Day 296

So, yesterday I decided that I would take the boys to the cinema today to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, yesterday that was a great idea considering the horrible cold and wet weather. Today the sun shines - all day long! Oh well, the boys loved the cinema regardless of the weather.

I did get out in the sunshine though. After sorting the second hand stuff I want to sell at the flea market on Nov. 1st, I rounded up the boys and we went for a walk. I took the camera and tried something out. I like these two pictures best I think.

Richard needs some practice in jumping, but Robert got the idea!

When we came back from the cinema this afternoon we picked Robert's friend up for a sleepover. They started their fun with a round of Skylanders. Then we watched Mr. Peabody and Sherman (I loved that one), I made Pizza rolls for all, and then it was bedtime. But before lights out, they all got to play Minecraft on their (and my) phone.
I think they loved it! Now I just hope they sleep well. Can't hear anything at the moment, fingers xed!

CU tomorrow!

Day 295

I never thought I would ever be able to write this ever, but for the first time, the boys had a lay in! Yep, I woke up before they did - And I was quite late waking at 7.40am, And I heard them get up at about 7.55! Well done boys!

This morning after starting the dishwasher off on its first run after being repaired, the boys and I went shopping. The boys wanted to spend their holiday money at Media Markt. They spent a long while trying to decide which Skylander character they really wanted, but we came out with quite a collection. Robert spend more than just his holiday money.

This afternoon we tackled the HUGE pumpkin, that I was storing in the barn. It was a very strong pumpkin and it broke my favourite knife, but it looks great!

Now I just have to remember to light the candle in the evenings, cause it does look good out by the front door.

CU tomorrow!

Day 290, Day 291, Day 292, Day 293 and Day 294

Day 290 - Friday
Last day of school for the boys before the autumn holidays and last day of work for me (can't really see them needing me desperately next week). I got everything done that I was meant to today, even if the start was a bit different.
The computer wouldn't switch on for me, and I had to climb under the desk and change cables around. No one knows why, but that seemed to help.

I had to phone Heike when I got in for her to send the boys home. Their school finished earlier than my work and she had taken them in.
Not sure what we all did before guitar, but at 4pm it was time to head to guitar. Whilst Robert and his friend were at guitar, me and my friend had a hot chocolate at the bakers next door,
The guitar teacher has invited both Robert and his friend to join her guitar ensemble from December. So proud of him, she hopes to be able to play at birthdays and such and let the kids earn some money from their playing. I hope it works for them, they'd love it!

We got a parcel today, the Skylanders that I had ordered for Robert, or so I thought, until I held the parcel. It was soooo light and a bit too small too. Mytoys had only gone and sent us completely the wrong product. Instead of Skylanders Trap Team we got a Story CD. I was really cross, and got in touch with them straight away, they told me they would put the correct product in the post it would take another 5-6 days to get to me. that is not the first time that we have had rubbish service from this firm, so I don't think we will be using it again,

Florian was home late, but not too late for an episode of 24 - Live another day!

Day 291 - Saturday
We were a bit pushed for time this morning, but we made it work. First Florian and I had a bit of a lay in, then after breakfast we all went out in the garden and collected apples - only two sacks today. We took them then straight to the juice place, they weren't busy today at all. We were in and out within minutes - 53kg we had.
From there we drove into town and to Media Markt. Florian and I decided to try Media Markt for the Skylanders today, and then when the correct parcel does get to us, we'll send it right back again!

Whilst there we did the shopping at Aldi and got Richard a huge sheet of green paper for his project about the Silver Birch.

And for that same project we joined Florian at Robert's football game after lunch. There were plenty of birch trees there and Richard and I took plenty of pictures and collected various bits of tree.

In the evening we had pizza and a film. We let the boys watch another round of Harry Potter. And once they were in bed, it was back to saving the world with Jack Bauer!

Day 292 - Sunday
Florian took the boys go-karting and swimming again today, and I stayed home with Strictly Come Dancing and the ironing.

In the afternoon Robert went to his friends and Richard joined us for our last dance course. We had a great time and we have learnt lots of fun figures, now we just have to figure out how to put them all together without taking a break for thinking in between! :o)

Florian had to leave for work after tea, that was a shame, so we didn't get to finish Jack Bauer, but I did get to see the Strictly results show.

Day 293 - Monday
First day of the school holidays and we went to see Nanna and Pop. (and whilst we were there I got my winter tires!)
Dad was having his eye fixed today and I took him to the hospital and picked him up again. He was in and out of the op within the hour. But as I had an appointment for my tires he was there a bit too early. Good job he had a good book!

It was Mia's birthday today and my present was just a little late leaving Germany, but it only got to me on Saturday. Sending it proved a bit more difficult than planned, but it doesn't help, when someone really grumpy works at the post office. That just gets my back up! Anyways the parcel is on its way, I can't wait to hear how she likes it when it finally gets there!

Here are the cats, they do love one another sometimes!

Day 294 - Tuesday
No lay in today, I was up bright and early ready to go to sport with my friend. This time it was just one course for us, but I can feel that one course already! It was fun again and we might even go on Thursday morning as I don't have to work. We'll see how our muscles feel about it tomorrow night!

This afternoon the repair guy came for my dishwasher! He was here about an hour, so it wasn't such a quick fix and it was definitely nothing that Florian or I could have mended. He exchanged the pump and that didn't fix the funny noise, so he had to poke around some more and now all is good! Phew 3 weeks of washing up by hand are finally over! Woohoo! Only today I didn't have all that much washing up, I am planning to use a LOT tomorrow, so that it knows how much it was missed!

Richard worked on his birch project today. He is really pleased with himself and so am I. I hope the teacher is too!

CU tomorrow!

Day 289

Good job blogging doesn't involve talking, cause I think I am losing my voice. I have done so much talking today I've worn my vocal chords out! Oops.
But I'll start at the beginning. I woke up this morning and though, mmh, I feel more awake than normal, I'd better check the alarm. Good job I did, cause it was already 6.45am and Richard leaves at 7am! Oops. still we're good in a hurry and he was ready in time for when the girls picked him up! Phew! It didn't effect Robert as he doesn't leave til 7.40am, he just got a bit of a lie in!

I went to work this morning and have plenty to keep me busy tomorrow too. I got home from work at about 12.15 and from then til 2.30pm I think I was on the phone non stop. One Mum has a problem with the teacher and she phoned all around when she couldn't get me this morning, so I had everyone she had phoned phoning me too, so there was a lot of talking then. And then of course there was Richard's class party at school.

The kids had a great time, and I think the adults did too. We were really lucky that it didn't rain, so the kids were able to play outside and we didn't have to keep them occupied with indoor games (although we had plenty with us), but as it was they just had a great time with the playground all to themselves.
We ordered Pizza and that went down really well, and was a lot less stress than bbq'ing with that many people. I can see us doing this again sometime.

Well with all that going on, I forgot to get the camera out. But thinking back on it, there wasn't really many photo opportunities, the kids were all busy playing and the adults chatting (and I did a lot of that)
So more pics tomorrow, promise!
CU then

Day 288

Such an early morning, but we got Robert off to the bus at 6.40 am and as he never reappeared on the doorstep, he must have caught it!

Richard and I went to school together this morning. I didn't actually have library, but I had plenty to sort out at school, and for an hour I helped out at the library too. So all seems to be sorted for the class party tomorrow night, I hope I haven't forgotten anything important!

This afternoon was nice, as we didn't have to practice for any tests whatsoever! Woohoo! Both boys said their tests went well this morning, we'll find out how well after the school holidays I think!

I sent the boys out on their bikes this afternoon, but had to go out and help, when Richard couldn't find his helmet. Whilst out, I saw that Katrin and Sabine were also out and about, so I joined them for an hour before it was time to go to Karate.

Whilst Richard was at Karate, Robert and I went walking. We took a different route today and I found some spots I never knew about.
This for example

I have heard of loves putting locks on the bridge in Cologne and I think somewhere in Paris, but apparently we have the same tradition here too. Cute! Robert was quite intrigued as to where they buy the locks, but he didn't want to wait around and ask the next couple ;o)
And here some more of the pics I took

We had a break by this slide for Robert to try it out!

CU tomorrow!

Day 287

I love Tuesdays, I don't have to rush around and get the boys to their various things and we just get to be at home. Or we did today. And it all starts in the mornings!
I picked my friend up at 10 past 8 and off we went to sport. Normally we get there and cycle nice and calmly before our back fitness course starts. Mmh, this morning was different. For a start there were more people already there when we got there, there was still a bike for us, so no problem, we were just getting started when the owner came and told the others what strenuous tasks he had planned for them. Julia and I silently communicated that we would stay on the bikes. All the others got off and went over for the tummy workout, but we were spotted then, and as we had no excuse not to join in, off we went. And boy I can feel all the muscles in my tummy already!
After 15 minutes of tummy exercises it was on to the spinning bikes for 15 minutes of cycling with a difference. After that the others all went off to lift some weights, we got out of that cause the back course started. Buy wow were we worn out, when that had finished.
But we felt good about ourselves, funny that!

Back home I got busy getting dinner ready. I had planned roast chicken, roast potatoes, carrots, cauliflower and gravy. It was delicious!

This afternoon Robert practiced some maths, as far as I can tell, he has nothing to worry about tomorrow. And Richard practiced German. Poor thing, has a few words of the ones that will definitely be part of tomorrows test that he just can't spell right. Let's hope it will click tomorrow.

And as it was just a home day, nothing really exciting to report, and I didn't take a picture either. So more tomorrow, when its busier round here!
CU then!

Day 284, Day 285 and Day 286

This weekend was much too short for all we had planned, so be prepared to be out of breath at the end of our weekend!

Day 284 - Saturday
Florian had to get up really early as he had a hairdressers appointment at 7.40am, by the time he got home, I had surfaced too and he brought rolls for breakfast with him. When we had finished and were all ready it was time to go outside and start sorting out all that wood. Richard and I gave Florian and Robert a headstart and practised for his German test first. But there is that much wood, that we didn't get out of helping much.
These are my before pictures

and this is after!

And hard at work!

And the best picture of the day, the boys on their coffee break!

I am actually pretty proud of our family, we worked really well together, Florian and Richard loaded the wheelbarrow and brought the wood to Robert and me, and we stacked it. Great team work.

We finished in time for me to get lunch ready, we had broccoli and potatoe bake, one of my favourites. Whilst I was getting it ready, all my men went and showered, I had mine after lunch. And then it was time to go out again. Our nieces birthday get together.

She was over the moon with the T-shirt I got for her and put it straight on. I like it when I get it right!

We had a lovely afternoon and got home about 6.30. Once the boys were in bed, I recorded Strictly, so that Florian and I could watch 24! Yep, its that time of year again, We watched the last DVD of the last series and the first part of the new series. Oh its good to have Jack back!

Day 285 - Sunday
Up quite early again today, Florian was taking the boys go-karting and swimming. Today they took along Robert's friend.
Whilst they were gone I got on with the ironing and catching up on Strictly. And I cleaned the rabbits and gave them their new home.

My men were back earlier than I expected, so lunch was ready when they got home, but I don't think they were too bothered.

At 2pm we were invited round to Heike's for coffee and cake, she wanted to try one of the cakes from the Aldi brochure out. Unfortunately when we got round there, she had forgotten and was actually in the middle of mopping the floors. Oops. We stayed anyways and had coffee and biscuits instead! From there we left for dancing, leaving Richard there to play and practise with the girls for the German test.

Dancing was great fun, we learnt lots of new fancy moves, and had great fun trying to put them all together.

By the time we were all back home again and had tea, it was time for me to go out again. I had a date with Florian's sister, we went to the cinema together. The cinema here was showing a film in its original version, ie. in ENGLISH. That was reason enough for us to go. They need to know there is a market here, unfortunately tehre was only 8 people in the cinema, so I am not really sure they will try it again.
We watched "The Equalizer" with Denzel Washington. Next time we go out together, we are going for something less brutal, maybe a RomCom or such!

When I got home everyone was in bed and asleep.

Day 286 - Monday
This morning, there was a Karstadt advert in the newspaper, and they had a set of saucepans on offer, reduced from 280 Euros to 129 Euro. I googled it, and it looked pretty good. So after I had been to my English lessons, I popped into town to look at them and bought them then and there!

I am really pleased with them. I used two of them to make lunch, and can't complain at all!

This afternoon more practicing with the boys, maths with Robert and German with Richard - I am getting to the stage when I'll be glad when the tests are over and done with!

Then it was time for Richard's Karate. Robert and I went to the mall, for the weekly shop and Robert wanted to go to Media Markt and spend his money. He wanted to get Skylanders Trap Team for the Wii U. Unfortunately Media Markt had it there for the PS4, Nintendo, Xbox and Wii but not for the Wii U. He would have bought it for the Wii, but nope, not doing that. So to get over the disappointment (and because you can't go to the mall and not) we had an ice cream. Delicious as always!

CU tomorrow!

Day 283

I enjoyed my day off from work this morning, I went into town and got our niece a birthday present, and I picked up a couple of odds and ends for us too. I got the boys some letter beads for their loom bracelets. Richard was quite excited about that, Robert not so much.
And I got myself some flowers, when I was at Aldi, aren't they pretty!

This afternoon seemed to fly by, but I suppose that is cause Robert doesn't get in until 2.15 and then by the time he has finished eating its nearly 3 (poor lad).
Well it was soon time to go out again, this time to guitar lessons. The teacher was very pleased with both boys, so that was nice to hear. And my friend and I had a nice time at the bakers next door. We had a lovely hot chocolate.

I made pizza rolls for tea and we had just sat down to eat them and watch a film, when the doorbell rang. Florian had organised a new delivery of wood for the stove and it was supposed to come on Wednesday, but he brought it round tonight instead.
Florian had told me that we wouldn't have so much work with it, as he was going to put it right where it belonged. Mmmh, really not sure that this is where it belongs

cause this is where the guy left it for me!
Just looking at it makes my back hurt, cause by tomorrow afternoon we have to have moved it all to where it really does belong, so that we can put the stuff we had to take out of the barn back. And as it is now, we have no chance!

CU tomorrow or Monday!

Day 282

Confession time first, I think I promised two pictures today, well as I am quite sure, that no one wants to see a picture of Richard's music homework, I am going to have to go without pictures today again too.
I was too busy practiscing first music with Richard and then maths with Robert as both are writing tests tomorrow! And what with that and the washing up, that is all I seem to have done today. Well nearly!

This morning whilst Robert was doing his homework and practising maths, I cleared up around him and got their desks tidy and clean and then cleaned their bedroom windows for them!

And this afternoon I got rid of even more mouldy apples (and I don't think a picture of that would be too nice either). I had a bit of backache this morning and couldn't work out why, until I went out in the garden and just lifted the handles of the wheelbarrow - yep, that was the muscles that were hurting! So now you may be able to imagine, just how many kilos I must have been pushing around yesterday and now again today!
Maybe I'll go to sport in the morning and try to combat the pain! Work sent an email and there is no work for me tomorrow, so I have a morning off. Actually sounds good to me!

OK, now to bed
CU tomorrow

Day 281

Robert hat a bit of a high temperature this morning, so no school for him again. I did have library though, so I left him in charge of all remote controls, told the cats to look after him, and off I went to the library. I had hoped to leave early and get back to him. But it wasn't to be. 

He didn't seem to bothered when I did get back home though.

This afternoon a neighbour brought some plastic bins round for me to fill with the not so good looking apples, he is going to take them into the forest for the deer. The weather didn't really look like it was going to brighten up anytime soon, so I went out in the rain and filled the containers up. I got filthy doing it, but at least no apples are going to waste.

Richard had Karate this evening, he told me when we were going in, that one day he was going to have a black belt too. Bless!

Didn't take a picture today, I'll try and take two tomorrow to make up for it

CU then!

Day 280

Robert woke up with earache today, so I took him to the doctors. He has nothing drastic, doesn't need antibiotics, just nose spray, cough mixture (and more of my onion honey) and unfortunately for me a couple of days off of school.
He seemed a lot better this afternoon so hopefully it will continue that way and I can send him back to school on Thursday.

I took some pictures of the rabbits when we got back from the doctors, I am having this picture made into a paint by numbers for my niece for her birthday. I am quite excited about it. And I am sure she will be when she gets it!

This afternoon I seemed to spend ages and ages on the washing up. I need to keep meals simple as long as the dishwasher is out of order, cause 4 saucepans plus the kitchen machine, was a bit much today! Silly me!

My friend stopped by this afternoon whilst her daughter was at dance class in the village. I used to see her at art school, when Richard was there, but now we only get to chat on the computer and phone so it was nice to see one another again today.

TV time now
CU tomorrow!

Day 276, Day 277, Day 278 and Day 279

Day 276 - Friday
Bank holiday! And for the first time in weeks I slept all the way through the night, no annoying mosquitos to wake me, it felt really good.
After breakfast we started getting ready to go and see Mum and Dad, and we were just all putting shoes and jackets on, when Richard and I spotted that one of the cats had peed in the lounge (under my printer)! AGHHHH!
We couldn't leave it, and cleared it all up, made us a bit late, but Mum was able to put dinner back a bit for us. And the lamb didn't spoil, it was absolutely delicious!

After dinner, the weather was so lovely we went for a walk together. We ended up at the Naturfreundehaus for a drink and a piece of cake. Perfect walk if you ask me! Here are some pictures from the walk

It was a lovely day at Mum and Dads.

Day 277 - Saturday
Apple collecting day!
I think all four of us, could feel it the next day, but at the time there wasn't too much complaining, just a little bit!
Here the before and after pictures!

We cleared the garden of apples and ended up taking 243kg to the apple juice place. We came back with the car full of bottles instead of sacks!

In the afternoon Robert went to his friends, Richard and Florian went in the garden to mow the lawn, and I went shopping. I was surprised to hear when I got back that Richard had mowed the whole garden! Well done, Richard!

In the evening the boys and Florian watched Harry Potter, and I sat in the kitchen again, watching Strictly! At one point Florian came to check I was OK, I think I got a bit excited at one of the dances, but it was amazing!

Day 278 - Sunday
Florian took the boys go-carting again today after breakfast. As Robert was coughing well the night before it was just go-carting today and only one round too. But they were happy. Here they are racing round the track!

They weren't gone long, so I didn't get the ironing finished whilst they were out, but never mind!

In the afternoon it was our dancing lesson, Robert was at his friends, but Richard had to come with us this time. But he wasn't the only child there. although Richard didn't watch us for long, he was allowed on the tablet and he made the most of it! I think he filmed us, but I forgot to check when we got home. Must remember to do that, when Florian brings the tablet home at the weekend.

Day 279 - Monday
Busy morning washing, tidying and English lessons, then when I got home the school rang, well, it was the school number, but it was Robert on the phone. I had to go and pick him up again, they got a bit fed up with him coughing I think. Back home with some cough sweets it was a lot better. But if it is bad in the morning, I think it will be a trip to the doctor!

Regardless of his cough, Richard had Karate, so Robert and I went for our walk around the lake. We took it nice and easy though, but I am hoping the fresh air will have helped some. I took the camera with us today and got some nice shots of Robert in my favourite tree (yes, I have a favourite!)

CU tomorrow!

Day 275

Very busy day at work this morning, I even stayed half hour longer trying to get everything finished, but it wasn't going to happen. I hope my colleague isn't too disappointed on Monday!

Back home I made lunch for Richard and I, Robert was eating at school today. Then after lunch, we waited in for a bit to make sure Robert didn't appear on the doorstep accidentally. Then off we went into town and got his glasses put back into shape. He fell on his face when he went to Takka Tukka Land last week and today was the first day we found to get into town!
After that we stopped by the bank to get some cash, cause I had to borrow some from Robert when I went to the hairdresser on Tuesday :o)
Then we went to the mall and picked up Robert's new winter coat, that I had ordered online and had delivered to the shop. The plan was to hopefully when I went by, find something for myself and my winning gift voucher. And my plan worked, I got a nice new long sleeve T-shirt! Richard wanted to go to Woolworth and get some more loom bands (he has nearly run out of white ones). And then we stopped at Aldi. Busy busy, but we made it home just in time for Robert.

He was home about 30 minutes then it was off to the football ground for a game. Richard and I went along and sort of watched! The team drew 1:1 which is a lot better than last Saturdays game of 0:9!

Florian is still making his way home, its a bank holiday here tomorrow and I think there are a LOT of people making their way across Germany today!

Oh and here todays picture - Robert in his new coat!

CU tomorrow!

Day 274

We were all up in time for Robert to get his bus, phew! Apparently his first lesson is English and from now on, on a Wednesday morning he will be joining a 6th class for the lesson, to make it all not quite so boring for him! He said he enjoyed it - good for him.

I was on library duty this morning, we decided not to let the new Mum's loose on the first day of library especially as the computer would not work on Monday, so it was me and another experienced Mum. We were so excited when the computer actually turned on this morning and the scanner made it all the way through the library day! Woo hoo!
We had one of the first years come today, love their little faces when they visit us.

Whilst I was at school I organised Richard's class party - we are allowed to have it on the school playground and use one of the rooms, just in case it gets cold! This afternoon I wrote the invitations and my new right hand man will be collecting the replies as to who and how many are coming to the party so we can order the pizza the day before! Got two weeks yet, so no panic yet.

Robert went to his friend this afternoon so he missed out on my 6.2 km walk whilst Richard was at Karate.
A balloon took off from the airfield whilst I was there, I got a couple of pictures as I walked around the lake!

CU tomorrow!