I missed one of the more obvious attributes of the C is for Cookie song. The letter has to rhyme with the word me. Try it, you'll see. This reduces the options a bit, but it was worth looking into.

Sickness has struck here. Both Sally and Roisin are coughing and sweaty. They're on the mend though, so I can go to work tomorrow instead of just lolly-gagging around here as I've done for the last three days. It's been difficult, trying to fill Sally's boots, but I've kept things going and I'll try and forget that if I were sick, no-one would have to fill in for me and the household would continue running if I were just to go to bed for three days. Just goes to show what sort of a contribution I make around here.

But I've been able to play with Paddy more and that's been fun. Another unforeseen side effect to being at home is that I spend more money. I went a bit mad and bought a laptop. In hindsight I should have got it for Sally for christmas, but I told her about it, so I can't now and anyway she'll be here when it's delivered. Of course with the new laptop I needed a wireless card (it's bottom of the range -- no WiFi included) and a set of travel speakers I wanted fell into the shopping cart too. Step away from the credit card, sir.

Yet another thing I noticed is how patient I can be when circumstances demand it. As Sally is laid low, I have to deal with stuff and not just throw up my hands or storm off in a huff when confronted with frustration. I'm feeling a little sheepish, for although I think I've done a good job in the last few days, Sally does this all the time. I have resolved to use my new found patience when I don't actually have to.

My concerns about the camera fixer upper were unfounded. They have the unit now and have accepted that I'm covered by warranty without quibble and are only awaiting the required part before making the camera all better and sending it home. I'm feeling happy about this now, not sad.

Other new adventures in hardware included a new hard drive purchase for me to store some of the video footage we have. Much of it needs editing and discarding but I have to watch it all to decide that and I haven't made time for that yet. I have watched some of it and it's just dreadful. Some of the camera work is so shaky, I got motion sickness and had to go to bed. Some of it is very cute though, especially the stuff I didn't shoot. Anna has fun with the camera and it's all watchable (apart from the odd shake due to giggling). Of course most of it is kid stuff. And why not(2MB).