New Sofas

Do you remember my new sofas from six weeks ago? Well, even though I really like them, the rest of the family had mixed feelings and now we have ended up swapping them. We had to wait for the new ones to be made but I think they are worth it. The new sofas are a bit different because even though they are leather, they have fabric seats and backs. (Not cushion backs, I’m sorry but they would drive me insane.) They arrived on Monday morning at 7.30am. Just as we were getting the girls ready for school!

I believe everyone is happy with the new sofas. Well they had better be, I’m not changing them again. I’m just glad I was able to change my mind with no issues this time.

Sports Day

The girls are having sports day this week and they are both really excited about it. I was never a sporty person and I hated P.E. and sports day. The only game I really liked playing was rounders. I was good at the long jump, especially having longer legs, I barely had to put in any effort to get further than anyone else. I was rubbish at short distance running as I was a slow starter. I did manage to keep up stamina in longer races though. I can’t remember ever winning anything.

School sports day these days are much more fun, and the girls love them. Star can’t take part in a lot  because of her Elhers Danlos Syndrome. She suffers from tiredness, dizziness and joint pain. She does try as much as possible though and still has fun. The school is brilliant with her, if she says she can’t go on they let her stop.

Boo loves sport, she’s not the best at most things but she tries really hard. I’m hoping that she wins something as I know she will get a real boost if she does. I’ll be waiting impatiently to hear how she does. Daddy is going to watch her.

Update: Both girls had real fun on their sports days, no medals were won but they really enjoyed themselves. Boo did get a trophy at the year six leavers assembly, for being ‘Artfully Creative.’ Now, I’m waiting for them to come home from their last day at school…yay!

Holiday

It feel like I’ve been waiting for this Summer holiday for so long! We really deserve a rest from school. Can you believe, I have spent a whole term home educating the Little Man. He’s done really well and we have folder full of work to show the LEA when they come to check on him. As well as all the curriculum work we’ve also enjoyed learning about electronics, rainforests and magnets. We have even fitted in a little Quantum Physics!

He’s been reading a longer book than usual, Kid Normal by Greg James and Chis Smith. We can’t wait to see how the book ends.

The summer holiday is looking really exciting for us. We start with Boo’s birthday, I’m not sure what we will be doing yet but I do have her presents. Then we have a charity gig to go to and Graham will be on stage doing his part.

Next up is the Little Man’s birthday and I’m really hoping we can get out for the day. We have yet decided where to go  but I’m sure it will be fun. I have most of his birthday gifts ready.

Mid August we will be going on holiday, it’s a camp in Devon that we went to 8 years ago. Before the Little Man was born. We had such a brilliant time there that I’ve been waiting for a chance to go back and now I won’t have to wait too much longer.

After the holiday we still have some excitement as it will be Star’s birthday before they go back to school.

Rain

I think that when it rains it’s going to be so welcome as we’ve waited for so long now. It’s just not the way we expect our summer to be is it. We had a tiny bit of rain the other day, I was actually sat in the garden and felt it. Sadly, it was not enough to even leave the patio wet.

I want to it to rain now, a nice big downpour to bring back the green!

Then it can go away again and give some more weeks of glorious sunshine. I’ve never been a summer lover but I have to admit, I’ve felt so much better in the heat, the usual aches and pains are really not so bad. I can see why chronically ill people decide to move to hotter climates.

IVIG

IVIG, is the treatment I receive for my condition. I have it by infusion in hospital once a month and it seems to be helping. Before I used to have to wait 3 months for a treatment, but the monthly one is working much better so I’ll be telling my consultant at my appointment in October. I have been waiting patiently for my consultant appointment, I’ve been doing some research and want to ask him about some other treatments.

There won’t be too much waiting for my next treatments though. I have one next week and another the day before we go on holiday, how brilliant is that! Having it monthly also seems to reduce the side effects because the dose is smaller.

 Waiting

Hand holding a watch

Photo by Jaelynn Castillo on Unsplash

My word of the week this week is waiting because I’m waiting for so many things, thankfully they are all good.

 

Debs Random Writings
The Reading Residence

 

Birthday Treats.

It was eldest daughter’s birthday yesterday and we went out for sushi. I love sitting there watching the little plates go by and picking whatever takes your fancy.

two pieces of crab and avocado sushi

crab and avocado sushi

I started with a seaweed and edamame bean salad which had the most delicious tasting dressing on it, I wanted to lick the plate! (I didn’t though.) Then I picked up some crab and avocado sushi with sesame coated rice. I added a little wasabi and soy sauce and they were yummy!

a plate with two chicken dumplings and a little bowl of sauce for dipping

chicken gyoza

Next up were some chicken gyoza, small Japanese dumplings in a light crispy coating that come with a dipping sauce. I did have three but I’d eaten one before I took my photo…just too irresistible I guess.

I also shared a big selection of sushi with my son and daughter, I had the prawn sushi followed by a cucumber maki. I took a little dish and put some soy sauce in and mixed it with a little wasabi to make the perfect dipping sauce for the sushi.

a plate with two balls of chocolate truffles with a half strawberry on the side

chocolate mochi

For dessert I had chocolate mochi. These little balls are deceiving, they are made from a paste made with glutenous rice powder. basically they are a rice pastry covered chocolate truffles. I have tried to make them before but they didn’t turn out too well. I did try again which was a little better as I managed to get the right ingredients, but they still were not as nice as the ones at Yo Sushi.

So why are they deceiving. Well, they don’t look that attractive, and to be honest, what sounds so attractive about pastry covered truffles? BUT, they are the most gorgeous, mouth watering dessert I have ever tasted. I like them even better than Matcha Tiramisu. They are very rich though and I wouldn’t eat more than two.

Cake

Finally, on leaving the sushi restaurant we saw this cake shop and I couldn’t resist a photo. I wanted to buy a cake for my daughter’s birthday but we’d have had trouble getting it home in one piece, especially as it was so hot. Not only that, but they looked like you could easily share them with at least 14 people!

cake shop window

Anyone for Cake?

 

Have you ever been to a sushi restaurant? What’s your favourite dishes?

Photalife

 

Sunday Snap

 

Each week I join in two linkies that I love. One is Word of the Week and the other is Keeping it Real. If you don’t know what a linky is, it’s a link up of blogs where you share your blog and read others in return.

I’ve found that both these linkies seem to overlap and it’s hard for me not to end up repeating myself. I love writing about what we’ve been up to each week though and that’s really what my blog is about. So, I’ve made a decision. From now on I’m going to combine both posts and talk about my week while choosing a word that sums it up.

So, my Word of the Week this week is HOT! yes, in capital letters because it is very hot!

cartoon picture of a sun shining in a blue sky with a single white cloud.

France

My lucky Star had a 3 day break in sunny France last week and enjoyed every minute. I can’t believe that just a year ago I was reluctant to let her go on a residential trip to Kingswood, about 30 miles away, yet this year, I let her go to another Country! She was so excited about the trip though, and I wanted her to take the opportunity. Also, I have learnt how good her school is with her, especially with her extra needs.

She had a fabulous time though and got to visit an aquarium and a WWII beach, as well as some recreational beach time. She didn’t get home until 11.30pm on Friday.

Shopping

I had to go out to get a few things on Saturday and this meant having to take the kids shopping. This doesn’t always turn out well as not one them actually enjoys any kind of shopping unless I’m buying them stuff.

I got my things and gave them some money to spend in The Works which kept them happy. Then we had to get Boo some new trainers, the others waited outside.

Finally, we were going past a new clothes shop and Boo wanted to go in, she’s the only one of my daughter’s that is a girly girl and enjoys things like clothes shopping. I sent Dad and the Little Man to go and get some food from Greggs while I took the girls in the shop.

They went a little wild, picking out lots of new outfits, even Star got into the spirit, picking out clothes from the ladies section because she’s that big now. I even through in a pair of trousers and a top for myself. Boo begged me to buy her a ring from the costume jewellery section so I threw one in the basket, along with some socks for Daddy. I was a bit worried, partly because I didn’t have my glasses on and couldn’t see the prices, but also because I was buying all this from my new wheelchair fund. I was really surprised when the total came to less than £50. Quality wise I’d say the clothes were on par with Primark, but, we have trouble finding the right sizes in Primark and in this shop everything fitted just right.

We now have a few more items for our holiday wardrobe, I’m just hoping it’s this hot in August.

BBQ

Of course when it’s hot you have to get the BBQ out and have dinner al fresco. This is our plan for today and Hubby has just been out to stock up on baps. What I don’t get is, if we have burgers for dinner, then it will be one or two each with some fries and maybe some sweetcorn or beans. On the BBQ it seems that three or four is the norm, especially for the men, and that’s along with a couple of hot dogs, chicken drumsticks, bbq ribs and corn on the cob! I always make a bowl of salad too, but that seems to get missed.

Kingswood.

This weekend we see Boo off on her first residential trip to Kingswood, an outdoor adventure experience for children. She’ll be choosing from some fantastic activities like abseiling, hiking, go-karts and zip wire. It will be her first time away from home alone but I am sure she will be fine. (I may not, but I survived Star going to France.)

I just hope the weather stays nice for her, but maybe a little less hot as they’ll be doing lots of strenuous outdoor activities. I’ll be packing her sun cream and long sleeve t-shirts anyway.

Finally

I’ve rambled so much, maybe I should have stuck to two posts for this week! Anyway, we have a special weekend coming up as it’s my Eldest Daughter’s birthday. I’m going out for lunch for her, we are having sushi, our favourite. The other’s are not so keen so they can keep themselves occupied with a day in town, perhaps even a Burger King or Pizza Hut visit. Then on Sunday she’s off on her holiday to the South of France to spend some time with her Dad. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be hot there! She doesn’t normally go in Summer as her Dad works long hours, but she’s an adult now so she’ll find plenty to do on her own.

Next week is going to be pretty boring in comparison.

 

Debs Random Writings
The Reading Residence

 

Ash and Sabrina

We’ve introduced our new kitten to our old cat and it hasn’t gone too bad so far. First we bought Ash, the kitten, down in his cat carrier and although Sabrina wasn’t overly concerned about him she did give him a little sniff. Once loose, Ash started following Sabrina around, he seemed so keen to be friends. Unfortunately, Sabrina was not so keen and did hiss at him. They’ve been in the same room together a few times now and although the hissing has continued, she hasn’t really got any worse towards him. They have even touched noses without incidence.

Ash is a loveable little fella though and I’m sure he’ll win Sabrina over eventually. He is very interested in being friends with her, but he doesn’t pester her constantly.

He’s a lot like having a new baby, he’s kept me awake at night a few times now, and he craves attention all the time. I don’t mind though, he’s so adorable.

The Birthday Bash

It was my brother’s birthday on Friday and we all went out for a meal. It was great catching up with family and having a couple of drinks. I decided to take my sticks and walk in the pub restaurant, the wheelchair was in the boot just in case though. I thought we might need it when we couldn’t find a place in the car park close to the pub. My walking is very restricted so it has to be only a short distance. Then we spotted a place on the road right by the entrance. So, I walked in, much to the surprise of my family inside. The only problem was, they had sat the furthest away from the disabled loos, so I couldn’t drink too much!

The kids enjoyed playing outside and the adults did a lot of catching up. I made my brother’s birthday card myself and I was a bit worried as making cards is something new to me. He loved it though, so I was relieved. I drew a picture of him out with his pug and his drone. If you knew him, you’d know this was exactly him!

 

Home Education

The Little Man is doing well with his home education and his folders are already filling up. It’s hard to get him started and it’s hard to keep him going for very long, but in between the hard parts he’s working well. I do actually enjoy teaching him but I do miss having time to myself. Even teaching him for three hours a day is a massive chunk of my time. I do hope we will find a nice school for him soon, or for September when the new school year starts.

Mc Donalds Saves the Day

As I said, we went out on Friday and I did have a couple of vodkas, okay, double vodkas. I didn’t feel drunk, even tipsy, I even managed to walk out of the pub, which is more than I can say for some. I only drink vodka because I have never had a hangover with it. So, imagine my surprise when I woke up Saturday morning with what felt like a massive hangover. I had a headache, felt sick and was even more wobbly than usual. I didn’t feel any better as the day wore on but I tried to hide it as I knew Graham was going out on Saturday night and I didn’t want him to feel he had to stay in because I was hungover.

Unlike a hangover, I got worse and worse as the day wore on and when it came to dinner time, Graham had already left, and I felt awful. My eldest said that he’d buy us a take out to save me cooking, which was great, but I usually still end up cooking for the kids as the only take out’s they’ll eat are ones that you have to pick up, Mc Donalds, KFC, chips shop, and Graham had the car. Then I remembered a flyer that had been put through the door that said our local Mc Donalds now delivers. So I put an order in for the kids and 20 mins later the kids were tucking into their Happy Meals, while the grown ups enjoyed a Chinese.

After dinner I had an early night, going to bed the same time as the kids.

Sunday morning, I woke up still feeling ill, so it wasn’t a hangover after all. I had a restful day and, thankfully, by Monday morning I was feeling okay again.

 

Debs Random Writings

Daffodils

I love fresh flowers in the house but they can be so expensive, so I take advantage of the spring daffodils that are available this time of year. In most supermarkets you can pick up a bunch for a pound. They come in bud but when they open they give me a lovely little bit of sunshine on my sideboard.

I’ve ordered Daffodils in my online shop for the past two weeks and the first bunch were just starting to droop when the shopping arrived the second week. I didn’t actually remember straight away to change them but when I noticed that the first bunch had finished looking good I asked my husband where the new bunch was as he was the one who had put the shopping away. He told me that there was no flowers in the shop, but I know that they were not missing from the receipt.

I didn’t really fuss too much, they were only a pound bunch of daffodils, not worth complaining of non delivery.

Later we were cooking dinner and as I went into the fridge I noticed a bunch of daffodils in the salad draw, my hubby had thought they were rather large spring onions!! I should have made him eat them, haha. They were okay though and still bloomed after being placed in my vase.

a bunch of daffodils in bud

What do you think, Daffodils or spring onions?

Assembly

Last week we got a text from the school inviting us to attend an assembly given by the Little Man’s class the same day. What! A little bit more notice would have been nice. Luckily we had nothing else on so we went around the school for 1.15pm. We were then treated to  a fifteen minute class rendition of what it was like to live in Ancient Egypt. It was actually quite good, although I may have been a bit unnerved by the Mummy that got up and walked off after they had taken out his insides to put in jars and then wrapped him in bandages. The Little Man had a little story to tell about how the Egyptians entertained themselves playing a game called Senet. I love to hear my Little Man read, he does it with such expression.

the little man at school with his picture of Egyptians playing senet

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Now that’s a mouthful isn’t it? (pun intended!) We’ll call it TMJ and it’s the latest on the list of conditions for Star. We went to the GP on Friday for a referral to a maxillofacial specialist to see if anything can be done about it. The weird thing is, my older daughter had exactly the same thing at the same age. We would go to the hospital every month for about a year when they finally said they couldn’t do anything and we had to wait for it to get better. She still has trouble with it 16 years later. Maybe there are new treatments now? Apparently it’s quite common in children with connective tissue disorders like Elhers Danlos Syndrome.

Just in case you are wondering what TMJ is, it’s basically the joint in the jaw and the disorder is when it hurts, becomes inflamed and clicks out of place.

 

 

Happy Birthday Hubby.

Yesterday it was Graham’s birthday and for a treat we all spent the day at Bletchley Park which was the home of the World War Two Code Breakers. The stories are fascinating and so was our visit. Graham loves learning about history and although I’m not quite as enthusiastic as he is, I have to say I really enjoyed learning about the code breakers. It wasn’t made out to be glamorous, and a lot of the people working there had no idea what they were a part of until after the war because of all the secrecy. It was boring, monotonous work with few breaks, but I would have loved to have been a part of figuring out the codes and messages. I just love puzzles!

The kids had a great time too, they didn’t even notice that we’d skipped the play area, (quite by accident but by the time I realised I knew I wouldn’t have enough charge  in my wheelchair to go back.)

Bletchley park mansion

Bletchley Park Mansion

From Ancient Egypt to World War II it’s been quite an historic week for us. How has your week been?

 

 

Debs Random Writings

Lucy At Home