Day 198: Tuesday 24th September

Another week or so has flown by - I am starting to question the speed variations compared to the amount of 'stuff' done. It seems to go that the more busy I am, the slower time goes. This is not what I am used to!

Lots of lovely time spent with Mummy and Daddy - trying for 3 days a week while the search continues for employment. The amazing thing is that my being there with them seems to help towards a calmer, more settled approach. Whether this is wishful thinking or not, it seems to work. 

Several appointments (in person and over the phone) aiming to get my inner health on a more even keel. Still suffering from the effects of missing bits of bowel, which is making life somewhat risky when away from civilisation (and a loo!). There is also the ongoing problem of the small quantity of food I can take in at one time, and the amount of vitamins and minerals included therein. Hair still falling out, achey bits, wobbly legs etc still giving me grief, but it isn't stopping me. Oh no.

I think I am enjoying the new regime of 'no car for the school run' more than C2! My bike is now my friend. Mr 1957 donated a special addition to my bike, which is now installed in the correct position. 

Ring, ring....... outta the way, peeps.

Am facing some expensive requests from both schools at the moment. The clause about 'voluntary contributions' is being read carefully, as a total of £36.50 is needed so far this term to pay for educational trips, activities and materials for making a 'jitterbug'. I don't want them to miss out, so am adding little messages to the consent slips about 'waiting for my benefit to arrive' and such, which I hope are being read, noted, and not affecting the children's potential for participating in such activities. I can't sustain such extra outgoings, and the children know this. I just hope that the 'free school meals' tag on both of them helps to indicate to the powers that be that I am not telling fibs!

Children of parents who are unable, or unwilling, to contribute may not be discriminated against. However, if there are insufficient voluntary contributions made to cover the cost of the trip, or activity, and there is no alternative method to make up the shortfall, then the school should cancel the activity.

There was a slight hassle at the weekend when both C1 and C2 needed swimming goggles (have they added more chemicals to the water, I want to know!) and having failed to acquire them at the weekend, Mr 1957 had a rummage and found 2 pairs, one pink and one blue, that were used by his children in days gone by. They fit! Phew! Problem solved. I hope. Now we just need to make it out of the door for our planned swimming night once a week!

Goggle-boy!

Goggle-girl!

I have also been checking through my list of things to make for people, and........

Ta daaaaaaa - melodion-player gloves Mk I

Melodion-player gloves Mk II

And a new venture into 'welly-cuffs' - prototype coming along nicely - just need to finish the 2nd leg!

Welly Cuff - first leg - please note the cables!!

The lovely Ronnie made me a meal planning board, which is working really well. Sticking to a weekly food budget is so much easier when we know what we're having.

All in all a good life. 

Amen!