Emily and Phoebe

Friday, August 31, 2007

Shops

We are in the car, slowly making our way home from the centre of Athens, and Emily is reading the signs over the shops out loud: "Bakery..., Chemist..., Hairdresser's..., Sex Shop... . [Pause] Mummy and Daddy, what's a Sex Shop?"

Nevi and I exchange a glance, each of us wondering whether the other is going to field this one. Before either of us has a chance to open our mouths, though, Emily has supplied her own answer: "I suppose it sells things you need for sex. Like beds. And mattresses."

Which is an assumption I am not going to disabuse her of for the time being.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Emily puts her foot in it

I am typing at the computer when there a sudden and violent eruption from within: "Oh God!"

It appears that Emily is annoyed about something. I listen and discern exaggerated grunts of exertion and puffs of exasperation coming from her room, along with an arrhythmic thumping that I think must be hopping.

Now, do I find out what's going on or lie low and hope that my assistance is not required?

"Da-aaad!"

Oh well, there goes the lying-low option. "Something wrong darling?"

She stomps into the study holding a shoe in her hand.

"Yes! What idiot left plasticine on the floor for me to walk in?"

I know that at times like this the best option is to remain unruffled, so I reply calmly. "I don't know, darling."

And then (because, on the other hand, I like to live life on the edge): "You, perhaps?"

"Argghhh! Of course it wasn't- " She pauses, her mouth half open. "Unless... ."

She furrows her brow.

"Yes, actually, it was! You idiot Emily!!!"

Thankfully she has a good enough sense of humour to see the funny side of this exchange.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Rhyme

I have had to tell Phoebe that although her rhyme is very clever, it is not very kind of her to keep singing "Emily's fat and she farts like a cat."

And nor is it true, of course.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Athens again...







after another week away on Tinos, and very little to report (lying on beaches, swimming, eating, etc), so here are some photos from Emily's party back at the start of June. Emily is standing with Anna and Maria-Nefeli, and Phoebe is with Nikos (her best friend from kindergarten). As you can see, Phoebe had arranged a table for two in a romantic corner of the park...