Christmas is upon us

Real tree is the answer and it's beautiful.  Darren, Catherine and Phoebe (and Honeybun) visited this weekend, we had 'such fun'.  Phoebe is so 'interactive' now (her Dads word). She is a friendly little soul with lots of character and I loved having the family stay with us.  We went down to John and Maragrets Bring and Buy Sale then came home and had a 'Strictly Come Dancing Finale Party' - Battery operated Glitter Ball included! 

Ann, Stephen & Bethan with us now until the middle of next week with Elise coming for Christmas Day.  Should be more fun, I am going to spend an hour or so with the Ghaffoori family in Lichfield Christmas morning - yeah! 

Christmas is Coming.....

Real or Artificial?

16 Days, 12 hours and Christmas Day will be upon us, 17 days and 12 hours - it will all be over!  I AM looking forward to it, the day itself should be marvellous. The girls are with us, Nanny Ann & Grampy and going to see the gorgeous Phoebe in the morning. Mark & Annette and their Mums are coming after they have had lunch at the Red Lion, and all the Morrells are coming up in the evening.   Phew!


We already have some decorations up, waiting to get the tree for the conservatory now, I am seriously thinking of buying an artificial tree, I know Darren won't approve, but it does save the worry of watering, droopage and dropping.  We will get it on Saturday come what may.

Another week of more stress in the McInerney financial department, can't go into it, but worrying to say the least.  I'll be glad when 2012 kicks in and things are sorted (ha ha ha or lol). 

Off to Lichfield tomorrow to see darling Phoebe (and Mum and Dad) for a couple of hours.  Have bought her a new dress and bibs for Christmas, but she can have them now, she knows no better.

Reflective Times

Birthday Boy with our
first attempt at a 3D cake

With my darling son approaching 30, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my life - focusing on my many mistakes (and believe me there are many!)  I am impulsive, and when I was young my impulsiveness knew no bounds which lead to a lot of grief for me and people around me.  Oh well, all I can do now is try to be the best I can, learn from my mistakes and be truly thankful for what I have.

Darren's birthday celebrations were a great success and he is partying again next weekend with his mates.  I am so proud of him and his wonderful family. Phoebe is thriving - a beautiful little bundle of joy.

Kirsty is still a great worry to everyone.  She is 22 weeks pregnant and not happy.  I'd hoped the pregnancy hormones would at least stop her from being aggressive.  What is this poor little soul being born into 

It would help if I could split myself in two

Totally exhausted!  Had Bethan, Ann & Stephen for the weekend, so on the go all the time. Shopping Bham and Worcester, dinner at the Hollow, met Barrie's new woman - Nadine - very nice - we approve!  



Phoebe 13.11.11

It also meant I  couldn't visit my darling Phoebe - Darren didn't want Nanny Ann to go to Lichfield :(

Another week has passed and she is growing so quickly! I dreamt about her all night last night, I think I might have to go over one evening to see her, but in reality, there is no point, she will be in bed.  Lichfield is just too far, I wish we could have moved, not to worry, I just have to accept it, what will be will be. 


Job secure for at least a few months - sigh of relief! Kirsty finds out what she is having on Wednesday, that is exciting; oh and for the moment Auntie Kirsty is back with Pep - who knows how that will end?

Brother, Phoebe, Earache

The most beautiful girl in the world!

OMG, I forgot to phone my darling brother for his birthday, ahhhh!  I am such an idiot.  Had a dinner party on Saturday, hours of prep and still not together for the meal! I am loosing it.  Sunday was devoted to clearing up, walking the dogs (another beautiful autumnal day) and catching up with Strictly, X Factor and Piers Morgan with Rolf Harris.  What a lazy idle git I am becoming, but I was exhausted.  Missed Phoebe this weekend but was sent fab photos of her from her Daddy. 

I've got earache! Ouch! First I thought it was a brain tumor and was preparing to die, but no, the ear thing is now so painful it can't be anything else.

Delights of Grannyhood

Up early on Saturday, had my instructions from Darren, "you can come at 10.00 am and go out with Catherine and Phoebe".  He was busy painting (post plastering) so I understand. Arrived at 10.02 am - phew!

We had a delightful time at Dunelm, went to the cafe and had lush cinnamon buns and cups of tea.  Phoebe was in a brilliant mood, laughing and chatting, she's an absolute delight.  (Phoebe, I just have to mention, you had an enormous squirty poo in your pushchair which required a complete change of clothing from head to foot!!  - Well done Mummy.) It was a super visit, just the sort of thing I thought we might do - 3 girls out together shopping. Great visit.  Thank you Catherine - you are the best daughter-in-law EVER!!! xxx

Boredom - A Terrible Affliction and A Sign of Intelligence

It has been reported by 'The Parents' that my delightful Phoebe is bored!  I too suffer from 'low-boredom-threshold' and can seriously empathise with her plight!  So Phoebe, your old Granny has done a bit of shopping and you should have by now, some toys for your bath; and tomorrow, this gorgeous little play centre.  (Second-hand I know, but it's the best I can do for now.) Happy Playing. 

I really don't want to go to work!

Look what I had to leave at home today.  It really isn't fair that I should have to come to work, surely there is a moratorium - Grannies don't have to work if their grandchildren are staying.

I can't wait to get home to see them, lets hope Phoebe can stay awake for a couple of hours when I get back.  

The weekend was very busy, Darren, Catherine, Phoebe, Honey, Bethan and Bella staying; then visits from Kirsty , Growler and Janna, my mother, Margaret, John, Barrie, Mark and Annette.  - I am exhausted but very happy, I love a busy home.  And I could keep Catherine and Pheobe forever. 

Phoebe, Catherine and Honey Bun

My darling little Phoebe visited me at the Carpet Foundation yesterday, staying for about half an hour (with Mummy and Honey).  She is sooooo cute and soooo very funny - when she gets bored, her little face crumples and her bottom lip wobbles and before she screams the house down, everyone in the vicinity jumps to entertain her.  She has us sussed already! I love her!!!

JCB & A Lovie-Dovie Weekend

I know this is going to sound weird, but now that the JCB has finally left our orchard I feel a rush of happiness and relief.  Eamonn borrowed it, broke it, and couldn't get it started again; it has sat rusting in our orchard for nearly 3 months.  Our very kind neighbour, who is now over his accident (bench-saw/hand combo),  came and fixed it and took it back home.  The relief is inexplicable, I must have been harbouring a great deal of resentment against Eamonn for his folly (kindest word I could come up with) and now that the big yellow machine has gone, I feel a flow of love towards him again.

I missed my darling Phoebe this weekend, I can understand why Darren didn't want me over, he hardly sees her himself, she is in bed when he leaves for work and is back there when he gets home. Not to worry, with a bit of luck Phoebe and Catherine will be over for a few days while the plastering is being done to their house.

Rice Pudding

Ordered too much milk for the Hornabrook weekend and have now got 3 days to use it up.  "Waste not, want not", is the new motto in the McInerney household; so it's 2 pints of rice pudding for the weekend, topped with our very own stewed pears. Mmmmmm.  And if we are very lucky, we could even treat ourselves some dark chocolate and ginger ice cream.  This makes a 'sort of' Pear Belle Helene - double mmmmmm.

Sick!!

Haven't blogged for a whole week (the last post was not published on the day it was written).  It is Tuesday and I am still feeling very poorly from the weekend! Scallops!  That's my story and I am sticking to it!  The Hornabrooks came Saturday/Sunday - say no more!

My computer at home is down again, it has something to do with iTunes or my new iPhone. Disaster Darling! 

My friend Jan's dog Ben died on Friday, he will be sadly missed by the family and all women who visited, he was a real lady killer. :(

Saw all the family at some point this weekend (except Elise), such fun!  Met Kirsty's fella Pep for the first time (the father of my grandchild) what can I say, he seems OK, but I do wish I knew him better.  Growler was also with them, nice enough dog, but I hope she gets rid of him before the baby arrives, I wouldn't like to trust him.

Darren, Cat and Phoebe are now members of English Heritage, I saw them for an hour at Witley Court.  We had tea and cake, scrummy.

Phoebe, you are getting so big now, a real munchkin!!  Can't wait to see you for a little longer next weekend, big hugs and kisses xxx.

Margaret & Chris - Stourport Circular Oct 2011

Last week was fab, I had a couple of days off with Chris and the weather was to die for, 26 degrees every day.  We did a couple of walks, one at (up)Abberley (nearly killed me) the other around Stourport and Margaret & Rupert came.  I must try to get out walking more, it is so good for the soul.

I will know more next week about our financial situation, the ball is now rolling - tension reigns.

Grey

At the hairdressers, I've had my consultation and we're working towards 'going grey'

Insecurity

Life is full of insecurities at the moment. 

Work - the CF looks as if it has run its course...

Home - We will live at YTC for 5 years if 'people' agree to terms of repayment of debts. 

Husband - not sure what he is up to?  More about this in future posts, just a hunch at the moment. 

Children - both getting on with life, feel very optimistic for D and his family; K could really come good now she is 'with-child'. Both of them give me great joy and hope for the future. 

Scooby ran off this morning to AW, I left him - poor dog is bored.  Leo is slowly going bald and grey and is happy lolling around the house (like me!)

Grey Cat - Smokey hasn't been home for a couple of days, nothing new there, he quite often strays and terrorises the cats in Lower Frith.  Black Cat - Smudge, meowing for attention; food; letting out in the middle of the night; as per usual.

I feel like I am standing on the edge; waiting to jump! 

I'll all be fine tomorrow when the mundanity of cleaning kicks in.  Oh, and my best friend and surrogate mother arrives to make it all OK.

More Family!!!

Exciting and joyous day yesterday, Kirsty had her 12 week scan and all is well with the baby.  Grandchild number 2 on the way and I am delighted!!

Grey Hair

What I am hoping for! Ha ha!

Fed up with (and unable to afford to keep) my dyed blonde locks, I have decided it is time to go grey!

Now, I know this is not going to be the outcome (see photo left), but I can try to emulate this foxy beauty.  Judy Dench, Jamie Lee Curtis, Helen Mirren and countless others have overcome the unflattering and unsexy prejudice of women with grey hair. 

Anne Kreamer is my inspiration (see photo right), she had the courage to stop colouring her hair and now looks fabulous (she is the same age as me). 

Roll on tomorrow when my journey begins and I have more money to spend on Phoebe!

Family

Had the most wonderful week, I've seen loads of Catherine and Phoebe, they even came into work so I could show them both off!!!

Bethan and I went to see The Inbetweeners (what a chuckle) and saw Kirsty for 5 minutes, she looks remarkably well, and very beautiful, it is obviously suiting her.

Visits and visitors

Day off work to take Kimmy and Chelsea to the airport. Made the most of it by taking Scoobs with me to see my lovely daughter in law and darling Phoebe. We walked into Lichfield (left poor Honey at home as she has a poorly shoulder). Had tea and scones at an outside cafe near the cathedral. Walked home via Beacon Park, stopping to breast-feed a hungry Phoebe. Catherine ended up carrying her all the way home, she wanted to watch the windy-world go by. Beautiful autumnal day, sunshine and whirly orange leaves.


Kirsty popped in on her way home from seeing Vicky in Dundee. She had to pick Growler from Tenbury. She's very emotional. Crying, terribly upset, Pep misbehaving - playing with her feelings. I really hope she gets things sorted before the baby is born. Very, very happy to see her and she did look well considering she'd just driven back from Scotland. I really want this pregnancy to go well for her, it's the beginning of a precious new life, my grandchild. x

Weekend

Picked up Kim my stepsister and her daughter Chelsea from airport. They came to stay for a few days, Kim auditioning for Total Wipeout in Birmingham.

Popped in to see Daz and Cat for an hour, Phoebe in not a very good mood. :( Catherine's homemade cake was yummy! See you again tomorrow Phoebe sweetie and again on Wednesday and Thursday. How lucky am I? It's going to be a good week xxx

Went with Chelsea to see romcom -Friends with Benefits while Kim was auditioning. Surprisingly good. Love Justin Timberlake x

We think Kim got through to Argentina!!! Brilliant x

iPhone

This is my new case for my iphone (thank you Apple for the shiny new iphone). The 'Skech' cover is made of hard rubber, feels fantastic and doesn't mark/smudge/smear and won't get lost in the handbag. Happy Days.

Best Laid Plans.....

Looks like my 'best laid plans' for moving to Lichfield have been dashed!!  I know that some people will not believe us when we tell them that this decision has been taken out of our hands - Eamonn and myself have no other option. We have to follow a 5 year plan or we're f***ed!  We are currently putting things in place to start the next chapter in our lives, austerity calls and I am not looking forward to it. 

Still, as I said to my dearest friend, Jan, there are much worse places than Frith Common to be stuck in for 5 years. 

Phoebe, I really wanted to live around the corner to you (not sure your Dad and Mum were so keen though?)  Anyway, your Dad has plans to go to warmer climes.

Accidents

Before I begin, she is, as far as I know, OK.  My step-daughter 'E' has had an awful summer.  After passing her test, she hit a deer - killing it; fortunatley she was fine. 

Then there was the horsefly incident - she was on crutches for a couple of weeks with a leg the size of an elephant's.

Now, yesterday, as a passenger in the back of a friend's car (young male) she has had an horrific accident. It puts everything in perspective.  Can't wait to see her.

I missed you Phoebe this weekend, Dad and Mum didn't pick up the phone until Sunday night, so only managed a Skype. I'll see you next Saturday x

Apple

Saturday - Went into Birmingham with Bethan and Bella -  visited the Apple Store to ask if they could fix the broken screen on 'B's  ipod Touch. Unbelievably, they gave me a brand new one, B was ecstatic (ipod touch no. 3). 

Whilst there, told the charming chap about my disaster earlier in the week (I had washed my precious iphone 3Gs 32gb).  I didn't expect anything (sympathy perhaps) but the darling fella told me to bring it in and he would replace it with a brand new one for £139. 

I am still flabbergasted!  My phone was over 2 years old, well used, well loved and washed.  I now have a shiny new iphone and Apple are my heroes.

(Your Gran is a gadget junky!)

Surprise

What a surprise, looking through my email today I came across one from 'Blogger', inviting me to check out my old blog, only 2 old posts exist from 2004, over 7 years ago. It's an omen, I promise to write twice a week for posterity and Phoebe. Not that she will be remotely interested in her old Granny's boring life.