9 Sleeps

That is nice Tegan, sort thing we would say to "OURS".

I hardly slept last night. I opened a box from Amazon that my daughter had ordered for me and found three Harry Potter figures for my grandson [can't buy them any more as they're collectors items now]; thought I'd asked for an actual Harry Potter figure, but they were all villains. Tossed and turned all night thinking that my daughter must surely have got a Harry Potter but, if she hadn't my grandson would be so disappointed. Saw one on ebay for a huge amount of money [last ordering day as well] and was tempted to buy it. Thankfully phoned her first thing and, yes, mine were just additional figures that she'd been able to get. We bought them ages ago but i twas only the other day that he'd said to his mum 'I forgot to ask Santa for some Harry Potter things' and she told him it would be ok if he just 'wished very hard'.

Oh phoenix! I know people who would cry because they had not sold out!!!

One Christmas Eve a few years ago I saw a grown woman cry in M&S because they had sold out of sprouts.

DS2 and wife - in Gloucestershire - are off to a wedding in York on Friday, so we will be over there looking after the two small girls and trying to keep them calm. I think a film and a visit to the Harvester (they think it is so grown up!) will keep the occupied on Saturday!

So, all the presents are wrapped and sorted into three lots, cake iced etc. Someone still has to wrap his presents to me, however. As ever.

And in two weeks it will be 2014.

7 for me .
just think this day next week Christmas day -- JOY !!

So 7 and counting - or actually 6 as it really kicks off on Christmas Eve, doesn't it? It's when you know it's the last Wednesday/Thursday etc before the day that the shortness of time really sinks in and it is flying past. I can't imagine the state the little ones must be in . DD has another big assignment to hand in at the beginning of January and as they will be with us then with the outlaws and then down in Somerset until after New Year she was hoping to do it this week. Hmm - she'll learn.
(Am I too early to put the sprouts on? What? Yours have been on since September?)

Soutra , Don"t you know that is why we love them .
They say such quaint things .
Be kind to him , he is probably best from under your feet . Which lets you and Jonathon get on with the jobs .
Chuckle

You have to laugh though don't you? My cleaner (Jonathan - lovely chap he also does handyman jobs round the house when necessary) and I were moving furniture etc and DH retreated to the study saying "I think it's best if I keep out of the way don't you?" Fair enough he couldn't have done much in the practical line but he genuinely believes he was contributing!!
Anno - you can hope but I wouldn't hold your breath

Soutra, I feel tired just reading your post! I do hope that next Christmas someone will look after you.

Think it might take more than the Vicks to bring you down off the ceiling....

I'm going to give that a try - it's not quite like wearing Chanel No 5 in bed (a la Marilyn Monroe - but past caring.)
Just about up to schedule with the to-do list - have had a major go at getting spare rooms ready, beds made up plus extra bedding as we have 2 different permutaions of 6 people over the 3 nights and I am a domestic goddess so fresh sheets etc for each night for 3 bedrooms !! Moved some furniture around to try to give us space for 13 at the table and found it will only work if I add the card table on to the end - hope the cloth is long enough now. I am looking forward to using one of MIL's huge white damask tabelcloths with a red satin and silk runner down the midddle - I love a nice table but never ever bother with a cloth , which would have been unheard of in DM or DMIL's day. Real damask napkins too - oh the fun I will have with the laundry after Christmas
I wonder if I have overdosed on the Max flu relief?

Vicks - I don't know why it would work on the soles of the feet but I have tried it the last two nights and SLEPT THROUGH! I'm still coughing in the daytime but at least I have had a good rest. Maybe it works as a mixture of reflexology and aromatherapy.
It can't do any harm so why not try it!

In essence it is a good idea to do the Christmas shop on Christmas Eve
BUT what if they haven't got certain items , I would be bereft .
NO too late for me .

Also down with a heavy cold, haven't tried Boots Max relief, living on lemsip and any old strong aspirin type tablets I have around as I can't face going out, using whisky in hot water at night, smothered in Vick on chest but what is it meant to do on the soles of the feet?

Ana I for you .
teehee

I don't know why I posted that, as you did say 'supermarket shop'...

Sounds like a good plan, nanapug, but most of the shops here don't open until 8 apart from Tesco, which is open 24 hours.

Don't take the flu relief too late in the day or it will keep you awake [I assume it has a stimulant in it]. I always keep a few benylin day and night capsules so I can use the nightime one to help me sleep if ever I need one [I suppose a drowsy antihistamine would work as well]. And do try the 'Vicks on the Soles of the feet' thing. It did help me when I was really poorly a few years back, although, by then the doctor had releneted and given me antibiotics. I'm someone that's totaly opposed to overuse of them but in some cases the GP's hold them back for to long.

Just read a brilliant idea on another forum. A young Mum gets her children up at about 5am on Christmas Eve and does the supermarket shop then, when it is quiet and fully stocked. Then they all go to the cafe for a big breakfast. Then in the evening, when it is bedtime, the kids go to bed quickly and easily as they are very tired. Think I may try that this year. Sounds fun

Good advice - Boots max flu relief, a shower hair wash, foundation and blusher will keep me going I think!

Won't everything keep for tomorrow, when you may feel a bit brighter?
Keep warm and plenty of fluids today says Dr Lona

benylin is good for coughs Soutra .

As you say , 8 now !

keep in the warm.

8 and counting
trouble is I have now coughed my way through the night and have woken with no more than half a brain. This was not on my "to do"list. I have had to cancel the exam invigilation I was doing this afternoon and the prospect of going out for the tree and to collect stuff on order at John Lewis makes me want to crawl back under thr duvet. It's just a b***dy cold not properly like poor soop but now DH has started sneezing too. Need this like a hole in the head!