Last ten days

Life seems to be all about forms at the moment. Forms for the DWP, tax credits, School forms, job application forms etc. Then waiting for people to get back to me. Most people do, just the employers don't - the ones I could do with replying. Need a job before I finally run out of money - or a tenant. Don't think the letting agents want to reduce the rent so I am going to have to move in the next month or two. Bit of good news - got some money from the JSA, having accepted that I did not have any savings hidden away. I could have used that for...... lots of different things. Will just spend it on kids, now.

Feeling fitter, soccer twice a week is good. Long walks with the dog help. House is reasonably tidy. Garden needs work. Tomorrow, maybe - lol.

Tara has finished her exams. Seems happier. Got her prom coming up - 20 June. Her first full day at home as a lady of leisure. Got up late, long, leisurely shower and a hard afternoon of social activity on the PC. Came into the sitting room with a huge grin on her face, saying she was learning Chinese...... I suppose I should start saving money for a trip to China.

Hari has a job at the Library. Well, it's work experience for his University Course. He doesn't get paid for it and has to spend 20 a week on transport. So every morning, we iron his shirt, trousers at the start of the week, Has to do shelving, reservations, packing / unpacking the books...... Sounds boring. Sets off at 7.15, having made his sandwiches and gets back at 6.15. Long day, I suppose. Good experience for the future?

Went through the laundry basket. Pile of sheets at the bottom. :( Made me miserable just remembering who used them last. Seemed like the start of something good but....... Had to make that decision. It's done.

Went shopping and got a brush and scissors for grooming Jill. Poor old lady. She is getting old. Had an accident a couple of days ago. Hope it was because we forgot to let her out when we got up, rather than the pills and drops stopping working. Don't really want to think of having to put her down, though it seems likely to happen in the near future.

Jill on a walk

Life's full of good - and sad.

Last Fortnight

It has been stunning weather here. The days have been warm and sunny, the nights cool with clear skies. I managed to clean the house with a little help from my little friends.... Garden is looking tidy. Killed loads of dandelions near the path.  Need to do more weeding and thinning out. The beds are green and full of flowers. Had a ton of rhubarb which I took over to Anna, who is going to make crumble and chutneys from which I might benefit. Yay! I think I should do crumbles myself - or get Tara to do them. She does them well. Hari makes a mean cheesecake - and very spicy chili! At least, he will never starve...... The house inspection went okay, except there's a big messy nest in the guttering.

Hari got back on the 30th. The kids have been on half term but we didn't do much. Lazed around. Tara was revising - or so she claimed! We had supper at Sanah's on 31st which was excellent. We were the last ones so she was fussing over us. She was going gooey over Tara, whom she doesn't remember visiting her stall in Market Square. It's worth going to but she is only open on Fridays. She has a great chef! The kids watched him cook as we were the last ones - well the kitchen is in the room anyway. Had a big tandoor - clay oven - out of which he was taking big naans. The kids were on good form, especially Tara. Hari went back to M's to look after the dogs. M was in France for the weekend.

Saturday was the Bentham CARnival but the kids were not interested. There were rides and dances etc but...... Wray Sports was also on Saturday. Adam decided he wanted to go, so I took him there. He won the U12s 100m race. The other races were in the 11 - 14 category so the older boys won those. He decided to go and play with Nick Wacquers while I sat and worked, and chatted with Jenny, in the Institute. Tara and I got a few bits from the coop, the Tara spent some time with Rachel, while she did the garden! Tara was in a good mood and got on well with Rachel.

Hari spent Saturday and most of Sunday on the Xbox with Rob.

Sunday was quiet apart from having the dogs. Ole is a pain in the butt. Such a spoilt, whiny dog. Late supper of noodles and chick peas - how do you eat noodles with chop stick? Carefully!

Miserable Monday..... but we had pizza!

Tuesday was a busy day. Had to go sign in but they were on strike so I was turned away at the door! Do I get my expenses back? Went and swore at, I mean with, a solicitor. 25 words, one signature, 2 minutes, £5! Woohoo, I wish I was a solicitor. Collected my glasses. Tried to see Hari at his work experience but he was busy. He was supposed to start on Monday but things got muddled between the Library and his Uni. Got tank filled at ASDA when I went in. Bought some books at the Samaritans. Lovely stew for supper! Took Jill out for a late night walk. Beautiful night. Didn't fall asleep till 2.45ish. :(

No jobs to apply for this fortnight. No interviews offered. Surprising. Not! My ads have been published in the Bentham News. Hope something comes from them. Been working on Conference with my sister. Going there today (5 June). I feel fat. Hope I can fit in my clothes. Need to be smart. "Tip top" as Gulshan said. May get some marking. So I will get a few bob...... Need more regular work really.

Big decisions to make regarding jobs and house. Also, relationships.

Not finished with this yet. Will upload some pix later.