tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142471282011-11-20T21:19:21.741ZGeneral ruminations, considerations & musings. Oh - and what I ate last Tuesday.PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.comBlogger3231100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-14102232752750274122011-09-25T20:24:00.002+01:002011-09-25T20:25:59.187+01:00

So, there's an organisation in the UK called 'Little Kickers', which teaches football (soccer) skills to children age 18 months - 7 years. It's less about bootcamp and creating mini-Beckhams, and more geared towards using football "as a fun forum to instil our growing squad with a little extra confidence, co-ordination, control and sense of camaraderie; which we feel will stand them in very good

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-86042467938783928492011-09-18T22:03:00.000+01:002011-09-18T22:03:18.071+01:00

If you know me, you know I love magazines. So I was thrilled to be able to hear the “grande dame from Derbyshire”, Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey, speak at the V&A today, to an audience of 100-or-so about her 10 years at the magazine. Held as part of London Fashion Week and in conjunction with a new exhibition and book, Harper's Bazaar: Greatest Hits, it was less a structured

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-66262272014186505612011-09-17T21:58:00.000+01:002011-09-17T21:58:48.640+01:00

This year’s Vermont vacation at Camp Nana (and Poppy) started off uneventfully enough... flight ok (Paige even managed to sleep), manageable jetlag (if you don’t include Paige waking up at 2 a.m. the first morning, me thinking it was 5, and getting up with her for an hour or so until we realised it was going to be a long-haul ‘til sunrise and eventually getting back to sleep), and general

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-7065098390243293972011-04-28T15:08:00.000+01:002011-04-28T15:08:48.178+01:00

I'm trying to be cynical, but I can't, I just can't. Why should I care that there will be oak trees brought in to Westminster Abbey (in honour of the Middleton family's new crest), or that William's asked for a special McVitie's chocolate digestives cake, or that maid-of-honour Pippa's trying to hang disco balls in Buckingham Palace for the after-after party. (or should that be after-after

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-4119132787827354662011-04-23T20:53:00.000+01:002011-04-23T20:53:32.489+01:00

Seems a bit surreal that only three weeks ago I was still in New York – just shows how quickly holiday effects can wear off and you can settle back into your regular routine... Before it becomes a hazy memory, however – I thought I’d record it here for the whole wide web world to see. Or at least the two to three readers I occasionally get, who probably don’t even visit any more considering I

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-84106789230767266852011-01-08T18:11:00.000Z2011-01-08T18:11:46.867Z

locomotion by laundry When I started to think back over the past year, what struck me first was that fact that only one short year ago, Paige was not yet walking. Close, sure – but when midnight struck, hurling us from 2009 into 2010, our little Paigey was still lurching from sofa to chair and back again, or using the upturned laundry basket for support*. And now? Nothing stopping her, as our

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-2717693734214373082010-10-05T13:50:00.000+01:002010-10-05T13:50:17.040+01:00

Fun at Friendly's After the Montshire spashapalooza, the rest of the trip followed a similar pattern for the most part - outings in the mornings, chillin' at Camp Nana (and Poppy) in the afternoon. Not every morning saw us visit a proper tourist spot, but hey, to us furriners, Old Navy is a definite attraction. And we even got to experience Friendly's legendary customer service (does the

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-10694102961752970042010-09-21T14:30:00.000+01:002010-09-21T14:30:31.270+01:00

At the moment, we've got Paige in a fairly set daily routine, especially as meals and sleep is concerned. I'd planned and assumed we'd relax this somewhat on holiday, so as to not impact the various activities we anticipated. However, I found that keeping to a roughly 1pm *home* naptime (Paige isn't the best car or pram sleeper) turned out to be a nice way to manage our days. Keeping this 1 pm

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-26841596145009860602010-09-13T14:44:00.000+01:002010-09-13T14:44:12.686+01:00

I know the photos have hit Facebook already, but thought I'd re-ignite the blog for anyone interested in a little more context. Three weeks ago Tuesday we loaded the 4 backpacks, 3 people and 2 overstuffed suitcases into 1 large minicab and headed off to Heathrow to kick off Camp Nana (and Poppy) 2010. And one week ago Tuesday, we hauled the same and more back to Planet Wulfagar, thanks in part

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-80837681307040139722010-07-14T14:14:00.000+01:002010-07-14T14:14:54.524+01:00

"Trevor Sorbie Hair Salon for Children," said the voice on the end of the phone. My husband's voice, in fact. The same husband to whom I'd casually mentioned that morning, "I wonder if we should cut Paige's hair. It's getting a bit scraggly at the back." I'd merely called to let husband know I was on my way hime, and instead learned he'd taken my throwaway comment as a request. An order, nay. (

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-16143027022637368522010-07-04T20:29:00.000+01:002010-07-04T20:29:13.783+01:00

Wish we could have been with the rest of the family in Vermont, but at least we did have an almost as great non-celebratory 3rd-4th of July weekend here in mother England... Saturday saw us venture out for an in-town adventure... one that due to timing would mean NO SCHEDULED NAP for Paige. Eek! How would she fare??! After a typically early wake-up call, we hit the road (well, Tube) by 8:45.

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-69321792321124406572010-06-26T15:14:00.002+01:002011-05-10T09:27:29.273+01:00

Bzzzzzz! "Delivery!" Two minutes and an ID-checked signature later, I held in my hands proof that my daughter is now a dual-national. It only took us 18 months, but we finally got around to taking care of the paperwork AND the both-parents+child "interview" at the Embassy. After filling out multiple forms, including the one where I, as the American parent, had to list all the dates SINCE BIRTH

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-22627424388848807712010-06-13T13:52:00.001+01:002010-06-13T13:54:55.974+01:00

Belated birthday blog, that is. It's taken me a week to recover from my fantastic 40th birthday weekend -- I guess things really do slow down with these advancing years. I can feel me bones a-creakin' already... The festivities began when I was still a youthful 39 years, 11 months, and 29 days. I'd hoped to go to New York for a girls' weekend for my 40th, but 'twas not to be (there's always next

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-49692445716782898492010-06-03T21:42:00.000+01:002010-06-03T21:42:36.826+01:00

Another weekend, another race. This time the Bupa 10,000 from Buckingham Palace through the City and back, taking in some of the 2012 marathon course. The day started off overcast and a bit chilly -- so not bad for a race, really. Certainly better than 80 degree sunshine would've been. And this time I had a couple of supporters with me in the forms of Ashley and Paige, so my spirit was warmed at

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-3975829372382368302010-05-29T08:49:00.000+01:002010-05-29T08:49:27.443+01:00

Weelll... maybe famous is overstating. But still -- nice to be featured on the Quilts for Kids website!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-61211278328538133072010-05-26T21:23:00.000+01:002010-05-26T21:23:16.176+01:00

Saturday dawned bright and sunny, a great day for a 5k. So, what great timing that I actually had a 5k to run that day! I was supposed to run with a friend, but she, er, never got around to registering, so off I trooped to Regent's Park on my lonesome. One train, one tube, and several minutes of walking later I arrived at the gathering point for that Saturday's Race for Life -- one of many being

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-87699221632793707592010-05-19T12:43:00.000+01:002010-05-19T12:43:19.078+01:00

Picked up Paige from nursery last Friday, only her second full day in 'Toddler 1' (last month was just a trial). When I got there she seemed to be playing happily with some Duplo-esque blocks, but dropped them when she saw me, and ran over, smiling. Ah, all normal and as it should be. "She was fine today," said Nursery Worker 1 (I still haven't learned the upstairs names yet). "Good nap, ate all

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-20103724958317696992010-05-06T16:16:00.000+01:002010-05-06T16:16:48.193+01:00

Aww... we had our first parent-teacher evening last week, complete with mom- and dad-sized adults perching on toddler-sized chairs. Paige received a glowing report, no suprise... but then again, could she really 'fail' at playing in the sandbox and colouring? She did get specifically singled out for *not* eating the crayons, so extra gold star there... now only if she would remember that while at

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-47418340781181834902010-04-08T20:12:00.000+01:002010-04-08T20:12:57.984+01:00

Awww... our little girl is growing up! When we arrived to pick her up from daycare today, we were informed that she'd spent the morning not in her normal "baby" room, but upstairs in "toddler 1". Normally you don't move until about 18 months... but hey - Paige is a genius. And she also appears to be the largest child in the baby room by some way, so upward-ho!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-52033226964762209432010-04-08T11:29:00.000+01:002010-04-08T11:29:16.602+01:00

Phew, finally after crazy work schedule and then icky flu-like bug, I'm back to normality... Slow run today, a bit behind schedule, but will get there. Still annoyed at my nike+ kit however -- I bought a brand new sensor, and still didn't seem to work. So now as far as I can calculate, I've run 38+ miles, and my Nike+ chart only records 33... very frustrating! Fingers crossed however the sun

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-79734467477865822852010-03-10T13:37:00.000Z2010-03-10T13:37:37.665Z

I can't believe I forgot my camera! That's what I thought as I watched Paige toddle happily around Snakes & Ladders 'indoor adventure playground' today for the first time. Because she absolutely LOVED it. We went from slide to toy car to swings and back again, Paige giggling all (well most) the while. Probably the best thing about it is that the age groups are separated -- so Paige wasn't being

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-17900547955998394322010-03-09T09:46:00.000Z2010-03-09T09:46:13.909Z

Paige has always loved books - but in the last week or so she's developed even more of a passion for them. Combined with her increasing walking coordination, that means she now no longer is content to simply throw all the books off the shelf. No, now she selects a few to throw off the shelf... and then picks them up and brings them to the closest available reader, and plunks herself down for a

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-6816218794184930182010-03-08T21:20:00.001Z2010-03-08T21:21:47.590Z

I'm quite happy to see that 10 days in, I'm 6 miles over schedule. Or 4.2 miles over if you only look at my Nike+ log. I've discovered the quite frustrating fact that it doesn't aaaalllways work. Like last Friday, when I quite excitedly did a brisk and short invigorating run that felt just great, saw the total would put me just over 10 miles, plugged my iPod in to sync, and.... nothing.. The run

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-90547442124005300812010-03-02T14:41:00.001Z2010-03-02T14:42:10.158Z

For the maybe one person who stumbles across this blog who *didn't* get the e-mail I sent out... my 40th birthday fast approaches, and I've decided to run 100 miles in the 100 days leading up to it. Not just for myself, mind you. My willpower is such that without some sort of external pressure I'd probably hit about, oh, 17 miles before finding one sort of excuse after another and before you know

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-11479528942720340452010-01-20T20:41:00.000Z2010-01-20T20:41:52.456Z

And that's just what they'll do!  When worn by the adorable Miss 'Walking' Paige. Every day is an adventure with the little darling; today's was a trip for her very first pair of shoes. Wow - much more of a travail than I expected. I knew proper fitting of these precious little feet was important, but didn't realise just how long it would take - and how much variation there is in sizing from one

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-20520067150791532832009-12-10T09:44:00.001Z2009-12-10T09:45:38.670Z

Happy Birthday Paige -- what a difference a year makes!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-47089760385520569642009-11-26T13:53:00.000Z2009-11-26T13:53:59.323Z

Got this catalogue from our local bookstore the other day, with friendly holiday greeting on the back -- shown below. Look closely (or maybe not so closely) -- what's wrong with this message? Oh dear. As someone who's sent proof-read brochures still containing an error, to newspaper editors across the country no less, I can sympathise... but I do wonder -- did they discover the error and think

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-44354608826380974662009-11-22T20:14:00.000Z2009-11-22T20:14:38.200Z

Last night Ashley surprised me with 5-year-living-together-anniversary dinner out, complete with friendly neighbourhood babysitter (thanks Amber!) And the surprise venue was a newish Kew restaurant called A Taste of McClements which, as the name suggests, has a tasting-menu style approach. Although I think they will make substitutions (the waiter asked us if everything on the menu looked ok),

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-81040233467908685142009-11-12T14:25:00.000Z2009-11-12T14:25:37.839Z

So I fiiiiiinally used my baby-shower-gift spa voucher, treating myself to a lovely pedicure morning at Cupcake, a cute spa / cafe / yummy mummy hotspot in Putney (thanks Carmen). The place is specifically geared to mums (and mums-to-be), so they even have a daycare -- but I left Paige home for this one. Public transport on your own is enough to impact that restful post-treatment feeling;

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-44340796161330692622009-11-04T13:30:00.000Z2009-11-04T13:30:28.507Z

(well, c'mon Team Female didn't really rhyme...) In any case, Mom, Kara, and my legion of other female followers... get clicking here on the Trivial Pursuit Experiment, and bring victory to the women of the world -- we've got until 9 December to keep those horrid boys from winning -- and holding it over our heads forever. (Ashley still hasn't forgotten his Scrabble success of 2 Christmasses ago.

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-70429807820178080082009-10-30T09:40:00.000Z2009-10-30T09:40:53.552Z

No fancy toys for Paige, no, no. Paige is a perfect example of our new make-do economy, using ordinary household objects in place of those new-fangled pricy store-bought items. Yessir... rattles & drums? Nah, empty water bottles and tissue boxes. Shiny new walker? No way mom, the laundry basket will do nicely!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-42714200378733587102009-10-21T14:32:00.000+01:002009-10-21T14:32:18.494+01:00

Finally -- I've got proof that Paige did indeed take swimming lessons! Hmm... Paige did not exactly take to the water like the proverbial duck, or even her not-so-proverbial Poppy. But give her time -- we could still have a Michaela Phelpette on our hands (less the illegal substance smoking of course). Of course, we're rooting for international tennis prodigy / supermodel (more bucks to support

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-7135213681931735202009-10-15T13:50:00.000+01:002009-10-15T13:50:12.414+01:00

Gotta say I'm impressed with 1st Class Celebrations' mailing list planning... never heard of the company before, and what lands on my doorstep only 8 weeks before Paige's birthday? (her first, for those of you who haven't been keeping track) None other than the company's '1st Birthday Book: filled with everything to make your baby's 1st birthday extra special.' I never knew you could buy so much

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-22706933713979226792009-09-27T13:02:00.000+01:002009-09-27T13:02:25.238+01:00

I really wish I had an infrared camera last night. Paige has suddenly become the sitting and standing queen, and her crib is an especially helpful environment.  Usually she goes to sleep almost instantaneously at night, but last night we had a bit of a mare, as she spilled milk all over, so I had to change her clothes just as she was nodding off. I *hoped* it wouldn't wake her too much -but no

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-71398528814303806562009-09-18T14:07:00.000+01:002009-09-18T14:07:11.817+01:00

Yesterday saw me break routine and actually go out somewhere with Paige in the middle of the day. Amazing. And we even ventured onto public transport again without promise of assistance -- double amazing. Our Thursday adventure was an outing to the Natural History Museum with friend Liz and her two kids, 4 and 1. The adventure was made even more adventurous by the fact neither of us had working

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-36090919308935032952009-09-16T13:46:00.001+01:002009-09-16T13:46:30.341+01:00

In the past couple of weeks, Paige has been getting increasingly mobile -- to the point where I can only leave her a few minutes, otherwise who knows where she might end up. For example, yesterday I was in the kitchen, and I left her sitting quietly on her playmat, babbling to herself. I'd look in every minute or two, and she'd still be in essentially the same place. Until... I looked once more,

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-50531271400986364682009-09-13T13:27:00.000+01:002009-09-13T13:27:37.120+01:00

 Ok, look again. Look closely. Now check the date the sale happens, with the date the e-mail was sent to me. Yep, thanks NFL UK -- way to build an audience. Not that I necessarily would've gone -- but as I'm not the time traveller's wife, nor a time traveller myself, receiving this e-mail nearly 24 hours late, meant I'm definitely not going to be able to purchase tickets.

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-31722854380338883002009-09-10T09:30:00.001+01:002009-09-11T13:48:01.994+01:00

When do you stop quoting months for a child's age? Is it at about 2 years? I know plenty of people who say their child is '21 months', '19 months', etc... but not a lot of '27 months'. I can't seem to remember when I stopped with the weeks calculation -- maybe about 5 - 6 months. Saying she's '37 weeks' just sounds a bit odd. Her most recent achievement is the faceplant. She's trying soooo hard

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-2170898258634300882009-09-06T21:15:00.000+01:002009-09-06T21:15:08.545+01:00

Busy busy weekend for a change -- venturing into central London both Saturday and Sunday, amazing. Saturday was a girlie afternoon outing -- helping friend Carmen indulge in some 'me' (well, 'us') time before the arrival of Carmenette later this month. Five of us descended on the Langham's Palm Court to enjoy an afternoon tea of deliciously wicked cakes and devilishly delectable sandwiches (

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-64026491577254730242009-09-02T14:06:00.003+01:002009-09-02T14:16:51.072+01:00

Took Paige for her 8 - 10 month 'developmental' check up today. Although they'll weigh your baby at any time (well, any time the well baby clinic is open, so any of 3 1/2 hours of the week), they'll only measure said baby at prescribed intervals: 6 - 8 weeks, 8 - 10 months, and, er, I think 2 1/2 years. Other than that you're on your own.I also thought they were supposed to check developmental

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-31578180142342338002009-08-23T08:56:00.002+01:002009-08-23T09:05:15.999+01:00

Once again, I am surpised at the differences between the American and English languages. So close, and yet... Case in point: What would you call this:If you're American, I'm thinking you'll guess crib. Nope. Over here it's a cot. Or technically a cot-bed, which I think is marginally larger than a cot, and can convert into a bed. Isn't a cot a bed, you ask? Y'know, those narrow things you sleep

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-79491799502944957932009-08-10T13:43:00.004+01:002009-08-10T19:43:54.233+01:00

Yep, 2/3 of the year gone, slowly creeping towards that all exciting 1st Birthday... I must say, that as each successive month becomes a smaller percentage of her life to date, the developmental changes get a little less frequent. As such, fewer new things since the last partial birthday update... but what she can do, she can do better! (no you can't, yes I can, no you can't, yes I can, yes I

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-48492044826849638232009-08-05T09:53:00.005+01:002009-08-05T13:10:35.827+01:00

Had a lovely weekend, starting with an afternoon off on Saturday while Ashley looked after the little princess. After a somewhat rainy lunch in a nevertheless super-crowded Borough Market, Nadia (Ashley's colleague Gerhard's wife) and I headed to the Menier Chocolate Factory. No longer making delectable sweet treats, it's now a cosy theatre and restaurant.Playing at the moment is a fun revue,

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-58921289951667700142009-07-31T12:56:00.003+01:002009-07-31T13:05:46.855+01:00

Pretty interesting article by Michael Chabon in The New York Review of Books a few weeks ago: The Wilderness of Childhood. Relatively oft-repeated lament, that our children are growing up much more protected than in the good ol' days, with parental fear replacing common sense, despite the fact that stranger-danger has remained fairly consistent (and low) for decades.And it's true -- I rarely if

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-32752246879883078482009-07-28T13:32:00.005+01:002009-07-28T13:51:51.460+01:00

This Sunday, with Ashley's cousin Deb and kids, we ventured into London via a less frequently used method of transport these days -- boating down the River Thames. Less frequently used, because it takes 50% longer, only makes 2 - 3 trips / day, and costs about 3 times as much. But the trade-off is a gentle journey and a different perspective on London -- never a bad thing.We went as far as

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-84913120930109344562009-07-26T09:08:00.002+01:002009-07-26T09:17:10.296+01:00

Huh. Turns out there's no law against bonfires in Richmond, no matter how residential your area may be.Why do I know this? Yesterday was a lovely sunny day, so we had most of the windows in the flat open. About 2:30, I noticed a burning smell -- which we first thought was the regular weekend barbecue in the pub next door. But I quickly realised it was a much stronger, less meaty smell... and

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-65443721325933086892009-07-21T13:21:00.005+01:002009-07-21T13:39:16.548+01:00

What the? Starbucks is introducing 'unbranded' stores? 'Stealth cafes'? Starbucks, Starbucks, Starbucks... I love ya, but just don't see how this will work.People who like Starbucks will go to you whatever branding you've got. People who *don't* like Starbucks may go once, but if they find out the 15th Avenue Tea & Coffee is actually the evil empire of coffee, they're not only unlikely to come

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-88868311237634016942009-07-20T12:50:00.002+01:002009-07-20T12:59:41.231+01:00

That's a fear of loud noises, by the way, at least according to The Phobia List. And I think Paige may be a ligyrophobe... She's never been particularly found of the garbage disposal, so we tend to run it in short bursts, and try to do it when she's out of the room, or when one of us can be giving her a cuddle at the same time.Well, today I learned the vacuum cleaner is another no-no. And before

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-54677120941818447832009-07-17T13:28:00.002+01:002009-07-17T13:32:20.863+01:00

I read today that Facebook is introducing more targeting tools for advertisers. I'm all for that -- I really don't mind seeing ads on a free service, especially if they're actually for things I might be interested in.I'm hoping that targeting isn't fully in place yet, however... otherwise I wonder what my profile says about me that I just received *this* ad!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-50427200926182075472009-07-16T13:24:00.003+01:002009-07-16T13:29:20.520+01:00

Hmm... my infinitely wittier, well-read, interestingly-opinionated and altogether more erudite brother-in-law now has a blog. Must up my game. Write more. And get some opinions somewhere. Or at least do some things worth opining on. (On which I feel worthy of opining?)

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-46006076058361851112009-07-09T12:24:00.001+01:002009-07-09T12:25:54.794+01:00

It's a bit hard to see, because everyone moves around quite a bit, but Paige is in the back on the right...

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-26850005618530778772009-07-07T13:16:00.002+01:002009-07-07T13:19:30.038+01:00

Thanks very much Nana for these very cute pants, made by hand with love. And I think Paige's keister is about the only place that doesn't get sticky banana-sweet potato-pea-carrot goop on it whenever she eats, so the lovely handiwork should stay clean!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-22048373287280835352009-06-30T09:04:00.005+01:002009-06-30T09:28:46.113+01:00

Phew! Thank goodness it didn't rain this past Saturday -- the date set for the "Can-you-believe-they're-six-months-already" picnic. Five of the six couples who started NCT classes last November as twosomes (with bumps) met up in Kew Gardens as trios. We found the shadiest spot possible, spread our many blankets, and ate far too much food (with still plenty of leftovers -- isn't that always the

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-80057956102301953692009-06-28T13:15:00.003+01:002009-06-28T13:20:21.807+01:00

A million thank-yous to Janelle for Paige's new favourite toy, the Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo. Given how active Paige is, we had a feeling she'd like it -- but it was good to see theory in action. She LOOOOOOVES it -- the photo and video can only convey about 1% of how much.Now we just need to convince her to stop growing for a while, so she doesn't outgrow it too quickly!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-62158607245694823272009-06-26T08:57:00.004+01:002009-06-26T09:03:18.706+01:00

According to the Economist, chickens are the new thing... Of course, Lucy could've told them that already!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-86290494978616672652009-06-12T20:15:00.003+01:002009-06-12T20:18:18.596+01:00

Well, a couple of days... only 2 days ago, Paige could only sit up with support -- and today? Look mom, no hands! OK, so she can only stay up for about 10 - 15 seconds, but today 15 seconds, tomorrow who knows?!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-20454990847162403782009-06-10T19:51:00.005+01:002009-06-10T20:31:16.285+01:00

OMG, cannot believe it's been nearly 2 months since I've posted anything -- belated birthday resolution: must do better!And will start by saying Happy Half-Birthday Paige. So that's where my posting time's gone! Recent accomplishments of the nearly 16-pound darling:--eating (ish) real food... likes: apple, banana, peach, pear; dislikes: broccoli, peas, vegetables of all sorts--turning over from

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-33502303508776365392009-04-12T16:36:00.003+01:002009-04-12T16:39:00.732+01:00

If only these hair bands had existed when I was a baby -- no more taping bows onto my fuzzy head. Although I am a teeny bit suspicious that there are no photos in the gallery (am I missing something), and the how-to instructions are illustrated with photos of a doll. I can't imagine Paige sitting still for the styling, and definitely not the hair spray!Maybe we'll just wait for her to acquire

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-48257195252315074722009-04-10T08:00:00.000+01:002009-04-10T08:00:02.277+01:00

Yep, 4 months have gone by, amazing. Even more amazing when I compare pictures from those first weeks with today.I think my favourite thing about her getting older is every day discovering new things she's learned... in the past few weeks, she's started grabbing for toys (which go straight into her mouth, assuming a pacifier's not there already), and she's able to hold her head a bit more when

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-82758408324380671922009-03-31T16:05:00.003+01:002009-03-31T16:11:57.852+01:00

... sure I'd get the house, travel, etc... but THIS would be my frivolous purchase. I can't explain why, but I love, Love, LOVE this bag.

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-75836200398659426192009-03-30T19:31:00.003+01:002009-03-30T19:33:41.529+01:00

Paige's passport came today, complete with bruiser convict photo... I cannot believe THIS is what she'll be travelling with for the next 5 years. Of course, we still need to get her a US one -- maybe that will look a tiny bit more like her!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-88204968148779283212009-03-22T11:41:00.003Z2009-03-22T11:51:02.805Z

To my wonderful mother -- I heard this story about later-in-life Bat Mitzvahs on NPR, and thought of you. I'm still so proud of your efforts (at much younger than 91!), and so happy I was able to be there to support you Mom!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-73537717355564010562009-03-21T14:36:00.004Z2009-03-21T14:41:11.340Z

Saw this the other day, thanks DanMeth.com... clearly there's a gap in the market for a sitcom based in the Montana/Wyoming/Idaho area. Possibly an adopted-at-birth, raised-on-the-upper-West-Side man is disowned by his parents, and comes to live with his newly-discovered neo-Nazi militia brother, and hilarious wacky odd-couple-esque adventures ensue...

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-91451241258039922652009-03-10T10:24:00.003Z2009-03-10T10:33:43.151Z

Wow -- we've made it to 3 months. And amazingly enough, things are actually getting into a little more of a routine, just as everyone says. What changes have we racked up over the past 3 months?Nearly doubling in size -- at last weigh in, over a week ago, Paige tipped the scales at 11 1/2 pounds... she must be hitting near 12 by nowMuch more focusing of the eyes -- especially when she looks at

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-27814498118366096262009-03-05T08:28:00.004Z2009-03-05T08:37:13.475Z

Yesterday's grand adventure? Getting Paige her passport photos -- this little girl is definitely going to be an international jetsetter, so need to get her a passport ASAP.According to British Passport Service rules, for a baby, the eyes don't have to be open, but it does need to be face forward, and with both ears showing. And Mom cannot be in the picture -- not even a few fingers propping Baby

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-60266215076099833952009-02-18T14:10:00.004Z2009-02-18T14:18:25.808Z

OK, it may not be incredible that a baby is growing. I guess really that's what said baby is supposed to be doing, what with all that feeding and sleeping. But still -- it seems pretty amazing that just on milk Paige can nearly double in size in 10 weeks. As of today, she's 5.05 kg (or 11 lb 2 oz for you imperialists)To see what almost doubling in size looks like -- the picture on the left is at

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-7900003680713081222009-02-13T15:58:00.002Z2009-02-13T16:01:04.514Z

Starbucks selling instant coffee?? What the??? If it's as good as Starbucks, then why buy the real stuff. And if it's not, how can it possible help the company to sell an inferior product? Howie, Howie, Howie... how can this be restoring Starbucks to its original glory?

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-25422817654915925042009-02-12T16:02:00.002Z2009-02-12T16:06:10.402Z

I finally got around to reading the December 2005 (eek - I'm a little behind) issue of the Swarthmore Bulletin, and found an article about the 'Essential Reading' for every Swarthmore student... Looks like I need to go back -- 4 years at Swat and I only managed 3 from the list. (Pride & Prejudice, Lord of the Rings, and Stephen Jay Gould's Burgess Shale, in case anyone's wondering...)

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-84574175973018692632009-01-27T10:11:00.005Z2009-01-27T14:30:57.521Z

When did it become impossible to buy baby girl clothes in anything but pink?? I don't remember what I wore as a baby (er, what I was dressed in) but I've certainly seen pictures of little-girl me, in all shades of orange, yellow, greens (well - it was the 70's, after all). I even remember a red plaid pant suit. But no pink.But today - that's all there is... As you can see in this photo of all the

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-36297258121662660642009-01-22T13:12:00.002Z2009-01-22T13:16:18.376Z

If I could afford real, proper, grown-up art, this is the sort of thing I'd buy. Su Blackwell turns books into intricately cut paper sculptures -- unlike anything I've seen. A few of her pieces were displayed at the V&A recently as part of their Blood on Paper exhibit. V&A? Books? Books as modern art?? My kind of trifecta!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-36661349196307168642009-01-15T17:01:00.002Z2009-01-15T17:12:19.296Z

Finally took Paige on public transport yesterday -- tube and bus -- and must say, it takes military planning. Not only are you faced with the normal baby-related stuff (pack enough nappies, possible change of clothes, when/where will you be able to feed, etc...) but you also need to consider which stations (if any) are stroller-accessible.You'd think in this age of disability-awareness, all would

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-48236846860250888602008-12-22T11:16:00.001Z2008-12-22T11:18:55.271Z

Merry Christmas!!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-17965853577960317252008-12-21T17:07:00.001Z2008-12-21T17:08:50.317Z

Caught this song on tv this morning -- a little late, but made me laugh!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-29481961088025943132008-12-18T19:16:00.003Z2008-12-18T19:23:38.745Z

It took us 8 days, but we've finally made it out of the house. (to be fair, the first few days we were in the hospital, so that doesn't count). Yep, it was time to leave the cozy home nest, and venture into the big bad world. Or perhaps not so bad -- fittingly enough for a baby with at least a little Seattle in her blood, where else could we make our first stroll but to Starbucks. Double tall

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-3252974927169760002008-12-18T12:23:00.001Z2008-12-18T12:25:06.215Z

Amusing Frank Deford piece on stupidest statistics on NPR. Well, I guess they need to find something to put on the Jumbotron...

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-69571943299367139132008-12-01T05:32:00.004Z2008-12-01T05:46:22.659Z

We had our first NCT class this Saturday. 5 sessions with other local first-time parents, trying to give us a better idea of what to expect for the birth... and beyond, for when you take this strange little creature home and have to look after it. Eek.Five weeks to go, though (if all goes according to schedule) and we're slowly getting organised. We've got the car seat - thanks Cat! - and a crib

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-51796037712603790402008-11-24T05:27:00.002Z2008-11-24T05:46:47.241Z

After an incredibly busy couple of weeks, it was great to be able to take off Friday and make my semi-annual pilgrimage to the Twisted Thread Knitting and Stitching Show. And to shake things up a bit, I decided to go all the way to Harrogate for this autumn's show (well, because I missed the recent London one, thanks to our lovely trip to Portugal).While I'm not sure I'd make the 8+ hour round

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-49635943768077639982008-11-09T12:43:00.004Z2008-11-09T12:59:08.463Z

Probably the worst thing about being pregnant and working in London is the public transport commute. For some reason (British reserve? Yes, I know I'm not actually British, but I've been here long enough to acquire some local habits) I just cannot bring myself to ask for a seat. And yet, on a crowded tube, after a long day at work, that's what I want more than anything.That same British reserve,

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-10159953204062394312008-11-02T17:47:00.001Z2008-11-02T17:48:37.582Z

I cannot possibly keep track of all the Obama songs and videos on YouTube... but do like this one!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-74337664387862868502008-10-27T21:02:00.002Z2008-10-27T21:09:16.661Z

Thanks NPR for another enjoyable Sunday challenge. I only say enjoyable because it's one I managed to solve!""Nonclassical analysis" contains eight different letters. Two of them occur once, two of them occur twice, two of them occur three times, and two of them occur four times each. Which sports team's name has this same property?"Answers on a card, please, by Thursday 3pm. Or submit online --

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-85989404412622851592008-10-25T17:25:00.002+01:002008-10-25T17:29:43.949+01:00

I'm not sure if I should tsk-tsk or applaud the work of 'Mr Bubbles' -- who recently turned the Trafalgar Square fountains into a massive bubble bath. Ok, yes, it probably cost a little to clean it up, but it looks like it was relatively safe material (household detergents, etc), and I'm sure that if I had just happened to be walking by and saw a foamy fountain, it would've brought a smile to my

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-44452969229889815402008-10-16T15:01:00.002+01:002008-10-16T15:03:05.726+01:00

Online at Flickr -- I know there should be some way to embed them here, but too tired to figure it out. Also I'm not sure why, when my photos were in order when I uploaded them, they're now all over the place... so the chronology is a bit off -- but hey, we were only there for 3 days, so it shouldn't be that confusing!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-46251044819098056912008-10-15T20:06:00.006+01:002008-10-15T21:19:52.315+01:00

So, a couple weeks ago, I wandered into Stanfords, the amazing travel bookstore in Covent Garden, on the lookout for a suitable guidebook to the Algarve.Culinary-suggestion-filled Top 10 Guide in hand, I wandered to the check out to pay for my purchase, when I realised the store seemed a bit more crowded than usual, even for a sunny Saturday afternoon. And then I realised the crowd wasn't milling

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-68039059506324245842008-10-13T20:28:00.002+01:002008-10-13T21:37:18.489+01:00

Before heading to Portugal for a lovely long weekend (or 'babymoon', according to my brother), I found myself wondering if there were any dishes particular to Portugal. I mean, I've heard of the custard pastries in Lisbon, but main meals? Y'know, like Spain has its paella and tapas?Fortunately I had the Top 10 Guide to the Algarve to tell me. Turns out one of the specialities of this southern

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-70696222026089433872008-10-08T23:24:00.004+01:002008-10-09T05:19:26.206+01:00

Things have been manic, and I've got SOOOO much I want to write about - cricketastic weekends, including one more tea, and the annual quiz; my latest crafty girl project; how little Stashley is coming along (very nicely thank you); my recent London celebrity encounter... oh I could go on & on!Unfortunately, I'll have to keep my extensive base of loyal readers in suspense just a leeeetle bit

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-90409331829819316792008-09-24T09:11:00.002+01:002008-09-24T09:16:10.161+01:00

I was delighted to for the first time be offered a seat on the very crowded Tube today -- so thanks to the woman who relinquished her seat, as I was feeling especially tired this morning, and the carriage was incredibly stuffy.And Earl would be happy to see karma working -- another seat opened up the next stop, and she was able to sit back down again.

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-19641808741072246152008-09-12T08:16:00.001+01:002008-09-12T08:19:18.000+01:00

Too too funny**of course, more relevant if you are actually familiar with Rick rolling... um, Mom, Dad - you hip with the kids on this one?

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-23065153865737754082008-09-09T08:00:00.000+01:002008-09-09T08:00:03.754+01:00

They say when a couple gets a dog, a baby's not long after.Well, we've got the baby on the way -- so seemed only right to get that dog in quickly.Therefore we wish a warm Planet Wulfagar welcome to Hugo, our new, charmingly sweet, full-size Dalmatian. And fortunately for us and our lease, Hugo is extremely well behaved. House AND outdoor trained, doesn't need any exercise, and doesn't bark. Not

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-77786119802195188092008-09-08T13:51:00.005+01:002008-09-08T14:11:21.075+01:00

So, Sunday dawned gray, and as predicted, rainy. However, the intrepid walkers made their way boldly to the park known as Hyde, prepared to do battle against the elements and crowds alike. And lo, upon arrival, the heavens cleared (well, at least the rain stopped), a clear sign that theirs was a worthy fight.Ok, enough hyperbole. Suffice it to say, Verity and I and little one-month-old Jessica

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-65762854611936381502008-09-07T07:27:00.003+01:002008-09-07T07:42:17.261+01:00

The weather forecast today? Rain, with showers and a little precipitation. Same as it's been all week and it seems all summer. (frankly I'm not sure what those little yellow lines indicate -- I do not expect any sunshine!) Activity today? Participation in the Adidas 5k Women's Challenge. Why oh why did they ever move this run from July to September?? (not that July guarantees sun any more than

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-37883700504239419172008-09-03T08:00:00.000+01:002008-09-03T08:00:01.255+01:00

The Economist* has finally written about yet another New York law to help (?) consumers avoid obesity and associated public health ills. After banning trans-fats, this January saw the introduction of mandatory calorie counts on all menu items. And it works. When I was in New York last summer, I thought I'd treat myself to a muffin. Now, I've never been one to kid myself that a blueberry muffin

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-52511602570430881232008-09-02T11:44:00.002+01:002008-09-02T11:54:04.258+01:00

I definitely miss Ashley while he's away in Cinci this week (boo-hoo), but I certainly get more done around the house! (not sure if that's a good thing...)This Sunday afternoon, with grey skies and rain thundering on the windows, was a perfect time to finally tackle my boxes/drawers/bags of myriad needlework projects in various states of completion. I'm happy to say that after some ruthless

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-2734276262296833462008-08-29T16:19:00.003+01:002008-08-29T16:23:57.221+01:00

This article in the Economist regarding the decline of yearbooks is so sad!! Or so I think as a former yearbook nerd and one who has recently been going through my old high school yearbooks 20 years later.Don't get me wrong, I'm no luddite & am all for Facebook and My Space and whatever new online (mobile? refrigerator-based?) communications tools come along. But these are great immediate tools -

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-19525717582323146492008-08-26T09:04:00.003+01:002008-08-26T09:17:58.417+01:00

An especially quiet one this time -- we headed over to Henley Saturday mid-morning, for a delightful lunch chez Agar (senior), and then Ashley headed off to play cricket for the day, leaving me sunning, napping, reading, and more napping. Bliss.And Sunday was a little more of the same -- less the sunning. Oh, and a little less napping as well -- rather I headed out to watch Ashley play yet

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-19631909515780717942008-08-10T22:08:00.002+01:002008-08-10T22:34:42.398+01:00

Finally made it to the Hayward this weekend at Southbank to see the Psycho Buildings exhibit -- phew, closing in 2 weeks so got there just under the wire. The exhibit has installations from a number of artists showing their take on architecture -- it's all quite fantastical, this is *not* an architecture show, it's an exhibition. I like the Hayward because it's not too big -- you can really take

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-1360606900853532762008-08-03T14:51:00.002+01:002008-08-03T14:56:03.668+01:00

How cool is this?! My absolute favourite cross-stitch designer, Michael Powell Art, has started a stitcher's gallery, and my personalisation effort made it in! Here's a link to the 'standard' design from the little gems series, and here's my work in the gallery. (Stefanie from London, 2nd entry down - that's me!)Today Michael Powell, tomorrow the world!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-68351004366830129522008-08-01T17:24:00.005+01:002008-12-12T03:17:42.585Z

If I had a dog, I would make him wear this shirt. And looking at this site, the majority of the online dog-t-shirt buying public is Democrat as well... (or even non-buying, as my vote seems to have counted too!) Not that I take this as a very accurate poll, but still, it's cute.

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-60698937417162888242008-07-26T13:03:00.002+01:002008-07-26T13:10:04.879+01:00

And ol' Elt has stricter rules than our family's 'must eat in a state to count' guideline. Nope, to get on John's list of states, he has to perform. And last Monday, after 39 years of American shows, he added his 50th state -- Vermont!And not only did he achieve the magical full complement of states -- but he got an even rarer treat: his own Ben & Jerry's icecream, Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road. Ok

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-31498349696788058762008-07-21T14:13:00.002+01:002008-07-21T14:15:21.331+01:00

Now really really congratulations & happy anniversary Mom & Dad -- and enjoy your balloon ride over the wilds of Seattle! (I was so keen on sending my best wishes I got a little ahead of myself this weekend & thought Saturday was the 21st!)Look forward to seeing the pictures!

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247128.post-35019618559334072362008-07-20T20:29:00.002+01:002008-07-20T20:34:18.571+01:00

I always knew lefties were the better half -- but nice to have Frank Deford confirm it for me on NPR. And we all know statistics never lie! (er, but not so sure about the 'goofier' comment at the end of the article...)

PlanetWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14128926041754607214noreply@blogger.com0