Days 89-91 - Big Sis in NOTL

[Lisa Blundell]

Days 89-91 - Monday-Wednesday 8-10 March, 2010

Francesca is out of her mind with stress at being surrounded by some very nasty girls in her class. She's overwrought and showing all kinds of signs of anxiety including night terrors, snippiness, short-temperedness. After a big talk all these symptoms evaporated as soon as I suggested she stop going to school for the remainder of the term. Her sweet natured little self came right back - thank God - I thought she was evolving into a pre-teen and it wasn't pretty! The author of 'Living with Princess Bitch-Face' makes a lot of sense.

The teacher and principal have been very good about it and are talking to the students concerned. They're not being mean to Ces, it's just a very toxic environment where they get great joy from the misfortune or the putting down of others. Cesy really doesn't like it at all. It makes her feel very uncomfortable watching other girls get teased and taunted.

So the good news is we've been having a WONDERFUL time together. On Day one of early-March-break we went shopping. She's having a little difficulty with telling the time so we got her a watch and some activity books. And a new outfit - always helpful when feeling a bit flat.

Then the next day we headed off down to see everyone's favourite Canadian Aunty - my big sister Lu Ann.

Lu and Tim were kindly shouting me a pedicure for a birthday treat so we all had a lovely time having our toes done.

Lu's 'After' Shot

It's stunning weather lately - we even had the sun roof open for the drive down.

Then Francesca and I went wandering down the main street of Niagara-on-the-Lake - which is the most picturesque town in all of Canada - and bought everyone presents. The houses in this town are just so pretty. They're like from a Waltons set or something.

We checked in to our divine Inn called The Oban (which Tim help re-build after the big fire). It's a very country cottage type of look complete with floral quilt and mahogany four poster bed.

Then we went back to Lu and Tim's for a delicious salmon and rice dinner and for a visit with darling baby Liam. He is a real sweetie and is a fine, wee little thing, all long and skinny, just like Connor was. Sam and Ryan are rightly smitten with the little guy.

Cesy made dessert

Stupidly I left his gift at home. I got him a teeny weeny pair of Ugg boots. So cute. I'll have to post them.

Then Cesy and I had a luxurious sleep-in in our magnificent feather pillowed bed and met Lu and Tim for breakfast this morning. Another magnificent day of crisp blue skies and glorious sunshine.

Lu and I just can't stop talking a mile a minute. I think Tim's given up even trying to get a word in.

We came back this morning, kicking myself I'd forgotten our passports otherwise we could have popped over the border for a little USA shopping. Note to self; always take passports when visiting Lu.

Back in TO, Ces and I dropped in to see Alice in Wonderland 3D. It is just wonderful and I highly recommend it. Johnny Depp is a genius and it's a real visual treat. Tim Burton is a mastermind.

Lovely week so far and more mummy-daughter time tomorrow. We might even let Ian come.