h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

ahhhhhhh you've been practising

The theory is simple. But once you've had no choice but to get it right, it's something you'll remember a long time.

The ultimate test for proper fit, ... A generous measure of zinc-oxide cream on minor bottom-end irritations, wrap the infant in the nappy, and then bounce her on your bare belly for half an hour. The resultant laughter from her will also cause other 'releases'. If the nappy is not snug and proper, the ensuing belly-button full of warm .... well, you imagine it. ANOTHER lesson well learned.

Oh yeah, we all know THAT lesson

And then said little girl remembers it and laughs about it over the years. Until it's her belly-button at risk.

Oh yeah

It really is a bit of a perverse joy, to watch her go through so many things she put US through.

And I bet she uses the same phrases you did and swore she'd never use

Indeed she does. And then bites her tongue.

I know I do

Atleast I can rest assured that I would never tell my baby a smidgeon of what my dear, darling mother told me daily.

I'm equally tight lipped around Alex, it's not easy tho when your mother lives in the same house

I don't think your mother was as cruel and abusive as one I could name. Her daily refrains still frequently echo around in my head.

Fair enough

BTW, I've been meaning to mention something, ... a little something I found for you and Alex. At the check-out counter of our local office supplies store, they frequently have little things to catch the eye. Lapel pins, fridge magnets, what-ever, that have a hint of religious tone to them. Nothing very pushy or obvious.

I was in on the week-end for card-stock and laminating sheets, and saw they had a basket of silver-toned coins. Somewhat larger diameter than your 2-quid coin, each bears an of this or that, some with a gentle written expression as well. Two of these will be accompanying a Christmas card, hopefully before the end of this week.

Awwwwwwwwww thank you

They were sparkly and pretty, and when I saw them, ...It just seemed the thing to do.

I'll look forward to them

Not so much as Canada Post looks forward to me, and this time of the year. I did (just barely) survive the cost of mailing 72 pounds of Christmas prezzies about Canada. Then yesterday I bought a load of cards, ... some Christmas, some birthday, ... 10 in total and all destined for the other side of the Big Pond.

Wow that is quite a stack

I have decided that my calendar, any for 2007, will NOT have a December in them. THAT should make it all better, right?