Lathany

A Tory MP (Shadow work and pensions secretary David Willetts) is trying to persuade the British adult population to have more children.

See the BBC News Website for details.

( My rant on the subject should probably go in a cut )

And, no, I'm not having any more.

My parents were supposed to appear on Monday to babysit whilst I went shopping in London. Because of cold bugs that was put off until yesterday.

( And very successful it was too )

Today didn't start terribly well. In addition to my ill-timed weighing and my still-present cold, I had to change two of the grossest nappies I've seen in ages. But I'll spare you all the details.

I feel ill. I have a cold - this is bad news.

Ryan feels ill. He also has a cold - this is disastrous news. He woke us up at 2:30am and 5am to let us know how badly he was feeling. This was not appreciated. bateleur eventually got up and took him downstairs at 5:30am after milk and calpol failed to silence him.

And we have the Monde players arriving this morning. Hope they brought ear plugs.

Emily Marle is getting smarter.

Today she recognised the signs of the vacuum cleaner coming out before I pressed the "on" switch. Give her another eight years and she might come to realise that it isn't actually a cat-eating device.

Then again, maybe not.

It's been an interesting few days. Starting with the new Tomb Raider film.

( Friday - with minor TRII spoilers )

The weekend itself was a mixture of Final Fantasy VI, twins and doing a batch of little tasks I've been meaning to get round to for a while.

( Jobs, FFVI and 24 )

Monday was very unusual - I had a visitor, in the shape of cardinalsin.

( Monday )

Yesterday evening my friend Ruth came to visit; to drink red wine and eat pizza and fruit crumble.

( Tuesday )

And that brings me to today. This morning I voted in the GameFaqs competition final (which is, appropriately, Cloud vs Sephiroth) and I have a day of writing and Swordsmaster preparation planned. Oh, and twins, of course.

I was out of bed just after eight this morning (yep - that's early for me) to prepare for Bea's physiotherapy session.

( Developing walking and bolshiness )

Looking at my last entry I realise I never wrote-up last weekend. It's becoming distant past and ealuscerwen has already written up a good account of Saturday but, anyway, here I go :

( Flats, Settlers and Monday )

Apart from the usual twins stuff, I'm carrying on with my writing (I have a short story to do before the end of the month) and playing Final Fantasy VI for, believe it or not, the first time.

( Final Fantasy VI )

Nothing planned for tomorrow, but on Friday my parents are coming over to babysit. bateleur is working from home so should be ready for a prompt exit that evening to the local cinema complex to see Tomb Raider II. Yes, I know it's supposed to be cr*p. But it has Chris Barrie in it and therefore will still be worth watching.

Oh, and the chocolate pots reappeared in Tesco.

( That sitcom thingy )

Yep. I was bored.

frax and cardinalsin came over on Saturday to play Bridge and Articulate.

( Weak No Trump and geography problems )

Then on Sunday I did a bit of Diablo, a bit of writing and bateleur and I finished The Watchmaker.

( The Watchmaker - trying to avoid spoilers )

Now, onto my Monday. Ironing, babying and hopefully a 'Blue Cow' story during the Storytellers on CBeebies. Having watched the Blue-Cow-isn't-Rapunzel episode, I want to see more.

Yesterday frax and cardinalsin came over for dinner after a hard day's flat-hunting.

( The growing London roleplaying posse )

After a busy Monday night of London arrivals, cuthbertcross is due over this evening after she finishes doctoring at her new practice in Esher. More lovely roleplaying new neighbours ! It's going to be a good autumn.

As the temperature doesn't seem to be dropping any time soon, I thought I'd write a quick update of the remainder of the babyless week before it becomes any more historical.

( Final Fantasy Playstation Games )

Friday afternoon bateleur and I went to Oxford, firstly to do some shopping and secondly to play in part two of chrestomancy's Final Fantasy roleplaying game.

( Spending Money )

( Part two - Our Hunt for Galant )

After a Friday in Oxford, we headed back to Feltham for a morning start to Dragonblooded.

( Twinless Dragonblooded )

I've already written about the return of the twins; life has become busier and noisier with their reappearance. Beatrice has learned to "Baaaa" at her sheep picture whilst Ryan has insisted on bringing the musical snail along to nappy changes.

And that brings me up to date.

This week I've been trying not to melt. chrestomancy's present of a fan has proved very welcome and I'm also drinking lots of water and washing my wrists and face frequently. I've also dealt with a visit from the plumber to fix the hot tap - I'd hate to have his job in this weather.

( The Watchmaker and Diablo I )

Phew. Back to water drinking and wilting.