Heads up for those in the UK, not sure about the upsidedowners, it is Mothering Sunday this Sunday. Those in the US can stop panicking, we have ours on a different date to you.

I bought a card and some flowers for my mother when I went to England this week, I gave her the flowers and left the card with my brother with strict instructions to deliver on Sunday.

Today I was in the office and much to my amazement I heard someone saying "Flowers for Sue Monks", eh? I was completely flummoxed until I read the card and realised my daughter had decided to let me have them a couple of days early. Beautiful. Freeshias, daisies and some little pink flowers all in a tied bouquet.

So you 'children', are you prepared? You mums, anything planned such as meals out?

Mothering Sunday falls on 29th May this year in France. I don't know why continental Europe celebrates the occasion on a different date from that in Ireland or the UK. Anyone know?

I usually forget about the Irish/UK event, because we don't see any of the commercial aspect here at this time, and I always feel guilty as hell about it when I realise my mistake. Sending flowers for the Continental Mother's Day just isn't quite the same, and always feels second-best.

I'll get out my trusty VISA tomorrow and phone a florist back home to arrange a delivery of some nice flowers to her.

Yesssssssss.....Alex is going to stay with my parents for the weekend and we're going to an Italian restaurant. I got a sweet little pot of flowers made from straws and paper when I picked Alex up from playgroup today...is it ridiculous to be almost tearful? I can't remember ever being given anything I was so delighted with.

Awwww.

Have a wonderful day all the Brit Mums.

Well my Mum's extra lucky this year, a double celebration...she's just celebrated her birthday and then mother's day! No flowers for her but chocolates and shoes!

Here is wishing all the mums in the UK a very happy Mothering Day on Sunday.



-----------
Agnes (JTJ)

I've just realised that it's Grandmother's Day here in France. I doubt it's a coincidence that it falls on the UK Mother's Day. Is Grandmother's Day celebrated in the UK too? I can't remember ever hearing of it when I lived 'back home'. Sorry to be cynical but I presume it's the commercial bandwagon again, trying to lure us all to spend even more money. We always treated my grandmother on Mother's Day, as she was a MOTHER as well as being a GRANDmother.

Not that know of, if there is one it hasn't really caught on yet. I just realised that Mothering Sunday is the 28th day of Lent which is why it is a moveable feast!

With grandmothers (and grandfathers), personally my nieces always send a card to my parents (their grandparents) on Mothers and Fathers day. Also, not 100% sure but think we do have Grandparents day over in the UK, somewhere in the middle of September

Perhaps I just haven't noticed as I have no grandparents or grandchildren (yet).

In the US, Grandparent's Day is the first Sunday of September. I'm not sure of its beginnings, however.