Today we said goodbye to our beautiful Molly.
We always described her as our first child—a wonderful family dog, a loyal companion, and a constant source of love and joy.
From playful moments to quiet cuddles, she filled our home with boundless warmth and happiness. She’s been such a presence in our home, and forever a part of our family.
Run free, Molly. You were so loved. 🐾💔
We love you Eloise, and are so proud of who you are and all you do. Whether it’s through your passion for art and theatre, the way your laugh lights up a room, or your love for your friends, you make the world better with everything you do and everywhere you go. Our lives were wonderfully changed from the moment you first arrived—and have been every day since. You are amazing. Never stop being you!
I never watched the first two series of Traitors, but our whole family are watching this third series. It’s so good! Such gripping, compelling television.
Fun day out in London yesterday seeing Oliver the Musical and then ice skating at Somerset House.
I’ve watched surprisingly little TV this Christmas. Lots to catch up on when we’re home tomorrow!
Been on the road since Christmas Eve, but having a lovely time seeing family in Leicestershire, Chelmsford, Surrey, and Oxford. One thing I’ve very much not been enjoying is the traffic! So many cars on the roads. Hope everyone has been having a nice few days, whatever it’s looked like for you.
Parenting getting more and more stressful.
Camilla Cavendish, columnist at the Financial Times, reports on the growing isolation and stress experienced by parents.
Even with the amount of time parents spend with their kids increasing, there are downsides to this. The rise of one-to-one time with children is coinciding with a decline in the play date and parenting alongside friends. Hence the growing feelings of isolation.
Cavendish concludes:
When you’re already feeling stressed, being told not to pass your anxieties on to your children feels counterproductive: a recipe for piling on the pressure. But challenging society to support parents, and reduce isolation, is right. As the UK Covid-19 inquiry began its hearings this week on the impact of the pandemic on children, there will be much evidence about the traumatic impact of lockdowns on young people. But someone also needs to ask how parents are faring. We know that time spent with friends, which fell precipitously in lockdowns, has not recovered as robustly for parents as for non-parents. A big question is why.
[ft.com]
My daughter and I watched ‘Beetlejuice’ tonight. I had never heard of this movie until a few months ago! She’s been super excited about the new ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ movie coming out in September though, mostly because Jenna Ortega is in it. So, we decided to watch the original tonight to get in the mood for the new one. I enjoyed it! It was weird, wacky, and wonderful – very Tim Burton!
Day three in London was the official reason for heading here this summer.
Our two daughters were desperate to see Taylor Swift and sadly (for the state of my bank balance), we managed to get tickets!
But what an experience.
It was an amazing night. The crowd was incredible. Truth told, I felt like a fraud. Seemed like I was the only one who didn’t know every single lyric to every single song!
As the above paragraph will have confirmed, I wouldn’t describe myself as a Swiftie. But there was something special about being in the crowd amongst them. There was such joy! It was wonderful to see. Not a night I’ll be forgetting any time soon.
(My girls enjoyed it too!)
Day two of our family mini-break in London was all about a visit to Regent’s Park outdoor theatre. The venue is stunning!
We were there to see Fiddler on the Roof.
This is one of those productions I feel like I should know about. But, in truth, I knew nothing.
It is a great story and truly moving. The staging was brilliant, and a strong cast too.
Despite a little bit of rain, it was a fabulous evening.
On a mini-break to London with the family. Went to see HADESTOWN this afternoon. It was incredible!
Great music. Amazing cast. One to see if you haven’t already.
Felt lucky to experience the performances by Dónal Finn and Grace Hodgett Young. Outstanding.
