Chaos Theory

Torchwood Return Date

2009-06-24T22:55:00.002+01:00

Finally confirmed is the "Torchwood: Children of Earth" screening date.
It will be on BBC1 for 5 consecutive nights at 9pm starting on 6th July.

The action trailer is elsewhere on here, but this is the moody Aussie trailer.
Looks so spooky, just hope it lives up to the hype.

Plait

2009-06-23T23:47:00.005+01:00

At Rainbows tonight the girls tried their hand at plaiting. Each girl left with a little gift bag of bobbles and clips. But even better - some of them had their hair styled in french plaits. Darling Girl was so thrilled to be chosen and and is so proud of her french plait, although I have no idea how to repeat the feat. The best I can do is to photograph it and let her go to sleep with the style still in and hope it lasts 'til the morning.

Its all happening...

2009-06-22T12:44:00.006+01:00

So, can you see a monkey?"

The Birthday Celebrations continued on Saturday when we took Darling Girl and her best friend to the zoo. A treat instead of a party. We were surprised that it wasn't as busy as we had feared and we had a lovely day. In fact we saw everything we wanted to - even a jaguar!

Meerkats for Darling Girl - simples!

Best Friend loved the Gibbons

Hub likes the otters

Amazed to see the jaguars!

"Transparent" butterfly at the new butterfly house.

Seven

2009-06-19T19:34:00.000+01:00

Well, after weeks of counting down Darling Girl's birthday finally arrived. Seven at last. Apart from having to go to Breakfast Club, I think she had a lovely day - thoroughly spoiled by all the family.

Where did that tiny poorly baby go?

It is such a mixed day for us. It brings us no happy memories. Hub said, he wished he could go back in time seven years to tell our frightened selves that everything would turn out alright.

Looking at her now, you would never know...

The Last Outpost

2009-06-15T10:19:00.002+01:00

Outpost Gallifrey is soon to be no more.
Admittedly I am more of a lurker than a poster, but I like the whole nonsense of it all.
I will miss it.
But I am already signed up for the replacement - Gallifrey Base:
http://96.30.16.216/~gallifr/forum/index.php

Unfortunately I cannot be just plain Gallifrey on there, I have to be GallifreyGirl.
At least the DT arse thread has found a new home too - because the fangirls on LJ are indeed very scary...

Free Wheelin'

2009-06-08T11:50:00.003+01:00

A big event for a small girl happened on our street yesterday. At last - riding a bike with no stabilisers. The weather, her cough (and dad's aching back) have often been against her; not to mention hard pavements and cuts and bruises. But yesterday she had several sucessful runs up and down the pavement. She only needs to get the hang of starting now and then she'll be away.

Chester

2009-06-06T14:54:00.001+01:00

When Hub had a day off this week we decided to have a day out in Chester. Darling Girl will be off to the Juniors in September and will be learning about the Romans. So we walked around the walls and visited the ampitheatre and gardens. We enjoyed the views over the river and looked out for centurions and gladiators. We went up high in the rows to look at the smaller shops and to look down on the shoppers.

But what was her highlight? A "Build A Bear" shop with no other customers and an early birthday present. Although Lauren the Panda is hibernating until the BIG day!

Busy

2009-06-05T19:33:00.004+01:00

Its been a busy couple of weeks. Poor Darling Girl has been ill for a while. She is suffering with a dreadful cough and temperature. A cough doesn't sound like much but it is affecting her whole body as she hacks away like an old smoker. Her whole body shakes and she is worn out. It is finally improving after having weeks off school and courses of penicillin and antibiotics and being put back on her inhaler. She is also heading back to see her consultant. So her discharge didn't last 2 months.

But she is feeling better so I am pleased about being able to upload photos like this of her enjoying the sunshine.

I have had a couple of grown up nights off. Kind Inlaws took Eleanor for tea so Hub and I could go and watch the Star Trek movie. Fabulous. But I could be biased mainly because we have seen every Star Trek film, together - and on a big screen since Undiscovered Country (that's the one where the Klingons quote Hamlet). Or it could just mean I loved it because we haven't been on our own to see a grown up film for years, and that was also a Star Trelk film!

My other night out involved Mo and John Barrowman. We went to see a brilliant concert in Liverpool. Not as cheesy as his awful TV programme, JB belted out show tunes and told his silly stories. His able support was Daniel Boys who has a beautiful clear voice - I need to track down his new album. After the show, JB was whisked away, but Daniel Boys came out to say "hello" and sign programmes and nick pens - but I'll let him keep it!

Should be working...

2009-06-03T23:50:00.001+01:00

Just to prove that I still scrap. I had been inspiration-less but a combination of some family events, moving my stuff into a new study and being so busy that I haven't really got time to muck about with card and paper all meant that I got some scrapping done, and really enjoyed it!

Hub at Anfield.

Going for a Cathy Z -vibe!

In-Laws 50th Anniversary

I just wanted to use that swirl!

Photo by Eleanor
Teaming some painted chipboard with crate paper.

That Abba Song that Always Makes Me Cry.
I had lots of fun inking chipboard and spraying with glimmer mists and stamping.
More beautiful crate papers. Thank you Tree.

Cake - or Death?

2009-05-25T23:36:00.000+01:00

If there is any cake in our house you are likely to be asked: "Cake? Or Death?"
Thanks to the CakeWrecks site today I saw this YouTube video and Darling Girl and I have been giggling about it most of the day. It is brilliant!

Canvas

2009-04-28T22:08:00.005+01:00

Just to prove I am creative...

I made these over the holidays. I just loved playing and making an inky mess.

I added scraps of an old (french) book in different combinations to 8x8 canvases. Then scraped over gesso and then painted with different shades of blue acrylic rubbing over with baby wipes and vaseline for a patchier effect. Then the fun: either ranger spray inks or glimmer mists, combined with masks. I followed this with stamping - some embossing or some were dusted with perfect pearls.

The elements were decorated the same way or with Twinkling H2Os or alcohol inks. These are either chipboard or grungeboard, although there are some acetate clocks. And finally either idea-ology gears or some of the clock innards I have been collecting for years.

I am so thrilled with the results and they are now on display in my new porch!

Time is an Illusion

The Time of Your Life

Time Flies

Time After Time

Water always wins

2009-04-17T17:32:00.002+01:00

Found this!

Looking forward to November!

Dear Michelle Ryan fan
No wish to upset you, but who are you?
Let me know, since I don't post anon comments unless I know who left it.

Watched!

2009-04-16T22:08:00.004+01:00

Of course I was squeeing - when virgin media finally let me watch it! Yes it didn't have the quality or depth of "Blink" or "Midnight." It just did exactly what it said on the tin: fun and lightweight, with the added bonus of not much Lee Evans and the fact that Michelle Ryan is not a permanant companion. Captain Nerisa for new companion!

I think what it did lack was a real villain. The tritovores were good guys and the devourers were just doing what comes naturally. That's right - devouring (don't mention accelerating enough to generate a wormhole).

The little nods to the past, including target books were appreciated and it did not matter that they sailed over Darling Girl's head and Hub's too! One lovely touch was the fact that Christina didn't understand the alien speech - she hadn't been near the TARDIS so it couldn't translate for her. So it just sounding like the Doctor clicking gibberish.

Best of all, those four knocks. Four last episodes? Four faithful companions? Four .... well I have been spoilered and I am not spoilering anyone else.

So here are some lovely pictures!

Tongue porn!

It is coming back through the darkness....
(Gallifrey hides behind cushion)

Pictures from The Doctor Who Site Gallery

Thank you!

96

2009-04-15T20:39:00.003+01:00

I cannot believe this was twenty years ago.

The lads I knew who went to watch that game came back changed men.

This isn't my photograph, I couldn't take one when we visited - too emotional, especially this week.

All 96 - they will never walk alone.

Tag!

2009-04-14T19:25:00.002+01:00

I have been tagged by Sue

http://suecssilentsentences.blogspot.com/

I have to upload the fourth photo from the fourth folder in my pictures files.

This is Darling Girl in August 2007 at Southerndown Beach, otherwise known as "Bad Wolf Bay." It was an absolutely glorious day and the photos are all in a folder together for when I am inspired enough to make a special enough layout.

Now my turn to tag!

I tag Pol, Liam, Aky and Lynz.

Let me know if you join in...

This Is Anfield

2009-04-13T22:07:00.004+01:00

I actually managed to surprise Hub with one of his birthday presents, although he had to wait an extra day to receive it. I booked us all on the tour at Anfield, something that he has wanted to do for ages. Darling Girl was quite excited too, she was looking out for Fernando Torres, although I am not sure if she knows what he looks like.

First stop, Shankley's statue. I really liked the inscription underneath: "He made the people happy." What a great thing to achieve with your life.

We went through the players' entrance, not at all glamorous, but rather small and cramped and into the small home changing room. Poor Darling Girl could not get near Torres' shirt, so we told her Gerrard's shirt would be just as good. I found Sami Hyypia's shirt - no one was near that one! Hub was photographed with Carra's.

Then a great ambition achieved for Hub, he got to walk down the steps and touch the famous sign. Then he went back to do it again with Darling Girl!

Those tiresome media interviews.

Pitch side, waiting where the subs sit in the dug out. But she did managed to move into Rafa's seat for a moment.

When we had finished with the tour, back into the museum and a chance to be pictured with the Champions' League trophy. It is huge!

Early mornings

2009-04-12T21:54:00.009+01:00

There were two reasons why Darling Girl decide to wake us so early: one was Easter and the thought of chocolate and egg hunts; the other was Hub's birthday. She gets as excited about our birthdays as she does her own, which is quite sweet unless it is 7am on a Sunday after a late night with friends.

Yes, despite the fact we put her to bed very late after a lovely evening and the first barbecue of the year (thank you to C and C) she bounced in a bit too early for us!

But we did manage an egg hunt and Hub opened his cards and presents - mainly CDs and whisky!

I know an egg hunt is rather a new import but we have fun organising and watching Darling Girl who is still hedging her bets on the existence of the Easter Bunny.

And here is my lovely Hub, still wishing I would put that camera down! But it is 20 years to the day that I first sent him a birthday card. We were in that new stage when we weren't really a couple, we had only been on one date. Plus the fact I was in Manchester and he was on a placement in Cumbria meant that we were not sure if there would be any more dates. So I gathered my courage and sent him a card. I cannot say how glad I am that I did.

Waiting for a bus

2009-04-11T16:01:00.000+01:00

I woke up to this Breakfast news interview this morning. Lucky me.
Only a few hours til the bus arrives!

Chocolate

2009-04-10T22:54:00.000+01:00

With one thing and another, mainly lovely visitors and swimming, our easter tradition of making chocolate nest cakes was left until this evening.

Darling Girl had a ball stirring the chocolate and spooning out the mixture and so was rewarded not only with a tray of yummy cakes, but also with the opportunity to lick the spoon.

If you are quick to visit us over Easter there may be some left...

Crash Course

2009-04-07T23:25:00.000+01:00

So school holidays at last.
Feeling rather guilty that Darling Girl's swimming has taken rather a back seat since we moved here. So I have attempted to remedy that by enrolling her in a beginners' crash course (should that be splash course?) at a local pool.
We are there early every morning. She is loving it. But she isn't finding it easy. In a group of 12 there are three of them who are struggling with the pace. But unlike the other two who have given up or cried, my Darling Girl has battled on. She may always be the last one to the side; she may have more floats; she may even be wearing a special float fin; however, she tries her utmost.
Today was so hard for her, she got repeatedly splashed in the face and was the last one everytime. But she kept on smiling and she kept on trying. She didn't give up and that's all I can ask of her.
Incidentally I saw her chat to one of the the others who was crying. So I asked her later what had she said to the girl.
"I told her that she had to let go or else she would never learn to swim!"

Hello Zac

2009-04-05T22:06:00.003+01:00

Darling Girl and I were lucky enough to meet this gorgeous puppy today. We were not expecting to be able to meet Zac yet so it was a lovely surprise - especially for Darling Girl.

He is very cute with legs almost too long for him, huge paws, a very waggly tail and just look at those big brown eyes. He won't replace Jazz but he will be his own dog.

Bus

2009-04-04T22:45:00.003+01:00

I played about and made this...too big for FB...but you may see it about the place!

Bonnet

2009-04-03T20:37:00.000+01:00

Easter Bonnet Parade for Darling Girl at school today. She knew exactly how she wanted her bonnet to look so I was only there to help with fiddly gluing and general technical advice.

She was quite determined to include a nest of chicks and eggs in her design!

It is only after uploading these photos I can see how tall she is becoming. And that school cardigan will be replaced soon. When did she get so big? How did I miss it?

Planet of the Dead

2009-04-02T22:52:00.000+01:00

I found a trailer.
Saturday 11th April 2009 at 18.45pm

I have avoided many spoilers for this one, but I have been spoilered about the ones after this. So only onething I can say: squeeeeeeee!

Old Fashioned

2009-03-30T23:24:00.002+01:00

"Mummy, what were computers like when you were a girl?"

"Well we didn't have one at home. And there was no internet."

"What else was the olden days like?"

*strangled voice* "I didn't live in the olden days."

"Yes but you were there when everything was old-fashioned."

Discharged

2009-03-23T20:38:00.002Z

Darling Girl had her regular appointment at the Paediatric Respiratory Monitoring Clinic today. We have been attending since she was five months old and fresh out of SCBU. The visits have dwindled down from the bi-monthly check ups with home visits in-between (with Resp Nurse Michelle). The last couple of years we have only had to go once in the summer and then September, January and March.
Dr A is lovely. He comes to the waiting room, "Where is my girlfriend?" and Darling Girl hurtles towards him for a big hug! About a year ago he tentatively mentioned discharging us. But it didn't happen.

It did today!

He collected her from the waiting room and carried her into his surgery. "I have missed you," she said. As usual he had medical students in the room. I usually have to outline Darling Girl's medical history. But not today. He wants to see if she can answer his questions.
She told him her date of birth and school; she knew about being a tiny baby in an incubator: "I was prem. I had special medicines and tubes up my nose."
Dr A writes: "delightful, intelligent chatterbox" in her notes. Then he talks to her (not me) about her height and weight and explains what centiles are and how is has grown in proportion for as long as he has known her.
Darling Girl admits to being forgetful about her inhalers at school. That's fine. She can stop using them now.If I have any concerns I can contact him through our GP. Dr A admits that it may actually be faster than being a re-visit.

Dr A gravely bent towards Darling Girl. "That's it. You are discharged." Then he explains he doesn't need to see her anymore because she is finally well. She looked so sad, so he invited her to see his new clinic when it is finished. "You are not my patient anymore. You can just be my visitor."
Then another big hug for each other.
Michelle comes in for hugs as well.
I get caught up too.

Then for one last time Dr A carries my Darling Girl back to the waiting room.

When we arrived home we phoned Daddy and Nan and texted lots of people! We had a little celebration - just the two of us, before I had to get her to school.

Then when I was back at home on my own it hit me what a big deal this is. Darling Girl will be 7 soon and this is the first time in her life that there is no appointment made for her anywhere. After almost 7 years she has done it. She came into this world a very poorly tiny baby; and now she is an ordinary little girl. I cannot express how happy I am.
There is so much emotion - joy and relief all wrapped up together.

Spring

2009-03-16T20:59:00.003Z

Well, its not called Spring for nothing!

Golden

2009-03-15T21:19:00.002Z

My parents in law celebrated their Golden Wedding this week. We enjoyed a special Sunday lunch with them today.

Laughing

2009-03-14T22:57:00.006Z

Of course I watched the first couple of hours of Comic Relief! Thank you if you were someone who texted or emailed to check I was able to watch DT in his skinny white suit. Swoon.

Lovely caps from the DT Forum.

But what we laughed about the most was Darling Girl. Her reaction to the little girl on "Outnumbered" was priceless. She literally fell over laughing when the girl described a picture of Barack Obama as a fairy amongst blood sucking bats.

Please imagine clip embedded here. We found one this afternoon and we were able to re-live the helpless giggling, but now as I am blogging I canot find it!

Obviously the serious messages did raise some questions from Darling Girl, especially the sick children in Africa. She wanted to know if she had done enough to help; and I think with the fundraising at school and at Rainbows I think she has.

Funny for Money

2009-03-13T18:40:00.000Z

We did something funny for money!
Although Darling Girl did struggle to keep her nose on, whenever she smiled it fell off! She went to school wearing as much red as possible plus some strange hair (4 bunches and deeley-boppers).

I got to wear jeans for school and miss the disco since it was my PPA time. But I did wear my nose to take the register. Ewwww. Nicer smelling nose next time please!

But not a bad day for a Friday 13th!!

Six months

2009-03-11T22:08:00.000Z

So, you can learn to be a teacher in 6 months can you?
So can I have three and a half years of my life back that I clearly wasted getting my teaching qualifications?
No?
Oh I see, it's to recruit high quality candidates.
So everyone who is currently teaching now is low quality?
No?
You didn't mean that? You only meant in shortage subjects.
Yes - like maths!
Because we all know how good bankers are at maths... the evidence is all around us.

Grumpy? Moi?
Yes!

Ugly Dolls and Red Noses

2009-03-09T14:49:00.002Z

These have to be some of the ugliest dolls ever. This is about the actual size. Ugh! And the bendy dalek....Why?

I much prefer these David Tennant presenting Comic Relief photos!

Tribute

2009-03-08T14:11:00.001Z

Darling Girl is still coping with the loss of my sister's dog. She has been given some photos of him and has been drawing lots of pictures.

This is one of her favourites and I had to scan it before she gave it to her Auntie.

I did ask her not to take it to school to show the teacher.

Birthday

2009-03-04T22:41:00.000Z

I had a birthday!
Not the BIG one, but really pleased to see colleagues surprised that it is the BIG one next year!

I was spoiled by my family and friends.
I am already using my second hand cricut, but I did save one of the carts to use on my birthday. Plus Hub and Darling Girl treated me to a new radio for my car so I can plug my constant companion in - my iPod.
Plus flowers and lots of cards and good wishes.

I am now waiting to start feeling older and wiser.

Silence

2009-02-25T19:53:00.002Z

Still coughing and whispering.
Last week's antibiotics haven't worked so I have some new ones and orders to take time off and rest my voice for a week. I have laryngitis, bacticerial pharyngitis and a chest infection.
So I had a day off, haven't spoken to a soul from 8am until 5.40pm and caught up on my reading.

Hopefully this will make me well for next week.

African Tempest

2009-02-23T11:11:00.003Z

We had a break from builders to go down to Stratford on Saturday to see Anthony Sher and a South African theatre company perform an action packed version of The Tempest.

It was a fabulous set, working on many levels with puppetry and music and dance all adding to the spectacle. It was a much warmer production than the Arctic Tempest - in every sense of the word.
Sher's Prospero was chunky and warm but sometimes a bully. The way he moved his hands over the mesmerising Arial without ever touching him was so moving. Although John Kani's Caliban was beautifully acted, that was the problem - he was too beautiful and no monster!

I was reminded of the Lion King in places, although Hub was not. But it was a real pleasure to watch and the whole ensemble were entertaining. But Sher with his battered panama
leaving the stage sadly at the end, after freeing Caliban was so moving. All the speeches about death were brought home.

Stratford is a real treat for us, and we did treat ourselves this time as a newspaper offer meant we could stay in 4 star accomodation for the price of a B&B, and we didn't have to be up for a 8am breakfast!

It was also fun to meet up with Pol and A as they had been to the matinee performance. All that way to go for a grown up meal without the children!

All I need now is to be able to stop coughing and talk louder than a whisper so I can go back to work.

Jazz

2009-02-20T22:08:00.005Z

My sister's big soppy licky boxer dog had to be put to sleep this evening. He suffered a second stroke today, following one on Tuesday.
We had to break the news to Darling Girl who absolutely adored the big softie and was looking forward to seeing him on Sunday.
We have had lots and lots of tears - me too. I know my sis will be devastated. Jazz was her world.
We told Darling Girl to remember happy things about Jazz, so here are two photos of them together, taken in February 2007.

He really was the gentlest, softest and lickiest dog I ever met.

Working

2009-02-20T17:56:00.001Z

Darling Girl came up with the title today.

We were putting together a new bookcase for her bedroom and she was having great fun and being helpful. She can follow ikea instructions (she is her mother's daughter) and added dowls and screws in the right places. Using a light hammer I let her knock in the dowls. So I couldn't resist snatching a photo when she wasn't looking.

But this is the posed one. "Put it on your website mum!" So here it is!

Now her room is reorganised with new storage and I managed to persuade her to get rid of some things too.

Let's see how long it stays tidy. Since she is like me, it won't last!

Building

2009-02-19T19:30:00.003Z

Over the past few weeks the front of our house has changed. Its not quite finished, but I am so pleased with the work so far. The front of the house looks so different, so much so that over the past 2 days people have driven past it before they realise its our house.

Like all building work it comes with its own share of mess and changes of plans, but it should be great when complete.

As well as battling dust and disruption, I found out today that the unbearable sore throat I am suffering from is laryngitis. I have now got some anti-biotics and I hope I'll be better for the weekend.

Practically Perfect

2009-02-17T20:02:00.000Z

On the recommendations of friends I managed to get tickets for Darling Girl and I to see Mary Poppins at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.

Fighting down my hacking cough with enough sucky sweets to sink a battleships and enough tissues for the whole row to stifle my snuffling, I was determined not to miss this theatre trip. Even though Darling Girl had already phoned my mum to offer her my place - just in case!

And I was so glad I did fight the bug because we both loved this tremendous show. Forget the film, this was so much better. The plot was tighter and Mary was just that little bit more real. The hints of a real romance with Bert were touching; and, her relationship with the children wasn't over sweet.

We loved the interpretation of the older songs. "Supercalifragilisticepialidocious" was the first to get everyone joining in. Although "Step in Time" (much darker here and with more meaning) had everyone clapping and some children dancing in the aisles. The new songs fitted in seamlessly, with the possible exception of "Temper, Temper." But that was the only part where I had a nervous six year old clinging to me.

Darling Girl just "ohh-ed" and "ahh-ed" her way through the rest of the production. She sang along with what she knew, clapped when she could and, gasped at the staging. She was amazed when Number 17 opened up like a dolls' house on stage. She was beside herself when the park came to life in vivid colour. And she was stunned as the children's beds came whizzing on - almost magically - for the nursery scenes.

The only downside was our seats. They were quite cheap at the back of the stalls so we missed some of the flying. But there were no booster seats for smaller children and Darling Girl had to kneel up a lot to see, but the poor thing kept slipping and since she is only slight she didn't have the weight to hold her seat in place to get settled again easily.

But the whole production was superb we would go again - in circle seats next time! It was a magical evening and we both loved it, even though we were both crying as Mary flew away.

Public Art

2009-02-14T17:41:00.004Z

I like this - even though it is dangerous!

The B of the Bang!

And I loved this, and its herd, it's so much fun!

The Superlambanana

This is weird and we have seen the Angel too!

Another Place, Crosby

But all over the news is that there is going to be a giant horse in Kent.

Nothing about the 20 metre head I will see every day on my way to work.

Dream

But give Horseman Wallinger his due. In his latest art show "The Russian Linesman" in London, he is including a glass TARDIS. Maybe one of those, suitably scaled up could be placed near Cardiff?

Snuffle

2009-02-11T20:13:00.001Z

"You don't look very well. Should you be in?"

You just know there are days when it is easier to be in work than to phone in sick.
And today was one of them.
Just need to stagger through two more.

Spooky

2009-02-09T23:38:00.001Z

Trailer for the 5-part/5 night Torchwood, "Children of Earth."
Hope the mini- series is as good as the trailer!

Normal

2009-02-08T12:17:00.003Z

Thank you for letting me have Friday.
Normal service is now resumed!

I have had an email asking why if this is the diary of a working mum, why do I hardly ever mention work?
Well simple, my other rule is that I try to keep it light here and do my utmost not to moan. So, can you see why I don't really mention work!

Remembering

2009-02-06T20:12:00.002Z

Maybe its because it is a Friday again. Or maybe that there isn't going to be another baby in the house.
But eleven years on - this day was as hard as ever to get through.
He is still loved and missed.

What the Dickens!

2009-02-05T23:13:00.001Z

Victorian Day at school for Darling Girl. Over the past few weeks she has been coming home full of facts about "the olden days" and desperate to show off her knowledge. "Go on - ask me about Victorians!"

So the half term has culminated in a dressing up day with actors due in school to play scary Victorian teachers. Darling Girl has been practicing her two-times table so she was prepared.
But we were not quite as prepared as some mothers and daughters, especially when one confessed she had made her daughter's outfit. I was overwhelmed as a non-sewer and with no time at all - it all sounded a bit much for me. But I hope my girl wasn't put to shame with out-sized pinafore and borrowed apron and cap.
The brooch was my nan's who died this week 40 years ago. I never knew her, but Darling Girl is named for her and her wearing that brooch this week has made both mum and I look a bit teary.

A fresh fall of snow this morning also left us unprepared. Victorian Girls did not wear HSM wellies! But they do take them to school in a carrier bag just in case!
But I couldn't miss this dickensian snap of my little Victorian waif in the snow.

Let it...

2009-02-02T21:11:00.000Z

It may have brought chaos to the rest of the country but it only brought disappointment here - there was just not quite enough of the white stuff - and it was a school day!

But Darling Girl got to wear her brand new High School Musical - gasp! - wellies to walk to school and we dawdled since we were already late; as I had had to talk to Damon the builder about windows and walls and snow. So we made the most of making fresh footprints and listening to the lovely crumpy noise that only fresh snow makes as we walked up the hill in the sunshine.

When I collected Darling Girl at 3.15 a lot of snow had already gone and the sun had disappeared. She had not been out to play all day, so I had fresh hat, gloves and scarf warming on a radiator at home ready to attack the snow.

I hadn't realised that Darling Girl had never made a snowman! There just hasn't been a decent enough fall of snow that has stuck for her to play in. Rolling up a ball of snow was mystifying and a bit boring - mush easier just to clump it all together and throw snowballs at mum - who has come outside with the camera - again!

The best snow was on the trampoline, so I helped her up and she made snow angels before she began bouncing about - amazed that snow can bounce as well!

Then finally, inside for warm milk and biscuits. Not chaotic at all, and I expect it will all be gone by tomorrow.

Next time we will make a proper snowman.

Back in Time

2009-02-01T14:57:00.000Z

Last night was a real touch of all our yesterdays!
Off to JA's 40th birthday and to be put in the same room as a group of people who I haven't seen all together for over 20 years. Admittedly I had seen (almost) everyone at different events or out shopping or at home, but this was still Very Strange.
It was interesting to see how people had - or had not changed, and how our children look like us!

I have put my very bad snaps on my facebook page - to protect the innocent. And rest assured P, the only ones of you are the back of your head!

And special waves at all who said that they call in here for a read.

Where?

2009-01-28T23:43:00.000Z

Darling Girl was getting ready for bed tonight as the 8pm news headlines were being read.
Suddenly she stopped, did a double take and looked puzzled.
"What's up?"
But Hub had heard the headline.
"No not Davros! Its a place in Switzerland called Davos!"
"Phew!"

Brainwashed? No!

A little bit...

2009-01-27T22:04:00.003Z

...of who you fancy does you good!

So it must be time for some David Tennant!

The first of the specials is filming now. Squeee!

According to reports as well as Michelle Ryan and Lee Evans there is also a London bus and a trip to Dubai.

There is a great DT video diary about his return to Cardiff with views of his flat at the main BBC website here:www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho

And he won (with Derek Jacobi) the Critics' Choice award for Hamlet which was announced today.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7853273.stm

Pleased with the critical acclaim to show he wasn't just "that man from the television" but a captivating and witty Hamlet.

Book Blog

2009-01-26T10:19:00.002Z

One of my resolutions was to read more widely, so as a place to start I have gone to the list of 200 books from "The Big Read" a few years ago.
To help me keep this resolution, try my hand at reviewing and keep track of the books I read, over the weekend I put together a book blog - and the link is in the sidebar.

DEC & BBC

2009-01-25T23:01:00.000Z

I haven't blogged about Gaza since it is so emotive and the whole thing just makes me feel so angry and frustrated that the international community are just standing back and letting these people suffer.
So you would think I would be equally frustrated by the repeated refusal of the BBC to screen an appeal by the DEC to help suffering Palastinians. And I was at first, until I realised this refusal has made headline news two days running and has generated far more publicity than a broadcast appeal. It has also generated discussion and has meant that an appeal for money has been broadcast again and again within news programmes and not as an aside when someone puts the kettle on.
Lets hope the news cycle continues tomorrow...but just in case, here is the DEC site.
http://www.dec.org.uk/

Of Course

2009-01-23T22:18:00.001Z

I went on a course today. Sometimes going out for training is not worth all the hassle. I really felt like that today. I stayed at work until 5.40pm, after working my lunch, and still didn't get everything I wanted done.
Typical then that today's course was mainly a waste of time - and didn't really cover what I thought I needed. However, there was a lovely lunch, a very entertaining course leader and this vid!

Stop it at 1.15 and try and work out what they did - then carry on!

History

2009-01-20T22:11:00.004Z

How often do you get to see history happen? Well we all did today.

The hope and trust that has been placed into President Obama's hands is enormous and we all hope it will not be crushed by the weight of expectatation.

I was moved by the sight of the hundreds of thousands who had gathered just to be there in Washington today; and, knowing there were millions more like Darling Girl and I watching on television sets (or on car radios, like Hub) around the world just made me shiver.

Yesterday I was touched with the parallels with Dr King - especially at the Lincoln memorial - and those references in his speech to dreams becoming real.

Today I listened to the speech and found parallels with those of JFK. Clever speech writers? Well probably - I have seen enough of the West Wing - but also the hope for the future.

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. ...
Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. ...
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.

Kennedy 1961

To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
Obama 2009

Looking for transcripts of these speeches I found this wordle on the BBC news site. It is a daigram recording the frequency of words within the inauguaral address. Whcih words stand out for you? Which ones stand out for the newest leader of the free world?

Dust

2009-01-19T23:12:00.000Z

The Tooth Fairy arrived last night. She left a lot of fairy dust in her wake which I have promised not to hoover up - just yet!
Plus the going rate for a first tooth these days is £2!
But Darling Girl is just so excited at the gap!

Gap

2009-01-18T21:50:00.004Z

It is only a small gap to you, but its a big deal when you are six and over a half!

It finally happened. After weeks of wobbling that lower front tooth finally came out this evening - thanks to a carrot at teatime.

Darling Girl is so excited about her gap and the prospect of the Tooth Fairy, she couldn't wait to get to bed tonight.

Older

2009-01-12T23:00:00.002Z

I seem to say it a lot - but I really don't feel older; I still feel naive and angsty like I did in my teens. I probably worry more than I did but I don't feel like a grown up yet!

So I was astonished to find out that "Now That's What I Call Music" is now 25 years old. I didn't have a copy of the first album (I waited til Now 4) but my friend had a copy and I remember playing it and taping tracks off it. But, its 25 years ago - how did that happen?
I went through the track listing - I know all the songs - even the ones I didn't like. Anyone remember: "Hey You the Rock Steady Crew!" Anyone? Bet you do!

Another dose of reality came when Darling Girl and I went to see my friend's son with his birthday card. He is Hub's godson, and I remember C's pregancy and his arrival and that tiny cuddly baby. He is now 15, he towers over me, and when I phoned the other day I mistook him for his dad.

Then, sadly, I found out that my former youth leader died at the weekend. I suppose G was rather strict for teenagers (I know she wasn't everyone's cup of tea) and I did my share of rebelling against her - as well as my parents. But she coped with angsty me far better than my dad did and we got on really well. She helped me with a lot of stuff and I am sorry to admit that when I last saw her our views differed so much that we didn't part on good terms. But she sent cards and letter when Darling Girl was born and I was able to reply. So maybe we parted better than I had feared.

Capital

2009-01-11T22:34:00.004Z

Yesterday we went to the last night of Capital of Culture. We enjoyed some spectacular fireworks and had a great view over the Mersey. Then we were treated some some spectacular brazilian style drumming.

When Liverpool was announced as Capital we were determined to make the most out of this event - and I think we have. We have seen giant spiders and golden paintings; famous art - and not-so famous; chinese dragons and giant rats; paintings with an almost photographic quality; tall ships; street theatre and drums; tiny temples and fabulous spiders - not to mention over 100 SuperLamBananas.

So we were pleased that last night wasn't to be seen as an ending - just a transition. Looking forward to what we can enjoy in 2009.

Tough decision

2009-01-10T14:58:00.001Z

Poor Darling Girl has a tough decision to make this weekend.
Her cheerleading team need to join with another and must practice at another venue at a different time. Unfortunately both options clash with one of her existing activities.
One is Rainbows, but there can be some flexibility here. This time would only be used for "competition" practice and Darling Girl could arrive a little late.
The other time slot - and the main practice time - is the same as her ballet and tap lessons.

She has to choose which one to give up. And it is so hard for her. We have had many, many tears shed since 6pm last night.

She is leaning towards keeping cheerleading - and to be honest Hub and I are pleased about that. The cheerleading coach is so friendly and approachable. She is firm but fair and lots of fun. We cannot really say the same of the dance instructor. The coach is also a dance teacher and has offered tap and some ballet lessons to Darling Girl in the cheerleading "off-season" (I didn't know there was an off-season!) as well as some jazz and modern dance. Plus she is upfront about all her costs and commitments; unlike the dance teacher. And we admit the stage show in November was tremendous - but it cost a frightful amount and the bills kept coming with no warning.

I don't need Darling Girl to be a Prima Ballerina, she isn't really cut out to be one. I don't need her to learn skills or poses. I just want her to have fun - and I think cheerleading is where she will find it.

Eleven

2009-01-03T19:08:00.003Z

Yes, my heart still belongs to David!

But I am not unhappy with the choice of Matt Smith as the next Doctor. He has all the qualities predicted: a different silhouette, some major roles in some minor dramas, and some quality theatre work. I have taken a big deep breath about his age; a Doctor younger than me is going to take some getting used to.

Plus I have faith in Steven Moffat and his plottings and his scripts. Even if you don't like Doctor Who, give the Coupling episode "Nine and a half minutes" a try - it is tightly plotted with a fabulous payoff.

Good luck Matt - and what ever you do don't go on the fan forums, they are melting!

An Announcement Announced

2009-01-02T23:48:00.003Z

We got home this afternoon to hear on News24 that there will be an announcement about the new Doctor Who tomorrow at 17.35.
I did have a bit of advanced warning - thanks mainly to "Isla Bella."

But I have to smile, this little sci-fi programme which no one admitted to liking 5 years ago regularly makes headlines. And now an announcement about the time of an announcement is news.

I will be sad (understatement) to David Tennant leave. He is such a brilliant actor - and yes damned attractive as well! - but the programme is bigger than any one man. Even DT.

Who will it be?
Well my hopes of Richard Coyle (see blog entries from summer 07) have been frowned on by the same Isla Bella; and Patterson Joseph is the clear favourite with the bookies, as was DT.

Hub wants it on record that he has mentioned both Anthony Head and Simon Pegg. And I know dear Pol likes Paul Bettany. Then again, David Tennant has been winding up the media by saying James Nesbit.

But Moffat could surprise us all yet!
Squeeeee!

Technical Glitch

2009-01-02T23:46:00.002Z

Sorry!
I thought my Disney and New Year entries had uploaded

They have been stuck in my drafts folder. Will try to unstick them!

A Magical Christmas- last day

2008-12-28T22:30:00.003Z

Our last morning at the Newport Bay and time to say goodbye to Minnie.

After packing we went to Studios. Finally it was as cold as we had been warned it would be. It was bitter and we were glad of extra fleecy layers and thermal socks for the first time.

I really like the statues at the studios, and Darling Girl was happy to pose, although she wanted to take some photos as well.

Please note we are wrapped up against the bitter cold.

Finally Darling Girl caught up with Daisy Duck.

Our last task before leaving the park, and after a splendid late lunch in the kasbah-like surroundings of the Agrabah Cafe was to get the classic photo - looking down MainStreet towards the castle.

Unfortunately our journey home was not smooth. Two transfer buses failed to turn up and when one did arrived, only room for three, so we were allowed on as the first family if three in the queue. The airport was closing around us as we waited for the last plane form CdeG T2. But at last home, with Grandad waiting for us with open arms.

A Magical Christmas - Boxing Day

2008-12-28T22:00:00.000Z

Boxing Day meant breakfast in the Park and we all got to try out Darling Girl's Minnie ears - lucky us!

We may have not gone on many rides, but we made the most of all the show and displays around the park. Darling Girl was transfixed by Minnie Mouse's christmas song and dance show. Minnie is her new favourite!

Mickey Mouse will always be close to her heart...don't be surprised if this photo should appear on cards next Christmas!

We may not have been on many rides, but "It's a Small World" is one of her favourites.
Boxing Day must be a holiday in France too, since the park was packed. We had to queue up for Small World, which has to be a first. Under instructions from Darling Girl I also had to record it! We took Hub on it to pay him back for the cold, dark train!

In the evening we went to Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. We were quite cynical at first but as has already been said, Disney really do put on a show. Darling Girl was open mouthed at the horses, she hadn't believed there would be real horses, and joined in with all the hat waving, stomping and "yee-haws!"

A Magical Christmas - Christmas Day

2008-12-28T21:40:00.004Z

We may have been in Paris, but Father Christmas can deliver anywhere - even to your hotel room. Although he makes sure to leave the big boxes at your own house so that you don't have to carry them to the airport.

We hada very relaxed morning in the hotel and met Mickey too!

Before we had our Christmas Lunch, we were not expecting much, a buffet style dinner along the lines of the character breakfast at Cafe Mickey. But it was so much more. A four course meal with a show in between courses. Plus entertainment at your table and plenty of characters for the children to meet.

It was just magical. Our favourite reaction was when Santa arrived to make sure that the presents had got through. We thought Darling Girl might burst!

We took the rest of the day easy after that. We sauntered off to the park about 6.30 and Hub wanted us to go on the railway. It was cold and dark. We made him pay with a promise of "Its a Small World!" We had hot choc in the Cable Car Cafe to end our day and as we were leaving the park - there were characters waving an hugging the children goodnight and happy christmas.

Perfect!

A Magical Christmas - Christmas Eve

2008-12-28T21:10:00.005Z

I think this was one of the most special days of our family life. We started with a not-too-early breakfast at Cafe Mickey, with plenty of chracters on hand. But Darling Girl was almost beside herself when she saw Mickey. She raced up to him and gave him a hug: "Mickey, its me!" My first misty moment of the day. We had a lovely breakfast - especially Darling Girl (chocloate brownies, croissants and cheese, anyone?) and plenty of characters to meet.

We had a packed day: a few rides, plenty of characters. Even Hub and I agreed to be on a few photos!

We made the most of the Christmassy atmosphere, and I even loved the piped christmas music.

This has to be my favourite photograph of the day!

We made sure we had good spots to watch both parades today. Darling Girl waved and waved at all the characters and almost burst when they waved back. We also watched the "Candlebration" admittedly a daft name for lighting the castle! There was a slight brainwash moment when there was a song about how wonderful a man Walt Disney was, but apart form that jarring moment it was pure magic. The castle was already beautifully lit, but then the 15 turrets had characters with candles which were lit one-by-one. The magic was then completed with Tinkerbell "flying" to the top of the castle, and as she did tiers of twinkling lights appeared to drape the whole thing. Pure show, but just perfect!

Waiting in the cold, Burglar Bill and the Baby! Please note the Minnie ears they took some removal. And after the parade, lets finsih our day with a hot choc in the Cable Car Cafe.

A Magical Christmas -begins

2008-12-28T21:03:00.000Z

After months of planning and secrets, we set off for our Christmas Adventure at Disneyland Paris in the early hours of Tuesday, the day before Christmas Eve. A good flight, but some hassle with transfers and we all arrived at the Newport Bay just after lunch.

Immediately we were off to the Park. It was decorated ready for Christmas

And the first person we met was Santa - although it was a long wait he did spend some time with Darling Girl.

And then suddenly there were Woody and Jessie - two of our favourites!

It wasn't as cold as we had feared and we enjoyed both parades, especially Fantillusion.

And there was even an attempt to recreate snow!

Still here

2008-12-21T20:57:00.002Z

Pesky SuperLamBananas - they get everywhere!

A Special Letter

2008-12-20T21:33:00.001Z

Look what arrived today, a letter from Mickey Mouse. He has been talking to Santa and because Darling Girl has been so good he has invited her - and us - to Disneyland Paris for Christmas!

Wobbly

2008-12-18T21:35:00.004Z

I could write a splendid blog entry about my day at work, but lets just say it was one of those days that they don't tell you about when you complete your ITT otherwise there would be no primary school teachers!

In hindsight it was afunny incident packed day but it did not feel like it at 11am in a muddy field with 30 children and a goat!

However I collected Darling Girl tonight and she was so thrilled to meet me with the news that she finally has her first wobbly tooth. She has been reporting back anxiously as her friends and classmates teeth have all begun wobbling, and I know whenever some one else's tooth falls out. She was really beginning to think that she would have to wait until the juniors before it happened to her.

She was so thrilled. She has phoned her grandma and her auntie. So here is a photo to match this important occasion. No doubt there will be a follow up when it finally comes out!

Killer Reindeer

2008-12-17T20:23:00.000Z

We love the Scottish Falsetto Sock Company. They have some festive stuff on YouTube at the moment and this is one of our favourites.

Party Girl

2008-12-16T22:39:00.000Z

Two parties today - one for school and one at Rainbows.

So happy!

Preview is out!

2008-12-15T23:07:00.000Z

Christmas is really coming now!

Ruby Slippers

2008-12-14T23:34:00.002Z

In stead of a panto, this afternoon we went off to see the production of "The Wizard of Oz" at the Lowry. We have had the tickets for some time, and to help Darling Girl with the wait, she has been reading an abridged copy of the book, although I feel she is more in love with the ruby slippers pendant that came with it.

We both love the film and I remembered being taken to see a stage production when I was little. But Hub, is not a fan, so we left him at home to put the christmas tree up ready to be decorated.

It was a lovely production. Lots of flying and super back projection. Darling Girl was transfixed, especially by the real dog. Miss Gulch, Lorna Luft, was terrifying and there were tears when she threatened Toto.

"It's okay," I whispered "He'll be alright, its just like the film."

"But I don't remember this part of the film...."

But she did smile again; clapping and singing along to the songs, shouting "he's behind you," and, waving her magic wand (love that merchandise!).

We had a lovely afternoon - and then we got to decorate the christmas tree when we got home.

It must be Christmas.

Shopper Five

2008-12-08T21:38:00.003Z

Darling Girl's Nativity play today. She was playing that well known stable character: Shopper Number Five. Or if you are used to producing a nativity play - the one at the end of the line with the punchline!

She was quiet, but mum and I heard her, and she gave us a big thumbs up right in the middle of her performance!

Shopper Number Five makes her entrance.

Singing carols at the end. Just take my word for it that I havea nother better photo of Darling Girl and her friend D, clutching each other and giggling and waving!

Wallander Drinking Game

2008-12-07T23:18:00.002Z

Hub and I are Kenneth Branagh fans, he is a terrific actor and we have been lucky enough to see him on stage. So deciding to make a point of sitting down to watch Wallander, his new series, was not a tough decsion. We don't watch detective shows, but we thought we would give this swedish cop a go.
Brilliantly acted, but how depressing.
Until we noticed that there is an awful lot of yellow and blue around.

So tonight we tried the Wallander drinking game. One of us had yellow and the other blue. Well we got through quite a lot - and it didn't seem quite so depressing this week! I think we will play again next Sunday.

A book at bedtime.

2008-12-06T23:24:00.000Z

Darling Girl really enjoyed watching the film "Babe" the other day, and Hub reminded me how much I used to enjoy reading it to a class. Darling Girl immediately perked up and wanted to know if she was old enough to hear some of the stories I read to my juniors years ago.
So I persuded Hub to dig about in the loft for me - before we put up Christmas decorations - and he found some of my old books.
I had wanted to start with one of my favourites to read aloud - "James and the Giant Peach." I used to put on voices. The Centipede was a scouser! But it was nowhere to be found. Instead Darling Girl found "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." I did wonder if she might be a bit young for it, but she was keen. So we have begun.
I used to love having a "serial" with the children at school, and I am thrilled that my daughter is ready for it now as well!

Radio Expose

2008-12-02T22:19:00.002Z

I have had to laugh today at the outraged Daily Mail.
John Barrowman has been chastised. For exposing himself. On the radio.

Did I miss something? Not necessarily John Barrowman's (and I quote) "fruit and nuts" but it was on the radio.

Do Daily Mail readers have more imagination than I give them credit for?
Or is it possible to expose oneself in a non-visual medium?

Home Truth

2008-11-30T23:13:00.004Z

Darling Girl: Why can't we put the Christmas Tree up today?
Me: Well I like the Tree and the decorations, but its nice to save them for just a couple of weeks so that they are extra special.
Darling Girl: You sound just like Nan!
Me (strangled): Really?
Darling Girl: Oh yes. You say and do lots of things just like her.

Darling Girl: Dad, why has Mummy turned that funny colour?

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T22:34:00.002Z

How come we import the rubbish American celebrations? Whay have we not imported Thanksgiving?
Well, maybe because we don't have forefathers who sailed and ocean and nearly died before murdering the native population? Or maybe because Asda/Walmart wouldn't make enough money on it? There are no gifts to exchange. There are no cards to send.

Its a nice meal with family and a day to be thankful.
And sometimes we do not say "thank you" enough. So perhaps a day put aside just for "thank you" is what we need.

And today I am grateful for the love and support of a wonderful man; the kindness and support of some amazing women; and the utterly unconditional love of a little girl.

Thank you for stopping by and thank you for reading.

Journey's End

2008-11-24T11:58:00.003Z

I have a hospital appointment later this afternoon. And then that's it our fertility journey is over.

Since May 1996 we have undergone many appointments and tests. All the initial tests ruled Hub out immediately and made me the source of the problem.
I have been through the full range of treatments: blood tests, injections, internals, scrapes, diathermies and tablets. Tablets forever.

But the harder than any examination or injection has been the waiting.
Waiting for appointments.
Waiting for results.
Waiting for waiting lists.
Waiting for blue lines on a stick.

But as a couple we are stronger than ever. They say "what doesn't break you, makes you" and our marriage is rock solid. Because I have a lovely man who has put up with so many tears and so much heartbreak. And wouldn't leave me when the waiting was the worst, even when I begged him to.

The best day: that first positive pregnancy test.
The worst day: losing our baby.
The hardest day: being turned down for IVF after three years on a waiting list.
The most surprising day: after 4 years a second positive pregnancy test.
The scariest day: almost losing Darling Girl.
The most frightening day: Darling Girl's birthday.
The most brilliant day: taking Darling Girl home after 4 months in hospital.
The most positive day: Mr I telling us we could try again.
The most realistic day: realising we cannot stay on this treadmill forever.

So even though Mr I, who has been a tower of support since we met him on that scary day, persuaded us to give it just another few months on yet some different tablets. We realised that we need to end this journey. We have spent 12 years on the fertility journey, most of our married life, and we need to move on.

We are so lucky that we have our Darling Girl, a miracle three times over. We used up all our miracles on her, and she is very precious.

But today is another of those mixed up emotion days. We asked for all the hope to be taken away. There is no more pregnancy test kits in the house in case "this is the month." We cannot live like that anymore. We need to draw a line under the last 12 years and be grateful, eternally grateful for our beautiful girl.

And tomorrow is the first day of the rest of our marriage.

45 Years

2008-11-23T17:04:00.002Z

...and stronger than ever.

If you had told me 5 years ago that everyone else would like Doctor Who I would never have believed you.

This is quite long, but lots of fun with lots of quotes!
"A man is the sum of his memories; a Time Lord even more so."

Splendid chaps - all of him!

Poke

2008-11-22T23:27:00.000Z

Well I finally succumbed, I am on facebook now!
I am finding out about friends and walls and poking. Its a whole new vocabulary.

If you are already on there come and find me and help me.

Right now my current favourite place on the whole world wide interweb is Rich's Comix Blog.
His comic strip of "The Ten Doctors" has been running 18 months and we are currently on page 141.
It is well drawn, full of great characterisation and humour and stunning cliffhangers. Not to mention every major character from the past 45 years that you could care to think of!
Over the past two weeks he has added some shocking plot twists , which have genuinely made me gasp!

If you are a Doctor Who fan - get yourself over to http://comics.shipsinker.com/comic-archives/

Promise

2008-11-18T23:17:00.003Z

Darling Girl made her promise at Rainbows tonight. I was invited along to watch. She tried her best with the tricky salute and had learned the words and was able to say them in front of the other Rainbows. She was very serious, but thrilled with her certificate and enrollment badge.

I promise that I will do my best

To love my god

And to be kind and helpful.

Dance like someone is watching

2008-11-17T12:44:00.003Z

At last, the days of the great dance spectacular arrived. Or, if you prefer - Darling Girl's dancing class put on a show.

After months of build up, plenty of expense and cheesed off mums (now there is a blog entry in itself) and weeks of Saturday afternoon practices the time had come.

Four late nights at the local theatre - two rehearsals and two performances. Lots of timetabling and childcare to organise around school and work. Darling Girl could not have taken part if Nan had not been able to help on the nights I was working late. Plus she also helped so I could watch as well.

So on Friday night I watched my Darling Girl take to the stage. Don't ask me how the other children did, I couldn't take my eyes off her. I am not a natural stage mother, I found that out on the rehearsal nights. I had brought a book and not enough make up. We had an overnight bag for tutus and not a special costume/suit carrier. However, I drank in every moment and willed her on!

I admit to a wobble. The ballet dance for her class was particularly sweet, "I can sing a rainbow" and the girls belted it out and showed us how to point toes and do turns; and I was transported back almost six and a half years to an incubator and a tiny, tiny baby girl plugged into wires and tubes and machines and strange alarms. And I could not help but think if you had told me then that everything would be like it was on Friday night I just would not have believed you. I had been so frightened and now I don't need to be frightened anymore.

I did get to share her debut with some special people. Of course Hub, Nan and Grandma had seen her twirl onstage. But there to see her with me on Friday some other fabulous friends who have been with us for the long haul, and were willing to put up with hours of senior modern dance for a few minutes of Darling Girl onstage.

But best of all, Darling Girl loved it - she loved her tutus, seeing her name in the programme, and has made lots of friends at the dance studio. And she danced for everyone watching!

Change

2008-10-30T21:35:00.002Z

I am saving "The time has come.....!"

Last night we went to Blackpool to see the Lights, and I was planning a little blog entry about how tacky it is when you are a grown up; and, how Darling Girl probably doesn't even realise that there is a beach at Blackpool since we only ever go in the dark in October; and, the fact that we got no annual photo with Bessie since she has been moved inside to stop her getting damaged; and, how Darling Girl chose a Peter Davison figure from all on offer at the Doctor Who shop.

Then on the way home, as she was asleep we put the news on because I wanted confirmation that Doctor Who has won yet another NTA. Instead we heard "Tennant to quit."
Aghast.
No.
Must have misheard.
Listen to the next bulletin.
Lots of head shaking.
Surprisingly close to tears without actually crying.

Then we heard it again.
Oh.

Then I got a few txt messages.

Since then I have watched the acceptance speech, and noticed the little wobble when he talks about walking away.

In a way he has tried to stick to the "Troughton Rule" and only complete three full years; and by filming the specials these are little extras, a neat way to say goodbye to the old team - including RTD. I think that comes across in his interview for the BBC.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/s4/misc/news/
Plus it gives Moffat and co a chance to make "their" Doctor Who, although I am surprised that DT will not give Moffat a first year to find his feet.

I am sad about David Tennant leaving - the only Doctor I lost my heart to, but the programme is bigger than them all. The hardest thing is when a little 6 year old hears it on the morning news and her heart is broken. But thanks for the warning, we have a year to prepare her and a lot of time to watch all those regeneration stories.

"...but the moment has been prepared for!"

Front door

2008-10-29T16:28:00.000Z

The window fitters finally left an hour ago - so this is my new front door.

Come and see it for real soon!

Busy Busy!

2008-10-28T21:55:00.003Z

Darling Girl and I are having a busy busy half term.

We went to the Lowry yesterday (will report back later) and today we had to stay in whilst we had new upstairs windows fitted. No holiday lie-in for us! Up early to tidy and rearrange furniture.

Once the fitters were here, we were trapped in the dining room. But we had lots of crafty things to do: colouring, gluing, scrapping and making a start on our Christmas cards.

But then the ice and snow set in, so I wrapped Darling Girl in a throw and let her watch dvds.

We do it all again tomorrow, only with downstairs windows and a door!

Really pleased I managed to get some scrapping done! I used my US kit for this, Cocoa Daisy. They do some really inspiring things - just a pity about the new exchange rate!

Learning to Fly

2008-10-25T12:13:00.004+01:00

A few weeks ago Darling Girl began attending a cheerleading group. Its local and hasn't been going too long, so all the girls are new. The coach is experienced and enthusiastic; keen to make them into a team.

Darling Girl loves it too, we have seen more cheerleading and cheerdance moves in a month than we have seen ballet steps in two years.

Thanks to her size, tone and ballet training Darling Girl has already been earmarked as Flyer - the one who gets to go up high! So at this week's training she got to be Captain and I was able to see her fly higher than she has before.

She was so proud when she came down, and so happy she was almost in tears!

So here is she is, at her early attempts as Flyer. Of course deliberately taken from the back!

Initiatives

2008-10-24T22:54:00.000+01:00

Since 1995 the Department for Children, Familes and Schools (or DES, or DfS, or DfES, or DfE - there have been so many name changes) have issued 700 initiatives for schools.
Not all of these were statutory but so many have had a major effect - literacy strategy, numeracy strategy, new literacy strategy, new numeracy strategy, QCAs, revised QCAs, early years strategy, new early years strategy, excellence and enjoyment, targets....

You get the contradictory picture!

It was just that number, 700!
It was mentioned at a conference I attended today and it just shocked me. Maybe it shouldn't have as I look down the list of changes since I started teaching. I mean, if they can't even decide on the name for their department should they really be telling me how to do my job?

School photo

2008-10-23T23:26:00.000+01:00

Mini Kinkakuji

2008-10-21T23:54:00.004+01:00

When we went to Liverpool on Sunday we walked past two old red telephone boxes. These now have listed building status. But Darling Girl was not at all sure what they were (almsot confused them with a police box) so she went for a closer look.

Then we noticed that one of them had a golden interior. We had found another piece of Biennial Art. A miniature Japanese Temple fitted inside a phone box.

As part of the installation by Yoshisaki Kaihatsu was an explanation of his work and a map showing other sacred buildings in Liverpool. It is very small and another surreal Capital of Culture moment!

I love this photograph - wish I could think of a good caption. Any ideas?

Book Day

2008-10-20T20:56:00.002+01:00

Darling Girl's school had their dressing up day today. Although looking around the children that came into school today the book character or watery theme was very loosely interpreted. There were a number of Darth Vaders, Spidermen, HSM cheerleaders and Doras on the playground this morning.
Darling Girl originally wanted to go as "Lauren the Puppy Fairy" yes, it is a real book! But a problem with wands, wings and a coat meant that last night we decided on Alice in Wonderland instead.
And I think she really looks the part!

Surreal

2008-10-19T22:09:00.003+01:00

We got to see "Turning the Place Over " today. A bizarre and wonderful piece of art and engineering. We loved it!

Stable

2008-10-18T23:21:00.004+01:00

This week the time came to finally rise to the challenge... and take the stabilisers from Darling Girl's bike. She is not overly confident but filled with enthusiasm. It may take some time for her to get the hang of it!

Helping the mechanic

Now these are off - they will not be going back on!

First attempts - but still not solo!

How old?

2008-10-17T23:40:00.000+01:00

I was absently looking in the mirror and talking to Hub...
"When did we get so old?" I wondered out loud.

I heard a small voice beside me.
"About 25 years ago, Mummy!"

Gertrude Auditions

2008-10-14T23:42:00.004+01:00

As we were at the RSC we tried some auditions for the role of Gertrude.

First up, Penny Downie, currently taking the role of Gertrude at the RSC.

Then Tree, she has special sparkly shoes, just for Patrick Stewart's benefit! Last, but not least, Judiann. Even if she hasn't worked with Patrick, she has met David Tennant!

Crunch Culprit

2008-10-13T21:30:00.003+01:00

Credit crunch! It's everywhere and now its on my blog!

But unlike most places I do have a culprit. Robert Peston. Who? He's the doom and gloom guy from the BBC news.
He seems to take a perverse delight out of the speculation. I listened to him yesterday evening and during a 2 minute report he used, repeatedly, words such as: depression, armageddon, disaster, chaos and collapse.
Not once did he say anything positive.

Robert Peston is also the one who took such joy in announcing the failure of Northern Rock and I am convinced that it was his precipitous announcement that caused the run on the bank and its collapse. Then he took real pleasure in interviewing those poor souls (employees and investors) caught up in it and then bragged about his "scoop."

Some journalists do a worthy and worthwhile job. I think Robert Peston, like those in the banking industry he criticises, is only out for his own self-aggrandisement; and the sooner he shuts up we will all feel better and maybe be better off!

Love's Labour's Part 2

2008-10-12T15:33:00.003+01:00

Last visit of the summer to the Courtyard - and what a fabulous summer.

How many are lucky enough to see their acting hero at such close quarters, at his height, in such dynamic theatrical events?

Hamlet and LLL have surely showcased David Tennant as the actor of his generation. He was superb in both plays. I loved the difference between reflective brooding Elsinore and golden Navarre and how this was complimented not only by the sets but only by the actor.

I feel quite privileged to have seen David Tennant in these roles at this time, and am already looking forward to his next challenge. Hub and I have joked that we will definitely be in the queue for when he takes on King Lear in another 25 years!