Catch Up 1-Daniel's new school

I went to Daniel's school to look around and to meet a few teachers. They couldn't say enough good things about our boy. I was swelled up with pride but couldn't resist saying that it was a pleasure to be coming to see Daniel at a Middle School where he was in charge, not in trouble.



The Principal Dr. Hacking at his desk and by the anchor





A music class - about 70 kids mostly playing stringed instruments. This is one hell of a school!

Resolutions

You may remember a few months ago, Alison posted that she had 40 things to accomplish before her 40th birthday on 4th Sept. I have a big birthday coming up next year (70) so I thought I would do the same thing. Jane pointed out that finding 70 things to do would be mighty difficult so she suggested I settle for 7. That would be one for each decade. I will make a list (suggestions welcome) and post it when I get a chance.

Capitol Reef

The white cliffs of Dover have competition from the red mountains of Utah





Jane smelling a tree at Craig's behest (I guess they're still in love!)




We left on Friday afternoon for the four hour drive to C R. The closer we got, the more impressive was the scenery. I had brought my proper big camera and enjoyed picture taking. I was only sorry that I didn't have a better grasp of F stops and all that stuff. We stayed in a motel and Jane had booked two rooms, one for her and Craig and one for me and the children. I put a stop to that immediately. I couldn't inflict my snoring/sleep apnea gasping on the poor little things so I got a room of my own. Everyone was happy. The weekend was excellent; beautiful weather and scenery to die for. Sunday afternoon saw us back in SLC.

I went to see Kathryn on Monday. It was a marathon session but lots was accomplished. Jane and Catherine and I went to the nail shop for mani/pedi. My nails look better than they have in months if not years. Ryan is coming for dinner tonight.

Burbank

Here I am. Travelled all day yesterday without incident and arrived at Daniel and Michelle's at 4:30PM. I'm now travelling Economy class having lost my Travel Agent but it wasn't too bad. I had an aisle seat in the front row of the 'cattle car' which meant more leg room and no one in front of me putting their seat back in my lap. I came supplied with IPod, laptop, books and a magazine and I also watched a really bad movie (The Backup Plan). The food wasn't too dreadful and, being Economy, I was spared the task of making a menu choice. I brought my own roasted, salted pecans to enjoy with my diet coke. All in all, pretty good. I had arranged to take the Super Shuttle from the airport to Daniel's house and that also worked well. I'm going to Salt Lake City on Thursday and really looking forward to seeing Jane & Co.

Olivia is cute as a button. I will post pictures later. She talks a blue streak. It's a toss up which parent she gets that from. Probably both. She looks much older than her three years.

It is now 5:30AM. Of course I'm awake but I might snooze a bit more before I get up properly. I brought my latest toy (MacBook) with me. It's great. Now I have Big Mac at home and Mac Nugget for travel.

Brighton Pictures

Harry on the rope walk



Spent 24 hours in Brighton with Harry so Mummy Ali and Mummy Sian could go away for the weekend (Pat came on Saturday to do the second 24 hours. The girls don't think either of us could manage 48. Actually, I have to confess to feeling quite tired when I got back to Oxford. I spent the evening watching Wallander and eating a huge plate of my home grown vegetables which were delicious. I haven't got to the tomatoes yet; I may have to give them to Judith. Also, I've given up on the courgettes. I don't like them so she can have those as well. I'm hoping that when I get back from America there will be lots of carrots, onions and beetroot. I love beetroot. I don't have any lettuce but I think I will give it a go next year.

I'm off to LA on Tuesday. I'll be taking the MacNugget with me so I plan to keep blogging. I will be home at the end of September.

Rosie's Birthday Party

Pretty in Pink

Everything has to be pink - my dress, my presents, my cake, everything



My grandma gave me a ballet outfit (I'm starting lessons soon) and Mummy helps me to put on the gear



Check it out - I'm going to wash my face before my first ballet lesson!



Mummy made my birthday cake (I helped)



Blowing out the candles is the best part

Modern World

Smug driver vindicated as SatNav confirms his usual route

An Isle of Wight resident was reportedly feeling particularly smug this week after the purchase of a Satellite Navigation system confirmed to him that all the routes he normally takes are exactly the one his Global Positioning system would recommend if he didn’t already know exactly where he was going.
Matthew Gratton, became the latest to feel the 21st century emotion of ‘SatNavisfaction’ when his newly acquired Garmin Nuvi 265, with a 3.5″ touch screen and pre-loaded UK and Western Europe maps, not only directed him to his destination, the business park outside Ventnor where he works, but also chose the exact same route that he normally uses.

I'm jealous. I wish I had a SatNav. Seriously, I've been lost a few times around cities in heavy traffic and it's a nightmare. Also my silly side would enjoy driving my usual routes to check with Ms SN. Do you think I might have too much time on my hands?