Not a lot going on

It's been damp and pretty miserable today, not the sort of weather that makes you want to go out and do anything, so things have been pretty quiet. Jon took Claire in to work this morning because he wanted to pick up a paper, which gave me the chance to have a cup of tea before going to pick up Emily from school a bit later and take her to the orthodontist. Just a routine appointment and things seem to be going well - apart from the fact she still has one baby tooth that hasn't come out and they've suggested she have it pulled when she sees our dentist on 01 March. Needless to say, Emily is not thrilled by that idea so I think there could be a lot of tooth wiggling between now and then ;o) This was actually taken after Emily got home from school but seeing as I forgot to take one at the orthodontists, it will have to do.

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I've had a dull headache for a few days now (PMT perhaps?) and after lunch I was feeling cold and achy so I went and lay down and read my book for a while. Haven't done that in a long time but I felt better for it afterwards.

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This afternoon I made a start on the dreaded filing. Not a job I particularly enjoy but a necessity none the less. I have filed most of it but because Jon was working in the study, and I was making a bit of noise, I didn't get it all done. Procrastination anyone??? I did take a photo of the paperwork all sorted and ready to be filed but when I went to upload it I realised that you could make out names, our address and in some cases account numbers - hmmmm, maybe not such a good idea to put it on the net!!! You'll just have to take my word for it instead.

This was Charlie telling me he wanted to be fed ;o) When I ask him if he wants some food he answers me and I just happened to catch him while he was doing it lol!

Cloud and Wallace in their basket. They quite enjoy going in here at the moment because it's in front of the radiator and nice and warm. Unfortunately, Wallace seems to have been in a bit of pain tonight, we're not sure why, so I guess he'll be going to the vets tomorrow if he still doesn't seem right in the morning :(

Tyler's 3rd birthday :)

Today was Tyler's birthday - I can't believe he's three already and next year will start school, how scarey is that!! Back to today though. Tyler had to go back to the hospital for them to check his toe - he's doing alright and it's just going to take time for the toe to heal.

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I had Alyssa while they went to the hospital but didn't get to take any photos of her :( She wasn't a very happy little girl today but once I got her settled I wasn't going to do anything to upset her so we sat quietly while she slept (and I watched a couple of ER episodes). The photo below was taken when we got back to Theresa's for Tyler's birthday tea and cake.

Tyler was so excited about his cake and couldn't wait to show me - even before opening any presents. His Nan made the cake and his mummy iced it (and when we got to eat it, it was delicious!)

Finally getting round to opening presents. It was so sweet to see how excited he was about everything and, fortunately, he seemed to like everything he got :)

Cards can be a bit tricky to get out of the envelope sometimes

Sitting with his big sister, Michaela to open a couple of presents

Finally it was time for the birthday cake and the candles. There was even a candle playing the Happy Birthday tune!

One happy little boy. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your day Tyler!!

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I'm afraid that's all I've got for today. I was up later than normal last night and I'm paying for it this evening so I'm off to have an early night. My book and tea are waiting for me :)

Have a good evening

xx

Happy Birthday, Iain

Today is my brother's birthday and we were going round there this afternoon for coffee and cake. I made this banana loaf for him (not for us to eat today ;) ). I know it doesn't look terribly fancy or pretty but it is really yummy! Hope you enjoy it Iain!

As I said, we went round to Iain and Louise's this afternoon for coffee - Mum and Dad, Kay, Theresa, Tyler and Alyssa were also there. Nice to just sit and chat. Emily with her cousin, Faith (Iain & Louise's daughter - who I've just realised will be 17 next month!!)

I love this photo of Mum (well her hand anyway) and Alyssa. Look at how little Alyssa's hand is against Mum's finger! Too cute

Great Grandma (Mum) and Alyssa

Jon taking the opportunity to talk to Alyssa while she's looking his way ;)

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Now, before I go any further, if anyone out there can offer some help or an explanation, I would be most grateful. Please note in the next two photos how the candles are "reflected" again in the photo. The first one I thought was because Iain was wearing his glasses but the second one? How do you explain that and why has it happened? I was using my Canon 50mm 1.8 lens, does that have anything to do with it? I have noticed it once before with the Christmas tree lights but didn't think about it too much but in these photos it's more obvious. Any advice anyone?

The catepillar cake is a favourite in our family :)

Tyler was quite funny today; he kept his jacket and his wellies on the whole time we were there. Would not take them off! Maybe he wanted to know he would be going home again? Who knows. We just know he was happier keeping them on. His foot is a little bit better but if he does too much on it he tells Theresa (his Mum) that his foot is tired and he needs to rest. He goes back to hospital tomorrow afternoon for a check up (on his birthday!).

Final photo of Alyssa and Theresa/mummy. She was so good and got passed around the room without any complaint until she was ready for her bottle. I'm going to have her again tomorrow while Kay, Theresa and Tyler go to the hospital :)

Have a good evening.

xx

PS. The snow has stopped and we've had a bit of rain so hopefully that's it for now! Still a bit lying on the ground but with luck that will be gone tomorrow too!

Guess what we got today

More snow!!!! I thought it was going to miss our part of the country because on the weather report they'd said north and west of London and we're south and east. I've since been told other reports warned of heavy snow here and I guess they were right! This is the most recent photo. I went to my friend Alison's this morning for coffee and while we were sitting catching up (we had plenty to talk about as I haven't seen her since before Christmas) the snow started coming down heavier and heavier. I didn't think it would lie because the ground is still quite damp from the last snow melting - guess I was wrong!

I have to admit that, despite not wanting more snow, it is so pretty to watch it come down - especially when you get the big flakes. Can you tell this is still quite a novelty for me?? Living in South Africa for 26 years while growing up, in a climate where it never got cold enough for you to need a coat, it was quite a change coming to live in the UK. Even now, 19 years later, I am still in awe of the changing seasons and they still fascinate me, year after year. I don't know if I'll ever take them for granted.

xx