trying his mobile for the hundredth time, asking for the gazillionth time over the past three days when he'll be home. there's an army of ants invading. not a just a few, i'm talking hundreds. i've been trying to keep the floor and benchtops clear from even the tiniest crumbs should they sniff it out and call all their mates to come join them. a broken washing machine and repairmen who apparently all take their holidays at this time of year or don't actually want to fix washing machines because not one is answering their phone. keeping a nearly one year old from spilling food anywhere, because of the ants and taking on the challenge of feeding her whilst simultaneously keeping her clean, because of the ants and so the washing doesn't pile up any more. luckily the weather is still warm enough for going nikki noo and eating outside. and of course the past few days are the days she's decided she doesn't need sleep. vacuuming crumbs. looking through the cupboards for more chocolate becasue the block william secretly left in the fridge for me, knowing i'd be looking for it at 3 in the afternoon (be still my beatling heart), well, that was all gone last night. and the potted lettuce which i forgot to move in the confusion of ants and sleeplessness and chocolate deprivation made a tasty afternoon treat for our feathered girls. i crumpled on the couch while zahra was whisked off to dance class and niamh unpacked her container of sultanas, which i then realised wasn't really the best idea because of the ants and she was bound to leave a few under the couch or mooshed into the carpet. speaking of carpet who puts carpet in a dining room? maybe it's just my mama sense, you know babies and food flicking and ants but i think it's the dumbest decorating idea. i'm all for floorboards. so i crumpled on the couch to take a moment, take a breath, delve into alicia's archives, which i'm thoroughly enjoying, especially her book recommendations and to think about flathead and chocolate milkshakes for dinner. tonight after the girls are in bed, sleeping, yes sleeping (keeping a positive outlook) i'll get comfy with my wool and some repeats of grand designs. i might even read a little more of this in bed before lights out. it's a kids book i know but full of adventure and good writing. reminds me of the goonies. i loved that movie at zahra's age.
trying to stay zen in amongst the ants and piles of laundry and single parenting.... this is old hat, why is it so much harder? ohhh, that's right, i have an extra one now, who is so much busier than zahra ever was, and there were no ants, and washing machine repair men actually went to work and there was no william to miss with his helping hands, one just got on and did. but i digress...trying to stay zen, so i thought i'd show you this sweet little cardigan, kinda reminds me of those old lady breakfast jackets. it's called the zen cardigan. it was super quick to knit, and a great intro to raglan shaping. i had a bit of trouble keeping my stitches tight enough on the sleeves between the dpns and it shows, but not too shabby for a first time try i do declare. i've been dying to knit something in frosty blue for some time and when our one and only knitting store was closing down, boo hoo, and having a clearance sale, hip hooray, i picked up this cotton with niamh in mind. it's still too hot for wool but this cotton jacket is perfect for chilly autumn and spring mornings. fingers crossed i sized it large enough to fit come spring time. i added some homemade buttons. one is plum wood from last autumn's prunings and the other camphor laurel. it's perfect for lazy day gazing out the window, gardening, climbing, reading and generally being cute.
