Christmas, Cars and Butterflies

I had my first challenge about Christmas on Monday morning at school. The annual Christmas staff night out........and a child waiting on an immediate reply as I was the last person to respond. I scanned the note. The Witches of Eastwick at the Playhouse in Edinburgh followed by a meal at a very nice Italian across the road. I quickly calculated at least 45 quid by the time I added train and drinks. Yes I need to spend time with colleagues and celebrate work well done, at times with many battles. No I cannot justify that amount of money. What to do when the child with the note is obviously not leaving without an answer. I ticked "No" and added "Sorry". And now with the decision made I am having to think it thru.

Our old car had it's MOT test today. (ie is it road worthy?). This has caused us some angst. At what point do you replace a car which would mean a loan which would not be ideal? I would love a new car but have to admit that some of that is total pride at driving round in a beat up one. However I discovered last week that beat up cars given a good wash look so much better. And Terry from the garage has just called to say that the car has a year left in it yet. Passed the Mot!! I might even give it a polish!

Our butterflies have been a lovely addition to our house but it is just not where they are meant to be and this morning was dryish so it was time................. . With a very tearful little girl we took them into the garden and opened the top. They did not move at all. I had a sneaky suspicion that maybe they were all dead. Later on this morning I was in the garden with our littler boy and two of our butterflies were fluttering around. We were both very excited!! Here's hoping they may remain for our little girl coming home for her lunch.