Burns Night

So on Saturday, the hus-creature and I went out for a pre-op last hurrah which co-incided with his office’s idea of going to a Burns Night bash.

So out we went.

You cannot say that The Haven didn’t make an effort.

Included in the meal was a nip of a very glorious whisky:

The Bruichladdich Octomore

Yes, that’s dollars a shot! It retails at over $150 a bottle. And it’s peated. But honestly, it was glorious.

This was my tipple for the evening:

It is a Sherlock Holmes:

Basically a posh Hot Toddy, but it was delicious. Normally when cocktails are an option I mix and match to switch it up, but this was so good I didn’t bother.

I got my nails done ๐Ÿ’—

<<<<< apparently I can keep for surgery (in six days ๐Ÿ™€๐Ÿ™€๐Ÿ™€)

It was a lovely evening. We didn’t get home til 01:30 though as we were apparently on the last train home so we were stuck waiting stationary for over half an hour for the last trains on other lines. Such fun!

Our sitter was amazing though bless her – kept her informed and paid her a “we are sorry the travel time sucked” bonus.

Then on Sunday I got my hair redone. This is the first time since we moved.

So a lot needed bleaching:

(Please note that the original blue still won’t die!!!)

The reaction of the kids was hilarious too. #1 Son loved it.

You are blonde like me mummy.

TT? Oh no. She hated it. Would not come near me at all. Ran into her room, glowered at me, shook her head, stayed with daddy. The lot really.

Even when it was finished she spurned me ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿ˜‚

However the following morning she came wandering in, looked at me and said:

Mommy beautiful head

And touched it, so I am now apparently forgiven. Interestingly, #1 Son is/was most annoyed that I didn’t keep the blonde. And did not accept the explanation that it didn’t suit me ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป

Of Therapists and friendly gestures

Today we had our initial booking assessment for counselling for #1 Son.

It’s to assist with his IEP – the psychologist referred us and I would be stupid to refuse the help. In my view anything that helps him handle the world and his place in it is a bonus.

Information will be shared between the counsellor, the school and his Primary Care Physician. Again, this just seems smart and sensible – it limits the risks of triangulation and keeps everyone on the same page.

The counsellor seems lovely, and I hope will be dubbed another Feelings Lady. We start fortnightly sessions on Tuesday from 02 January.

This is a very positive step.

Yesterday I had my nails done again

I’ve switched to a more local salon which is half the cost of the one based in Cambridge.

I’m learning the value of shopping around though, as the wonderful H (from downstairs) and her daughter were still shocked at the $30 price tag attached to these festive lovelies.

So, she has suggested that I go with her in the New Year and we get them done together. And I’m really happy to do that.

Last week I popped down with a pretty hamper of goodies to say thank you and merry Christmas, as I firmly believe in kind gestures (and we all know I really want to make friends here)!

She was shocked speechless but in a good way

Last night she came up with a beautiful plate of hand baked cookies on a “Giving Plate” which we are to in some way inscribe our names on and pass on.

I’ve already scoffed about half the cookies (yes I let the kids help), asked for the recipes and offered knitting lessons in return.

I’m so grateful for the offer of friendship. She seems so nice, we seem to get on well and heck she lives downstairs.

Long may this continue.

What we did at the weekend

We decided to put the new shiny (car) through his paces.

Took the kids out for lunch on Saturday where #1 Son actually ate food. TT demanded a burger then refused to eat it.

No change there then. ๐Ÿ™„๐Ÿ™„๐Ÿ™„

The wonderful hus-creature then dropped me off for my nail appointment.

Due to unforeseen casualties, which included breaking every nail, and actually ripping two of them (and yes that did hurt. A lot.) I had been forced to cancel and reschedule. It had therefore been three weeks since my last one.

So poor Lily had a bit of a mess to work with, but she managed these amazing Halloween nails:

She didnโ€™t have all her brushes so the free style drawing is, to me, even more impressive! Sheโ€™s actually on leave in a fortnight (how very dare she ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿคฃ) so Iโ€™ve been forced to book for another 3 weeks time. Ah well, theyโ€™ll be gorgeous for thanksgiving at least.

Sunday was even better. We went to New Hampshire (first time Iโ€™ve crossed state lines) to spend the afternoon with friends at their small holding.

It. Was. Awesome.

First we stopped for lunch:

Then once we arrived I met all the animals Iโ€™ve heard so much about.

The goats:

Lib will be breeding the biggest goat soon for milk and bebbeh goats ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•

The steers:

They are being raised for meat. Faux and Lib asked us to stay for dinner (which was not expected and very generous of them) and we ate Ronald. Who was their previous beef steer. With apologies to those vegetarians and vegans who may read this, home reared meat is delicious.

I met the alpacas. Knit and Purl.

ย This is Knit, she hates everyone and will eat your soul given half a chance.

She definitely has resting bitch face:

This is Purl, who is slightly lighter in colour, and will tolerate humans and the very occasional pet:

There were all the chickens and ducks:

I was also given a dozen fresh eggs to take home. Iโ€™m planning yumminess with those… store bought eggs here are just not the same.

Also the next dinner:

This cockerel is being evil to the other males so at some point omnomnom.

It may seem cruel to some but honestly? Iโ€™m genuinely impressed with the set up, and it teaches where food really comes from. Could I slaughter or pluck myself? Maybe not, but knowing the animal is genuinely free range? Priceless.

There are also various house animals including a dog (who was shut away as #1 Son was nervy), two house cats we didnโ€™t meet, and a house rabbit that TT just adored. There were also baby chicks and barn cats that stayed aloof. Itโ€™s such a wonderful setup.

All the kids had a blast, and I got some adult time ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป

I have the best husband ever

No seriously I do.

I have had what you might call a trying time this last few weeks, culminating in this last one.

Now it did improve by the end for #1 Son but TT? Ahhhh no.

So I have been a leetle stressed.

Today is/was my usual standing fortnightly date for nails.

They are purdy. And the patterns appeal to my twisted brain ๐Ÿ’—

So as I left I noticed a message from the hus-creature.

He had paid for me to have a full massage.

So here I am, after a gorgeous steam shower, full body Swedish massage. I feel amazing.

He is a wonderful man

And I know what I may ask for when my birthday rolls around ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’—