Bopping around like a Little Lark

For some reason, I was bouncing around at 6 this morning. Perhaps all the extra sleep I got whilst ill has caught up, although now, at 6pm, I am ZONKED. And today hasn't been easy, despite Marie being on a school trip for the week! *Three cheers*

Even with one child missing, Juliette and Margot seem to make up the 'extra' mess, although I don't think anyone could be quite as demanding or tiresome as Marie... Anyhow, today was no ordinary Tuesday. With me up early, I had ammunition to get the girls up on time, with the extra bonus of NOT having to run up and down the stairs between bedrooms trying to lure them out of their beds (Juliette and Margot sleep on the same floor), so we were actually out the door before 8am!! A record! 

I was then informed that they both finish at midday today, for no apparent reason, so I was off at 12 to collect them including an entourage of friends. I gave up on the idea of making lunch, as we still have no food in the house. The mother seems to be conveniently 'out' when I need a cheque for the shopping, so I was not in the mood to scrape together a meal for five children when I have tea to cook tonight. They coped, but kindly left me a saucepan with pasta seared to the bottom of it. I tried telling Juliette to add a bit of oil into the pasta water to avoid it sticking, but mis-translation occurred and she replied 'I don't use oil', well YES, I can see that, OBVIOUSLY. I tried again, so hopefully she'll remember to put some in next time...? And, if this is the house where the cook does the washing up as I always end up doing, why isn't she doing it?! 

I've spent the rest of the afternoon avoiding the cleaner, as she is absolutely CRAZY! She cannot speak a word of English, and seems to think if she raises her voice, then *miraculously* I'll understand her French. It usually boils down to her yelling 'Ca, Ca, Ca' (this, this this) with lots of vigorous and fervent hand actions at me... (either asking me to put the washing into the tumble dryer, or distribute all the clean clothes). It's tiring, and to be honest, it's not my job. 

So now I have the task of cooking tea with... some limp lettuce, frozen pre-made mash potato (what on earth?!) and natural yoghurt. Hmm, sounds tasty already! We have no meat of fish for the girls, and they already ate pasta for lunch. Crazy Caroline is also 'descending upon us' this evening. Maybe if I cook a truly awful meal this evening she'll be throwing the cheques at me to buy food! Thursday is cake-making, and the girls have lunch at home again tomorrow, meaning I have an hour exactly (from the time the store opens to when I need to pick Juliette up from school) to do the shopping tomorrow. 

Countdown to days of holiday, relaxation and seeing family: 3 days! *Can''t wait Can't wait Can't wait*