Earlier in the week, we went to play at our new friend's house. I am trying to arrange a future marriage between Boy Wonder and the lovely Madison. So far it is going well, judging by the huge smooch on the lips that he left her with on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, we sat next to the 'magician man' in the bookshop which, sadly, still remains one of my highlights of the week.
Yesterday we went into Manhattan and had a lovely day, despite the early rain. The boys all had a lovely play so the girlies could have a good chat. The boys even got a free lunch as the Dept of Education are providing a free lunch and breakfast daily to all children under 18 in the open play spaces in NY. Then I had lunch in my first American diner and yes, we did order some blueberry pancakes. It was all very fifties and vinyl looking. Walking through Times Square, I saw the large statue that is drawing the crowds ready for the big 'Pucker Up' snog fest which is happening on Saturday afternoon. There were lots of couples sweeping each other off their feet having their pics taken underneath.
The train journey home turned into a toe-curlingly (is that a word??) embarrassing experience. All was quiet and peaceful, until Boy Wonder turned an alarming shade of crimson and practised his grunting 'going to the toilet' sounds. Rather loudly. For a very long time. Now there is a definite lack of anywhere to change children on the train other than a smelly, pee covered hovel which I was determined to avoid. Not to worry I thought. I'm sure he can cope until we get to the car. Boy Wonder had other ideas. He then started to wail loudly, shouting "Poo! Poo!" at the top of his voice. So the other other passengers who were lucky enough not to smell him, could definitely now hear him. At first I tried the 'denial' approach but his insistent cries of "Poo!' could not be ignored. Somehow, and I'm still not too sure how I managed, I changed him in the toilet on a shelf about 20cm wide. He was not a happy bunny. But the passengers were mightily relieved...
Last night, I went to the neighbour's 'clothing party', which is like a tuppaware party for clothes. I was rather nervous as I didn't know anyone. This was compounded by the fact that I was introduced as the 'new neighbour, Amelia'. It turns out that the host couldn't remember my name so ask our other neighbour who told her I was called Amelia. I don't know whether they think I look like an Amelia or if they think it's a very English name, but either way it's good to know you've made an impact on your new neighbours (!) Anyway, all was going well, rather helped by a nice large glass of wine, until it came to the time to try some of the samples on. Everyone was trying on stuff and coming down to show their friends who 'oohed' and 'aahed' in all the right places. I then took some stuff up to try on but when I had it on was stopped by the thought of 'Who exactly am I going to go down and show??? I don't know anyone! Who will 'ooh' and 'aaah' over me? :-((((( I forced myself to go down and lots of very nice strangers did the 'oohing and aahing' on my behalf. The salesperson from the clothing company then came over to tweak me who said I'd need a smaller size in the top. I told her that I was wearing a XS which she then started pulling about and saying 'My goodness, you really are tiny on top'. Now this really isn't a compliment. On any level. Ever. Needless to say, I didn't buy the bloody horrible top but I did get a long hoodie cardi thing which I'm sure will be all the rage in Garden City this Fall/Winter season.
xx
