Eating-Shopping-Eating-Shopping-Eating in Berkeley

I slept well last night...went to bed just after 11pm and woke just after 6am. After showers, Jen and I went to Bette's Oceanview Diner for breakfast and ate till we burst. A delicious hash (potatoes and bacon) with poached egg on top, then a strawberry pancake souffle and then 2 buttermilk pancakes (I wanted to try their pancakes seeing as I have the cookbook). My pancakes don't taste anywhere near as good as theirs. When I get home I must look at that recipe again...

We did some shopping on that street (loved Sur la Table), then drove over to Chez Panisse. Had a poke around the area first, then had lunch. Was very good - shared a salad, then had a fish dish and a pork and sausage with roast vegies dish. I kept the menu. For dessert we shared a berry crisp with icecream.

Took more of a walk around this area then drove to another couple of shopping areas. More shopping, even got into Safeway!

We then headed over to Oakland for dinner at Everett and Jones Southern BBQ. Had a short wait where we picked what we wanted. Jen had the ribs and I had the beef brisket. The portion were huuuuge. Whenever anyone left they took leftovers with them in a styrofoam pack. I could see why. There is no way one person could finish all that meat. Then on the side we had baked beans, greens, candy yams, potato salad and corn bread. Clearly more than enough food. It was all so delicious...such a world away from Switzerland.

Now we are home and I am tired and happy. It's been a full, fun day...eating and shopping. Perfect.

Photos: Jen at Bettes Diner, strawberry pancake souffle, and Everett and Jones dinner.

Day 1 Geneva - Paris - San Francisco

Here I am in San Francisco! I arrived in one piece...eventually.

The alarm was set for 4am but I actually woke at 3.42am so got up not long after. The taxi was there for me at 5am and Michael got up to say goodbye. The girls were sleeping soundly. The taxi took me to Lausanne train station where I caught the 5.20am to Geneva aeroport.

My flight was at 7.30am and we got away on time. The flight to San Francisco was due to board at 9.15am for a 10.30am departure. After getting from terminal 2F to terminal 2C (involved two buses, one off the plane) got to the gate and found out there was a delay...possibility till 2pm! However not long after this announcement they started boarding passengers which confused me. Why board if you're going to be sitting on a plane on the ground for 3-4 hours?? Asked a worker guy and he said it's better to be sitting on the plane. Sure the parents of small kids wouldn't agree.

Thankfully we didn't have to sit there long and we were away. We ended up being delayed just over an hour. The funny thing is the person in the seat next to me was a 2 year old, travelling with his Mum. He was a good little fella, though. I watched a couple of movies (Mr and Mrs Smith and Man of the House and saw an episode of The Love Boat which was a blast from the past). Slept a little, no more than 2 or 3 hours I'd say even with the sleeping tablets.

Got in to San Francisco at 1.30pm and once I'd passed through immigration, collected my bag and walked through customs I was on my way. And there was Jen on the other side. It was so great to see her!

We drove home via Whole Foods and stopped there to check it out and buy some stuff. I had a delicious Cranberry Maple scone and Jen had a sticky bun. Yummy. Bought a couple of magazines, some cereal and other bits n' pieces.

Came back here and saw their house for the first time. It's really lovely, with great views of the Bay and San Francisco. Old house, lots of character, beautifully decorated, large deck, large garden. I'd be happy here ;)

This afternoon Jen took me to her office/work space and gave me a facial, used hot and cold stones and foot scrub. Bliss.

Brad cooked a delicious meal and we had present opening which was fun...

And now it's time for bed. I think I have been up for over 24 hours??!! Yikes.

But so happy to be here :)

Hard to believe...

I think I'm all done here. Michael has packed my suitcase (he is the master packer) and everything fits. Shouldn't be any surprises in the morning (like my toiletry bag not fitting). And it looks like my carry-on bag is empty. Gotta love taking an empty bag on holiday!

I rang my dr today and asked him for sleeping tablets for the flight. I used to take them occasionally pre-kids on international flights and they gave me about 4 hours sleep. He prescribed lorazepam (Temesta) so hopefully they'll work a charm.

Definitely time for bed...it's gonna be a big day tomorrow.

You said what time??!

Looks like I need to get up around 4am tomorrow!! In order to catch a taxi around 5am to Lausanne to catch a train to the airport (no trains run from here that early in the morning). Yikes it's going to be ugly...but the end result will be so worth it :)

Off to watch the last episode of EastEnders for a while. I really shouldn't but I have been on my feet all day, it feels, so this is my treat!

Tick, tick, tick

I've been awake since just after 5am when Michael's alarm went off for work. Got up not long after and actually got a bit done before the girls woke. Well, other than the regular stuff I was able to try on some clothes and start the process of packing (Stage 1 What still fits?). My shape has changed since this time last year when Jen and Brad visited and I bought some of the clothes. A lot of it I blame on the herniated disc and not being able to move properly/exercise for three months. Hmmm, but I won't be able to keep blaming that so when I get back I am going to keep on the straight and narrow (I've just done a week of low-carb/low sugar and it does make me feel better. Speaking of which I'd barely got into bed last night when I remembered I hadn't rung the airline to order my special meal. So there I was at midnight phoning Delta in the States asking if I was too late. No, but they didn't have high fibre - my first choice - or low carb meal options. So I settled for diabetic).

Anywho, after I dropped the girls to school and garderie I was right onto the bus into Lausanne. Changed my money into $USD, dropped the cookies off to David and did some shopping. So tick all those boxes. In a minute I'm going to make some Little Pear and Cinammon Muffins for the freezer, some Macaroni Cheese for dinner later this week and once I've been to Migros I'll make Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins. The muffins will be for the girls' snack boxes.

Then what? Dig around for my winter shoes and pick a pair or two to take. And move onto Stage 2 of packing (what else do I need? what can I eliminate?).

Oh, and a cute kid story - this morning when we were getting ready to leave I asked Lily to get out her and Charlotte's shoes from the cupboard. Then I heard Charlotte say 'ag-oo Lily'. Lily was excited that Charlotte had said thankyou for giving her her shoes...as was I!

The Itinerary

I hope Jen doesn't mind...I just wanted to include this phenomenal itinerary she's planned.

Robyn’s Visit to Bezerkeley and the Bay Area
Wednesday, September 21
*Arrives 12:25 San Francisco Airport
*Lunch/Snack at Whole Foods Market
*Facial at Soak It In late afternoon
*Dinner prepared by Brad

Thursday, September 22
*Bette’s Diner Breakfast, 4th Street District Shopping
*1:45 Reservation at Chez Panisse, Gourmet Getto District, Shopping on Telegraph, College Street/Rockridge
*Dinner at Everett and Jones southern BBQ

Friday, September 23
*Bagels, Solano Street shopping Berkeley
*Lunch in Noe Valley San Francisco, shopping 24th Street
*Check in Hotel Vitale 8 Mission Street
*Happy hour 5:30-6:30 meet some of Jen’s friends Butterfly lounge
*8:45 Slanted Door Dinner

Saturday, September 24
*Breakfast at Embarcadero Farmer’s Market Shop all morning
*1:45 Greens Restaurant, Fort Mason
*Check in Andrews Hotel 624 Post Street
*Shop Union Square, SF
*Dinner in area

Sunday, September 25
*Breakfast in area
*Shop Union Area and possibly Hayes Valley and or Haight Street
*Go to back to Berkeley Wear Wigs, Dress up-“How Berkeley Can You Be”
*7:30 Dinner at Rick and Ann’s Diner

Monday, September 26
*A possibility: Breakfast at Bubba’s Diner in San Anselmo, Shop
*Shop and lunch in Sausalito possibly at Sam’s Anchor Café, visit Tiburon
*6:30 Pizza Party (Berkeley’s famous Cheeseboard Pizza) at Jen’s with friends

Tuesday, September 27
*Free Day!

Wednesday, September 28
*Free morning and early afternoon!
Departs 4:15 San Francisco Airport

Two days and counting...

Public holiday here today...what bad timing. No school, no garderie, all the shops closed. But Michael still had to work. He's doing 6am-2pm today and tomorrow, then off till I get back.

So I didn't get too much done, but whaddyado?

Tonight I have done David's cookies for tomorrow (normally I bake them on Tuesday morning before I take them in to him) and that's it really. I was hoping to clean the bathroom and start some packing but it just hasn't happened. Michael has brought my suitcases up from the cave but all the clothes are still in my cupboard both me and them unaware of who will stay and who will go.

I feel really unfocussed but that has to change. Tomorrow or I'm done for. This is my to-do list for tomorrow -
*after dropping girls off at school and garderie catch bus into town and drop David's cookies off, change some money into $USD and do some last minute shopping (can't give any more details!)
*at some stage make muffins, macaroni cheese and soup (maybe)
*clean bathrooms
*pack
*???what else???

Jen rang this afternoon...we are both sooooo excited! She sent me the itinerary and it blew me away. There are so many treats in there it's amazing and unreal. So much shopping and eating it's obscene! She has gone to so much effort to make my trip incredible. How can I be so lucky? I just can't wait to step off that plane and see her!

First ever catering job!

It went well!

Was a bit of a rush this morning, getting the girls and myself organised and out the door. I had two big boxes to take downstairs to the car and one box ended up being just too big. It fell and half a tub of yoghurt went everywhere. Then our elderly neighbour, a gorgeous lady, appeared on her way to the laundry room and was her usual friendly self. But I didn't have the time...well, I did, but just...

Christine and Alessandro were waiting downstairs in their foyer when we drove up (just after 9.45am). She is one sensible, wonderful gal. She took the girls and I was off. I arrived in good time and was knocking on their door at 10.

For such a big house on the lake I expected a fantastic kitchen, but it was a small room off to the left not far in from the main entrance. I didn't see the rest of the house but I'm sure the garden and location would be good compensation.

Nancy was relaxed even though most of her guests were still in bed, they hadn't gone to bed till 5am! It gave me plenty of time to set up and prepare things like the strawberries and pancake mix. Once people started to appear I started with the scrambled eggs and bacon, which were served first. This was a bit stressful as I wanted to also do the pancakes at the same time but it wasn't possible. The electric pan was set up on the other side of the room and I had enough going on with two frypans with constant rounds of bacon and eggs. I was pleased to start the pancakes...my priority! Half had blueberries, the other half plain. The whipped honey batter went down a treat apparently.

At the end I had time to clean my stuff then do some handwashing and dishwasher-stacking of her stuff. Everything was clean and tidy in the kitchen by 12.30pm.

Nancy had good feedback about the food and the morning. She felt it topped off their weekend beautifully and was a great way to end. All her guests barr her husband knew about this morning and I think she regretted him not knowing. I think it was too much of a surprise for him...he was most interested in the headache tablets when I first saw him! The other thing she mentioned was the lower-carb focus. She said this was more her interest and maybe not so much of interest to others. I wonder if she felt she should have stuck with more pancakes? the muffins? Anyway, she seemed happy enough...

I left just 12.30pm with the money in my pocket. It was a full-on morning, with some pressure in the kitchen but she was a good customer so it was a good experience. Sort of glad it's over though! I picked the girls up from Christine and as usual Lily didn't want to go and was a bit naughty about it all. She was also tired so this didn't help. I was home by 1pm and Charlotte went straight down for her nap and Lily got to watch Snow White on video (original versison, scary!). I got to clean up our breakfast mess, tidy up and make our bed...for my sins. No doubt it would have been less stressful with Michael around but we survived and if I do it again this part won't be as stressful...hopefully.

Shoe shopping

The weather turned really miserable today...windy, raining, cold. Yesterday we were in t-shirts and sandals. New wardrobe today.

We usually only buy the kids shoes twice a year - beginning of the warm weather and beginning of the cold weather. Unless it's sale time (which is only twice a year anyway) and we might pick up an extra pair. So today was the day to go in and buy the kids some shoes. We always go to Chausseures St-Francois in Lausanne and so it was today. Unfortunately we went without Michael as he was at work.

Had both girls measured - Charlotte is size 24 and Lily size 31. Big feet, not surprisingly. Charlotte was easy as I can just pick what I want...which was pair of dark green Kicker boots (side zip) on sale for Sf89 reduced from Sf129.90. Lily took longer as some shoes she didn't like, others didn't fit well or felt 'rocky' (??). Anyway she settled on a pair of pale pink lace-up* Timberland boots for Sf129. Big feet and big prices. Great.

*Lily is going to have to learn to tie laces very quickly so she can put her shoes on at the end of the school day.

Brunch menu and details finalised

Nancy rang today and we have finalised the menu. She didn't want it too carb-heavy so she is sticking to one lot of pancakes and bacon and eggs...

Pancakes
Classic Buttermilk Pancakes (makes about 24 pancakes)

including Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes
Toppings (self serve)
Plain yoghurt
Maple syrup
Pecans
Whipped honey butter
Strawberries, 500g, sliced

Eggs, scrambled
Bacon, pan fried

We also agreed on a price which we are both happy with. And I could change the time, as she requested, for 10am-12.30pm. I have done most of my shopping so not too much to do tomorrow when Michael is at work (6am-6pm).

Yayyyyy!

Sunday Brunch - all systems go

I have heard back from Nancy and she is still interested in me doing brunch for them on Sunday. So, here is the menu suggestion I have just emailed her. Personally I would skip bacon and eggs but that's because I'm not only a pancake addict but a sweet tooth. I've told her this but said it's her choice.

She asked about price and I told her I wasn't sure and that I am happy to hear her opinion. So no doubt there will be several more emails back and forth, I'll see her Friday when she picks the Mud Cake up and we'll be good to go for Sunday. Quite exciting, really!

Muffins
1 dozen Mixed Berry Buttermilk Muffins (made fresh before I arrive)

Pancakes
Classic Buttermilk Pancakes* (makes about 24 pancakes)
and/or
Oatmeal Buttermilk Pancakes (makes about 16 pancakes)
Toppings (self serve)
Plain yoghurt
Maple syrup
Pecans
Whipped honey butter
Apricot or Plum jam (homemade by me), small pot
Strawberries

*Blueberries can be added to some/all of these pancakes to make Blueberry Pancakes

Eggs Scrambled, sunny side-up, over easy
Bacon, pan fried

Charlotte's heart

When Charlotte was four months old a routine check detected a problem with her heart (through the stethoscope). We were sent off to the pediatric cardiologist who diagnosed a small hole in the ?valve, called VSD. He predicted it would likely heal on it's own and it wasn't a big problem (quite common). The only thing we needed to do was be aware that if she was to have an operation for anything she would need antibiotics. And to bring her back at 1 year old.

We went to the follow-up appointment with the cardiologist today, only 10 months late (!). He had a look and showed us the hole and where it is closing up. Apparently she doesn't need to be checked again until she is five. He said she has no limitations and we are to treat her no differently (don't anyway). And reminded us about the antibiotics before an operation thing.

All four of us were there and when we were leaving the dr asked 'who's the Chief? is she (pointing to Charlotte) the Chief?' and I said yes. He told us to watch that and be careful. It's not a good thing. Funny advice from a heart doctor, but good advice too I reckon. I can see we bend more with Charlotte and it can't be good for any of us.

Roll the dice...win

Charlotte slept right through last night, not a problem. Lily's ear is not bothering her either as the drugs must be working their magic.

I spoke with Christine earlier and she is happy to look after the girls on Sunday. So I rang the woman (Nancy) and left a message saying I had childcare and I would be available from 1.30am till 1pm. If she still wants to go ahead I think I'll put together a menu suggestion and she can pick and choose what she wants.

We took Charlotte back to the pediatriac cardiologist today and the news was good. Think I'll write about this as a separate entry.

Lily is on a playdate at Sveva's place this afternoon. They were such good buddies at garderie but now don't get to see each much being at different schools. Coincidentally we ran into them at swimming lesson last Friday and arranged the playdate then. Lily has been looking forward to it ever since.

Michael is on afternoon shift this week. He works nine days straight (beginning Monday) leading up to my trip away. Then he'll be home with the girls for the eight days I'm gone. No rest for that guy.

Just waiting for Charlotte to wake up from her afternoon nap. Then she and I will probably go to Migros. Not picking Lily up till about 5 - 5.30pm.

Interesting request for Now Baking

Hmmm, here is one to mull over...

I had a call on my answering machine late this afternoon from a woman wanting to order a cake (not unusual) but also mentioning a catering request. For breakfast. This Sunday. The same day Michael works 6am to 6pm. I rang her back, she wasn't home so left a message saying I would call again after 8 tonight. And totally intrigued.

So I've now spoken to her and yes, she would like a Mud Cake for this Friday. They are having visitors from England arriving that day, it's her husband's 40th birthday plus one of her visitor's birthdays.

Anyway, the breakfast idea...she is from the States and her husband is British so for his birthday when they were in the States she got a local restaurant guy to come in at 6am (before her husband went to work) to cook him a full English breakfast. And she was thinking something similar for this Sunday. I thought she must have spoken to David today about this (she bought two of my cookies today apparently and picked up my card) as he and I have talked about how I've thought about opening a place that serves brunch. But, no, it's just a coincidence that she had this request.

I told her my limitations re childcare and she's happy for me to think about it, if I can do it great, if not that's fine. It's 8 adults and 2 kids (5 and 10 years old). We talked pancakes, eggs, bacon, yoghurt, maple syrup, pecans. I even told her about my super-dooper pancake frypan! It would mean arriving at her place around 10.30am for an 11am start. Probably finishing after 1pm, once clean up was over.

I want to do it...I think. I want to at least try.

I have left a message for Christine. Ask her a favour...and see what happens.

Roll the dice and...another bad night

There seems to be no rhyme or reason to Charlotte's bad nights. At the moment I can't predict which night will be bad (the days don't give a clue) nor what the reason is (probably the most frustrating part). The night before last she was settled for a while after we put her to bed, then something kicked her off and that was the end of it. We brought her out to the loungeroom and she fell asleep in our arms. Mainly so Lily could get to sleep (she used to sleep through anything but Charlotte is loud).

Last night Charlotte woke just before midnight (we hadn't long gone to bed) so I got her up and held her in the loungeroom. I need a distraction so I watched tv. This doesn't normally make a difference as C will fall asleep regardless. Just before 1am she was still awake and then Lily started screaming. She was thrashing around in bed and really upset. Rare for her. Eventually she was able to tell me her ear hurt. So I gave her some Advil and brought her out onto the couch while the drug kicked in. Poor kid.

I put them both back to bed at 2.10am (amazingly they were both still awake) and went to bed. Charlotte woke up within minutes so I was up with her briefly till I eventually was able to go to bed at 2.35am. Not a good time to be going to bed.

I am at a loss to know what bothers Charlotte - teeth? mozzie bites? excema? or god forbid, it's purely behavioural and we have created a sleeping nightmare situation. Please not that.

Lily slept but this morning she said her ear still hurt so I was able to get her an 11.30am appointment with Dr C. Who diagnosed an ear infection, not surprisingly. Possibly viral and possibly caused by the swimming. I have a prescription for antiobiotics, only to be filled if the pain gets worse. Otherwise Advil three times a day. And we go back for a follow up appt on Friday. And no swimming lesson this Friday.

Two bits of Lily trivia - today was Lily's first day home sick from school. And when Dr C was looking through Lily's medical notes she couldn't see anywhere where she'd had antibiotics before. Dr thought this was amazing, especially in relation to the difference to Charlotte.

Supermarket shopping in France

This morning after I dropped the girls off at school and garderie I drove to Divonne to go grocery shopping. Divonne is in France and it took me about 40-45 minutes to get there. I haven't been to the Champion there before. I don't think you'd call it a hypermarche (like the ones we'd normally go to across the border) as it was much smaller and had less stuff. And a limited selection of cereal. Disappointed about that as I do like to stock up on cereal when we shop in France. Still managed to spend 150 euros!

Michael is on afternoon shift this week (leaves home around 1.30pm) but he didn't come with me as someone had to pick Lily up. There really wouldn't have been enough time if he came. Not as fun going without him. For a start, I had to drive up that crazy autoroute between Lausanne and Geneva. Don't like that road. Only has two lanes. And you can be on 140kms and someone will still whizz past you. Crazy. I hate it when you are in the passing lane and a car appears in your rear vision mirror and just sits on your tail till you get over.

And the other thing is we enjoy our time poking round different supermarkets. Michael makes a beeline for the wine section (in the hypermarches he gets a bit distracted by all the other stuff - books, whatnot before hitting the wine) and I take my time doing laps of every single aisle. This picture doesn't include kids so it actually constitutes fun time for us.

But now with the crappy school hours our trips to the hypermarches together, just the two us, are over. Sad really.

Mood Analysis Test

Yikes, this is my mood apparently...no doubt influenced by the pre-bedtime hi-jinx currently going on. Take the test here


You are tired of the various 'ups' and 'downs' of life at this time. If only you could win a lottery - or better still, be the heir to a large inheritance which would allow you to afford a life of absolute luxury. This day dreaming will shortly pass and whether you like it or not, sooner or later you will have to face reality.
Always anxious to accept the role of the leader, as indeed you often work well with people - but try to stay out of the limelight. You'd like a life of ease with no one to rock the boat and someone who understands you is so important in your life.
Enough is enough - but the problems never seem to stop. They never stop. You feel, and maybe you are right, that the problems seem to go on and on and you have indeed had more than your fair share of trials and tribulations. But to give you credit - you bounce back time and time again - you stick to your beliefs because deep down you have that inner knowledge, that 'belief' system that in the end, everything will turn out OK - and you are right -it will!
It is said that we are all influenced by our environment and indeed you are no exception. It would seem at this time that even though you may be surrounded by people, you are experiencing an inner loneliness. Fortunately you are sufficiently strong minded to realise that life has a great deal to offer you and that you may miss your share of experiences if you fail to make the best use of every opportunity. You therefore pursue your objectives with a fierce intensity and are prepared to commit yourself deeply and readily. You believe that whatever you would like to do or think 'you can do' - you do! It is because of this attitude that you may be considered by others as arrogant and even conceited, but its fair to say that whatever it is that you really want out of life you will put your heart and soul into it and will not take 'NO' for an answer.
You are putting on a show - a facade. You are a master of demonstrating considerable charm in the hope that this can or will lead to better things. Deep down you are fearful that this may not work and that you may have to employ other strategies in order to realize all your ambitions.

Date night on the balcony

I can't remember who first suggested it to us, but instead of going out for dates we stay home and eat dinner together after the kids are in bed. Such a simple idea but it works really well for us. When we remember to do it.

When Aussie Jen was over yesterday afternoon picking up the big order for her friend, we got talking recipes (not uncommon). Which lead me to thinking that we hadn't had date night for ages. So last night was date night on the balcony. I made a simple green salad with a dressing Jen gave me for a Fig Salad (olive oil, honey, lemon and grain mustard), with chunks of fresh pan-fried tuna on top and two pan-fried Jacques de Noix (scallops or Jack's Nuts as MK calls them now). Very nice. Then afterwards Michael had two types of pate/foies gras with toast.

I even went and got a movie out - I ♥ Huckabees. Bit wacky, but we both enjoyed it. I recommend it*.

Charlotte slept until 3.30am when Michael got up to her. Fortunately he didn't need to pick her up and was soon back in bed. Not so lucky when she woke again at 5am and was crying. He got her up then and they've been up ever since. That's just cruel.

*Which reminds me - new dvd releases are Sf7 here. Is that expensive?

All day schools

Looks like the issue of all day schooling is on the political agenda. We'll probably be gone before it becomes reality (surely it's a matter of when, not if) but it's interesting to see it being debated.

Party dresses

Lily and Charlotte all ready to go to Katia's fourth birthday party in St-Prex a week and a half ago.

(scroll down as I've added a couple of pics to different posts)

Good intentions (The road to hell is paved with...)

Last night before I went to bed I decided that in the morning I would start the South Beach Diet Phase One (for the hundredth time).

It is now 1pm and all I have had is cream cheese icing, a bit of chocolate glaze and a bite of Charlotte's ham roll.

A good start, I'd say.

(see post below for the reason behind this outstandingly nutritional morning)

Not half stressful

I'll be glad when this big order is picked up in three hours...not that I'm counting or anything.

It started last night when I baked the cookies. I had had to use a higher percentage cocoa dark chocolate than I normally use. I had run out of my regular dark chocolate and my supplier (aka MK) can't get me any till Monday. So I used 72% dark chocolate that I use for the Mud Cake. But the butter separated from the mix. I thought putting the dough in the fridge might help. But when I pulled the cookies out of the oven they were swimming in a pool of melted butter.

I have no idea where else to buy this chocolate to re-make the cookies so I tried our local service station (you just never know) but no luck. So I dragged the girls into town with me this morning on a chocolate hunt (more stressful than fun, I can tell you). We had no luck at Globus or Manor so I bought chocolate I could have bought here and got back on the bus. Where Charlotte screamed all the way home, wanting to get out of the pram. Thankfully it's only a 10 minute trip but it felt muuuuuuch longer.

I have just made the cookie mix with the new chocolate and I'll put them in the oven soon.

Then this morning when I made the Cream Cheese Frosting for the Hummingbird Cake it was too runny. You can't get blocks of Philly Cream Cheese here, just tubs (for spreading). And I think that's the problem. So I have spent the rest of my time salvaging a huge cake with runny frosting, making new frosting and trying to get it looking perfect.

I finished the Apricot and Cocount Balls last night. I frosted the Mud Cake this morning.

Charlotte is crabby but I'll put her to bed soon. Thankfully she slept all night last night.

And the apartment looks like a bomb has hit it.

I will be taking a baking break after this order...till the next order!

Knackered

I have been so tired this week.

The first part of the week was totally my fault, just staying up too late. But since then Charlotte has been up screaming every night. And we have no idea why. Anytime between 10pm and midnight she wakes up crying/screaming so we bring her out to the loungeroom and she falls asleep in our arms. Put her back to bed and you'll be lucky if she doesn't wake again screaming. Either straight away or a little later. Most nights she has settled by 1am or 2am. Too late for me.

Just last night we gave her some yoghurt and a cracker and this seemed to help a bit. Coincidentally this morning Yasmine at garderie told me she had been thinking of us at 2am as her son Maxim woke calling out wanting to eat. Was it the same for Charlotte? So my latest theory is she's been off her food because she's teething. She hasn't been sleeping well because of teething and she has become hungry.

I have hope for tonight as she's eaten fairly well today (not quite up to her usual amounts which far exceed Lily, especially at dinner) and been in a good mood (last couple of days when she got home from garderie she just screamed and cried. So bad yesterday that she didn't settle at all for her nap so she skipped it).

I just hope it's not the excema flaring up. I've seen her scratching at night and my heart sinks. But I see no rash and she's not scratching during the day.

Charlotte keeps us on our toes health and sleeping-wise far more than Lily ever did. Lucky she's so damn cute and got a great personality.

Polite Society (part two)

How could I forget one of the important parts of a conversation here…wishing someone a good afternoon/evening/Sunday/morning. The list goes on.

At the end of a conversation you might be wished (excuse my spelling)

Bon journee (have a good day)
Bon après midi (afteroon)
Bon soiree (evening)
Bon weekend (self-explanatory)
Bon Dimanche (Sunday, sometimes said by shop assistants on a Saturday)
Bon matinee (morning)

And of course, bon appétit. I have only relatively recently found out how important it is to wish someone bon appétit before a meal. It’s considered rude not to. Or you can just say 'bon app' (maybe it's just the uncouth ex-pats who do this?!).

New classes

This week has been a week of starting new activities for Lily. On Monday she had her first ever swimming lesson. The pool is in a hotel in Chexbres, about a 20 minute drive from here. Coincidentally she started swimming at school on Monday (it will be every second week, I believe). I think swimming at school is more about water confidence. Anyway, Lily is joined up for 10 private swimming lessons and they will be every Friday afternoon at 3.30pm. Today was her second and the teacher said it's not easy as Lily asks Why? a lot. So they spend a lot of time talking. Welcome to my life. I also had to tell Sevane (the teacher) that Lily has spent hardly anytime in the water, that I can't swim and hardly take them to the pool in summer. I think that explained a lot for Sevane. Thankfully the lessons are in English. At least for my sake.

And yesterday Lily went for her first ballet lesson. Well, I think they call it Rythmique but I call it ballet. She did dance (or something called Expression Corporel sp?) at the beginning of this year till the end of the school year and enjoyed it. I chose this place as our neighbour Elizabeth sends Sophie there and she likes it. It's for children 4 years and older and I think they will have a big performance at the end of the year. And if it's anything like Sophie's performance two years ago, we will get a very professional looking dvd out of it. Pretty full-on.

Input/Output

I am so disheartened.

Nearly every day I walk for 50 minutes. Been doing it for a while now. Down the hill, along the Lake front, out onto the marina thingy at Lutry then back again. It's a beautiful walk, stunning views, ever changing colours, so much to look at and enjoy. But I haven't noticed any difference in my clothes. They are still as tight as ever.

I will still keep doing my walk as I know it is good for me. But obviously my input is greater than my output.

Crap.

Settling in

Most every day I drop Lily off at school she is clingy and wants me to stay. It's makes me feel sad for her. By the time I pick her up she is happy as Larry and always wants to go back the next day. Yesterday she didn't have time to be sad as we were running late and she was ushered in by the teacher before she had time to think. And walking to school today we saw one of the girls in her class. She has been sweet to Lily before (saying bonjour Lily and hugging her) but Lily has hung back. Today they walked happily to school together, waited in the 'airport terminal waiting area' together, then when the bell went they held hands and went in together. She is probably in second year ecole enfantine as she is really taking Lily under her wing. When I caught up with them downstairs, she was taking Lily's sandals off (that's friendship!) and guiding her inside and sitting down in the circle together. There was no goodbye and kiss from Lily...barely a wave from inside! And she was smiling and happy...it's great to see the Lily I know enjoying herself.

And this morning Charlotte was also happy to be at garderie, no clinging or crying.

I know they have good and bad days, but it's a relief to have both girls settled and happy where they are.

Big order

A friend of Aussie Jen's has put in a big order for her birthday bbq this Saturday. She wants a Mud Cake with Satin Chocolate Glaze, Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, 5 dozen Apricot and Coconut Balls (one complete batch) and a dozen Fudge Brownie Cookies. I will make a start on the balls and cookies tonight, and do the cakes tomorrow and Saturday morning.

And just before I walked out the door this morning to take the girls to school and garderie I got a call from a woman who got onto me via TWIG (Tetrapak International Women's Group - I did a baking demonstration for six of their members back in April). She wanted a cake for her daughter's 10th birthday party...tomorrow. She decided on cupcakes (2 doz) and I'll phone her back later to find out what colour frosting she wants, decorations, writing, all that stuff.

Two weeks today

I can hardly believe that in two weeks I'll be on my way to San Francisco...well, by this time I would have arrived I think. Just unreal. I am excited, but also can't get my head around it. It's a dream trip for me. And one that has been plotted and planned for a year.

When Jen and Brad visited us here this time last year we had a fantastic time with them. So it was very hard to say goodbye (again, although nothing compared to the trauma of saying goodbye the first time when they left Switzerland at the end of 2002). But Jen suggested that we put aside the money from every third order (or in her case treatment) and save up so the two of us could meet in New York. I really liked that idea a lot and started an envelope as soon as I got home from dropping them at the airport. Over time we decided that I would come and see them in Berkeley. And the contents of my envelope grew. When it came time to book and pay for the ticket I didn't quite have the full amount. But I am still working on it (the slow summer didn't help) and it won't be long till I can pay for my own air ticket.

Jen keeps me updated as to what she has planned for us. I love the fact she has a spreadsheet dedicated to our itinerary. There's being a Planner, then there's Jen! Amongst other things, we'll be spending two nights in San Francisco. Seeing their house, checking out Berkeley, eating, shopping, talking, hanging out...it's going to be an action-packed trip and I can't wait.

I just hope the girls are OK for Michael. It's a big ask and I appreciate what he is doing for me. Yasmine said the other day that Lily is invited to garderie while I am away. In fact she said if Michael didn't bring her in, she'd come to the apartment and take her! I am thinking about other things we can put in place to lighten the load on him...eight days, two kids, one adult. He's such a great guy. I wouldn't want to do it.

Hidden meaning in your name

What's the meaning of your name? Click here!

Robyn

Shining fame : English

Very much the individual you have enormous energy and vision and must find a suitable use for your talents. You have great potential for success in business if you can guard against indecision and worry. Your generous nature means that you are never short of friends and with cooperation your relationships can be very rewarding. Perseverance and firm decision making will ensure you achieve your objectives.

Watermelon Jam

I made the Watermelon Jam the other night...and it didn't turn out. All it is is watermelon, sugar and vanilla beans (scraped). Simmer for 1.5 hours and voila. I cooked it longer than this and it was still watery (the recipe said it should be syrupy). I didn't want to keep cooking it, so I jarred it up. And the next morning it was still watery. Seven jars of watery watermelon.

Today I tipped all the jars back into a saucepan and continued to simmer. And it looks like it has worked this time. Definitely looks more syrupy and less watery. I haven't put it in jars yet but I know it will be less than seven*.

So if you are making the Watermelon Jam from this month's delicous. magazine you might need to boil the crap out of it. One and half hours is not even the beginning. Either that or we have particularly watery watermelons...

*Updated later in the evening - I put the jam back on to warm again before putting it into jars... and it burnt. I have had no luck with this freakin' jam. It only caught a bit so I'm hoping the taste won't be too affected. Won't matter much as the grand total was a whopping three jars. Sooooo, no Watermelon Jam for gifts then.

Back at garderie

I forgot to mention that Charlotte started back at garderie last Thursday Sept 1st after summer break. She had been saying 'Anya' whenever she saw l'elephant Bleu posters around the place so I thought she'd be happy to see Anya and Yasmine again. Although this time without Lily. She was a little clingy when I left but not too bad. And there's also Lily who is asking me to stay most mornings when we get to school...not like her at all to be clingy and unsure.

Anyway, Charlotte still goes 4 mornings a week but is off on Wednesdays now, instead of Tuesdays. So I will have both kids on Wednesdays. Drop off for garderie is anytime between 8.30am and 9.15am. So what I am doing is taking Lily to school first (she only has a 5 minute window, not a 45 min window like Charlotte) trying to be there by 8.45am when the bell rings (for an 8.50am start). Then I backtrack to garderie to drop Charlotte off. I am gone from garderie by about 9am, heading straight out for my 50 minute walk along Lake Geneva.

At pick-up time, I am there in time to meet Lily at 11.25am when the teacher brings them all upstairs. We then do different things around town (Migros/Coop or other little jobs) before picking Charlotte up at noon.

I am dreading when Lily starts afternoons after Christmas. After finishing at 11.25am, she goes back at 1.50pm for the afternoon session. Which is a full 1.5 hours. Ridiculous. I pick her up at 3.20pm. So, it's all smack-bang in the middle of Charlotte's afternoon nap. And after Easter it's four 'afternoons' a week. I wonder if there is a lunch programme for the littlies? I have no idea what women who work do with this sort of schedule. I'd been told the Swiss public school system is not good for working women...bloody nightmare, I'd imagine.

Thankyou dinner

Now Baking turned one in July. Around that time I started thinking I'd like to have some friends over for dinner who had supported me in the first year of my hobby business to thank them. After much date-changing, last night we had the dinner here.

Even though it was the night before she left Switzerland for good, Teige was there. As well as Lucinda and Christine C. I know it's daggy but I gave a speech thanking each of them individually for their support and input. Lucinda and I spent a lot of time talking about my vision for the business before it started and contines to be my baking consultant. She loves baking and it's great to talk 'business' with her. Christine has been supportive all along and is open and generous with her potential offers and ideas. And she came up with the name Now Baking at my birthday dinner last year. And Teige was my first-ever customer, ordering a Mud Cake with Satin Chocolate Glaze (still a popular cake) and having faith. Her background is sales and she is very creative so I have also benefitted from chatting with her.

I had hoped we could sit on the balcony for dinner as it's been so warm lately. But late in the afternoon we had a big thunder storm. We spent a bit of time out there, till the rain returned. And what did we eat? Garlic olives, curly cheese and cheese rounds (tete de moine and sbrinz), garlic toastbreads, plus baguette pieces dipped in olive oil and dukkah. Then salad nicoise. Followed by an Onion and Blue Cheese Tart (love this tart). And for dessert, Chocolate Expresso Cake (from this month's delicious. magazine), Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies and Chocolate and Peanut Butter Swirl. Plus Apricot and Coconut Balls to take home.

After they left, I rang Jen while I was cleaning up (more fun to do the job while chatting) and it was 2.30am by the time I went to bed. No interruptions from the kids, but yikes...only four hours sleep. Worth it but.

biG Day Out

Today we had another work 'do' to go to - the biG Day Out at Forestland hosted by the contract company Michael works for.

We arrived just after 11.30am and Lily headed straight for the bouncy castle and bouncy crocodile. They had people to look after the 3-10 year olds for most of the afternoon and Lily was happy to join in. First they went for lunch (kid friendly) then did activities like trampolining, riding on mini bikes, boat rides and bouncy frames (in a harness) on a trampoline. Charlotte played in the nifty ball enclosure and the climbing frames.

Lunch for the adults (and Charlotte) was a bbq with salads. The tables were all set up with water (with gas and without), rose, white and red wine on them. Don, a guy Michael met ages ago, joined us. Later there was fruit salad, then much later icecream...then more icecream.

Michael and Don were keen to go on the treetops thingy, where you harness and walk or slide on cables from tree to tree. So off they went for instruction in a small group, on the lower levels. Lily did some craft, then I found the area where kids could do the treetop thingy. We got her a harness and off she went. She was great at it, and really enjoyed herself. Walking along a single cable, sliding along a cable supported by her harness, walking a rope bridge. What a gal!

We eventually left at 6.30pm, Charlotte had fallen asleep in Michael's arms and we were hot and ready to go. It was a big day...and lots of fun. Got home around 7.15pm and had the kids in bed by 8pm. Doesn't mean they fell asleep then...as usual the chat and noise (and occasional wander by Lily) went on for about 45 minutes. You'd think they'd be so knackered they'd crash straight away...

Another bad night

Last night Charlotte woke sometime between 10.30 and 11pm. We had her up as she was so unsettled. Michael went to bed at 11.30pm and I was eventually able to get Charlotte back to bed at 12.30am. Well, she woke again at 1.15am and after being up with her for nearly half an hour, Michael took over and I went back to bed. Poor guy didn't get back to bed till 3am.

This morning we noticed a strange ring mark, nearly 3cms in diameter, on Charlotte's back near her shoulder blade. Ringworm? Anyway it was gone by tonight. Just hope she sleeps through...

The birthday picnic

It went really well. The babysitter (Loriane) turned up just before 7pm and helped with the kids. We were able to get away at 7.30pm, once they were both in bed. I had the location in mind right on Lake Geneva (it's a spot I walk past on my walks), but it wasn't easy finding a parking area close by. So we parked at Lutry and lugged the picnic stuff back towards Paudex.

Thankfully the spot was free (there was a couple there the night before having a picnic) so we spread the new picnic blanket and set up dinner. It was lovely - pisang and orange juice to start, then white wine, bread, cheeses, chicken, dolmades, tabouli, olives. And for dessert, nectarines, blackberries and Apricot and Coconut Balls. We both had a lovely time, there was no rain, it was warm but not hot and the view of the Lake, as always, was gorgeous.

Ahhhh, should do it more often.

Pancakes

Love a good breakfast. Love, love, love it. Brunch, breakfast...makes no difference to me so long as there is lots of yummy food. One of my favourites is pancakes. I make pancakes once a week on average, mostly on Sundays. When I'm feeling healthy, it's Buttermilk Pancakes doubling the amount of oats from one cup to two so they are extra healthy (from the book 'New Glucose Revolution' that Mum gave me). Or it used to be a recipe from Jan the Nutritionist that had flaxseeds in the mix. When I'm cutting loose, it might be a recipe from 'The Pancake Handbook - Specialities from Bette's Oceanview Diner', a book that Jen in Berkeley sent me. Or any pancake recipe that catches my eye.

Which is what happened this morning. For Michael's birthday breakfast treat (seeing as he missed out yesterday morning) I made Pancakes with Bacon and Bananas, taken from delicious. magazine* (Vol 2, Issue 9...they don't seem to have the month on them now but it would be the current Sept 2005 edition). I followed the recipe exactly, only leaving out the poached eggs as I'd run out. Very yummy. The pancakes were light (made with buttermilk and half teaspoon of cinammon), topped with a sprinkle of brown sugar, banana slices, bacon and maple syrup. Michael gave them the thumbs up (he likes bacon...sometimes I think he'd prefer bacon and eggs to the weekly pancake breakfast).

But my regular, favourite topping for pancakes is full-fat plain yoghurt, real maple syrup with pecans crumbled on top (in that order). The best. I *think* we got the idea from our trip to NYC in October 2002 from the diner opposite our hotel where we often had breakfast.

And I am such a pancake nerd that I have my favourite electric pan to cook them in. I went into the electrical store within Globus a while ago searching for an electric frypan to cook pancakes in. I came out with something far superior - a 45cm x 25cm flat electric pan with a small lip and silver handles at either end. The brand is Princess (never heard of it) and it cost about Sf 100. It's the perfect pancake maker as it's flat and plain, and can cook 8 pancakes at one go. So for most of my recipes I'm only turning out 2 or 3 batches before I get to sit down and eat. Who could ask for more.

I think I've said enough about my pancake obsession...for now.

*Speaking of delicious. magazine there is another breakfast-related recipe from this month's edition I want to make...Watermelon Jam. I've bought the watermelon, but I'm not sure where I can find vanilla beans. Might have to try in town.
Update (about an hour later) - I have just been to Coop here and they have vanilla beans. Might try and make the jam tonight, in between the brownies and cookies for tomorrow's order.

Michael's 38th birthday

Happy Birthday Michael!!

Thankfully Charlotte didn't wake up once last night so we all had an uninterrupted night's sleep. I think Michael felt that was a good birthday present. He didn't have much else at 5.30am, although I had left out his birthday cards, the parcel from Mum and Dad (2 books on wine), a bottle of red wine I got him and the fruit cake. I'd also made him a Orange Poppyseed Cake (from Super Food Ideas magazine August 2005) last night to take to work today.

The rest of us slept in...Charlotte woke at 7.45am and I had to wake Lily up as she was out to it. We made it to school on time (just) and Lily was ok going inside, thankfully. Dropped Charlotte off at garderie and I was free to dash into town for our picnic supplies for tonight (I bought Michael a picnic blanket and as a surprise I have organised a babysitter and we are going down to the Lake, just him and I, for a picnic). Unfortunately the books I'd ordered for the girls to give to Daddy for his birthday (Lonely Planet Croatia and a guide book to Switzerland) didn't arrive in today's post. Hopefully tomorrow.

When Michael got home from work this afternoon I'd just finished making Scones for him, from the crazy recipe that Uncle Al passed onto me from Cousin Sal made with lemonade and thickened cream. He didn't have time to eat them then as Leif rang, then Mum and Dad on Skype.

Other good things that have been happening
* I went to the second hand store (5th Avenue) where I had dropped stuff off for them to sell in June (they put a price on all these things - bags, clothes, sunglasses etc) and I get 60% and they get 40%). All but 4 items had sold - they gave me back a black backpack (it was slightly damaged) and a pair of pink pants I had made in HK (no reason for returning them), and kept a pair of sunglasses and a little wallet thing. And they gave me Sf 124 for the stuff they had actually sold. Nice one.

* The woman who picked up the Apricot and Coconut Balls on Wednesday morning sent me an email this morning saying 'I'm hooked' (obviously seeing me in my dressing gown didn't put her off) and ordering Best Ever Chocolate Brownies and Fudge Brownie Cookies (I'd given her one on Wed) for this Sunday.

* When I went to pick up Charlotte from garderie yesterday, Yasmine and Anya made a big fuss of Lily (first time Anya has seen Lily since the last day of garderie). And Yasmine asked me to stay a minute as she wanted to ask me something. When she did, she wrote it down so Lily wasn't aware. Her note said 'If Lily wants to come sometimes on Tuesday or Thursday afternoon or for lunch, it's OK'. Yasmine apologised for her English (no problems there I thought) and her message was very lovely and appreciated.

So, all we need now is for the children to go straight to sleep for the babysitter and for the rain to by-pass us. It's going to be a fun night, I hope...wine, bread, cheese, olives, chicken, tabouli, more cheese, salad, those Greek rolled vine leaves things, and for dessert nectarines, blackberries and Apricot and Coconut Balls (which Michael never gets as they are always for someone else).

The good, the bad, the ugly

Yesterday was a very busy, long day...that turned into night, that turned into this morning. Thankfully Charlotte slept well the night before so that was a bonus. And it was Wednesday so there was no school to rush around and get ready for. But I did have mini muffins to make first thing in the morning. And an order pick-up for between 9 and 10am (she arrived at 9.20am and I'd just gotten out of the shower. Thankfully someone I feel comfortable with!). When she left at 9.40am I still needed to get ready and pick and wrap a present for Katia's birthday. The party started at 11am and I said I'd be there on time as I was bringing the Barbie Cake, muffins and cookes. Amazingly we managed to get there a minute or two past 11am (it's a 25min drive to St-Prex).

The party was lovely, the sun was shining and all the kids seemed to enjoy themselves. The cake was a big hit, which was great.

We left at 1pm and I had Charlotte in bed by 1.30pm. There was a few things I needed to do, then I started icing the cupcakes for the 5pm pick-up. Georgie rang and had good news - she may be visiting the weekend of Oct 8th (in London for work so she's going to try and organise a side trip to Switzerland for a few days). This was definitely one of the good parts of the day.

Poor Michael came home from work exhausted and with the cold in full swing (he'd been sneezing all day at work). He went for a nap and I took the girls to Migros. I had to wake him later though as he's my writing guy for the cupcakes. He has a steady hand and I like how he writes on the cakes. The woman came a little earlier than expected and I was still putting stars on the cupcakes, but it all went well.

Michael took the girls outside while I got dinner ready (something he often does which is a sanity-saver). Dinner, short play, bath, book, bed...usual routine. Except Lily was in a cranky, defiant mood (too much sugar from the party?) and was a handful. She wasn't allowed to have her lamp on when she went to bed, and this set off the screaming (bad and ugly). Which set Charlotte off, who still wasn't feeling well (bad). Well, this went on for what seemed like ages...I'm sure it was close to 8.30-9 before Lily fell asleep. And we resorted to picking Charlotte (which was the only way Lily would get enough quiet to be able to sleep, although she doesn't normally need quiet to sleep). Charlotte was then up, unsettled, unhappy for a long time. Michael crashed at 9pm and went to bed. A little later Jen rang from Berkeley (another good part of the day) and Charlotte eventually fell asleep in my arms. I put her into bed and she slept for the first time that night.

I was off the phone from Jen at 11.30pm and not long after this Charlotte woke (bad). I had not even had time to get ready for bed. I was up with her till 1.40am, when I was able to go to bed for the first time that night. She then woke just before 3am (v bad), I tried bringing her into bed with us, she was too upset and wouldn't settle (beyond bad). I lost the plot (ugly). Michael got up and took over.

So basically since 3am this morning he and Charlotte have been awake. Charlotte didn't fall back asleep and so neither did Michael. Shocking. I didn't sleep well. At 7.20am Michael came in and I took over (he'd rung work and said he'd be late coming in). It turns out Lily had woken at 5.30am and joined them.

Took Lily to school and unfortunately she was clingy and teary, not wanting me to leave. Could be the tiredness or she is not just not feeling settled. I seriously thought Charlotte wouldn't be up to garderie but I took her anyway (I'd given her Advil and by the time we left for school she'd stopped crying/whining/moaning...mostly). But when we got there she seemed ok (not great, but it is also the first day back). Yasmine will ring me if I need to collect her early.

I am now making a fruit cake for Michael's birthday tomorrow...it was planned all along, but the guy definitely deserves it. And I am ready to sleep for a week...sans enfants.