couple of quiet, busy days

Yesterday we had our usual post-weekend quiet day, tidying up and catching up on the washing.

I suddenly had the urge to get all our passport photos done in the post office booth, which was quite an experience.

I started off with Joy, without too much trouble: the lady behind the counter came out and helped. Fergus's decided to print before we had decided it was ok, but turned out to be acceptable by the check-and-send. I then did mine, without glasses, as instructed (I had not wanted to do this before, but I had to, really!). So, as I was on a roll, I decided to try and do Freddie, against the better judgement of the PO ladies: they thought I should go to the photographers, I knew it was now or never.

After about 6 attempts at getting his face in the right place and without him pulling a funny face every time it said "are you ready? three, two, one..." He got a bit freaked out, so I went in the booth with him and knelt down, holding his hands, and, hurrah, success at last! He was sitting on about seven telephone directories, and I had had to rub the black coal marks off his face (knew I shouldn't have sent him up that chimney beforehand, but at least I had brushed his hair! So, now we have pictures, all I have to do it fill in the forms (again!).

I had made the big mistake of parking at the school, thinking we would be out before them. But we wern't and I had to wait ages; it was a very strange experience seeing all those people at once- made me realise what I was missing (or not, lol!)

Later Josee came round with her kids and we had baked potatoes and fun. She took some of my dolls for the open evening at her workshop and I lent her some big pans.
I had forgotton that another friend had arranged to come round later in the evening. It wasn't really a good time for me but I don't really get to see her now she has a new man. Last time we arranged to to something- a much planned shopping trip to Manchester, she cancelled at the last minute to do something with him. I didn't really mind at the time because I thought it would be rearranged in a few weeks, but I think she has now got carried away with her wedding arrangements (and she has to make the effort with me as she wants to have the reception at my house! better not move then!). Anyway, we had a nice evening catching up while she drank most of a bottle of wine. But it did leave me a bit tired this morning.

We really struggled to get up in time and Joy was late for school; the boys didn't want to go, especially Freddie. We did have a good day at home, though: Fergus wanted to make a bow and arrow, so I managed that with some bits of willow that were around. Funnily, in tonight's chapter of Tom's Midnight Garden they were also making bows and arows.
We gave some carrots and pats to Hannah and Janile, Jenny's horses, who are looking very sad.
I had a bit of a difficult conversation on the phone about the group, which I may talk about later.
Joy had a good time at riding- she was mucking out after trotting over poles(obstacle course) in the floodlit paddock. The boys were fascinated by the tack room.
I managed to get them in bed for a half-decent time, so I should go, too, for a change.