Day Eight
In the same way I imagine a doctor loves it when their kids get out their science kits in the garage, I felt a warm surge of English teacher smugness today as Daisy rushed in from school and pleaded to watch Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes on DVD. In that we own a vast array of Pixar movies, I love that she giggles at the genius of Dahl and the simple illustrations of Quentin Blake. Big budgets are not everything, simple wit is priceless. I just have to pull back from explaining that it is Dahl’s clever use of rhyming couplets and parody that make them so catchy and memorable. Here’s a little taster, his version of Cinderella is certainly worth a google to brighten your day.
At once, one of the Ugly Sisters,
(The one whose face was blotched with blisters)
Sneaked up and grabbed the dainty shoe,
And quickly flushed it down the loo.
Then in its place she calmly put
The slipper from her own left foot.
Ah ha, you see, the plot grows thicker,
And Cindy’s luck starts looking sicker.
Day Seven
Its been a long time and a long story since I last saw Rick speaking in church. This morning he was back in the ecclesiastical saddle and lo, it was good.
Day Three
My friend of 20 years, Sarah, is coming for dinner at 7pm. I been looking forward to it all day. There is no pressure, I’ve already told her to neither notice nor mention the occasional dust ball under the radiators. I’m making fajitas and she’s bringing a bottle of red. The kids are having an early tea and Rick will probably still be stroking his Leopard in the other room. Promises to be a great night, it’s thanks to her that I still know a great dance routine to Abba’s ‘Money, Money, Money.’ Everyone should have a friend like Sarah.
Day Two
Today my dad bought me lunch in Deanes at Banbridge. This time last week he was in the Royal Victoria Hospital, making me silently fear he wouldn’t need a stocking this Christmas. He’s a fighter, he loves his food and today’s ‘All Day Breakfast’ was a great way to celebrate his return to form. Just don’t tell his consultant.
Day One
Last night I made myself go to bed early to prepare for the first day of the school holidays. Annie woke at 6am and I had enough emotional reserves not to swear loudly or throw my pillow across the room.
My hours with the girls flew by. The recently completed paint work made me feel less like a stranger in my own home. We played musical statues before dinner to my jogging high energy playlist, Kelly Clarkson, U2, Simple Minds. Everyone was happy. The girls ate their spaghetti and are now sleeping soundly. No tantrums, tears or threats.
