90 minutes to go

Last night was the worst night I've had in a long time - I spent very little of it in my own bed, because both children were desperately needy, and I was ill, so I had to change my sweat-soaked nightshirt in the middle of the night, and blah.

So then I spent the morning doing housework, cooking breakfast, tidying up for people to come for a BfN study group, and the lady we'd booked for childcare arrived, but no-one else did. We had a pleasant time waiting for everyone.

Now I've started baking squash for soup. I have a headache and I feel dehydrated, in spite of gallons of tea and stuff. Still, at least the house looks nice enough for the dinner guests later. All I need to do is finish clearing the manky side of the kitchen and finish cooking. I'm so glad the shepherd's pie is just ready to go.

I wonder where our tablecloth is gone?

Dindins

We had spaghetti squash soup with sweetcorn and chili, and fifty-minute-bread. Then we had the shepherd's pie, roasted potatoes, steamed cabbage, and steamed kale (the kale was really boring). Then we had seconds. Then we had pear and apple clafouti with oat cream, and then we had tea.

It went well.

The children more or less enjoyed themselves, though did not sit brilliantly to table - Linnea is the eldest by some considerable way, and the youngest was ten months and the most beamish baby girl I've seen in a zillion years, all pink cheeks and two gleaming bottom teeth gnawing at potatoes hidden in her fists.

The adults were all knackered but pleased to have dinner cooked for them. The house looked pretty good, though the accelerated soup-making and bread-baking trashed the kitchen somewhat. I love having guests and using the nice glasses and a proper white tablecloth. I must remember to use the EPNS cutlery next time we have guests.

There are leftovers - enough for a lunch, but not a dinner. The dishwasher earned its keep thoroughly. I need to clean the kitchen, tomorrow, and get to the post office. I might see if I can go out all on my own and run errands, or perhaps with Linnea.

We really need to start organising the packing for Christmas, too. We've sorted a cat-feeder, anyway.

Oh, I am tired.