How to ruin a holiday – get stuck in the airport

More things that can fly – not the Outdoorsy One

I have two children overseas at the moment.

My son is in Cambodia somewhere (I think), and the Outdoorsy one is in Hong Kong. I know that’s definitely where she is because she can’t get home!

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A weekend with The Outdoorsy One

The Outdoorsy One came down to stay for the weekend. She was missing her mum and wanted to hang out. So we did.

Saturday was a beautiful day. We got up and sat in the sun having breakfast. I made spiced ricotta, raspberry and hazelnut muffins, which we had with real coffee and champagne (well – I had champagne). I don’t always make muffins for breakfast, but it was a special day with my first born.

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Into the Mosh Pit … for a little while

I went to the Jack White concert at the Hordern Pavilion in July. I was reminded about it the other day when a friend wrote on facebook that she just bought tickets for Status Quo next year.

Status Quo was the first concert I ever went to – and it was at the Hordern way back when it was THE concert venue in Sydney. Things have changed since then. The Hordern has gone from being THE venue, to the forgotten venue, but Jack White, being the coolest person on the planet, might have restored it to favour.

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High tea, champagne, jewelry and a didgeridoo

The Outdoorsy One and I went to high tea today at the Museum of Sydney.

It’s been a while since we’ve had a Sunday lunch – somehow life seems to keep getting in the way. Too often, after working all week then doing housework on Saturday, by Sunday I just want to relax and maybe catch up on some photographic work.

So today it was very pleasant to get out and spend some quality time with my oldest child.

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Sunday lunch (and breakfast) with the family

This week the Sunday lunch project has extended to breakfast.

Doc had his foot operation during the week so is not very mobile. Of course, I did the good partner thing and left him home on his own while I went to the football on Saturday night. Well, you have to get your priorities right and in my defense I bought the tickets at the beginning of the season. I couldn’t waste them!

So, I was in Sydney while Doc rested up at home in Wollongong.

Taking advantage of the situation I thought it would be a good idea to catch up with my kids for Sunday lunch. Unfortunately both of the girls had their boyfriends in tow. Not that I don’t like their boyfriends – they’re both nice enough and I get along with both of them – but they don’t like each other. So lunch with the kids turned into breakfast with one lot and lunch with the other. No wonder I’m putting on weight!

Families!

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I’m not going to clean my children’s house!

I’m on my weekly trip to the city for work, and staying at my kids’ place again.

It always brings up mixed feelings when I’m here. I miss my kids now that I’ve moved out of home, and still feel a bit guilty for leaving them to fend for themselves. I’m sure a good mother would never have done that. I also miss being right next to the beach and near my friends. Now that I’ve moved out there’s no more calling on the spur of the moment and organising to meet at the beach or the pub.

On the other hand there are reasons I’m glad I moved – apart from being with Doc that is. I still hate Sydney traffic, crowds and noise.

And I don’t miss the mess of living with teenagers (although they’re all out of their teens now).

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Somebody please give my son a job

Number 3 child is having another career change.

This is the child who was often bored at school because he found things too easy. I’d ask his teachers to give him more difficult work to keep him interested, only to have them reply that he wasn’t showing them he could do it.

“That’s because he’s bored” I’d keep insisting. “If you give him something that will actually make him think he’ll show you what he’s capable of.” It was an ongoing dilemma. If things were too easy he’d fail because he couldn’t be bothered, so his teachers would make it easier – only to have him switch off even more.

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Christmas shopping horror stories

Christmas is over, turkey is cooked and eaten, families are visited and – importantly – presents have been given out and opened, for better or worse.

And Doc came through with flying colours, as I knew he would.

He got me exactly what I wanted, with absolutely no prompting from me – no lists, no hints, nothing. I am so happy!!!

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What happens when teenagers are left home alone for 7 weeks?

The prodigal step-son has returned home.

If you haven’t caught up, we recently went away to Cape York for 7 weeks. Before we went, there was quite a bit of discussion. Doc wanted his 17 year old son who lives with us to go and stay somewhere else while we were away, but of course the 17 year old could sense his chance. A vacant house – for 7 weeks.

I’ve been leaving my children home alone for years while I went away (yes, I know, I’m a bad mother), so I was arguing on the side of the 17 year old.

He’s 17, old enough to be responsible, he’s working and earning his own living, he needs to be given a chance, etc, etc. Doc wasn’t convinced, but in the end he gave in – after all, somebody had to look after the cat.

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Five year olds – friend or harsh critic???

It’s school holidays in NSW, so once again I’m trying to work with a five year old hanging around.

He’s a lovely kid, but now that my own children have grown up I thought I’d get used to five year olds gradually – you know, by starting when they’re babies and waiting for five years until they get there.

But no, rather than having a grandchild, which is what I should be doing (come on you three, get a move on), I’ve been thrown into it suddenly because Doc has a five year old child.

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