Day Five

After surviving a night of being kicked in the back, disturbed by night lights and the irregular hum of the fan, we had a nice chilled morning, and I hinted strongly enough that I even had Bright Eyes on my side with Kew Gardens.
So, GIN makes her plans and we start with lunch by the river in Richmond. Score. Then an impromptu trip to pick up a second xbox for Gamer (which he didn’t want but GIN forced upon him through tears exclaiming that he thinks too much, and not everything is about him.) Again, I got to do the comforting and we managed to bond a little.

On to Kew Gardens. We did it! Ginger had cheered up by this point and he seemed interested in reading the signs and getting involved with exploring. More bonding ensued. Feeling good. We got to the park quite late, so by the time we wondered over to the Tree Top Walk via the Princess of Wales Glasshouse (which had different rooms set at different geographical climates to imitate the dessert, rainforest etcetera) it was closed.
We meandered over to the main entrance again for dindins.

Throughout the visit of the gardens, when asked what we were to do next by the infants the response was ‘This visit is for Colette. She needs to know where to bring her all her boyfriends now.’ (GIN has her eye on someone for me that we met at Young Uncle’s house. She says he is cute and would be nice to wake up to.)

We went to another place in Richmond for dinner where I had to practice my sympathy eyes on the waitress who got viciously stared down when asked what order we wanted the food to come out (three kids meals, nachos for sharing, my meal, and two steaks – yes; for two adults and two kids!!). I did manage to get a quiet word in to the waitress on our way out which I think made both of us feel better. She wished me luck and off I skipped to the car.

I saw ducklings. So many ducklings. I practically dragged Sweetie down to the pond before she had a chance to ask what we were looking at as I start cooing. Big Brother informed us of what we were looking at from the sign next to the water. GIN waits patiently as the two beers and two cigarettes she had on a heavy dose of sun and barely any dinner, have subdued her.

Home, bath, bed. Though the looming thought of mummy coming home whilst they’re meant to be a sleep is clearly too much excitement. I have a lovely little time with them both, and am determined to be reading a lovely story as mum comes up. Just so as to prove that I'm not half bad at this job. It works, and my job is done. I quickly run around the house tidying up and packing my things.

Mum is still sitting with two fast asleep children in the dark by the time I'm done, so I tentatively mention that I was thinking of getting one of the last tubes home. She jumps up and sorts me out, whilst kindly asking how everything went. She then asks about ‘everything else’ as she tilts her head towards GIN’s bedroom. I assure her we had ups and downs, but all survived to tell the tale. She genuinely seems concerned as GIN come into the hall. GIN tells mum that I worked hard. This oddly makes me feel pretty big; as though, it was all worth something; the approval of a depressed and alcoholic old lady… GIN literally pushes me out of the door demanding that I don't get up set.

Off I trot on to the tube home where I am writing this last entry. Happy, worn out and still slightly dazed.