Caution! May Contain Nuts!

 

It has been quite a eventful twenty four hours!

Last night Teen One and I were munching on some nuts Grandma had left for us.

Teen Two has never like the texture of nuts, but has been exposed to them in various ways...chocolate spread, Daim Bars, Toblerone, where the texture  is crunchy as opposed to nutty.

He even braved it the other week to try some cashew nut in a Chinese dish.

So yesterday as we were munching on the nuts and watching a cookery programme where cashew nuts were being used, Teen Two mentioned he liked them and maybe he might like other nuts now.

So, one by one I offered him a nut from the jar...all went well...he definitely likes the cashew nuts, the almonds and the hazelnut, was ok with the brazil but, but when it came to the pecan nut, he clasped his throat and said "its stinging!!"

He went for a drink and had what he called an unquenchable thirst.

Of course I was immediately on my guard, looking out for any worsening of his reaction, fearing it might be anaphylaxis shock.

Thankfully, aside from the thirst he seemed ok.

When he went to bed he had a bit of a tummy ache, but he had drank a lot, and he was feeling hot, but didn't have a temperature.

I went to bed feeling a little anxious, but it was obviously not a major reaction, so I hoped he would wake up fine in the morning.

I awoke around 12.30am to hear him talking to Hubby about a rash, when I looked I could see his face was scarlet, as were his hands.

His back was a mass of hives and his legs were going the same way fast.

We immediately called NHS helpline 111 who told us that as he was breathing normally it was not an emergency but they felt he needed to see a Doctor straight away.

Within half an hour the doctor rang and having heard the symptoms said it was obviously an allergic reaction to the pecan and to give him antihistamine.

She said to keep an eye on him for worsening symptoms and see our own Doctor in the morning.

I spent the night going in every half hour to make sure he was breathing...it was like having a newborn!

Thankfully the antihistamine did the job and he was fine in the morning.

We had a call from the Doctor (eventually!) who said he needs to be referred to see if he is allergic to anything else ( very likely) and to have an Epipen for emergencies.

He is to avoid anything remotely nut related  (no chocolate spread!) and if he has the hives or any reaction again we are to take him straight to A&E.

We have an appointment with the Doctor on Monday for advise and the referral.

 

 

 

 

So, it has been a rather surreal kind of 24hrs, this is the first episode like this he has ever had and I am now thinking about everything we have in the food cupboards, and risk assessing in my head every where he goes where he is likely to come into contact with something that might cause another reaction.

Hopefully once he has been tested we can feel more reassured.

As far as he is concerned we are of course keeping it low key, but he isn't stupid and he knows the epipen is there to save his life should it be needed.

 

 

By mid morning he was back to college and Teen One and I were able to go into town as planned...albeit it with a rather heavy heart.

We bagged ourselves some bargains.

This book was in WHSmith for £14.99, reduced to £2.

I bought all they had (5) for next Christmas Friday Club pressies ( am determined to be organised!)

 

 

Its a really thick heavy book, and inside is full of crafts, colouring, activities etc around British celebration days.

I might keep one back for a friends granddaughter, its just the sort of thing they would love ( only thing is she is only 18mths old...will I remember where it is in a couple of years time!)

 

 

This lovely (thick) book was a bargain in The Works, I would have bought more but it was the only one.

I have bought it previously at £5 so was pleased with the price...not only that, when I went to pay I had £5 on my loyalty card so it was free!

 

 

Accessorize had a sale on and I bagged these little gifts to take to my cousins girls in Australia...all half price.

 

 

Teen One took back an unwanted gift and was surprised ( as was I!) to get £35 for the item!

I am sure there must be a mistake, her aunt never spends that much, however we were credited with the money and Teen One saw these suede boots half price for £24, which is much more her thing than the original gift.

 

 

She also spent some of her Christmas money on a new Pandora charm,

"White Primrose Meadow"

 

 

We popped into Tesco where they had lots of festive items reduced to giveaway prices.

I resisted the tubs of sweets and shortbread for £1.50, but did buy these for 25p

 

 

 

They also had Teen Two's favourite veg at rock bottom prices...so I bought 4 bags and will freeze most of them...or maybe make some soup.

 

 

 

These rhubarb and custard lanterns were more of a steal than I had expected...they were priced up at 25p for two but when I went to pay for everything, there was a major problem with the till, so everything had to be scanned twice, and as the cashier couldn't get the barcode to read on the scanner, she said I could have them for free!

 

 

Over a cup of tea and that naughty rhubarb pastry, I caught my breath after a hectic morning and did some knitting.....mistake!

I have used this pattern many times to make socks....know it more or less off by heart ( which is probably the cause of my problems!) and yet this sock has been unpicked four times!!

I have made no progress with it since this time last week!

I think I have become too blasé and not paying enough attention....however last night I spent ages unpicking and paying a lot of attention, so am infuriated with myself for putting the shaping in the wrong place!!

I will have to be in the right mood to pull it out yet again...I will study my mistake thoroughly to see where I have gone wrong and make sure I don't do it again!

 

 

This afternoon I made a carrot cake for a friend....her annual Christmas present.

A bit late I know, but better late than never!

 

 

I then made some fresh playdough for tomorrow's Parent and Toddler's.

 

 

 

 

I even had the inclination to clear the kitchen dresser of a pile of paperwork, leaving the  work top clear for what will probably be a very short time!

 

Despite the fairly productive afternoon, I fell at the last hurdle....managing to let the veggie pan boil dry, meaning the steamed potatoes and broccoli had a rather unpleasant burned taste!

 

I am now building myself up to unpicking that knitting again!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just The Thing For A Cold Winter's Night!

 

 

This morning was not the best of starts to the day, but thankfully it did not set the tone for the rest of the day!

I thought in my slumbering I heard the sounds of one of the cats being sick...well I should have taken more notice of it, because when I put my foot out of the bed to cool down (midlife and all that!) I felt a very unpleasant cold wet patch on the quilt!

I won't say anymore on the subject other than to say I had not planned to strip the entire bed, wash ( and bleach!) the corner of the duvet and scrub the mattress at 7.30am!

 

Today, being Tuesday, was actually a "Monday" for me, doing all my usual Monday visits and chores instead of on the Bank Holiday yesterday.

Hubby of course was back at work, so no doubt the 5.30am wakening to the alarm came as a bit of a shock.

Teen Two and I visited my Recycled Teenager as usual and then we all went to Morrisons.

I managed to bag five Christmas bargains, from £5 down to 25p.

Now I am hoping it won't be considered "tat" this time next year, family members will be pleased to know it will fit inside a shoebox (our criteria for next Christmas) and should it not be to their liking, well for 25p they can put it in the new year charity bag with a clear conscience!

Personally I rather like it and will keep one for myself...even though Grandma Local is bound to roll her eyes and say "over the top!"

 

 

After lunch Teen Two went round to give Grandma a game of Rummikub.....

 

 

 

...Teen One made the most of her freedom and did some sketching...

 

 

 

...as for me...well I was really itching to sit down and do some knitting ( the sock fest has not worn off yet!) but instead I cracked on with what seems like an endless pile of laundry....most of it needed putting away, but with it being such a cold day, the bed linen I had put on the line earlier, in the vain hope it might dry just a little, all needed to go into the tumble dryer, which has been a non stop job most of the afternoon...however I am very grateful to have one and also the money to pay the bill!

 

 

 

I was extoling the virtues of "damp traps" over the holidays.

I now have at least one in most rooms and the last time I replaced them I had the forethought to date the new ones.

This one as you can see is over half full....

 

 

...and as you can see it has taken just two months to collect that much.

I bought some for the old church hall where we have Mother and Toddlers.
I have one at each window ( six) and they fill up pretty quick, it has reduced, well, practically removed, the heavy condensation we used to be greeted with each week.

I don't know how they work, but they are very cheap and effective ( two for £1 in Poundland)

and will save all kinds of damp problems and mildew as a result.

Grandma in Devon is trialling one out in her new oven, which is not working, according to the engineer it is because it hasn't been used for a while and will take some time to dry out...I hope this hurrys up the process...good job she has two ovens ( and two kitchens come to that!)

 

 

 

The house is now looking very dull everywhere, with all the decorations gone...but the fireplace still hides some festive treats...Grandma brought round some chestnuts yesterday!

Maybe with our hot chocolate treats from FQ2FF we can sit round the fireplace tonight and roast them, just the thing for a cold winter's night.

 

 

 

 

Teen One made hers up last night...and very delicious it smelt too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Packing Away Christmas

 

 

After a good night's sleep, I woke early, bright and breezy, and knowing how much laundry was still waiting for me ( despite several loads last night!) I got up soon after 6am....not exactly the lie in I had planned!

Whilst the rest of the household slept, I sorted yesterday's clean washing, put in more, cleared the kitchen, emptied the food bag from the long journey, and generally busied myself without making too much noise.

When it was a more decent hour (7.30am!) I took Hubby a cuppa and some breakfast up to bed.

Of course I also took myself a second cup up, and had a leisurely catch up on the laptop, whilst enjoying the pleasure of not having to clock watch, for the last time in a while.

 

 

The rest of the morning was spent taking down all the decorations, dismantling the tree ( that was novel for us!) and trying to find homes for all the goodies we received.

Teen Two made several trips up to the attic for me, and later in the week I will restack it in our cubby hole up there.

 

 

 

 

One present I didn't have to find a space for, was this amazing piece of work!

As soon as I opened it I knew where I wanted it to go!

It's not polite to have "favourite" presents is it...but who couldn't but appreciate, love and be wowed by this labour of love!

FQ2FF really excelled herself with this delightful project, which for all sorts of reason, was right up my street!

 

 

Not only does it look amazing as it is, there are 11 more "postcards" to be hung on the washing line each month....so this really is a gift that keeps on giving!

Each month I will share with you what the new Scripture verse is.

I hope you are all well and truly jealous and I feel very very grateful and blessed indeed!

 

 

 

Everyone entering our hallway will have the pleasure of seeing this masterpiece!

I will have to watch some of them...they may just try and sneak out of the house with it!

 

 

 

The final festive decorations to come down ( or so I thought!) were the cards.

This amazing card is also a favourite.

Each year one of my cousins makes his own cards, many of which require an engineer to put together ( they are always "flat pack") so this is always Hubby's job.

Just where the inspiration comes from  I have no idea...expect for this year....

 

 

 

...what a brilliant idea!

 

 

Just like last year, we had several chocolate decorations left on the tree ( and I had eaten three before taking this picture!) so I would say the Teens have well and truly outgrown the need to have choccie decs next year don't you think?

 

 

 

 

By late afternoon the Christmas Tree had gone, the carpet hoovered and the side table back out...much to the interest of Crystal

 

 

The only evidence in the dining room that Christmas was just a week ago, was the yet to be devoured, Gingerbread house....

 

 

 

When I went in after dark and turned the lights on, I realised I what I had missed!

 

 

 

Hubby has spent the afternoon repairing the door to the garage.

The bunnies have been trying to reclaim it as their own by chewing their way through the already weakened door frame.

It is true it had needed repairing, a small hole was getting ever bigger...but they took it to another level!

Much more and they would have made a hole big enough to get themselves through.

I barricaded as much as I could, but it was never going to be strong enough...they are tough little bunnies that's for sure.

Anyway, Hubby has got the problem sorted...and of course as soon as they knew he was in the garage, they were there like a shot, desperate to get back in!

 

Dinner tonight was the other half of the Christmas turkey crown, in a casserole.

We just have a truck load of chocolates, a handful of mince pies and even some Christmas pudding to work our way through....maybe Hubby will have to take it in to the office to share out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And So Starts Another New Year...2017

 

I apologise to any regular readers of my humble and sometimes humdrum blog for the lack of posts for a few days.

We have been down in Devon with family, having a wonderful time, away from city life and day to day responsibilities, but no regular internet.

To be honest, after the first day I didn't even try to get on and dare I say I didn't even miss it!

However it is great to be back online, but good to know I can survive without it!

I am getting to grips with my new camera, and sadly most of the photos I took over the last few days have come out blurry, so Hubby is going to have to give me some lessons, which will be like pulling teeth no doubt,  I am not techy savvy and have no desire to be so...I just want to "point and shoot" if I am honest.

For the Teens, the few days away was a chance to indulge in some doggy hugging...with five to choose from there were few times when at least one ( and mostly all or none!) was up for a lap hug.

 

 

Maisy was most certainly Top Dog, but then it is her home

 

 

 

Daisy is the baby and is always up for a game with one of the others

 

 

 

 

 

I had thought this was a picture of Penny....but the Teens assure me it is Daisy ( they can tell by the face and eyes!) I will have to wait for the owners to confirm which pooch this is!

 

 

 

 

Millie the chocolate lab, is eldest and most definitely the quietest...whoever would have thought we would say that!

 

 

 

 

The past few days for me have been a haven of rest....endless knitting, cups of teas, and meals I haven't had to think about preparing for.

 

 

We have been thoroughly spoilt with presents...many handmade...labels too!

We also indulged in some coffee and cake treats and a bit of retail therapy in the sales...

just a little you understand!

 

 

 

 

We are not late stop outs or ups, so last night we went to bed around the usual time....and then was woken by the sound of bells coming from the village church.

It went on for fifteen minutes, prior to midnight and quite possibly afterwards too...but I had fallen asleep again so can't be sure!

Here in a coastal city, we are more used to hearing the sirens of ships blasting off and the sound of revellers out in the street...I preferred the country option...just the sound of bells!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today was going home day.

Packing the car is always a challenge and every year we convince ourselves we will take home less than we brought.....wrong as usual!

 

On our way home we stopped off in Weymouth for Hubby to take one of his "This England" photos.

The weather was not kind, but it is at least another one ticked off the list.

 

 

The first picture was taken from Sandsfoot Castle built by Henry VIII, overlooking Portland.

The second picture was of Portland Bill, but the weather was so atrocious the Teens and I stayed in the car whilst Hubby braved the elements.

 

We finally made it home late afternoon and having filled up the dining room with all that was in the car, we wonder how it ever got in the car in the first place!

We truly are a very blessed family.

Tomorrow is the big clear up...and maybe just the last lie in for a while!