More family fun

I didn't end up getting to bed till 2am last night because of Charlotte...she kicked off around 11.45pm, I put her back to bed around 1.15am then I was up and down to her till 2. And we'd been having a clear run for a while. Tonight she's been up for a while but is now back in bed...hopefully be the end of it.

This morning I made Blueberry Pancakes for breakfast and we had a slow morning. I made Bean Stack for lunch then while Charlotte slept Mum and I went to Toys r Us so she could finish off shopping for C's birthday and Xmas. When we got home all of us (including MK who slept part of today but is now off till Wed) went into Lausanne. They had a Halloween thing going on around St Francois (stalls and stuff for kids) and a big band all dressed up played their music down Rue du Bourg. Lots of kids dressed in their Halloween finest.

We went to Les Brasseurs for dinner which ended up being a good choice. I had a big salad, the girls had the children's menu (chicken nuggets and frites for CPK, saucisse and frites for LPK with glace for dessert) and Mum, Dad and MK had Flammekueche (Alsace tart) with all different toppings. We were home by 7pm which was pretty good going all things considered.

I prepared Baked French Toast with Pecans tonight which sits in the fridge overnight. Cook it in the morning. I've made it once before. Have to see whether it's worth putting on my Breakfast menu.

Zermatt and Matterhorn update - we have decided to go away tomorrow for one night. I have spent some time tracking down accomodation and from my emails had one positve reply (as in, yes we have vacancies/we are open). So see how organised we get ourselves tomorrow. MK said there are trains on the hour every hour we can catch from here and it'll take us just under three and a half hours. As usual haven't packed or anything.

Bye bye daylight saving...see you again next year!

Yesterday ballet, today golf and swimming...

We actually got to school by 8.45am this morning so we were upstairs with all the other kids waiting for the bell (which is when they can go downstairs to their classrooms). Lily saw some of her classmates and just as the bell was going 3 of them came and said 'Lily' and gave her a group hug. I got all teary (it was so lovely and sweet of them) and assumed this would help Lily go downstairs by herself when they all ran off but no, she was not keen to go downstairs by herself at all :( Karin waited with her but she didn't want to go. Eventually another woman (parent? teacher?) took her downstairs, but she went reluctantly. As always she was happy when I picked her up and had a good morning at school.

After dropping Charlotte at garderie, I went for my walk and Mum and Dad went into town to do Xmas shopping. I baked a Chocolate Mousse Cake for Mum's birthday which we had tonight. As yummy as always.

This afternoon Poppy took Lily for a hit of her golf clubs at the little park. Lily seemed to enjoy this and no doubt Dad would be happy to pass on his love of golf. After we left MK and Charlotte and took Lily to her swimming lesson. She is doing so well, considering her lack of water experience. I asked Sevane how young they take children for lessons and she said two. Maybe next March when they start back we'll enrol Charlotte. And maybe get myself a teacher...within a one hour time period the three of us could have half hour lessons.

Tonight I made oven-baked chicken (loving that recipe), mashed potato, peas and shredded carrot and celery. And the cake for dessert.

Now it's late and Charlotte has woken up crying and wouldn't settle. I would have been tempted to leave her except Lily was being woken (unusual as she would normally sleep through anything). So she is currently sitting on my lap...hope she won't be up for too long.

What a beautiful day

The weather is gorgeous here at the moment...sunny and mild. Mornings are a bit cool but as the day goes on it's glorious. MK is on nightshift this week, so while he slept we took the girls to school and garderie. First time Ma ma and Poppy have seen Lily's school. Since school returned this week from holidays the parents are supposed to drop the children off at the top of the stairs and the children go downstairs by themselves. Even though I've told Lily this she doesn't want to go down by herself. She always wants me there. So Ma ma and Poppy went with her this morning as it also gave them a chance to see her classroom. I must make more of an effort to get to to school before the bell rings at 8.45am. When we've done that, one of Lily's friends takes her hand and they go downstairs together and I'm not required.

Charlotte on the other hand is so happy at garderie I barely get a wave over the shoulder and no time for a bisous. She's such a dag.

After my walk and shower I made Cranberry Maple Scones. I love those things. Before we ate them I took photos and have just added the pic to my baking site.

This afternoon Lily had ballet so we all trundled off there. I got the time wrong so we were there 45 minutes early. Thought it was 4pm, forgot it was 4.30pm (that's what two weeks break does to me...and the teacher was saying the kids had forgotten a lot in the break!). MK walked down with Charlotte (not enough room in the car) and then took her home early. The teacher invited Ma ma and Poppy to sit in on the class which they loved. Poppy says Lily is in the top 10% for ability in the class. And he says he's not biased ;)

Tonight we had salmon, couscous and roast vegies for dinner then MK had to leave early as he'd done a swap with a colleague so I could go out on Tuesday night (MK went in to work late that night). And now we are deciding whether to go to Zermatt for few days this weekend. Unfortunately it's looking like Mum and Dad will have to leave on Wednesday due to flights out of London being full. Shortens our time a bit. Wonder if it's worth the hassle of going away. MK has Monday and Tuesday off...sure we could keep ourselves amused around here.

Been a long day...

Charlotte woke around 6.20am (not long before MK got home from work) so it was an early start. It had been a late night as a group of us had gone out to dinner (sushi restaurant in Lausanne) for all the October birthdays (four of us). I'd finished the triple layer chocolate cake that Yasmine had ordered for Maxim's birthday today just before I went out last night.

Anyway, I started baking early this morning not long after we got up. I made 2 dozen Chocolate Chunk and Raisin Oatmeal Cookies for Julie's order, then made 2 dozen Pecan and Raisin Oatmeal Cookies (a dozen of which I was able to sell and we ate the rest). I delivered the cake to Yasmine at garderie and did some grocery shopping. After we got home Mum rang (around noon) to say they were at Heathrow and were catching a flight that was due in to Geneva at 2.15pm.

I fed the girls and started on the Chocolate Cupcakes. During the morning I'd had a call ordering 2 dozen Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting to pick up this evening. Which was the same as Julie's order, to go with the cookies. So between lunch, putting Charlotte down for her nap, going to the airport with Lily to pick Ma ma and Poppy up and coming back I made 4 dozen Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting. Which were all collected this evening.

Big baking day. And a big day with Ma ma and Poppy arriving. Lily was so excited to see them at the airport (she spotted them first...they were wating for us as we were late, had to wait for cupcakes to come out of the oven before we could leave). And a big change for them seeing Charlotte. She wasn't walking last time they saw her. Now she is a powerhouse. Busy girl. Talking. Very active. And cute as a button. She has to be to command her fair share of attention.

Crap

I had just written part of a post about what's been going on the last two days (including computer problems with the 'new' old computer) and now the laptop which I'm on now is playing up :(

In a nutshell, computer trouble which affected emails to do with baking orders, lots of baking, return to school/garderie, getting ready for Mum and Dad's arrival tomorrow (mega cleaning) and now a girls night out tonight (four of us had b'days in October).

Bloody hell, lord knows when I'm going to get time to do these baking orders...

Wedding Anniversary

Six years today! Lot happened in a relatively short space of time...wonder what the next six years hold?

We didn't do anything to celebrate, which is fine by me (MK is the one to do cards, I never do...and even he skipped this year). Nina, Darren and Emma came round for pancakes but that had nothing to do with the anniversary.

Tonight though MK opened a bottle of wine (nothing new there) and wouldn't take no for an answer to me having a glass. It was an Australian red from the year of our wedding (Balnaves of Coonawarra 1999 Cabernet Sauvigonon). Very nice and very familiar. Just like MK.

This one's a keeper.

Pricing for Pancakes&Breakfast at Home

I have already received an email asking (amongst other things) how much for pancakes for breakfast so I have spent tonight working on my pricing (I know, I should have done it before sending it out into the Universe, but there you go).

I am charging a minimum time fee (2.5 hours) with additional time charged in half hour blocks. Also charging for ingredients (which is made up of actual ingredients and small fee for my pantry items and shopping). Mileage is not charged within 10kms of Pully, then I have mileage charges (Judi this is where it could get expensive!).

I am pretty happy with the document. It outlines all the things I think are important. I have just finished it and sent it to two people already (a friend also asked me what I charged).

Well see what happens.

AWC Halloween Party

Another year, another Halloween Party. Same location but the decorations were much better. There have been good changes in the Club with young Kelly deV being in charge. Girls had a great time. Charlotte enjoyed giving her paper token to the hand in the house and receiving a lolly or toy in return. Lily enjoyed the bouncy castle and all the games, it seems. Especially as they all involved receiving a toy or lolly.

At one point Charlotte ate two Snickers and a Mars Bar mini bar in a row. Yikes. Then the lollipops and other candy. Her chant on the way home was bonbon, bonbon, bonbon. She went a bit nuts for the bonbons. We had skipped her nap and she did surprisingly well. Except for not eating much dinner.

There was a good selection of baked goods, hotdogs and chilli. I took along 2 dozen cupcakes decorated with a pumpkin candy (bought in the States) and 25 Fudge Brownie Cookies. Got lots of good feedback on those and they all went.

I'll load a photo or two once they are on the computer.

Ice skating

Lily went ice skating for the very first time today. And loved it. We were invited to go yesterday with our neighbour Elizabeth and her 7 year old daughter Sophie. But we didn't have the right gear out (like gloves) and it was fairly late in the day when they asked us. So after saying yes, I then thought no. Well, Lily kicked up such a stink and her behaviour was so appalling (she hit me and pulled my hair then threw a toy car at me, I couldn't believe it) we definitely weren't going.

But today was earlier and we were better prepared. We went to the ice rink at Montchoisi. Lily wore Sophie's old ice skates (and Elizabeth has said we can borrow them) and we didn't have to pay to get in as Lily is under 6 years old. But I did hire a frame for Lily to use so she kept her balance (shaped like a zimmer frame for the elderly but made of light plastic).

Charlotte had to amuse herself (off the ice) but after a tentative start Lily was happy with her frame. She even had a quick go without the frame.

She really wants to go back. Can't see why we wouldn't, so long as her behaviour doesn't deteriorate again.

Oh, and I forgot the camera :(

Pancakes and Breakfast at Home

I have been working on this since we got back from Tuscany, but it has been in my mind since I did that breakfast catering job...putting together an email for my Now Baking emailing list letting people know about the expansion of my business ;)

Once I've finished here with my blog I will pluck up the courage to press Send on the email. In the meantime, here is a copy of the email

Hi there

Recently I was asked to cater an in-home breakfast and I jumped at the chance. I love breakfast and I love preparing breakfast. Pancakes are my favourite...I make them at least once a week for my family. And not just pancakes, but muffins and scones and french toast and homemade baked beans and porridge...

Since the catering event I've been thinking about offering in-home Pancakes and Breakfast as part of Now Baking. Why not? It's a natural extension of what I love, which is what Now Baking is all about. And what could be more divine than having breakfast come to you, cooked fresh in your own home.

So if you are looking for a special treat at home or have a group of people meeting together and you'd like something different let me know. I come to your place with all the cooking tools and ingredients I need. You provide crockery/cutlery and drinks. And I clean up afterwards!

Below I've listed a selection of the breakfast goodies on offer. You can also see the information on my website here www.nowbaking.com/wst_page4.html
xxx
Robyn
www.nowbaking.com

Menu Selection

Pancakes and More
~ Classic Buttermilk Pancakes
~ Blueberry Pancakes
~ Oatmeal Buttermilk Pancakes

~ French Toast

Toppings
Maple syrup, Pecans, Plain yoghurt, Whipped honey butter, Double cream, Homemade jam, Applesauce, Fruit

Fresh Baked Goods
~ Cranberry Maple Scones (my current favourites!)
~ Mixed Berry Buttermilk Muffins

Other
~ Homemade baked beans
~ Porridge (with brown sugar and cream)
~ Bacon
~ Eggs

Parenting Licence

All she wanted was to be left in peace. To cook, to clean, to do nothing.

God, that makes her sound selfish. Worse, makes her sound like a bad parent. Which she probably is.

She is so tired. School holidays don't help. A constant round of 'what are we going to do now?', fighting, screaming, someone wanting something, someone wanting her to play. Playing. She hates it. Always has. Nothing new. But certainly a source of discomfort, guilt and confusion. Why does she hate playing so much? Don't all parents enjoy playing with their kids? What happened to make her loathe and dread it? Craft, games, puzzles, make believe, toys. Doesn't like any of it. Thank god she has a husband who does it and enjoys it. Thank god.

She is happiest without her children. Isn't that awful? What a confession. Top that. She said recently 'not unhappy with them' but maybe this isn't necessarily true now.

She loves them to death. No questions. But she wants time and space. Lots of it. Can someone come and do her job for her? Let her be. To just be.

Is this a symptom of the school holidays? Like a Holidays Slump (during-Holiday not post-Holiday slump ha ha). Some of it has to be. Compounded by some terrible truths. Like the whole not liking playing thing. Maybe she's coming down with something? Her throat has been feeling sore and odd lately. Maybe she's just over it. Maybe she needs to find fulfillment elsewhere. Which for her is a polite way of saying 'someone else look after my kids while I go do something...anything'.

Who knows. Maybe she just needs her Parenting Licence suspended. Surely not revoked. Just suspended.

Submitted by Anonymous

Lily and the Statue Man (Florence)

Lily was really keen to have her photo taken with this guy. Charlotte just wasn't having a bar of him. She went towards him then turned back.

Charlotte pic

I just found this photo now. Looks like it was taken at the end of September (maybe while I was in the States?).

I missed our anniversary!

Yesterday it was four years since Lily and I arrived in Switzerland. And if I weren't so dead tired I'd do some reminiscing. Oh well. Another time.

Yay for us.

Making an effort

This has been my excuse recently - trip to San Francisco, killer jetlag for nearly a week, Georgie's visit then the Tuscany trip. But I've mentioned before how slack I've been with keeping up with people. And in the last two days I've found out two women have had babies (one I didn't even know was pregnant but she's only someone I've met once or twice in the past) and found out one is moving to Hong Kong. Yikes, talk about being out of the loop. And Mum and Dad arrive next Wednesday 26th for a visit (till 4th or 5th Nov) so I'll be out of action again.

So today I made a few calls and sent a few emails. It meant the phone was ringing (returning my call or email) non-stop at one point but at least the re-connections were being made. I must continue to make an effort, I must continue to make an effort, I must continue to make an effort.

Catering for the AWC Xmas party

There was a message on the answer machine when we got back yesterday from Marie F from the AWC saying she wanted to ask me two things. I called her back and one of the things she wanted was to me to nominate someone for the AWC board (Treasurer or Secretary positions I think). Not sure why she asked me but she did say they want more young people. Not a bad thing. I emailed Claire B.

She also asked me if I'd help cater for the AWC Xmas party. Sure, not a problem. She and another woman (a professional cook) are going to do it as well. We talked mini Xmas puddings, Apricot and Coconut Balls and some ideas she has. I'll think of more ideas...

Plus I told Kelly deV that I would do a couple dozen cupcakes and cookies for the AWC Halloween party coming up. Judi, where are you?!

Cereal Killer

This is what one of us (MK or I) called Charlotte recently. She is addicted to cereal...that is what she is eating for her snack now. I made porridge for breakfast this morning so maybe she is making up for missing it then.

Mainly she has it with milk, but sometimes without. She eats Special K and Weetabix, but also any of the ones floating around here.

She calls it 'ereal'. Literally cereal without the c.

My current wish

Both girls to go stay with someone for a week so I can tidy and re-organise this whole place. Pull stuff out of cupboards, sort through and put back neatly. Go through the girls clothes and put old stuff away (either stuff that doesn't fit anymore or summer stuff). Do the same for my clothes. Go through toys and cull.

I don't wish for much.

The Tuscany trip

(photo of where we stayed)

So, here I sit with a piece of Crostata di Prugne* and a mug of decaf tea (both holiday purchases) knowing full well I shouldn't eat one more sweet thing today but what the hell, it's the last day of my holiday and tomorrow I go low carb/low sugar and repair days-worth of bread/olive oil/pasta/cheese/biscuits/pizza damage...

We ended up leaving just after 9pm on Tuesday night after picking the dvd player up from Christine C's place. The girls were quickly asleep which was relaxing for Michael and I. Lucinda rang on my mobile and it was fun telling her we were on our way to Italy.

I slept a bit which is really strange for me but I was so knackered. We arrived at Alessandria just before 1am, got our room key, put the girls to bed (they were already in their pj's) and got into bed. The junior suite was good - enough room for what we needed and clean.

Breakfast was included so the girls and MK had their cereal, pastries, bread roll and I stuck with fruit, youghurt and dried bread with jam. It was all down hill from there.

We left around 10am and the trip was bearable. The dvd player was brilliant, even got Charlotte watching a bit of Humphrey B Bear (which was funny as it looks like the only way we can interest C in the telly is by strapping her in front of it). We found our way to Cavriglia then came to a dead-end at some mini-castle thing on a hill overlooking these valleys. Called the bloke and he came to rescue us. I mean, he showed us the way back to the place we were staying.

Which was set in olive groves. The setting was gorgeous - looking out over the valleys and even across to the castle-thing we'd been stranded on. Picture perfect. I can see why they do photo shoots in Tuscany. Not a bad pic around us. Old, beautifully preserved stone building with flowers creeping up the side? Tick. Wooden farm gate with interesting tree? Tick. Valley across to mountain with soft lighting and olive trees? Tick. Old stone steps leading up to old farm building? Tick? Stone wall bordering vegie patch growing rosemary, sage and assorted greens? Tick.

So where we stayed was part of a bigger building being converted by the owner into wine tasting rooms and direct sales for his olive oil and wines. Our part had stone (brick?) floors and a high roof with space for a four-burner hot plates and sink and microwave that didn't work. In this open space was a big open fireplace and dining room table. Off from this main space was a living room with tv (only used by Lily to watch tv in the mornings), a bathroom (with a washing machine that we used), and three bedrooms (he'd only made up two of the rooms - one with a queen and the other with two singles...there was no cot and they one we bought with us didn't click into place so Charlotte had her first go at sleeping in a big girls' bed which went ok all things considered, especially as she was so tired each night).

Michael made a fire each night as this was our only source of heat and it was freezing. First night wasn't so great but the next two nights his fires were excellent. After the girls were in bed he and I would sit by the fire and read. He'd read his maps or guide books and I'd read In her Shoes, the book he bought me for my birthday (and I finished it the last night). Which makes a big change from most nights here where I am on the computer and he is usually reading.

After we settled in on Wednesday afternoon we headed into Montevarchi to the big IperCoop. We are nerds cos we love supermarkets. Not gonna apologise for that. And this hyper-Coop was a beauty - the fresh foods were outstanding and the choice was amazing. They were making fresh pizza and the toppings looked so yummy. This is what we ended up having for dinner (a good choice as they were busy so the pizzas were fresh) and the crust alone was to die-for. Thin and crunchy, just perfect. Ok, so I can't remember all the toppings - margahrita for the girls and for us? But it was the best pizza and I'm glad we didn't order pizza again while we were away as I'm sure it wouldn't have measured up. We also bought supplies for breakfast and some other bits n' pieces.

The next day (Thurs) we had a quiet day around our place. The girls played outside for a bit, then close to lunchtime we went in to Cavriglia and bought some lunch at the small Coop there. Back at the place we set up the outdoor table and had green bowtie pasta with arugula, olive oil and cheese and bread for lunch. Then a fruit and nut bread for dessert. The weather was mostly sunny and mild and I indulged by reading my book outside for a lot of the afternoon. We tried putting Charlotte down for a nap but there was no chance in a big girls' bed. We gave up easily and let her and Lily play together.

Back to IperCoop late that afternoon and bought lots more goodies - stuff for dinner (including slices of pork from a real pig that was heavily seasoned with salt and rosemary), olive oil and balsamic vinegar (I ended up bringing 5 botttles of olive oil back including a bottle made by the guy at our place...when we arrived there was a small bottle of his olive oil and a regular bottle of his red for us).

Our plan for Friday was to go into Florence by train from Montevarche, which was 15mins from where we were staying. After lots of stuffing around and mis-information about the train (ie the train didn't go into Florence at 10 past the hour and only take 15mins, all trains took at least an hour) we ended up driving into Florence which took just under an hour. Once we found a park (not so hard) we walked toward the main area and found a place for lunch. The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering around Florence. Well, as much as you can wander with a 4.5 year old and a nearly 2 year old. They actually did quite well and I only lost the plot once (with Lily as she kept whining she was hungry and it was driving me nuts). As usual Lily wanted to ride in the stroller and Charlotte either wanted to walk or be carried (and me with the dicky back history was the chosen carrier). We didn't see a lot of other little people in Florence and our kids seemed to get a bit of attention. Positve attention which is always the kind you crave.

I'm not good on sights which is just as well as we didn't go inside anything, nor did we spend oodles of time in one place. But we did see the Duomo (is that what it's called?), a big statue of the underwater guy in some big square, the Uffizi gallery and the Ponte Vecchio. Oh, and outside the Uffizi Lily wanted her photo taken with a busker dressed like a statue. So she paid her money and had her photo taken.

We left around 5pm and it took us a while to find our way out of Florence and onto the autostrada. Then Charlotte lost the plot somewhere along the way and screamed and screamed. MK and I tried singing songs to distract her but she just screamed 'stop' so we did. Eventually. She was happy as a clam when we got home and she could play in the car and not be strapped in it (I have no idea why but she loves playing in the car, weird).

Yesterday (Sat) was Siena so we drove in the opposite direction along a windy road for nearly an hour, once again found a good park and climbed five escalators till we reached the top (near a church called San Francesco) and walk into the main area. Siena was really groovy with the architecture and being a walled city (ok so I'll never get a job as a travel writer). We found a place for lunch just of the main square (recommended by our travel book) and the kids ate more pasta. I had a Tuscan bean soup with bread in it (the lady told me to have olive oil but not parmesan on it) and then a big salad. MK had a mushroom soup then gnochhi with a delicious sauce (and ditto for never getting a job as a food writer).

Walked around a bit, eventually bought Lily her much desired asked for icecream and went and sat in that big square with the old building surrounding it. The sun was shining, the crowd was mellow, the kids were happy. It was pretty nice.

When we left there we had a look inside the entrance area to the big tower and Lily lost the plot when we told her we couldn't join the queue to got to the top of the tower. But she could come back as an adult to have a look.

Like the journey to Siena, the journey home was very relaxed. Spooky. The kids were quiet and mellow (yes, I can use the word twice). I 'blame' the kids french song CD...they are nice songs and the girls always enjoy it.

Because breaking the trip up on the way there had worked so well we decided to do the same thing for the return trip. So I booked the same hotel in Alessandria and when we got home from Siena yesterday afternoon we spent our time packing, cooking and eating dinner, loading the car and showering the girls. It was a bit much but we managed to get it all done. We left our place in Tuscany at 7.45pm. The girls laughed and played in the backseat for a while, then C fell asleep. It took Lily a little while longer, and then it was all quiet. Once again I dozed off (a couple of times) and we arrived in Alessandria around midnight.

Which is when I remembered that I had left our passports behind. Sh*t. I had put them in our bedside table before we went to Florence then completely forgot about them. Usually it's Charlotte who puts weird things in cupboards that you have to double-check for. Anyway, MK had bought the photocopy versions which he handed over to the hotel last night (in lieu of the real document which for some reason they require at hotels here). And this morning I tried ringing Mirko at Poggi del Chianti with no luck. So I texted him and he responded later. The up-shot is he got our passports (passaports to him) and he will send them by registered post tomorrow. Good man.

This morning we had the hotel breakfast and were on the road at 10.15am. I had put everything we needed, like today's clothes, at the top of our suitcases so there was no big unpacking to find things business like there was the first time round.

We stopped a few times for petrol and food but not long stops. The girls ate junk all day (as did I) - lots of different cookies mainly and then I gave them the chocolate milk. And then Lily went nuts saying she needed to do pee-pee. So we found the closest petrol station (around Martigny). By which time it was too late (in our defence she had given us like zero warning, in her defence nothing). So we stopped for a change of clothes and a wipe down.

But on the whole today went OK. A day filled with watching tv and eating snacks is pretty much Lily's idea of heaven (Lion King and Nemo today, other day it was also Cat in the Hat). Charlotte is a bit harder but she did alright. Only had a 35 minute nap though.

We got in a bit after 3pm so it was a five hour driving day. Long enough for me. And now I am knackered. It it nearly 10.30pm and if I went to bed now it went be an early night. Should I push the boat out and treat myself?


*a yummy prune tart I bought in Siena along with a mix of orange, sultana and almond cantucci (like biscotti), breads and chocolate milk for the girls.

Funny ol' birthday

The girls slept in till 8am so that was my first birthday present. I opened my cards which I've been collecting as they've come in. The postie delivered two parcels from Judi, a collecton of great cake and treat boxes for my business. Michael and the girls gave me two books (the novel 'In her Shoes' and a cookbook 'Soup Kitchen'). My in-laws gave me more money which was so generous of them.

I went for my walk, then after shower we all went in to Lausanne to drop David's cookies off (Fudge Brownie Cookies this week). It was during quiet time this afternoon that Natasha rang and we talked about leaving tonight. So the whole afternoon/evening has been taken up with planning our trip tonight.

Today I have spoken to Matthew (Brisbane on Skype), Judi (Taiwan), Christine K (Cambridge), Natasha (Adelaide), Mum and Dad (Macedon), Jen B (Berkeley) and some friends from here (Michele, Aussie Jen, Christine C). I love my birthday!

Now we are nearly ready to go...just waiting on some washing in the machine downstairs. Might go and ask MK whether we should start packing the car.

1. Hope we haven't forgotten anything.
2. I probably won't have access to a computer to update here...so I will be back on Sunday night.

Leaving soon!

I just got onto the hotel in Alessandria and we are booked in tonight at Hotel Europa. Junior suite for 120euros including breakfast, sorted.

Gotta dash...million things to do (and MK said 'no updating your blog'!).

Are we crazy??

Natasha rang this afternoon from Australia and I was telling her all about my reluctance to travel so far in the car with two small children. She suggested we leave tonight around the girls' bedtime.

So I spoke with Michael about it and that is what we are planning on doing. We haven't packed and we are still looking for accomodation that is half-way but otherwise the plan is to leave here around 8pm tonight and stop in Alessandria for the night.

Just wish I could get onto the hotel we found in Alessandria that we want to stay in...

Tuscany it is then

I have just sent the email for our accomodation. We are staying at Poggi del Chianti and a three bedroom place (pics here). Michael had booked a babysitter for tonight so we could go out for dinner (done yesterday, I think, when I was feeling anti-Tuscany trip) so he has cancelled her. I need the time tonight to pack.

What a hard life!

I know I should be in bed...

but I'm not so....Happy Birthday to me! 37, wowsers!!!

Before sunrise

Michael took this photo when he got home this morning from work (around 7am). It is the view from the loungeroom window looking up the Lake in the Vevey direction.

Tuscany or not to Tuscany

We were originally wanting to go to Tuscany earlier this year but my herniated disc put an end to that (not able to sit in a car longer than about 30 minutes, let alone 7 hours). So we put it on the backburner for later in the year.

Which is now. And I don't really want to go now. I have just got back from a big trip and would be happy to be at home. Plus I'd rather not be stuck in a car with two small children for 7 or 8 hours. MK has the week off and is keen to get away. So what to do? We have just heard back from a place that they have availability from this Wednesday 12th to the following Sunday. For a very reasonable 230euros. Ugghhhh, have to think a bit more...well, not too much more as tomorrow would be the big day to pack and organise for the trip. Great, right on my birthday.

Whaddya do? Once we're back in Australia the thought of going to Tuscany will be just a dream. It's a tough decison alright.

Lily and I are learning French!

Looks like Lily and I will be starting one-on-one French lessons in the same week!

Friday of a week ago I had the meeting at Lily's school, the follow-up to the parents meeting where I bawled my eyes out. It was funny as there were three of them and one of me (MK had to work) - Lily's teacher, the interpreter and another teacher who called herself the Welcome something or other. Personally I just think she was there as back-up/moral support for Lily's teacher in case I really was a nutcase. Anyhow, all three of them were friendly and helpful and it was a good meeting. Full of the nitty gritty of life in first year ecole enfantine (something I didn't know - when the kids return to school after this current 2 week break the parents leave the child on the top level instead of bringing them down to the classroom. Fosters independence and all that).

At the end of the meeting I asked what the teacher's opinion was of Lily's French and she said not good. I knew it! She apparently follows the other kids and doesn't have the confidence to repeat words back. This isn't something I wanted to be right on but I sensed her French was not as good as others had said (like Yasmine). Because of this the school is offering Lily twice-weekly 30 minute one-on-one French lessons during school time for as long as needed. I am really happy and appreciative. I'm sure Lily will enjoy the lessons and hopefully she will be able to use her new language skills in ways that will give her so much back.

And me...well, Yasmine asked one of the other mother's at garderie if she would do French lessons. This woman - Stephanie - taught French to adults in the States. She said yes, but I've been slack and not followed it up. Well, I saw Stephanie when Georgie and I were catching the bus into town on Saturday and I asked her then if she'd teach me and she said yes! So starting when school and garderie returns (2 weeks time) Stephanie and I will get together once a week for an hour of French. She seems really groovy and promises me she'll make it fun. I think I might actually be looking forward to it...

Au revoir Georgie

The girls and I dropped Georgie off at Geneva airport this morning (Michael is on weekend nightshift - 6pm-6am - so was sleeping). We have had a fun couple of days...Friday we dropped the girls off at school and garderie and went for a walk along Lake Geneva into Lutry. After showers, we did some jobs around Pully then picked Lily up from school. Went to the farmers market (Fri am) then picked Charlotte up from garderie. We all had lunch at the boulangerie on the main street.

I had some baking to do for Chloe's party (Jen ordered a Star Cake - chocolate - with pink buttercream frosting and pink sprinkles and a dozen Fudge Brownie Cookies), then Michael took the girls to Lily's swimming lesson and Georgie and I jumped on a bus and went into Lausanne. Had a spin around there, including the wonderful Globus food hall, and came home to dinner for the girls. Later, once they were in bed we had cheese and olives, bread oil and dukkah, salad melee and cheese fondue. Dessert was little pastry cases with raspberries, confiture de lait and cream.

Yesterday morning we went to Chloe's 2nd birthday party so Georgie had the chance to see how another family live and play here. Everyone seemed to enjoy the Star Cake and cookies! In the afternooon Georgie and I drove to Gruyeres for a poke around. The weather was glorious and everything looked so beautiful...the mountains and the valley, the lake, the Chateau, the town. The hills were alive with the sound of music! Last night Michael went to work and Georgie had the fun task of packing :(

I hope she and James return while we are still here...especially now knowing how much James will enjoy this place.

Welcome to Switzerland, Georgie

I picked Georgie up from the airport tonight after she flew in from London. She only left Adelaide last Sunday and returns this Sunday. A whirl-wind businesss trip, so we were thrilled that she could fit in a side trip to Switzerland.

I love it when friends can 'witness' our life here. It is so hard to describe what our life is like. So for friends to be here and be a part of it for a little while is great. It sort of means they will hold part of our memories of living here. And the more people holding these memories the better. It's also part of the reason I started this blog - so in the future I would have a record of what our life was like, from the mundane to the not-so-mundane.

Other friends who have experienced a slice of our life here include Christine and David, Jen and Brad, Bec and Josh...Georgie is in good company, as are we.

Ready to go home

I'm ready to leave here. I know it's my post-trip feeling and it'll pass. It's the feeling of wanting to be in an English-speaking country, to feel resourceful, to be around friendly locals, to be around family so as to not have to parent in isolation.

Jen reminded me that I felt the same when I returned from Australia earlier this year. It's funny, the feeling subsided after that trip but I wonder if a part of the feeling buries deep and stays there. Ready to emerge when confronted with a version of what could be.

I am not unhappy here. This is home for now. And maybe that's also part of the problem. This is Home-For-Now. Not home for good. Not that I would want it to be. But it is temporary. And there is a part of me that enjoys that. Making friends quickly and meaningfully. Being an outsider, but part of a small community of people like you. Maybe I am coming closer to preferriing a home-for-more-than-just-now.

I have lots of friends here and I know lots and lots of people. And they know me. But I am slack with my relationships here. I make little effort. I wonder if this is a symptom of my feelings towards this place. Withdrawing myself slightly. Doesn't make me feel sad at all. Suits me fine. I am happiest when the girls are at school and garderie and I can just suit myself. Fine if this includes catching up with friends. Fine if it doesn't. Maybe I also feel this way with MK being a shiftworker. He's around a lot of the time. Which is great. And then I relish the time I have by myself.

So if the word came tomorrow that MK has a job back in Melbourne with this company and we were leaving in a month I think I could handle it. But the reality will be very different, I suspect. It will be very complicated emotionally leaving here. Charlotte was born here and Lily spent a large chunk of her early childhood here. But I hope we will feel good about leaving. And not feel like we are leaving before our time.

I want to make it positive because our life in Australia will include a backyard...and that's gotta be good for all of us!

On a scone roll

Tonight I made Oatmeal Sultana Scones with Caramel Oatmeal Topping. They're pretty good, but the Cranberry Maple Scones are better I reckon.

I was around at Christine C's place this morning (Lucinda and Claire were there also) and Lucinda (my fellow baker) was very excited about the scones. I will make the cranberry ones for her and see if they match the ones in London she's mentioned longingly in the past. And I was around at Michele's this afternoon (it was a day of socialising masquerading as playdates...what a relief to have something to do on this school/garderie-free Wednesday) and she wants to try them as well.

Both Yasmine and David said yesterday that I should approach Starbucks as they're opening in Lausanne at the end of the year. They can find me if they want me ;)

Tail end of the jetlag

Even though yesterday was my first full day without the headache, my sleeping is still out of wack. The night before last I went to bed at 1am (my fault, I was up writing here) and woke around 4.30am and couldn't get back to sleep. So got up at 5am. I was falling asleep watching EastEnders last night, which isn't normal for me (but it was a boring episode).

Last night would have been better except Charlotte was awake and crying around the time I wanted to go to bed. I ended up wheeling her cot into the spare bedroom and shutting the door, which put her straight to sleep. I was dead on my feet. She woke again during the night asking to be put back into her and Lily's room so I did that and she slept till about 6.45am.

Jen and I chatted for the first time since I left (a short 2 hour conversatation, normally we're on for 3 hours). Now we have fabulous memories and a lot of sadness our week is over. But gratitude that the week was even possible. Next stop, New York.

Food, glorious food

Jen and I developed a ritual of taking photos of every meal we had. So before we tucked in, out came both cameras and we'd take photos of the food and of each other. I know it sounds a little weird (and a bit like Japanese tourists, who were the first people I ever saw do this back in Australia) but it was lots of fun, trust me!

I can't believe one of the few place we didn't take photos was Chez Panisse. World famous restaurant and all...

I don't think I took a photo of a chai latte either, which I came a bit addicted to.

Photos: Jen at Everett and Jones BBQ (ribs),
breakfast at Kensington Inn,
crab sandwich at Embarcadero Farmer's Market San Francisco,
pig-out breakfast at Sears Fine Foods (corned beef hash, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes and more pancakes),
lunch at Green's, Fort Mason.

Capturing the memories

There is so much I could write about my week in the Bay Area...so many wonderful, magical moments. So many perfect memories. It was without a doubt a divine week. What made it so special was all the time Jen and I spent together. And to be together doing the things we love - namely eating and shopping - it doesn't get any better.

On Friday morning (23/9) we had breakfast at Kensington Inn, a diner not far from their house. After this we did some shopping on Solano Street then headed into San Francisco. After driving through the Mission district we went to Noe Valley and checked out Brad and Jen's old home. Beautiful and central to everything. We shopped on 24th Street and picked up some great stuff (pants and a sweater that I walked out of the shop wearing they were so comfortable). We checked into Hotel Vitale and I crashed. Such a gorgeous room and all I could do was lay comatose on the bed (I'd been awake since 4am). I revived and we got dolled-up and headed off to Butterfly lounge. Which turned out to be a longer walk than we'd been lead to believe! It was worth it as I drank a Cosmopolitan and met Suzanne, Michelle and Tracy. Great women. We broke the itinerary and stayed longer than 1 hour (!) but still made our 8.45pm reservation for Slanted Door. The place was jumping and the food divine. That crab/noodle dish was to-die-for. Jen's tummy was playing up so meant that I ate most of the food...which wasn't an uncommon event.

Saturday (24/9) was another gorgeous, sunny warm day. The view from our room onto the Ferry Market Building and across the Bay Bridge was stunning. We ate breakfast from stalls at the outdoor Farmer's Market then shopped indoors. Lunch was at Green's at Fort Mason so after checking out of our hotel we made our way over to that direction. We arrived a bit early so took a wander round some of the back streets of this fancy area. The architecture of the houses and apartment buildings was fascinating. Lunch was well worth the wait, a vegetarian restaurant that was innovative and delicious. Another stand-out meal in a superb location right on the Bay.

We swung by Pete and Nancy's place after lunch as they were having a joint birthday party for Pete and their 2yo Diego. The party hadn't started but it was fun to see their apartment. And quite a coincidence as 3 years ago in November they visited our apartment in Lausanne. After a short visit we made our way to the Union Square area and checked in to Andrews Hotel which was quite a contrast to the previous night's hotel. But it had charm and character and the breakfast in the hallway right outside our room the next morning was a total bonus. We did some shopping in Union Square but we were both pretty knackered. After nearly dining with the mafia at a little diner mentioned in my Lonely Planet book, we ended up at Max's Diner for a great meal of wings, salad and patty melt (all shared).

The next morning (Sun 25/9) we had our bran muffin and coffee from the set up in the corridor (it was all so fresh and yummy looking) we headed out (after requesting another late check-out). We really only hit Express and spent so much time there that it was time for lunch by the time we emerged. But we got some great tops for half price and it was well worth the time. We had lunch at Sears Fine Foods which was a hoot and stuffed ourselves full of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausages and hash. Oh, I had a malt milkshake to start with which was a total appetite-squasher so I didn't make that mistake again (but such a yummy mistake).

We checked out of the hotel and headed over to Hayes Valley. My main memories of shopping there will be Willow the the gorgeous woman in the vintage clothes store (I bought a groovy t-shirt and Jen bought great jeans but we also left with hugs and tears and a feeling we'd made a real connection) and the manicure/pedicure we both got (at the same time) at the boutique just down the road from Willow's shop. Blissful, meaningful afternoon.

We were late heading out of San Francisco (plus got caught in traffic) which meant we were late picking Brad up from BART after his weekend in Mexico (a total success by the sounds of it). We all went out for dinner at Cafe Raj in Berkeley and had yummy Indian food. I missed the season premiere of Desperate Housewives and 'How Berkeley can you be?' but I wouldn't have wanted to miss any of my evening that I did have.

Late start on Monday, bit of time on Solano (buying wine from the cute and gorgeous man in the wine store amongst other things!) then headed out to San Anselmo. Crossed a big bridge (Richmond?) and saw San Quentin, the high-security prison in prime real estate location. We had lunch at Comfort, a busy cafe and shared a burger and chinese chicken salad. Also bought a chocolate cookbook there. Also hit another store there which featured craft and art mainly recycled and made by mostly locals. Jen bought a small painting which turned out to be painted by one of the women who owned the store. Jen also bought us each a bag made of recycled inner tube. I bought us each a silver bracelet (Jen's said 'life is like a bowl of cherries' and mine said 'eat dessert first') and a pair of earrings for me.

We headed back to Berkeley and picked up our pizza at Zachary's Pizza (the woman I sat next to on the Paris-SFO leg lived only 10-15mins from Berkeley and she mentioned Zachary's as a good place for pizza so it was a coincidence when we got our pizza from there...Cheeseboard is closed on Monday nights). Pizza party at Jen and Brad's place and I got to meet Paula and Chandrai, and to see Suzanne and Tracy again. Michelle couldn't make it, neither could Jill (the only person I didn't meet). It was a really fun night...so glad I got to meet all the women I've heard so much about.

Tuesday was more shopping, mainly at an outdoor mall called Bay Street where I hit Old Navy (mainly stuff for the girls) and back onto Solano and 4th Street. We had lunch at a restaurant called Downtown and walked around the the downtown area. That night we had a stand-out meal at a place called Dona Thomas, brilliant Mexican food. That night Jen packed my bags (and gave me an extra bag to take), what turned out to be all 51kgs of them (not counting my carry-on luggage)!! And Brad and I lay on my bed watching tv and eating reese's pieces.

Wednesday morning the three of us had a really good breakfast at Saul's in Berkeley, then Jen and I went for a walk arount the Berkeley marina (a lap took about 20mins). Did some last minute shopping at Adronicas on Solano (cereal, bagels, and I think this is when I bought the coffee mugs and tea pot...or maybe that was the night before). We came back to their place, loaded the bags, said goodbye to Brad and the house and left at 1pm. When we got to the airport we found out my flight, which was due to leave at 4.15pm was delayed till 11.45pm. What a gift! So after I checked my bags in (they didn't bat an eye at those 51kgs) we jumped in the car and Jen drove us to Burlingame. We did a lap there, then continued on the 101South to Palo Alto and straight to the Stanford Shopping Center. Had lunch at a diner there (hit the mark perfectly as it was past 3pm and we hadn't eaten since breakfast at Saul's), then hit the shops - mainly Bloomingdales (where I bought a grill pan of all things) and Macy's (we both bought hats, and I bought some star earrings and Jen bought some big groovy sunglasses). We left there at 7pm and headed back in the direction of the hotel (part of my compensation - hotel room, $20 food voucher and a phone card to call Michael). We crashed on the bed, then headed to the hotel restaurant which happened to be a diner (!) and order a Monte Cristo (even got the jam to go with it) and potato skins and drinks to go. And didn't pay a cent. We eventually left the hotel just before 10pm, Jen dropped me at the airport and we said our goodbyes...until we meet in NYC!

Back into the baking

Late this afternoon the headache left...thank god. Tonight is my night for baking David's cookies for tomorrow's drop-off so I felt all ready to get back into it. I chose Double Chocolate and Espresso Cashew Cookies from the chocolate cookbook I bought at the cafe/shop called Comfort in San Anselmo. The mix tasted absolutely divine and I'm pretty sure the cookies will be sensational. I was on a roll so I also made Cranberry Maple Scones from the recipe that came with one of the scone pans I bought (well, the recipe is Cranberry Scones but I added my own maple glaze so I re-named the recipe). I did try one of the scones and they are superb - not too heavy or thick, just right. Mmmmmmm.

Other good news is while channel surfing tonight Michael saw that Desperate Housewives is back on the channel I was watching it on a while ago. Monday nights at 8pm you know where I'll be!

Killer jetlag

I have been wanting to update here for ages...well, ideally I would have done a daily post from San Francisco/Berkeley but I was having too much fun.

And now I am suffering bigtime. The flight out of San Francisco on Wednesday was delayed 7.5 hours which meant a glorious half day extra with Jen (we left SFO at 11.45pm Wed night). It meant, though, that I had to run to catch the last flight from Paris to Geneva at 8pm Thursday which fortunately I made (not keen to spend a night in a hotel, even at Air Frances' expense). I got into Geneva just after 9pm. Michael and the girls picked me up and by the time we came home, put the girls to bed (they had fallen asleep in the car), unpacked and showed Michael all my goodies (couldn't wait to show him) it was 1.30am by the time I went to bed. And I woke at 4.40am Friday (train woke me I think), couldn't get back to sleep and got up not long after (at least I could treat myself to a cinammon and raisin bagel from a pack I'd bought back with me).

Then the next night (Fri) I went to bed around 11.30 and woke around 4.10am when Lily came in asking for a drink. Once again I couldn't get back to sleep so got up, and Charlotte joined me at 5.20am . Yesterday I was so knackered I went back to bed at 10am and slept till 2.30pm.

And then last night I went to bed around 11.30pm, woke at 4am and slept lightly till 5.30-6am when I got up. I slept for a couple of hours this afternoon.

But even with the daytime naps I feel headache-y and my body aches. It's really gross. I took headache tablets before and my head still hurts. I really hope I can shake this soon.

The good news is Georgie arrives this Thursday night on a flight out of London (where she arrives today for a couple days of meetings). It will be so great for her to come here, see where we live and spend some time with her.