people who can't keep their breakfast down.
M.d.w. called on her lunch break and Leo promptly stole the handset and wondered off chuntering to his mummy. I caught him and tried to have a conversation with m.d.w. which was difficult as Leo seemed to need to tell his mummy everything he had been up to today. M.d.w. can only get reception when she is outside the building where she works, so she was freezing, appropriately enough, outside the cryo labs.
After m.d.w. rang off to go and eat, I found Leo sitting on the bottom step of the stairs. I walked over to him and he stood up, arms raised, ready to be taken upstairs for his new favourite story 'The Gruffalo' and bed. I guess he was tired bless him.
Well lets see what tomorrow brings.
Cheerio.
Thankfully I have my own ray of sunshine to see me through.
Sorry I missed you yesterday, Leo was having a very clingy day and I didn't really have any time for self indulgence. By the time I got all the chores sorted and had a shave (how simple things become a treat) he was awake again. It seemed like he had only napped for five minutes, not an hour and three quarters.
He has been his normal cheerful self this morning, and despite the leaden skies we still risked a jaunt to the park.
He didn't spend a lot of time on the swings etc, he was more interested in chasing tractors (the council were mowing).
I had to track down parkie this morning. I wondered over to the council compound and asked one of the workers if the park manager was around. Parkie wondered around the corner smiling, "I don't mind being the manager" he quipped. "You may not want to today" I commented. He looked at me quizzically.
I informed him that the spinning tyre swing in the adventure play area was covered with vomit. His face fell. "Okay, I'll sort it out, thanks for telling me" he said as he wondered off looking for a bucket. Some people are charming aren't they? As if he doesn't have enough to do, without cleaning up after people who can't keep their breakfast down.
M.d.w. called on her lunch break and Leo promptly stole the handset and wondered off chuntering to his mummy. I caught him and tried to have a conversation with m.d.w. which was difficult as Leo seemed to need to tell his mummy everything he had been up to today. M.d.w. can only get reception when she is outside the building where she works, so she was freezing, appropriately enough, outside the cryo labs.
After m.d.w. rang off to go and eat, I found Leo sitting on the bottom step of the stairs. I walked over to him and he stood up, arms raised, ready to be taken upstairs for his new favourite story 'The Gruffalo' and bed. I guess he was tired bless him.
Well lets see what tomorrow brings.
Cheerio.
Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Mike Oldfield Eat Your Heart Out
Just a quickie today as there are still chores to be done, and I expect Leo to wake up in half an hour or so.
You may remember I mentioned Leo had discovered some tubular bells when we visited http://www.oxonchildrenscentres.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/micro/ChildrensCentres/Florence+Park/
Well we were back there this morning. We actually managed the full session as I managed to convince Leo to snack during the morning. I'm glad because Leo does enjoy a good sing song, and the last 15 minutes consisted of Incey Wincey Spider, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Baa Baa Black Sheep (none of this rainbow sheep nonsense!), Humpty Dumpty and, a new one for us, Five Men in a Spaceship.
Leo showing off his musical talents (click image for video).
Apart from that, laundry done, washing up done, dinner prepped and in the slow cooker, last nights left over bolognese converted into a chilli, apart from the sauce I potted up for freezing with baby pasta for Leo.
I hope to get a shave before Leo wakes up, so cheerio!
You may remember I mentioned Leo had discovered some tubular bells when we visited http://www.oxonchildrenscentres.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/micro/ChildrensCentres/Florence+Park/
Well we were back there this morning. We actually managed the full session as I managed to convince Leo to snack during the morning. I'm glad because Leo does enjoy a good sing song, and the last 15 minutes consisted of Incey Wincey Spider, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Baa Baa Black Sheep (none of this rainbow sheep nonsense!), Humpty Dumpty and, a new one for us, Five Men in a Spaceship.
Leo showing off his musical talents (click image for video).
Apart from that, laundry done, washing up done, dinner prepped and in the slow cooker, last nights left over bolognese converted into a chilli, apart from the sauce I potted up for freezing with baby pasta for Leo.
I hope to get a shave before Leo wakes up, so cheerio!
Monday, 16 September 2013
Druggies and snotty toddlers
Good afternoon all, I hope you had good weekends.
It was good to have m.d.w. back with us full time for a couple of days, Leo certainly enjoyed having two parents to run around with / after him, especially as he had picked up a cold and was green and crusty.
On Friday, while at the park, I missed the postie and I received one of their red cards of doom. Apparently he had tried to deliver a 'signed for' package for m.d.w.
I used their (awful and long winded) automated service to arrange redelivery for Saturday.
By 12:30 on Saturday nothing had arrived, so I called the Royal Mail for an update (well, the call centre in Northumbria as it appears customers can no longer call the local sorting office). I was assured the item was scheduled for delivery that day and would be with me before 14:00.
So 14:00 came and went, and I called back, the lines close at 13:00 on a Saturday. You know that sinking feeling you get , when suspicion begins to set in that you are told a time by someone who knows they will have left before that time elapses, so they won't have to deal with you again?.....
Well we didn't leave the house until gone 15:00 as Leo was still sleeping. Still no post.
We went shopping, and when we got back we had had our post, well most of it. No signed for item, and no red card of doom. Gits. Total waste of a morning. Hurry up and get privatised.
While shopping we did come across an Italian market. Many yummy and expensive delicacies on offer, which we resisted and candied fruit (kiwi, melon, papaya and pineapple). This we couldn't resist as it looked like a nice alternative to biscuits and cereal bars for toddler snacks.
We bought a small selection to see what Leo would think of them. An instant hit! So after our rounds in Iceland and B&M etc. we stocked up. That blew a hole in our shopping budget, but hey, they should last a few months, and Leo's worth it.
We took Leo to the park as normal on Sunday, and as we left, something shiny on the floor caught my eye (magpie tendencies to the fore). It was tin foil, lovingly crafted by an experienced hand into a crack or heroin pipe, complete with soot staining around the bottom and a vile brown residue lining the insides. Thanks for that Mr. Junkie! I can just imagine a toddler getting hold of that and giving it a good suck. Needless to say we cleaned it up and threw it away.
Sunday evening was relaxed and we enjoyed a beef casserole which I had started in the morning, so by the time we got round to eating it, it had been simmering away for four hours. Rich, juicy and tender, except for the occasional piece of swede / turnip (depending on whether you are from the north or the south) which was unaccountably woody.
The left overs (i.e. what we didn't eat or pot up for freezing in Leo sized portions) is now simmering in the slow cooker with the addition of mince, chopped tomatoes and puree to become a bolognaise sauce for tonight's dinner.
My tummy is already growling at the prospect!
Leo has nearly shifted the cold already and is snoring his little head off next door.
It was good to have m.d.w. back with us full time for a couple of days, Leo certainly enjoyed having two parents to run around with / after him, especially as he had picked up a cold and was green and crusty.
On Friday, while at the park, I missed the postie and I received one of their red cards of doom. Apparently he had tried to deliver a 'signed for' package for m.d.w.
I used their (awful and long winded) automated service to arrange redelivery for Saturday.
By 12:30 on Saturday nothing had arrived, so I called the Royal Mail for an update (well, the call centre in Northumbria as it appears customers can no longer call the local sorting office). I was assured the item was scheduled for delivery that day and would be with me before 14:00.
So 14:00 came and went, and I called back, the lines close at 13:00 on a Saturday. You know that sinking feeling you get , when suspicion begins to set in that you are told a time by someone who knows they will have left before that time elapses, so they won't have to deal with you again?.....
Well we didn't leave the house until gone 15:00 as Leo was still sleeping. Still no post.
We went shopping, and when we got back we had had our post, well most of it. No signed for item, and no red card of doom. Gits. Total waste of a morning. Hurry up and get privatised.
While shopping we did come across an Italian market. Many yummy and expensive delicacies on offer, which we resisted and candied fruit (kiwi, melon, papaya and pineapple). This we couldn't resist as it looked like a nice alternative to biscuits and cereal bars for toddler snacks.
We bought a small selection to see what Leo would think of them. An instant hit! So after our rounds in Iceland and B&M etc. we stocked up. That blew a hole in our shopping budget, but hey, they should last a few months, and Leo's worth it.
We took Leo to the park as normal on Sunday, and as we left, something shiny on the floor caught my eye (magpie tendencies to the fore). It was tin foil, lovingly crafted by an experienced hand into a crack or heroin pipe, complete with soot staining around the bottom and a vile brown residue lining the insides. Thanks for that Mr. Junkie! I can just imagine a toddler getting hold of that and giving it a good suck. Needless to say we cleaned it up and threw it away.
Sunday evening was relaxed and we enjoyed a beef casserole which I had started in the morning, so by the time we got round to eating it, it had been simmering away for four hours. Rich, juicy and tender, except for the occasional piece of swede / turnip (depending on whether you are from the north or the south) which was unaccountably woody.
The left overs (i.e. what we didn't eat or pot up for freezing in Leo sized portions) is now simmering in the slow cooker with the addition of mince, chopped tomatoes and puree to become a bolognaise sauce for tonight's dinner.
My tummy is already growling at the prospect!
Leo has nearly shifted the cold already and is snoring his little head off next door.
Friday, 13 September 2013
Further ramblings
Well we got the shopping done without getting too wet and as luck would have it the drizzle eased off to spitting, so we managed to get to the park after Leo's mid morning snack.
The little man is in his usual snoring state, but the teething is annoying him. He woke up half way through his nap, a mass of tears and bogies. Seemed more annoyed to be awake than anything. A quick clean up and a cuddle and he is back in the land of nod (with the assistance of Calpol).
We had a pleasant surprise in the post from http://www.peacockauction.co.uk/
Before we moved, we arranged to have some furniture taken away in the hope that they could sell it (mostly because it was cheaper than arranging a council collection). Lo and behold a cheque arrived for a little over £20 (after collection costs, auction fees and v.a.t.). So that's pizza taken care of!
I had a conversation with m.d.w. this afternoon. A little difficult as her mobile is playing silly buggers. She is suffering a bit after cycling in to work this week (too many hills in Oxford after living in Bedford), so I have promised her a massage and a hot bath tonight.
I am soo looking forward to the weekend. Although we have spent the same amount of time apart during the day as when I was working, and she was at home, I have really missed her. Strange how the mind works.
Assuming no disasters between now and m.d.w. getting home, my first week (okay 4 days) as a house husband have gone pretty smoothly.
One minor irritation, someone in my locality smokes a lot of skunk. No idea who as about 5 gardens back onto ours. The smell keeps getting into the house and I noticed Leo's bedding smells like a weed factory.
Well I need to get some towels on a hot wash, so I guess the bedding will be joining them after his nap.
Until Monday.
Cheerio.
The little man is in his usual snoring state, but the teething is annoying him. He woke up half way through his nap, a mass of tears and bogies. Seemed more annoyed to be awake than anything. A quick clean up and a cuddle and he is back in the land of nod (with the assistance of Calpol).
We had a pleasant surprise in the post from http://www.peacockauction.co.uk/
Before we moved, we arranged to have some furniture taken away in the hope that they could sell it (mostly because it was cheaper than arranging a council collection). Lo and behold a cheque arrived for a little over £20 (after collection costs, auction fees and v.a.t.). So that's pizza taken care of!
I had a conversation with m.d.w. this afternoon. A little difficult as her mobile is playing silly buggers. She is suffering a bit after cycling in to work this week (too many hills in Oxford after living in Bedford), so I have promised her a massage and a hot bath tonight.
I am soo looking forward to the weekend. Although we have spent the same amount of time apart during the day as when I was working, and she was at home, I have really missed her. Strange how the mind works.
Assuming no disasters between now and m.d.w. getting home, my first week (okay 4 days) as a house husband have gone pretty smoothly.
One minor irritation, someone in my locality smokes a lot of skunk. No idea who as about 5 gardens back onto ours. The smell keeps getting into the house and I noticed Leo's bedding smells like a weed factory.
Well I need to get some towels on a hot wash, so I guess the bedding will be joining them after his nap.
Until Monday.
Cheerio.
Good morning from Leo
Good morning all.
I will be posting further ramblings as usual when Leo has his nap, but in the mean time....
Click image for video.
Thursday, 12 September 2013
"Thank you" costs nothing.
A fairly uneventful day today.
A bit of shopping this morning, needed milk and eggs for toad in the hole tonight and some glue for my toy soldier hobby.
After Leo's morning snack off to the park as usual for some time on the swings etc.
While he was exploring under the junior climbing platform, and investigating the puddles on the platform left by last nights downpour the 'parkie' (for those of you too young to know who 'parkie' is, he is the council groundsman responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a park) arrived on his little John Deer.
A motorised buggy with orange flashing lights! Leo was enthralled.
'Parkie' (I really should ask his name next time) came into the fenced off toddlers area with his black sack and tongs to pick up any litter.
Leo toddled over to investigate the black rustling bag, much to the amusement of 'parkie'.
"Not much in here little man" he said, or words to that effect, "just picking up the litter and keeping things clean".
I smiled at the interaction and said "it is appreciated, thank you". Well that got me a suspicious side long glance from 'parkie', perhaps he thought I was taking the piss. Then I saw the look of realisation on his face when he realised I meant it.
A quiet "thank you" from 'parkie' as he wondered off to continue his rounds, a smile beginning to spread over his face.
Remember guys and girls, we rely on these public amenities for our children's enjoyment (and ours if we're honest) and sometimes for our sanity. They don't maintain themselves. If you see the men and women who make these facilities safe and enjoyable for our children, take the time to say thank you, it only takes a second.
As the little John Deer pootled off, Leo watched through the fence until it was out of view behind the trees.
"Gone" he said forlornly, before going back to his puddles.
A bit of shopping this morning, needed milk and eggs for toad in the hole tonight and some glue for my toy soldier hobby.
After Leo's morning snack off to the park as usual for some time on the swings etc.
While he was exploring under the junior climbing platform, and investigating the puddles on the platform left by last nights downpour the 'parkie' (for those of you too young to know who 'parkie' is, he is the council groundsman responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a park) arrived on his little John Deer.
A motorised buggy with orange flashing lights! Leo was enthralled.
'Parkie' (I really should ask his name next time) came into the fenced off toddlers area with his black sack and tongs to pick up any litter.
Leo toddled over to investigate the black rustling bag, much to the amusement of 'parkie'.
"Not much in here little man" he said, or words to that effect, "just picking up the litter and keeping things clean".
I smiled at the interaction and said "it is appreciated, thank you". Well that got me a suspicious side long glance from 'parkie', perhaps he thought I was taking the piss. Then I saw the look of realisation on his face when he realised I meant it.
A quiet "thank you" from 'parkie' as he wondered off to continue his rounds, a smile beginning to spread over his face.
Remember guys and girls, we rely on these public amenities for our children's enjoyment (and ours if we're honest) and sometimes for our sanity. They don't maintain themselves. If you see the men and women who make these facilities safe and enjoyable for our children, take the time to say thank you, it only takes a second.
As the little John Deer pootled off, Leo watched through the fence until it was out of view behind the trees.
"Gone" he said forlornly, before going back to his puddles.
One tired out little boy.
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