HAPPY SUNDAY (for tomorrow), everyone!
May your day be less frantic than mine was.
Today was Round 2 of my mother-in-law's (V's) 82nd birthday celebrations. We couldn't accomplish the entire mission on the actual day, so my husband, V, and I strapped in for a high-octane operation involving pets, discount housewares, and a massive carvery.
Mission: Acquire Amphibians (The Frog Factor)
Our primary objective was supposed to be a simple fish run to the pet shop just five minutes away. But V, the birthday VIP, had a secret target: Frogs. Not just any frogs, but small, interesting, and easy-to-keep aquatic covert operatives. This is where the suspense began. We were looking for low-profile members—the kind that disappear the minute you open the camera app. We managed to secure four specimens: two Grey Shadows and two White Ghosts. They are so impossibly tiny, we couldn't get a photo, which only adds to their air of mystery. For now, gaze upon their glamorous lookalikes and imagine the cute, silent terror we brought home
They are surprisingly active—a clear sign of their training—and they instantly gobbled up their first meal. They are fueled and ready. V lives alone in a block of flats, and these four tiny, silent spies are her new companions. Her new tank sits right next to her organ, so now, when she plays, she has a captive, amphibious audience. Thankfully, she’s a good player, so we’re hoping the frogs will be inspired, not traumatized.
The Great UK Scramble: A Race Against Time and ColdThe frog mission was just the beginning. We started the day early because the itinerary was insane.
Breakfast & Bargains: We fuelled up on delicious omelettes at the local garden center. While there, the festive panic was already setting in—they were selling off Christmas prep stock.
This led to a spontaneous, highly successful raid: BOGO picture frames for my granddaughter's nursery photos, and my husband acquired yet another Hydrangea (we now officially own a small Hydrangea forest).
The Drop-Off: We raced home to stash the loot and let the pups (our loyal four-legged security detail) out.Operation Deployment: Back to pick up V, her new fish (the backup gift, of course), and deliver the frogs to their new headquarters. We got the new residents settled and happy.
The Daughter Dash: Next, a massive food shop, which was strategically timed to coincide with picking up my daughter from work.
The Double Drop-Off: Back home again to empty the car, put the food away, drop my daughter off, and—critically—let the dogs out again (they missed us, naturally).The Reward: Finally, the mission was complete. We descended upon the Toby Carvery for a victorious feast, complete with a celebratory ice cream. No cooking, no washing up—the perfect ending to a chaotic day.All that remained was feeding the Turtles and the dogs before settling in for cuddles with the pups, who were now demanding compensation for their isolation.
The Canine Cliffhanger (and the British Freeze)On a final, urgent note: Luna's swollen face is actually receding! The crisis may be averted. We’ll be monitoring closely, and if Monday sees any further mischief, we’re heading straight to the vet. Fingers crossed the emergency pass is not needed.
And finally, the ultimate betrayal: the weather.
The UK temperature has officially dropped. I got home and was so cold I immediately deployed the nuclear option: my massive teddy bear dressing gown. I wore the beast for a solid hour before my body begged me to stop overheating. Hubby then snagged it to cover his legs—the cold is spreading! I’m currently in bed, wrapped up like a festive sausage roll with Luna snoring softly (and warmly!) between my legs under the quilt. I'm dreading the snow, because I think my tropical body has finally adjusted to being permanently cold.
Thank you for visiting, and wish V's new, tiny overlords good luck! 💟