Big Fat Round Up

Ok, I know we've kind of half celebrated this before 

but this week we had emotional and physical closure as Kenzie's ear drum was finally fixed and he was given the big heave ho by Royal Manchester Children's hospital. 

(sorry - I know I've already said this on Instagram - fast forward to GB's birthday if it's dull but I need this for my blog diary!)

It's really bizarre that all those years ago (when he was 2) during a routine operation to remove what they thought was a polyp from his left ear, lots and lots of tumours were found in Kenzie's skull. Many years after he finished treatment 

(he was discharged from Oncology last year) 

the only thing that seemingly refused to be fixed was a hole in that very ear...the one the polyp (that wasn't a polyp) grew out of.

The operation I blogged about (here) last year was a partial success in that it was 90% closed - but there was still a hole. This meant there would be a high chance of recurring infection if he ever got even the tiniest bit of water in it.

 We were advised that there was little chance of it ever being fully fixed - but a chance meeting with the main ENT man changed that.

He completely understood why Kenzie would want his ear fixed - 

and said 

'why, I'll do it myself'.

And he did. And it worked.

(it involved an operation...he didn't just fix it in the corridor!)

Then he discharged us. For good.

Whoooop!

And that's that. And I don't think we can say often enough how fortunate we are.

us out celebtrating...on a school night!

Amongst other things that have happened recently - 

our littlest boy had his 9th Birthday.

Birthday breakfast..."any 9!"

Geordie Boy is addicted to MineCraft so it was a 

no brainer for the cake:

pre printed icing sheet from Ebay

 He chose the cinema and sleepover with his mates - 

so was all partied out the next day!

 I saw a great book on Yvestown IG recently which made me smile - especially as I have recently met another local blogger Victoria (yarnaroundhook). It's a funny thing meeting someone you've 'spoken' to for a couple of years - and as expected we found we had plenty in common, not just mutual frustration with the Manchester weather and a love of complicated crochet!

I love how blogging allows you to 'meet' people from all over the world who share something in common (be it crochet, love of food, a sick sense of humour, a cancer journey, crazy genes, love of photography...) but it's even better when you meet them in real life.

(you know we're going to Australia/NZ next summer - 

you ladies better be in!!!)

Anyway, Victoria and I took tea and cake (OK, only I had cake...) at a lovely little teashop called The Teahive in Chorlton. Must do it again soon new real life pal!

Cleggy and I had a cheeky night in Belfast. 

(to be fair Cleggy was working)

We only had 24 hours but man we managed to fit in a whole lot of eating and drinking!!!

We started at Mourne Seafood

I was glad I'd done my research cos it doesn't look much from the outside - but fantastic food and service inside.

seafood chowder....Mmmmmm

We stayed at The Merchant, which is a beautiful building, previously the headquarters of The Ulster Bank.

It was BEAUtiful. Don't get me wrong - I appreciate the sleek lines of a sharp modern building as much as the next girl - but I love when the fabrics are sumptuous pink and orange, the mirrors large and gilt, the artwork paintings of real women 

with their knockers out!! 

(my boys would LOVE this hotel)

 Our room was a rich mix of taupe and orange  - not a colour combo I normally like but it worked here

 and with wonderful attention to detail

 It had perfect magazines

and the sort of turn down service that included a weather forecast and a quote of the day!

 

The public areas were dark and quirky - with original art work galore

We ate in the restaurant - possibly one of the most ornate rooms I've ever been in

 

 check out these toilets:

 ...but we didn't eat much because we couldn't WAIT to get back to the cocktails!!

The cocktail list was immense - and the cocktail waiters amusing and very slick. I could have watched them all night 

(ooops, I did!).

I bloody love a cocktail, and am not proud to say there's not much on the menu I wouldn't drink! Cleggy on the other hand is very discerning - and managed to find a couple to his liking. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.






 
The next day Cleggy went to work, then we went a trip to St George's market - on recommendation of a blogging and IG friend (DMAC76) who lives just outside Belfast (we almost met up - but my lack of organisation meant we missed each other...next year!)

It was fab - loads to browse, live music and a food opportunity (well, it was food from all over the world -rude not to)

THEN, unbelievably, we managed to squeeze in afternoon tea 

back at the hotel! 

And I'm so glad we did - it was special.

We went for the selection of cakes 

rather than traditional cream scone.

and look at this - a choux pastry swan! brilliant.

Back at home it's work work work.
We have been running our own series of ABC Does conferences

(Cleggy's Early Years Education consultancy business)

The first day was in Manchester - at a fab venue called thestudio. It was such a fun building - with great views across the city.

It's been fun meeting lots of the lovely people who follow Cleggy's blog and share his passion for teaching.

In stark contrast....my own work has taken a back set of late. Partly because we've been too busy with the above - and partly because my workshop LOOKS LIKE THIS:

 Yes, I am ashamed. But nowhere nearer having the time to clean it.

But I have managed to make some commissions! Here are some of them:

Run update: I have stuck to the program (couch to 5K) despite 
a) hideous weather
b) a tummy bug 
c) being nipped by a small West Highland Terrior!!! 

What? who gets nipped by such a small cute dog? I felt slightly better when another dog walker told me he was a 'devil dog' (!) who bites all the runners. RUNNERS! ME!! he he.

I haven't lost single pound in weight - but then if you've just read the above you'll know why!!  

THANK YOU for all the encouragement and advice after my last post. I replied to everyone that I could - but you know if you are a 'no reply blogger' it can be impossible to get back in touch? I didn't realise that until recently - and have thought I have sent messages to loads of people who will never have received them (doh)
 
I think that's covered all areas of life - apart from a couple of photos from the garden. The apple blossom only lasted a week or so (before being battered by rain and wind)  but looked and smelled divine. fee x