Goods inward

Darling father came home from the sale with an assortment of goodies, fortunately most of them consumables.

And then we went to OH's sister. Well, little bear was soooooo good! He said please and thank you, he sat nicely, he ate nicely, he chatted, he charmed them... And came back with lots of sweeties, goodies, and little bits and pieces. I got the impression that he could have just asked for anything, as it was he came back with a huge inflatable bat. Just because they thought he may like it. I would like to add that little bear was not scared of anything including a singing frankenstein, a shuffling grim reaper and a 'floating' head that scared the life out of me.

OH's sister had put so much effort into it. There were decorations, lovely food, fuss for little bear - I felt a bit ashamed that I hadn't planned anything like it.

OH may be planning on doing a tip run today, but it is likely to be garden rubbish and the overflow from not having our bins emptied last week. The council have changed bin collection times and I think we got a little lost in the shuffle. I called it in, but didn't really stress about it. With so many rats around (despite Oscar's best efforts) it isn't nice, however, so OH may be able to take some of the less smelly bits.

More Clutter

OH's sister rang yesterday. We are going trick or treating there on Saturday, the house is decorated with Halloween themes etc.

It is really nice of her to invite little bear. It is great that she wants him to enjoy himself. But I ended up buying a costume for him (£5 from Matalan, it was on sale) and a pumpkin sort of bag thingy which he can have the fruit lollies out at his auntie's house and not before.

I'll need to keep the costume as it will be fine for next year (skeletal pirate) and I think little bear will not part willingly with the pumpkin bag type thingy as he is still passionately attached to the pumpkin bag/helmet of two years ago.

So two items in. Sigh.

Another party looming

Once upon a time I used to be a party person. I would be first on the dance floor and last off. I would have so much fun, chatting and drinking...

However that was then and this is now.

My sister in law has bought little bear a trick or treat costume. She didn't ask first, but I didn't mind. After all, it is little bear and he will probably enjoy it and look tremendously cute. Her daughter (21 next Jan) has also got a costume. Sister in law has 'just' got a mask.

I am not really encouraged to call them, so I am not sure whether to ring or not and ask, am I supposed to dress up and as what? The mind boggles. Is dear heart supposed to dress up? He has a lot of costume left over from a previous 'do' so that would be quite acceptable.

They are coming here first to go trick or treating in the few houses I am actually speaking to (okay, only one house I refuse to acknowledge, but when that is 25% then it seems a significant amount). So I need to sort out the house...

I have checked with next door but one and she is happy for us to knock and I said that if for any reason we missed her little ones we would save them something. Next door really enjoy Halloween, so I am sure that they will be happy to have little bear knock.

Should I decorate the house? I have been hoping to postpone this sort of thing for several years, but looking on quidco, woollies do have an acceptable range of Halloween tat with 8% cashback. And should I cook? I am not sure that my sister in law would like my cooking. We have always had a takeaway in the past but a spooky meal may be just the ticket - like the black beans and peaches recipe I found in the anticraft book. Pumpkin pie? Pork based casseroles with apples? Gingerbread? Parkin? Mulled cider (for those not on antidepressants, driving or in charge of little bears)?

Part of me says - go for it with gusto!!! If it gets too stressful I shall just get a takeaway and we can all have fun. Sister in law loves 'gothic' style items. The cherubs on her fire surround have been painted black and have red eyes. It could be really nice for her.

Part of me says - how much is this going to cost? Now, home made casserole that we would eat anyway, home made gingerbread and parkin, home made black beans and peaches will not be terribly expensive. Little bear has his costume bought for him. But I can see little bits and pieces mounting up here and there...

If this was Christmas I would be saying 'bah humbug'. And in less than 78 days I probably will.

Dithering again

I had an unexpected call from my sister in law. She and her family are working very hard, so I don't really expect many calls.

She is having a 50th birthday party next month. We are invited (but it is an evening do, so not little bear) and there is a Hollywood theme.

It is really kind of her to invite us, but you know what I am like. I could immediately see the downside. If I could have more of a 'glass half full' attitude I am sure most of my problems would disappear.

First of all - find a babysitter. No problem, the nice Mrs Next Door will do it. She has six children, several grandchildren and will indulge little bear just enough. The last time I left little bear with a baby sitter after tea time was in March 2007. It was last year, and I think early last year, since I left little bear with anyone but dear heart and nursery.

Secondly - I really don't know if I have the courage to go out to an evening do. The last evening do I went to was in 2005, and the time before that was 2000. Both occasions were when I knew all the people and I was calm about who I would be meeting. The thought of it terrifies me.

Thirdly - what the hell am I supposed to wear? Seriously? Obviously I will have to wear clothes. But a Hollywood theme? I am a larger lady. My figure is ample, built more for comfort than speed.

I was up really late last night looking at ebay (my friend) for inspiration. I saw some nice kaftans. I also saw some things that no 'big boned' lady should ever contemplate even considering wearing, deary me, there is being comfortable in your skin and there is making a holy show of yourself.

Eventually, in the early hours, I decided that I could use some rather nice slinky material trousers that were a relic of when I worked, some killer sandals that I bought on an inexplicable impulse earlier this year and I could look round the charity shops for a glittery top. Also I could get a manicure (near me there is a relatively inexpensive shape and polish) and see if I could get a pair of black button earrings the size of saucers.

Dear heart will also have wear something nice, but I wonder if it would be worth him renting a tux?

I think there is a communication gap

My sister in law and her daughter visited last Sunday.

Sometimes there is such a huge gap of communication. The complete lack of comprehension that I should want to knit anything is a case in point. Home-made is not a compliment. Home-made is acceptable for cakes, but nothing else.

The daughter rather disparaged a friend who was knitting a sweater dress, 'if I want one I will go and buy one'. Now actually that is the sensible option with the price of yarn today, and you certainly will have a better chance of no dropped stitches and finished this century than if I were the knitter. But it did seem a little sad. I don't like to offer to make one, it would look home-made and I don't like to presume. But it does rather show up a vast difference in outlook.