we went away for 3 days very unexpectedly, very last minute and came back to absolute chaos at home. Well.. nothing had leaked or exploded I suppose but DH wasn't feeling well last night after driving all round London for days, and I'd been navigating him all the way so we've still got a suitcase in the middle of the living room with all our other clutter and no energy to shout at the kids really!

gotta pretend we might invite my parents over today or tomorrow so I get it all blitzed... rotting apples, yellow broccoli and mouldy bread to name but a few of the items on my chucking list!

Lenora you've been doing really incredibly well and I'm sure you've managed to keep everyone else sane with your usual grace. You remind me a bit of a swan... there's the energetic flapping below the surface to provide propulsion but above the surface appears nothing but total serenity and calm grace. I'm sure your girls are getting better and better at helping you out and knowing when to entertain themselves, so I'm sure you'll make it through the holidays having had plenty of fun and still spent time with your MIL, who is a very lucky lady it seems.

Zillah - thanks for starting a new thread. It could've taken days before I noticed... or cared!

Honey - I think you know I've been thinking a lot about you the last few days... I wonder whether that's the Aldi she mentioned shopping in; oh look, that's the road she used to live on.... I think DH got a bit tired of it! Hope you're feeling better and so sorry we couldn't get together this time.

Kerri.