What a week

It's been pretty full-on...sorting, selling, giving away, binning, fielding emails and phone calls (both of which have pretty much stopped - most everything is gone). My biggest concerns were the two couches (one free, one for sale) and three wardrobes (two for free, one for sale). No one wants them. I thought I'd have to send out a 'damsel in distress' email to friends here asking for husbands (to dismantle this furniture and transport it away) and storage space (to keep it till hard rubbish collection day - next week?). But the ever-resourceful Christine C rang the other night and she suggested asking our removal company if they could dismantle and take it for destruction. I rang Nelly yesterday and she said yes, thank god. She was supposed to get back to me with a cost but I never heard from her.

But all going well the removal guys will be here at 2pm today to pick up the boxes that we have been sorting and MK has been packing (still a pile of stuff to pack). And take away the unwanted furniture.

Also yesterday we had an attempted break-in! Long story short, MK and I were standing near our front door when we saw the handle of the door slowly, slowly moving down (being opened). We opened the door and there was a woman there - her story was (in Italian, not French I think) that she was looking for an estheticienne. There is no beauty place near us (chiropractor and pediatrician, yes, no beauty salon or the like). While MK was talking with her I took the phone onto the balcony and called the cops (Rose had only told me a couple of days before about being burglered and they live in Pully also). No English spoken, but they did a three way conversation with a woman who translated for me. Within minutes a uniform officer was at our door (again no English) but by this time she had gone (I'd seen her out our windows afterwards on a mobile - which made me think she might have been innocent). Anyway, the cop took our story then not that long after he left the doorbell rang again. It was a plain-clothes young cop asking if we could identify the woman if he showed us a photo - they had a woman in the police station her who fit the description! Lordy. Anyway MK looked and I looked and her hair looked shorter. A wig, I said. Yes, they do that the cop said excitedly! It was a bit fun, I have to admit. Another cop joined us (also young and out of uniform) and apparently he'd taken the photo. They took several phone calls then told us the woman did admit to being here at our apartment and then they us she'd told the same story at another place on Ave CF Ramuz (street near us). She's a liar, they said, and I think I believe them.

And the most amazing thing? From the time of the conversation with the woman at our door (the would-be burglar) to the time the police left us and the issue was resolved was just over an hour! How's that for good service.

Oh, and somewhere in this crazy week MK and I had our 7th wedding anniversary. Think any celebrations will be deferred till HK!

Last night in the apartment

Tonight will be the last night ever we sleep in this apartment. We love this apartment. It's big (enough), has fantastic views, is in a fantastically central location, is open-plan and holds a lot of our memories from the last 3 years and 9 months.

Lily had her 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th birthday here. Charlotte was conceived here and had her 1st and 2nd birthday (she misses out on having her 3rd birthday here by a couple of weeks - I'm pretty sad about that). We've had friends and family come and stay here, we've had coffee mornings and playdates.

Goodbye apartment - you have been perfect for us.

My going away dinner

Saturday night we all went to Chalet Suisse in Lausanne for fondue and a good laugh. There was 14 of us, including Christine C's sister Jennifer who was visiting at the time. I was pretty teary when I got there - I think mainly because I was tired. Lot of late nights put me behind the 8 ball. But a couple of wines and I was fine.

Lucinda gave a speech when she presented my presents, then other people made a speech. It was really moving. The gifts were amazing - as I asked for (!) there was a Swiss cookbook and everyone wrote in it and an address book with people's details in it. But the surprise gift was a Sf300 voucher for Myer Melbourne! And when Claire gave her speech she also had a gift - a Swiss photo book (Memories of Switzerland) from her and Rose. And Claire had taken the photos and had the book made up. It's beautiful.

I gave my speech - once I got past being completely choked up. It was important to me to say something to acknowledge my 5 years in Switzerland and the importance of my friends during that time.

Aussie Jen had picked me up and she also dropped me home. It was about 1am when I went to bed, wrapped in lots of good feelings from the night.

Life in reverse

It's been really good having Christine and Sophie here. Not just for the day to day help, but having a friend has made everything a bit more fun, normal. And Christine being a practical person, her input is helpful.

It's interesting seeing our life here unwind...the reverse of what happened when we arrived but faster.

Things are selling and going.

Now I really want the big 5 door wardrobe and the dining room table and chairs to shift.

We sold the car!

The car went in the paper yesterday (first day) and by last night it was gone - literally! MK showed it one guy at about 5pm who offered us half of what we are asking (he was onto the clutch). And then another guy at 6.30pm. And when MK came upstairs from seeing that guy an hour or so later he'd sold the car...the guy had given him cash and taken it. And the price was still below what we'd asked for but above what everyone else had verbally said they'd give us for it.

Result :)

Visitors arrive any minute!

Yes, it's past midnight and yes, Christine and baby Sophie will be here within 15minutes I reckon. Their plane was delayed 45 mins (thanks to tighter security at London airports) and they caught a later train from the airport so they've had a long night. But all will be good when they get here.

Last night I kept plugging away at the computer - bad move - and didn't get to bed till 1am. Then I woke early this morning (around 6.30am) - a bad dream woke me - and couldn't back to sleep. So I was knackered all day. Poor MK - he's on nightshift this week and worked all last night. I think it was a hard night for him.

By this afternoon I had a raging headache and it only went away a little while ago. But it was another productive-ish day trying to shift our stuff. A woman came round this morning and would take the trundle bed if it wasn't already promised to someone else. And tonight the blue travel cot was picked up and paid for, and another woman came round (the one who wants the trundle bed) and she took the knife block with her. Plus I responded to emails all day, and some phone calls. The WRG site gets a good response, but for some people we are too far away to come to. Fair enough. I wouldn't travel an hour for a Sf35 tricycle.

The boxes were delivered this morning and are sitting in the loungeroom (folded) - a constant reminder of where our life is heading (literally and figuritively). And tonight on his way to work MK saw it was hard rubbish collection night so he came back (twice) to put the two black chairs out on the street. Our physical environment continues to change, slowly.

Juggling, sorting, selling, negotiating, discussing, clicking and clacking...my mind is on the job at hand.

I'll be glad when it's all over.

Goodbye Germany, Goodbye Aunty - We're home

Well, we left Frankfurt today at 2.20pm and we got home at 8.10pm. We had one quick stop for petrol about 30mins after we left then around 6.30pm we stopped to for a loo break and buy dinner to eat in the car (sandwiches all round).

It was a terrific weekend. We did stop in Basel for lunch and a quick look around - ended up being there 2 hours. And we arrived at the Harheimer Hof at 7pm. By 7.30pm Aunty and Uncle were joining us at the hotel for dinner. Such a nice evening - everyone was happy and relaxed. Of course, Aunty came with gifts and we were amazed again by her generousity. My b'day present was a beautiful ring and for MK some aftershave. Barbies for the girls and colouring books and pencils (ever practical Aunty - the toys were perfect for the restaurant).

The next day, after breakfast, Aunty met us at the hotel and we went off in her car. First stop was the hairdressing salon to see Uncle and get haircuts for the girls and MK. This time Aunty did the girls hair. At first Charlotte was saying 'no haircup' but after Lily finished she was raring to go and saying she wanted to be a pumpkin (they'd seen billboard pictures of pumpkins all over the place!). Bit of a change from when we were there 6 mths ago and they were saying they wanted to be princesses.

Afterwards we went to the NorthWest Zentrum and had lunch at the same Chinese restaurant as last time...and glad we did as it's a yummy buffet. MK then went off to get some photos developed and Aunty, the girls and I went to ToysRUs, then to a dept store. I couldn't help myself and bought two mugs and matching serving plates (chocolate brown). Aunty bought the girls another Barbie each (Mermadia). We met up with MK and had coffee (us) and icecream (girls) at the same place as 6mths ago! We enjoyed the sense of familiarity of continuity...and could well building on these with subsequent visits if we were to stay in Europe.

Later in the afternoon we went back to Aunty's apartment and she made us dinner - bread, sausages, salads. Then cake after. The girls loved being there and playing with Uncle. She drove us back to the hotel in time for a reasonably early night. Good for all of us, esp the girls who were very tired.

Yesterday morning Aunty picked us up after breakfast again and we went to the Palmen Garten. It was a bit chilly, but the sun was shining and the girls enjoyed playing in the kinderplatz (playgrounds) and riding on the little train. We tried to have lunch there, but the restaurant was full. Aunty took us to her friend's restaurant, a Croatian place, where MK had a big mixed grill and Aunty and I had the calamari - mine with lots of extra garlic! Charlotte fell asleep before lunch arrived but ate her soup later, and Lily had a bowl of tortellini.

Then more eating later! We went back to Aunty's for an hour or so (and saw Uncle), then at 5pm we all walked to a restaurant in their village (Bonames) to have dinner with Frank, Diana and baby Sarah. It was lovely to see them again, and Sarah has grown.

(Ugghhh, I am now so tired I'm standing here at the laptop, in the kitchen, barely able to type a proper sentence...I started this post in between the millions of things I've been doing on the computer tonight. All related to selling our stuff. Responding to emails, updating my Word documents, posting ads on WRG and updating the photobucket Items for Sale site. I think it is time to call it quits and start again tomorrow. When I will have to unpack from the weekend...haven't even looked at it since we got in. It's now 12.06am and I am outta here).

On the road to Frankfurt

We have left behind all the sorting and selling for a few days. Although we have packed the laptop in case I can get on the net and post our stuff on WRG classifieds and check email if possible. Anyway we left home at 10.30am and plan on stopping in Basel for lunch.

What a treat!

Another long day, but it did start beautifully...well, once I found a park (the road in front of the Beau Rivage - lakeside - was blocked off) and found the main reception (never been in that reception before, just the bar round the front). I was late, but once I got there and put my robe and slippers on it just got better and better. The treatment was out of this world - Japanese bath ritual (oils, rose petals, tea and dried fruit, head and neck massage in a gorgeous wooden bath), full body exfoliation (scrubbed within an inch of my life - divine), shower, full body moisturise, then the amazing facial which included a face/head/neck/hand massage. Wow.

It took just under 2 hours. Then I was free to use the hamman or pool, but I didn't want to go near chlorine or steam. So I lounged in the relaxing room, read a magazine, drank water and ate an apple and pear from the fruit on offer! Bliss. I left at noon.

And just as I was leaving I got a call about our baby stuff. The woman and her husband and toddler daughter came and looked at it tonight and bought a bunch of stuff (she's pregnant). And they'll come back on the 27th to pick up Charlotte's cot and the travel cot.

And Nicky H came round this afternoon and she'll buy all the glass-fronted cabinets, cutlery and a bunch of wine glasses (the last two we're really just chucking in). Yayyyy!

Off to Frankfurt tomorrow. Back Monday afternoon.

We could stay here and keep working but we really want to say one last goodbye to Aunty and Uncle.

Busy birthday - 38th!

I am so tired, I really need to go to bed...but I have to do one post on my birthday! It was a nice day, busy as expected. The girls were so excited this morning and it was fun opening cards and presents. MK got me a Palm Pilot and subscription to BBC Good Food, both of which were on my wishlist (stuck to the fridge!). And there was a nice pile of cards to open.

I made pancakes for breakfasts and went out for my jog/walk. More walk as Michele rang and I chatted to her (helped with my stitch).

Back home we got ready and headed out for lunch at La Stella. Once Charlotte got some food it was a nice meal. My pizza was yummy and MK had chasse, which is in season now.

Later Gary came round to check out the things he wants from our apartment. The list isn't as long as I'd hope, but it's not too bad.

At 3.30pm I had a wax appointment which was in anticipation for my spa treatment at the Beau Rivage hotel at Ouchy that Jen got for my b'day. I made the appt for tomorrow morning and I'm very excited...it's going to be divine I know.

And then jobs, jobs, jobs...Jonnene and family came round tonight to pick up the exercise bike, telescope, MK's bike and helmet. I've spent all night loading the photos for more of the things we want to sell, describing and pricing them. And just now posting them on Lausanne Kids and sending them out in an email.

I'm done.

No sale for Now Baking

Marlene just rang and she did get the 6 month contract. Which means (although it wasn't explicitly said on the phone) that she won't be taking on Now Baking.

I'm ok with it. In fact, I think there's a reason why it hasn't gone. Maybe I'm just not meant to sell it for some reason. No big deal...I'll be taking the domain name and website with me anyway. It was the recipes, email mailing list, reputation and contacts (and some ingredients, including vanilla extract) that I was going to hand over. For a price, which was never laid on the table.

That was fast!

I eventually got the things listed on our photobucket site, wrote a description and picked a price then I was able to send them as a group email and post them on the Lausanne kids website. No sooner had I posted them on the Lausanne kids website than I got a phone call - 'I'll take your men's bike, men's helmet and exercise bike'. Errr, ok, who's this?! It was another Aussie, Jonnene, who had been burnt before. Been offered stuff from a friend who was leaving, ummm-ed and ahhhh-ed a few days, by the time she got back to say yes all the stuff had gone. She wasn't waiting this time!

And while we were on the phone her husband emailed to say they'd take the telescope! So that's the majority of our big, non-baby stuff gone. Which is a relief. But getting rid of the baby stuff might be harder...hope not.

She's coming round tomorrow night to pick the stuff up.

And Gary - who was supposed to be coming round tonight after work - just rang to say he can't make it tonight. Can he can tomorrow night, same time? No problems. I just need to know asap what he wants/what he doesn't so I can start planning accordingly.

Off to clean garderie

Yesterday I was texting with Yasmine and she offered to take the girls this morning when she was cleaning garderie. I know the girls would love this, but I was also concerned that the girls would be in the way. Yasmine being Yasmine this wasn't an issue.

So this morning, when I was about to get in the lift (Yasmine had said 9.30am) who came out of our lift except Yasmine! She was there to collect the girls. Just can't beat her. She'll bring the girls back at noon (even though I offered to collect)...

And now I am trying to load all the photos of our stuff for sale onto my photobucket site...get this job done and I can send the link out and hopefully start shifting some of this stuff.

Bike for sale

...but we're keeping the kids.

MK took this photo yesterday when he was taking pics of all the things we want to sell.

Better Monday, and weather to go with it

Michael was sleeping today (after last night of nightshift) and Catarina came to clean just after 10am so the girls and I went out. And it was another beautiful day, so easy to do. First stop - Dr Breuss across the road. I was able to make an appointment for 2.15pm. We then went to the boulangerie and the girls had a tasse de lait (semi chaud) with a croissant each. I had a renverse decaf.

We then went swung by the little park and the girls had a play. By then it was time to head home, and we popped into Migros first to pick up a few groceries. Catarina had gone and MK was up by the time we got home.

So the doctor's appt...I had a slight temperature (38 degrees) but all was good when he checked with the stethoscope and the blood test (to measure infection) came back good. So he wasn't pushing to do an x-ray. Even though it was an x-ray that picked up the pneumonia last time. Anyway, he was happy and sent me away with a prescription (ordannance) for cough syrup, capsules that work as an expectorant and tablets for my sore throat.

I do feel better today which is the best news. I just can't be sick now. No way, no how.

Sick Sunday

Yesterday I thought I was getting better. Today I don't feel that way. I have no energy, my cough is dry and a bit painful and I can tell my breathing doesn't feel quite right. Ugghhhh, please spare me from anything serious.

I've spent the day on the white couch, wiped out. MK is on nightshift so when he got up and had 'breakfast' he took the girls outside. It's a lovely day here - mild and sunny. And I've not taken advantage of it one bit.

But more importantly I've done no jobs. None of the jobs I *should* be doing. Like cataloging that babystuff so I can post it for sale. Let alone work on clearing out a cupboard, or something similar.

Yesterday I took the girls into town for lunch. MK had slept in till 10am (privilege allowed when he's about to start nightshift) and he wasn't keen to do much. So we left just before noon, and he got stuck into his wardrobe. Lots of sorting and tossing.

We had lunch at Manora, which was quite nice. The girls had the menu enfant - breaded chicken and chips, a drink and balloon for Sf5.90 - and I had the medium size salad plate (salad buffet for just under Sf8, as much as you can fit on your plate).

Afterwards the girls wanted to watch some buskers in St Francois, and I saw Kris S who is looking amazing after having her 3rd daughter, Sophia, 7 weeks ago.

As a treat I bought the girls a gaufre each, and had to have some myself. Love that waffle! We looked in Globus (all the renovations are finished on the ground floor), and Interio (all changed around on it's ground floor). Had to stop at Manor for a toilet break (Lily) before catching the bus home. Got back just before 4pm having only bought 3 cards from Globus. Hmmmm, might have to go back in by myself and have one last shop in Lausanne.

I must have felt alright as last night, before MK went into work at 7.30pm, I went for my jog. Certainly don't feel like doing that today.

Lost my voice, found my voice

Yesterday I lost my voice. It had been raspy the day before, but yesterday I was reduced to a whisper. Which had the effect of other people lowering their voices! I also have a bit of a cough but not too bad.

Today my voice is better...still a bit funny, but better than the last couple of days. Hope I'm on the mend. Aussie Jen emailed me last night saying she had lost her voice - coincidentally - and had been to the doctor and been diagnosed with laryngitis and bronchitis on one lung. Pass. And I've just received an email from her saying she's cancelling Chloe's party tomorrow as she's worse (shivering, skin hurts, needs to be in bed). Yikes, poor thing.

Good health will surround me.

Trip down Lausanne memory lane

Last Saturday afternoon we caught the bus into town. After I'd done some shopping at Promod (treated myself to a new pair of better-fitting jeans) we walked down Petit-Chene and had a bit of a reminisce. All the times we climbed that hill with Lily in the pram on our way into the centre of Lausanne. How it seems a lifetime ago that we first arrived here and lived in that little apartment near the train station. We walked through the train station (Lily and I shared a bag of chaud marron) and through the other side to our old apartment. Then down to the Coop which was completely renovated after we left (I'm convinced they'll do the same thing to the Migros downstairs after we leave!).

Then to my favourite gift store in Lausanne, then we walked to Montchoisi to catch the bus home to Pully. Which is where MK took this photo, as we waited for the bus.

Things are starting to fall into place

This week I have chosen the zen path...not to let things stress me out. So what if it comes to it that we lose money on our apartment (ie don't get all of our two month deposit back). I want to leave here peacefully, happily and with me choosing what to feel about situations. And I choose to let things go. Well, of course as soon as I sent this out into the Universe things started to fall into place. Culminating in today.

Obviously the big worry has been the apartment. But today we received a letter from the gerance saying that we are free of our obligations of our contract as of 1st November (the letter is in French). There is a copy of another letter mentioning painting work that needs to be done, but I'm not sure that is our responsibility. It's addressed to the owner and we've received a copy. Will get a French speaking friend to call about this next week.

We'd already found out during the week that Gary had been offered the apartment, however he wasn't agreeing to their terms. He didn't think it was a big issue - just them playing funny buggers - and made a time to come round here next Tuesday after work (he's in London till Monday). Well, he's just left a message on the answering machine saying the gerance has agreed to the one year contract, then every three monthly after that. Which is what he wanted.

Yayyyy, seems the apartment is sorted. Now with Gary coming round on Tuesday we can work out what he wants to buy, I envisage listing everything then us agreeing on a price. Woohooo!

This week we agreed to go ahead with the removalist company I preferred (the one Jen and Brad used) and today the woman who will be managing the move called me. We made the pick up date for Friday Oct 27th at 2pm. And they will deliver the boxes sometime in the week of October 16th. Good stuff.

Also we've organised for all our stuff in Adelaide to be transported to Melbourne and this will happen on Friday Oct 20th, arriving in Melbourne the next day.

So now I have to get onto the job of selling all our baby stuff (prams, travel cots, backpack etc) and odds n' ends (exercise bike, MK's bike and anything Gary doesn't want). It's a matter of cataloging (sp?) it all so I can post it on different websites and intranets.

And sell the car. Although next week MK has the week off and it's 2 weeks school holidays so we were thinking of going to Frankfurt for one last goodbye. And we'd need the car for that. I am so zen about it, it will all work out :)

Busy Thursday, but good

Went for my jog after dropping the girls off at school/garderie then had a full day of appointments. First off was Marlene at 10.30am (well, she arrived at 10am but no matter!) who came to talk about Now Baking and the possibility of buying it. In a nutshell I don't think it's going to happen as it's not the right time for her. But she'll let me know next Tuesday. Then I went into town and had lunch with Michele (12.15pm) at Cafe St Francois which she chose as it was the same place we had lunch just before Charlotte and then Adam were born. She treated me and it was very nice.

At 2pm I had a hair appointment at David's, just up the hill from where Michele and I had lunch. Just a colour, and I have another appt for a cut and colour the day before we fly out. My last ever appt at the Red Room.

Hopped on the bus and came back to Pully, just a couple of minutes late to pick Lily up from school. One of her teachers, Helene, was waiting with her and she told me it was her last day as she's going to Africa tomorrow (today) for 2 weeks holiday. So she wanted to say au revoir and bonne chance. Very nice, although it did get me teary. And Lily came home with a lovely little book with a note from her school friends and two class photos - one with their dog masks and and one with them off. Taken yesterday, so couldn't be more current.

Later picked Charlotte up from garderie and by then MK was home from work so the 4 of us went to Dr Corbuz's (pediatrician) for a goodbye appointment. I booked it saying the girls had coughs, which they sort of did, but I also took along a plant and a chocolate mousse cake. Once again I got teary. I love Dr C! MK took some pics and Dr C gave us her email address...she said she would write in French and us in English!

The traffic was blocked in Lausanne due to a protest march so it took us ages to get home. And Dr C was running probably 45mins late for our appt so it was late by the time we got home, girls had baths and we had dinner. They weren't in bed till 8.30pm.

And the night before that, I want to mention, Yasmine and Stephanie took me out to dinner to Au Canard Pekingoise (sp?). It was a fun night...food was yummy, and lots of gossip and naughtiness. Not the sort of talk you'd hear in Expatia!

My (privileged) routine

I have wanted to write this post since earlier this year, before the last school year ended. And now I realise that today is the last ever day of that routine so it's now or never. It's Lily's last day of school in Pully. But up to and including today my routine pretty much runs like this...

In the mornings we get up whenever the kids wake up. But preferably no later than 7.30am or 7.45am (although this morning it was closer to 8). Eat breakfast (porridge and frozen blueberries for me, Weetabix mixed with another cereal like Special K for the girls) then we get dressed. I just get into my walking gear - shorts/pants and t-shirt and sneakers. Pack the snack boxes and water bottles in their bags and we try and head out the door by 8.25am.

Lily needs to be at school at 8.30am when the bell rings. There are always parents and kids waiting outside the door (in what MK called the airport waiting room) but we are never one of them. More likely Lily runs ahead of us and says her goodbyes as she flies in the door.

Then Charlotte and I turn around and re-trace our steps to Coop where we head off in the direction of garderie, all of a couple of minutes walk. After dropping Charlotte off at garderie, at about 8.45am, I go for my 40min jog/5min walk along Lake Geneva. I love the view...always changing and dramatic. Stunning. And it's always quiet along the Lake...some dog walkers, fellow joggers, people taking a stroll. It's very low key. I go all the way to Lutry, out along the first jetty right to the end. Do 40 step-ups on the rock at the end, then turn around and jog the same route home. Coming up the walled road is steep and tough, but it's my Hill of Shame. I go as far as I can thinking of all the crap I've eaten!

I'm usually home around 9.30am or a bit later. Have a shower and do a few things around the apartment (which is what I'm doing right now). I can hear the noises from the square below us as people are heading into Migros. Cheerful voices, kids crying...all three levels below us. I usually head to Migros as well before picking Lily up.

At 11.25am I leave to collect Lily who comes out at 11.30am. We pop into Coop and pick up a few things before going to garderie to collect Charlotte who's out at noon. Walking home the girls are sometimes crabby and I try and do lunch as soon as we get in. But often they get home and become distracted by toys. Lunch here is often a main meal and it's not uncommon for people to go home for it. For us it's often just a toasted cheese sandwich. Lily loves it when it's pasta!

The girls have some playtime and often ask for a video. They can watch some tv but they are aware that the tv goes off when it's time to take Lily back to school. Around 1.30pm we start getting ready for the walk back to school and Lily needs to be there by 1.45am when the bell rings.

Charlotte and I come home just before 2pm and that's quiet time. Last school year this was the time I'd put C down for a nap but she's not the super-sleeper Lily was and if I do put her down for a nap the extra sleep keeps her awake at bedtime at night. So we skip it now. She usually watches tv and I have my precious one hour on the white couch with a cup of tea and a magazine. I love that time.

At 3pm I start making moves to collect Lily and we leave at 3.10pm. Lily is out at 3.15pm. We usually come home for a snack and the girls play. I like to have dinner early, around 5.30 - 6pm, so bath and bedtime doesn't get too late. When MK is at work (afternoon shift), it's not uncommon for the girls to be in bed between 7.15-7.30pm. With MK it's closer to 8pm.

This routine is every weekday except Wednesday when there is no school or garderie. And every Monday the cleaner (Catarina) comes for 2 hours (10.15am-12.15) so I usually head out and do jobs around here. And depending on which shift MK is on, it can change as he helps out. Although I prefer to drop the girls off in the morning as it sets me up to exercise. On Thursday Charlotte is at garderie all day (like Lily used to be when she went there) so I just have Lily to pick up and drop back to school in the middle of the day. I don't pick C up till 4.30pm. These last two Thursdays Stephanie has picked Lily up from school at 11.30am and taken her to garderie where she's had lunch. Then Sarah has taken her back to school for 1.45am. This is the perfect Thursday and it's what Mhairi were doing last school year when I'd have Lewis home for lunch every Tuesday and she'd have Lily every Thursday. That hasn't continued this school year as I think Lewis has been going to friend's house (another boy in his class) for lunch.

How lucky am I? I walk everywhere, rarely need the car and when I do need to go into Lausanne it's easier to take the bus as it there's one every 10mins, it only takes 10mins and you're in the heart of the city.

Man oh man my life is going to change bigtime.

Rain, rain go away...

I wasn't able to go for my jog today as it's raining, just like Sunday. Felt quite frustrated about that...I'm not used to dropping Charlotte off to garderie and coming straight home. Routine freak...and my routine is go for a jog then come home. Oh well.

Lucinda headed down our way again today. Becoming a very nice routine to see her every Tuesday. Today, however, we met at Christine's seeing as she is on bedrest for the next 4 weeks. I lugged a bunch of magazines and some cookies with me (as well as the French road map she'd lent us). Could only stay an hour as had to pick Lily up from school.

Afterwards Lucinda and Stefan popped in here till I took Lily back to school. Lucinda was able to ring the gerance for me (thank god for bilingual friends) but the woman we need to speak to is out of the office till tomorrow. Unfortunately I don't think the news will be good...at the very least if Gary is offered the apartment he's not able to give a months' notice on his apartment so I imagine wouldn't be able to move in till December 1st. And I imagine we'll be told we are responsible for the month of December.

Ugghhh, this is speculation on my behalf but I have to prepare myself...

October - our final month

Yesterday was the first of October. We leave Switzerland on the first of November. On Wednesday it will be 4 weeks exactly.

This month will be full of changes. High emotion. Stress. And hopefully plenty of good times. Life as we know it is going to change dramatically.

Up until now the work I've done towards our move hasn't really impacted our everyday life. That's changed. Yesterday it rained all day. So I started sorting/tossing/cleaning up the girls toys. Stuff to throw out, stuff to give away, thinking about what to take home with us and stuff to keep for now but will probably be thrown or given away when the time comes. We were invited round to Lorretta's place for the children's parade of the Fetes de Vendanges. But I rang her and even though we still could have gone it was not the do she was envisaging (people were going to be able to go out onto the terrace to watch the parade). And by then I was on a roll with the sorting/tossing/tidying job...so we stayed home and made the first big move towards down-sizing our life here.

It was good...so good, I'd recommend it on a yearly or twice yearly basis. Place looks a lot less cluttered. Not that we'll be here long enough to enjoy it. But it's a start towards what we need to do.

But, hell, the thought did cross my mind - if it takes us a whole day just to make a dent in the kids' toys, we have a lot of work ahead of us.

Will I be able to get...?

~ bananas for Sf3.10 a kilo (less on special)
~ WW croissants (2.5 points each)
~ clothes at Promod (me), H&M (kids), Cop Copine (when I want something a bit alternative), Zara (for a browse)
~ Gruyere cheese slices
~ the best, everyday yoghurt anywhere
~ a variety of really good cheeses in the supermarket between Sf11 and Sf20 per kilo (Gruyere, Emmentaler, Tilist, Assiagio)
~ gaufres
~ the smell of croissants when I open my balcony door in the morning
~ the sound of buskers playing music (often Eastern European 3 or 4 piece bands) wafting up to my apartment
~ views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss and French alps
~ a cheery 'bonjour' from one of Lily's classmates when I see them out

in Australia??