Wednesday 9 July 2008



I've had a few surprises this week or so.
Firstly I never realised what a tight grip over merchandise Disney has, I buy in huge quantities, usually from importers but I've struggled this time, failed in fact.

I found a kitten hiding from daughter no.3 in a mixing bowl in the cupboard (sigh!).
So it was Spring Clean time and more stuff in the dishwasher (I'm sure it's going to go on strike soon). I'm seriously thinking of writing to Norris McWhirter to see if I hold the record for most uses of single dishwasher in one day (full loads every time).

I discovered Darling Husband is capable of booking tables in restaurants. Our wedding anniversary was looking grim when I called my Scottish friend to enquire where we were going and what I should wear.
I was told we were off to the Indian in Abergavenny....I was gutted. Don't get me wrong, I love Indian food, but it was our anniversary and I want to be indulged!!

On the way, Darling Husband suggested we stop for a drink in the Walnut Tree.
I got really excited, way hey! I thought, he's going to surprise me....then I remembered he doesn't do that sort of thing and that I really would be having a curry and should just calm down a bit.
We left our friends fighting over the position of the car in relation to a. the road, b. the other vehicles c. the rain!! and wandered in. Darling Husband announced to the waitress he'd booked a table and I squeaked irritatingly with excitement,it was a lovely!
We had a great evening, but again a surprise, it wasn't as good as our favourite place in Herefordshire. Hmm.
Darling Husband wasn't impressed with a thin steak (never give a beef farmer thin steak) and our friends thought it was pretty average.
I loved the whole night, fab!! Ahh, he can be romantic sometimes....

The Vampire has gone to Greece with the school. She has sent a few messages home moaning about the heat but we did warn her that vampires and sunshine didn't mix. I also suspect that the white clothes I bought her are making her feel vulnerable instead of the black, khohl-eyed Emo that she is inside.
Biggest surprise there, she rang me and said she missed me and her voice wobbled....oh! I admit it gave me a lump in my throat and I wanted to go and get her home again. She's also just emailed to say she misses me loads and loads and that her toy bunny is ok. Bless! See vile teenagers can love their mothers sometimes.

The other two are sleeping in their sisters' bed together, sharing her skull blanket and squabbling because one has long feet!

So apart from a lack of loud music and stamping, it's still pretty wild and wacky here.
The wine rack is looking a bit sad but I'll just rummage in the fridge, ah, anyone fancy a nip of Blue Tongue vaccine?

26 comments:

Elsie Button said...

i used to know and LOVE the Walnut Tree, but it has changed hands now... and not so good i have heard... but great you had a lovely time for your anniversary! by the way, where is your fave place in herefordshire??

Frog in the Field said...

Glewstone Court.

Unknown said...

How did you keep yourself together with your rebellious teen all wobbly voiced. I would have totally broke down!

Elsie Button said...

would you recommend the walnut tree now? as have been desperate to take tom there - but wasn't sure what was happening there now...

Her indoors said...

Aww, I remember there was a sign for Glewstone when as a student I used to travel from Nottingham home to Wales. I always thought it would make a great name for a cat. ;-D

Frog in the Field said...

Elsie, it's ok, but long gone are the Franco days we remember, unfortunately. Try Glewstone Court, it's fabulous.

Name for a cat, yeah, it would!

Potty Mummy said...

Is that Blue Tongue or Blue Nun? (Which I hear is actually quite fashionable again nowadays). And don't mention the dishwasher. Ours has been out of commission for 10 days (yes that's TEN DAYS) now, and am waiting for visit no. 3 from an engineer on Friday. My poor hands don't know what's hit them, and I've run out of washing up liquid twice...

Frog in the Field said...

Jeez! Shirl still drinks Blue Nun, that and Black Tower...ugh!!
Poor thing with the dishwasher, ask DM to send Magda over.

Buddhist in Training said...

Bless the Vampire! I think that's the kind of moment we have to hold on to, it's what gets us through all the 'bad' bits with these damn kids!

A Confused Take That Fan said...

Aah lovely post, nice to know husband can do surprises and that the vampire is all soft and gooey on the inside. Even EMOs miss their mummies.
As for the Blue Tongue vaccine - what are the side effects, or simply, what are the effects? Sounds interesting, would be rude to turn it down when it's been offered...

Mean Mom said...

My eldest son went to Germany, with his school, when he was 17. For once in his life, he was very pleased to see me, on his return, and he remained in that state for at least 24 hours.

I'm glad that you had a good evening out, on your wedding anniversary.

Blue Tongue vaccine? Hmmm. I'm not sure. Does it have a bit of a kick? Would it be any good for my lingering cough?

There are awards over at my place, when you have a few minutes to spare.

Mean Mom said...

Sorry, forgot to say. Love the kitten picture, but sympathise about the extra work caused!

Gone Back South said...

Ooh, anything that makes someone squeak irritatingly with excitement on their anniversary is worth blogging about. I hope the vampire has a good time (my 14 year old neice just got back from Madrid and I think she's been sleeping for 2 days solid).

The Crew said...

Have a look at our blog on www.svgoldenmean.com. We are a family of four plus dog living on a boat.

She's like the wind said...

Hi Frog - I know I'm a bit late in the day for the HSM thing and I hve no idea where you get volume stuff, but my son and daughter both love HSM, although son wouldn't openly admit it!! Got my daughter hairband and bobbles from Asda, the hairband says Wildcats and the bobbles are plain red/white! you also get charm bracelets & tattoos, these would be great party bag fillers, only wish I knew where to get volume suuplies for you. If you were doing HSM party bags these would go like hotcakes, the release of HSM 3 is due soon!!! for your information. I'll have a little search and keep my eyes and ears open for you. xxx

Teena Vallerine said...

re.HSM - perfect opportunity to teach children that merchandising is a rip-off. Fill the bags with some jolly, bespoke Sound of Music items instead! Or Ginger and Fred or anything but the latest herd-instinct, brain-washing claptrap! 'Of course!' I hear you all say after a momentary pause of amazement, 'Her beautiful boy is only 6, she just doesn't have a clue yet.'!
My mum's neurotic friend already holds the world record on dishwasher abuse. I fear you'll never beat it unless you have OCD. t.x

Frog in the Field said...

Sorry Tara, I ignored you (i'm so terribly rude you know)
I almost did break down, it was awful.

Berthddu Suit, you are so right.

Dear Confused, the Blue Tongue vaccine tastes really baaaa-d, but you know I'm really getting to like grass these days.

Thanks Mean Mom!

Hello Gone Back South, I doubt the vampire will get any sleep, her two sisters will be glued to her night and day.

Hello and welcome the Crew. Gosh, I do hope it's not a canoe.

Hey Windy! Thanks for that, I suppose I really should have said I'll need hundreds of pieces, but I'll get off the the Trade Fair in September and find something.

Hello Kitschen Pink, welcome to my blog.
Don't worry, it's a comissioned party bag for a trade customer, I won't promote it myself. I don't know anything at all about it (clearly).
Please don't worry, I'm not neurotic or with OCD, just a lot of eating goes on in this house.
Living on a farm means fulltime catering.

Shakespere said...

Hi. I enjoyed reading your blog. Sounds like fun.

blogthatmama said...

Aah! emo goth is obviously missing you Frog but the surprise dinner sounds very romantic. Well done that man. Shame about Disney, they are so protective about their brand.

Anonymous said...

Love the thought of the kitten in the mixing bowl. Before we had our kitchen renovated early this year, our cat used to sleep in the kitchen cupboards, generally in mixing bowls.

CJ xx

nappy valley girl said...

Ah, how romantic. We went to Paris for our 10th wedding anniversary recently. But I had to book it....
by the way have finally taken you up on the tag and written about 5 blogs!

A Confused Take That Fan said...

Hi again Frog,
There is an award for you over at my place if you have time to come pick it up, if not send someone on your behalf
;o)
x

Mel said...

Hello there,
What a lovely post, it is lovely to hear your hubby managed to treat you even if the steak was not as thick as he would have preferred.
I admire you as well for keeping yourself together when talking to a wobbly teenage voice.

Buddhist in Training said...

You have been very quiet! Hope everything is ok. Here's something for you to blog about; there is an award waiting for you back on my blog and you've also been tagged. This will keep you even busier!!

Jo Beaufoix said...

I want a vampire. That is so sweet, I bet you went a bit wobbly too. And the 'long feet' squabble made me howl. Hee hee.

Anonymous said...

Just to let you know, there is an award on my blog for you!