DesertRose1958

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 12:51

I had a look at DC website and I was quite surprised to see that only one child went on to Oxford. Not all children have the desire to go to Oxbridge. :) Yes but there are many parents who do want them to ( regardless of their ability!) :-P LOLOL - spot on as usual :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 12:46

Every child in the class being invited to every party is a lot of parties for any child to go to - no wonder they can be so blase about them, let alone the parents who can't be bothered to say whether their child will be attending or not. Parties should be something that are really looked forward to, not something that happens because its the done thing to invite people just for the sake of it. I used to get sick with excitement in the build up to going to a party - but crikey the amount my grandchildren go to even bores me.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 22:30

I hope my son is still away on holiday, but if he's back there thankfully it will only be for another few weeks. Stay safe everyone xxxxx

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 21:05

Back where I come from a child would get a school class invite only, I would stop her off a pick her back up, her sister wasnt never invited, not sure why its so different here, unless it was a family birthday then all the children would be there. You must remind yourself where you are ! As you live in a multicultural environment with kids classmate at school named" third generation kids" being sensitive of mix custom /culture is common sense. Where I am from the city is filled with people/children from different cultures, religious backgrounds and beliefs, its not just here we have this. Maybe things have changed since my kids were small. When in Rome Do as the Romans Do Spot on - feed the siblings to the lions and see how many turn up un-invited to the next party. :D

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 19:04

Thanks for this Jowori, was just about to start the same thread because me and my boy will also be in Yorkshire from March. I dont have any idea at all as to what we'll need clothes wise but I am looking forward to wearing my first winter coat for 30 odd years. I bought it in Markies just in case I ever needed it and hey presto - my just in case happened.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 14:54

Thats if 'she' is even a she. Glad they have been blocked! That was my thought, great cover though, nice old lady face , law enforcement on education, lost of links to the bible, all posts on wall bible related. *pass the bucket* No, not neurotic. The following has been widely publicised today - its not the usual DM scaremongering http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1357897/Facebook-***-gang-Parents-16-000-victims-sent-warning-letters-attacks.html <em>edited by DesertRose1958 on 18/02/2011</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 17:53

also disagree Izzy, this is the worst they have seen. I have seen the pics and plenty that have now been blocked. This is not one of their little flare ups. If you use twitter then follow ammar456 he is always in the know. I agree this is worse than the usual flare ups, but I only have the word of my son who works there to be able to say this. I dont however think its the big one just yet.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 19:23

I would always go for the direct flight if possible. We've flown BA a number of times and in general had a fine if unremarkable experience. Im facing the prospect of having to fly BA with my son in the next few weeks due to it being a better connection for him. I'm dreading it even tho we're going first and I'm wondering if anyone knows whats it like. Just what should I be prepared for? And although it doesnt sound like it I am really trying to keep an open mind.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 11:27

In the meantime go to the likes of trip advisor and tell people of your experience. I did it 18 months ago, I went round a few websites and took great delight in doing so. It might not actually get you anywhere but for sure it will make you feel better.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 11:24

My very silly neice had facial implants done in thailand that left he looking like alvin and the chipmunks - all of them!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 11:01

Hi Blimey - what about hiring a helper for the boy? I can't imagine how difficult it would be take on someone else's children, especially if they have Auspergers, I think if your friend positioned it that way with her husband it would be a win-win situation for everyone. Radical, even doing something like hiring a helper for the lad will still mean dad and step mum putting in hours a day on him, and even then you just couldnt bring anyone to help. The person would have to know what they were doing and it costs a fortune, but more importantly the dad and step mum would also have to be well on top of the Aspergers in order to make sure that what needs to be done is done. This isn't something you can just do, you have to want to do it, you have to feel it in your heart and your soul. I don't think the new wife will ever feel it, and I'm not that sure about the dad either given how he went on to a new life without this scenario ever being brought up. Even given the age the lad is he should be making the transition to a young mans life, he needs to be in well supported family or assisted living environment where the people are dedicated to helping him fulfull his potential in a very difficult world. He should be with a devoted parent/parents, and/or professionals who are doing what they are doing because they love it and only have the best will in the world for the people they are helping. He deserves way more than a family environment where he is barely if at all tolerated by at least one of those around him. Someone said no-one was questioning the mothers motives. I am but I dont have her down as a deliberate marriage wrecker. I have her down as a woman who's brought up her son single-handedly and who for a whole host of reasons might have lost sight of reality for a wee while. And lets face it what kind of marriage does the dad and the new step mum have if it can be sunk by even the mention of the boy perhaps coming to live with them?

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 18:05

So many wonderful and spot on replies from lovely ladies batting for a young man on the autistic spectrum. I cant get my head around this situation. The new wife wouldnt have married the dad if she knew this was a possible scenario? I wonder how she'd react if she'd had a child who also had aspergers like his brother? Its come from someplace and if its happened once it can happen again. The boys mum has brought him up single handedly and probably without the amount of services people may think is available to her and her son. And contrary to what people think, that a person who has Aspergers is only a little bit autistic - nothing could be further from the truth. In my mind a person with Aspergers can face more of a challenge in their day to day life than people like my son who are severely autistic. My son and those like him have their feet firmly ensconsed in the world of specials needs and its obvious to everyone, whereas those with aspergers have to battle day to day life as someone with profound special needs living very much in an nt world. It can be a very very hard road to walk. As for mum - why shouldn't she be allowed to try and re-start her career? Maybe she doesnt actually want to, maybe she knows it could affect her son adversely but maybe its something she has to do if only for her financial well being in her old age. I doubt tho its something she'll go ahead with once she's given it more thought, she probably had a few moments of madness when she thought dad and new wife could take over and it would be done nicely and in good spirit. I really do feel for the young lad in this, life is going to be hard enough as it is for him without the burden of his dad and step mum added to the mix. They aren't people he should be expected to put up with and hopefully it won't happen. <em>edited by DesertRose1958 on 15/02/2011</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 05:51

Tiger has been fined by the European Tour for spitting! He also cursed audibly twice, I heard it the second time, he is truly up his own derriere! That latter part will be change then eh?

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 05:48

she has been answering the sleep threads for kids on the spectrum, so she is around. Maybe is avoiding me? That'll make for an awkward visit then! You have mail you donut. But then I thought you had it a few weeks ago also. Its a good job that sandy dogg wants to come and see me as well eh :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 18:34

thanks so much for the information. I find it amazing that a child who is desperate for the body to rest and rejuvinate, cannot sleep more than 3 hours. In the things I have been reading it suggests that if the child can sleep normal hours for a child 8 or more than the symptoms reduce to a manageble level? Did you find that Desertrose? How is your son functioning now? Sue, I don't know if my son not needing to sleep affected his days because I really dont have anything to compare things to. There weren't any days when he slept more than 3 - 4 hours, and quite often not all at once. However now that he is used to gettting a 'good' nights sleep thanks to melatonin its obvious that when he has a disturbed night it an affect him the next day, and that a few disturbed nights in a row can lead to him being seriously at a disadvantage when it comes to him coping with his day. Last night was one of those nights, he was up and down a lot and when I was trying to get him back to sleep I was mentally re-arranging his day just in case. I would have made sure that his day would have been one of low arousal. Stressors would have been kept to a minimum and a lot of sensory work would have been done with him. As it is tho he still wanted to go out for breakfast and to the cinema this afternoon. However since we've been home he's been bouncing away on his sensory ball so he's obviously feeling the need for calming. We're lucky that he can now suss out what it is he needs to be doing to help himself when he's feeling out of sorts, sometimes he lets us know he needs help and other times he just gets on with helping himself. Going now to therapies - different things work for different children and it really does depend on the child as does a 'lets try one thing at a time approach' or a 'lets try lots of things at the same time and see if it helps'. At different times we've adopted different approaches. There really is no rule of thumb. Your nephew is 4 and I think I would be looking to him having a full sensory profile done, access to PECS or the likes, visual prompts and timetabling/scheduling, and a good routine. The wee boy is probably very confused by the world and one way of helping him cope with his day is to make sure he knows what the next half hour or so will involve. A big white board with whats going to happen, accompanied by pictures of what is going to happen can work wonders when it comes to reducing stress in our children. This is one of the reason why children can sit and watch the same video etc over and over again - they need the familiarity and the security of the sameness. It can also be why some of the children will only eat the same food over and over again and why something cooked even 10 seconds longer than usual can cause great upset to the child. It can terrify the wits out of them. One thing tho - if a child spends a lot of time watching videos etc he won't be burning energy and might not be getting tired enough in the day to need a good sleep at night. I would be looking to make sure the wee boy was getting lots of physical activety - but you would need to make sure its of the right kind because if he has sensory issues the wrong activety can make things worse. If for eg we put my son on a treadmill it would drive him potty, however excercising on a rowing machine does only good things for him. We've done the Listening Programme and we think its helped, its not something you just do once tho and you really do need the child to co-operate with you as it involves 20 mins or so of listening to modified classical music (or nature music) through headphones. In answer to how my sons doing - fantastically well. He's severly autistic, lives at the very severe end of the spectrum and he'll always require round the clock care. it doesn stop him tho from living a very happy and productive life, all things considered :) You come across as a lovely lovely lady, every family who has an child on the spectrum should have an aunty like you in their life. I hope some of this has helped you :) I'm inclined to rabbit on a bit when it comes to our children. :D

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 10:42

Sometimes the only thing that stops us from making such drastic choices such as sacking her, is the fact that we bloomin paid an arm and leg for them in sponsorship, doctor and deposit fees. Also the inconvenience of having to train and get to know another stranger all over again. That is why I can sort of understand some trying to ignore it. If you decide to overlook the situation, you need to sit down with her and lay down YOUR RULES!! This will be her last chance, and that next time even it is just a dirham she took, you will call the police...Put some extra rules in place now as she has lost your trust alittle, like searching her room on a weekly basis (which you would normally not do if you trust her), maybe even deduct her salary for her behaviour for this month (hit THEM where it hurts). Just suggestions, on the otherhand also reward her if she is bonafida, does a good job and loyal. Not too much as you will be causing others a high benchmark that soon becomes the expected of homehelp. It can be a very difficult one as you are dealing with relationships in your home environment...not something you can close the door to come 6pm. Also we are all human and allowed to make one mistake. No one is perfect! Tough one..:\: dipika, I always suggest that if a person has to think about the finances of sending a maid home then they shouldn't have had one in the first place. I know its harsh buts its a reality. Why put up with an disturbing influence in your house and your life because you cant afford to repatriate the person, then replace her? As for living in a house with a locked door - no way. If you have to resort to that a repatriation is long overdue. No trust equals no job. <em>edited by DesertRose1958 on 09/02/2011</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 10:28

Piggle, it is soooo simple. Be an employer and you will have an employee. yes, I have to agree with you - it really is as simple as that.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 03:39

Sue, this is the only place I know of. I cant give you any information regarding the effectiveness of what goes on there as I don't know anyone who's used the services of the clinic - everyone I knew would have been too tired to make the journey to the clinic. :) A bit of a sick joke I know but sometimes you just have to laugh ;) http://www.sleepscotland.org/about.php I dont know what else to suggest. Getting our son to need more than 3 hours a night for the first 15 years of his life was never something we were able to manage, we weren't alone in that as parents as a visit to any autism forum will highlight. Autism and the lack of need to sleep - 20 years into my darling boys life and I'm still none the wiser as to the whys of it all. Its as big a mystery to me now as it always was. However my boy does now sleep but only because we give him melatonin. I do know that nowadays parents can take a bio-medical approach to it, and I would imagine if there are sensory issues going on then perhaps weighted blankets might help with things, as would a light box. Apart from that though I really am stumped, its an area where I dont have anything to suggest because I know for sure our son only needed his 3 hours a night. It was/is the way he's made. edited by DesertRose1958 on 09/02/2011 <em>edited by DesertRose1958 on 09/02/2011</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 04 February 2011 - 20:32

You must say something and not hesitate in doing so. If it was all above board the worst you'll feel is silly, and thats Ok. <em>edited by DesertRose1958 on 04/02/2011</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 15:47

should dye them. she convinced me they would be light light brown, but they are not and now I look like a hooooooower That last word has to make me ask if you are Scottish? There's just something about the way you managed to make it sound.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 16:51

Toots - look behind you :D I'll mail you later today :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 20:42

Vj, i so feel for you, i can't tell you how much. my mum was killed 5 years ago and a) i still can't believe she's gone and b) miss her like yesterday. they say that time heals - i think it just helps you to cope better/more. i think of my mum everyday - and i have so many wonderful memories - its like she's still 'here' with me. not in any kind of morbid or weird way, just that she is so absolutley part of me - whether she's 'physically' here or not, she's here - if that makes sense? all i can say is, be kind to yourself, be gentle. i'm so sorry for your loss, and your struggle. hang in there. I lost my mum very suddenly 11 years ago when she was just 58. She choked to death whilst sitting up in a hospital bed, eating her lunch. I was 40. What Rhubarb has said is also how it is for me. Regarding your friends - your mum passed away when she was young so there is a very good chance you and your friends are also young. Perhaps young enough for them to just not know what it is they're supposed to be doing and saying. I'm not making excuses for them - I'm just trying to put forward a reason for their behaviour thats hurting you so much. Also if you're the eldest child in the family or you're perhaps seen as a coper, someone who manages, a strong person - that might be why family are letting you down at this very sad time. None of its fair and none of its right and I'm sorry if this is whats happening. xxxxxxx

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 17:28

WOW - divine very [b'>promptly [/b'>book marked!!! I wouldn't ever consider such a thing thinking the costs would be way out of my league. But, having had a quick look at her site I think (especially if spread over 2 pay days) it's totally affordable! Thank you ladies! Now don't forget you are allowed to say no to anything suggested, but for your own sake you should at least give it thought before you do. Its only by saying no that Kelly will get more of a feel for the way you think about how you want to look. Just don't go along with things cos you're scared to hurt her feelings. Only you will know what would suit your lifestyle.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 17:20

I hate shopping; I'm tall (6'), not svelte, and impatient. It's tough to get sizing here and after a few stores where XL doesn't fit, I feel like a moose (I'm looking at YOU, Massimo Dutti!) So I've outsourced twice now, first when I was a dowdy housewife, and second when I got a new job and needed professional workwear. I have to say that Kelly at Divine is a miracle worker. She's not all that expensive either, especially when you factor in the time that I was spending trawling the malls and buying things that just don't look good on me. She's also introduced me to a couple of tailors (one for business suits, one for dresses and tops) that are great. I can really, unreservedly recommend her to help you with your wardrobe and future shopping. She can be found at www.divine.ae. Was just going to join in and recommned Kelly. I detested clothes shopping until I had a couple of days with her. She is very good at what she does. She arranged for me to be done from top to toe, hair and make up included. But like everything else not everyone who goes to her will like what she suggests. My friend saw her recently and wasn't too happy with the results. However I would still recommend her. Just look at it this way - at the end of the session you'll know what you like and what you dont. I still dont have a love affair with clothes shopping but I do enjoy it now. I go at it from a going to the shops once a week and see what they have. There's not many shops in Muscat so its do-able. Someone below mentioned linen trousers and I too am fed up of the cheap rubbish thats passed off as linen nowadays and would appreciate being pointed in the right direction of a shop, online probably, that does quality linen trousers. thanks :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 17:20

I hate shopping; I'm tall (6'), not svelte, and impatient. It's tough to get sizing here and after a few stores where XL doesn't fit, I feel like a moose (I'm looking at YOU, Massimo Dutti!) So I've outsourced twice now, first when I was a dowdy housewife, and second when I got a new job and needed professional workwear. I have to say that Kelly at Divine is a miracle worker. She's not all that expensive either, especially when you factor in the time that I was spending trawling the malls and buying things that just don't look good on me. She's also introduced me to a couple of tailors (one for business suits, one for dresses and tops) that are great. I can really, unreservedly recommend her to help you with your wardrobe and future shopping. She can be found at www.divine.ae. Was just going to join in and recommned Kelly. I detested clothes shopping until I had a couple of days with her. She is very good at what she does. She arranged for me to be done from top to toe, hair and make up included. But like everything else not everyone who goes to her will like what she suggests. My friend saw her recently and wasn't too happy with the results. However I would still recommend her. Just look at it this way - at the end of the session you'll know what you like and what you dont. I still dont have a love affair with clothes shopping but I do enjoy it now. I go at it from a going to the shops once a week and see what they have. There's not many shops in Muscat so its do-able. Someone below mentioned linen trousers and I too am fed up of the cheap rubbish thats passed off as linen nowadays and would appreciate being pointed in the right direction of a shop, online probably, that does quality linen trousers. thanks :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 14:11

And would like to meet over coffee one morning perhaps ? Ive lived here for a very long time and would be happy to meet with you for a coffee. Just put up a contact address and I'll get in touch. I'm not an axe murderer so dont worry. :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 20:55

Ours always runs the same course. We take our son to the chedi for breakfast and nip into see our grandchildren on the way home. husband might then go out to a meeting and I stay home with our son. . hubby comes home and the rest of the day is spent with various members of family popping in. mid afternoon our daughter usually appears with our little ones and we have a swim and a nursery tea. the old fashioned nursery tea is the highlight of my day - well that is till one of my sons comes in off a camping trip with his friends and to stand still in the kitchen means you're likely to be eaten. I like fridays and i'm never happier when I have all of my lot under the same roof and there's fighting and eating going on. love it. Makes me wish I had a brood and a half...proper family mrs :) we're not the waltons lolol - thats why I edited and added the bit about the barnies. I think the best one was when one brother threw the others snowboard out a bedroom window. :D when are you down here next?

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 20:51

Ours always runs the same course. We take our son to the chedi for breakfast and nip into see our grandchildren on the way home. husband might then go out to a meeting and I stay home with our son. . hubby comes home and the rest of the day is spent with various members of family popping in. mid afternoon our daughter usually appears with our little ones and we have a swim and a nursery tea. the old fashioned nursery tea is the highlight of my day - well that is till one of my sons comes in off a camping trip with his friends and to stand still in the kitchen means you're likely to be eaten. it really is far better to be on the move and cooking. I like fridays and i'm never happier when I have all of my lot under the same roof and there's fighting and eating going on. and boy do my lot have some food barnies. :D <em>edited by DesertRose1958 on 27/01/2011</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 19:51

do not go to the Le Meridian in Limasol - it is beyond awful.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 18:22

My mum used to even censor the woman and womans own. I'd go to have a read if it and the problem page would have been ripped out as well as anything to do with loose living. :D Oh she was smashing she really was. :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 18:18

Sorry - I AM confusing (working in Sharjah will do that to you at the end of the week)! Seen JH loads of times in the UK - well worth going to see :-) Just heard from friend....she saw James Morrison last year which would have been a "big name" and she said that the "standing" area was great - plenty of room to sit and chill on the grass - but still room to boogie too. Capacity for standing is 4,500 so I think that's what I'm going for too. Oh thanks for that - and yes I was thinking ofgoing for the standing area. I just had a feeling about it but just needed a bit of confidence. <em>edited by DesertRose1958 on 26/01/2011</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 17:59

I cant watch horror movies, they terrify me.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 17:58

He does exist, trust me. I've met him on several occasions. she really is a he? I would never have guessed.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 17:56

Thanks Shelly - all help greatly appreciated. I was confused by your post. I thought because you mentioned JH you were seeing him at the Jazz fest. ta :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 17:47

Whilst I do sympathies with everyone's maid issues. I don't think a some of you realize that a lot of these maids probably grew up in a wooden hut with dirt floors or very basic living accommodation. If you go to Thailand,Philippines, etc for a holiday go to the villages and see how they live you might understand why some seem to not have common sense .. That's why I don't have a maid I want to save my sanity ... Exactly. But you do know it is possible to have domestic help and for it only to enhance your life - honestly :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 17:46

Yip! Got the Golden Circle Tickets - can't wait :-) Seen Jools Holland several times - he's great! Really looking forward to Alison Moyet too - HOW fab does she look at the moment?! shelly help me out please - which tickets should I buy for the jazz festival? I did start a thread the other night but it really didn't go anyplace? I'm not bothered what they cost. I just really need to know that the view will be good. I still think about going to see riverdance, having what was supposed to be best seats - and not being able to see the dancers from the knees down. and is it better to get standing up or sitting down tickets. I would like a wee boogie but but it doesnt matter if I dont get one. thanks

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 17:21

yep, you cannot charge her for it. But you can replace her if you think she will do more things like this. It has crossed my mind since yesterday. She has done some strange things before but this one is the limit I guess. She does not seem to possess any common sense so I will have to look at this as a very costly mistake! On that note... does anyone know if we can sponsor a maid from SA or Zimbabwe? They are normally such sweet ladies and really do their work so much better. common sense as in common sense as we generally know it, or common sense as in being new to working and living in a different environement and culture - and not yet having a handle on what kind of common sense you need within it?

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 17:13

Haven't yet made a final decision. Some interesting comments though. Yes I should have had insurance but we just installed the floors about a month ago and did not even think about it. Its quite heartless to make her pay for it though but how else does one make her understand that it is a costly mistake? I have spoken to her but it seems like she just doesn't care or maybe does not understand? I wouldnt expect her to pay for it for the simple reasons accidents happen. And yes I do have maids, excellent ones who even though they're as good as they are - all of us make mistakes sometimes. Just chalk it down to experience and move on because for all you know you may just have a wee diamond working for you and you've just yet to see it.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 21:25

Chicken and Veg pie in gravy with shortcrust pastry, mashed potatoes and peas :) Now that sounds lovely. :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 20:36

Ladies - please share your vegetable and barley soup recipe. Thanks Its not an exact science but here goes. 4 sticks of celery 2 big fat leeks 1 big fat onion and 1 good quality stock cube for each litre of water - it can be any flavour being being a purist foodie I stick to veg - kalo are good. :D carrots spuds brocoli spinach barley - I go for about 6 tablespoons because I like to still see it in the soup and for it not to blend into it. I think I'm saying I don't like the soup to be white/chalky as this can happen when you use a lot of barley. So I just saute the celery, leeks and onion in a pan with minimal oil and then add the barley, water and stock. I then leave this to simmmer away for a while and I never let it boil. I can't really say how long for because I just kind of go on the way it looks - does it look ready to add the carrots? Does it have a bit of body in it? Anyway I add the carrots and after a little while I add the spuds. After a little while longer I add the brocoli and frozen chopped spinach. I then let it simmer away and till it looks ready. I season to taste at the end of cooking. Like any other soup you can really add what you want and some times I add a bay leaf and/or garlic. Other times I put finely sliced cabbage in it or even brussel sprouts. My motto is if its green (not cos its mouldy) it can go in this soup. My grandson calls it nanas lettuce soup and he can't get enough of it. I always make heaps of the stuff and send it to him and my son. If you wanted to you could blend it but its not something I do but only because I'm scottish and when it comes to soup we don't scare easy. :D The garlic bread is olive oil whizzed up with garlic then spread on french bread and stuck in the oven.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 20:17

Lamb Curry and Rice and desert was Christmas pudding and custard for the not so feint hearted. I also made vegetable and barley soup :D for tomorrows lunch because I'm out in the morning and won't have time to cook before I go. A pile of garlic bread and a hunk of cheese to go with it and jobs a good un.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 19:08

GIGP - below is a link to a website devoted to children who have a language delay. It contains some really good stuff and if you're trying to bring your son on a bit yourself there's no harm in having a read of it. http://www.afasicengland.org.uk/ There is also Hanen http://www.hanen.org/web/Home/HanenPrograms/ItTakesTwoToTalk/tabid/76/Default.aspx hth :) plum - am trying to get up for the Jazz fest and would love to have a cuppa. I'll let you know for sure soon.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 17:28

I planning on going to this and wonder what are the best tickets to get as in - where do you get the best view from because in my experience whats touted as the best tickets aren't always the best. I still have a memory of going to see Riverdance in Abu Dhabi and not being able to see the dancers from the knees down - and yes we were in the so called best seats. The venue is the Media City Ampitheatre. thanks :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 17:23

My SIL has a chef on 2K per month, medical, ticket home, one month off a year or 2 mths every two or three mths every three, no days off a week but not full days, either. I've been there at times and the cuisine was chicken nuggets and chips for the kids, so he's not Michelin but for other meals his food was outstanding, especially during Ramadan and Eid. He does his ingredient shopping. The 'household' shop is done by the maid. He was found through references. He stays in his own room, similar to a maids room. They have an area for help and it looks more like a dorm. Women can share but for men it's a bit harder, especially if one likes men and the other likes women. Because there is a driver and the male chef there are two separate 'dorm like' rooms. So it's better to get a gay chef then, logistically speaking? edited by jwal on 24/01/2011 Oh god yeah - gay is always better. who the blazes want to put up with an employee that goes around with a face like a well skelped backside. <em>edited by DesertRose1958 on 24/01/2011</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 20:34

yes you have to gt them touched up about every 3 weeks and the whole set redone every couple of months. I dont know if they damage your eyelashes and would be surprised if they didnt but right now its a price I'm willing to pay for having eye lashes again.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 20:32

I will be very surprised if we can get them in a wee backwater like Oman but people can't get them in dubai. That would have to be a first.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 19:54

Jwal if aroha is a figment of her imagination then how could she have tickled you?????? And how can she be coming to see me next month????? And why have I been daft enough to look forward to it - I dont even know what a figment is.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 18:36

I had them done here in Oman about 10 days ago and they are fab. I had the medium set done. Its just what I needed, my eyesight is so bad that putting on mascara is almost impossible - I'm not really a girly girl but this is one treatment I'll be keeping up with. I'm sorry I dont know where you can have them done in dubai.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 07:04

I have large, very large, wide feet and have to buy my shoes from specialist shops. I use Zappos.com all the time and can't praise them highly enough. I order online, have them sent to my aramex shop and ship, and 5 days later I have the shoes. You can keep them for a year before returing them for a full refund if the dont fit and when they don't I give them to a friend when she goes back to the states for her summer holidays. MY actual shoes size is a Uk Size 10ww and the shop goes up to about a UK size 13 or 14. I think they must have transvetites and Las Vegas showgirls who buy from them as well because thats how a lot of the specialist companies started out. However Zappos is not a specialist company, they sell shoes for everyone. I used to be a flat sandal girl and now I totter around on heels most days of the week now I can get them to fit me.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 06:43

Expats seem to breed like rabbits with a bit of Sun. Its probably because of the price of sunblock. No-one can afford it anymore so they stay indoors and what with not even being able to afford Orbit either - what else is there to do? Especially when the kids are away being brought up by the maids. Its job creation really. Get a maid, have another child, have another child, get another maid - its goes on and on and on. No wonder the Philipines government is laughing all the way to the bank. And as a point of interest - just how many pair of shoes does their Presidents wife have? <em>edited by DesertRose1958 on 23/01/2011</em>

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