...and bicycle bells

The third member of our household has now arrived, and has not yet run away in terror at our madness. In fact, we have enjoyed making many funny (and arguably worrying) noises whilst trying to learn Norwegian / Anglo-Saxon and Seal language (which, if Jayne and her sisters had been transported to an almost deserted island would now be the language of an entire population... and a very odd one at that).

It is quite probable, however, that Marianne and her mother (mor) were somewhat disturbed to return from town and find us with 'Emmelle' (pronounced Emily) stunningly decked up in her pink ladybird bicycle bell, orange front bars and newly repaired front tyre (which is a whole other story). Especially disturbing was what was attempting to ride her - someone with a brilliantly clashing pink helmet perched at a jaunty angle on her head while the boy in the van opposite looked on in sheer bemusement. It must have been like a trip to the zoo.

This all followed an adventure to the great metropolis of York where we acquired a new addition to the family. Having managed to set up a joint bank account and decided we could manage looking after the house, pantry, etc. we decided we were ready to adopt a child. So we ventured to the plant market and caught sight of a very pretty orchid which the nice man explained is very easy to care for. It is now placed proudly on the table in the lounge, and still fully alive. Hopefully Orchee will remain so.

Another acquisition was a pair of birdfeeders which Megan is very excited by. We now have a coconut hanging from our palm tree. Hopefully the birds will appreciate it to. We are giving them a week to get their acts together and will then be taking action.

One hopes that if the neighbourhood birds learn to appreciate us the rest of Badger Hill will too. We did not make a good start by turning up at the penny sweet shop with our entire piggy bank and proceeding to purchase 110 pence worth of sweets in 1 and 2 pence pieces. Whilst the queue built up behind us the man counted out each coin. He will soon learn to trust us.

The computer room is now eerily deserted and we have had no lunch, so goodbye.

ICE-CREAM, ICE-CREAM, ICE-CREAM

When journeying back from the wild lands of the University of York campus (which is unnervingly empty and lacking in people, although there are still surprising numbers of lone wanderers) we heard a strange and distant sound. As we approached we realised that the tinkling strains were in fact the joyous song of the ice-cream van. At which we became very gleeful (Jayne especially; Megan felt a bit confused about how old she was supposed to be). Rounding the corner, we caught sight of the van within a stone's throw: as we were about to reach it the van pulled away and drove down the street! Much dismay, distress and wailing as you can imagine. However, the van then did proceed to stop again within reach of our wild chase (or rapid walking in Megan's case) and we purchased stunning 99 flakes which were only £1. And very large. And had sauce. So we journeyed back to our lovely house and lived happily ever after.

Ducks, Books and Pantries

The Superfluous 'Scapades begin in the stinky University of York Library (it does in fact stink - of poo) as the otherwise beauteous Sussex Road abode has no internet. The stinkiness of the library is redeemed, however, by its sale of the all-new, all-wonderful, all-stunning University of YORK Library Bags which have DUCKS and books on them. And are amazing. We have purchased many.

We are currently awaiting with much anticipation the arrival of our third and final member who will arrive tonight upon the hour of 11.15. Precisely. In the meantime we are madly knitting hats. Tiny ones for cold Innocent Smoothies which the people who came round to our house yesterday seemed SOMEWHAT bemused by.

We are also eagerly planning our forthcoming purchase of bird feeders to place on the palm tree and back fence, on the hook which Mike kindly put up for us. And removing the lacy curtains from the windows (which Jayne is SOMeWHAT disturbed by and would not touch). They are now in the PANTRY.

We have a pantry! It is highly exciting. Although one could argue that if we find such things exciting we should maybe find something more interesting to do. But I would disagree. We are yet to acquire dead birds and whatnot to hang there though. Megan is particularly fond of this idea.

We must regrettably now leave, to make food for Amy who is coming to deplete us of our shopping that arrived yesterday. And we are going to make brownies. Yum.

So long, farewell, aufwiedersehen, goodbye... etc etc