melbourne groover

In conjunction with all of the above I found (find) What not to expect in the first year really helpful also. For those middle of the night questions etc. Always seems to have an answer...

The Scarlet Pimpernel is a nice mix of classics (for parent pleasing kudos) and general easy reading (I think) or The Count of Monte Cristo - although that probably counts as more than one .... The Phillip Pullman - His Dark Materials trilogy is v cool also. My nephew - who is super sporty and generally too busy for books really enjoyed these.

Have you got one of those seats that has a vibration setting? I found this invaluable, he would drop off to sleep in it and even if I couldn't get him into bed he was asleep and we all had a bit of down time.... he then would go to sleep in it and I could transfer him to bed then, from there bedtime evolved into the standard 7pm. Worth a try maybe? Good luck ;-) Amy

There was a notice up about a cat called Fred by the butchers that I thought was black (can't remember the details but was on tree down Blackwater).

Tuna pasta salad Cook farfelle or penne or whatever Mix in: 1 can of tuna - could use fresh if feeling posh... Pesto Olives Caperberries Red pepper Lightly cooked beans Sunblush tomatoes Anything else that takes yr fancy - substituting whatever you or kids don't like.... Used to buy this a Carluccios in the far distant past but worked out could make for a 10th of the price!

Has the furniture shop closed down?

The bookshop owner closed down to focus on her other business (as far as I recall this is what was on a notice in the window). Agree the window displays were always good though :) There is a great selection of kids books at Cherner Books.

I know there has been a lot of discussion about this, but everytime I have gone in there he has gone out of his way to be helpful and is always friendly, regardless if I have gone to look at fabric or buttons (I should stress that I haven't bought masses there, sometimes can be 6 months between visits).

Have a look at this site: http://www.ips.gov.uk/passport/lost-uk.asp

I have to say we have had nothing but good experiences with this guy. He made the curtains for my daughters room, came round, measured, made them, came back and fitted them. Was really helpful with the choosing and let us keep the books overnight (came back and picked them up the next day to save us a trip into the shop) Not only this, he was really helpful when have been back in for a table cloth and gave me the off cut as well. He had a good range of fabrics and made some nice, reasonably priced curtains. Hmm this does sound like an ad for the place in light of the above comments but we had such a different experience I just wanted to say...;-)

I believe he then proceeded to Barry Rd, to perform the public service of directing traffic (sans shoes) at the faulty crossing lights.... (and shout at a few cars)

Would just like to reiterate water pistol...:))

There is some gel you can buy from the pet store on Northcross. Haven't used it myself but the inside one works well. They may also be able to give you some tips on prevention... Other option, a kick arse water pistol (water being the key factor here) :)