Marie's Web Log

Last Sunday wasn't Mother's Day here. That was back in March. I did give my Mum a card, though, as she's here. Yesterday we spent the entire day going round the shops of Exeter. We also went to have a look at a place called the Exeter Natural Health Centre. I'm thinking of having a reflexology treatment. Or maybe a massage. We had coffee in my favourite place, called The Boston Tea Party. They have a room upstairs with really high ceilings - I think it used to be an old-fashioned post office. And we had a quick tour round the exhibition of drawings by Leonardo DaVinci at the local museum - it' s on loan from the Queen's collection in celebration of her 80th birthday.

Last weekend Ian and I were lucky enough to go out twice in the evening - something we haven't done since I can't remember when. On the Friday we went for a couple of drinks with our friends Sarah and Dan. The pub we went to isn't particulary quaint or olde-worlde, but it's nonsmoking and within walking distance, and they have a good selection of beer for Ian. I struggled through two pints of cider, and was somewhat tired the next day!

On Saturday, we were invited to a party at the home of Ian's mother's cousin Val and her husband Gordon. We see Val and Gordon quite a lot. The party was in celebration of his 70th birthday, but he is the youngest 70-year-old I know. He goes to the gym a lot, for instance, and he recently started studying Russian. The other guests at the party were mostly very arty and smart, which made for some stimulating conversations. The first person we were introduced to was a freelance set designer currently working on a couple of productions in Hyde Park, in London. I also had an interesting talk with a woman who is engaged in writing a novel, amongst other things.

Mum babysat both times. The first night, Amelia screamed for half an hour when Mum tried to put her to bed. The second night was better.

Amelia has not been sleeping well lately, and has been clinging a lot to me. She also seems to be starting yet another cold. Ah, the joys. Thanks to those who commented on my previous post. Of course you're right, Chad - I don't think many people would have children if they knew what it was like. I mean really, really knew...

Oh, it was my birthday today. I'm not telling you which one, but I'm a little more than half as old as good old Betty Windsor.