Splashing Out

 My watch went "ping" just before seven. We were expecting to look after Ellie during the day, but my watch said that there was someone at the front door. I wondered if Zoe was dropping Ellie off, so I shot out of bed and went down to open the door. It was only when I opened the door that I realised it wasn't Zoe. It was a cat that had wandered past and triggered the security camera.

Oh well, I was up. I made coffee and settled down with the overnight news. Di wandered down just before eight. I showered and dressed, and just as I settled with my porridge and another coffee, Ellie phoned. She was up and ready for me to collect her. Steaming porridge and coffee were left, and I went to fetch her. 

I had my usual call with the cousins. I was particularly moved to hear that cousin Simon had a totally unexpected visit during the week. His daughter, Kate (who has been working in northwest Scotland), had flown home to Australia (for a friend's wedding) and just turned up at the door to say "Hi!" to Mum and Dad. Surprises like that (assuming they don't cause a heart attack) are just beautiful.

Ellie's friend, Natalie, came to spend the day with her. They were very good (if noisy). Di had wanted to spend the day sewing, so I made sure they stayed away. At lunchtime, I took them swimming. I sat and read my book as they swam, dived, and used the slide. They were there for nearly 2 hours, and the only problem was when they were getting changed at the end. Some chap tried to peer under the cubicle walls. As soon as they told me and they were able to point him out, we went to the reception and explained what had happened. Reception took it very seriously (as you would hope). They called a big security guard and went with the girls to identify the chap. Then we left them to it as they went to drag him out and ban him for life. They asked if I wanted to take any further action, but I decided that they were dealing with it, and I didn't want the girls to freak out. 

Back home, they ate us out of house and home for an hour and then went to Ellie's room to play until Zoe came to collect them.