...620 and counting!Archives
Here, you'll find an abbreviated snippet of every blog entry that I've ever posted to these, our Gingatopian Chronicles, all 620...an' that's a lot of entries, I think you'll agree!
SCHOOL YEAR TWO - Day One
It's Evelyn's first day back at school, today, after the summer break. As I put her to bed, last night, Evie told me how she was looking forward to returning to school, and she was obviously very excited that she...
Atlantic Reach (Summer Holidays 2a)
Saturday, 21 August 2010 Jilly and I woke at 04:20 this morning and packed the car ready for waking Evelyn to leave the house. Obviously trying to let Evelyn sleep until we left, we tried to make as little...
Staying at Nanna and Poppee's
Evelyn is staying at Nanna and Poppee's for the next couple of days. Like the parents of many school-age children, Jilly and I are trying to use leave only when absolutely necessary, and Nanna and Poppee have been good enough...
Of course, it was only a matter of time...
After collecting Evelyn from Nanna and Poppee this morning, Jilly, Evelyn and I drove to Kempy's to help her choose tiles for her new bathroom. As we drove there, Jilly and I talked about the possibility of my taking Evelyn...
YHA - Wastwater (Summer Holidays 1b)
Almost literally as we walked through the door on our return from YHA Whitby at the end of April, Jim Harris (the Wassock-meister himself) was on the phone to us telling us about a fantastic money-saving dealee at YHA Wastwater....
Reighton Sands, Haven (Summer Holidays 1a)
The first part of our luxurious three centre summer holiday was spent at Reighton Sands this weekend. As I've recorded - many times - in my Gingatopian Chronicles, Jilly and Evelyn love caravan holidays and (in the absence of a...
The Deer Shed Festival - Topcliffe
What an EXCELLENT WEEKEND! Absolutely physically knackered, Jilly, Evelyn and I returned from a brilliant weekend at the Deer Shed Festival (Topcliffe, near Thirsk) this afternoon. Driving to Topcliffe in convoy with the Harrisesses, and with Kempy 'on-board', we arrived...
Worry Angels
Very recently, Nanna gave Evelyn is a small box of 'Worry Angels', and these worry angels have rapidly become indispensable in Evelyn's bedroom. Each night, before she finally goes to sleep, Evelyn asks that Jilly or I pass her the...
"Evelyn and Jonah, sitting in a tree...
K...I...S...S...I...N...G...!" ...P...L...A...Y...I...N...G [nicely]!" It's been on the cards for some time now; Evelyn has been talking about nothing else since Jilly agreed to having Jonah come over for dinner after school. Jonah and Evelyn had a lively time, and played...
Jilly and Julie in Glasgow
In celebration of Julie's 40th birthday, Jilly and Julie spent the weekend sightseeing in Glasgow, taking special care to take in as much Charles Rennie Mackintosh art and architecture as humanely possible. Julie and Jilly had a fantastic time in...
Goodbye Upper Left Central Incisor
After many days of teasing and screaming, Evelyn has finally allowed Jillian close enough to her loose tooth to pull it out. For almost a fortnight now, Jilly has been convinced that Evelyn's tooth was ready to fall out and...
Lunchtime picnic
As Jilly was off work with Evelyn today, my beaudeeful ladies met me for a lunchtime picnic this afternoon. As the sun beat down on us, we made our way to the freshly mowed playing fields in the park up...
Reighton Sands
Jilly and I never really recovered from not going away for Evelyn's birthday (as we've done for all Evelyn's previous birthdays), so Jilly arranged this weekend away at Reighton Sands, Evelyn's favourite. Unlike last weekend, the weather wasn't great, but...
Goodbye Upper Right Central Incisor
Evelyn said goodbye (or, more accurately, thcudbye) to her upper right central incisor tonight. The tooth has been extremely wobbly for some time now; so much so, that it has appeared to protrude from Evelyn's mouth horizontally on occasions, and...
Notes From Evelyn
For her birthday, Evelyn was given a lovely set of stationery which included a number of little personalised notes...er...from Evelyn. This morning, Jilly had had to tell Evelyn repeatedly not to bounce on our bed as she was being a...
The 201st Otley Show
Or the HOtley Show, as Jilly referred to it with comic genius... Having recently discovered that it was the 201st Otley Show this weekend, Jilly thought that, given some reasonable weather, the show might make a nice day out for...
Daddy's new tattoo
So, Evelyn decided that, like "all the other dads", I should have a tattoo... Et voila!...
Goodbye Lower Left Lateral Incisor
As it was dangerously loose this evening, and as it was Evelyn's bedtime, Jilly removed Evelyn's lower left incisor to make it safe for her to go to bed; and she did it with Evelyn making no more than a...
Really happy dreams
Evelyn is fed up of having bad dreams, so she's begun 'chanting', "Really happy dreams, really happy dreams, really happy dreams..." as Jilly and I settle her down to sleep each night. In truth, Evelyn doesn't have many bad dreams,...
Evelyn's 6th Birthday (part 3) - Evie's actual birthday
Bright as a button, Evelyn woke this morning to join Jilly and I in our bed. Jilly had purposefully set the alarm to wake a little earlier than we normally would on a Tuesday so that Evelyn could open her...
Evelyn's 6th Birthday (part 2)
In order to get Evelyn together with all her little pals from Huddersfield, we went for a spin out to Nostell Priory today, and had a lovely day. Jilly, Evelyn and I were joined by a little over half of...
Evelyn's 6th Birthday (part 1)
In a pre-celebration celebration of Evelyn's forthcoming sixth birthday, I drove Jilly and Evelyn to Scarborough for the day today. Contrary to Paul the Weatherman's weather forecast on last nights 'Look North' the weather was lovely as we left Huddersfield...
Windows to the soul?
So...the other day, Evelyn and I were sat in the living room as I looked up to see her doing something she shouldn't have been doing. "What are you doing, Evelyn?", I asked her, knowing exactly what she'd been up...
YHA Whitby break
What a fantastic weekend break! Some time ago, seven families agreed to meet for a weekend in Whitby (just for the children, you understand). Moving into Whitby's Youth Hostel (a lovely building neighbouring the Abbey) with six other couples and...
Goodbye Lower Right Lateral Incisor
For some time now, Evelyn has been complaining about her 'wobbly' tooth, seeming very anxious that it is going to start bleeding. Jilly and I assured Evelyn that her mouth wouldn't bleed unless her tooth came out; which it has...
Evelyn's reading...
Last week, Evelyn and I began a new bedtime reading routine. Evelyn would read 'Dinosaur Roar'! The book has been described (though I can't bring myself to reference the quote) as, "...a perfect introduction to books for children. Colourful and...
Evelyn Entertaining
A few weeks ago, Jilly told Evelyn that she could invite her friend Molly over for dinner tonight. Of course, Jilly and I have been using the occasion as a 'lever' whenever we've had to remind Evelyn about behaving well...
RIP Fish #1
I got back from the gym tonight, to discover that Evelyn has had some rather sad news. Jilly and Evelyn cleaned out the fish over the weekend, when Jilly noticed that one of the fish was a little 'wobbly'...
ROAR! SEWERAGE!
She's such a funny onion (no, I really can't remember why or when we began referring to Evie as a humourous vegetable!) Yesterday morning, Evelyn and I were watching ROAR! on Children's BBC before going to school. The presenters were...
Deb and Kev's 25th Wedding Anniversary Celebrations
Jilly and I were both very pleased when Debbie and Kevin invited us to help them celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in Morecambe and Heysham today. Having finished work yesterday, Jilly and I left Huddersfield at 17:00, and arrived...
Daddy / Daughter Day X
Jilly spent the day in Selby with Nanna and Auntie Sam today. As Evelyn in I prepared to go into town this morning, Evelyn turned to me and assured me that we were going to have a lovely day together....
Boys' Bowness Weekend
Sometime ago, Roger suggested that a group of us 'boys' went for a walking weekend in the Lake District, staying in a colleague's house in Bowness; and this was the weekend of choice (nicely co-inciding with my birthday). The house...
My 41st birthday
What a lovely day I've had! Jilly and Evelyn surprised me, this morning, with a delicious breakfast of bacon sandwiches, orange juice and tea. Evelyn was desperate to begin 'helping me open my cards and presents', as I ate my...
Another lovely weekend
Jilly, Evelyn and I had a lovely time, this weekend, visiting Deb and Kev. We last saw them just before Christmas when they stayed over at ours on the way to Grimsby. Our return visit was a very relaxed affair...
Care in the Community?
So, just like every Wednesday, Jilly went supermarket shopping this evening for the weeks groceries. Ten minutes ago, I received the following text from Jilly. "I am in the Asda in my slippers! Oh the shame of it!" Of course,...
Posh drink
After sunday dinner this afternoon, Evelyn spent a little while in the kitchen 'doing something'! Evelyn eventually reappeared in the living room holding a glass with her juice in. She'd made a 'posh drink' by decorating the glass with the...
Kids today, eh? Who'd 'ave 'em?
Evelyn returned from school today, and seemed really rather quiet, rather subdued. Obviously concerned, Jilly asked Evelyn what was wrong. Evie denied that anything was wrong and got on about her business. Later, as Jilly and I were getting Evelyn...
New spectacles
Evelyn took receipt of her new spectacles this morning and she looks absolutely beautiful in them. Evelyn doesn't realise how especially flattering Jilly was being when she compared her to Nicky Hambleton-Jones (I say especially flattering because Jilly is usually...
Goodbye Mr. Snow
Worried that we are about to see the last of the snow, Jilly and Evelyn decided to make a snowman in the back garden today. And, as I think you'll agree; they made a good of it, too! Personally, I'll...
Cinderella at WYP
Jilly, Evelyn and I enjoyed a lovely Christmas present from the Wassocks this afternoon. Jim and Helen organised for us to see 'Cinderella' at the West Yorkshire Playhouse (they also invited the OsBradFam to join the party) and we all...
What a day!
So...Evelyn came into our bedroom at 05:30 this morning complaining that her neck was hurting. At first, she seemed quite relaxed about the pain but, as we invited her into our bed, she became more and more upset until she...
An unexpected day off school
Due to the sudden (and unexpectedly heavy) snowfall which began last night, Evelyn's school was closed this afternoon. Jilly collected Evelyn from school, and they spent the afternoon sledging! What else would they do, eh?...
Ski Sunday
Jilly invited the Wassocks to ours for Sunday lunch today and, as there is still plenty of snow around to be enjoyed, we arranged to meet for a play in the snow before eating. We all met in the...
Christmas 2009
We had an unusually quiet (and lovely) Christmas this year in Whitby. The people at Shoreline Cottages have been pestering Jilly, for some time, about renting the lovely Riverside Apartment over the holiday period (we stayed there in May this...
Evie's Nativity
Jilly and I went to Evelyn's first nativity today, and it was...er...different. The reception and first year children presented 'Christmas With The Aliens', a retelling of the traditional Christmas nativity as told by alien visitors who have crashed on Earth....
Evelyn's video message from Santa
Evelyn was absolutely astonished, today, when I told her that I had received an e-mail telling me that Evelyn could expect a video message from Santa himself. We all sat around the laptop as the message came through from the...
Cartoon Genius
As I was getting ready for work this morning I told Evelyn how I was going to miss her all day. She immediately disappeared into the living room and, after a couple of minutes, returned with this picture. "There you...
..and my heart melts
While watching Elf this evening (it's an excellent movie that Jilly and I would recommend watching with - or without - children), Jilly made it clear that she would appreciate a cup tea being made for her during the next...
Pre-Christmas Ketchup
Bad Dreams Came into our bedroom this morning after (allegedly) having had a bad dream. It was dark (so Evie thought it was still night-time), but it was, in fact, practically time to get up. Evelyn snuggled up to me...
Sweety Todd
I know I've only really allowed her to do this to show how very brave I am (ahem!),and how fantastically responsible and sensitive our beautiful daughter is, but while I was shaving recently, Evelyn asked if she could help me....
Captain Bald-head and the Christmas Lights
Evelyn was almost as excited as Jilly tonight when I met them in town to watch as Patrick Stewart (a.k.a. Captain Bald-head) turned on the Christmas Lights. Captain Bald-head (as he will always be known in our house), was very...
Back to Square One!
I returned to the gym tonight (after almost four weeks away as a result of spraining my ankle while in Reighton Sands) to discover that I am now weighing 132.6Kg or 20st 12lb. I am UNHAPPY!...
HTAFC 6 - 0 Wycombe Wanderers
As the town match was being televised by Sky today, the club offered season ticket holders the chance to take a friend-for-a-fiver to see the match against Wycombe Wanderers (currently languishing in the bottom position in League One). John Sharpe...
Feelin' Fuzzy!
After a little heated debate, Evelyn finally agreed that it was time to go to bed this evening, at 8.00pm. Jilly read to Evelyn and sang the mandatory five nursery rhymes before coming downstairs. A little later, Kieran came into...
Oh! Oh! She's making a list...
Mr. Drury called in at our house today and, while he was here, he asked Evelyn what she thought Santa would be bringing her for Christmas. Evie told James that she would be getting a digital camera and an MP3...
Kieran's 18th Birthday
Kieran won't thank me for making a big deal about his eighteenth birthday, so I won't. Sufficed to say, Jilly spent some time blubbing this morning (when Kieran returned from his dad's), and Kieran stayed in with the rest...
Hallowe'en at Deb & Kev's
Deb and Kev invited us to theirs for this Hallowe'en weekend (of course, Kieran didn't come with us), where we had an excellent time. Jilly went to great lengths to make sure we were dressed in a Hallowe'enie stylee. Naively,...
Hallowe'en
Inspired by the Wassock-meister himself, Evelyn and I carved a Hallowe'en pumpking again this year and (with the aid of Jim's tool - ahem!), we managed to do quite a respectable job...er...if I do say so myself....
Bloody swine-flu
Evelyn has been poorly all weekend! Getting up on Friday morning, Evelyn told Jilly and I that she wasn't feeling very well, and that TEN of her schoolfriends had been off school with swine-flu the day before. Convinced that Evelyn...
First School Photo
Evelyn had her first school photograph taken at school today. I'll post a copy of the photo as soon as we get them and I'm able to scan one... 16/11/2009 - We still haven't received the photographs back from Evelyn's...
Jilly's birthday (mk. II)
In further celebration of Jilly's 41st birthday, we all visited Nanna and Poppee in Thorne today; that's right, we even managed to drag Kieran along. To help celebrate Jilly's birthday, Nanna and Poppee organised an excellent afternoon on a barge...
Jilly's birthday (mk. I)
It is Jilly's birthday today and she is out, tonight, celebrating it with her mates while Evelyn in I stay in watching the telly...typical! Having said that, Jilly and I did go out last night to see a production of...
Wassocks bearing gifts...
The Wassocks returned from their tenth wedding anniversary trip to Krakow this week and with them, they brought Evelyn a set of beautiful Polish dolls (to join her set of Russian dolls). Evie was thrilled and immediately told Jilly and...
Day in Blackpool
Some time ago, Jilly suggested that we might like to take Evelyn to Blackpool to see the lights. Astonishingly, we made the 70 mile trip to Blackpool in an hour and a quarter door-to-er...car park (I'd forgotten that the M55...
Out of the mouths of babes...
Evelyn crept into our bedroom this morning (just as we were about to get up) and (rather clumsily) climbed into our bed. "Turn over, Daddy", Evelyn told me, as she collapsed into the bed between Jilly and I, "...your breath...
Perhaps I going to have to create a new Gingatopian category...'BOYS'!
When I collected Evelyn from the after school club today, she rushed to me and gave me a lovely big hug...clearly, something nice had happened to her today! "Jonah told me that he was going to marry me today", Evelyn...
Evelyn wants a DS...
SHE IS SO BEAUDEEFUL! Evelyn and I were sat in the living room, last night, watching a little CBBCs (as she'd brought a book home from school which had no words in it?!) when Evie 'showed me her new DS'....
Goodbye Lower Left Central Incisor
Evelyn's second tooth has come out; her lower left central incisor. It's been extremely wobbly for two or three days now and Evelyn was finally conned into allowing Jilly to 'wobble' the tooth. Before Evelyn knew it, Jilly had applied...
Bingley Music Live 2009
Jilly and I joined Jim, Jobley and Kempy at the Bingley Music festival in Myrtle Park, this weekend. The weekend line-up included 'Doves', 'Zutons' and 'Ocean Colour Scene' on Saturday, and 'The Futureheads', 'Reverend and the Makers', Calvin Harris' and...
Back to school...
It was Evelyn's first day back to school today...in YEAR ONE! Evelyn has been very excited about returning to school, and especially excited that she will be returning to YEAR ONE (rather than reception)...she's growing up! For some time now,...
It's all gone horribly wrong
Not having been to the gym for over a month, having been on holiday and then away for our anniversary break; and having eaten just about whatever I have wanted for the last six weeks, I returned to the gym...
Eleventh Wedding Anniversary/Interview Weekend in Bude
Monday 24 August 2009 - Jilly's Interview Jilly's interview in Launceston was at 10:00 this morning, so we enjoyed an early breakfast (in fact, I enjoyed one and half breakfasts (ahem!), while Jilly struggled to overcome her nerves and finish...
"Get away from me!"
Overwhelmed by everyday adoration while at the dinner table tonight, I told Evelyn, "You are soooooooo beautiful!"; the sort of thing that loving fathers say to their beautiful daughters everyday. Leaning back ever so slightly, holding up one hand, and...
Dunham Massey with Julie, Ged and Sarah Mabel
Met Julie, Ged and the beaudeeful liddle Sarah for a picnic at Dunham Massey, a National Trust property just outside Altrincham. It is August, after-all, so no-one will be surprised to read that it rained throughout our lovely picnic. Only...
Atlantic Reach holiday, Newquay
Friday, 31 July 2009 In order for us to get to Cornwall while avoiding the Saturday morning rush (bottleneck), we sat started our journey today. Leaving Huddersfield at 09:30, we stopped for lunch having passed Birmingham at 12:30, and finally...
Hallows Farm with the Wassocks
Wednesday 29 July 2009 We drove home, today, through torrential rain (moderately terrifying torrential rain, that is, actually!), and, worried that Helen might have to drive through similar conditions at the weekend, I sent Jim and Helen a text letting...
Goodbye Lower Right Central Incisor
Evelyn always loves a swim, so we went, with the Wassocks, to the Keswick Leisure Centre today. Waiting in the queue, I noticed that Evelyn's face was a little grubby. Rather clumsily, I 'hoober-doobered' Evelyn's face with a soapy face-cloth,...
At Nanna and Poppee's
As the big school holidays have begun, Evelyn has spent the last three nights at Nanna and Poppee's house with cousin Hebe. Jilly and I have missed Evelyn loads, and were each quite desperate to collect her from grandparents'. Evelyn...
At Debbie and Kev's
Visiting Debbie and Kevin's over the weekend, we all went to The Timbersbrook Project near Congleton. Not surprisingly, Evelyn loved the Kune Kune pigs! The greatest attraction, though, was the utterly and charmingly eccentric bloke that showed us around the...
I am a lady, you know!
As Jilly took Evelyn to school this morning, Evie did something unladylike...she dropped what Jilly described as a massive fart as they crossed the road to the school gates. Jilly immediately told Evie that she wasn't behaving like a lady....
Evelyn's Singing
My word...this has to stop! I had to stop Evelyn singing an especially offensive song this evening; I can't begin to imagine where she heard the following lyrics, but when I find out, there will be hell to pay! On...
I have this little daughter Evelyn...
She's small and very funny...but unlike her cartoon heroine, Lola, Evelyn DOES want her wobbly tooth to fall out! Evelyn's wobbly tooth is her lower right central incisor (one her first two teeth to make their an appearance on 16th...
Father's Day V
What a wonderful Father's Day I've had today! I was woken (at a very respectable time) by the beautiful ladies of my life and given a selection of lovely Father's Day gifts. Evelyn and Jilly had very thoughtfully made me...
Well done wall
Evelyn came home from school today, very pleased with herself. The moment I collected her from the after school club, Evelyn immediately rushed to me to tell me that she had been 'put on the well done wall' at school....
Face Painting
I turned my back for 10 minutes, this morning (I may have been in the loft trying to find something), when I heard Evelyn announce, as she charged up the stairs, "I've done my face with facepaints, Daddy, and it...
Alien Week
So...Evelyn's school had an 'alien week'. Very excitingly (for the children, and for Jilly), the week began with the discovery of the wreck of a crashed spaceship in the school playground. As Jilly walked Evelyn into school on Monday morning,...
Ear Piercing
Evelyn has decided that she wants her ears pierced. I think one of her friends at school must have had them done this week. "I would like my ears pierced!" Evelyn exclaimed, quite out-of-the-blue, as we watched TV this evening....
Another First - Evie's First School Trip
Evelyn enjoyed another first today; her first organised school trip. Quite literally, Evie has been counting the days down as we have approached today and her trip to Cannon Hall Farm. As Jilly and I went to bed, last night,...
Back at the Dentist
Jilly took Evelyn to the dentists, this afternoon, for a regular check-up. Looking at posters in the dentist's waiting room Evelyn commented, "Urgh! Look at those teeth Mummy! They're black aren't they?" "Yes, yes they are!" Jilly replied. "You've got...
School Nurse Visit
The School Nurse visited Evelyn's school today and measured all the reception children's weight, height and hearing. Evelyn's hearing was described as 'satisfactory'. The childrens' hearing was judged to be either 'satisfactory' or in need of further attention; I've never...
Whitby - Riverside Apartments
Jilly, Evelyn and I enjoyed an absolutely glorious weekend in Whitby this weekend. Jilly was e-mailed with an offer of what turned out to be a beautiful apartmenton the River Esk in Whitby. The accommodation was excellent and the weather...
Tooth Fairy
Evelyn has announced (with disturbing pride), that she has a wobbly tooth. Trying to wobble her tooth (with some ferocity), Evelyn explained that she was, "...doeing to dell Niamh" (going to tell Niamh) after the half-term holiday. In the same...
Morrissey's 50th birthday gig - Manchester Apollo
Jilly and I drove to the Manchester Apollo tonight to join Morrissey in celebration of his 50th birthday. Well...I say join him in the celebration of his birthday; in fact, the gig was simply the one that happened to fall...
Evelyn's spelling!
Jilly, Evelyn and I visited Kirkstall Abbey today, where we had a lovely picnic (between showers). We ate lunch, before having a wander around the abbey itself. After seeing the abbey, we took in the sights of the abbey museum,...
Evelyn's reading!
I have been unforgiveably remiss in not reporting anything about Evelyn's reading since she started school, so I'm hoping to start making amends for it now. I've sat with Evelyn, this evening, as she read the whole of Jelly and...
Bikini madness
Perhaps buying the bikini was not such a good idea :)! Evelyn got up this morning, put on her new bikini and 'high heels' (in truth they're practically flat, purple plastic 'play glamour' shoes) and is currently parading around our...
Evelyn's first bikini
In the run up to the Summer holidays (we'll be 'jetting off' to Cornwall again this summer!), Jilly and I agreed that Evelyn needed a new swimming costume (she's outgrown most of her exising ones). We took Evelyn shopping for...
Mamma Mia!
Kieran bought the DVD of 'Mamma Mia!' for Jilly on Mother's Day this year and, so far, Evelyn has watched it about a dozen times (with Jilly on just two occasions!). What's all that about, then, eh? At bedtime, after...
The Wonder Stuff
Leaving Jilly to look after Evelyn, Dominic and Matilda at the Harriseseses (bless 'er), I joined the Wassocks (Jim and Helen), Andrew Bradbury and John Sharpe (from work) at the O2 Academy in Leeds to see The Wonder Stuff...
Monsters vs Aliens
As a(nother), belated, birthday treat, Jilly and I took Evelyn to the cinema to see Monsters vs Aliens this afternoon. OK, you're absolutely right; I had to drag Jilly and Evelyn, as they kicked and screamed, in the cinema so...
Evelyn's Birthday Weekend and Party
Evelyn (or rather we) are very lucky in that Evelyn's birthday falls on (or around) the May-day bank holiday. In celebration of Evelyn's birthday, Jilly and I took Evelyn for a short caravan break in Barmston, near Bridlington (Evelyn...
Evelyn doin' 'Mummy/Daddy kissin''!
Without any prompting, and quite out of the blue, Evelyn has begun trying to kiss me in a 'mummy/daddy kissin'' stylee. At the same time, this is both charming and terrifying as, essentially, Evelyn's 'mummy/daddy kissin'' involves a 'normal' kiss,...
Jilly and Evelyn at Sainsbury's Fish Counter
Jilly and Evelyn called in at Sainsbury's this morning, to buy some fresh fish to make their own fish fingers for tea. Evelyn has always shown an interest in the fish at the fishmongers, looking at all the fish...
Flookburgh with Jilly and Evelyn
Jilly, Evelyn and I shared a lovely weekend at Haven's Flookburgh, near Grange-over-Sands, for the Easter weekend. Once again, we were very lucky with the weather and Jilly and I even managed to catch the sun (though only incidentally, in...
Evelyn visits Nanna and Poppee
Evelyn has gone to Nanna and Poppee's for a couple of days while her school is closed for the Easter holidays. Jilly and I dropped her off last night after work (when Evelyn was - fortunately - surprisingly happy as...
Birthday Walking with Jim and Kev - Fairfields Horseshoe
Very generously, Jim organised a weekend at Grasmere (Thorny How) Youth Hostel to celebrate my 40th birthday. Jim and I drove to Grasmere on Friday morning, arriving in time for lunch at 'The Jumble Room' where I enjoyed what...
Dom and Tilly stay for the day
In an attempt to help Helen and Jim ready their home for their return from Jo's, Jilly and I looked after Dom and Tilly for the day...and they behaved brilliantly. Jilly asked Dom and Evelyn to help her make...
Mothers' Day - Shibden Park
Jilly, Evelyn and I visited Grandma and Grandad this morning, to deliver some Mother's Day pressies, before driving to Shibden Park to meet Nanna and Poppee. The weather remained quite good (while it threatened to rain most of the day)...
Evelyn's New Spectaculars
Jilly and Evelyn went into town this afternon to collect Evie's new spectaculars...er...I mean spectacles. And Evelyn looks absolutely beautiful in them....
Julie & Ged's Wedding Weekend
13 March 2009 To help Julie and Ged celebrate their marriage on Saturday, Jilly, Evelyn, Kieran and I drove to Norwich during the day on Friday. Leaving home at 10:30, we arrived in the Sprowston Manor hotel (the venue...
Fabulous Granny Annis
Jilly was desperately upset this morning when she rang to tell me that her lovely granny Mary had died. Apparently, she was waiting for the taxi to take her to LGI for an eye appointment when grandad turned to her...
Evelyn's visit to the optician
Jilly and I took Evelyn for her long awaited eye test at the opticians today. Evelyn behaved impecably as the staff put her through all the necessary tests. The optician told Jilly and I that there is nothing wrong with...
Mark Watson
In celebration of my 40th birthday, Druz very generously bought Jilly and I tickets to see Mark Watson at the West Yorkshire Playhouse for tonight. Originally, James planned for Jilly and I to join him and Jenna at the theatre...
A Whole Week of Calm
In a tremendous turn of events, Evelyn has gone a whole week, this week, without becoming upset when Jilly or I left her at school...FANTASTIC! As a special treat for Evelyn, and to celebrate her doing so well at going...
But you're beautiful, Miss Jones...
Evelyn returned from school today with a letter from a visiting optician. Apparently, Evelyn has defective vision, and we have been advised to take Evelyn to an optician to have her eyes tested with a view to getting her some...
Are we human, or are we dancer?
As well as actually dancing, Evelyn is currently loving The Killer's 'Are we human, or are we dancers', and sings along to whenever it is on the radio. Evelyn is also loving Girls Aloud, 'The Promise', giving a special exhibition...
Evelyn's first Parents' Evening at school
Jilly and I visited Evelyn's school for our first parents' evening tonight, and everything went better than we could have hoped. Evelyn's teacher, Mrs W. told us that Evelyn, "is exceptional"! Evelyn has an excellent understanding of letters and numbers;...
They say the cutest things...don't they?
As I was putting Evelyn to bed this evening, she told me, "Your neck has two names. The back is called the neck", pointing to the back of her neck, "and the front is the throat, isn't it daddy?" I...
Black Sheep Brewery and The Kings Head Hotel
Very generously, Jim and Helen offered to stay at our house over this weekend - to look after Evelyn - while Jilly and I spent the night at The Kings Head Hotel in Masham. Jilly organised a very special surprise...
My 40th Birthday
As ever, Jilly tried to make my birthday as special as possible. Unfortunately, events conspired to make celebrating my birthday quite a challenge...but a challenge that Jilly and I rose to. In the morning, Jilly made Evelyn and I breakfast...
De Ja Vue...er...Two
With even more snowfall over night, Jilly's surprise trip for my fortieth birthday is looking increasingly at risk. Of course, perfectly oblivious to my concern over the coming weekend, Evelyn is loving the snow and being off school....
De Ja Vue?
Evelyn and I had a rather inpromptu Daddy/Daughter day today as the whole country seemed to grind to a halt as it was covered in snow (it snowed throughout the night, last night, and has continued snowing today). Unfortunately, the...
Visiting the Judges
It's seems to have been forever since we last visited the Judges, but Jilly, Evelyn and I finally managed to make our way over to York this weekend. Evelyn had been looking forward to the visit more than Jilly and...
A Dad's Worst Nightmare
On the way home from the out-of-school-club this evening, Evelyn asked (as she always does) to walk through the two gates of the fenced playground. When I asked her why she always wanted to walk through the playground, she told...
Evelyn's Twelfth Day at School
Jilly and I are very pleased to report that Evelyn seems to be enjoying school much more now. Both of us are able to drop her off at school without incident, and she seems to have made a special friend...
Evelyn's Sixth Day at School
At the tender age of four, Evelyn seems to be developing a grasp of Einstein's Theory of Relativity. "Why do weekends go so quickly?", she asked Jilly and I as we got ready for school and work this morning. Later,...
Evelyn's Fifth Day At School
Evelyn seemed so much better, this morning, when I dropped her off; I couldn't have guessed how much better! Jilly and I are so pleased!...
Evelyn's Fourth Day At School
Writing this at work, I've just talked to Jilly who says that Evelyn has become very upset, again, as Jilly left her at school. As I was leaving for work this morning, Evelyn insisted that I took her little cushion...
Evelyn's Third Day At School
In a surprising and rather distressing turn of events, Evelyn went to pieces this morning as I took her to school. In my last minute preparations for work, I made a visit to the bathroom, before returning downstairs to find...
Evelyn's Second Day At School
Evelyn's second day at school seemed to go quite nicely, thank you very much; though, once again, Evelyn seems to have very little to report. I left Evie and 08:45 and she seemed a little 'clingy', unlike another of the...
Evelyn's First Day At School
Evelyn enjoyed her first day at school today. Having spent the whole of the second of two successive nights in her own bed last night (without raising hell before going to sleep!), Evelyn was awake and eager to get to...
The Snow Queen - West Yorkshire Playhouse
Jilly, Evelyn and I joined the Wassocks and the OsBradFam at The West Yorkshire Playhouse, today, to see 'The Snow Queen'. It's with more than a little smug pride that a report that all four of the children behaved impecably...
New Years Day
We seem to have spent very little time with Deb and Kev recently, so it was lovely to be invited to theirs for the end of the Christmas/New Year holidays. Again, in keeping with the rest of our 'festive' holiday,...
New Years Eve
Partially due to our recent illness, Jilly and I enjoyed a very quiet New Years Eve with Kempy and (would you credit it?), Kieran, last night. Jilly made a lovely meal, and then we settled down to board games, music...
Merry frickin' Christmas
It seems to have summed up our Christmas this; Jilly and Kieran were awake at 04:30 this morning, each 'throwing their rings up', while Evelyn was in and out of our bedroom refusing to sleep (as she has done for...
Another of Evelyn's Firsts (the first for a while)
In what seems to be becoming a non-eventful Christmas, Jilly and I spent most of today feeling under the weather. In an attempt to cheer the proceedings up (particularly for Evelyn), I remembered a little treat that Jilly had bought...
Boxing Day
Grandma and Grandad join us for a lovely Boxing Day dinner but, once again, I was very remiss in my duties as official photographer (in my defence, the dreaded 'Christmas bug' had a terrible hold on my appetite by this...
Christmas Day
Fantastically, Evelyn awoke at a very reasonable time this morning, and joined Jilly and I in our bed at a little after 08:15. We're only pleased that last nights little upset doesn't seemed to have dampened Evie's Christmas spirit...Yo Ho...
Artistic Genius
I collected Evelyn from her nursery for the very last time today. As I don't believe Evelyn has fully understood that she is leaving now, the occasion wasn't as horrible as it might have been. Jilly and I intend to...
Easily the worst night's sleep, EVER (part 3)
Having prepared the living room for Santa's arrival this evening (that is, filled the living room with all the presents), and finally tucking Evelyn into her bed, Jilly and I settled down to a little festive television and a glass...
Like mother, like daughter!
Evelyn came into our bedroom this morning, after a whole night's uninterrupted sleep, and very casually announced that she'd had a lovely dream. Apparently, Jilly, Evie, Kieran and I were at the fair...er...with Mark Foster (Olympic swimmer and Strictly Come...
Easily the worst night's sleep, EVER (part 2)
Evelyn was in and out of bed all night last night, getting into bed with Jilly and I on several occasions and being sick on my twice! On the second occasion, Evie threw up on me and Leanne kitty (and...
Evelyn Webster - The Joker
So, I arrived home from work this afternoon, to discover that Grandma Hargreaves had allowed Evelyn to apply a little make-up for my return...she looked like Heath Ledger's crazee 'Joker'. As Evie's make-up seemed to make her resemble her new...
Easily the worst night's sleep, EVER!
Very clearly, Evelyn is devastated by the prospect of leaving 'that new nursery' and, more specifically, her blessed Leanne. Over the last few Christmases, Jilly and I have had our own little 'Christmas do'. Without the children, and at no...
Christmas Lights
Driving through Lindley, Jilly and I regularly treat Evelyn to a visit to this house. These lights were up (in all their glory) last year, and I think we were both secretly hoping they'd be up this year too. Unfortunately,...
Visiting Santa's (not so) grotty Grotto
Jilly and I took an unexpected pleasure in taking Evelyn to visit Santa in his Grotto at the Kingsgate Centre tonight. Evelyn was most excited about being outside at night, in the dark (let alone the prospect of seeing Santa)....
The Morning After (the Dreadful Nights Sleep)
Evelyn slept beautifully last night, after the events surrounding her going to bed. Peculiarly, Evelyn did have a bizarre dream, though it didn't frighten her. Apparently, in her dream, the baby Jesus was in her bedroom and needed the toilet;...
Dreadful Nights Sleep
Evelyn had an absolutely appalling night's sleep last night. I put her to bed at her normal bed-time and everything seemed quite normal. We read a Charlie and Lola ('Snow is my favourite and my best') and I sang four...
Preparing for Christmas
We bought and decorated the Christmas tree today, and Evelyn was lovin' it (but only nearly as much as Jilly), except for the Angels; "...they're rubbish!", but she likes the shepherds and Mary (binters bonters!)...
Visiting Arthur and Martha McKay
We visited Adam, Sharon, Arthur and Martha today. Unfortunately, we missed Martha's Christening due to my mum's birthday, so it was lovely to see them all together. Of course, we made no mention of the rhyming qualities of their off...
BIG News
THUD...pitter patter pitter patter pitter patter... As I was watching Heroes (SE03E09!) this evening, my enjoyment was momentarily interrupted by a heavy THUD coming from Evelyn's room. I quickly ran upstairs to discover Evelyn wrapping herself up in her 'quilty'....
Evelyn's first taste of school...dinners!
I took Evelyn to her new school this morning, where she spent an hour in her new class before I rejoined her for a lovely school dinner. Evelyn and I had 'homemade' Chicken Pie, made with delicious chicken breast, creamed...
Visiting Sarah Mabel 'Mini' Pini
We drove to Congleton to visit the beaudeeful Pini family today and to meet Sarah Mabel 'Mini' Pini for the very first time. Julie, Ged and Sarah Mabel all seemed perfectly happy at home together, although Julie did still seem...
Kieran's 17th Birthday
It's Kieran's birthday today and, in celebration, Jilly, Evelyn and I took him and Chrissy out for a massive slap up curry supper at the Memsahib. Kieran and 'buff' Chrissy both seemed to enjoy their meal, and then joined their...
Man About The House?
Evelyn announced, today, that she wants to marry Ella, her best friend at that new nursery. But, as she won't be allowed to marry her at the local parish church, she will probably marry Dominic James Harris after-all. Funny fickle...
Baby Ballet and Beautiful Dress
That new nursery (as Evelyn still insists on referring to it) has begun a new 'course' of Baby Ballet' and we have enrolled Evelyn on it. Evelyn showed great interest in Baby Ballet the last time the nursery ran the...
Beautiful New Arrival
Julie rang, mere seconds ago, to tell us that she has just given birth to a beautiful baby girl, Sarah Mable, who weighed in at a very respectable 8lbs 3oz. Obviously fearing the possible repercussions of not immediately passing the...
Poo Poo!
So...missing Jilly and Evelyn this morning (as I am writing this at work, and as they have spent the morning together at home), I rang Jilly for a quick chat and to see how their morning had been so far....
Halloween Weekend
It seems like forever since we were last at Debbie and Kevin's but, this weekend, we visited them for a special Halloween dinner and trip to Monkey Forest. Once again, Debbie spoiled us with a delicious dinner for which we...
Ouch! Bloody wasps!
I collected Evelyn from school, today, to be welcomed by Leanne (Evelyn's beloved keyworker [Evelyn adores Leanne]) holding the incident book. Whenever children have an accident, the incident is recorded in the Accident Book, and parents are asked to counter-sign...
More Catchup
EVELYN'S NOUVEAU CUISINE I'm ashamed to say that I've been a little remiss, recently, with regard to updating Gingatopia with Evelyn's latest escapades. After watching a variety of culinary television shows recently, we sat down to dinner lastnight and Jilly...
Gym-tastic
I joined the local gym today. It's just 4 minutes walk down the road from home so I ought to have no excuses for missing out. Perhaps naively, I plan to go to the gym at least three times each...
FunnyStrangeLittleGirl
In another rather upsetting bedtime episode with Evelyn, it has become apparent why she became so upset during our evening with the Harriseses. Evelyn is clearly jealous of Dominic's 'new' bedroom and elevated bed. Evelyn confided in me that she...
Games Night and 'half and sleepover'
Those beautiful Wassocks invited Evelyn round to their house this evening for an eagerly awaited sleepover with Master Harris. Evie has been so excited today, it's been difficult keeping her even moderately calm. Jilly and I were invited over, too,...
Cornwall (October 2008) - Trenython Manor
In further celebration of Jilly's 40th birthday, we organised this 'free' Club La Costa holiday at Trenython Manor Hotel, for the week after Jilly's birthday party, last week. After driving to Cornwall with Julie and Ged in February, and again...
Bad Daddy
So Jilly and I took Evelyn to the local park this afternoon so that Evie could show me how well she can use the monkey bars. Evie was fantastic and swung along the bars effortlessly. Everything was great until Evie...
Style Guru
Watching Strictly Come Dancing this evening, one of the couples walked to the dance floor as Evelyn made the following observation, "For goodness sake, what on Earth is she wearing?" I can't think where she has learned such an expression,...
Jilly's 40th Birthday Party
Jilly has been absolutely besides herself with excitement in anticipation of her 40th birthday party tonight...and she loved the whole occasion. Jilly was delighted that so many of those invited came, and that everyone who attended had made the effort...
SadDroolieMonkeyGirl
Sad Girl Accustomed, as she is, to enjoying Monday mornings with Dominic and Helen, Evelyn spent much of this morning sobbing inconsolably in Dominic's absence. "I don't know him [Dominic] anymore", Evelyn told Jilly between sobs. "He knows new people...
Websters Independent Traders | New York - Paris - Mount
Jilly decided, some time ago, that she would like to have a stall on the open market in town. Rather meanly, I've 'poo-pooed' the idea, believing that it would be a colossal waste of Jilly's (and, possibly, my) time. Fantastically,...
Little Girl Alone
Jilly took Evelyn to their favourite activity centre today, and Evie became absolutely inconsolable when she realised that Dominic wasn't going to be there. Jilly and Helen had explained to Evelyn that, as Dom was beginning school last week, they...
Jilly's Birthday Treat / Daddy Daughter Day
As a very special treat, and to celebrate Jilly's forthcoming 40th birthday, Julie and Jilly spent the day shopping in Manchester, and the evening in one of Manchester's finest hotels. Most of the day was spent trying to find Jilly...
Sniffer-the-Sniffer-Dog
Jilly and Evelyn went to meet Nanna in Doncaster this morning, not realising that there was a race meeting today. Evie always enjoys a train journey and behaved impeccably. When they arrived in Doncaster, Jilly and Evelyn were surprised at...
Bingley Music - Live
And, after seeing Gomez on Thursday night, Jilly and I were very excited to discover that there was a free musical event at Myrtle Park in Bingley today. Jilly spent the afternoon with Kate and Sam yesterday, when she...
Gomez - Bring It On (10th Anniversary Tour)
Very generously, Gomez organised a joint celebration of 10th anniversaries for Jilly and I this year. In the same month that we have celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary, Gomez are celebrating the tenth anniversary of the release of their Mercury...
Kieran Enrols at College
Jilly was very excited today as it was Kieran's first half-day at college. Kieran only had to go in for the morning to enrol and, just as he has done everything else associated with the beginning of his college career,...
3653 days and counting...
Jilly and I celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary today. I'm sure it must be a 'most used' expression, "...it doesn't seem like 10 years..."; but it really doesn't seem like 10 years ago that Jilly and I tied the...
WOW!
Kieran's GCSE results were published today and I don't know who is most relieved (no...really I don't!) Kieran has seemed quite relaxed about the results day, until recently, but Jilly has just become more and more anxious. Kieran collected...
Little growing girl
As we had a quiet weekend planned, Jilly and I found ourselves doing one or two things around the house. I was helping Evelyn look for something in her bedrrom, when she asked me if I could remove the 'fence'...
Sport Evie
The Beijing 2008 Olympics began on Saturday, and Evelyn is loving them. She's loving them so much, in fact, that she has sacrificed watching her 'pre-bedtime story' DVD for watching the 7.00pm Olympic highlights. After dinner and a cup to...
Up Close and Personal with Birds of Prey
As part of another fundraising event for ARC - Arthritis Research Campaign, Debbie organised an excellent presentation by a lovely couple who train and keep birds of prey. The event was due to take part in Deb and Kev's back...
Agatha Christie's The Hollow (Gawsworth Hall)
Some time ago, Julie and Ged told us of an open air production of Agatha Christie's The Hollow being performed at Gawsworth Hall, near Macclesfield. Being a long-time fan of Agatha Christie, Jilly was eager to go, so we organised...
Post Holiday Catch-up
Having returned from our lovely holiday in Cornwall I've been a bit slovenly in adding any further Gingatopian updates. As I began Gingatopia with the aim of recording Evelyn's development, it seems only natural that most of this update should...
West Leigh Farmhouse - Summer Holiday
Thursday 17 July 2008 Travelodge (Bristol Central) Just two minutes and two miles into the journey to our Cornish holiday home we joined traffic jam, in heavy fog, on M62…Terrific! Fortunately, a short detour around Saddleworth Moor, through Denshaw and...
Knight Stainforth Camping
AKA - Absolute F*****g Disaster As my Father's day camping trip to Knight Stainforth was originally postponed until this weekend (as a result of the appalling weather on the Friday night of that weekend), Jilly reorganised the camping trip for...
Advanced Meteorological Techniques - Part I
Some time ago, Evelyn's Great-Grandma and Great-Grandad gave her the weatherhouse from their kitchen. Ever since, Evelyn has eagerly awaited any indication from the house as to what the coming day's weather will hold. Very soon, Evelyn realised that...
Evelyn's First Visit To Her New School
Evelyn will be starting at her primary school in January and, in preparation (and as introduction to the school) Jilly took Evelyn to an arranged 'open day' at school today. Fantastically (and not very surprisingly), Evelyn was looking forward to...
Party In The Park - Greenhead Park 2008
Jilly and I took Evelyn to her first ever out-door gig this evening. Following yesterday's classical Concert-in-the-Park, today's Party-in-the-Park had The Guillemots headlining, who Jilly is already a fan of. We arrived at Greenhead Park in plenty of time...
Kieran's School Prom Night
It is Kieran's school Prom Night tonight and, while Kieran seemed to take the occasion in his stride, Jilly was absolutely besides herself. While we haven't discussed exactly why Jilly was so stressed about the night, I believe it...
The Pressure is off...
...now, it's the long wait. Kieran finished the last of his GCSE exam's today. Brilliant! I'd like to say that you could see all the anxiety and stress slip from his face, the moment he walked through the door; but...
Father's Day
It was Father's Day today and, in celebration, Jilly had planned an excellent camping trip to Settle. Unfortunately, the felt we had to cancel the trip away as the weather was appalling on Friday night, and was forecast to be...
Just for the record...
While dropping her off at 'that new nursery', this morning, Evelyn and I measured her height on the nursery height chart. Evelyn is a whopping 106cm tall. Not a giant, by any stretch of the imagination, but certainly very tall...
"He makes me laugh!"
So, playing Sharon the Sheep, last night, Evelyn picked up the 'Kevin the Kangaroo' card. Evelyn was having trouble reading the text (she recognises loads of the cards now, and seems able to 'read' many of them effortlessly. As she...
"You're getting old, aren't you Daddy?"
Joining us in bed for a little 'snug' this morning; Evelyn told me, quite out of the blue, "You're getting old, aren't you Daddy?" Charming! I wouldn't mind so much, but it wasn't as though I'd been making any of...
One step forward, 6 lbs back...
It's official, since I started to take my eye off the dieting ball (so to speak), I've managed to gain 3Kg (or 6½ pounds). I now weigh 20st 7lb or 130.3Kg. I am less than pleased....
The Case of the Elusive Amphibious Fish
Both these photographs were taken, 04/06/08, after the tank lid had been replaced and the fish had made it's remarkable recovery... It appears that one of Evelyn's fish has tried to make a desperate, and near terminal, bid for freedom...
She tickles me...er...figuratively speaking!
Recently, Jilly went to wake Evelyn to get her ready to go to 'that new nursery'. "Mummy", Evelyn said, not entirely conscious, "Can I have my rhymes CD on just one more time?" (Evelyn goes to sleep, at night, listening...
Gardening with Mummy
Evelyn did a spot of gardening with Mummy this morning, and successfully completed her first exercise in window-box landscaping...brilliant! Move over 'Capability' Brown, there's a new girl in town... The plants are sweet-peas, grown by Jilly and Evelyn from...
Weekend with Deb and Kev
It's been forever since we were last at Debbie and Kevin's so, this weekend, we had a lovely time with Deb and Kev...and their newly acquired chittin's (chickens). Deb and Kev recently bought five chickens and have built an excellent...
Kieran leaves school
Officially, it was Kieran's last day at school today. He has to return for a further four weeks of GCSE examinations, but he has finished his schooling...and Jilly is besides herself...oh dear! Of course, (and, I am reminded, typically!) I...
Evelyn's 4th Birthday Party
As this is a special birthday for Evelyn (the last birthday she will have before she goes to primary school, leaving many of her nursery friends who will go to other schools), Jilly and I decided that Evelyn should...
Evelyn's 4th Birthday
As has become the habit (see Evelyn's 2nd Birthday in Filey and Evelyn's 3rd Birthday at Haggerston Castle), Jilly, Evelyn, Kieran and I went away for Evelyn's birthday over this last week-end. As she loves staying in caravans (bless!),...
CUD - Ruby Lounge (Manchester)
So...Kempy, Jilly and I heard, some time ago, that CUD where planning their very final tour before hanging up their (Hey!) Boots, and we managed to get tickets to see them play at The Ruby Lounge, Manchester (on their...
Little Miss Muffet
Obviously, Jilly and I have been aware of Evelyn's 'speech impediment' for some time now (her inability to say the 'kuh' sound; using 'tuh' instead, and transposing 'duh' and 'guh' sounds), but we are confident that, as she gets older...
Back on the horse
Quite how it's happened, I don't know, but - according to the weighing scales in Boots, I have lost 2.8Kg or a little over 6lb in the last week. HUZZAH! So, that's 127.6Kg or 20st 1lb....
Simon Armitage - Huddersfield Library
Steph, Jilly and I went to Huddersfield Library and Art Gallery this evening for an audience with Simon Armitage. Acclaimed local writer Simon Armitage read from his translation of 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight', a 'shining contemporary translation,...
The Breeders - Leadmill, Sheffield
So Jim, Jobley and I met Deb and Kev in Sheffield, last night, to see The Breeders on their current Mountain Battles tour. We met at the Ha!Ha!Bar in Sheffield, where I (for one) enjoyed an excellent burger, and where...
Aaaarrgggghhh!
Aaaarrgggghhh! indeed! After a three-day Microsoft course in Leeds (complete with FREE buffet lunch), a weekend curry, and several beers last night, I must hold up my hand and (with more than a little shame), admit that I have put...
In celebration of my (postponed) birthday
In celebration of my birthday (a celebration which Jilly and I were forced to postpone in February), Jilly and I enjoyed a lovely weekend in Ingleton/Kendal/Bowness this weekend. Jilly managed to book us a very reasonably priced hotel in Kendal...
Comedic Genius
Jilly's favourite joke has always been her 'stick joke'. Q: "What's brown and sticky?" A: "A stick!" BRILLIANT! (ahem!) Anyway...walking through the town centre on Tuesday afternoon, Jilly asked Evelyn and Kieran the magic question. "What's brown and sticky?" "I...
Moobs
Even though Jilly and I are convinced I've put on weight again (my belly and moobs both seem to be making a resurgence), the Boots weighing scales still register my weight as 128.5Kg or 20st 3lb. It's time I really...
Horticultural Genius
Looking through the pieces of the new 1000 piece jigsaw which her Mummy recently bought from 'that charry shop', Evelyn was clearly thinking about something. After some time, Evelyn turned to Jilly and told her, "Mummy, we need to put...
Back on the horse...
After successfully returning to watching what I am eating, I have managed to lose a few pounds again, this week, and have nearly returned to my pre-holiday weight...HUZZAH! I am now weighing in at 128.5Kg or 20st 3lb....
Quality Nuts
I was thrilled, today, to receive a lovely and very thoughtful present from our dear friends Deb and Kev. I opened the present, which was obviously material of some description, and it had, stuck to it, a note reading, "We...
Congratulations to Chris, Bernie and baby Rose
The population of Gingatopia would like to express their heart-felt congratulations to Chris and Bernie Beith on the safe arrival of their beautiful baby daughter Niamh (pronounced 'Neve') today. Niamh was born at 10:00 this morning and weighted in at...
"Another Mummy"
On her return from work this evening, Jilly demanded to know why Evelyn insisted on removing her socks, trousers and knickers, during the day and parading around the house in a state of 'near nakedity'. Evelyn is constantly removing her...
Visiting Nostell Priory...again
Jilly, Evelyn and I decided that we'd have a drive out to Nostell Priory today, to get a breathe of fresh air... There was a bit of a chill in the air, and it threatened to rain all day, but...
Daddy/Daughter Day
On a day which I like to think of as Daddy/Daughter Day, but which was also referred to as 'Lovely Booby Day', Jilly spent the afternoon and early evening with her old colleagues from Ward 3, seeing 'Chitty Chitty Bang...
Lovin' Canon Photostitch 3.1
It's with the use of Canon Photostitch 3.1 that I have finally managed to stitch together a series of photographs taken by the Wassock-Meister himself during our trip to Keswick, last year. The software works absolute miracles....
Steph, Helen, Alex and Charlie visit
Steph, Helen, Alex and the new baby Charlie visited Gingatopia today...and much fun was had by all. Jilly says that it was very difficult wrestling Charlie from Evelyn was she was given the responsibility of holding him. Evelyn and Alex...
Leaving HTC
It was with a 'heavy heart' that I worked my last day at Huddersfield Technical College on Wednesday. It should go without saying that I'm excited about my new job, and the position at HTC was always temporary to cover...
Visiting Charlie Max Thornton
This afternoon, Jilly and Evelyn went to Visit Helen Thornton and the new baby Charlie Max. Charlie was born on Monday last week, as we were in Cornwall, and this has been the first opportunity for Jilly and Evelyn to...
Greenhead-tastic
It was with a great deal of pride that Jilly rang me, this afternoon, to screetch down the phone that Kieran has been offered a place at Greenhead College to study Mathematics with Mechanics, Psychology, Physical Education and Physics. Kieran...
Earthquake hits much of England
It seems daft not to make reference to an event like this one. I was in bed when the earthquake occurred. It was really quite worrying as the shaking of the house woke me. Typically, Jilly slept through it, and...
Dominic James Harris - FOUR today!
Happy Birthday Dominic! Dominic is FOUR today, and to help the WASSOCKS celebrate, Jilly, Evelyn and I joined in them at their very exciting birthday boy party. Jim and Helen hired a local hall and a bouncy castle. Dom's...
Who ate all the pies (VII)
So, I weighed myself after returning from our wonderful holiday in Cornwall, to discover that I have put on 1.2Kg (which the Boots machine wants to round up to 3lbs) meaning that my weight is now 128.8Kg or 20St 4lbs;...
Our Cornwall holiday with Julie and Ged
Friday 15 February 2008 Travelodge (Bristol Central) Having driven from home after work, the stop at the Travelodge (and meeting up with Julie and Ged), came as a great relief. We had a drink or two in our room,...
Who ate all the pies (VI)
So, I couldn't help myself! Ever since the diminishing navel incident, I've been desperate to weigh myself, yet again, to discover whether or not I have lost any weight. The weighing scales at Boots report that I now weigh in...
Homer Simpson jnr
On the drive home from 'that new nursery' this evening, Evelyn quoted Homer Simpson with absolutely perfect timing, "What is this? National Stupid Drivers' Day?", she exclaimed, watching a genius in car (incidentally, it was a BMW!) pull out of...
Who ate all the pies (V)
As Jilly and I were watching Horizon this evening, I was absent-mindedly exploring my navel when a peculiar sensation came over me. Eventually, I put my finger on it (quite literally!); it suddenly struck that I was unable to stick...
Who ate all the pies (IV)
So things seem to be continuing nicely, for both Jobley and I, on the lose weight front. I've been on my weekly visit to Boots today, and was pleased to see that I seem to have lost a further 1.8Kg...
Elisabeth Svendsen Trust Children's Calendar 2008
I can only apologise for the length of time it's taken me to post this blog. I hope Nanna and Poppy can forgive me. Some time ago (I'll amend the blog when someone reminds me when it was!), Nanna and...
My Birthday (II)
As Jilly and I were both working today, we did very little in the way of celebrating my birthday (and, of course, because we've celebrated plenty of the last two days). After dinner, and when Evelyn was ready for bed,...
My Birthday (I)
We spent the majority of today at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, which was excellent. Jilly and I were a little worried that Evelyn might find it a bit boring, but she loved all the lifesize exhibits, particularly the elephants....
So near, and yet so far! - (My Birthday)
So what do you get if you take a severe weather warning, and add overnight snow in most of Northern Britain? That's right, a very disappointed Birthday Boy! For months, now, Jilly has had a birthday trip to Kendal organised...
They grow up so quickly these days, don't they?
Helen, Dominic and Tilly came to visit Jilly and Evelyn this morning. According to Jilly, Evelyn and Dominic quickly disappeared to Evelyn's room together with Evelyn's 'baby' (her doll 'baby Lucy'). After a little while, Evie and Dominic returned to...
Slight disadvantage
And, it's dawned on me that I am at a slight disadvantage when it comes to the format of Jobley's chart on fatties. As the chart represents the percentage loss of original body weight, I am always going to have...
In the immortal words of Peter Kay...
..."A pound? What's that? I've shit a pound!" I've been really positive about my attempts to lose weight and get in shape this week (even going so far as to do my cardio-vascular exercises two days on the trot), but...
Green Champion
So...this article (Carbon Action 2008) appeared in this month's 'Talk About', the 'News and views from Kirklees Primary Care Trust' leaflet distributed amongst Huddersfield and Calderdale's Primary Care Trusts (or PCTs). Apparently, the 'Talk About' people will be visiting Jillian...
Visiting (Great) Grandma and Grandad
So it's with some relief that I can report that (Great) Grandma Annis is making a fantastic recovery after her recent spell in hospital. She's 'full of beans' and getting around the house brilliantly (with the aid of a frame),...
Who ate all the pies (III)
So Jilly, Evelyn and I made a special trip into town, this morning, so that I could weigh myself on the Boots weighing machine (just for the sake of consistency). I'm a little disappointed to report that I've only lost...
Who ate all the pies (II)
Having decided that it is practical trying to weigh myself every month at the GPs, I've decided to weigh myself at Boots. I am proud to say that I appear, certainly, to have lost 3 Kg (or 6.6 lbs) in...
Brave Liddle Beaudee
Jilly and I took Evelyn to the GPs today, for her pre-school injections. Obviously anticipating my being a 'big soft Mary', Evelyn asked that I stayed in the waiting room. Comparing Evelyn to the pre-schoolers she immunises at work, Jilly...
Who ate all the pies
In (yet another) attempt to lose some weight I'm about to join Jobley on a new-year diet. During my visit to the GPs, this morning, I checked my weight...I now weigh 137.5 Kg / 21 stone 8 lbs. Jilly long...
Christmas Day
This Christmas was always going to be special, as it is the first Christmas that Evelyn was going to get excited about, the first Christmas when she really understood what was going on. Having prepared the 'snatts and drints' for...
Christmas Eve - Preparing for Santa
As the first Christmas that Evelyn has been aware of, this has been a very special time. It's been clear to Jilly and I that Evelyn and her nursery friends have all been getting very excited about Christmas, and the...
Move over...Jackanory
Jilly, Evelyn and I have been doing our Christmas shopping over the past few weeks (admittedly, Jilly's done most of it) and, on a recent shopping trip, Evelyn chose, out of all the ones on display (including the toys and...
"I don't want you to be fat, Daddy...but you are!"
So Evelyn and I collected Jilly from work, last night, and, as we arrived home, Evelyn began to speak. "I don't want you to be fat, Daddy", she said, quite out-of-the-blue. Not surprisingly, a little stunned, I told Evelyn that...
Gogol Bordello - Manchester Academy
So, Jilly, Kempy, Jim (the Wassock) and I went to Manchester Academy, last night, to witness the genius insanity which is Gogol Bordello. Perhaps their best known track, Start Wearing Purple was an absolute riot; the audience went silly...
Deb & Kev's pre-Christmas visit
Deb & Kev visited this weekend, and helped us to erect our Christmas Tree. Unfortunately, I didn't have the presence of mind to take any more photo's...though I know Debbie did....
Move over...Mister Maker
So I collected Evelyn from that new nursery tonight, and brought home the beautiful pictures that you can see above. Recently, Evelyn has started drawing people with rainbow hair. It doesn't seem to matter who they are, they're portrayed...
Santa's Grotto
As Jilly has been away this weekend, Evelyn and I have enjoyed a lovely daddy-daughter weekend. One of the things we found to do, that the terrible weekend weather couldn't spoil, was go on Evelyn's first visit to see Santa...
And...I forgot...
As Evelyn and I stayed in, watching 'Children in Need', this year, I explained to Evelyn exactly what Children in Need was all about; raising money for charities working with under privileged children, or those with mental, physical or sensory...
Exquisite liddle parrot (mk II)
Of course, I would think so, but there can be no doubt that my daughter is a genius... LUNAR EVIE Recently (any amateur astronomers reading this would have a good idea exactly when it was!), Evelyn and I were driving...
More (Birthday) Catchin' Up
Jilly's Birthday - 3rd October 2007 Jilly and some of the 'laydees' went to Trinity Spa and Hydrotherapy Centre for an afternoon 'sesh' (no pictures of that...phew!) on Saturday 13th October, leaving almost too relaxed to come home, feed the...
Kick a man when he's down, why don't you?
So...having left my full-time position at Infoserve (a company which, incidentally, has (allegedly) just made a third of it's Head Office staff redundant, as well as closing the Rawdon sales office) and starting a part-time job at Huddersfield Technical College,...
Halloween
So, as Jilly hasn't been feeling at all well just recently, I had the pleasure of taking Evelyn to Greenhead Park this evening, to take a ride on the Ghost Train. The weather was perfectly mild, and Evelyn and I...
Exquisite liddle parrot!
On the way home from 'that new nursery' today, I drove around the roundabout and took the exit, left onto the main road home, to join a queue of traffic waiting for a bus to pull out from the bus...
Catch Up Marathon...
For the benefit of those few people who follow my Gingatopian Chronicles (namely Jillian...er...who doesn't really count), I'd like to apologise for my recent apparent lack of enthusiasm and dedication to the blog. Actually, I'd especially like to apologise to...
Keswick 2007
So...for the last week or so, Jilly, Evelyn and I joined the OsBrad family and the Wassocks on a glorious weeks holiday in the Lake District. Jilly and I agree that we've enjoyed the best weather we've ever known in...
Katie's Thirty-'hurrummmpphh' Birthday
We all visited John and Aunty Taty (she's Evelyn's real aunty, not just an 'aunty' because she borrowed Jilly's orbital sander!) today, in celebration of Katie's birthday. It would be easy for me to joke about how it would be...
The Ram's Head Inn, and another 'pot of gold'...
In a renewed effort to help me get fit, Jim (the Wassock) took me on a bit of a stroll around Piethorne Reservoir (well, what else would it be called?), near Denshaw, this morning. Starting off at Odgen Reservoir, we...
Roger's Fortieth Birthday Weekend
To help Roger celebrate his 40th birthday, this weekend, Jenna and James very generously invited Roger's friends round to their house for a Mountain Biking/Picnic/Camping/BBQ extravaganza. After meeting at James and Jenna's house, we all drove to Dalby Forest where...
Whitby
Before I began my new job, Jilly organised to join Nanna and Hebe, with Evelyn, in Whitby for this weekend. I took Jilly and Evelyn up to Whitby, where I spent the day with them, before meeting Nanna, hebe and...
Mon Dieu ! Les anglais viennent !
My God! The English are coming! Jilly's younger sister, Kate, had her hen do in Reims, France, over the weekend. I can only begin to imagine what the french made of this lot. The plane was delayed by several hours...
Chester Zoo and Rhyl
For some time, now, Jilly and I have have discussed taking the children to Chester Zoo (it's somewere I haven't been before, either!) so, as part of our extended summer tour of the north of England's greatest tourist attractions (ahem!)...
Woodhouse Farm & Lightwater Valley
Having enjoyed our stay with Deb and Kev, and as we hadn't organised a summer holiday this year, Jilly and I decided that we'd have a few days camping in Ripon. Our friends, the Wassocks, recommended the Woodhouse Farm campsite...
Visiting Debbie and Kev
On our continuing whistle-stop tour of the UK, this summer, Jilly, Evelyn and I visited Deb and Kev this weekend. As well as enjoying a lovely BBQ, we all visited The Palms Tropical Oasis, which we all thoroughly enjoyed. Strangely,...
Brotherswater Weekend 2007
So, another glorious weekend camping at Brotherswater. The weather forecast? Glorious! And it couldn't have been much more accurate. Kev and I arrived sufficiently late in the evening to roll straight into our tents and fall asleep, if we'd wanted....
Trip to Southport
...and, while I joined Jim and the boys on our wheelchair-friendly walk around the Lake District, Jilly, Evelyn and Kieran joined Nanna and Poppy on a trip to Southport. I've never been to Southport, but Jilly tells me that it's...
Evelyn's first 10 minutes of fame?
Nanna and Poppy visited Jilly and Evelyn today as I was at work. Nanna, Jilly and Evelyn exhausted themselves during a trip to town, and were all sat watching the TV, when I arrived home, as Poppy ate dinner in...
Our Liddle Varicella Girl (3)
On Tempy's [Kempy's] advice, Jilly has placed the Calamine lotion in the microwave (to warm it slightly) before applying it to Evelyn. This seems to have worked a treat! Evie's lovin' the application now, and has just assured Jilly, "Oooo!...
Our Liddle Varicella Girl (2)
I think that Jilly and I each expected things to get worse, before they got better...and we were right. Evelyn slept terribly again last night with both Jilly and I getting up at least three times to see to Evie....
Our Liddle Varicella Girl
Oh dear! Evelyn has chicken pox. Evie had a poor night's sleep on Thursday night (Jilly even allowed her to sleep with us), and was obviously unsettled all night. Evelyn had a little hot head, but Jilly and I both...
Glastonbury 2007 (Day 2)
I've arrived home this afternoon, after spending a lovely half morning with Helen, Dom, Tilly and Evelyn, to discover a load of photographs very generously sent by Jobley (who seems conspicuous in her absence from most of the pictures...come on...
Glastonbury 2007 (Day 1)
So, this morning when I went to get Evelyn out of bed, I was met with a less than warm welcome. "No, Daddy. I don't want you. I want my mummy!" Charming! Obviously, Evelyn has begun missing her mum. There...
Glastonbury 2007 (arrival) - Criminally Negligent?
So...Jilly has abandoned the rest of the population of Gingatopia to go gallavanting off to spend a booze-fuelled weekend of revellry in Glastonbury. Jim told me that the tents would be crammed into the fields, but I could never have...
Fathers' Day #3
Evelyn, Jilly (and, to a modest degree) Kieran, made Fathers' Day (can I call it Father's Day?) special for me today. Jilly bought me a lovely selection of gifts on Evelyn's behalf. Unable to contain herself on Thursday, Evelyn did...
SHE SAID WHAT?
So...a few days ago (during sunnier times), Jilly and Evelyn went into town. As they walked to the bus stop, Evelyn casually commented on the weather, "Chuffin' Hell Mummy, I'm buddy (bloody...er...obviously!) hot" Jilly told Evelyn that she mustn't use...
Crazy Brilliance
Crazy Over the last weekend, Jilly and Evelyn did some planting out in the garden but, as the day finished, Evelyn grew a little tired of gardening and went inside before Jilly had finished planting. After Evelyn had gone inside,...
Camping at The Vale of Pickering
So, we went camping for the weekend, with the Houses of Drury, Thornton and Bailey/Rathbone. The weather? It 'Pickeringed it down' all weekend! I'll post some more when I have the time. Photo's to follow too....
Out of the mouths of babes...
So, Jilly bought Evelyn a new doll today with Evelyn's birthday money. Evelyn chose it herself in the Early Learning Centre; not an expensive one, and not your usual doll, either; lots of lovely long hair and clip-on clothes. Anyway,...
Evelyn's Third Birthday (Haggerston Castle)
As is becoming something of a (lovely) habit now; Jilly, Evelyn and I celebrated Evelyn's birthday by taking a short break away from home. As he is at school at the moment (and usually is during the week of Evelyn's...
Matilda Dora Harris' Baptism
It was with the greatest of pleasure that the population of Gingatopia, together with the OsBradFam, helped the Wassocks celebrate beautiful Matilda Dora's baptism today. The service was lovely, ALL the children present behaved themselves impeccably, particularly Matilda who was...
Mis-heard lyrics?
Recently Evelyn has begun singing to herself. Most usually, Evelyn sings nursery rhymes, and she becomes quite upset if Jilly or I sing along with her; she prefers to sing on her own. I think I may have commented, in...
Self-conscious liddle beaudee
As I put Evelyn to bed this evening, I read to her from her Disney's, 'Beautiful Princesses' book. Tonight, we read about 'Jasmine' from Alladin, and 'Snow White' and her seven dwarfs. As I read the names of the...
Jean's Birthday Chopper
As a special birthday treat/shocking surprise, Ben organised a birthday helicopter ride for Jean today [it's considered rude to talk about a ladies age, but let's just say that Jean's a little diamond]. Anyway, Ben secretly organised with Mike McKenzie,...
Move over Dr. Seuss
And...just to redress the balance...and to assure readers that not all of Evelyn's outbursts are offensive; here's one that only suggests Evelyn's a little balmy. Jilly entered the living room, earlier today, to find Evelyn staring out of the living...
More comedic gold...er...NOT!
I can't think where she gets it from... Apparently, this morning, as Jilly was walking down the stairs to join Evelyn in the living room, Evelyn started her ascent of the stairs below Jilly. As she approached Jilly, Evelyn 'barged'...
Our Special Liddle Girl
After two or three weeks of practically dry nights' sleep, Evelyn went to bed, last night, without her pull-ups on and Jilly and I are delighted to report that Evelyn stayed completely dry throughout the whole night, and into the...
Mother's / Mothers' Day
Evelyn woke bright and early this morning, as has become the norm, so Evie and I got up at 06:30 and played a few game/watched some DeeVees in the living room until it was time to take Mummy her breakfast...
Beautiful Funny Girl
Just in case there is anyone out there reading this who would like to have a look at another load of photo's of our beaudeeful baby girl [like there aren't already enough], here you are. They're just some of the...
Persistent precipitation...
So, as a special treat for Jilly and Evelyn; Jilly, Evelyn and I went to Whitby for the afternoon, today, in the year's first visit to the coast. Kieran didn't come with as he spent the weekend with his dad...
Terrible Two's
There can be absolutely no doubt that Evelyn has finally begun the 'terrible two's' phase. Always contradicting Jilly and I [and herself], Evelyn has begun pleading, shouting, screaming and then stamping her little feet when she doesn't get her own...
RED RED RED
As Jilly and Evelyn got on the bus into town this morning, Evelyn's attention was drawn by another woman already on the bus. "I don't like that lady", she exclaimed, "She looks like a man!" A little surprised, Jilly told...
Evelyn and her Snowman
It snowed today, and Evelyn made her first snowman....
Evie and her New Nurs'ry
For the first time, this week, Evelyn has gone to her new nurs'ry without screaming the place down before we leave home, and without bawling her eyes out when we've left her. Evie now seems resigned to going to the...
My 38th Birthday Treat - A trip up Bournville Boulevard
As a special surprise for my forthcoming 38th birthday, Jilly organised a lovely weekend away for the pair of us this weekend. On an organised coach trip, Jilly and I spent four hours on the Chocolate Highway, travelling up Bournville...
Daddy/Daughter Day V
Of course, Evelyn and I have enjoyed more than FIVE Daddy/Daughter Days now, but today seemed especially worth writing about as Evelyn has been such a beautiful little doll all day. After Jilly went to work this morning, Evelyn and...
Christmas 2006
Saturday 23rd December The entire Annis/Fisher/Moon clan visited Gingatopia today in a pre-Christmas frenzy, munching their way through a Kerry Katona sized Iceland style spread prepared by Jilly. And in the true spirit of Christmas they left massive bulging sacks...
Tarrots, Tabbage and Tauliflower!
Jilly tells me that Kieran was capable of this sort of thing as a two-year-old [yeah! right! course he was!] but Evelyn gave us another example of her incredible memory and all round...well...genius, tonight. During [yet another] screening of Wererabbit...
I couldn't write material like this...
Typically I've had no time to update these Gingatopian chronicles over the last few weeks so I thought it was about time I recorded the details of one or two of the conversations that Evelyn has had with people over...
"By George, I think she's got it!" Part Deux
It's a peculiar subject on which to write on a blog, I know, but Evelyn's 'potty training' is coming along in leaps and bounds. So, tonight saw the fourth time, in my presence, that Evelyn asked to get out of...
Tadaah! Happy Birthday Bernard!
The population of Gingatopia had occasion to celebrate Poppie's 60th birthday [which is actually tomorrow!] by surprising Bernard with an organised trip on the Settle-Carlisle Railway. For weeks, Jilly has been organising this special surprise for Ben's birthday. After buying...
"By George, I think she's got it!"
As Jilly has bought Evelyn as special pack-away potty [for use with a disposable plastic bag] we seem to go nowhere without it now. But, fantastically, Evelyn is using it. As we returned home from a spin out in the...
Funny Liddle Thing
At 06:10 this morning Jilly and I were awoken by what is becoming Evelyn's usual morning greeting, "Mummy...Mummy...Mummy...Mummy...". As I was getting up for work, I took Evelyn from her bed and took her to Jilly in our bed. According...
Birthday Boy
And, so soon after yesterday's excitement, it's time to celebrate the annversary of Kieran's birthday once again; his fifteenth birthday, infact. To give Kieran what his mum calls a 'grown-up' meal, we took Kieran [and Evelyn] to the Temujin Mongolian...
Fantastic News
The population of Gingatopia would like to say a lovely warm welcome the beautiful new addition to the Wassocks household. Beautiful Matilda Dora Harris was born at 03:00 this morning, is 55cm tall, and weighs 9lb 5oz. Of course, anyone...
Quarter Past Frickin' Five
A combination of turning the clocks back on Saturday night, and a sound afternoon nap for Evelyn yesterday, has led to a rather unpleasant occurrence this morning... At 05:15, Evelyn was wide awake and demanding that we all went downstairs...
Absolutely word-for-word
As we all left B&Q this morning, turning out on to Leeds Road, Jilly noticed two teenagers walking towards town. They both seemed to be walking a little peculiarly, the reason being that they were each wearing what appeared to...
Our Clever Little Girl...
Jilly and I joined our liddle beaudee in another excellent [and very successful] first today. At just two years, five months, and two weeks, we took Evelyn to the cinema today to enjoy her first feature length movie. Evie was...
Baby Horses
On the way to work this morning, as I was dropping Evelyn off with Nanna, Evelyn saw a beautiful baby horse in a field we passed. "Aw, Daddy, a baby horse", she said. I asked Evelyn if she knew what...
Sensible girl
I've just talked to Jilly to ask about Evelyn after yesterdays upset and it appears that, exhausted by the trauma, Evelyn has, this afternoon, announced that she's tired and wants to go to sleep. Jilly followed Evelyn upstairs to find...
"I've got my arms out, Daddy"
As we were approaching Nanna and Poppie's this evening, Evelyn, sat in her car seat behind Jilly, cheerfully announced, "I've got my arms out, Daddy". I looked in my rear-view mirror to see Evelyn sitting forward in her child seat,...
Sister Jillian Webster RN BSc/Dip. Nursing [Practice Nurse]
...and, Jilly started her new job today. Today sees Jilly's first day working as a Practice Nurse [Sister] in a G.P.s surgery. The position is [at the moment] only temporary to cover maternity leave, but it is possible that Jilly's...
Jilly's thirty-hurrummppphhhh birthday
The day before Jilly is due to start her new job, Gingatopia celebrated the anniversary of Jilly's birth on the 3rd October 1968 [Jilly's asked that I don't announce which birthday she's celebrating, but I'm sure you can do the...
Inevitable 'falling out of bed' incident
Exactly a week - to the day - after we installed Evelyn in her new bed, we've had a 'falling out of bed' incident. Incredibly, though, it wasn't Evelyn that fell out of her bed...it was me! The first I...
Voice of an Angel
As Evelyn's speech as come along in 'leaps and bounds', so is her singing. All of a sudden, Evelyn has begun singing along to her favourite rhymes, particularly 'Baa Baa Blackship', 'Miss Polly had a Dolly' and the one about...
...a many splendid thing
As Jilly was reading to Evelyn in bed this evening, I was going downstairs to make some tea. Evelyn, seeing me go downstairs, called me back into her bedroom and, as I leaned over to kiss her goodnight, she said,...
Sleepin' Beaudee
Another giant leap [for Jilly and I certainly] in Evelyn's development, is the departure of Evie's cot and the arrival of her big girl bed! After an initial, "I want my tot [cot] back, this bed is rubbish!" [Mummy pointed...
That'll Teach 'Im [Me!]
As Evelyn and I left Nanny and Poppie's this evening, I was forced to put Evelyn in her child seat as [as she is inclined to do, of late] Evelyn was determined to mess around and, generally, not get in...
Two Peas in a Pod...again
Monday 18th September 2006 As Jim and Henney have planned a weekend away, Dominic came to stay in Gingatopia overnight yesterday. Jo had the pleasure of Dominic's company over the weekend, and then brought Dom to Gingatopia on Monday morning....
Summer 2006...er...in reverse order!
Jard-Sur-Mer 2006 A bit clumbsy, but this will do to be going on with... I intend to add something of a 'catchup' for all summer [just about] as soon as I have the time!...
It's the way she tells 'em!
On the way home from swimming, this morning, Evelyn was playing with one of Dom's toys in Henney's car. Apparently this toy makes a particular sound when it's wheels are turned...a sound not unlike a fart. When Jilly asked Evelyn...
Phrase of the
Recently, Evelyn has begun using a phrase that I find particularly upsetting. Most often at bed time, when Evelyn is tired and grumpy, and Jilly and I are trying to get her ready for bed, Evelyn has started to demand,...
ABSOLUTELY HEARTBREAKING
Soon after we put Evelyn to bed this evening, I heard her calling for her mummy to, "Tum upstairs, Mummy". As is the norm, recently, I was expecting just another of Evelyn's little time wasting exercises. When I went into...
Phrase of the Day :: Another Classic
As I was bathing Evelyn, this evening, she started complaining that the soapy lather she was playing with was washing off her arms. I tried to explain that it would wash off, if she continued splashing around in the bath,...
Lovers' tiff
Unfortunately, as I sit here writing this, I can't quite remember the circumstances that Jilly told me this happened under but, before their weekly swim together, yesterday, Evelyn and Dominic apparently had a disagreement in the Henney's car. Evelyn was...
Phrase Of The Day
As Evelyn's vocabulary seems, all of a sudden, to be developing at an astonishing rate, I thought it might be nice to introduce a series of 'Phrase Of The Day' to my Gingatopian chronicles. In truth, it was a particular...
More time wasting deception...
Into the second or third week of potty training [proper!], Jilly and I have bought Evelyn a seat for the toilet. Who could have guessed how she was going to enjoy sitting on it? According to Jilly, Evelyn has spent...
Two Year Check-up
Jilly took Evelyn to the GPs for her two year health check today. When Sandie Bunyard, the Health Visitor, gave Evelyn little bricks to play with, Evelyn immediately began building with them, and then proceeded to sort them into colours,...
MIDLAKE :: The Roscoe, Leeds
So, very generously, Jim offered to drive Andrew and I into Leeds tonight to see a couple of bands. I'll let the preview from The Roscoe Review [vol. 6, issue 07, July 2006 ( ;-)})] describe the sets. "MIDLAKE -...
Like peas in a pod...
In preparation for the arrival of the newest addition to the Wassocks household, Jim and Henney have been decorating Dominic's new bedroom in anticipation of his moving to accommodate Wassock jnr. #2. Consequently, Dominic spent the best part of the...
More fibbing...
Occasionally, Evie will deny that she's filled her nappy when it's perfectly clear, from the overwhelming smell, that her nappy needs changing. Peculiarly, things have changed! Tonight, after Jilly and I had finished getting Evie bathed and changed, we were...
The Quiet Site, Ullswater
The population of Gingatopia joined the OsBradFam and Wassocks in a camping trip to the North Lakes this weekend, to The Quiet Site, Watermillock, near Ullswater. Friday 23rd June 2006 Saturday 24th June 2006 I'll add some further text...
If at first you do deceive...
And, tonight, as we were all exhausted from our weekend away and Evelyn was snuggled down in bed, Jilly went upstairs to investigate the sound of a small person talking in her room. Jilly asked Evelyn who had been talking,...
"I love Daddy"
After dinner this evening, as Evelyn linked her beautiful little arm in mine, she 'snuggled' into my shoulder and, as I looked across the table at Jilly and we both "Ahhhh'd", Evelyn [almost] whispered, "I love Daddy. I love Daddy"....
I'm From Further North than Yow [sic]!
Following a mad frenzy to confirm that the gig was actually going ahead [and that it wasn't just a spiteful rumour raised by Kempy], Jilly and Kempy managed to procure tickets for a previously unadvertised Wedding Present gig at Leeds...
Beaudeeful Princess Mermaid
Jilly and Evelyn joined Helen and Dominic on their weekly trip to the swimming baths today. During the session, Evelyn repeatedly jumped into the pool, obviously enjoying herself. After a while, and obviously a little bored, Dominic decided that he...
Embsay :: Thomas the Tank Engine
While Kieran is enjoying his week in Germany, the other residents of Gingatopia spent the day in Embsay, near Skipton, at the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway with Thomas [the Tank Engine] and friends. As the waether was so...
Haben Sie eine gute Zeit, Kieran.
And...at a little before midnight, last night, Jilly waved goodbye to Kieran as he left Huddersfield on his first foreign holiday with school. Kieran has gone to Traben-Trabach in the Mosel region of Germany for a week. Obviously worried about...
Morrissey Music Appreciation Society
Evie's talking also took another, more interesting, direction today as, when listening to the radio during lunch this afternoon, the latest Morrissey single was played. Evie immediately identified the track as "Mozzy", and asked that we, "watch CD [she meant...
A.K.A. Front Bottom/Tuppence
As I was changing Evelyn's first nappy this morning, and as I was cleaning her and putting on her clean nappy, she looked up at me and, very calmly, suggested that I was, "Careful Daddy", adding, "Char-char sore!". Evelyn had,...
"Teeth and eyes, darling!"
Evelyn made her second visit to the dentist today. Considering how much she objects and struggles during her morning and bedtime teeth brushing, the dentist reports that Evelyn's teeth are looking great. Evie surprised Jilly by behaving really well and...
Another Beautiful Daddy/Daughter Day
As Nana-Gee is still recovering from her veins, and she and Poppy are still preparing for their house move, Evie and I spent the day together today. Shopping was a bit of a nightmare as I, rather niavely, expected Evelyn...
Evelyn's Second Birthday Celebrations [ii]
Today, Gingatopia opened its arms in welcome to the Wassocks and the OsBradFam in further celebration of Evelyn's birthday. Feeling slightly guilty about giving Evelyn a shop bought cake on her birthday, Jilly made Evelyn a special birthday cake in...
Aaaaaarrgghhhhh!
I went to the GP's this afternoon, and made the mistake of jumping carefully climbing onto the weighing scales. It's with some embarrassment that I report that I have broken my own personal record and now tip the scales at...
Evelyn's Second Birthday Celebrations
In celebration of Evelyn's second birthday, today, Jilly organised a caravan holiday in Filey for the beginning of the week [unfortunately, as Kieran was having to endure his SATs examinations at school, he couldn't join us]. As Monday was a...
Nana Gee's birthday
With a little tuition from mummy this morning, Evelyn successfully wished Nanna Gee a "Happeee Bir-day"...HUZZAH! And, happy birthday to Nanna Gee!...
Liddle 'lovee' beaudee
Soon after we'd successfully put Evelyn to bed this evening, Jilly was at the bottom of the stairs when she heard Evelyn talking to herself in bed [when the liddle monkey should have been asleep!] "Evie, lovee, lovee, Daddy", "Evie,...
Easter Bank Holiday Weekend
The population of Gingatopia had a full packed weekend, this bank holiday, seeing loads of our chums... Good Friday - 14 April 2006 We haven't seen the Judges for an age, and as we didn't see them around my birthday,...
Devious liddle monkey
During the day, yesterday, Evelyn asked Jilly for some sweets and when Jilly told her that she couldn't have any, as she was about to have her lunch, Evelyn became a little upset. "I sad", she said, "I sad!" When...
Juice...tea...juice...tea...
Fantastically, Evelyn put in a full interrupted night's sleep last night and, although she woke at 06:40 with me, she woke in fine fettle, demanding to go "'stairs" [down stairs], and wanting tea and/or juice. Jilly and I have both...
The sweetest smellling...er...vomit (II)
Evie slept in our bed with me last night [as Jilly needed to catch up on her sleep in Kieran's bottom bunk] and, apart from waking three or four times with apparent discomfort in her tummy, the restless liddle monkey...
The sweetest smellling...er...vomit
Our beaudeeful baby girl kept Jilly and I [but, more especially, Jilly] awake most of the night, last night, with what Evelyn repeatedly referred to as a "grumpy tummy". The poor liddle darling started complaining about being "sore" in the...
Yet another unpleasant first...
So that Jilly and I could decorate the hall, stairs and landing, Jim and Helen Wassocks Harris offered to have Evelyn over at there house this evening. Obviously, Evelyn was really excited about staying with Dom, and very excited about...
Mother's Day #2 and #14
As it is Mother's Day today, I asked Jilly what she would like to do with her babies [Kieran is LOVING that he wil also be his mum's special liddle guy!], and Jilly decided that she'd like a drive out...
More teeth - Right Lower Second Molar - Tooth #16
As if the poor liddle beaudee hadn't had enought trouble with her last tooth, tooth number 16 has now appeared...another of those 'orrible molars. Evie seems to be comparatively used to the discomfort now, as she doesn't seem to be...
Look who's [not] talking...
When playing in the bath, recently, Jilly was playing at 'zipping' her mouth [in a 1970/80's Anglia Television's Rainbow 'Zippy' stylee!]. Ever since that bath-time, Evelyn has been trying to make people stop speaking by Zipping their mouths. This has...
Ready...steady....
"Doooooooooeeeeeeee!" Evelyn has learned a new skill; a new skill which enables her to help he daddy drive her to Nana-Gee and Poppy's in the morning. Whenever we approach traffic lights that are at green, Evelyn will remind me that...
More teeth - Left Lower Second Molar - Tooth #15
For a week or so now, Jilly and I have been convinced that Evelyn is about show signs of Chicken Pox that she must have contracted from the Domster, particularly as she has been very bad tempered lately, and hasn't...
Things Literary...
The Gruffalo And, having mentioned Evelyn's potential literary genius, I've remembered that I have planned to mention, for some time now, what Evelyn's previous favourite book is. It has been, perhaps, Evelyn's favourite book, but it is also one of...
Budding Literary Genius
Evelyn's 'reading' is definitely coming along gloriously now. This evening, Jilly sat with Evelyn pointing at all the pictures/words in what is rapidly becoming Evelyn's favourite bed-time read, The Usbourne Book of Everyday Words, as Evelyn 'read' aloud what each...
My 37th Birthday
For Christmas this year...er...last year, Jim and Helen [Wassocks!] paid for the hire of a lovely big house in Fylingthorpe for the weekend of my birthday [more coincidence, I think, than actually for my birthday, eh Jim?]. As well as...
Bouncing Baby Beaudee
I've just received the following text message on my phone from Jim Bowden... "Eleanor Rose was born at 02.27 Thursday morning. She weighed 8lb 10oz. Shelagh and Elly are doing fine; they are asleep right now. I'll talk to you...
OUTRAGEOUS!
Jim and Helen [Wassocks!] have been generous enough to share, with the population of Gingatopia, a basket of the tastiest organically grown vegetables [and an impressive and varied selection we get, too!]. A little less tasteful, though, was this carrot....
"YES!"
Today...for the very first time...Evelyn said "YES". I can only hope that Evelyn doesn't grow up to become the girl who always says "yes"! In fact, the more I think about it, I more I think I preferred her saying...
Scammonden Sunset Stroll
After a little convincing [I must admit] Jilly talked me into going for a walk around Scammonden Damn this evening. Obviously, it wasn't the walk I was afraid of, so much as the fact that at, nearly 16:00, it was...
"I Want My Potty"
The title of a book [and short animated story on DVD] that we've recently introduced Evelyn to, "I Want My Potty" is especially relevant today as Evelyn has, for the very first time, used her potty! Apparently, Jilly had already...
Liddle Mrs. Mopp
Going into the living room today, Evelyn noticed a discarded Twix wrapper that had been thrown behind the dresser in the kitchen [I'll be speaking to Kieran about that at a later date!], and she was desperate to reach behind...
Visiting 'The Beiths'
The population of Gingatopia finally got around to visiting the beautiful expanding Beith family today. Jilly has been a little ill recently [nothing remotely serios, thankfully!] so we thought it sensible to wait until Jilly had fully recovered before descending...
Christmas 2005
The population of Gingatopia had a lovely Christmas this year, as we usually do, surrounded by our friends and family. Christmas day was spent with both sets of [grand]parents, we enjoyed time with Deb and Kev in Macclesfield and welcomed...
Birthday Congratulations
BEITH nee Fortune Chris and Bernie are pleased to announce the safe arrival of Rose Emily, on December 19, 2005, weighing 7lbs 15oz. Many thanks to all concerned. Everyone in Gingatopia sends their love and best wishes to Bernie, Chris...
Grandpa B's Birthday
Today saw further birthday celebrations in Gingatopia. Grandpa B [known to Evelyn, now, as Pappy!] joined us, along with Nana Gee, for a traditional slap-up Gingatopian birthday curry party...HUZZAH! Good fun was had by all, and there was much rejoicing!...
Birthday Congratulations
Lee and Lynette are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their precious, beautiful daughter, Lilly Annalies ['Annalise', but with the Dutch spelling!], weighing in at a little under 6lb [my mum told my how much Lily weighed...er...but I didn't...
Vocabulary News
Evelyn will not say ‘yes’! ‘No’ is still amongst her favourite words, and she uses it exhaustively. Dangerously, we’ve now learned that ‘NO!’ really can sometimes mean ‘yes’ [a confusing state of affairs which we hope to clear up sooner...
Bretton Sculpture Park
The population of Gingatopia [less Kieran who was at his dad’s] joined the Thongsbridge-Charleston clan in a trip to Bretton Hall Sculpture Park this afternoon. If a little cold, the weather was beautiful, and we all enjoyed the fresh air,...
Kieran's Birthday [Pt. 1]
Nana Gee and Grandpa Bee visited Gingatopia today to help us celebrate Kieran's 14th birthday...er...which is tomorrow. Being a typical teenager, Kieran will be enjoying his actual birthday with his mates, but today, Jilly organised a lovely bonfire birthday cake...
Dom Stays
Dom stayed over last night, as Jim and Helen gallivanted off to a gig in Leeds [I think!] and, unlike the last time he stayed, he seemed perfectly happy all night, even when the big ginger monster was in the...
Halloween
Deb and Kev visited Gingatopia today to help us celebrate Halloween. Deb created a beautiful pumpkin outfit for Evelyn that, after a bit of a struggle, Evie seemed quite pleased to wear. At least, Evie was either pleased to wear...
Ever increasing vocabulary...cont'd
So, for some time now, Evelyn has been explaining that she wants to "sit dare" [there], pointing to a chair/the back of the settee/her high chair but, this morning, she gave me the instruction, "Daddy, sit dare!", pointing to the...
Footballing Legends
And...things are [though probably temporarily!] looking fairly rosy on the Football front too. For a bloke who knows very little about the game, I don't think my Fantasy League stats are looking too shabby and, as for Huddersfield Town AFC...come...
Potatoshop Course - week 4
Before I go to week 5 tomorrow, I thought I should finally get around to showing some of the product of last week's lesson. I'm especially pleased with the 'old ladies' photo! To get the most dramatic effect, I recommend...
Blackpool Illuminations...er...for the children, of course!
So, as a special treat for the children (ahem!), Jilly and I took Kieran and Evelyn to Blackpool to see the illuminations, and get some seaside Fish 'n' Chips. Evelyn loved all the bright lights, and both Kieran and Evelyn...
More teeth - Upper Incisors - Teeth #13 and #14
During the, now inevitable, screaming session which accompanies Evelyn's teeth being brushed, Jilly and I noticed that both of Evelyn's upper cuspids, or incisors have broken through the skin!...
Ever increasing vocabulary
Evelyn's use of words is definitely developing. This is, now, no doubt that Evelyn not only understands nouns, but is capable of making requests...er...giving demands. Jilly and I were eating some of her birthday chocolates yesterday. Jilly and I would...
Potatoshop Course - week 3
In Jim's absence [the Wassocks are on holiday...er...again!] Jo and I attended the Photoshop course without Jim this week, and we learned MASSES! For anyone saddoes that are interested, here is a link to my Mr. Vegetableheadshop picture that I...
Jilly's 37th Birthday (Mk 2) - Her actual birthday
Happy Birthday Beaudee! The population of Gingatopia went out for dinner tonight in celebration of Jilly's birthday, and very nice the occasion was too. Jilly had few birthday presents to open in the evening as we got up especially early...
Jilly's 37th b'day (Mk 1)
It was very difficult for both of us, but a walk in the park for Evelyn, but Jilly and left Evie with Helen, Jim and Dom last night so that we could visit Julie and Ged for the first leg...
Photoshop course - week 2
Jim, Jo and I are currently attending a beginners' Photoshop course at the local college. It's week 2 of the 10 week course and, on Wednesday night, we did LAYERS. I thought Jim and Jo might be interested that I'd...
[Even] More speaking...
Blimin' 'Eck! I came home from work this evening to discover that Evelyn is now also saying "'Abbit" [Rabbit], "'Ole" [Mole], and, in the bath tonight, was splashing about in the "Warwar" [do I need to spell it out?]. Our...
More speaking...
As I returned from work tonight, Jilly told me that Evelyn has learned a new word. Evelyn can now successfully identify and name a spoon. It's not a lot, I know, but progress none-the-less. All she needs to do now...
Liddle Miss Generous...
Drinking her [my] juice this morning, as she sat on her mum and dad's bed, Evelyn insisted that Jilly, teddy and I each had a drink in turn. Only after we'd all had some did Evelyn have have another drink...
Dean Clough Monster
Just for Jim and Helen...I've taken a few shots of the 'monster' I told you about at work. You know, the one we discussed after our reminiscing about the bull terrier and it's massive 'nads. Go on, treat yourselves... CLICK...
Ripon and Fountains Abbey
The population of Gingatopia, too soft to join them for the weekend camping, joined the Harriseses for the day in Ripon and Fountains Abbey today...and a lovely day it was too. Jim and Helen met at Fountains Abbey when they...
More Catching Up...
...that's all I ever seem to find time to do just recently. Evie is being an especially entertaining liddle beaudee at the moment. Nana Gee told Jilly and I that Evie has been making a whole host of animal noises...
Emelda Marcos II
As Evelyn's feet are growing a little large for her first pair of shoes, we bought her a second - most beautiful - pair of boots today. They're an absolutely beautiful maroon with two sparkly pink hearts on each boot....
It's like living in Nazi Germany...
Not that anybody seems to be reading my Gingatopian Chronicles any more, I have been forced to impose mandatory registration on Typekey before a reader can post a comment on Gingatopia. Registration on Typekey is free, and only asks that...
He shoots...he scores!
It's with a great deal of relief...er...and more than a little surprise...that I can report that Megan Vickery [Grants Manager], member of yesterdays interview panel...er...and my new boss!...rang me today to offer me - pending the return of suitable references...
Mr Positive...er...not!
I have had, today, only my third job interview in nearly fourteen years and, like the two before, I think this one went moderately poorly. Just call me Mr. Positive! The three members of the interview panel were really sound,...
Deborah Wright - Year #42
The population of Gingatopia [less Kieran, who is still in Florida...kept that quiet, didn't he?] spent the weekend at Deb and Kev's to celebrate Debbie's forty-first birthday on Saturday 27th...and a delight it was too! Anyone who knows Deb and...
Seven years and counting...
Today would normally have been reason for celebration, if I weren't so absolutely useless around the house. Today is our seventh wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, it's been marred by my unnaturally great ability to fail to do absolutely anything constructive around...
Happy Birthday...
...John Judge! Jilly and I had the honour of helping Ashley to pull off a quite exquisite deceit yesterday! Thursday [the 18th] was John Judge's fortieth birthday and, in order to celebrate it - amongst other lovely things - Ashley...
Florida-tastic
Kieran left for a fortnight in glorious Florida this morning. In the run up to last night [when Jilly, Evie and I dropped him off at his dad's house], he's hardly mentioned the trip, or the four-star accommodation he'll be...
End of an Era?
Hardly! Today is, officially, my last day of employment with Arqiva. So it's [hopefully] a small portion of sausage for me, before I find a new job! I'll be ringing the ES [or whatever they call themselves these day] to...
She's Craaaaazzzzzeeeeee!
Hopefully, before too long, I'll find the time to add entries about our lovely day out/picnic with Grandma Jean and Grandpa Ben and, more recently, our family holiday in Whitby. Until then, I thought visitors to Gingatopia might be interested...
Only a Prawn in Whitby?
The population of Gingatopia returned home today, after a glorious week in sunny Whitby. Joined, as we were, on Sunday by the Judge clan, our holiday began well and continued beautifully. We arrived in Whitby, having driven over the thoroughly...
MMR
Evelyn had her MMR injection today. I was off work, and Jilly went to work a little late so we both went along to give the liddle tyke some moral support. Before the practice nurse gave Evelyn her injection, the...
Catching up...again
Only today, have I got round to adding an entry about Father's Day. For further details, please see the entry for Sunday 3rd June....
Waterbabies
As Jilly and Evelyn had completed Evie's Swimbabes classes, and the new Swimbabes courses are only run on Thursdays [when Jilly is at work], Jilly has started taking Evelyn to Waterbabies [http://www.waterbabies.co.uk] along with Helen and Dom. Today has seen...
Interpol and The Engineers :: Manchester Apollo
Founding Wassock, Jim, and I went to see Interpol, supported by The Engineers last night at the Manchester Apollo...and bloody good they were too! Fortunately [and I wouldn't normally advocate this], Jim and I were sat in the Circle, above...
New Words
According to Jilly, Evelyn has a new word. She's been spending a lot of time with Kieran [Bib-bib] in his room lately, and has begun pointing at Kieran's "Playster"...his Playstation! Oh, my word!...
Find the Puppy
Evelyn has a new favourite book [on loan from Babies for Books], called Find the Puppy. Evelyn loves having the book read to her and is able to point to the puppy - on every page - when asked, "Where's...
Left AND Right Lower First Molars - Teeth #11 and #12
Evelyn's eleventh tooth has definitely made an appearance. Her left lower first molar has broken through the skin and seems to be being hotly pursued by her right lower first molar, and then both front lower canines [or cuspids]...no wonder...
Sunny Dales weekend
The population of Gingatopia joined the Osbourne/Bradbury brigade and a bunch of Wassocks for the years first camping trip this weekend. Not only was it our first camping weekend, but it was Evelyn's [and, I believe, Eloise's] first ever weekend...
Left AND Right Upper First Molars - Teeth #9 and #10
...and now, Jilly and I have just seen, for the first time, that Evelyn appears to have developed some BIG teeth! While Jilly was dressing Evelyn last night after her bath, she noticed, toward the back of Evelyn's screaming mouth,...
More [earlier] photo's of Evelyn
After more than eighteen months, some very early photographs of Evelyn have finally re-emerged. Would it surprise anyone to hear that these scans had been put, "...somewhere VERY SAFE...", by mummy! As you can see, I've managed to scan them,...
Catching up...again - Tooth #7 and #8
Over a week ago, now, Jilly and I realised that the teeth that have been troubling Evelyn so much recently, have finally broken through the skin. Evelyn's lower lateral incisors have finally made an appearance ...er... both of them. I...
HUZZAH!
I was told, today, that my application for voluntary redundancy from work has been accepted....
Scanned Images
For the readers amusement, I've finally managed to scan and upload a series of old black and white photographs that my mum gave to me eons ago for the Gingatopia site. The photograph to the left is a favourite of...
Spoon-tastic
Evelyn has successfully mastered the art of feeding herself with her spoon(s). Evie has begun demanding two spoons to eat her dinner, but seems to favour the one in her right hand when eating. She is able, consistently, to get...
Father's Day #2
I have no excuses, it's only because I am so very slack that I have, until now, not got round to telling the world what my beaudeeful child and quasi-adopted child bought me for Father's Day. Kieran has always bought...
Hello Nana Jean
As Jilly was [unusually] off work yesterday, so she was able to spend the day with Evelyn, today was the first day that Nana Jean [a.k.a. NanaJee, pronounced in an Indian-stylee!] began her new position as Evelyn's primary carer-nana-in-chief. Throughout...
Bye-bye Buffer Bears
Evelyn said goodbye to all her friends at her nursery today as it was her last day at Buffer Bears. Evelyn has obviously been very happy while she has been there, but the time seems right, now, for Nana Jean...
Filey with the Drurysharks
The population of Gingatopia made their way to Leavening today, and then on to Filey for the afternoon with the Drurysharks, where everyone enjoyed a little seaside fun. Not that sort of action is to be encouraged in the young,...
Au revoir Gregoire
Jim and Jo [a pair of Wassocks], and I said a fond farewell last night to the visiting French fellow, Gregoire [aka Francois Froggoire]. Jim and Jo have taken Greg under their wings and taken him to see several bands...
Liddle Beaudee...
While giving her her bath last night, Evie kissed Jilly and I in turn and then, stretching her arms to hold both my shoulders, leaned in to me to hug me. A little later she leaned on my arms, resting...
Several [more] Small Steps...
Earlier in the day, Jilly had phoned me and told me that Evelyn had been walking crazy throughout the day, but nothing could have prepared me for my arrival home... When I got home, I could hear Jilly and Kieran...
Sh*t
Jilly took Evelyn for their weekly visit to the swimming baths today, where they both enjoyed themselves as thoroughly as ever. After their swim, Jilly stopped for a cup of tea in the cafe, while Evelyn fed herself dried apricots....
'The Deep' and Hornsea
Originally planned as a Gingatopian expedition to Bridlington, todays excursion found us at 'The Deep' in Hull. Jilly and I had planned to drive over to 'The Deep' after our visit to the 'The Aquarium of the Lakes', in Newby...
Evie's First Birthday Bash...er...#5
Evelyn's Grandma Jean and Grandpa Ben visited today - after returning from their holiday in Gran Canaria - in order to join us to celebrate [for the fifth time] Evelyn's first birthday. Grandma and Grandpa - who were both very...
Step aside Imelda Marcos
As Evelyn is beginning to walk more regularly now, Jilly and I have bought her first pair of shoes today. It came as little surprise to me to have to pay more for the shoes than either Jilly or I...
Nursery Birthday Party
Before going into town to buy Evelyn's new shoes, Jilly, Kieran and I took Evelyn to visit the nursery, this morning, as they celebrated their one-year-old birthday. The staff were all running stalls [at which Kieran won, amongst other things,...
A Day at the Races
As if she doesn't get out enough [harrrummppphh!], Jilly had a day at the races today with Julie, Bav and Bav's friend, Jane. Apparently, Jilly's luck was in as she managed to win back the not inconsiderable entrance fee by...
Evie's First Birthday Bash...er...#4
Very much a low key affair, we were visited by James and Jenna [as all three of the children slept] and then by Roger, Helen, Laura and Harry today. No BBQ this time, but plenty more party food and another...
Evie's First Birthday Bash...er...#3
Evelyn had a lovely day today as her third birthday bash saw the largest immigration of visitors into Gingatopia. Deb and Kev travelled over from Macclesfield through a torrential downpour, though we didn't see any rain as we enjoyed the...
Annus Mirabilis
What a truly remarkable, an absolutely marvellous, year this last twelve months has been. I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again, but I will never sufficiently understand why I resisted Jillian, and her desire to have...
The Events of Evelyn Annis Webster's FIRST Birthday
In celebration of Evelyn's birthday today, we had - originally - planned a trip to the east coast, but we decided that, during the working week, the motorway trip may be a little long, and that the time spent on...
Preparing for Evie's Big Day
As Evelyn had gone to bed, absolutely shattered after her day at nursery, Jilly, Kieran and I took the opportunity to prepare one of Evie's presents for her big day tomorrow. I'm not entirely sure who is going to get...
Evie's First Birthday Bash...er...#2
Hurricane Fisher [minus Joshua] - Jim, Sam, Lily and Jude - descended upon Gingatopia today, closely followed by Kate, John, Hebe and Gregoire. As the weather was unseasonably pleasant [it is May, isn't it?] we went outside for for a...
Eloise Grace Bradbury's Baptism
We joined Evie's beaudeeful ginger friend [and friend of Gingatopia], Eloise Grace Bradbury for her baptism this morning, and a lovely affair it was too. After the service, the congregation retired to the Harris residence as Jim and Helen [very...
Evie's First Birthday Bash...er...#1
Although many of the guests are conspicuous in their absence from these photographs, we began a week of birthday celebrations today by inviting a few relatives round to Gingatopia for Birthday Tea. Present were Grandma and Grandad Hargreaves, Uncle Peter...
[Want] Dat! [One]
Evelyn is definitely asking for things by pointing at them and demanding [quite urgently], "Dat!". I'm sure that I'm not the only one to associate Evelyn's use of the word, 'That' with Andy's [Little Britain] "Want dat one!"...er...before any bright...
Sleeping Beaudee
Fantastic...Evelyn had a sound nights sleep last night. We didn't hear a 'peep' out of her until she awoke at (admittedly) 06:30, but that's absolutely fine. Liddle Beaudee! I'm off now to try and complete Operation Ground Force 2005!...
Super Size? Me?
I've just sat through Morgan Spulock's Super Size Me. Now, that's something I'm not going to forget in a hurry!...
Another sleepless night
Evelyn slept badly again last night, due to her chesty cough and apparent teething problems. Evie had us up at 00:15, 03:30 and 04:40, when Jilly decided to bring her in to sleep with us. Of course, we were firm...
A Terrible Nights Sleep...
That's right, and we haven't even gone to bed yet! As I may have mentioned earlier this week, Evelyn appears to be teething again as she is constantly drooling, and alot more than has become the norm. Our suspicions that...
STOP THE CLOCK!
Jilly, Evelyn, Kieran and I went to say 'hello' to Wendy Drury today, and to let her know that we're always available if she needs help with anything. We all chatted for quite a while, particularly Jilly and Wendy, and...
TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK...
As we've already discussed, it's NOT a competiton. But, if it were a competition, Evelyn's latest 'walking' development would suggest that she was about to be declared, 'The Baby Who Walked First...Er...Between Dominic and Evelyn, That Is'. Evelyn successfully 'walked'...
Jean, Ben and Greggoire visit
As Evie's grandparents - Ben and Jean - will be on Gran Canaria as we celebrate the first anniversary of Evelyn's birth, Jean, Ben and Greggoire came to visit today, before they jet off in the morning. The sun shone...
[Quite literally] One small step...
Jilly, Evie, Kieran and I drove to Leeds to visit Jilly's grandparents today. While we were there, Evelyn stood up [unaided] and took one small step towards her mum, before falling to the floor. Until Evelyn takes two [unsupported] steps,...
Groundforce 2005 [iii] - very nearly complete...
Tadaaahh! We've finally finished the installation of Evie's new lawn and [would you credit it?] Evie hates it. Almost immediately after getting home tonight, Jilly took Evelyn outside to see her new Summer playground. Of course, Evie immediately asked, "Whassat?"...the...
Ouch!
Evelyn has developed a new habit of biting things and people when she becomes excited; Evie will become very giddy and lunge forward at anything or anyone and bite them, something Jilly has learned to her cost, recently, in the...
All's well...
As Evelyn has shown no further signs of her apparent illness, and certainly none of the tell-tale signs of Chicken Pox, Evelyn returned to nursery today...HUZZAH!...
Step aside Sir Edmund Hilary
No, Evelyn hasn't built a time travelling device and travelled backwards in time to 29 May 1953, when she then become the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest...er...but something equally thrilling. Even though Evie isn't actually walking...
Quite a Fright
Jilly rang me at 4:00PM today to tell me that the nursery had phoned to report that Evelyn was ill with a high temperature and has been sick. It turns out that several of the toddlers at the nursery have...
More Visiting...er...an' ting!
In recognition of Evelyn's recent flatulatory achievements, Grandpa Annis presented her with a certificate today. Of course, it was all we could do to stop her from rising to make an acceptance speech! I think you'll agree, the certificate is...
Lucky liddle...
In reply to the Wassocks post, 'Donkey?', Kieran's lucky nag was Hedgehunter...and the bloody thing came in after Kieran backed it [each way] at 10-1. Lucky liddle @$%#?!... UPDATE: 14 April 2005 Kieran reports that he won £14.50 on his...
Groundforce 2005 [ii]
As we'd returned early from our Lakeland trip, Jilly thought it daft to waste the time, so immediately drove me to continue removing the old garden, in readiness for what's rapidly becoming known as Evelyn's Lawn. Of course, I can't...
Grange-Over-Sands Holiday 2005
We booked this holiday, some time ago, as Jilly and I though it was about time we had a few days away, and thought it would be nice to spend them in the sunny Lake District. I'd like to say...
No Spoon, good!
As we are going away until Friday, I've been to the shops to buy in a few foody goodies for Evelyn. Unfortunately, the dinner puddings that I bought for her appeared, until today, not to meet her very high standards....
Groundforce 2005
In the hope that we'd be able to set about creating the perfect lawn playing/sunbathing area for Evelyn/Jean - respectively - during the coming summer months, Jilly demanded that Kieran and I [with an initial - and quite literal...
Grumpy Daddy Lion
Oh, I forgot... Auntie Katie, Cousin Hebe and John visited Evelyn and Jilly recently, as I worked, and left the Evelyn with the gift of a beautiful new cuddly toy. A cuddly toy which was soon to become known as...
K...I...S...S...I...N...G... [again]
Evelyn has started 'kissing'. The liddle beaudee doesn't exactly 'pucker up', but has started pursing her lips and making a kissing 'muhr' sound. When I was at work this morning, Jilly held the phone to Evelyn's ear for me to...
Hacked
Anger Management Counselling Required?
Or, perhaps, she was just plain hungry? Jilly had to wrestle Evie's 'Touch and Feel' book away from her this evening, as Evelyn tried to make a meal of the poor little baby gorilla inside. Unfortunately, Jilly was unable to...
Whoosat/Whassat?
It's clear, now, that Evelyn is definitely asking the question. Jilly rang me while I was at work this afternoon, and passed the phone to Evelyn for me to say hello to her. Evelyn immediately asked "Whoosat?" down the phone...
Catching up...
As Jilly and I bathed Evelyn tonight, we found ourselves listing all the fantastic new things that Evelyn has started doing...and that I have been unable to record, so far, on these, our Gingatopian Chronicles. "Whoosat?" and "Whassat?". Very often,...
Upper Right Lateral Incisor - Tooth #6
Evelyn's upper right lateral incisor has definitely broken through the skin.For long enough, it was teasing Jilly and I by only appearing to have broken through but now, it's official! Tooth #6 has arrived!...
Sleeping Beaudee
For the last week or so, Jilly and I have been going into Evie's room in the morning to find her fast asleep on her tummy. It was quite a surprise for me, the first time I found her in...
More Harris Family Birthday Celebrations
Blimey, it's all go on the birthday front in the Harris household! It doesn't seems two minutes since Dominic's birthday, and it isn't two minutes since Jim's [slight exaggeration, admittedly] and, now...it's Helen's birthday!Happy Birthday Helen! Rumour has it that...
Dominic - One Giant Leap etc., etc., etc.
So, Jim reportedly received the following text message whilst at work today... At 387 days and 12(+/-)hours old, that liddle beaudee, Dom, has finally cast off the oppressive chains of self-doubt and, dare I suggest, indolence, and has taken his...
Rock Steady...er...almost!
At 316-days-old [or ten months and twelve days] Evelyn is reported to have stood, independently, on at least TWO occasions today. Jilly collected Evelyn from the nursery this evening, to discover Evie stood next to one of the tables, but...
Happy Birthday...er...ya WASSOCK!
As I haven't had a lot of time to prepare a suitably amusing message for Jim [unter-Wassock...er...if previous generations are uber-Wassocks] from the population of Gingatopia, I thought it best just to send out a big... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JIM, in...
Evie's First Mothering Sunday
I sent Evelyn into town with her spending money at the end of last week, suggesting that she didn't come back until she'd bought her mum a load of smashin' Mother's Day pressies...she didn't let me down! Not the monster...
Upper Left Lateral Incisor - Tooth #5
Another of Evelyn's teeth has made an appearance. Her upper left lateral incisor has broken through the skin and it appears - very much - as though her upper right lateral incisor is about to break through too. That's tooth...
Mini Spy Camera
This is an example of the quality of image taken by the absolutely tiny mini-camera that Jilly bought me for Christmas. It is literally 5cm wide, 3cm high and 1 cm deep. Of course, then, the images aren't great -...
Continuing Celebrations
In my absence today [I was catching up on my beaudee sleep after my nightshift last night!], Jilly, Kieran and Evelyn joined OSBRADFAM [that is, the Osborne/Bradbury Family] in helping the Wassocks to further celebrate Dom's first birthday. Judging by...
Evies New Look!
Jilly found this beautiful hair piece whilst clearing out some old junk today and...well, the inevitable happened. Obviously, I made every effort to stop Jilly from embarrassing liddle Evelyn in this fashion [ahem!]...er...that's right, it was me taking the photo!...
Happy Birthday Liddle Guy!
Happy Birthday to Youuu, Happy Birthday to Youuu, Happy Birthday dear Dominic, Happeee Birthday to Yoooouuuu, Droool on the caaaaaaaaake! It's birthday madness, this week. It's a special liddle guy's 1st birthday today, and everyone in Gingatopia would like to...
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...
And, Dominic's 1st birthday witnessed the greatest national snowfall so far this year! Along with one hundred or so other schools in the area, Kieran's school was closed today, so he could spend the day with the rest of the...
Happy Birthday Madeleine!
Happy Birthday to Youuu, Happy Birthday to Youuu, Happy Birthday dear Madeleine, Happeee Birthday to Yoooouuuu, Spit on the caaaaaaaaake! It's a special liddle girl's sixth birthday today and everyone in Gingatopia would like to wish Maddy a VERY HAPPY...
And they're off...
Jilly certainly appeared to have 'jumped the gun' a little the other day. Well...now, it's official. Evie IS DEFINITELY crawling, and she's crawling everywhere. Thanks to the Judges, we have the necessary baby gates to prevent Evie from getting into...
A Brace of Bouncing Baby Beaudees?
And...look what I've found! Proof, if proof be need be! One image of Evelyn taken at her first Christmas party aged eight months. One image of me, a.k.a. Uncle Fester, to my nearest and dearest [ahem!], also aged about eight...
Pennine Way - Blackstone Edge Moor
Jim treated me to another yomp over the moors this morning...and a joy it was too! At a very modest distance of three miles, the walk from the butty wagon [just off the 'A' road near junction 22 of the...
Be my VALENTINE
Just a quick note for a VERY SPECIAL HANDSOME LIDDLE GUY at WASSOCKS... Just so there's no confusion as to who [at least one of] your mystery admirer[s] is...CLICK HERE! UPDATED - 17 FEB 2005 I decided that, as the...
Bath-time with Bib-bib!
We finally managed to get Kieran into the bathroom tonight but..er...only to help with Evie's bath. The little soapswerver usually runs a mile at the sound of running water! Evie seemed to enjoy the extra bath-time attention, but soon got...
Happy Clappy...
Evelyn is definitely now able to 'clap hands' on request! We think it's something the children are encouraged to do while singing at the nursery. She is such a little beaudee, I will - hopefully - have video of her...
36th and 0.75th Birthday Celebrations
In celebration of my 36th birthday [bloody hell!], and Evelyn's 0.75th birthday - Evelyn was born exactly nine months before my birthday...er...or three months after it - the population of Gingatopia de-camped to York for the day, today. Making the...
Making New Friends
Evelyn has made a new friend at the nursery today and, being girls, they spent the day doing what all girls with leisure time do; they spent their time gassing. As Amalie was in Dominic's Swimbabes class, Jilly and I...
Wholestone Moor Torture Walk...
The entire population of Gingatopia joined the WASSOCKS, today, for a very pleasant and casual 'potter' [ahem!] over Scapegoat Hill. Jim, Helen, Jo and Dominic drove to our house, then we all left in two cars to start the walk...
Under Starter's Orders...
At precisely 14:45 today, Jilly rang me - while I was at work - to tell me that Evelyn had, at 269 days, 1 hour and 09 minutes [or 38 weeks, 3 days and 1 hour] old, taken her first...
Come In Number Six, Your Time Is Up!
Today, Jilly brought Evelyn home in substantially fewer clothes than she went to the nursery in! Why? I'll let the nursery's daily report explain... "Evie had fun with the water tray today (sorry about wet clothes, we changed but she...
Child Prodigy, or Cocky Little...
Jilly and Kieran went to see Kieran's schoolteachers today for his annual Parents' Evening. I think Jilly and I were expecting the worst, as Kieran has had [only one, admittedly] detention in the last month, and worried that his academic...
Daddy/Daughter Day III
If I only manage to upload three images all week, I am desperate to make sure that these are the ones. As I was on leave from work today, Evie and I had another lovely day together during which -...
Daddy/Daughter Day II...Daddy/Baby Day I
Evelyn and I had another beautiful Daddy/Daughter Day today, as Evie's nursery was closed for staff training [ahem!]. We weren't alone though...oh no! Our day was shared with Jim and Dominic [who also attends the nursery...when it's open!]. After the...
Only a matter of time...
Over the weekend, as Jilly and I have been putting Evelyn in her cot for her mid morning/mid afternoon naps, Evelyn has began turning onto her [liddle pot] belly, kneeling and then standing up using the cot sides for support....
Upper Central Incisors - Tooth #3 and #4
Evie's teeth are coming along nicely now, as her middle teeth have finally broken through the skin at the top. That's tooth #3 and tooth #4. Rather alarmingly for Jilly, this means that Evie now has something for her lower...
A Stressful Week
Today has seen the end of a quite traumatic week in Gingatopia, as Jilly has returned to work, and Evelyn has started her place at the work based nursery on Tuesday. Jilly was highly stressed about leaving Evie with comparative...
Another Moderately Unpleasant First
Jilly returned to work today and, consequently, Evelyn started at the infirmary's work based nursery. The past eight months have been difficult enough for me - leaving Evelyn every morning to go to work - but Jilly has not only...
A Post-Christmas Treat
As a special Christmas treat, Jim and Helen bought tickets for Kieran, Jilly and I to go with them to see a production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at The West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds. Andrew and...
Foul and Disgusting...
...yet delightful and amusing! That's how I'd describe Evie's latest habit. Clearly, my daughter is spending far too much time with that Harris boy as Evelyn has started blowing raspberries! In truth, until she starts doing it during meal-times [see...
Evie and Dominic, sitting in a tree...
K... I... S... S... I... N... G... I returned home from my late shift today for Jilly to tell me about Helen and Dominic's visit during the day. Apparently, the children were playing together very nicely when Dominic leaned forward...
More Christmas Visitations
Katie, John & Hebe, together with the majority of the Fisher clan: Sam, Jim, Lily & Jude, invaded ...er... descended upon ...er... quietly visited Gingatopia today, prolonging our festive cheer. Clearly, Joshua's diary was far too full to squeeze in...
Boxing Day
Nana Jean and Grandpa Ben visited Gingatopia today, to share in our Christmas cheer...er...and residual Christmas turkey; and to join in a friendly [and hardly competitive!] game of 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire'...during which Jilly and Ben performed brilliantly,...
"It's A Wonderful Life"
And, finally... Not surprisingly, at [nearly!] eight-months-old, Evelyn was perfectly indifferent when we got up this Christmas morning. Jilly and I, both giddy with excitement, watched as Evie started opening presents to leave them and eat the wrapping paper instead...the...
Baby Clinic
In the last visit to the Baby Clinic today - before Jilly goes back to work on the 11th January - Evelyn was weighed at a very respectable 8.18kg, or 18lbs exactly, maintaining her position in the 50th percentile of...
Messy Liddle...
I got home last night to discover that Evelyn has developed a rather disgusting/rather amusing dinner time habit...one which Jilly and I believe she may have adopted after spending time with Master Dominic Harris! Evelyn has begun 'blowing raspberries' whilst...
Breaking News - Lower Central Incisors - Tooth #1 and #2
Breaking..., in that Evie's first teeth appear to be 'breaking' through. Evie's lower central incisors have definitely broken through the skin; as I felt this morning when Evelyn tried to make a post-breakfast snack of my left index finger! Obviously,...
Step aside Ian Thorpe
Jilly took Evelyn to her last ever Swimbabes class today as Grandma Jean watched from the sidelines. Apparently, Grandma Jean was moved to tears as Evelyn completed her first 'solo' horizontal underwater swim. The Swimbabes instructor (George) held Evelyn horizontally,...
Sleep tight, Basil...
We've had some very distressing news in Gingatopia today. Basil, Jilly's ancient and beaudeeful liddle kiddee, was taken to the vet's last night - by the RSPCA - when one of our neighbours found her (apparently the victim of a...
Mother and Toddler's Christmas Party
Jilly and Helen took Evelyn and Dominic to their first Christmas party today and they loved it...apart from the appearance of a terrifying Brewster Bear wearing only a Santa hat! Wassocks 'Flickr' pictures, thanks to Jim!...
Liddle Acrobatic
At just 219 days [or six months and five days], and during a period of 'pants off action' this evening, Evie successfully overcame the natural obstacle [which is her belly] and, almost effortlessly, turned over onto her belly from lying...
Liddle Bookworm
At just 217 days old [or six months and three days], Evelyn has joined the Huddersfield Library, and she's even got her own library card to prove it! Jilly took Evie to the library this morning, and came home with...
Entirely Helpless Precious Liddle Beaudee
It's at times like this that a parent realises how truly fragile their precious liddle baby is. Last night - after I'd put Evie to bed - Kieran and I were up in the loft, while Jilly was on the...
Seven Month Health Visit
Jilly took Evelyn for her seven-month visit with the health visitor today. Amongst other comments, Jilly quoted the health visitor as saying that Evelyn was, "wonderfully inquisitive", had a "lovely expressive face", and a "beautifully shaped little head". Evelyn was...
Bob Phlemin' , Jnr.
Evelyn has developed a bit of a cough over the last few days. She doesn't appear to be very bothered by the coughing, or in any pain, but is coughing loudly and often enough to wake Jilly and I two...
Another [distressing] first, and some pleasant ones
The Distressing First - This morning, Jilly took Evelyn to the nursery that she will start attending in the New Year. Jilly found it really difficult leaving Evie with strangers for a whole hour, but went up to her work...
[Nearly] On Ilkley Moor Baht 'At
So that we could see Ruth, John, Laurie and Annabel before Christmas, Jilly, Evie and I went for a drive to Ilkley this morning for a look round the town [it's a lovely place, a little like Harrogate...er...but with big...
...from little acorns grow
Jilly took Evelyn to the GPs' baby clinic again today...and the news, predictably [and quite encouragingly], is that Evelyn is continuing to grow at a very satisfactory rate...er...thank you very much! Evie now weighs 7.72kg or 17lb - which is...
Scammonden or bust II
In an attempt to clear away a few cob-webs, Jilly demanded that I took her and Evie for a spin up to Scammonden Dam for a walk today. Having wrapped her up lovely and warm [in her marshmallow suit, very...
Manchester United 2 - 0 Crystal Palace
To complete Kieran's 13th birthday celebrations in style, Jackie Swire [Jilly's manager and wife of Man U's Chief Physio, Rob Swire] very generously gave us three tickets to see Kieran's [other] team play in the 4th round of the Carling...
13th Birthday Celebrations
Family and friends gathered together, today, to celebrate Kevin Kieran becoming a teenager. Kieran's special day began with his team - West End Juniors - emphatically beating Battyeford, 13-4, at home. Kieran, in his 'centre-mid' position, even managed to bag...
Cause(s) For Celebration and More 'Firsts'
Cause for Celebration #1 Today is the SIX MONTH anniversary of Evelyn's birth...HUZZAH! Of course, Jilly spent most of the afternoon blubbing as she remembered the events of the day, six months ago. As we discussed it tonight, I began...
Home Front in Macclesfield
In an attempt to give Kev a bit of a hand installing the kitchen in their new extension, the Gingatopian Expeditionary Force set sail for Macclesfield this weekend. Of course, we weren't only due to help Kev, but also visit...
Daddy/Daughter Day I
Today has been a very special [if potentially stressful] day, here in Gingatopia. Being the school half-term holidays this week, Jilly's work have asked if it would be possible for her to go in for the day [as an extra...
Celebratory Swim
As today was the first time Evelyn has worn this beautiful cardigan, now seems like an excellent opportunity to say another big THANK YOU! to Ed, Jan, Nicky and Kate for the present of the cardy when Evelyn was born....
Latest Baby Clinic visit
Jilly took Evelyn to the GP's baby clinic today to have her weighed and measured. Evelyn is now 68cm tall [in the 91st percentile of 24-week-old baby girls], and weighs 7.08kg or 15lb 8½oz [putting her in the 50th percentile]....
Incidental Hero...
At exactly 24-weeks-old to the day, Evelyn has had her very first very minor accident today. As Evelyn was propped up against some cushions at the very back of one of the sofas, Jilly could never have imagined what could...
Gingatopian Land Army - Autumn Manoeuvres
Another Sunday in Gingatopia and, in Kieran's absence, Jilly, Evelyn and I went to B&Q for a few gardening goodies. Having wrapped Evelyn up against the bitter cold [slight exaggeration!] in this lovely hooded top from The House of Imogen...
Liddle Princess Mermaid
New first #1 - Amongst other new 'firsts' this week [while Dad's been out slaving his Ginga-ass off on LATE shifts, if you don't mind!], is that Evelyn has been taking baths on her own! As Kieran didn't want to...
A Brace of Beaudeeful Waterbabies
Jilly and Helen took Evelyn and Dominic for a joint assault on the baby pool at the sports centre today...and it was a massive hit. Evie was clearly happy to see Dominic, giving him [and Helen] a huge toothless smile...
Easy Morning II
Unfortunately [particularly for Jilly], 04:30 this morning saw the fourth morning in a row that Evie has woken up - far too early - for a feed. What's all that about then, eh? Well, let me tell you, I've talked...
Easy Morning
As I'm starting work comparatively late again today, I've been able to spend some more time with Jilly and Evie...HUZZAH! Like most mornings, Jilly dressed Evelyn today but I was surprised when Evelyn appeared in some Christmas dungerees! "It's only...
Birthday fun in 'The Sun'...geddit?
This weekend saw the entire population of Gingatopia de-camped to sunny Filey. In celebration, and anticipation, of Jilly's 37th ...er... 36th [doh!] birthday on the 3rd, we booked The Sun (newspaper) £9.50 holiday - wha-whoo! - at the beginning of...
More visiting...
As Jilly is taking Evelyn to work today she decided that Evelyn should, perhaps, wear the beautiful Baby Gap dress that Jackie (is that how she spells her name?) bought her. Though you can't see them, the dress came with...
Pebbles Webster
As I'm on a late shift at work today, I've had chance to spend a little time with Jilly and Evelyn before I take them to visit Nana-bananas in Brafford [sic].As she looked so very beautiful, I thought I'd upload...
Potential E.N.T. specialist?
Evelyn spent so long with her fingers up my nose last night that Jilly had time to go upstairs, rifle through my wardrobe, find the camera and get back to capture Evie open cast nostril mining!...
Welcoming a beaudeeful liddle Ginga to Gingatopia
Andrew and Ellie came round to visit Jilly and Evelyn today... er... and then Andrew left Ellie with Jilly and Evie for something or other [I dunno!]. According to Jilly, Evelyn and Ellie seemed to get on like a house...
She's swim-licious
Jilly and Evelyn went to their third Swimbabes class today...and they loved it. Evelyn, and the other five swimbabes, went underwater again; and Evelyn was the only one NOT to cry. Dat's ma girl! Even more impressive was that it...
It's a WHOPPER!
Look at the size of the pasties our friends at http://www.wassocks.com brought back from their recent trip to the West Country. We love Jim, Helen and Dominic, we do!...
Evelyn's New Tumbling Routine
Alright, it wasn't exactly a tumbling routine...but Jilly has just phoned Kieran and I [as we are in the loft working, on-line, for Kieran's homework] to tell us that she has just laid Evelyn on her tummy on the floor,...
The Himalayas...er...via Bretton Hall
As Kieran is at his dad's until this afternoon, Jilly and I decided to go for a spin to Bretton Park this morning to get some fresh air in Evelyn's lungs. Clearly, she's not interested in sleeping at the moment,...
Another [unfortunate] first
Our poor liddle beaudee has got her first cold! I got home from work today for Jilly to tell me that Evelyn has been sneezing all day. Evie looks even more adorable than usual as she constantly - and rather...
A(nother) Full Nights Sleep
Is it too early to say that Evie's sleep has settled back down? We'll see; but Evie slept through again last night and has woken up as I'm getting ready to leave for work; 21:30 to 07:00...not too shabby! Perhaps...
A Full Nights Sleep
Last night was the first night since Friday 3rd September that Evelyn has slept through...HUZZAH! Since Evie has been eating 'solid' food, her sleep has been rather disturbed, and she has woken Jilly and I for a feed at between...
Kate's B'day
The Gingatopian Expeditionary Force made it's way to Kate and John's house in Bradford today, to join the family in celebration of Kate's 33rd birthday. As well as getting photo's of the birthday girl, the event proved an excellent opportunity...
Beaudeeful Liddle Lofty!
Jilly returned with Evelyn from the Baby Clinic, yesterday, to report that Evie now weighs in at 6.30kg or 13lb 14oz [in the 50th percentile], and is a lofty 64cm tall [in the 75th percentile]. That means that, since Evie's...
While the cat's away...
...the fat bearded ginger mouse will play! Jilly has taken Evie to Baby Clinic to have her weighed and measured, and all that malarkey, so I get to play in my overground lair. Which reminds me, just to prove that...
Our Beaudeeful Water Baby
Perhaps the most exciting thing to happen in the world today was that Jilly took Evelyn to Swimbabes for her first swimming lesson. Evelyn has always enjoyed it in the bath but, according to Jilly, she was extremely 'splashy' in...
The EVIECADO monster!
We've found a 'solid' food that Evie seems to positively enjoy...AVOCADO! What's all that about then, eh? Evelyn eats her baby rice [like a good liddle beaudee], and seems to like butternut squash OK, but she really wolfed her...
Tour of Britain 2004 - Holme Moss
Bloody typical! It's the 2nd of September, and the sun has finally decided to show its face as ninety [plus] lunatics [fantastically fit cycling athletes] cycle from Leeds to Sheffield, via Holme Moss and the Snake Pass, on the second...
Snap Gallery test
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ian.webster1969/test/index.html As this seems to work, it's now time [if I can find the time!], to create two or three more snapGalleries and upload them to my ntlworld space...but don't hold your breath!...
Developing a taste for...
During a trip to Brafford (sic) today with mum and big brother, Evelyn was given pureed carrot for her lunch...which - apparently - she found most distasteful, spitting it over everyone in the immediate vicinity [I don't know what Jilly...
Come on Baby, you can do it...
Having returned form a lovely [if rather wet] weekend away in Pateley Bridge for Adam and Sharon's wedding, Jilly decided that it was time to introduce Evelyn to the delights of [nearly] solid food. Rather than going straight in at...
Introducing Mr & Mrs Adam McKay
This weekend was spent away at The Harefield Hall Hotel in Pateley Bridge celebrating, firstly, the wedding of Adam and Sharon on Saturday 21st August, and then our sixth wedding anniversary on Sunday...HUZZAH! Typically, in a free bar booze fuelled...
Honley-tastic
It seems as though everyone is moving house at the moment. Kempy, Kemplett and Kempy's geezer, Ian, have moved into their new home in Honley and invited the Webster/Slevin clan over for tea and buns to celebrate and to give...
Swinton-tastic
Julie and her flat-mate, Bav, have now started their new jobs in Bury and invited the Webster/Slevin clan over for dinner and to see their lovely new house in Swinton. On three floors, and including three bedrooms, the house is...
Master Dominic Harris' Baptism
Here be copies of photographs taken by more efficient photographers...er...those who had had a little less to drink...d'oh! Needless-to-say, an excellent time was had by all!...
Leavening or bust (II)
Having returned from the Webster/Slevin summer holiday today, I am now able to record the events of our week in sunny [ahem!] Leavening. As the Drurysharks were away sunning it up in Majorca, we offered to stay at their's to...
The Prodigal Son Returns...
Kieran returned from his trip to Florida in the small hours of last night (to the tremendous relief of his mum!), and we collected him this afternoon [after a bit of a sleep] and all went to visit Katie and...
Cannon Hall
Jilly organised a vast migration from Mount (and the surrounding areas) today, by getting Helen and Dom; Andrew, Justine and Eloise; and Evie and I together for a trip to Cannon Hall. Again we were really lucky with the weather...
On Emley Moor bah't 'at!
I took Jilly and Evie into work with me today to meet everyone while I collected a book that I'd had delivered to work. Typically, Evelyn exhibited her tremendous capacity for screaming. So much so, that I felt it prudent...
Liddle Faddy
Jilly took Evelyn to the baby clinic today for her baby MOT and Evie now weighs in at a very respectable 5.6Kg, that's 12lbs 5½oz in old money...the beaudeeful liddle faddy!...
A(nother) Grand Day Out...
Jilly, Nana Bananas and I took advantage of the nice weather again today, and took Evelyn out to Bronte Country for the day. Jilly, very thoughtfully, prepared a lovely picnic which we duly enjoyed in a field obviously used, intermittently,...
A Grand Day Out...
In order to give Evie her first experience of 'the arts', Jilly and I took Evelyn to Bretton Sculpture Park today. The weather was great [not to sunny for the sensitive Ginga types in the party] but, unfortunately, I forgot...
Brotherswater 2004
It was really hard leaving Jilly and Evie [Kieran was still in Florida] to go on a short walking holiday in the Lakes...though not nearly as hard as actually accompanying the group on the walk. Getting old [and still massively...
Faster than a speedin' bullet!
I'm sure everyone will be staggered to hear that the population of Gingatopia has finally dragged itself into the twentieth century and had broadband installed...HUZZAH! This means I am now able to update the site at more than ten times...
Wheel-chair friendly
After taking Evelyn for her first visit to Mitchell's Camping Centre this morning (meeting the Thornton's for the SALE insanity!), Jilly and I thought we would take advantage of the good weather and took Evelyn for her first 'wheel-chair friendly'...
Florida Expeditionary Force
Things are going to be a little quieter in Gingatopia for the next two weeks as Kieran has flown off to Florida for his jollies. Inevitably, there will be a gloomy atmosphere around the place here, as Jilly is always...
Only to be encouraged...
It can only be a matter of time, now, before Jilly and I can leave big brother Kieran with his beautiful liddle sister confident with the knowledge that he can bottle feed, wind and change her...FANTASTIC! And to think, Kieran...
Basking in Glorious Sunshine...er...not!
A dogged determination to enjoy ourselves in the face of overwhelming meteorological gloom led Jilly and I to stoke up the BBQ today - as we had planned some weeks ago - for dinner with the Harrises. Typically, instead of...
...And in contrast to the last image...
Kieran came into our bedroom this morning before going to school, and took this lovely photo of Evie. As she usually stops smiling as soon as someone (usually me!) points a camera at her, photo's of Evelyn smiling are very...
Sugar and spice (is Ginger a spice?), and all things nice?
One of the first photo's that Kieran took of Evie and her dad with his new camera [many thanks, again, to Chris (and Bernie)]...just to prove that she's not always the angel she usually appears. And, it's a great picture...
More Visitors
As I slaved away on a 12-hour shift at work today; Jilly, Kieran and Evelyn entertained The Fisher Family. Sam, Jim, Lily and Jude were given leave to enter Gingatopia on visitors' visas. Dinner was consumed in my abscence (including...
In 'The Sticks'
Evelyn was treated to more new surroundings tonight as the entire population of Gingatopia went on an expedition to farest Slaithwaite [to be pronounced 'Slawit'] for dinner with Chris and Bernie, and to inspect Chris' new loft...which is fantastic! Unfortunately,...
Another Two (Slightly Stressful) Firsts
Stressful First #1 As Evelyn is such a noisy sleeper [she tends to remind us, throughout the night, that she's OK by 'grunting' and 'squeaking' in her sleep, waving her arms about as she does!], and because she's getting a...
Terrifying!
Jilly went to Kieran's school's parents' evening tonight [I'n't punctuation great? Not mine, particularly, just punctuation in general!], leaving me alone with Evelyn for a couple of hours - for the first time - and I think the poor little...
Father's Day #1...
...how wonderful it is! Although Kieran has always made Father's Day really nice by thinking about me and buying me a little something, nothing is quite like knowing that Evelyn had made the extra special effort to choose and then...
At Debbie and Kevin's
So...another first for Evelyn! We drove over to Macclesfield this morning to see Deb and Kev - and Evelyn slept all the way, the liddle beaudee! We BBQd for lunch and then played a little football and badminton in D&Ks...
Liddle Fat Budderball
In the abscence of any visits from the health visitor, Jilly took Evelyn to the baby clinic at the GPs yesterday. And, exactly as the Gingasoft Super Computer predicted, Evie is piling on the weight and now tips the scales...
Leavening or Bust
Another first this weekend. As Evelyn seems to enjoy going for spins in the car [after the initial trauma associated with being put in the car seat], Jilly and I decided that it would be safe to attempt the journey...
Massive Toothless Smile
I was playfully 'BEEEEP'ing Evie's nose today (I think she likes it!) when she gave me a massive (and beautiful) toothless smile. Having only ever seen an expression that could have been a smile (but could, equally, have been wind!),...
The Miracle of Sleep
After an initial apparent [and very vocal] display of 'will power' by our precious little princess last night, Evelyn finally went to sleep [with the use of the miraculous Baby Soother - thanks Drurysharks!] at about 22:30, and stayed asleep...
Cause for Celebration
During a night when Jilly had such awful abdomen and back pain that I had to ring NHS Direct in the hope of getting a GP to come out to see her; during a night when, as a consequence of...
I've Created A Monster...and, of course, it's NOT Evie!
Having a rota’d ‘day off’, after working over the whole week-end, Jilly and I took Evelyn shopping in town this morning [consuming a hearty breakfast in BHS…oh yes!] and I’m very pleased to report that Evie behaved impeccably; primarily because...
Keeping Mum Happy
In an effort to keep the Missus sweet [Jilly wanted more photo's of Evie and Keash together] I've taken further photo's of Gingatopia's crowned prince and princess. Next thing, will be that Jilly will want hard copies of them too...where...
Happy Birthday, Beautiful!
Our beautiful friend, Julie, is currently gallivanting around the Southern Hemisphere brightening the lives of everyone she meets and [fingers crossed] having a truly fantastic time as she does so. What few of the people who spends any time with...
Another (notable) First
Evelyn has made her first visit to a public house today, The Slug and Lettuce, York. We drove to York as the Ashley and John were enjoying the company of Daryl, Austin and Joe who were visiting from Solihull -...
Liddle Princess Speck
Perhaps now is the time to mention some of the nick-names that have caught on for Evelyn, here in Gingatopia. With her incredible capacity to feed, it tickles Jilly to refer to Evie as the Little Tick [because she looks...
A Grand (Footballing) Day Out
Today is a big day! With big brother Kieran off to the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, to see Huddersfield Town vs Mansfield Town in the Division Three play-off final; Evelyn, Jilly and I have been invited to Unkie Bob's to introduce...
Grandma's House
As Grandma Hargreaves hadn’t seen Evelyn for a while we drove to her house today, having dressed Evie in a lovely outfit bought by Grandma and Granddad. Evelyn was very well behaved and only demanded food once while we were...
Pretty in Pink Kitten
Dressed for style and comfort today, Jilly, Kieran and I took Evelyn to town in a new Karen and Rosie Kemp number, ‘Pretty in Pink Kitten’. Fantastically, we had an entirely ‘wah!’ free trip but only, of course, because Evelyn...
First Words...er...Not!
After Evie's bath last night [perhaps the only time during the day when Evelyn is awake AND not eating], and during a break from EFD [Evelyn Feeding Duties], Jilly managed to make it to the bathroom, herself, for a relaxing...
75th Percentile
Evelyn is looking particularly fetching in today's outfit from The House of Thornton, specifically from The Laura Collection. This is the first time Evie as worn a dress [as though she'd know], and her dad thinks she looks lovely [same...
Gingatopia Corporation and Drinking Fairies
Is this a suitable 'logo' for Gingatopia? Inspired by Jim's excellent 'Wassocks' logo [still impressed!], I though I should make some effort also. Unfortunately, I'm now convinced that, to adequately display this, or any Gingatopia 'logo', I'd need to adopt...
Abscence Really Does Make The Heart Grow Fonder
My return to work yesterday was made much easier by all my colleagues congratulating me on my beautiful baby girl [none of them, I hasten to add, coached to do so in any way!]. I was presented with a lovely...
Perfection Personified
Dr [Mrs] Parker visited Evie again today, and confirmed what we already knew...that Evie is absolutely perfect. I did wonder if it was possible to get an NHS certificate to prove the fact, but was too shy to ask the...
Our Little Flower
In attempt to reduce the bandwidth used by the site, I've uploaded this image to be viewed - initially - as a thumbnail, but treat yourself...it's a beaudee (of course it's a beaudee, it's of my daughter Evie!). Today, Evie...
The Judges Descend
In celebration of John, Ashley, Samuel Judge and Sarah’s (aka The Judges’) first visit, Evelyn decided that she would wear another ‘going-out’ outfit. Evelyn would like to give many thanks to Nichola and Suzanne for this gorgeous Next ensemble, a...
A Very Popular Little Girl
On the Gingatopia catwalk today, we have the beautiful Evelyn in a delightful Jasper Conran number, courtesy of Mr and Mrs Drury. Just for our convenience, it’s rare that we’ve dressed Evie in anything other than her babygrows, so it’s...
Another First
Today saw Evelyn's first supermarket shopping trip. Evie proved VERY popular amongst the [female] staff and, in particular, one very friendly old lady customer. And...would you credit it(?); for at least twenty minutes during our shop, Dad was left to...
More Visitors
Nana Bananas(?) and Aunty Sammy are visiting Evelyn today...which has taken the heat off me long enough this morning to come upstairs and update the site...phew! Unfortunately, I can't sit about all day as I've offered to take them back...
It's Official
The one week anniversary of Evie's birth makes it official...EVELYN ANNIS WEBSTER was registered today at the Registry Office...er...and I've got the certificate to prove it! Typically, during the registration, Jilly had to take Evelyn to the 'Mother-and-Baby Room' for...
Weekend Up-Date...
How deliciously cute is our daughter? Just like her dad [hurrah!] Evelyn seems to be happiest when she is eating, and this seems to be the case 24 hours a day. Consequently, Jilly and I [but especially Jilly] have been...
My Liddle Beaudee...
Jilly and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the world to the newest inhabitant of Gingatopia, our beautiful new daughter, Evelyn....
MORE VISITORS...
Nana and Grandpa Annis visited their newest grand-daughter last night and, I believe, they were very impressed with her obvious intelligence, devastating good looks and positively charming personality. Many photographs were taken [only a very few by me, I might...
NIGHT NIGHT...
Evelyn has now spent the second of two nights at home. Her first night was notable for its lack of events. Not surprisingly, we were all a little tired and went to bed at about 23:00. Jilly fed Evie at...
ABSOLUTELY UNCONDITIONAL...
We've all heard it said a million times, but - it's clear to me now - and you can't know how true it is until you have a child yourself. I am absolutely besotted by my beautiful new daughter, little...
ONCE MORE INTO THE BREACH, DEAR FRIENDS...
Today’s midwife – Catherine – was very friendly when we arrived and immediately put Jilly on the Foetal Monitor after listening to baby’s heartbeat with the ear trumpet-ma-jigger. Catherine didn’t give Jilly and internal examination to reduce the risk of...
THE MORNING AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE (ii)
We’re going to the DS again. Jilly is very uncomfortable now, and – ultimately - the DS means PAIN RELIEF! Julie rang to see how things are going, and to organise her visit today before she jets off to Thailand...
THE MORNING AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE (i)
While Jilly has been awake all night with increasingly painful contractions, I’ve managed to sleep for a few hours during the night. Jilly ate half a bowl of cereal and then came back up to bed at 07:30, when I...
WHAT TIME DO YOU CALL THIS THEN?
Jilly’s contractions continued from this evening until they became so severe, and were coming so often, that, by 01:30, we decided to go back into the Delivery Suite. Again, the midwife – Kirsty – was very supportive and examined Jilly...
THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS...
Well, the midwife at the hospital was really good. She checked Jilly's pulse (which was a little fast) and the baby's (which was fine...the liddle beaudee!). After about one hour, Jilly's pulse had slowed down, and the midwife said it...
KER-SPLOOSH!
Blimey! Jilly's waters have just gone [16:58]. She's phoned the hospital, who have asked that she goes in for them to monitor 'Junior'. So...while Jilly's gone up to the bathroom... I've set about updating 'Gingatopia'. So we're all off to...
EDC+1
Kids today...who'd 'ave 'em, eh? Only the other day, Jilly and I threatened to ground Kieran for a week as a result of him coming home THREE MINUTES later than he was told to for his dinner. Already, 'Junior' is...
FALSE ALARM - Def Con 2
Aaaaaahhhhh! Bloody Hell... Do all expectant parents go through this sort of thing? As I was about to leave work last night, I RXd a text message from Jilly which read, "R U on ur way home baby? Don't panic...
JILLY - 28 Apr 2004
hello...
TESTING - thumbnails and pop-ups
Click for bigness...
TESTING - photographs
Quality pic above?...