Building a new life

[Stella180]

You’re still giving out Chufty badges? I need to pull my finger out and myself one.

[Mira]

Your posts are so much better since making a home. A family.

And I even read you did some pacing?

I hope you have done some more reading in the garden. That is a great thing to do. If its in the shade.
And with the drinking. I do worry a little about it. I drink a lot and its not enough. I started making my own ice tea. Its so simple. Just a bottle with water. For one liter I use one to two tea bags. Put them in the water and in the fridge. And a few hours later. Lovely cold ice tea. Just an idea 🙂

[Flo]

Have you tried a bit of Vanish on the stain? It's worked well in the past for me.

[Jaquaia]

Mira, I'm so much happier in a village than I ever was in a city, and that's without taking into account that I have a family now.

Flo, I had it soaking in vanish for 4 hours yesterday and it's still not come out and just put it through the washer with a couple of scoops. It's faded enough for her to wear it.

Well the children now have clean bedding, I've done a wash and I've stripped the top layer of paper in the summerhouse!

[Paula]

Mira, I'm so much happier in a village than I ever was in a city, and that's without taking into account that I have a family now.

I love this!

[Flo]

Your happiness was a long time coming so enjoy every moment of it!.....living in the country is nice...nothing threatening except sparrows eating the flowers on yer runners!!

[Suzi]

Couldn't be happier for you love.

[Jaquaia]

That will teach me a lesson! Just because my hands are feeling ok doesn't mean I should strip the full summerhouse in one go. Wrists are throbbing today so wearing my compression gloves

[Paula]

Not saying a word....... (panda)

[Stella180]

I’m like that too. Make the most of your good days and end up suffering for doing too much later but at least the job is done now. I hope today involved nothing more strenuous that turning the page of a book or changing tv channel.

[Jaquaia]

I've changed our bedding but should have asked J to help. Midnight Sun is massive so even reading for long is uncomfortable!

[Suzi]

I'm struggling holding it too!

Are you resting now?

[Jaquaia]

I am. I'm doing a little bit of uni work while J goes to pick the children up and it's easier on my hands than holding that book! (giggle)

[Flo]

(giggle) Is it bigger than War and Peace?

[Jaquaia]

Just short of 800 pages so I don't think so but I've not read War and Peace!

[Paula]

And why I have my kindle...

[Jaquaia]

I have a Kindle too somewhere with a few hundred books on. I just love the feel and smell of proper books.

[Flo]

I couldn't agree more! I love real books for the same reasons as you...feel and smell of them. I hope real books won't be phased out completely.:s

[Stella180]

I personally prefer a paperback to reading from a screen.

[Strugglingmum]

I have a kindle account too but love a proper book. If I fall asleep in bed reading A often has to peel a book off my face....its painful when a tablet hits you on the nose or chin....and dont even get me started about drooling on it(rofl)

[Stella180]

Yep, that is exactly what has happened to me in the past. Also hardback book are not good for reading in bed either.

[Jaquaia]

Try reading hardbacks in the bath! Actually... that could be why my wrists were throbbing this morning!

[Paula]

I prefer kindle - but that’s because I read so quickly that a 2 week holiday can mean me reading 16 books. Difficult to get in the suitcase ;)

[Jaquaia]

We're having 3 nights away, I'm taking at least 2 books! (giggle)

[Suzi]

Lol! I have a kindle too, but still prefer the real thing, and I have the others in the series so I had to have this one! I hope she's doing the rest of them too! :)

[Jaquaia]

And the kindle price was the same as the hardback price! Besides, J paid for it ;)

[Suzi]

What's on the agenda for today?

[Jaquaia]

J is working so it's just me and the kids today! We're going to sort out clothes to see what they've outgrown, it's easy to get A to do it as I've mentioned making dolls clothes... then we're hoovering the sofa. A asked and is actually excited about it! By hoovering the sofa, I mean I hoover the sofa and they jump all over the cushions! Then we're going across to the grandparents for tea, early bath for A and J will be home around half 7.

[Flo]

How lovely..the kids sound so happy. How old is A?

[Jaquaia]

A is 5 and T is 10, 11 at Christmas. He's not happy as I won't let him have his xbox controller yet. He shouldn't have woken me up around half 7 to ask for it then!!!

[Flo]

Awwww...5 is lovely with a girl....10, nearly 11 will just have to wait then!(giggle)

[Suzi]

How has the day been? Did you get them to sort their clothes?

[Jaquaia]

We've sorted a lot of A's, half a wardrobe and 2 drawers to go. I have a dress and a pair of pjs she would like dolls clothes making out of. Had tea at the in-laws and had a long chat with my future m-i-l. Currently listening to A playing in the bath and T is going to get a shower then settle down with a film until J gets in.

[Suzi]

Sounds perfect! :)

[Strugglingmum]

Sounds like a lovely day.

[Suzi]

What's on today's agenda?

[magie06]

That sounds like a lovely day. I hope you are going to jump in and out of the sprinklers to cool down today.

[Jaquaia]

We're watching Gremlins! We've sorted some of A's clothes and are just relaxing. It's too hot to do much more. Also thinking about my final year project.

[Suzi]

Gremlins is ace! Hope you've had a lovely day xx

[Jaquaia]

I've been playing on the wii with A and been sat in the garden with J all evening.

Look at what the in-laws bought me!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bqucvl1g392s2wp/20200812_180021.jpg?raw=1

[Stella180]

Lucky you.

[Strugglingmum]

I've been playing on the wii with A and been sat in the garden with J all evening.

Look at what the in-laws bought me!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bqucvl1g392s2wp/20200812_180021.jpg?raw=1

lovely!!

[Suzi]

Beautiful flowers!

[Paula]

Awwww

[Flo]

What a lovely gesture.

[magie06]

Thing is - you'll be expecting flowers like that every day!(rofl)

[Suzi]

How are you today?

[Jaquaia]

Magie (giggle)

Suzi, I'm ok. A little tired and very proud of J for getting through his counselling assessment and being honest with the counsellor. My driving lesson went well though and my parents brought me home and stayed for tea. It's the first time they've seen my new home!

[Stella180]

That’s awesome. What did they think? How did your lesson go?

[Paula]

That’s so lovely they’ve seen it :)

[Strugglingmum]

That's lovely that your parents have seen your happy home. X
Glad the lesson went well.

[Suzi]

Well done J! Counselling can be so tough. Did you go with him?

So glad your parents came round for tea! What did they think of your home?

[Jaquaia]

That’s awesome. What did they think? How did your lesson go?

Really good! Still on circuits but practised bay parking today. Managed to do the full manoeuvre with no input from Bob.


Well done J! Counselling can be so tough. Did you go with him?

So glad your parents came round for tea! What did they think of your home?

It was a telephone appointment but she said that I appear to be a really good influence on him. Gave him lots of hugs later too.

My mum really struggled to get in the house, the front step is HUGE! But it should be easier once the decking is finished.

[Stella180]

The old man should’ve carried her over the threshold lol

[Suzi]

I know that struggle to get in anywhere! Once she was in did she love it? See you as happy and comfortable as you seem to be?

[Jaquaia]

My dad was quiet but my mum gets on really well with J anyway.

[Suzi]

Good! I imagine it was quite emotional for them both! Your Mum especially!

[Paula]

I only got to see where Katie is living last week - a year after she left home. It was a relief that she was safe and happy, but also tough knowing she definitely wasn’t coming home. All ridiculous emotions but it was disconcerting ......

[Jaquaia]

Hopefully when the decking is finished my mum will find it easier to get in the house so they can come here more often.

J finishes work for 2 weeks from tomorrow, so we're planning on tiling the kitchen! And sorting the summerhouse. And I'm going to see what I can do in the downstairs toilet. And painting the decking, mocing A's playhouse, start painting the fencing. I'm excited to get started!!!

[Suzi]

Where are you moving her playhouse to?

[Jaquaia]

It's moving from the back of the garden to the side. The side garden is just wasted space so it will make use of that, we're planning on building a flower bed next to it for A too, and we'll regain a fair bit of space in the main part of the garden.

[Suzi]

That sounds fab!

[Flo]

Your garden sounds nice....don't forget to leave a bit 'wild' for the flutterbies and bugs!

[Jaquaia]

So far I have lavender, aster, dianthus, chrysanthemum, geranium, foxglove and sunflowers. My intention is to have wildflowers growing in the front garden next year.

[Suzi]

Sounds like you've got it well under control! Is J enjoying seeing how happy and comfortable you are there making it a home for all of you as a family?

[Jaquaia]

I think so. He's said a few times that it's never felt like it does now, that before it was just a house but I've made it a home.

[Suzi]

Awww!

[Jaquaia]

The downstairs toilet is going to be a gorgeous green colour, though you'd think after knowing magie for so long I'd be able to pronounce Galway (giggle). That will be getting done in the next few weeks since A decided to pull a big strip of paper off the wall as a corner was loose! So I stripped some of the top paper yesterday and started painting the fence where A's playhouse is getting moved to. It's rained today so I've got a coat of paint on the walls in the summerhouse, that's going to be jade white, which is a very, very pale greeny-blue. We're reclaiming everything and making it our own.

[Paula]

You never stop! Do you enjoy doing the diy?

[Strugglingmum]

All sounds beautiful Jaq

[Jaquaia]

You never stop! Do you enjoy doing the diy?

I do. It's satisfying seeing something go from pretty awful and tacky to relaxing and calming and more homely

[Flo]

We could do with a decorator like you around here! I'm just useless at it. I've never wielded a paint brush in my life! Your garden is going to look amazing when it's finished.(y)

[Suzi]

What's on your agenda today?

[Jaquaia]

We could do with a decorator like you around here! I'm just useless at it. I've never wielded a paint brush in my life! Your garden is going to look amazing when it's finished.(y)

I hope so! I'm worm phobic so gardening is a nightmare!!! I enjoy decorating and I have a lot of patience so I'm happy taking my time.


What's on your agenda today?

We're watching the Charlie Brown movie while A draws and going up to the in-laws later.

[Suzi]

Sounds lovely!

[Jaquaia]

We've introduced them to the Neverending Story! One of my all time favourites.

[Suzi]

And one of mine too! :)

[Jaquaia]

First lot of textbooks have arrived...

Argh!!!

[Suzi]

You'll be more than fine love..

[Stella180]

You’ve got this mate.

[Flo]

I love text books, they always smell wonderful!

[Suzi]

They really do! :)

[Jaquaia]

Flo, I love the smell of old books!

My second set are dispatched on Friday, which is scary. Already read the first chapter in the project book!

[Suzi]

How does it look?

[Jaquaia]

Not sure qualitative is for me as ethics say I can't do anything that involves people with mental health issues. I'm going to read the chapters on experiments and surveys as I think I can make a more informed decision then.

My second module looks interesting; counselling and forensic psychology

[Suzi]

OO that does sound interesting!

[Jaquaia]

Having one of those days where I can't settle to just do resting things. I've been to buy things to do the tiling, done the shopping, washed the pots, masked up 2 windows in the summerhouse and had to leave it as it chucked it down and was steaming up, helped unpack some stuff in J's workshop and spent the last hour doing uni work. I'm finding it fascinating, but I don't want to stop and take breaks as it just frustrates me.

[Suzi]

Sounds like you've done a huge amount yesterday... I hope today is a more settled day for you love.

[Jaquaia]

It didn't feel like I'd done much. J ended up commenting that I was rubbish at resting. And I can't get away with resting while he's here and doing loads while he's at work as he's off for 2 weeks!

[Flo]

You're achieving quite a lot! You sound incredibly happy and fulfilled and it's obvious in everything you write. Good! Enjoy it.

[Jaquaia]

Went into Beverley and hated it. There were far too many people. I even said no to a new book as my anxiety levels were sky high, which probably tells you just how much I was struggling with it!

[Flo]

I can quite understand your anxiety. We went to Sidmouth last week and I told Ian I couldn't stand the crowds...no distancing, just a heaving mass of bodies trying to get down to the prom. I'm afraid I can't be doing with it...I'll try again in October when they've all gone home! Better off staying put at home and chilling instead.

[Suzi]

Just too many people?

[Jaquaia]

It eased massively when we got to the quieter end of town, there were just so many people and social distancing was more or less impossible. I hated it. I felt like I couldn't breathe when wearing my mask.

TOTM probably isn't helping either.

[Suzi]

I've noticed you tend to have an anxiety issue around totm.... Might be something worth talking to your dr about?

Is Beverley a big town? Sorry my knowledge of your part of the world is more than negligible.

[Jaquaia]

Not massively so. It's a lot smaller than Hull, more of a market town.

[Suzi]

Apart from totm do you know why today was different?

[Jaquaia]

I don't. I just wanted to be anywhere else as soon as we arrived.

[Suzi]

(panda) (bear) (panda) (bear)

[Strugglingmum]

(panda)
When do you have your time away? Something to look forward to. X

[Jaquaia]

We go a week on Monday. I can't wait.

[Suzi]

You're going to have so much fun!

[Jaquaia]

Anxiety levels still aren't great today but I had a good driving lesson. Turn in the roads are starting to stick!

[Paula]

You’re obviously really getting the hang of this driving lark :)

[Suzi]

Woohoo! :)

[Stella180]

When you gonna put in for your test?

[Jaquaia]

Not a clue but not any time soon!

[Paula]

Because you’re not ready or you don’t want to add stress just yet?

[Suzi]

There's no hurry! You've only just started driving again after lockdown.

How are you lovely?

[Jaquaia]

Because you’re not ready or you don’t want to add stress just yet?

Both!!! I've not driven any really busy roads yet!


There's no hurry! You've only just started driving again after lockdown.

How are you lovely?

I'm ok. Tired and have stomach ache, still, it's not as bad as it would be in my early twenties so I can handle this.

We're heading to Burton Agnes Hall today. It's overcast, windy but very warm!

[Suzi]

(bear) for the stomach ache lovely.

We've loads of wind today which makes a change! :)

[OldMike]

I feel a joke coming on.

I went to the docs and said "I'm suffering from wind" so he gave me a kite.

Best get my hat and coat (giggle)

[Strugglingmum]

(rofl)

[Paula]

(giggle)

[Jaquaia]

(rofl)

Burton Agnes Hall was lovely. We stroked a cow!!! And the kids loved the playground there.

Oh and my final textbook arrives! It looks amazing and I can't wait to get started!

[Suzi]

Sounds like fun! I bet you never thought the answer to "what did you do last weekend" would be "stroked a cow!" (rofl)(rofl)(rofl)

[Jaquaia]

Hell no! They were coming up to the ha-ha (I learnt things!) and resting their heads on the edge. One was using it as a scratching post and the other was just an attention whore!

[Suzi]

(rofl) (rofl) (rofl)

[Strugglingmum]

What's a ha-ha???

[Stella180]

It a kind of ditch used as a barrier.

[Jaquaia]

What's a ha-ha???

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha-ha

[Flo]

So it's a 'whore ha-ha-' then?(rofl)(rofl) Ooh new text books! Are you nearing the end of Stage one (120 credits) or have you started Stage two? exciting stuff.

[Jaquaia]

(giggle)

Finished stage 2 Flo! 2 pass 2 and a distinction! These are my level 3 textbooks.

[Flo]

(giggle)

Finished stage 2 Flo! 2 pass 2 and a distinction! These are my level 3 textbooks.

Ooooh! Well done you! Clever old thing you! I started an Arts and Humanities degree when my dad was alive but he became ill when I was halfway through Level one so I had to give it up....:s I've been looking at it again online...maybe...just maybe!

[Jaquaia]

Go for it! The OU have been excellent and have given me so much support throughout my degree. It's one of the reasons I want to do my MSc with them.

[Suzi]

Go for it Flo!

What are you up to today Jaq?

[Jaquaia]

We've popped into Beverley for a few things, cut the lawns, sorted out the car boot and dumped a few things from the shed. Now settling down to watch Hell Drivers since it's raining.

[Flo]

Are you cooking Sunday dinner for all of you?.....you really get around don't you?

[Jaquaia]

Not today. It's just me and J as he's on holiday so the kids are with Cruella so just something simple today.

[Flo]

Sometimes it's nice when it's just the two of you, you can please yourselves what you eat! .....instead of "What's for dinner??"...."When's dinner ready??" Haha! Enjoy your day together.

[Suzi]

Hope you have a wonderful day together!

[Jaquaia]

It's been quiet but I love the everyday stuff with him as much as I love the days out. I've started sewing curtains for the den under T's bed, I have some fab dinosaur fabric for it!

[Paula]

Oh, bless, he’ll love that! Does he know?

[Suzi]

You're doing so much to make the place such a lovely warm, welcoming space and a proper home for them both where they will both know they are wanted and loved!

[Jaquaia]

He's seen the fabric but doesn't know I've started them. This is it https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114245898260

I'm using that as a wide stripe with a plain navy fabric.


You're doing so much to make the place such a lovely warm, welcoming space and a proper home for them both where they will both know they are wanted and loved!

I love them like they were my own. They've lived in utter chaos and still do when they're with her and I want a nice, peaceful and calm space here. I've painted the woodwork in the summerhouse this evening and will give it another coat tomorrow and hopefully get the ceiling painted so we have a nice peaceful space outdoors too.

[Suzi]

Your post made me cry. I'm so excited and sobbing with happiness for you, but I'm so overjoyed for them. They are learning what it's like to be loved, wanted and respected which they've never had with her.... That fabric is epic - grown up dinos! :)

[Jaquaia]

You're turning into Paula! (giggle)

I don't take any (swear)(swear)(swear)(swear) from them and won't accept excuses for bad behaviour, but I make it clear to them why I'm cross with them without shouting. When we went to Sledmere they were both in trouble yet as soon as I finished telling them off A held my hand and T gave me a hug and told me he loves me. A said she likes that I tell them off without shouting at them. They like that I'll do stuff with them too. A was sat drawing with me yesterday while I did uni work. I'll bake with them, do crafts with them. They don't seem to be used to this. We're making paper chains at Christmas and having 2 trees and they're both excited about that.

[Stella180]

How many Christmas lights are you having? :P

[Jaquaia]

My dad got rid of those:P

[Suzi]

I'm so glad they have you in their lives!

[Paula]

Oi!!!

[Stella180]

My dad got rid of those:P

Shame. They could’ve decorated their tree and yours with them lol

[Suzi]

What are you up to today?

[Jaquaia]

Stella, J always said about the village pond!

Suzi, we're going to start tiling the kitchen

[Suzi]

That sounds fun?!

[Jaquaia]

It's been interesting so far!

[Stella180]

Tiling isn’t a hard job but if you’re like me and everything has to me mm perfect it can take a while.

[Suzi]

It's way beyond my skill set! lol

[Stella180]

Nah you could do it Suzi.

[Suzi]

No love, I have no spacial awareness and nothing about me is straight - let alone the lines I can create!

[Stella180]

nothing about me is straight - let alone the lines I can create!

I nearly choked reading that. You daft bugger lol

[Jaquaia]

If I'm honest, it's the first time I've tiled! I've helped my dad but never done it myself.

[Paula]

No love, I have no spacial awareness and nothing about me is straight - let alone the lines I can create!

I’m with you there - I can’t even walk in a straight line (no joke!)

[Suzi]

Me neither, not even with a ruler.... F on the other hand can draw perfectly straight lines freehand!

How's the tiles looking love?

[Stella180]

I’ve seen the pics of your tiling affords and I have to say I’m impressed. Grouting is the fun part. What colour are you having? Black or grey would look good.

[Jaquaia]

J has tagged me in a pic on fb Suzi! I'm proud of what we've achieved today, we lent a manual cutter and tile saw off my dad but J decided to go buy an electric tile cutter. He's been playing with his new toy, I mean cutting all the tiles, and I've been putting them on the wall!

Stella, charcoal grey!

[Suzi]

That's really impressive!

[Strugglingmum]

Well done. A is like J...... loves a new toy

[Stella180]

Charcoal grey sounds ideal. It’s gonna look amazing once it’s finished.

[Jaquaia]

Because doing the shopping and some more tiling wasn't quite enough today, I've done some more on T's den curtains...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/aqmwtlqc90auzct/20200825_210351.jpg?raw=1

[Stella180]

I really like that fossil design. It’s gonna look ace when it’s finished but the do know you can take a break occasionally.

[Suzi]

That is amazing.

How are you today?

[OldMike]

Nice work Jaq :)

[Jaquaia]

Tired but ok! We're going to finish the tiling today, the weather was awful yesterday so J couldn't use the tile cutter outside and didn't want to use it inside as it makes a mess.

[Suzi]

Hope it goes well lovely!

[Jaquaia]

We're on the straightforward bit now. Other than one socket it's all straight cuts so should be fine!

[Paula]

And then rest?

[Jaquaia]

It's slow going as the socket is in the middle of the tile!!! Lots of laughter though. We've broken so many tiles just doing this one bit but we're laughing about it together. It's all new to J as before he would have been abused

[Suzi]

So glad you're having fun with it!

[Strugglingmum]

Actually sounds like fun. X

[Jaquaia]

Resting now! Still not finished as J's friend popped round and didn't stop talking!

[Suzi]

Did it make YOU stop? I hope so!

[Jaquaia]

It did as J's the one cutting all the tiles. I don't trust myself with power tools! (giggle) then I finished my book this evening.

No driving lesson tomorrow as Bob has infected bug bites on his leg and can barely walk, nevermind drive! So finish the tiling first thing, pop to my mums to sort her meds, home for 1 for my injection delivery, then grouting while J goes to the dentist, then the little people are back!

[Stella180]

Grouting is fun. Can get messy but it’s fun. I need to call your mum actually. Was gonna call Monday but totally forgot.

[Paula]

Ouch, poor Bob!

[Jaquaia]

Only just showered after finishing the tiling. We could have had it finished last night if it wasn't for J's friend. It's majorly stressed me as it's already 10 past 11, I need to go into to Hull to do my mums meds and be back by 1pm for my injection delivery so getting very stressed with J who is taking a while to move his arse this morning!

[Suzi]

Hope you're on the road to get things sorted for your Mum

[Jaquaia]

We are now. Only about 10 minutes away and feeling a little less stressed but not eaten as I was feeling too stressed!

[Suzi]

Did you get your Mum's meds sorted? Did you beat the race against time and get yours?

[Jaquaia]

I did. I did her enough to get her to my next driving lesson. Got home for 1 and of course they delivered at the end of the delivery window! Still, got a decent amount of the grouting done, in trouble with J for doing too much though.

[Stella180]

I need pics with the grouting done.

[Suzi]

What are you up to today?

[Jaquaia]

J and T have gone for their hair cutting so me and A have packed her stuff for holiday! Not sure I'd ever want to go abroad with her, she's taking 2 small suitcases! Half for her clothes, 1 and a half for her toys!!!

[Strugglingmum]

(rofl)love it!! That's my kinda girl.

[Suzi]

(rofl) (rofl) (rofl) When do you leave? How long are you away for?

[Paula]

(giggle) that kid is so cool!

[Jaquaia]

She's awesome. We go Monday morning and come back late Thursday. Even bought waterproof jackets considering it's Cumbria (giggle)

[Suzi]

Woohoo! Bet none of you can wait!

[Jaquaia]

I can't. It will be nice to have some time away to just relax.

[Suzi]

Do you have a list of things you want to do?

[Jaquaia]

It's more stuff they do everytime they go. Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and South Lakes Zoo

[Strugglingmum]

I'm actually really excited for you. Time to relax and just be with the people you love in different surroundings. X

[Suzi]

I'm sure you'll be able to do new things to all of you so you can all explore and make places "yours" itms?

[Stella180]

Sounds like a fun time will be had by all. How long are you away for?

[Jaquaia]

4 days 3 nights. I'll share pics when I'm back!

[Stella180]

Good girl. I don’t get to go on holidays so it’ll be nice to share yours :)

[Suzi]

It'll be fabulous!

[Allalone]

Even bought waterproof jackets considering it's Cumbria (giggle)[/QUOTE]

Only waterproof jackets?! What about wellies and waterproof trousers? That’s all I wear here.😉 I used to take mine to ravenglass at Christmas time, they do, or they used to, do a special Christmas train.

Enjoy your time in my home county!

[Jaquaia]

They still do! And a halloween service too! J and the kids love it there and I'm looking forward to it!

[Allalone]

Hope you enjoy your time away.

[Suzi]

So are you packing this weekend or are you already packed and ready to go? Lol

[Jaquaia]

Kids are sorted, washing today to sort the last few bits out as I'm determined tomorrow is going to be relaxed and not a mad rush to get organised.

[Suzi]

Go you!
Have you had a lovely day?

[Jaquaia]

I have! I never almost gave J a heart attack by leaning back when I went high on the swings with A as I obviously am too grown up to go on the swings (giggle)

[Suzi]

Swings are awesome!!!

[Jaquaia]

Tickets booked and printed out for South Lakes Safari Zoo and Muncaster Castle! And My clothes are packed, just meds, toiletries, get J in gear and pack what food we're taking!

[Strugglingmum]

Soooooo exciting. (hedgehog)

[Paula]

(party)

[Suzi]

Woohoo!

[Strugglingmum]

Have a completely, utterly wonderful time away. Enjoy every momment with your family. Xx

[Jaquaia]

Too late for me to stay home? Had the in-laws all afternoon so J could watch the cricket with his dad, late tea as it didn't finish while 6, kids have been pains in the arse all day, still feel like there's loads to sort and I'm rapidly running out of patience.

[Suzi]

Breathe, that's totally par for the course! It's going to be fine!!! You're going on your first family holiday together!

[Strugglingmum]

Truly not a proper family holiday unless you end up wanting to kill each other before you leave..... then the fun starts. (rofl)

[Paula]

Truly not a proper family holiday unless you end up wanting to kill each other before you leave..... then the fun starts. (rofl)

100% correct! Have a wonderful time :)

[Jaquaia]

Going to start the picnic for tomorrow I think and get my backpack sorted then flop!

[Stella180]

You do realise they have food and shops in Cumbria right?

[Jaquaia]

A has specifically asked for picnics every day as she likes how I do them!

[Flo]

Now for the picnic.....pretend I'm coming......I want...cold sausages, hard boiled eggs with a little salt bag, tomato sarnies that go soggy, Tesco caramelised onion and mature cheddar crisps and a bit of pork pie!! The kids are probably excited as hell, tea is always late when cricket is on! And it's all getting too much...I remember it well. But you'll have an amazing time because you'll be somewhere different. You are being the quintessential organised mum and want everything to be perfect for everyone and it will be. Have a wonderful time.(clap)

[Jaquaia]

Well the car is packed and only leaving half an hour later than we wanted to! I think that's a result!

[Flo]

Definitely a result!

[Suzi]

Hope you're having a wonderful time already!

[Flo]

Are you there yet?

[Suzi]

Going by FB I think they are there and having a good time!

[Flo]

Good!

[Jaquaia]

We're here Flo! Very soggy today but we've had sun up to this morning so I'm happy!!!

[Suzi]

Aww!! You said you are HAPPY! That's awesome!

[Flo]

Ooh! Are you all enjoying yourselves? Are the kids having a lovely time? Is the food good? Have a Cumbrian cream tea for me. I hope you and J are able to wind down and have a few drinks in the evening. Cumbria is beautiful..it's where my hubby is from. Be good!....but on second thoughts don't (rofl)

[Jaquaia]

I'll post some pics when we're back Flo, the views from the cottage are stunning! We're all a bit soggy at the moment but heading back for dry clothes and food now!

[Flo]

Yes, I'll look forward to some pics! The cottage with stunning views I can imagine.....it all sounds really lovely. Who cares about soggy when you're on holiday? Even getting food is exciting when it's on holiday...different kitchen and things. Glad you're having such a lovely time. I'm quite envious!

[Suzi]

Me too!

[Stella180]

I’ve received a few pics that have made me feel extremely nostalgic and very jealous today.

[Suzi]

From the holiday?

[Stella180]

Kinda. They were car pics from Lakeland Motor Museum they were visiting. It’s left me trying to work out where I can find £8000+ to get hold of a tidy classic Ford again. I can dream.

[Suzi]

(rofl) A MkII Escort drove past us yesterday and that was one of Marc's first cars. He's gutted he sold it!

[Stella180]

I loved the mk2 Escort. My dad got rid of his when I was about 10 and I was gutted. FAB 183S was the reg. I wanted one as a first car but ended up with a Mk1 Astra which took some punishment. Then I got my first Capri and several more followed.

[Jaquaia]

Home!!!

This is where we stayed
https://www.dropbox.com/s/k2o1ilnqmhfo7xa/20200903_095929.jpg?raw=1
And the view from the garden
https://www.dropbox.com/s/m2hogrix3508t2q/20200831_172624.jpg?raw=1
What a difference a day makes!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1ihfzqvojdxcjss/IMG-20200902-WA0001.jpg?raw=1

[Suzi]

Wow that looks awesome! Did you have a great time?

[Jaquaia]

Loved it. Muncaster Castle was brilliant, we saw an owl flying exhibition and had to keep ducking as they kept flying at our heads (rofl). The zoo was very, very wet but they've given us a free ticket that's valid until the end of October because it rained
https://www.dropbox.com/s/87llwlq04xr6ekl/20200902_120841.jpg?raw=1
And I loved the railway! The motor museum was fun too

[Strugglingmum]

Sounds fabulous Jaq.
So delighted for you all.x

[Jaquaia]

I just want to be that meerkat! (rofl)

[Stella180]

I just want to be that meerkat! (rofl)

On ya back with your legs spread?

[Jaquaia]

Relaxing under a heat lamp! It was so cold and wet that day that the zoo gave us free tickets to go back! My bag is still damp!

[Stella180]

Did you all have a good time though? That’s the important part.

[Jaquaia]

Loved it! We're talking about going for longer next year.

[Paula]

Looks amazing - the Lake District is a truly beautiful part of the world. If wet.....

[Suzi]

I'm so glad you had a lovely time!

[Jaquaia]

Looks amazing - the Lake District is a truly beautiful part of the world. If wet.....

We only had 1 wet day! The Tuesday was beautiful, we were all in shorts!

[Suzi]

That's fabulous! What were the best things you did/saw?

[Flo]

What gorgeous photos! It really is a lovely place. Definitely worth another visit..even in the rain. So pleased you had a lovely time. Long overdue!

[Jaquaia]

That's fabulous! What were the best things you did/saw?

It was the scenery for me. It was so peaceful and quiet and absolutely stunning.