More angelic than Barbra Streisand

Things could so very nearly have gone wrong today, but victory was clutched from the jaws of defeat. I grabbed a few items from the shops that remained open, an unexpected extra coffee proved to have probably avoided awkward encounters later on and a hat was found and returned (Angel tried it on).

The boys were starving and fractious so I decided to leave Soller early and get something on the way to the airport. What a brilliant idea to call in at Ikea and what a brilliant idea to check out the damaged goods section. What a brilliant idea to buy two already constructed bookcases and have to get a rather reluctant screwdriver bearing assistant to take them to pieces and fit them in the car with two boys, two suitcases and a dog. What a brilliant idea to do this with an hour to go before check in. We did it, but realised we'd left a bag of Swedish delights (marzipan and crab paste) by the play area. And what a brilliant idea to leave my mobile phone at home recharging.

Never the less, we managed to meet Big Agu and so say goodbye to Little Agu and get Ben to the gate exactly on time (even though there seemed to be no flight times listed other than cancellations and delays). Ben checked himself in (!), looking slightly speculative at his probable young female travel companion. Not a glance backwards. I had a lovely chat with her Mum who is getting used to the idea of sending her little one off to the UK on her own.

I decided to try to find the missing shopping back at Ikea. No one had handed anything in. Information, cleaning, check out, nothing. But there it was by the climbing frame, untouched. Triumphant, Angel and I returned home for a quick turn round the block (after a slight embarrasment in the airport!) and I have left the bookcases in the car for tomorrow. Amazingly parked right outside the house.

I think my luck was in for the day. (Though not for the lottery El Gordo yesterday. No Euuuuurooooos!)

So tomorrow needs construction time, brussels sprouts for 20 need to be bought and prepared, order to be picked up from the butchers and the market and power down/up for the holiday. Brace yourselves folks! Have a fantastic time and may the angels fly in your favour. xxx