Weekend Review

          Monday is a good day to do laundry. A load of laundry is tumbling in a warm dryer, and another load is in the midst of a three-hour cycle which includes a pre-wash stage and then the regular wash.  Another load is on my bed ready to be folded and put away.  I must confess, laundry is not my favorite thing.  But I am so thankful for an electric washing machine and dryer.  I just want to get it caught up, because I want to spend more time writing this week.

          Sometimes this flat is so quiet is feels lonesome; especially when The Maverick is working double shifts.   

          But this past weekend was not one of those times.  On Saturday The Maverick worked an early shift; he arrived home about 2.30 pm.  I was delighted to know I wasn’t going to be alone.  But he was not to be my only company for the evening.  About 4.00 pm, the buzzer twiddled annoyingly, announcing that “Mr. Biz,” “Chantilly” and family had arrived.  Since we hadn’t been able to get together over Christmas, we were having a late exchange of gifts. 

        Their gifts were the result of the Gingerbread Village that appeared in my kitchen mid-December.  I was surprised that I was able to cut out enough pieces to put together seven houses—although I made only six.  My step-children are always please to get the gingerbread house.

          At the time of their arrival, I had just finished cleaning up the kitchen  and was about to start cooking dinner.  I heard “Cookie” ask, “Where’s Nana?” 

          “I’m right here!”  I said and cheerfully received a hug and kiss. 

          As I was getting a cuddle from “Lolly” I looked up to see “Chantilly” standing next to her dad, just inside the door.  In her right hand was a seven-week-old Cocker spaniel puppy.  “Chantilly” had told me on Friday that little Lexie was coming.  Okay—tiny puppy—cute to be expected.  Only I hadn’t been prepared for just how sweet and pleasant Lexie’s personality is. 

"Lolly" on the floor, ""Beau", "Jam-o", "Cookie" & "Man Cub"

          “Bell Man” stayed with a friend for the weekend, so “Jam-o” was able to make this trip up.  Because “Jam-O” likes cooking, I conscripted him into Kitchen duty.  I chopped celery, onion, garlic, and courgette (zucchini) while he opened tins of chopped tomatoes and kidney beans.  After which, he stirred the mince (hamburger) while I finished the vegetables.  Once the soup was on, “Jam-o” followed orders and did the washing up whilst I got a big pan ready for making cornbread.  He followed the recipe, making a batch-and-a-half.  Dinner was completed with pasta, which I knew would be a good option for the youngest, in case the chilli was too spicy.

          “Man-Cub” is about 17 months old—and he really liked the chilli.  Not too spicy for him! 

          We sat around chatting until bed time.  The Maverick finally managed to get into bed about 11.00 pm—and was hoping for some solid sleep as he had to be up by 3.00 a.m. Sunday to be at work by 5.00 a.m. 

          Sunday morning “Chantilly” went over to “Floss and Harry’s” flat to meet the youngest addition to our family; grandson, ”Enzo”.  On 16^th December, our 18^th (yes, I wrote eighteenth) grandchild was born.  “The Maverick” and I met him on 27^th December.  Since “Chantilly” and company live of the southern coast of England, this was her first opportunity to go and meet the little boy who was born exactly on his due date.  “Mr. Biz” stayed here with the children and puppy. 

          A visit to “Chantilly’s” uncle was next on the agenda for them.  However, “Lolly” and I got to spend some quality time bonding in the kitchen.  We made a “Black Magic” cake .  (for the recipe click here:  http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Black-Magic-Cake/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Thumb&e11=black%20magic%20cake&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=%2fmy%2frecipebox%2fdefault.aspx) 

         Now the cake making was interrupted by the whining of Lexie, as she too was left behind.  I tried leaving her in her carrier, but she cried so much I was too distracted to concentrate on the recipe.  So, I blocked her into the kitchen with us and found my toy dog.  After a few minutes, she finally settled down and fell asleep.

  

        As I said, I was distracted by the dog, and giving “Lolly” instruction.  And I poured the cake batter into the pans.  At which point “Lolly” asks:  “Can I lick the spoon?”  (Who would say no to that face?)

          “Yes, of course.  Is it good?”

          Looking chagrined, “Lolly” shook her head “No.”

          So, I had to taste it. 

          “Lolly!  I left out the sugar!”  We got the sugar out, measured out the right amount and divided it between the two cake tins. 

          I’m happy to report that although the cake did not look pretty, it does taste really nice.  J

          Our friend, “Astrid” arrived about 2.30 pm.  I’d made arrangements for her to come for dinner with The Maverick and myself.  “Astrid” was kind enough to simply go with the flow and enjoyed cuddling Lexie, chatting with “Lolly” and drinking tea.

          “Mr. Biz rang the buzzer about 4.00 pm to pick up “Lolly” and Lexie. At that point I could quickly cook dinner.

          “Astrid” left about 6.00 pm.  And the quiet returned to the flat. 

But I just loved having family with us—a treasure. 

I pray your weekend was as enjoyable.  

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"