Not all doom and gloom

So Dad has now been here a week and Debs husband has been dead just over a week and I seem to flit between the two without conflict which is good. With the girls being at school I always knew I wouldn't be able to 'entertain' dad during the week - as, by the time I've got them to school, got the house sorted, washing on, shopping in and the dishwasher on it's time to pick them up again. Especially this week and last as they are having their swimming lessons in the sea and want me to watch. It's quite difficult and must be boring for him so will suggest that next time he comes over when they're on holiday that way I won't be clock watching.

Debs hasn't needed anything this week, except my recycling bin which was an easy thing to do, so I've been let off lightly. The funeral is tomorrow which will be tough and then her siblings return home leaving her mum and dad there - it will be quite a while before she's on her own and really needing any of us but I'm always here in case she does. It's always on my mind that it could just as easily have been me in that position and am so grateful it's not. I'm not as strong as Debs and definitely would have collapsed in a heap, she's one amazing woman.

Because we don't take dad out during the week we hit the town all weekend.The weather on Saturday was cool and cloudy (26) so we went to Perth zoo which was a brilliant day out. Tallulah was at a pool party and we luckily were able to drop her off early, but underestimated how big and good the place was so didn't make it back in time to pick her up - in fact we were 2.5 hours late but Sue, bless her, didn't mind so Tallulah had a great day even though she didn't come with us. She did have a few tears later on though, Emma (whose party it was) is returning to the UK and Tallulah is really going to miss her so she was upset at that and missing her other friends in the UK. She has made some good friends here but is feeling a bit like me in that you make the effort to make friends, get some good ones, then they return to the UK. It's tough but that's the migrant life !

Today the weather was much better so went to Penguin Island and Rockingham. We also needed to go shopping to get some bits and pieces and the shops are open Sundays now until 5pm. Howver, we got in at 2.45pm to find a lot shut and the rest shutting - apparently, as it was quiet, they all decided to close ! It was a nightmare - I am struggling with the shops here, I loved the fact that I could pop to Asda any time of the day or night and pick up absolutely anything and don't think I will ever get used to the shops here. I do think the East coast or Melbourne would have suited me better but it wouldn't have suited Paul's work and, without money, I couldn't have shopped anyway so will have to get over it !

I met up with Nakita's teacher this week and was very impressed - she's so on the ball with Nakita's difficulties and has already put strategies in place with others to follow. Nakita will get help with her gross motor skills, handwriting and fitness levels (!) and that will include weekly one on one help. I was chuffed for Nakita especially as she's being paired up with a girl who is gentle and laid back - ideal.

I've also found UK nova this week and so Tallulah and I sit down to Coronation Street most nights - bliss

10:22 - Sun 11 February 2007 - comments {1}