http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/Serena Pond is thirty five years only and a single mum to five year old Ben. Formerly a resident of Battersea, London, Serena spent a lot of time since Ben with her family in Wales. She has just moved back to London. en-UKMokoFeed10http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/f1/6c8c3cffb673f5dce3d7aff199daf3_160x200.jpghttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/hola-7242617/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2009-10-25:/2009/10/25/hola-7242617/Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:32:46 +0100 <p>Mum on anti-depressants and at home, relatively functional. Although still having sleep problems with the tinnitus. She drove into a lorry on the track over the weekend but thankfully no one was hurt. </p> <p>James and Ben are watching Top Gear, getting on really well and the three of us are off to Tenerife for half term on Tuesday. Hurrah!<br> <img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/078/4041078_cf557bacd4_s.jpeg" alt="IMG_0362"><br> I have made lots of papier mache things for the school Spooky Disco. 3 bats, a bug spider, a witch etc. Excellent fun.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/hola-7242617/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/hola-7242617/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/06/30/welcome-back-me-6425412/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2009-06-30:/2009/06/30/welcome-back-me-6425412/Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:52:24 +0200 <p>Wowee I stopped blogging. All got too busy I guess. And now people are twittering. Hmm....<br> Well. its hot hot hot.<br> Mum is in a psychiatric hospital.<br> Son and boyf and his son are all fine.<br> Interesting times.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/06/30/welcome-back-me-6425412/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/06/30/welcome-back-me-6425412/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/02/15/weekend-5580641/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2009-02-15:/2009/02/15/weekend-5580641/Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:11:45 +0100 <p>Lovely weekend. Lunch with cousin in town on flying visit from USA. So nice to see her. Dinners out too -with kids on Friday and then just us in romanticky one last night. Huge and glorious bunch of flowers which I'll take to Wales. Such a nice boyf.<br> Friend who died has a Wikipedia entry:<br> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Gordon_(Scottish_Author)">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Gordon_(Scottish_Author)</a><br> Top chap. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/02/15/weekend-5580641/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/02/15/weekend-5580641/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/02/12/feb-5558930/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2009-02-12:/2009/02/12/feb-5558930/Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:12:05 +0100 <p>Well, he didn't get in, which upset me. After a bit of grumping, B has forgotten about it.<br> A life-long family friend died last week. Not old. Very sad. Very sudden. Just - gone.</p> <p>Off to Wales for half term next week. Looking forward to it.<br> Have been helping out with a 'College Week' in school, 3 days of papier mache with variety of kids. Most really fine, just a couple really annoying. Its good for them all to try different stuff. B is doing indoor golf (?!) later and Greek myths tomorrow. PTA coffee morning tomorrow too. Am I baking biscuits? Nope. Putting off ironing. Could start planting stuff I reckon. That's always cheering.<br> Hope you're all ok out there. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/02/12/feb-5558930/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/02/12/feb-5558930/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/01/19/phew-5405264/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2009-01-19:/2009/01/19/phew-5405264/Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:37:14 +0100 <p>Well, I am glad Saturday is over. I was way more stressed than Ben. He said he didn't have time to finish two of the three papers, but sailed through the math one. So I have no idea how he did and we have to wait tol see if he gets called for interview. We were late for school this morning so didn't see the others - two others in his class sat the same exam. James dropped us off and there were plenty of kids from his son's school. </p> <p>Went to party, baby sitter was fine. Party was very casual, in a pub, but live music which was fun. Boyf insisted on paying for sitter and all drinks. Very unlike previous people, apart from B's dad that is. He was generous too. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/01/19/phew-5405264/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/01/19/phew-5405264/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/01/15/nice-5381235/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2009-01-15:/2009/01/15/nice-5381235/Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:06:00 +0100 <p>He's a good chap this Jamesie boy. He takes the stressey huff-girl in his stride and remains calm. He suggested a game of Scrabble last night which took my mind of everything and I won handsomely.<br> Its overcast and cold today. Have been to the gym for an hour and volunteered to help in some school week of random workshops. We collect bikes after school... whooo! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/01/15/nice-5381235/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/01/15/nice-5381235/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/01/14/back-into-it-5378680/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2009-01-14:/2009/01/14/back-into-it-5378680/Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:44:55 +0100 <p>School, swimming, Bed Time, homework... trying to make time to relax and have fun together. Prep school 7+ exam this Saturday, both a wee bit stressed. Many kids, few places, esp for scholarship. Swotting a bit; boy's doing ok. No idea if he's got a hope or not. Tutor optimistic, but she would be, surely!<br> Boyf has a party (pub, birthday) Sat eve and has asked me.<br> Buying new bike to cheer self up! Thanks Mum! Been trying loads, don't see point in a mountain thingy as er, I'm in London and a town bike would be better.<br> Feeling rather generally ARRGH and have shoulders like the board. Stiff as. Hey ho. A glass of Sauvignon may help. Help not to air the argh anyway.<br> Ugh, step-pa saw the evil ex whi ignored him, the ignorant arse. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/01/14/back-into-it-5378680/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/01/14/back-into-it-5378680/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/01/09/happy-new-year-5349095/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2009-01-09:/2009/01/09/happy-new-year-5349095/Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:41:26 +0100 <p>The sun is shining and I've just been to the allotment for the first time this year. Took up black fleece which cousin had covered bulbs with. Believe plants need light!<br> Christmas was... long, peaceful and fun! In Wales, obviously, boyf and son came on Boxing Day and we all came back on Jan 1st. Too much drinking, no surprises there, but no real fall outs. I was rather emotional one evening with mum and James, but have very little recollection! Wintery walks with the boys, who gathered friends and grew to a gang of five! Lovely!<br> Went to the sea side on NY Eve afternoon, another bright and sunny day with views to the Llyn peninsula and Bardsey Island.<br> Really strange to be back in London. Had some time just B & I, went skating, then getting used to being trio with boyf this week, and now a weekend when we are four. Which will be fun! Life is very nice at present. Happy New Year everyone! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/01/09/happy-new-year-5349095/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2009/01/09/happy-new-year-5349095/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/12/07/another-weekend-5178323/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-12-07:/2008/12/07/another-weekend-5178323/Sun, 07 Dec 2008 23:37:09 +0100 <p>Another weekend, another wedding. My old flatmate. Middle of bloody Winter, middle of bloody nowhere but it was really rather lovely. Again, so nice to see the family and friends. She looked like a tiny petite ice princess, he looked cool in tails. Ben boy looked fab and was a star despite dreadful cold and cough. We stayed in a hotel by a rushing river, steam train chugging by. All v scenic. James and I stepped (rather than fell?!) off wagon and drank and smoked and had a jolly evening. Hotel had the most uncomfortable beds ever so I am looking forward to my super mattress, even if sharing with cough boy rather than J! Really nice wedding, as they go.<br> My mama sat next to the boyf in the 'wedding breakfast' and asked if it made him want to do the do. 'Would you recommend it?' he asked. 'NO!' she replied. Thanks Mum! I guess you have to laugh. It was nice to go to a different part of Wales. V scenic and sunny. Fab spa just boyf and I on the morning of the wedding. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/12/07/another-weekend-5178323/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/12/07/another-weekend-5178323/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/12/01/messy-5145366/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-12-01:/2008/12/01/messy-5145366/Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:12:53 +0100 <p>Boyf better hurrah, and we both quit drinking and smoking. Which is getting easier after one week. He's being really nice at the moment. Fixed heating, getting an old friend to fix my car for 'mates rates', being here lots but not too much so Ben doesn't get too jealous etc. Lovely. Flat is REALLY messy as it is doubling as my studio as I make papier mache things for the school Christmas disco. The other arty parent is a dad called Liam, and his surname is Wales. Which was a bit spooky!<br> Things in production include Father Christmas, an Elf and ooooh might go for a small reindeer too. Am nuts but enjoying it. Which is the main thing.<br> Got B smart wedding clothes so all set for weekend too. Should be fun. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/12/01/messy-5145366/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/12/01/messy-5145366/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/11/19/crowded-house-5065468/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-11-19:/2008/11/19/crowded-house-5065468/Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:32:08 +0100 <p>Poor boyf not well so staying here for TLC. I am so not a natural nurse; don't DO ill people, but am managing to be relatively nice and caring. Offering tea etc. He's v sweet and appreciative and B v tolerant. Too nice day today though, so got cabin fever and went for long walk. Good to keep own space and give sick boy some time to bathe and sleep. Bless.<br> Lunch was fun, C is so laid back and lunched out. 'I can get lunch on expenses, so I'll pay and we'll go halves,' said he. Rubbish, if its on expenses, you can buy me a bloody Pret sarnie dear! Credit cruncher.<br> On that, question is - do I buy or rent an outfit for 6 yr old to wear to wedding? M&S, Ebay or search out hire thing, if there's time. Wedding's in 2 weeks.. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/11/19/crowded-house-5065468/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/11/19/crowded-house-5065468/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/11/17/november-5052309/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-11-17:/2008/11/17/november-5052309/Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:53:21 +0100 <p>Fab weekend with family, well step-father's family over by the sea. Poor James was unable to join us due to ill health. 2 minor ops not sorted so in for another one tomorrow. Its eleven months today since we met. Sweet.<br> We got lucky with the weather on Saturday and had lunch outside. Today has been grey and cold and nasty. Folks driving back to Wales, hope they have a good trip. Not enough space in my flat so I spent the night with sickboy and B stayed up late and had day off again today. Naughty naughty.<br> Meeting old flatmate for lunch tomorrow in the City. He's getting married in a couple of weeks. Another one! I bought a new hat but surely a whole outfit isn't necessary??<br> Right, cup of tea and movie on sofa with tired boy. Nice! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/11/17/november-5052309/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/11/17/november-5052309/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/11/04/monday-4981325/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-11-04:/2008/11/04/monday-4981325/Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:44:16 +0100 <p>B & I had bad night on Sun so he didn't go to school and we had one of those unofficial Sundays, snuggled on sofa reading Famous Five. V nice. Totally failed to do any housework or get to supermarket so all that has to be done today. J came over last night to cheer me up as I was v down in the dumps. Which was really sweet. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/11/04/monday-4981325/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/11/04/monday-4981325/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/11/02/back-4972955/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-11-02:/2008/11/02/back-4972955/Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:23:54 +0100 <p>Half term in Wales was lovely. Back to boys, flowers, dinner and swimming, also great. Life is sweet... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/11/02/back-4972955/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/11/02/back-4972955/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/23/waiting-4917099/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-10-23:/2008/10/23/waiting-4917099/Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:23:16 +0200 <p>Waiting for postman. Ordered broad bean seeds and want to go and play on allotment.<br> Waiting for boyf to call. He's flat out with work so I am Leaving Him To It.<br> Waiting to go to Wales on Saturday for half term. Yay!<br> Waiting to feel more human. I woke up at 2am and did not get back properly. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/23/waiting-4917099/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/23/waiting-4917099/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/20/sicily-4902875/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-10-20:/2008/10/20/sicily-4902875/Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:44:51 +0200 <p>Phew, James and I went to Sicily for a few days. To the wedding of my nice ex, Pepe and Lili, whose family are evidently from Sicily. We arrived the day before the wedding, hired a super-cool bright red convertible mini and drove across the island and found our hotel, with a balcony with views of the blue blue Med. Lovely! Went for a drive around the town, to find somewhere nice for dinner. The hotel recommended a place, but we could not find and stopped at a place I had seen in the guide book. (I am Guide Book Girl!) J was off looking at fish and I was texting home, when I heard someone asking if it was me, in Spanish. Looked up, to see a young lady I did not recognise, but by her side was her mum, Pepe's sister. Following them came his parents, and two cousins with wives. I knew them all but had not seen for nine years. It was very, very emotional and totally lovely to see them all again.<br> The wedding was very Italian and pretty, and I was pleased to be there. Pep and I were together for six years after uni, and have remained good friends.<br> James and I then toured the island, seeing all the sights and driving through scary thunder and lightning. We went up Etna and I was terrified.<br> Great time, but good to be back too. Ben had a good time with his grandparents too.<br> Ciao! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/20/sicily-4902875/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/20/sicily-4902875/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/11/sometimes-4856763/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-10-11:/2008/10/11/sometimes-4856763/Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:03:16 +0200 <p>Sometimes, I wish I'd never even switched the computer on.<br> So what do we do here, dears? Talking about snowboarding. I am not a snow fan - its cold and you get to wear deeply unflattering clothes, but boyf is a fan and goes every year. Showing willing, as Serena does, I offered to go too. 'Do you want to?' he says. 'Do you want me to?' Blah. Turns out his son is going with mama. So... will I end up baby sitting while they go boarding?! Umm. Let me think about this. Or, would the kidlets have snowy fun while we act like an extended oh-so-modern family? Altho' her boyf is apparently not going.<br> Sometimes.... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/11/sometimes-4856763/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/11/sometimes-4856763/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/08/wednesday-4841574/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-10-08:/2008/10/08/wednesday-4841574/Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:23:52 +0200 <p>My friend called this 'hump day' as in its downhill to the weekend! I am silly-pleased for finding a pair of Paul Smith mules in charridy shop, all lovely embroidery; mules, thinking Sicily wedding. James had Max this tonight so they came for dinner. Boys so pleased to see each other and we also as he is working flat out and we have no time at present. I am trying not to bitch and complain, and just being quiet and getting on with stuff. Allotment, cooking (YAWN) and v amused that B has discarded tedious Captain Underpants for the JOYS of the Famous Five. My childhood revisited. Yess, this is what parenthood is supposed to be about! They eat all the damn time in those books; if its not heart breakfasts, its picnic lunches, or tea, and supper too. Amazed B does not find them dated. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/08/wednesday-4841574/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/08/wednesday-4841574/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/01/time-flies-4806655/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-10-01:/2008/10/01/time-flies-4806655/Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:47:40 +0200 <p>I've been back in London one year today! Going out to dinner with cousin to celebrate. Wd like boyf to come but he is rather busy. Not sleeping properly, not sure why. New hair today, is nice.<br> Got guide books to Sicily today, going with James and no children two weeks today. Ben's been put off weddings so my folks will come and look after him. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/01/time-flies-4806655/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/10/01/time-flies-4806655/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/29/great-weekend-4795992/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-09-29:/2008/09/29/great-weekend-4795992/Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:21:51 +0200 <p>To model village on Sat and dinner in fantastic ancient pub with ghosts to scare the kidlets! Successful and stress-free sleepover. Excursion to climb Box Hill on Sunday, complete with superb picnic. Lovely. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/29/great-weekend-4795992/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/29/great-weekend-4795992/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/26/friday-night-4785312/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-09-26:/2008/09/26/friday-night-4785312/Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:15:00 +0200 <p>Son went next door to play. I sat outside with crossword and wine and boyf rocked up with son. Fed them rubbish (chips, f fingers, beans & cheese) & got asked to kid-sit while he did supermarket run. Readers, I said no. It was too late and I want to have a weekend; his son would have kicked off about stying over, it would have got stressy, soo, much as the rest of us want, need and desire a sleep over, I asked them to just go.<br> Witty woo. Go Serena, go!<br> I will happily try sleepovers if have prior warning and not stuff to do in the morning. I will love to.<br> ooh, QI is on... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/26/friday-night-4785312/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/26/friday-night-4785312/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/26/sunny-4783234/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-09-26:/2008/09/26/sunny-4783234/Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:35:12 +0200 <p>Sunlight filters through the trees, bright on the grass beyond. Been helping cousin move house and a golden pheasant wandered over from Key gardens and had to be protected by us! Cabling everywhere, lots of friends helping out and the optimistic smell of fresh paint. Its a lovely little house, right opposite their old one; they are literally moving across the street! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/26/sunny-4783234/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/26/sunny-4783234/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/24/good-granny-4773795/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-09-24:/2008/09/24/good-granny-4773795/Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:46:39 +0200 <p>Well that was jolly, gma saw lots of both Ben and I and cousin M who is off to Guatemala for 6 months. And we all went to Belsize Park to see her cousin too. And James came over in between working flat out. So all was well with the world. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/24/good-granny-4773795/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/24/good-granny-4773795/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/22/nice-weekend-4762074/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-09-22:/2008/09/22/nice-weekend-4762074/Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:05:43 +0200 <p>It was sunny and laid back and we seemed to do loads. James drove back from Cornwall to come to my cousin's engagement party. Ben was really good even though it was a grown up party with no other children. We all went to this Colourscape thing on Sunday, happening across a pretty good pub Sunday lunch on the way. Then biking and we all went round Chiswick House, which was interesting. Amazing velvet brocade walls, but hardly what you'd call homey! It was nearly derelict in the 1950's so its great that it has been saved and that there is further work ongoing. J went off to catch up on some work but came back later which was really nice.<br> I am currently waiting for my Grandmother, who is driving here from Wales, staying over for a couple of nights. My cousin is also on standby... oop phone! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/22/nice-weekend-4762074/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/22/nice-weekend-4762074/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/17/shopping-4742566/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-09-17:/2008/09/17/shopping-4742566/Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:16:26 +0200 <p>Thanks to the friend who recommended the no 27 bus which takes you straight to High St Ken; shopping mecca of old. Did this and that then went on to Sloane Sq, Peter Jones where I could and did spend hours, browsing and buying and Not. Got decent speakers for my Ipod at last, which is lovely. I mean, come on, I am home most of the time, soo, should I not have some decent sounds and good radio? Yes. I thought so too. Because you're worth it etc. Next major purchase will be a decent bike. Or maybe I'll just borrow my cousin's while she's away for a few months. See; it doesn't come easy! Nice 'Ohh I miss you' calls from boyf. Gooood. Miss him too, surprisingly. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/17/shopping-4742566/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/17/shopping-4742566/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/16/that-was-good-4736964/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-09-16:/2008/09/16/that-was-good-4736964/Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:44:49 +0200 <p>Lovely weekend with the folks, and J & M. Biking, hanging out in warm, sunny weather, messing about by the river. I went on a boat trip with school friends up to town to see fireworks - with picnic and wine. That was Sunday night, and a late one it was too.<br> All quiet now, folks went home and boyf is in Exeter on a course. Ben got bumped up a class in tennis today so I am a proud mummy! Boyf and I are off to Sicily next month to my ex's wedding. He's a nice ex and we all get on well, so that will be fun. Mum will come and Ben sit as he does not want to go and it will be good to have a break. Single parenting is pretty full-on! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/16/that-was-good-4736964/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/16/that-was-good-4736964/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/10/home-day-4710326/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-09-10:/2008/09/10/home-day-4710326/Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:40:03 +0200 <p>Boy recovered from hollow cough pretty quick but still felt chilled and wanted a home day so I put the heating on and stopped doing boring housework and worked at Lego then watched Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark. It was made in 1984! It's a classic! Tutor friend came and assessed B and we're going to go ahead with that although it's pretty unlikely he'll actually get into fancy school. Many applicants, few places, but hey, nothing ventured etc.<br> Lovely J offered to come over but he's really busy with work so I told him to get on with it this evening. Tomorrow is another day. Its nice to be nice instead of pissed off. Easy when you try I guess.<br> V looking fwd to weekend, seeing folks, river race, boat trip with friend Sue to see fireworks on Sunday eve. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/10/home-day-4710326/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/10/home-day-4710326/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/10/cbbc-4707244/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-09-10:/2008/09/10/cbbc-4707244/Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:00:44 +0200 <p>Boiler man came and I am bathing for Britain. Hydrotherapy, bubbles and books, v nice! Took B to tennis in the rain after school yesterday and - bad mom me - he woke up with a hacking cough. So we are watching CBBC. I think its not that bad having go up, had super-juice etc, but he is pretty pale too so i will give him the benefit of the doubt. Had to talk to teachers already yesterday. He was in tears because someone had called him fat. I was furious. He's not fat but I was and remember how horrid it feels to be bullied. </p> <p>Matey came over for dinner with a dozen roses and Pouilly Fume last night and we had a v nice evening. Talking talking, finding the way... Says he'll try to have me meet these no-kids friends and try to co-ordinate weekends better. Sweetie.<br> I am getting mad looking at mattresses online. I need a new one. Memory foam or pocket springs? Tedious but vital methinks. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/10/cbbc-4707244/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/10/cbbc-4707244/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/08/weekend-4697502/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-09-08:/2008/09/08/weekend-4697502/Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:21:43 +0200 <p>Weather was too awful, flood warnings everywhere so we bailed and didn't go anywhere. Stayed local, boyf wanted time to himself so we just hung out, swimming and biking, me and my boy. Met some nice people. Stupid boiler has packed up so we have no hot water which is dire and I am waiting for a plumber. Praying that he will turn up. At least the sun is shining today. Still grey skies though. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/08/weekend-4697502/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/08/weekend-4697502/#commentshttp://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/05/friday-4684902/tag:serenapond.blog.co.uk,2008-09-05:/2008/09/05/friday-4684902/Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:03:42 +0200 <p>Done one hour of horrid ironing so taking a break. Old friends on Facebook put up some very amusing 80's teenage pictures, which amused me greatly. B & I are off to Wales after school so I had better go and get fuel. Admin... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/05/friday-4684902/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://serenapond.blog.co.uk/2008/09/05/friday-4684902/#comments