OFSTED are off the premises!

Had the dreaded phone call last Wednesday morning. Felt my stomach slip down to the pits where it stayed until this Wednesday morning. The news sends everyone into a dizzy spin. Didn't have much of a weekend stressing over lesson plans, none of which were observed in the end, and titivating my classroom displays.

Fortunately, the Ofsted team were real human beings and put us at our ease, as much as that is ever going to happen. Our reward to be 'good with many outstanding features'.

Living in a box

Had an inspirational weekend with Paul Field who shared some of his musical 'Cargo' with us. His intention is to highlight not only the abolition of the slave trade 200 years ago today, but also the plight of those involved in slavery today. The trade in people is the third largest trade in the world today. Next week around 18 of us are heading over to Hull for the opening night.

It has already been a busy time for theatre outings. Last Saturday saw the Importance of Being Earnest, Thursday was 'Humble Boy' ,Friday my DD2 was in her Theatre Group variety show called 'Soup'. Top quality production and DH and I very proud.

And it's good morning from me...

My favourite programme of the week is Saturday Kitchen, when I get the chance to watch it uninterrupted, which is seldom. Well, I have been left speechless by the guests over the last two weeks (and I mean that in a good way).
I often talk about my dinner party in heaven and who is on my guest list. Well in the last two weeks they have had two of my guests ( and they are fairly obscure).

1. Adriana Trigiani - my absolutely favourite author. A wonderful, sassy, Italian American. I am even more surprised because her books are not that well known over here.
2. Ronnie Corbett - (I know what you're thinking, but I just love the chap. I smile before he even opens his mouth. I used to love those stories he did sitting in the chair.

As DH pointed out, what if these folks don't make it to heaven? My reply, that's for the Big Guy to sort out! (but it's a real case for universalism)

Out with the old

Where did December go?

Well, I guess I know where it went. The school nativity play was at The Crossing this year. The children were fantastic. The year 3/4 classes sand a Spanish version of Silent Night. Not a dry eye in the place! The parents seemed to enjoy sitting on a comfy seat as well. My stresses about the Church Nativity play were not over until Christmas Eve, but all went as smoothly as Nativity plays do, the Grumpy Innkeeper just could have been a little grumpier!

It was just we 4 at home over Christmas and so we had a quiet Christmas day, with a trip to see Man City beat Sheffield Utd on Boxing Day.

The following day we travelled to Devon for a blustery but fun time, catching up with close family. Mark had to be back to preach on New Year's Eve so only a quick trip this time. Mark's Mum and Dad joined us on New Year's Day when we got out the family jigsaw. Just finished it. Only 4 pieces missing, does Denver know anything about that I wonder?

The celbrations finsihed yesterday when Grace turned 14, can't believe it. She is having s Salsa party next week, so yesterday after she had finished her cafe stint we went for tea at Frankie and Benny's and watched Deja Vu and watched Deja Vu (geddit)