After a hectic end to 2010, I had hoped for a quiet January. This of course seems to have been just wishful thinking. It didn’t help being unwell in the middle of January, as per my last blog. I worked from home on the Monday and Tuesday (17th & 18th Jan) till I felt well enough to get back into the office on the Wednesday. On the Saturday (22nd) I was doing a fund raising quiz in the village hall… I had agreed to do it some time back, but it takes a lot of time to prepare a quiz, and so I was v.busy getting that prepared and the day was hectic getting the hall arranged and set up etc… The quiz went down well, but as I have decided I want less work load in my life and a little more time to relax, I have told Tricia that I am not doing anymore quizzes… I have now retired from being a quizmaster. A couple of pics from the evening…

In early January I was asked, in my capacity as a school governor, to chair a panel regarding a grievance appeal. This has meant reading an awful lot of paperwork. The hearing was on Thursday, and it was quite a tense affair. But its completed, and to be honest I am somewhat relieved it is over, it was another item of work. I have considered whether to continue being a governor, as my present term (4 years) comes up in March, but as I figure I am doing something useful I will continue. Ellie should be starting at the school in September, so I will do at least another 4 years.

As well as quizzes and school hearings, I am directing the play for the local acting group at present. 4 weeks to go… and it is another item that eats at free time. I don’t find myself quite so keen on the acting at present, and so when this production finishes, I will probably not do anything amdram related for the remainder of the year.

Just before I was unwell I had started to decorate what was Robbies bedroom, so that Ellie could move into it. What was Ellies room would be done up as a spare room, and then Nikki or Robbie could use either of the spare rooms when they were home. Anyhow, the room was in a state of being half decorated, but I have finished the room this weekend. Dark pink wallpaper (good grief) on one wall and candyfloss coloured paint on the other walls… Oh well, I don’t have to sleep in there. Ellie is pleased, and will move her stuff in this weekend. But with every up it seems there is a down… now I have finished Ellies new room, Tricia will want the bedroom she was in decorated.. and guess what, she has found the wallpaper already.

This Saturday we had one of the safari suppers in the village that Tricia and I organise. The theme was childrens birthday parties, and it was a good evening with lots of silliness… pass the parcel etc.

Nikki has been home for the weekend. She looks well, and cooked the Sunday roast (good girl !) and did a good job. Robbie will be coming home next weekend, so we are looking forward to catching up with him. He has found a house to share with 3 others in year 2, and it sounds like he is doing ok. Ellie has become the master of her toaster / waffle maker… with her Christmas money she bought herslf one. So, Nikki cooked lunch today. Ellie did toasties for tea. Kids have their uses

Nearly time for some Sunday night TV… so I will sign off and get everything ready for tomorrow and then slump in front of the tele. I have entered myself into the Swimathon in April, so in the pool tomorrow morning and start to get in shape for the event.

Current cat count : 4