Back home and sick again

After another night of babysitting, for another outing to celebrate Lucy's birthday, we were looking forward to the weekend when one hopes we could be together with the family more than during the week. Unfortunately, when your son is a working comic, the weekends are even busier than the weekdays, so that was not to be. Also, we agreed beforehand to babysitting the monsters right through Saturday, as Stephen and Lucy were due to go to a wedding in Kent.

Elian playing Lego

As it happens the little monsters were jolly good, spent a lot of time on their iPads, watched some TV and played with us and each other when the mood took them. Unfortunately we couldn't take them out, as the pavements were lethal with black ice and we couldn't take the responsibility for them or for ourselves in those conditions. Elian did some Lego and Xander did some silly running around through the open doors between the kitchen, dining room, lounge and hall.  That is his speciality, he is jolly good at guessing when you stopped running and are waiting for him round the corner. He changes directions so fast, there is no chance of catching him.

Note the Diana look!

Going to bed was an easy affair, they are definitely better than last time about that. However, there was a small amount of overexcitement due to being stuck indoors on Xander's part, but knowing his insatiable need for physical activity, I think he bore it pretty well. Later I thought I might have chucked him out into the garden in some boots and a coat and hat, but never thought of it at the time.

iPads, aka electronic babysitters

On Sunday morning we have discovered that Stephen and Lucy have actually driven home in the night, so they were about in the morning. We never heard them coming in. Still, they could not have slept much, as they both looked a bit freyed at the edges.

The little charmer

Elian went for a party in the morning and later on we all went to The Greyhound for Sunday lunch. I love that pub, there is a pleasant, not too rough, but neither too posh environment and atmosphere there, with the food pretty good in quality, quantity and price. Both the boys have amazing appetites, I couldn't believe the amount they were tucking into and putting away. Roy and I could not fit into the car due to the size of the boys' safety seats, so we walked.  It was lovely. It looked like spring had arrived, although 48 hours before the temperature was well below zero.

My lunch on Saturday

Monday was unfortunately spent indoors again, as Stephen had departed for a 3 day engagement, the kids were in school until 6pm, Lucy was working and doing her other stuff, like sports and Roy and I (mostly I) were going down with yet another lurgy again. I think this one I brought with me from home, as I do recall feeling a draught at the airport on the way out, which would not have happened unless I was sickening for something. Finally it got me on our last day and I was seriously worried about not being able to travel the following day.

Roy monstersitting

Thankfully, after yet another evening of babysitting (the fourth in five days) I felt a bit better on Tuesday morning, so we got going to the airport by train.  The weather was positively springlike by then and transport had no holdups whatsoever. Consequently we were far too early at the airport, but that is still a better scenario than missing your flight.

En route to the pub on Sunday

Daffodils in close-up

Snow drops in close-up

We went through the airport at the other end like a dose of salts again and were indoors barely over an hour after we landed on the tarmac. Since then, however, the cold that has been toying with me all the time we were in Hassocks has finally attacked full force. I am weak and miserable in bed again, hoping that if I rest enough I can finally kick it. However, today was the first step towards putting into effect my plan for next winter, by not buying any subscription concert tickets in The Palace of the Arts for the next season. Bozsa, my good friend who has a discount card sent me the list of choices and I had to decline them with a very much aching heart, but prompted by how miserable I feel. I must try, if I can, stay away from the city in the flu season next year, to see whether that will make any difference.  If it doesn't, I might get back to my concerts the season after next, but I hope it will make a difference and I could be a bit healthier next winter.

Xander in the pub with Mummy

The men round the table in the pub

Tomorrow Roy and I are off to the private hospital for tests, in readiness for his operation later on in the month.  Wish us luck!!