birthday bleatings...

So, today is my birthday.  On Monday I was feeling a bit homesick at the thought of being so far from home today, but yesterday I felt a bit better and today I think, on balance, that I've enjoyed myself.  I had decided I was going to save my pressies until this afternoon, but the girls struggled with this idea, Betsy especially, so I've opened all but one.  And my favourite - a pretty key on a beautiful keyring.  One of the things I miss about living here is the absence of pretty things, and this really made me smile.  I'll take a picture of it and post it on Friday.

I've just collected the girls from school, so we've had fairy cakes and milkshakes (or tea, depending on who you are).  Now we're just trying to squeeze in some homework before we go out for supper - to the Italian restaurant near us that previously greeted us with "au revoir" as we arrived (I kid you not)!!!

See you Friday xx

checking in...

Well, it must be said, I've had a properly lazy week, gadding about and enjoying myself.  The Inspired Exhibition on Wednesday was enjoyable, although as we already have more than enough furniture, there wasn't really anything I was tempted by (queue big sigh of relief from Mr W).  After the exhibition, my girlfriend and I mooched around Dempsy's and then went for lunch at Jones the Grocer, which is always yummy. 

Yesterday, I went for lunch at Flutes at the Fort in anticipation of another girlfriend's birthday.  The restaurant is housed in a lovely black and white bungalow, which apparently was, at one point, home to the Fire Chief.  Of course, such a lovely setting provided me with an excuse to dress up, something I always enjoy.  In fact, I had such a lovely time, and the staff were so lovely (just look at the birthday girl's pudding, above) I think I might take Mr W there some time. 

Happy weekend everyone x

ladies who lunch...

Today, I'm going to play at being a proper ex pat!  First up, I'm off to the Inspired Living exhibition, then my girlfriend and I are going out for lunch.  Am quite excited as I don't usually do this sort of thing!  Will report back.

Happy Wednesday xx

settling back in...

olympic flags

Since we've been back in Singapore, we've been throwing ourselves into life here, mainly in an effort to make sure that we consider here to be our home from home.  And I'm delighted to say, I think it's worked.  I am definitely much more settled than I have been, and even Pickle announced the other day that she thinks she's feeling more comfortable and can't believe it's been 8 months!  Needless to say, we all breathed huge sighs of relief, especially Mr W.

The girls and I watched Europe 1's mixed relay team win gold at the Inaugural Youth Olympics Triathlon, which was very exciting...

We've been to Universal, taking the girls on their last day of the school holidays.  It was amazingly well done, from the huge castle in Far Far Away land (Shrek), to the delicious snacks enjoyed with morning coffee...

We had a brilliant time, starting the excitement off by travelling on the monorail, which Betsy just loves (we still haven't been on the pink one though, much to her annoyance).  It must, however be said that the girls are not as brave as we perhaps thought - can't think where they get that from!  This did however, work in our favour, as it meant that Mr W and I could go on some of the rides as 'single riders' thereby cutting out about 4 hours of queuing.

We've also taken up waterskiing.  Now, firstly, I must point out that when I say we, I really mean Mr W and Pickle - well, someone's got to take the photos, haven't they?! Twice now, we've been down to Harrys at 360, on the East Coast, which is only a short walk from where we live.  Huge amounts of fun have been had, and it is, apparently, quite difficult to go round corners...!

Wishing you a lovely week xx

long time, no blog...

Gosh well, hello again.  I've finally made it back to terra firma, and what a glorious time we've had.  Going back home was fantastic.  It was so lovely to catch up with friends and family again, visit all our old haunts, go for long walks in Dartmoor (above) & enjoy Salcombe...

watch village cricket matches, go up to the V & A to see the Grace Kelly exhibition  (brilliant, and the girls really enjoyed it too), be a proper tourist and take a trip to Covent Garden...

 And the girls found time to bake with grandparents...

(my early birthday cake - bless my mum)...

play by the sea...

have joint birthday parties with bestest friends living on the other side of the world...

and squeeze in several sleepovers with their friends etc etc.  Just what was needed me thinks.

It's good to be back.  Wishing you a fab week xx

bintan and beyond....

I'm delighted to report that Bintan was very relaxing, if a little wet!  This meant I didn't manage to capture quite the sunset I was anticipating (see above), but you can't have everything - guess it means we'll just have to go again!  Despite the rain, we managed to swim everyday, both in the South China Sea (never thought I'd hear myself say that) and the pool.  And we ate the most delicious food, beautifully presented, and the girls did some oil paintings...

Since we came back, I've been busy packing for our trip back to England - hurray!!  This time tomorrow, the girls and I will be on our way, with Mr W following on.  These last couple of days, I've been washing, packing and sorting, all whilst trying to entertain the girls, somewhat passively I'm afraid.  Occasionally, there's been some grumbling on Pickle's part when I've asked her what she wants to take - I can apparently no longer be trusted to pack for her! We've managed to narrow it down to 3 pairs of shoes, all her bracelets and, of course, her graphic design pens.  Betsy, on the other hand, has settled for the usual selection of things she must take on holiday - barbie (who will doubtless stay in her suitcase for the duration of our trip), miaowing cat and accompanying food, and a hello kitty fountain pen (a new, much prized possession) - all of which is hurled packed into her beloved trunki.

Whilst we're away, I'm not sure how much time I'll have to blog, but I'll do my best to write whenever I can, and will of course show and tell when I get back.  So until then, wishing you a fabulous summer xx

my busy week...

So, my busy week continues.  Yesterday, I went on my last photography course this side of the summer hols.  I can now take photographs of individual droplets...

and smooth water - definitely need more practise with this, and less wobbly hand!

Thursday also saw Betsy enjoying 'Camp read-a-lot', which meant she went to school in her pjs (brilliant as far as she was concerned).  Pickle, on the other hand, was a little more sophisticated, and had a wonderful day at Jurong East Swimming Complex (think we need to add this to our list of things to do in Singapore).  Talking of swimming, did I mention that Pickle won her breast stroke race at the swimming gala on Wednesday.  Unfortunately, I missed the race, but Mr W was there, positively bursting with pride.

The girls break up today.  This afternoon, we're off to Bintan for a long weekend, which we're really looking forward to.  Snorkelling gear is packed, together with Mr W's golf clubs (cue groaaaning from the girls), and lots of magazines that I've squirreled away in anticipation of a few lazy days.  And, of course, my camera....

Wishing you a lovely weekend xx