What a day! From start to finish it has been nothing but drama. Well, drama in my book....
It has been raining for days. Feels more like weeks, but has really only been few days. Today, it DOWN POURED all day and the wind was blowing sideways. Umbrellas were abandoned on the street and in garbage cans, taxis were impossible to find and people were gathered in large groups under awnings and overhangs or where ever they could find a break from the rain. I haven't experienced rain like this since living in Chicago.
Of course, this in one of the days we have to go out and have to be somewhere at a specific time. Today, we had a vet appointment for Manzie at 10:00 am at the University of Sydney Vet School which is about 15 minutes by taxi or a bit longer by bus. I geared up the boys in raincoats and boots, shoved Manzie in our small, travel crate (necessary for all taxi rides) and headed out the door. I was, of course, already late because I had the time wrong, but I figured I will just grab a taxi out front and be on our way. HA! We got down to the lobby and looked out side and it was raining so hard it was like being in the shower. We waited out front for a taxi for about 10 minutes, but had no luck. We did, however, have a very nice gentleman stand with us for a bit of that wait and hold his umbrella over the boys. How kind! We decided to relocate to a different street to see if we had better luck with a taxi. We waited and waited and waited and taxi after taxi after taxi passed us by. One stopped, but told me he wouldn't take Tucker because he was under 3 and needed a car seat- baloney! The law is under 2 has to have a car seat. Then another kind lady came and shielded the boys with her umbrella for a bit before she had to take off to get her own ride. Finally, a taxi stopped. I asked the driver is he was okay with the dog in the crate and the driver actually had the nerve to ask me to put Manzie IN THE TRUNK! Not the way back of a station wagon or mini-van, but in the trunk of a 4 door taxi. I said, no and insisted on the ride anyway. I was done being patient and nice. The driver was a little crabby and made some comments under his breath, but I prevailed and we made it to the vet very soggy, but safe.
Once there the staff was so understanding as to why were late. The receptionist agreed with me that the driver was crazy to ask such a thing. We sat down to wait for our appointment and to calm down a bit from drama of getting there.
The doctors there are so wonderful. They are thorough, knowledgable and kind. After our discussion of what the doctors thought should be done, I asked for a quote for the care they suggested (Thank you, Dr. Kate for your advice). They very calmly came back with a quote of $635. YIKES! I very kindly replied, "Ok, so where can we make some cuts?" After a bit of a discussion, I managed to talk them down to $165. Phew! Even with that, I still have to give Manzie her injections at home and collect a urine sample from her. That should be hilarious. Will I take the soup ladle approach or the Chinese Take-Out container approach. Ah, you will have to wait and read more later.
Thankfully, on the way back, we got a nice taxi driver who had no problem with the dog. He did put her in the back SEAT, but that was fine. He was friendly and we chatted a bit on the way home.
I have not been that happy to be home in quite some time. We were all soaked from head to toe, Tucker had passed out in the pram (imagine that) and the air-conditioning was on in the apartment. I carefully changed Tucker's clothes and put him to bed. Coop and I changed into dry clothes as well and then snuggled up on the couch with a tv show so that we could warm up.
I have to say that I completely agree with Tucker when he starts to sing, "Rain, rain go away..."
Friday, July 22, 2011
Rain, Rain Go AWAY! Far away!
What a day! From start to finish it has been nothing but drama. Well, drama in my book....
It has been raining for days. Feels more like weeks, but has really only been few days. Today, it DOWN POURED all day and the wind was blowing sideways. Umbrellas were abandoned on the street and in garbage cans, taxis were impossible to find and people were gathered in large groups under awnings and overhangs or where ever they could find a break from the rain. I haven't experienced rain like this since living in Chicago.
Of course, this in one of the days we have to go out and have to be somewhere at a specific time. Today, we had a vet appointment for Manzie at 10:00 am at the University of Sydney Vet School which is about 15 minutes by taxi or a bit longer by bus. I geared up the boys in raincoats and boots, shoved Manzie in our small, travel crate (necessary for all taxi rides) and headed out the door. I was, of course, already late because I had the time wrong, but I figured I will just grab a taxi out front and be on our way. HA! We got down to the lobby and looked out side and it was raining so hard it was like being in the shower. We waited out front for a taxi for about 10 minutes, but had no luck. We did, however, have a very nice gentleman stand with us for a bit of that wait and hold his umbrella over the boys. How kind! We decided to relocate to a different street to see if we had better luck with a taxi. We waited and waited and waited and taxi after taxi after taxi passed us by. One stopped, but told me he wouldn't take Tucker because he was under 3 and needed a car seat- baloney! The law is under 2 has to have a car seat. Then another kind lady came and shielded the boys with her umbrella for a bit before she had to take off to get her own ride. Finally, a taxi stopped. I asked the driver is he was okay with the dog in the crate and the driver actually had the nerve to ask me to put Manzie IN THE TRUNK! Not the way back of a station wagon or mini-van, but in the trunk of a 4 door taxi. I said, no and insisted on the ride anyway. I was done being patient and nice. The driver was a little crabby and made some comments under his breath, but I prevailed and we made it to the vet very soggy, but safe.
Once there the staff was so understanding as to why were late. The receptionist agreed with me that the driver was crazy to ask such a thing. We sat down to wait for our appointment and to calm down a bit from drama of getting there.
The doctors there are so wonderful. They are thorough, knowledgable and kind. After our discussion of what the doctors thought should be done, I asked for a quote for the care they suggested (Thank you, Dr. Kate for your advice). They very calmly came back with a quote of $635. YIKES! I very kindly replied, "Ok, so where can we make some cuts?" After a bit of a discussion, I managed to talk them down to $165. Phew! Even with that, I still have to give Manzie her injections at home and collect a urine sample from her. That should be hilarious. Will I take the soup ladle approach or the Chinese Take-Out container approach. Ah, you will have to wait and read more later.
Thankfully, on the way back, we got a nice taxi driver who had no problem with the dog. He did put her in the back SEAT, but that was fine. He was friendly and we chatted a bit on the way home.
I have not been that happy to be home in quite some time. We were all soaked from head to toe, Tucker had passed out in the pram (imagine that) and the air-conditioning was on in the apartment. I carefully changed Tucker's clothes and put him to bed. Coop and I changed into dry clothes as well and then snuggled up on the couch with a tv show so that we could warm up.
I have to say that I completely agree with Tucker when he starts to sing, "Rain, rain go away..."
It has been raining for days. Feels more like weeks, but has really only been few days. Today, it DOWN POURED all day and the wind was blowing sideways. Umbrellas were abandoned on the street and in garbage cans, taxis were impossible to find and people were gathered in large groups under awnings and overhangs or where ever they could find a break from the rain. I haven't experienced rain like this since living in Chicago.
Of course, this in one of the days we have to go out and have to be somewhere at a specific time. Today, we had a vet appointment for Manzie at 10:00 am at the University of Sydney Vet School which is about 15 minutes by taxi or a bit longer by bus. I geared up the boys in raincoats and boots, shoved Manzie in our small, travel crate (necessary for all taxi rides) and headed out the door. I was, of course, already late because I had the time wrong, but I figured I will just grab a taxi out front and be on our way. HA! We got down to the lobby and looked out side and it was raining so hard it was like being in the shower. We waited out front for a taxi for about 10 minutes, but had no luck. We did, however, have a very nice gentleman stand with us for a bit of that wait and hold his umbrella over the boys. How kind! We decided to relocate to a different street to see if we had better luck with a taxi. We waited and waited and waited and taxi after taxi after taxi passed us by. One stopped, but told me he wouldn't take Tucker because he was under 3 and needed a car seat- baloney! The law is under 2 has to have a car seat. Then another kind lady came and shielded the boys with her umbrella for a bit before she had to take off to get her own ride. Finally, a taxi stopped. I asked the driver is he was okay with the dog in the crate and the driver actually had the nerve to ask me to put Manzie IN THE TRUNK! Not the way back of a station wagon or mini-van, but in the trunk of a 4 door taxi. I said, no and insisted on the ride anyway. I was done being patient and nice. The driver was a little crabby and made some comments under his breath, but I prevailed and we made it to the vet very soggy, but safe.
Once there the staff was so understanding as to why were late. The receptionist agreed with me that the driver was crazy to ask such a thing. We sat down to wait for our appointment and to calm down a bit from drama of getting there.
The doctors there are so wonderful. They are thorough, knowledgable and kind. After our discussion of what the doctors thought should be done, I asked for a quote for the care they suggested (Thank you, Dr. Kate for your advice). They very calmly came back with a quote of $635. YIKES! I very kindly replied, "Ok, so where can we make some cuts?" After a bit of a discussion, I managed to talk them down to $165. Phew! Even with that, I still have to give Manzie her injections at home and collect a urine sample from her. That should be hilarious. Will I take the soup ladle approach or the Chinese Take-Out container approach. Ah, you will have to wait and read more later.
Thankfully, on the way back, we got a nice taxi driver who had no problem with the dog. He did put her in the back SEAT, but that was fine. He was friendly and we chatted a bit on the way home.
I have not been that happy to be home in quite some time. We were all soaked from head to toe, Tucker had passed out in the pram (imagine that) and the air-conditioning was on in the apartment. I carefully changed Tucker's clothes and put him to bed. Coop and I changed into dry clothes as well and then snuggled up on the couch with a tv show so that we could warm up.
I have to say that I completely agree with Tucker when he starts to sing, "Rain, rain go away..."
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Thai, Wigs, Rain and Trains
The kids now officially love Thai food. I am so excited. It took a few months to get them both on board, but now they are sailing right along! Cooper likes the appetizer dishes- prawn toast, prawn fritters, chicken and, of course, rice. Tucker loves curry! Go Tucker! So far he has enjoyed both green and red. He LOVE, LOVE, LOVES rice and we have finally gotten him to eat the prawn toast too. It is so nice to actually all eat the same meal that has nothing to do with salami or tuna (Coop's choices these days).
I think I have said this before, but we go to the same Thai restaurant every time and have gotten to know many of the waitresses there. There is one waitress in particular, Sai, who is in love with Cooper and he feels the same. He insists on stopping by to say hello each time we pass by and yesterday while waiting for our meal, he told her he loves her. So precious! I tried to find out if she babysits, but her English isn't great and she didn't understand. Oh, well. I tried.
Oh, I had to take this picture. I know this is not a big deal, but did you know the judges here wear wigs?? Yes, I know they do it in England too and that our forefathers did the same, but it seems so strange this day in age and it makes me chuckle every time I see it. I have been trying to get a picture of a judge in a wig for a while and finally got one today. Hee!
We made our bi-monthly pilgrimage to Bondi Junction (about 20 minutes by bus or train) today. We have to go there to buy our dog food and wee wee pads. TMI? :) It is the easiest place to get to and really the only place within a reasonable distance that carries what we need.
Anyway, we started off in the pouring rain all dressed up in our rain gear- thank you PNW. All the while, Tuck is singing (in Tucker language) "Rain, rain, go away..." We got to the bus stop (a bit soggy) and somehow managed to get on the longest, windiest bus ride to Bondi Junction available. I think Cooper was about to be bus sick by the time we got off. I wasn't feeling too good either. We headed first to the mall to look at shoes for Cooper. Do you know the MINIMUM cost of a decent pair of shoes is $69.95?? That is if you want a sole on the shoe. Crazy, skipped that. We stopped by Target to get Coop some new socks (had none) and noticed that they were having a HUGE toy sale and there were huge crowds lined up to buy them. It must be something like Christmas in July here. The prices were still, in my opinion, way too high. Cooper wanted Hungry, Hungry Hippo so badly, but it was $30 on sale. I told him no. He was not a happy camper. We headed back out in the rain picked up our dog items and then back in the rain. Our final stop was KMART. Ahhh, a place where they have what you need at a price that doesn't break the bank. We got Coop some socks, a shirt and a pair of pants. Feels good to get stuff accomplished. So, it was back in the rain, again, and to the train this time. I unleashed Tucker from his stroller for this ride- which I never do- he was so happy. He just stood there holding the pole and looking so proud of himself. Cooper took the opportunity to read him the map. Tucker now knows what a map is. That is cool.
So, now because we aren't soggy enough, Cooper is playing with water and eye droppers (thank you Teacher Anne) and having a blast. Tucker will be napping a bit longer. I am enjoying a few minutes to myself.
Hoping for some sunshine tomorrow so we can go to the park and play.
Thai, Wigs, Rain and Trains
The kids now officially love Thai food. I am so excited. It took a few months to get them both on board, but now they are sailing right along! Cooper likes the appetizer dishes- prawn toast, prawn fritters, chicken and, of course, rice. Tucker loves curry! Go Tucker! So far he has enjoyed both green and red. He LOVE, LOVE, LOVES rice and we have finally gotten him to eat the prawn toast too. It is so nice to actually all eat the same meal that has nothing to do with salami or tuna (Coop's choices these days).
I think I have said this before, but we go to the same Thai restaurant every time and have gotten to know many of the waitresses there. There is one waitress in particular, Sai, who is in love with Cooper and he feels the same. He insists on stopping by to say hello each time we pass by and yesterday while waiting for our meal, he told her he loves her. So precious! I tried to find out if she babysits, but her English isn't great and she didn't understand. Oh, well. I tried.
Oh, I had to take this picture. I know this is not a big deal, but did you know the judges here wear wigs?? Yes, I know they do it in England too and that our forefathers did the same, but it seems so strange this day in age and it makes me chuckle every time I see it. I have been trying to get a picture of a judge in a wig for a while and finally got one today. Hee!
We made our bi-monthly pilgrimage to Bondi Junction (about 20 minutes by bus or train) today. We have to go there to buy our dog food and wee wee pads. TMI? :) It is the easiest place to get to and really the only place within a reasonable distance that carries what we need.
Anyway, we started off in the pouring rain all dressed up in our rain gear- thank you PNW. All the while, Tuck is singing (in Tucker language) "Rain, rain, go away..." We got to the bus stop (a bit soggy) and somehow managed to get on the longest, windiest bus ride to Bondi Junction available. I think Cooper was about to be bus sick by the time we got off. I wasn't feeling too good either. We headed first to the mall to look at shoes for Cooper. Do you know the MINIMUM cost of a decent pair of shoes is $69.95?? That is if you want a sole on the shoe. Crazy, skipped that. We stopped by Target to get Coop some new socks (had none) and noticed that they were having a HUGE toy sale and there were huge crowds lined up to buy them. It must be something like Christmas in July here. The prices were still, in my opinion, way too high. Cooper wanted Hungry, Hungry Hippo so badly, but it was $30 on sale. I told him no. He was not a happy camper. We headed back out in the rain picked up our dog items and then back in the rain. Our final stop was KMART. Ahhh, a place where they have what you need at a price that doesn't break the bank. We got Coop some socks, a shirt and a pair of pants. Feels good to get stuff accomplished. So, it was back in the rain, again, and to the train this time. I unleashed Tucker from his stroller for this ride- which I never do- he was so happy. He just stood there holding the pole and looking so proud of himself. Cooper took the opportunity to read him the map. Tucker now knows what a map is. That is cool.
So, now because we aren't soggy enough, Cooper is playing with water and eye droppers (thank you Teacher Anne) and having a blast. Tucker will be napping a bit longer. I am enjoying a few minutes to myself.
Hoping for some sunshine tomorrow so we can go to the park and play.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Tucker's birthday was a great success! Yesterday Cooper and I made a train cake for the big day. Making a cake by yourself is a whole different experience than making one with a four year old who is more interested in tasting than anything else. The cake resembled a train engine. That is all I will say. :)
 |
| Coop helping ice the cake |
We woke up this morning, had breakfast and then Tucker opened some of his gifts. We went light on the presents this year. He got 2 Brio trains for our wooden train set. He was thrilled. Thankfully at this age they do not know any better! I love watching them play. The way their whole body gets involved in the play- their little feet move and they get all the way down to floor level- so awesome!
After our morning celebration, we headed to Cooper's first swim lesson at the local Y. He was in a group of 4 kids all of whom are about at the same level, but the others have been in lessons before. Coop had a great time and already has learned a lot. Poor Tucker had to watch the lesson strapped into his stroller. Happy Birthday to him!
After the lessons I set Tucker free. We went into the recreational pool and the boys swam for about 40 minutes or so.
Then tonight we had dinner as a family and had the cake for dessert. Coop was super excited to help Tucker blow out the candles. The boys loved the cake. Tucker mostly just ate the m&ms off of it.
It was a good day over all. Still cannot believe my baby is 2....
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