Inez Smith

Is it still summer? (was it ever summer?) - no its not.  School is back now so summer hols are over.  So why were some near neighbours allowing a group of kids to have a party until VERY late last night in the back garden?  Because of the way our gardens are laid out I couldn’t tell which garden all the noise was coming from but as there have been several of these events since the end of last term I ended up walking round the block at 11pm to find out which house.  Now I know & one more like this will cause a complaint to the council.  I’m not a party pooper but even with my windows closed I could hear the noise.  There wasn’t a music problem, just teenagers shouting & screaming.  They were having a bonfire so it was outside.  It’s only been this year and I guess its because the kids are now older, but it’s really inconsiderate especially as it is a quiet area so I’m not used to lots of noise.

Anyway, moan over & I’ll try to get into a good mood now.

Its that time of year again when all the schools go back.  Kieran is now Year 8 and didn’t need to go back until late morning to give the new Year 7s the chance to get into school without the over whelming presence of hundreds of older - and bigger - kids.  Luckily I didn’t have to buy a whole new uniform.  His blazer was large enough from last year to cope with another term.  His feet haven’t grown as quickly as the rest of him so his shoes from last term are still ok (apparently he was going to polish them before he set off this morning but I wont have evidence of that until tonight).  He needed new shirts, which now come in neck size not age.  That causes a problem because skinny size neck interprets into sleeves that come somewhere up his forearm.  So he kind of floats in the shirt - but the arm length is fine.  There was a desperate search for the belt to stop the trousers from ending up round his ankles but otherwise all went well with uniform this morning.

We went for a quick swim, jacuzzi and steam room (very good for a hormone challenged skin) early this morning which hopefully set him up for a good day.  I’m sure Kieran will think it even better if he manages to come home with no homework!

I cant believe where the time has gone (which I say in unison with millions of other mums at this time every year).  He’s now 5ft 5ins and desperate to grow another inch to be officially the same height as me.  He already feels taller than me if I slouch & he stands straight, and reminds me of it at every opportunity.  But I’m glad he stands tall and is proud of his height.  He has masses of confidence in most things and makes sure we all know it!

Well I’m officially a failure!  I must be because I have been useless at keeping this up to date.  However I will try again.  Always worth trying and believing I can and will do it!

So much has happened in the last couple of months.  Nothing particularly exciting but it’s kept me happy.

First the best news is that my friend Debs and her partner Matt are having a baby!  13 weeks I believe and I know they are both over the moon about it.  It’s been a difficult couple of months for them but it will all be worthwhile.  Congratulations to you both, I know how much you want this.

So what has kept me so busy for the last few months – apart from work of course?  Well I’ve been trying to keep on top of the garden, the pond and my little wildlife patch are coming on really well.  The grass has grown like mad with all the rain, which also makes it hard to keep it mowed because whenever I have time……its raining.  Have started to do a spot of decorating too.  The spare room is almost complete with it’s revamp.  Had to change the bed arrangement because Gary says my sofa bed downstairs is not long enough for someone at 6ft and the bed in the spare room was a 2ft 6in single & he & Kaz need double.  So I have opted for a “click clack” sofa bed which opens into a small double but which gives 2m in total length – so he will not dare complain, I’ve warned him!  Just got a new chest of drawers this weekend and refilled all the shelves.  Could do with a new carpet but I’ve not managed to get a remnant to suit either colour scheme or pocket.  It’s a small room so a proper carpet would be a waste of time and money.  But cant have everything.

Had a lovely holiday in the Lake District , still can picture the views from the farm we stayed on.  It was spectacular.  Lots of walks and food – a fantastic holiday.  And we tackled Hard Knott Pass in the car – poor thing, lots of hand brake hill starts & braking on the way down, but she made it.  I can highly recommend the farm we stayed at.  They have a couple of cottages, 2 mobile homes with amazing views and a camping barn.  The owners were lovely and it was set amongst an ancient woodland.  We had swallows and house martins at dusk and bats after dark, all flying round our heads.  We will definitely stay there again when we go to the Lakes.  They are also very dog friendly and Pebbles was able to run round the orchard off her lead which she loved.

Kieran has also had a holiday in Spain with his dad and has come back really tanned and spent 4 days with his friend Ben in Kent .  He’s now preparing himself to go back to school next week, mostly by sleeping as he says he’s tired! For anyone who hasn’t been to the cinema recently I can personally recommend Bourne Ultimatum – fantastic film, wont say how many times I’ve seen it but lets just say Showcase Cinemas should be giving me a loyalty reward.

So that’s a brief summary.  Lets see if I can actually keep it going this time.  Watch this space………