Qcumber and Cuddles

We are once more in Eastbourne, having spent the Easter break in our North Wales farmhouse. During the holiday our middle daughter, Nicolette, and family moved into the house as caretakers. They have been living on a canal boat and have found that since the birth of their youngest son, Torin, now eight months old, it has become overcrowded. I can only say that their boat must have resembled Dr Who’s Tardis; I didn’t think it was possible to have so many belongings on a boat without it sinking! I felt a bit like King Canute when trying to stem the tide of toys and kiddie paraphernalia, which threatened to engulf our home! Our Down’s Syndrome son John-Paul (20) has very kindly let Quinn (3) share his bedroom. J-P said that Quinn was welcome to his cabin bed and he would sleep on a mattress on the floor when we are at home on weekends and holidays. I think poor John-Paul has slightly regretted his generous gesture, Quinn’s toys and train set have taken over completely, leaving very little room for the mattress!

Trying to adjust to house sharing is not easy, for instance, I like my kitchen to myself when preparing the meals, Nikki and I have different ways of doing things so some compromise is necessary. I do try to be accommodating when Quinn is in ‘eversohelpful’ mode and is assisting us with food preparation, whilst making a mental note to allow at least twice as long for this activity! His mother and I were very amused when our little man was listing the vegetables that he disliked; peas, tomatoes, beans, cabbage etc until he came to cucumber. "I don’t like cucumber, Mummy, but I should like it because it starts with the letter ‘Q’ for Quinn"!

Having my own space is very important to me, and I have a room where I can shut myself away with my computer. As much as I love my grandsons, their constant demands can be a little too much sometimes! In order to preserve my haven of tranquillity, and prevent uninvited small guests from fiddling with my belongings, I have bought a tarantula spider called ‘Cuddles’. Placed in a prominent, tamper proof position, this octoped repels boarders, as my grandsons are not too keen on this fearsome looking creature!

With a bit of give and take on all sides, I am sure the arrangement will work out very well. It is a relief to have our farmhouse looked after whilst we are in Eastbourne, and Nikki and her tribe are grateful to have somewhere larger than their canal boat in which to live.