| Yesterday was a wonderful day. We all went out for a lovely late lunch/early dinner. The girls were good as gold and got their usual smiles and waves. We were very proud of our little family. Later in the evening with the girls in bed, we got some dvds and chilled out. The phone rang. It was 9pm and I always feel sick when the phone rings at that time. Something's happened? It was my parents and they were simply calling to wish us a good easter. They were in a great mood ,talking about their night out to a hippy party and all the effort they'd gone into with their costumes. Dad had even bought a wig, and if you met my Father, you'd realise how bizarre that thought sounds! Sounds like he's really chilled out this last year. My heart my pounding in my ears and I felt dizzy trying to build up the courage to mention the baby. Eventually I said in response to Mum's outfit plans - 'not bad for Grandparents of three.' There was a slight pause as she tried to work it out and then boomed, 'congratulations.' She sounded genuinely happy and excited for us. She passed the phone to Dad, and then he said congrats and how happy they were for us. It was such a great response, not anticipated at all. Mum was asking what I needed and told me to write a list of things they could send over. They actually sounded more excited than they were with the previous two! At the end of the call she told me to look after myself, the girls and their new grandbaby. It was so sweet! I was so happy! I sent my sister a quick email to bring her up to speed, I would love to have seen her face when Mum told her! Trying not to let on that she knew! We retired to bed at midnight, both of us at peace with the world. Shame the rest of the world wasn't at peace! Some kids on our street - clearly the parents were away for easter -having a HUGE party. Kiwi kids parties tend to be at people's houses as opposed to heading out for the night. Its something that Steve grew up with and I can't understand! It means everyone drives there, keeps the neighbourhood awake and then consequently, over the limit, drives home again. Which is exactly what happened last night. By 4am the music was still pumping, most houses had their lights on and as its a street of elderly and families their lights are usually off for good by 11pm at the latest. Suped up mitsibushis were revving their engines, people were coming and going. One guy didn't realise he wasn't in gear and slipped back down our HUGE, steep street. He turned the car around in a terribly uncontrolled fashion and didn't check, so nearly reversed into someone. There was shouting and profanities. Pip woke up at one point crying. People were staggering on onto the street, some staggered to their cars. I' msorry, but I just don't recall seeing that like I have in NZ. People usually bear the cold and wait for taxis in the UK. This house is the only rough one on the street. In the good old Kiwi dream, this family obviously bought some land 30 years ago. The hubby is a builder and now, as most houses are valued on land, their property is worth probably over half a million. They all drive really nice cars - clearly on finance. The three kids drive suped up Lancers, the husband wears wife beater tops, and walks around holding a can of beer all the time. We went to introduce ourselves when we first moved in and their house is a dump. Crappy old furniture, mess everywhere. These are not typical of the people that live on our street. In the UK, the poorer people tend to congregate together in seperated areas. Its unusual, but this mix in NZ means everyone is thrown in together. I guess it combats crime and keeps areas from deterioating and the people that could do better are inspired to do so. But it also means that other people do stupid things like this and make the street unsafe. Ah, bloody NZ! We're very tired and grouchy this morning but I am so glad about my parents. Its not good to be holding things back. |