Emily and I began my birthday with appointments for haircuts at Pam's salon. Emily's fringe had become so long she couldn't see out from under it, and my hair was also rather unkempt. Emily was very good and didn't fidget while the stylist fashioned her mop into a neat and very sweet bob. Once finished, Pam took her off to the shops while I took my turn. In my customary style I really put my foot in it with the hairdresser. We were talking about Pam helping out and I asked her if she had any grandchildren. She responded that she had two kids of 12 and 2! I thought she looked a bit of a dog's dinner so it was an easy mistake to make, but I was mortified and also worried that she would take it out on me while I was at her mercy. She chatted with me a fair bit so I think I got away with it, and no repercussions with my hair, but to salve my conscience I gave an extra pound tip.
After my appointment I hung out in Macclesfield for a couple of hours, though despite browsing all clothes shops there I did not find anything to buy. I got the train back for the very short ride to Adlington - how convenient to have a station two minutes from your door (albeit with a limited service).
After lunch Pam had to go out but the rest of us went to an otter and owl sanctuary over at Chapel en le Frith. Though sunny it was bitterly cold, especially when we walked down to the valley bottom. We spotted a few deer grazing and then spent ages looking at all the animals and owls in their various enclosures and cages. The otters were lovely, and comical at feeding time. There was a good collection of owls but given their nocturnal habits they weren't particularly entertaining. We waited a long time to see some activity from the polecat but were eventually rewarded.
Nick was away in Koyasan, having three days off work for Golden Week, but I did get a voicemail message wishing me 'happy birthday'. I was pleased that he had the chance after all to go to Wakayama, as he had been wanting to go for ages but it would have been difficult to manage with Emily.
Perhaps due to the wine, I ate more than I intended for my birthday dinner and regretted my lapse as I felt my stomach distend to encompass the extra load. I must get straight back onto reduced portions again tomorrow. Though the scales show no difference, with my weight hovering just below the 10 stone mark, I feel so much better in myself for my newfound sense of control over food volumes (if not what I am actually eating).
Just before I turned in, Emily cried out and was having a nightmare. As sometimes happens, she did not seem aware I was there and went rigid when I tried to comfort her. I took her downstairs to the bright lights and as soon as she saw Mathilda and Claudius on the kitchen chairs she seemd wide awake and happy. As I have discovered, the only way to break such dreams is to bring her fully to consciousness and divert her attention. I hurriedly brishe dmy teeth and took her into bed with me for the night.
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