Apparently I did very well. We went somewhere small and I tootled up and down side roads. I've got a habit of straying to the wrong side of the road, and I kept getting lost on the way to third gear, but I loved it. I really, really loved it. I think the lovely driving instructor is used to being encouraging to nervous drivers. I wasn't nervous - at least, not about the driving as such. There was one moment when I did a left turn, knowing that a car was hidden just around the corner (we were doing laps of like an estate type place) but on the other side of the road there was parked a huge tractor pulling grass cutting equipment that had parked there since the last lap. I was a little unsure then, but there are dual controls so I didn't stall as the lovely driving instructor had control of the clutch and brakes and I didn't hit anything.
I do feel quite good about it all. I reversed a few yards when I had parked a little too close to the car in front, and it went well. I spotted vehicles behind me - though to be fair I spotted a stonking great van and a vividly electric blue car so they weren't exactly camouflaged.
Apart from that, I had to usher a smallish wasp out of the bathroom this morning. I'm going to have a good look outside tomorrow (before my second Professional Driving Lesson) to see if a nest is forming anywhere. I didn't see anything today, but it was very bright.
Bear came home and had a melt down. I just need to get him through this week and the next and the SATS will be over. I don't envy the teachers having to keep the Yr 6 class amused after finishing all the curriculum, because it all had to be finished and done by the SATS which start next week. I can't wait for it to be over.
Tuesday, 8 May 2018
Monday, 7 May 2018
That's a Start to the Day
Today was a Bank Holiday. It is a day when we all can have a lie in, get up in a leisurely manner, take our time for a quiet morning before relaxing for the rest of the day - unless the people next door but one have been up all night drinking. I suspect other stuff may have been involved, but I don't know much about that sort of thing. However at 8am I was reluctantly up and peeking out of the window to see a full on brawl in the street while their badly trained Jack Russell was almost exploding.
It all settled down after the third time the police turned up. Apparently a couple of people got carted off. Even I've noticed a police van outside a few times over the last year or so and I fail at being a nosy neighbour. It's the house where the man threw a sofa at a door.
It's not going to change. There will continue to be times when it's not safe to go out to put things in the bin. There are going to be times when I'm woken up - and, more importantly, bear is disturbed. All I can do is just let it wash over me and enjoy the show.
It all settled down after the third time the police turned up. Apparently a couple of people got carted off. Even I've noticed a police van outside a few times over the last year or so and I fail at being a nosy neighbour. It's the house where the man threw a sofa at a door.
It's not going to change. There will continue to be times when it's not safe to go out to put things in the bin. There are going to be times when I'm woken up - and, more importantly, bear is disturbed. All I can do is just let it wash over me and enjoy the show.
Sunday, 6 May 2018
Bear Has Awesome Uncle
We had a wasp.
Bear came downstairs and told me about this HUGE wasp. It was obviously a queen, it was so big, and it had somehow got into the bathroom. Bear had left the room and shut the door. We agreed that it was icky. As DH was out, I texted him to bring home wasp spray. However when I went up under complete necessity, there was no sign of the stripey so-and-so, even after I banged on the bath. That was this morning. I am writing this late at night and still no sign.
I have no idea how the thing got either in or out. If it was looking for somewhere to build a nest I suppose it may have crawled under the door and onto the dark landing. From there, who knows? It is possible to get between the floorboards from the bathroom. All the cats managed it (and had to be bathed. I still have the scar) and what blocked off access for a cat won't stop a wasp. I'm going to have to put citronella everywhere.
Then my brother brought bear a HUGE Lego kit. The box is massive. I have seen smaller coffee tables. It may save his sanity. I think that's what he'll be doing tomorrow. Poor lad is just about ticking over. I think my brother brought the perfect gift at the perfect time. SATS week starts on 14 May.
DH took bear out for a walk which didn't seem to affect his knee but seemed to perk him up a little. He'll probably get another walk tomorrow.
Bear came downstairs and told me about this HUGE wasp. It was obviously a queen, it was so big, and it had somehow got into the bathroom. Bear had left the room and shut the door. We agreed that it was icky. As DH was out, I texted him to bring home wasp spray. However when I went up under complete necessity, there was no sign of the stripey so-and-so, even after I banged on the bath. That was this morning. I am writing this late at night and still no sign.
I have no idea how the thing got either in or out. If it was looking for somewhere to build a nest I suppose it may have crawled under the door and onto the dark landing. From there, who knows? It is possible to get between the floorboards from the bathroom. All the cats managed it (and had to be bathed. I still have the scar) and what blocked off access for a cat won't stop a wasp. I'm going to have to put citronella everywhere.
Then my brother brought bear a HUGE Lego kit. The box is massive. I have seen smaller coffee tables. It may save his sanity. I think that's what he'll be doing tomorrow. Poor lad is just about ticking over. I think my brother brought the perfect gift at the perfect time. SATS week starts on 14 May.
DH took bear out for a walk which didn't seem to affect his knee but seemed to perk him up a little. He'll probably get another walk tomorrow.
Saturday, 5 May 2018
So Much For Friday
Poor bear couldn't walk properly so today I spent running around after him. He is determined to teach me how to play Minecraft over the summer holidays. I'm dreading it. I had a go and I couldn't work out how to move forward, so I think I will have a very interesting time.
I need to have a good clear out in the kitchen. It needs a complete clear out and rethink as I want to get bear cooking over the summer. He's 11, which isn't too young to make a meal with supervision, and I want to get him involved in the planning and budgeting more than the chopping. I just want him to have more skills at 18 than I had, and more than DH had, so he can make a meal, iron a shirt and get by.
I think bear has a better foundation than I did. He was scarfing down the soup that I had made in a batch and frozen (still some portions in the freezer!) and I mentioned that the next one may be a black bean soup recipe. Bear suggested that perhaps I should start by making a normal sized recipe so that we could see if we liked it before I froze a dozen portions. I don't know where he got his common sense from, but I don't think it was from me.
Also, for those interested, here is the latest instalment from the White Hart. I had far too much fun writing it, and I've got some great ideas about how to take it forward.
Wean - the Heinz beans and sausage are currently 75p each at Asda, but there is usually an offer on them somewhere. I don't shop at Asda at the moment as their delivery here is beyond appalling and I can't (yet) drive to the big out of town store. That's why I usually wait until they go on offer at Tesco. The offers come around once every month or so.
I need to have a good clear out in the kitchen. It needs a complete clear out and rethink as I want to get bear cooking over the summer. He's 11, which isn't too young to make a meal with supervision, and I want to get him involved in the planning and budgeting more than the chopping. I just want him to have more skills at 18 than I had, and more than DH had, so he can make a meal, iron a shirt and get by.
I think bear has a better foundation than I did. He was scarfing down the soup that I had made in a batch and frozen (still some portions in the freezer!) and I mentioned that the next one may be a black bean soup recipe. Bear suggested that perhaps I should start by making a normal sized recipe so that we could see if we liked it before I froze a dozen portions. I don't know where he got his common sense from, but I don't think it was from me.
Also, for those interested, here is the latest instalment from the White Hart. I had far too much fun writing it, and I've got some great ideas about how to take it forward.
Wean - the Heinz beans and sausage are currently 75p each at Asda, but there is usually an offer on them somewhere. I don't shop at Asda at the moment as their delivery here is beyond appalling and I can't (yet) drive to the big out of town store. That's why I usually wait until they go on offer at Tesco. The offers come around once every month or so.
Thursday, 3 May 2018
It's on Offer
I have a habit of looking at what is on offer. I have mental notes of my usual purchases and I only buy when they are under a certain price or I'm desperate. For example, Heinz beans and sausage are an inexpensive, not totally unhealthy light meal, can be served on toast, and bear and his pals will eat them. They are also gluten free which means that I can also have them for a quick lunch on occasion and while I shouldn't rely on them, I am very grateful for them as a stop gap. Their usual price is £1.05. and I only buy one or two at that price when I've run out. When it gets to 5 for £3, or 60p each, I buy ten.
This isn't infallible. Prices are rising and while a few years ago I wouldn't buy tinned soup if it was more than 50p a can for Heinz, now I have to make do with 60p a tin (5 for £3 is the usual offer) instead of the normal 95p per tin. I stock up when it comes around to the good price. Of course, I currently have a stock of frozen, home made soup made at a fraction of this price, one portion of which bear had for his dinner, so I'm less likely than ever to pay out for an overpriced tin.
This doesn't work across the board. As I type there are 412 items on sale at Tesco under the 'Household' category. Most of them I wouldn't touch no matter what. I have never liked the highly scented fabric softeners, so I'm not interested in them. I use white vinegar instead. I may have been interested in the Ariel deal of a 40 wash box for £6, but I currently have a good stock of washing powder. However I would never have bothered with the air fresheners as I prefer essential oils, Woodwick candles and, basically, opening a window. I am planning on using baking soda in pots with essential oils and I would rather use more of the inexpensive white vinegar than the branded window cleaners.
And that is the heart of it. Most of the time you don't get sales on the basics of washing soda, white vinegar, baking soda and own brand washing up liquid. Most of what I buy is too inexpensive to go on sale. If you buy the wonky veg, the basics tinned tomatoes, the own brand free range eggs and the plain, unadulterated ingredients to cook from scratch, you don't get a coupon or a sale. You save money if you resist the sale. I prefer to use white vinegar as a laundry softener. It is more effective on things like towels and is less likely to overwhelm any scent I wear. At the moment Tesco have their own brand fabric softener at £1 for 1.26 litres if you buy two. Tesco's own brand white vinegar works out at 70p per litre and it's even less expensive if you get it in bulk via Amazon's subscribe and save.
And all this is a reminder why I need to stay away from the 'Special Offers' section of the supermarket, because I get sucked in so often. I need to put a post it note on my laptop to say - 'it's only a bargain if you actually need it, use it and there isn't a less expensive version that is just as good'.
This isn't infallible. Prices are rising and while a few years ago I wouldn't buy tinned soup if it was more than 50p a can for Heinz, now I have to make do with 60p a tin (5 for £3 is the usual offer) instead of the normal 95p per tin. I stock up when it comes around to the good price. Of course, I currently have a stock of frozen, home made soup made at a fraction of this price, one portion of which bear had for his dinner, so I'm less likely than ever to pay out for an overpriced tin.
This doesn't work across the board. As I type there are 412 items on sale at Tesco under the 'Household' category. Most of them I wouldn't touch no matter what. I have never liked the highly scented fabric softeners, so I'm not interested in them. I use white vinegar instead. I may have been interested in the Ariel deal of a 40 wash box for £6, but I currently have a good stock of washing powder. However I would never have bothered with the air fresheners as I prefer essential oils, Woodwick candles and, basically, opening a window. I am planning on using baking soda in pots with essential oils and I would rather use more of the inexpensive white vinegar than the branded window cleaners.
And that is the heart of it. Most of the time you don't get sales on the basics of washing soda, white vinegar, baking soda and own brand washing up liquid. Most of what I buy is too inexpensive to go on sale. If you buy the wonky veg, the basics tinned tomatoes, the own brand free range eggs and the plain, unadulterated ingredients to cook from scratch, you don't get a coupon or a sale. You save money if you resist the sale. I prefer to use white vinegar as a laundry softener. It is more effective on things like towels and is less likely to overwhelm any scent I wear. At the moment Tesco have their own brand fabric softener at £1 for 1.26 litres if you buy two. Tesco's own brand white vinegar works out at 70p per litre and it's even less expensive if you get it in bulk via Amazon's subscribe and save.
And all this is a reminder why I need to stay away from the 'Special Offers' section of the supermarket, because I get sucked in so often. I need to put a post it note on my laptop to say - 'it's only a bargain if you actually need it, use it and there isn't a less expensive version that is just as good'.
Wednesday, 2 May 2018
Bear has a Syndrome
I took bear to the doctor today. Last week bear had limped into her office with a red and swollen knee and she had suggested a blood test and booked it in today. However they discuss cases within the practice and another GP had reviewed the idea and suggested a diagnosis. To recap, bear had a very stiff, sore and swollen knee that had settled down with ibuprofen and some rest. It wasn't a happy knee after playing football yesterday but it wasn't as bad as it could be. So bear was diagnosed with Sinding-Larsen Johansson syndrome. It's not serious and he'll grow out of it. Apparently the tendon that holds the shin to the kneecap gets sore. Treatment is painkillers and rest. I'll just keep an eye out. He totally charmed the doctor, who was awesome and explained everything to him. Bear was happy that he didn't need a blood test but somewhat saddened that I took him in to school afterwards.
Also I passed my theory driving test! I keep checking the certificate to make sure I haven't got it wrong. I'm so giddy about it. Now all (all!) I need to do is the practical, lessons starting next week. I'm still shocked that I passed as some of the questions were completely unfamiliar and I struggled with the hazard perception test all the way through. For those not familiar, hazard perception test shows a video clip where you click a mouse when you spot a developing hazard. I found it hard as there are so many potential hazards in a clip, but I managed it. I need to see how it translates into real life.
Thanks for all the good wishes. I suspect that those good wishes helped push me through. Thank you
Also I passed my theory driving test! I keep checking the certificate to make sure I haven't got it wrong. I'm so giddy about it. Now all (all!) I need to do is the practical, lessons starting next week. I'm still shocked that I passed as some of the questions were completely unfamiliar and I struggled with the hazard perception test all the way through. For those not familiar, hazard perception test shows a video clip where you click a mouse when you spot a developing hazard. I found it hard as there are so many potential hazards in a clip, but I managed it. I need to see how it translates into real life.
Thanks for all the good wishes. I suspect that those good wishes helped push me through. Thank you
Tuesday, 1 May 2018
All Was Not Revealed (Hopefully)
Happy Beltane!
I swear there is a sign on my door saying, 'in shower, please knock'. And I daren't ignore it because I'm always ordering stuff. Today was no exception.
I was just getting nicely clean when the door went. I opened the bathroom window a smidge, clutched the shower curtain to me, knocked a bottle of shower gel onto the porch roof which bounced over the head of the poor soul knocking, and shouted an apology and told them to put the parcel in the yellow bin.
It wasn't a delivery. It was a very nice man asking me to vote for the Labour Party.
We had a very nice discussion as I leaned out of the window, technically decent, dripping and talking about what the council were going to do about the bins. He seemed very pleasant and able to cope with an old girl doing a 'surprised nymph' impression while wittering about council tax. I'm undecided, to be honest, but I will vote. I urge everyone who can to vote, even if you just turn up and spoil the ballot. People have gone through a lot to get us the opportunity of voting. It seems wrong to forget them.
Bear was in a football tournament today, for the footballers who normally don't get picked for tournaments. He didn't win, but he had such a good time. He ran and tackled and at one point forced a serious save. I am so proud of him.
Now I am off to study for the theory test tomorrow. I'm doing okay with the multiple choice, but struggling with the hazard perception as I keep tapping too early. Please send good vibes.
I swear there is a sign on my door saying, 'in shower, please knock'. And I daren't ignore it because I'm always ordering stuff. Today was no exception.
I was just getting nicely clean when the door went. I opened the bathroom window a smidge, clutched the shower curtain to me, knocked a bottle of shower gel onto the porch roof which bounced over the head of the poor soul knocking, and shouted an apology and told them to put the parcel in the yellow bin.
It wasn't a delivery. It was a very nice man asking me to vote for the Labour Party.
We had a very nice discussion as I leaned out of the window, technically decent, dripping and talking about what the council were going to do about the bins. He seemed very pleasant and able to cope with an old girl doing a 'surprised nymph' impression while wittering about council tax. I'm undecided, to be honest, but I will vote. I urge everyone who can to vote, even if you just turn up and spoil the ballot. People have gone through a lot to get us the opportunity of voting. It seems wrong to forget them.
Bear was in a football tournament today, for the footballers who normally don't get picked for tournaments. He didn't win, but he had such a good time. He ran and tackled and at one point forced a serious save. I am so proud of him.
Now I am off to study for the theory test tomorrow. I'm doing okay with the multiple choice, but struggling with the hazard perception as I keep tapping too early. Please send good vibes.
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