bumps and bruises and other assorted news

There is a lack of photos on my camera memory card or phone, just some random ones today. The last one is of James having an afternoon nap after crashing his bike and knocking his head on a grit bin. He had a right goose egg behind his ear, which we treated with 20 minutes of icing and "magic cream". Only plasters beat magic cream but we couldn't find one big enough. James has a road bike with narrow wheels but he treats it like a stunt bike. He also believes he is unbreakable, despite ample evidence to the contrary. He was really tired after camping out over night with scouts and I am glad he took a nap after all the excitement of bike accidents. I spent a few minutes checking the NHS website for signs of concussion and serious head injury but concluded that the goose egg was all there was to his injury. James recovered enough to go back on his bike and to go for the second sleepover this weekend.

Alistair also had a bike crash. He came hobbling back with an older gentlemen from the neighbourhood, who had checked him over and brought bike and boy home. By the time they arrived the bush drums (aka Alistair's pals) had already raced back and told me of the accident. I prepared myself for another round of ice and magic cream but all was good. Nothing broken, just a bruised ego. Alistair went back outside almost immediately, not wanting to miss out on the fun that is neighbourhood play.

Other than bike crashes, the day was uneventful for the boys. They spent most of the afternoon cycling with their friends, stopping by for drinks and snacks only. I am dreading winter. Crowds of children will be descending on us when it is too dark and cold to spend all day outside.

Meanwhile, I caught up with the housework and most of the laundry, made bacon and potato scone rolls for lunch and I baked a lovely walnut bread using a recipe from a favourite Swiss blog, Mit Hand und Herz. I spent some time making a quilt sandwich with Alistair's quilt top, comfortably on the kitchen table rather than crawling on the floor. I wasn't sure if I would be able to stand up again after an hour on my knees. I have only got one row left on my hexagon quilt. That and an additional side length because the proportions were not to my liking. Next I'll be filling the gaps on the sides with half hexagons. I feel a bit stressed actually, nearly done and not liking the idea of finishing.

Alistair was the only child in the house for dinner. He had pizza and I made mushroom risotto for Richard and I. We watched "Wonder" on Netflix. It was quite nice having a small family for once. We all enjoyed the film, I thought the adaptation from book to film was successful. Alistair is reading this book at school just now. Apparently he has made great progress with his daily reading/comprehension practice with the head teacher. He admitted sheepishly that he sometimes forgets to go to the office for his daily date with the HT... He got to be pupil of the week for being kind. He announced that he wanted to go to college and do something sporty. A successful week for my youngest.

We were offered a second day at after school club. This will make life so much easier. At the moment, Annie and Sam look after James and Alistair afternoon each from 3:30 to 5.  Richard and I (mostly I) cover two afternoons and one afternoon they have after school club. An additional day will make all the difference. You wouldn't believe how many meetings are still arranged for late afternoon. I am actually dreaming of becoming a lady of leisure, the pressure of full time work is exhausting. I am tired of being solely responsible for the positive learning experience of 75 students for a full nine months. If I drop dead tomorrow, everything will implode. I have dutifully completed the annual staff survey with the usual comments and expect that nothing will change - just another tick box exercise. On the positive side, I am now a line manager of a vastly senior gentlemen with a world reputation in his field.

I have caught up with this weeks Woman's hour and enjoyed a few other podcasts, too. I listened to the an episode of Thinking Allowed with the the theme "buttons" - the ones you push, not the ones you sew on your blouses. It was most interesting. Radio 4 is good for a broad education. I also listened to my favourite science shows, which I shall not name because I don't want anyone to think that I am completely bonkers.

Thank you for all your nice comments about my aching arms. They are still in the way when I sleep and my right forearm is sometimes so sore that I cannot properly lift a mug of coffee. Nevertheless, I feel much better because I am not the only one suffering with the early stages of decrepitude. I started to think that there is maybe something seriously wrong with me but seeing that arms are not an uncommon cause of discomfort, I can reign in my hypochondriac tendency and move on with life.

Time for bed although our neighbours are so bloody noisy, I might need to bang on the wall for a bit first. The joys of a semi detached dwelling eh?

Thanks for stopping by. Have a lovely, relaxing Sunday xx