Family Therapy

I am not going to discuss opinions in favour or against the Public Sector walkout today, other than to say that the girls' school was closed and they had a day at home with me. In my mind it is sort of like a snow day - nothing has to be done, and lots of fun to be had. It is a gift of time to be enjoyed.

With me staying off the computer as much as possible, and away from the sewing machine, there was certainly lots of time to do things in. The three of us went off to town this morning and stocked up on some necessary food items for tonight, and new slippers. How nice that you can make your children grin and be happy with new slippers!

Home again and it was straight to the kitchen for us. Lunch was first on the agenda. Emily and I whipped up a no kneading, no rising 'bread'. It is full of cheese, ham and spring onion so really like lunch in one big dough ball.

 If we tried this recipe again I would make it a much flatter ball to aid the cooking in the middle, but it was tasty and very, very filling!

Then I set the girls to work on dinner. They were willing participants and also well rehearsed in the art of making Japanese gyoza dumplings so I let them get on with it. An hour later we had four dozen dumplings for cooking later (No, we will never manage to eat that many!) and I had been able to get on with something else.

Dumpling factory.

First tray produced.

My job while they did dumplings was to turn Emily into an angel - no mean feat! We were lucky enough for her to be given a gorgeous white, frilly Monsoon dress recently and this was the basis for her school play angel costume. All I needed to do was add some wings and a halo. Some netting, feather trim and elastic plus a little hand stitching and the job was done.

Stripy socks optional!

I am hoping they deem her enough of an angel, rather than fairy princess, and this is acceptable. Because I really don't want to go out and buy a costume that will disappear in a heap at the bottom of the wardrobe for ever and ever the day after the play has been performed. If they prefer a silver halo I can get some tinsel, and she does have white tights and sparkly shoes. Fingers crossed that they are happy with this.

And that is all I am doing today. Other than cook dumplings and a few small bits to go with them for our dinner. I have stayed away from the computer as much as I am capable of over the past few days. I do appreciate the wonderfully kind comments you have sent me. I am very thankful for the friends I have made through this blog. You lot make me smile. Thanks!

Susan