Succulent...

I'm feeling confused today because I feel as if a friendship is in dificulties. I don't know what has happened but something seems to have changed. I really hate to lose a friend. I don't have a lot of confidence in myself and it's so easy for all the self-doubt to flood in. If I think I'm going to be hurt I tend to withdraw fast. Not always the best thing to do but I don't feel able to push for something if I feel I'm maybe no longer wanted. What should I do? I don't want to sound needy and ask "Is something wrong?"

On a more positive note K's bedroom is painted and looks gorgeous. The blue she chose looks really nice and she's picked a lovely carpet too. I can't wait to see the finished room. We need to get the carpet laid and then her furniture ordered and assembled.

S had a strenuous time at riding today. She was on George who was feeling stubborn and she had to work really hard. I was proud of her determination not to let him get the better of her.

I am hoping tomorrow the weather stays dry enough for me to garden a little. It's too much to hope for sunshine!

I saw this pretty little clump of flowers in a rock garden and really liked them. Another dull and gloomy day here. Am looking forward to some California sunshine!

P is busy decorating K's bedroom. First we had to clear out a load of stuff. She is a real hoarder. I'm quite intrigued by the things she keeps and the reasons why.

S is a being incredibly moody. I guess it must be her age? She is constantly sounding agrieved and flouncing out of rooms; slamming doors etc. She won't lift a finger to help me with anything in the house :( I know she's having a hard time at school so I guess this is just the fallout from that.

What age should kids start helping around the house? i don't want to ruin their lives with tons of chores but the girls do nothing except occasionally tidy their rooms and push the Hoover around. What chores would be reasonable for them to do? At their age I was cooking and washing up and hoovering. I didn't do lots as mum was a full time housewife.