In the park again 20180818

Tom asked me to take some special pictures of the whole family and this is one of them.

Babysat last night which was all right even although Elsie is having trouble sleeping because of a cough and cold.

Doing simple things 20180817

We spent the day shopping in three different shops which included a large store selling DIY materials.  When we got back I had to give Sam a long explanation of why I didn’t want to play Monopoly.  He asked me whether I didn’t like the game because of the numbers and I had to explain it was about my values not numbers. He seemed quite happy to play it by himself and later we played a video game together.  I didn’t do too badly at it although obviously much worse than Sam who has had a lot more practice.

Had long discussions with Emma who is finding family life very challenging at the moment.  I am going to babysit for them tomorrow.

A new video 20180816

I spent the whole morning doing the video of our trip to Sue and Dennis.  It reminded me of why I enjoy doing this sort of work so much.  The picture is of the dining room table where I have set up my work space to do this.

A quiet day 20180815

Lynne comes to look after the children on Wednesday so was able to have a catch up morning before going to see them just after lunch.  Sam’s recorder book had arrived so we had another session together.  Its going very well and I feel he is listening to the sound as well as understanding the tempo.

Cooked a meal this evening but very cross because I burnt it.  I thought I had turned down the gas but didn’t check to see and then found I hadn’t turned it down far enough.  In future I need to stay in the kitchen and watch it cook!

A day out 20180814

Went to see Sue and Dennis today and had a really nice day out.  The picture is of an ark that Sam’s great grandfather made for Sam’s grandfather in 1940!  And Sam was playing with it today and looked as if he was enjoying it as much as his grandfather did all those years ago.

Sam also enjoyed playing with his cousin who is about the same age.  They both have wobbly teeth and a gap where one has come out!

The drive back was really horrible with queues on the motorway and then losing the GPS signal when we left the motorway to try and find another way back.  It makes me wonder why people want to go on driving……

Surprised 20180813

A very grey day and I think everyone needs a rest today.  Have worked out how to work the washing machine so am washing all my clothes.  I am also trying to catch up on work stuff and keep the video material up to date.  I hope I will have time to start making the video otherwise it will be too much when I get back.

Had a nice time playing with Sam who wanted to play monopoly.  Was amazed at how uncomfortable I felt as that way of dealing with money is against all my principles.  Felt that I managed to get across some of my ideas  although I’m not sure the parents approve!

Back to Manchester 20180812

Had another very grey drive back over the pass to Manchester.  This time without the queues which was nice.  More shopping when I got back and then on to Amanda’s which was really nice.  Admired the new kitchen which was very sleek and commiserated with Amanda about the number of boxes she is having to find room for.  Both Davey and Cathy no longer have a flat so all their possessions are with Amanda.

Came back and did some cooking which was nice.  Have established that the oven is electric although the hob is gas.  Hence I can now work the cooker.