OK , where to start.
Offered a lift up to 'Leeds First Friday' (look it up), and had already been offered a bed for the night, but had to refuse both as I couldn't be in a state for my mums visit on Saturday. Anyway spent the night cleaning crockery, and the house generally.
So big day arrives and Im tidying up again, finishing off ironing (as usual) and putting together the buffet, salad and stuff. (Sorry no pics, was too busy and forgot,, again...)
Put the potatoes in foil , add a bit of water and in to the oven to bake for 2 hrs on low heat. 10 Minutes before the ladies arrival I pop the bread in and turn the heat up, jacket potatoes out of the foil and into the higher heat to crisp up the skins a bit.
Anyway the lades arrive, first Cousin ('S') with 3 bunches of flowers, and Xmas cards, then my Godmother ('J')with a bottle of wine for Xmas, followed by my younger brothers fiancée (Lets call her 'C'). Finally mum enters, looks at me and smiles and I knew everything was really going to be OK. 'Hello Katie' she says and we have a really big hug, tears welling up, and my heart doing flips. Yes, its definitely going to be ok.
Well got everyone a drink, tea, white wine and diet soda. And gradually the chatting accelerates and we all become acquainted to each other. I have only ever briefly talked to 'C' a couple of times before. As she hadn't been to any of my houses ever, so took her on a mini tour, and chatted. She was so warm and accepting I know she will be a really good friend and ally in the years to come. We had a bit more of a chat before descending to the lounge again, and we briefly touched on my situation, but no more, she was really thinking ahead and what we could do to get my father on-board. Lots of cunning plans will come out of this I am sure.
Back to the lounge and out with the buffet which was chicken dish (by 'S') my potatoes salad and all sorts of accompaniments, bread butter dressings, humus, olives etc etc.
Despite us all eating, the noise level rose and the laughter and subjects talked about were lovely (Sheep, mad black cows, footpaths, mad me in the village that 'S' and 'C' live in ('S' is a farmers with and ex advertising exec..). I felt fully part of the group and could feel the intense difference between women's talk and that of a men. I know which one I prefer.
Lots more chatting and jokes and stuff until I reminded them that they still had my cake to go, Carrot and Ginger cake, With a thick cream layer - very scrummy.... It was (as I expected of course) hailed as a success, and 'C' asked me to supply a few cakes for a charity cake sale she want to do next year. Lovely. Certainly I will do that.
I suppose the many subjects we talked about will all resurface as time goes on but I was completely blown away by their full acceptance and absolute love that was shown me. I could not have been happier.
Well after 3 hours they had to leave, with lots of promises of doing another in the new year, this time at 'C's' house, and still definitely no men (my brother had wanted to come as well but was shooed away apparently). 'C' and 'S' are plotting to get my father to come round, its so lovely of them to help.
Well I got compliments in the way I dressed and presented myself (I was conservative in my attire) and although still recovering from a cold, they said that my voice is getting there as far as they could hear.
On her way out I looked my mum in the face and told her I loved her, and said to look into my eyes as I will always be here for her. She gave me a big hug and said good bye to me, signing off with a 'See you tomorrow then Katie' Which was so good to hear.
Well, I was on cloud 9 for the rest of the day, hardly noticing the clearing up (not much in reality as they had helped before leaving).
I slept so well last night, and am in a really good mood today, even if I was back in boy mode (Ewwww) to go and see my Mum and Dad for her birthday. Got a Christmas card off mum addressed to Katie as well. Dad more reserved in his approach to me, but he still loves me I know that. Time will heal there I know.
So that was my weekend.
Back to an exciting week at work.
3 Working days to go there and I can ditch the 'Drab' clothing. Cant wait I think. I hope that I don't get called into too many meetings with Directors before they and all the staff are briefed, but as Im working from home for a couple of days after my meeting with my managers and HR, that should be Ok.
Phew... What the future holds I don't know but I have a really good chance of having a really happy and loving time.
So happy at the moment.
Take care
Luv n Hugz
Katie
