very little to report...

.. this week from the Duthies. I wrote an article every day this week, probably more than I have ever written. Surprisingly, for me, I am finding my writing confidence has returned in spades. Those that know me will recall that, despite a 20 odd year career in journalism, it is the actual writing that has always left me feeling that I have no place in this industry. This in spite of years of successful columns and published stories. I always feel my gift is as the editor of others. My new job allows me to receive daily compliments on my work which has been hugely satisfying.

Scarlett received her second Headteacher's Award on Friday, which thrilled her to bits, as did the fact that her best friend from school (also called Scarlett) was coming for lunch today, alongwith  her parents and younger sister.  Unfortunately, the Duthies awoke this morning to the high-pitched screaming of Florence, who was in agony with an earache. Flo, as you know, is usually the most pleasant and happy of children, so I was taxed indeed to have to witness her pain and my inability to comfort her. We were at the GPs' surgery at 8am, me mindful of the fact that his perscription would have little effect on her pain for at least 24 hours. I had to give her a piggyback home, so excruciating was her pain. She slept fitfully on and off for an hour or so before delivering an astonishing display of vomiting not seen since The Exorcist was in full dress rehearsal and the director decided it was too much. My poor lamb spent the rest of the day between vomiting and sleeping, sipping water and vomiting, nibbling on a custard cream and vomiting, until 5pm when she emerged, butterfly-like, from her sick-bed chrysalis, as is nothing had ever happened. Aren't viruses weird like that? Anyhoo, no photos as a result. I was too nervous to produce the camera, in case Flo vomited over it.
We REALLY need both kids to be well tomorrow. Our plan for the day is to drop them off at school before rushing to our friend Tina's house ( she has Sky) to watch the Oscars, recorded overnight. Of particular interest to us is our friend Brett (Scarlett's Godfather) who is actually going to be there as PR to one of the designers who has dressed a certain movie star. All very hush hush.