Holidays

For the last couple of days, I have had the distinct privilege and pleasure of looking after my gorgeous little niece Emily, as both of her parents have returned to work (neither of them are school teachers) and because my parents (who care for her three days a week) are away on holidays (retirees enjoying the summer on the mid north coast.)

Yesterday we played loads and loads of games...games that Emily made up herself. She is an inquisitve young girl and she loves learning. Today I promised that I would take her to the movies. It is the first time she has been to the movies. She is 3 years old. I took her to see "Alvin and the Chipmunks 2" - not the usual genre of film that I would go to see, however, I don't think Avatar or It's Complicated would work well for a 3 year old.

It was such a wonderful day - she sat through the whole movie. We had afternoon tea together. I couldn't get over how well-mannered and placid she was. I had such a lovely couple of days looking after her. I certainly felt tired after both days - I don't know how mum does it three days a week. I certainly don't know how parents do it! The energy that you need to expend! Mind you, I would gladly do that at the very least for my little niece.

I am culling... have decided I need to say goodbye to some magazines. I have so many Gourmet Travellers, Vogue Entertaining and Travel magazines... some as far back as 2002. I also have my Vanity Fair and Martha Stewart Collections. I am holding on to both of those and just keeping a couple of the Vogues and Gourmet Travellers. Unfortunately I cannot really justify collecting four magazines... holding onto those collections.

I am planning some amazing dinner menus. I am really excited about food (as any close friend will attest) and can't wait to try some of the more complex dishes!

I hope, that if you are on holidays, that you are enjoying it!