Saturday 24th
I couldn't resist a trip out even though I was on my own. I thought my luck was in when I was offered a parking ticket by a family on their way home. The sun came out right on cue and produced bright sunshine from behind lightening a dark dramatic shy. Not great photos, but I have to appreciate my camera's limitations.
Unfortunately, my camera's not the only one with limitations - hoping to feel better tomorrow...
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Time To Go Home...
Saturday 24th
I was disappointed at the way my camera performed (or didn't) today. I learned what I already knew - don't go above 4x zoom if you want clarity, even with a tripod. If you want to zoom in, get yourself a 'man's' camera. I still think this camera captures skys like no other and I love the way it has recorded the ripples on the water.
Yes, I still love my IXUS 800, we make a good team...
I was disappointed at the way my camera performed (or didn't) today. I learned what I already knew - don't go above 4x zoom if you want clarity, even with a tripod. If you want to zoom in, get yourself a 'man's' camera. I still think this camera captures skys like no other and I love the way it has recorded the ripples on the water.
Yes, I still love my IXUS 800, we make a good team...
Friday, February 23, 2007
Hobbycraft and Stitches Show, Sirdar Stand.
Tuesday 20th
Great to have an excuse to have a day out and visit the NEC. This time it was the Trade Show, Hobbycrafts and Stitches. It's at times like these that I wish I were (a rich man, no sorry...) a buyer for a shop. Such delights to behold....it takes my breath away. Met up with Chris for general chat about website and new ventures underway. Aardman have been commissioned by the BBC to produce a 40-part series of Shaun The Sheep. We are involved in encouraging retailers to hold Great British PicKnits where people will knit parts of life size sheep under the watchful eye of Shaun. Can't wait to get more details on the website and see it all come together.
Great to have an excuse to have a day out and visit the NEC. This time it was the Trade Show, Hobbycrafts and Stitches. It's at times like these that I wish I were (a rich man, no sorry...) a buyer for a shop. Such delights to behold....it takes my breath away. Met up with Chris for general chat about website and new ventures underway. Aardman have been commissioned by the BBC to produce a 40-part series of Shaun The Sheep. We are involved in encouraging retailers to hold Great British PicKnits where people will knit parts of life size sheep under the watchful eye of Shaun. Can't wait to get more details on the website and see it all come together.
The Secret Of Alchemy...
Missed seeing this technique being demonstrated, but effect is stunning. Powder paints are mixed with water and then poured inside a glass vessel. If anyone has more details, perhaps they could get in touch?...
IN BRIEF
Monday 19th
Jewellery Class did happen after all at a different centre as the usual one was closed. We were made to feel extrememly welcome and the caretaker took it upon himself to pop across the road to get us some milk when it ran out.
Many thanks to all at the Derby Multicultural Centre.
Tuesday 20th (see photos)
Wednesday 21st
Graham flew off to America at 9.00am and at 11.00am the internet decided to pack in completely. Tried to wait patiently for it to reappear, but by 7.00pm nothing. Rang the helpline (could have rung Chris Evans up to tell him 'I did this for the first time today', but perhaps too late!) and was told I needed to change the username on the router.... what username... what router... how... where... what... HELP!!
Thursday 22nd
Managed to change the username (so there!) but nothing had happened over night, so decided to change it all back... pressed 'connect' and it burst into life. I proud moment, though I say it myself...
Jewellery Class at Kirk Hallam almost a success, but everyone messed up at the end rushing crutial part of attaching findings. Brought everyone's bracelets home and spent the evening sorting them out.
Friday 23rd
Finished Rubber Stamping technique using a Medalion stamp. Don't usually let my class any where near glitter glue, but they looked stunning with a few blobs! We are being inspected again in April/May time, so have started making plans for a big display (just like school). Took photos and then showed students how to work one of these photo printers (it looks like a toaster), great fun!
Robert and Warren popped in for some tea on the way to Wrexham for a wacky week-end...
Monday 19th
Jewellery Class did happen after all at a different centre as the usual one was closed. We were made to feel extrememly welcome and the caretaker took it upon himself to pop across the road to get us some milk when it ran out.
Many thanks to all at the Derby Multicultural Centre.
Tuesday 20th (see photos)
Wednesday 21st
Graham flew off to America at 9.00am and at 11.00am the internet decided to pack in completely. Tried to wait patiently for it to reappear, but by 7.00pm nothing. Rang the helpline (could have rung Chris Evans up to tell him 'I did this for the first time today', but perhaps too late!) and was told I needed to change the username on the router.... what username... what router... how... where... what... HELP!!
Thursday 22nd
Managed to change the username (so there!) but nothing had happened over night, so decided to change it all back... pressed 'connect' and it burst into life. I proud moment, though I say it myself...
Jewellery Class at Kirk Hallam almost a success, but everyone messed up at the end rushing crutial part of attaching findings. Brought everyone's bracelets home and spent the evening sorting them out.
Friday 23rd
Finished Rubber Stamping technique using a Medalion stamp. Don't usually let my class any where near glitter glue, but they looked stunning with a few blobs! We are being inspected again in April/May time, so have started making plans for a big display (just like school). Took photos and then showed students how to work one of these photo printers (it looks like a toaster), great fun!
Robert and Warren popped in for some tea on the way to Wrexham for a wacky week-end...
A Short Homecoming...
Saturday 17th
Robert came home for the week-end to have a break from sunny Cambridge and to have his hair cut. Great to see him and catch up on what he's been doing at work. Good too as we went out for for two long walks. Saturday saw us joining stalwart ramblers at Middleton Top and Sunday we re-lived school holiday outings to the Midland Railway Centre at Ripley
Robert came home for the week-end to have a break from sunny Cambridge and to have his hair cut. Great to see him and catch up on what he's been doing at work. Good too as we went out for for two long walks. Saturday saw us joining stalwart ramblers at Middleton Top and Sunday we re-lived school holiday outings to the Midland Railway Centre at Ripley
Friday, February 16, 2007
Love is...
'Love is Blind' website mentioned on Radio 2 this week. All you do is send a message and the recipient gets an email to invite them to go to the website to search through the hearts to finds theirs. If during the search you feel like donating to the RNIB all well and good, but the service is free.
IN BRIEF
Monday 12th
It was funny having to get up 'early' this morning to do a card workshop over at Hatton. We made shaker cards in the shape of a heart for Valentine's Day and another two 'basic' cards to finish off. Luckily the three hours just flew by and I think everyone went home happy.
Straight out after lunch, which Lucy had lovingly prepared for me (I'd left instructions) and off to town for a spot of Valentine's Day shopping. This was rounded off with food shopping at Morrisons and a bunch of red roses in case someone forgot/didn't have time.
Tuesday 13th
Graham came home at lunch time with a huge bunch of gorgeous roses from M&S. He was concerned they might be ruined by tomorrow morning, thanks Graham.
Rest of day spent catching up with the website and then out with Lucy in the afternoon. Didn't find anything at the The Bottle Kiln but ended up in Home Bargains with an armful of stuff for less than the price of a Derby car parking ticket.
Tap again this week, dance is now set, can't wait for the fishnets, top hat and tails...
Wednesday 14th Valentine's Day
Had a really successful day , Graham liked his presents, roses, bottle of pink Cava ( M&S), two bags of seed potatoes (= million brownie points) and what he's always wanted - a shiny new Ducati (OK, so it was a model...)
Took loads of photos of roses, but cameras just don't like red (so I'm told). Sunny afternoon, but had to spend it indoors at tutor meeting.
Lucy had planned the perfect romantic afternoon complete with red and white paper chains (hand-made) adorning the sun lounge. Unfortunately, Ben's presents didn't match up and by the end of the evening there was quite a disappointed bunny. We, on the other hand had a lovely meal out at The Spotted Cow at Holbrook. Just time for a glass of the pink cava before bed...
Thursday 15th
Post came early and had to open the door in my dressing grown (old ones are the best!).
Took us till nearly 10.30am to get ready to set off to see grand-parents. Glad to report my mum looked really well and my dad was 'happy as Larry' making a sword for Lucy's Fancy Dress party she is going to on Saturday. They'd cooked pheasant for dinner especially for us (complete with shot still embedded) a birthday present to my dad from my uncle (quaint countryside custom). Managed to come home with teeth still intact!
Monday 12th
It was funny having to get up 'early' this morning to do a card workshop over at Hatton. We made shaker cards in the shape of a heart for Valentine's Day and another two 'basic' cards to finish off. Luckily the three hours just flew by and I think everyone went home happy.
Straight out after lunch, which Lucy had lovingly prepared for me (I'd left instructions) and off to town for a spot of Valentine's Day shopping. This was rounded off with food shopping at Morrisons and a bunch of red roses in case someone forgot/didn't have time.
Tuesday 13th
Graham came home at lunch time with a huge bunch of gorgeous roses from M&S. He was concerned they might be ruined by tomorrow morning, thanks Graham.
Rest of day spent catching up with the website and then out with Lucy in the afternoon. Didn't find anything at the The Bottle Kiln but ended up in Home Bargains with an armful of stuff for less than the price of a Derby car parking ticket.
Tap again this week, dance is now set, can't wait for the fishnets, top hat and tails...
Wednesday 14th Valentine's Day
Had a really successful day , Graham liked his presents, roses, bottle of pink Cava ( M&S), two bags of seed potatoes (= million brownie points) and what he's always wanted - a shiny new Ducati (OK, so it was a model...)
Took loads of photos of roses, but cameras just don't like red (so I'm told). Sunny afternoon, but had to spend it indoors at tutor meeting.
Lucy had planned the perfect romantic afternoon complete with red and white paper chains (hand-made) adorning the sun lounge. Unfortunately, Ben's presents didn't match up and by the end of the evening there was quite a disappointed bunny. We, on the other hand had a lovely meal out at The Spotted Cow at Holbrook. Just time for a glass of the pink cava before bed...
Thursday 15th
Post came early and had to open the door in my dressing grown (old ones are the best!).
Took us till nearly 10.30am to get ready to set off to see grand-parents. Glad to report my mum looked really well and my dad was 'happy as Larry' making a sword for Lucy's Fancy Dress party she is going to on Saturday. They'd cooked pheasant for dinner especially for us (complete with shot still embedded) a birthday present to my dad from my uncle (quaint countryside custom). Managed to come home with teeth still intact!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
The sun came out and so did we...
There's always something very exciting about a swollen river, a force of nature against which we have no control (don't get me going about global warming - tosh - people need to be reminded about the last ice age and the circumstances surrounding the extinction of dinosaurs). Anyway, Swarkestone Bridge, ancient monument, made an excellent subject for a photographic foray.
We had gone in search of snowdrops at Staunton Harold, but we didn't make it, perhaps next week...
We had gone in search of snowdrops at Staunton Harold, but we didn't make it, perhaps next week...
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Saturday 10th
WHERE DID IT ALL GO?...
Now I have the blogging bug, I can't pass a Saturday without hoping that I will have found an interesting photo to take and an event to tell you about. Today was wet and dismal, there was a sense of loss of what might have been...all that white fluffy snow gone to waste, just as though it had never existed. Looking on the bright side, I did get to wear my new boots, (funny how footwear can give a boost to your confidence )- and buy a new pair of trousers from Per Una ( they need shortening).
I spent the morning making Valentine Cards for a workshop on Monday. I'll post my original ones (from a magazine project) on Wednesday. It makes me just a little sad, when I think no more projects for magazines, but you never know what's around the corner. This time last week my photos weren't on the Morley Parish Council website and I hadn't sent any images to the Derby Evening Telegraph. Sometimes, though, some things seem unattainable and then before you know it , you realise that they've come and gone...
WHERE DID IT ALL GO?...
Now I have the blogging bug, I can't pass a Saturday without hoping that I will have found an interesting photo to take and an event to tell you about. Today was wet and dismal, there was a sense of loss of what might have been...all that white fluffy snow gone to waste, just as though it had never existed. Looking on the bright side, I did get to wear my new boots, (funny how footwear can give a boost to your confidence )- and buy a new pair of trousers from Per Una ( they need shortening).
I spent the morning making Valentine Cards for a workshop on Monday. I'll post my original ones (from a magazine project) on Wednesday. It makes me just a little sad, when I think no more projects for magazines, but you never know what's around the corner. This time last week my photos weren't on the Morley Parish Council website and I hadn't sent any images to the Derby Evening Telegraph. Sometimes, though, some things seem unattainable and then before you know it , you realise that they've come and gone...
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Published At Last...
I sat down with a cup of coffee this morning and opening the Derby Evening Telegraph to have a quick read. There in the middle of the letter's page was my photo in glorious colour...I am so thrilled...
One Step and I Can Hear The Crunch...
Wednesday 7th February
There was just one puddle this morning and I found it...
There was just one puddle this morning and I found it...
IN BRIEF
Monday 5th
My photos are now featured on the Morley Parish Council website, together with my name and a link to my Flickr site, fame at last...
Unflustered morning, then just as I was about to have some lunch the phone went and I get some great news about the ukhandknitting website. Apparently Aardman Animations have a new animation for children coming out in April featuring one of the Wallace and Grommit characters. It's being launched at the Stitches Show at the NEC,and is being tipped as bigger that the Telly Tubbies and... we're involved. Can't wait to get all the details!
Tuesday 6th
Spent the morning sending some of my photos to the Derby Evening Telegraph to see if they would consider them for the letters page. The internet was on a 'go slow' so it seemed to take for ever!
Had to go to town to get materials for workshop next Monday, making Valentine cards. Nice to have an excuse to buy pretty paper etc.
Tap class was later than usual due to a Parent's Evening being held at the school. Have to remember we have an extra rehearsal next week over half term as the competition date is looming and the dance isn't 'set' yet. Having trouble remembering the steps, but pleased that we get do a time step. Fred Astaire 'eat your heart out'...
Wednesday 7th
Forecast living up to expectations with a sharp frost this morning. Desperate not to miss a photographic opportunity, but side very uncomfortable. Decided that I could go out as long as I had a hot water bottle stuffed down my trousers to keep my discomfort at bay. Thought it wouldn't matter as I was only walking down the track at the back of our house. Saw neighbours who were out walking their dog. They were very complementary about the Christmas card I'd made them from a snowy scene. Climbed over the fence to take some photos of the frosty oilseed rape and unfortunately was remonstrated at by the local farmer. Put up my best defence: "I live on the lane" which seemed to placate him and he went on his way
Thursday 8th
...And there was snow. But what a disappointment...very low cloud without a hint of a break to let any proper light through. I did take a photo of next door's snowman which had been lovingly made as a tribute to Primark - hat, gloves and scarf supplied courtesy of- (come back to Derby, all is forgiven...), but that was all the colour I could find.
On cloud 9 most of the day (sorry, I'm being boring) due to my photo being printed in the local paper! (See above)
Friday 9th
Was treated to a surprise visit by someone who came to observe my induction lesson for the start of the new term. The fact that this new term is in the middle of what is the Spring term (instead of three x 10 weeks, we now have two x 15) actually meant that there were no new students or I may have been seriously caught out with not a Learner Handbook in sight. Anyway the lady is really nice and we get on well. She has also 'fixed it for me' and found me a class room for a lesson that had been cancelled on 19th, so thanks, Julie, I knew you'd 'come up trumps'! Slightly caught out when I mentioned 'my picture' to the clerk at Rycote. Turns out she's on a photography course at college, has a Nikon D-50 and regularly sells her work!
Can't win 'em all...
Monday 5th
My photos are now featured on the Morley Parish Council website, together with my name and a link to my Flickr site, fame at last...
Unflustered morning, then just as I was about to have some lunch the phone went and I get some great news about the ukhandknitting website. Apparently Aardman Animations have a new animation for children coming out in April featuring one of the Wallace and Grommit characters. It's being launched at the Stitches Show at the NEC,and is being tipped as bigger that the Telly Tubbies and... we're involved. Can't wait to get all the details!
Tuesday 6th
Spent the morning sending some of my photos to the Derby Evening Telegraph to see if they would consider them for the letters page. The internet was on a 'go slow' so it seemed to take for ever!
Had to go to town to get materials for workshop next Monday, making Valentine cards. Nice to have an excuse to buy pretty paper etc.
Tap class was later than usual due to a Parent's Evening being held at the school. Have to remember we have an extra rehearsal next week over half term as the competition date is looming and the dance isn't 'set' yet. Having trouble remembering the steps, but pleased that we get do a time step. Fred Astaire 'eat your heart out'...
Wednesday 7th
Forecast living up to expectations with a sharp frost this morning. Desperate not to miss a photographic opportunity, but side very uncomfortable. Decided that I could go out as long as I had a hot water bottle stuffed down my trousers to keep my discomfort at bay. Thought it wouldn't matter as I was only walking down the track at the back of our house. Saw neighbours who were out walking their dog. They were very complementary about the Christmas card I'd made them from a snowy scene. Climbed over the fence to take some photos of the frosty oilseed rape and unfortunately was remonstrated at by the local farmer. Put up my best defence: "I live on the lane" which seemed to placate him and he went on his way
Thursday 8th
...And there was snow. But what a disappointment...very low cloud without a hint of a break to let any proper light through. I did take a photo of next door's snowman which had been lovingly made as a tribute to Primark - hat, gloves and scarf supplied courtesy of- (come back to Derby, all is forgiven...), but that was all the colour I could find.
On cloud 9 most of the day (sorry, I'm being boring) due to my photo being printed in the local paper! (See above)
Friday 9th
Was treated to a surprise visit by someone who came to observe my induction lesson for the start of the new term. The fact that this new term is in the middle of what is the Spring term (instead of three x 10 weeks, we now have two x 15) actually meant that there were no new students or I may have been seriously caught out with not a Learner Handbook in sight. Anyway the lady is really nice and we get on well. She has also 'fixed it for me' and found me a class room for a lesson that had been cancelled on 19th, so thanks, Julie, I knew you'd 'come up trumps'! Slightly caught out when I mentioned 'my picture' to the clerk at Rycote. Turns out she's on a photography course at college, has a Nikon D-50 and regularly sells her work!
Can't win 'em all...
Change of Scenery...
Saturday 3rd February
Today has been brilliant weather for taking photos. We've had clear blue sky, crystal clear clarity, no wind and a sun you could feel the warmth of, while in the shade, a white frost has persisted all day. Luckily for us we were able to take advantage of these elements and travelled to Chatsworth, a house and grounds of true photogenic quality. Unfortunately, hundreds of other people had the same idea, although they were mostly walkers. (We have made a mental note not to go there in high summer). It was so beautiful when we arrived, we decided to take advantage of these idyllic surroundings straight away and forego lunch in favour of 'once in a year' images.(Uncharacteristic for both of us!) The scenery just took my breath away and the photos are just as it really was, all 222 of them. By the time we'd walked past the house onto the village, we were in need of some sort of sustenance, but just as we arrived, they stopped serving lunch! The trek back to the Garden Centre was long, but we arrived eventually and were grateful for what we received, it was now 3.30pm. We left at 4.00pm and as the sun lowered and the light took on an ethereal warm glow we were glad to have a cosy car to take us home...
Today has been brilliant weather for taking photos. We've had clear blue sky, crystal clear clarity, no wind and a sun you could feel the warmth of, while in the shade, a white frost has persisted all day. Luckily for us we were able to take advantage of these elements and travelled to Chatsworth, a house and grounds of true photogenic quality. Unfortunately, hundreds of other people had the same idea, although they were mostly walkers. (We have made a mental note not to go there in high summer). It was so beautiful when we arrived, we decided to take advantage of these idyllic surroundings straight away and forego lunch in favour of 'once in a year' images.(Uncharacteristic for both of us!) The scenery just took my breath away and the photos are just as it really was, all 222 of them. By the time we'd walked past the house onto the village, we were in need of some sort of sustenance, but just as we arrived, they stopped serving lunch! The trek back to the Garden Centre was long, but we arrived eventually and were grateful for what we received, it was now 3.30pm. We left at 4.00pm and as the sun lowered and the light took on an ethereal warm glow we were glad to have a cosy car to take us home...
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Dressed To Impress...
Saturday 3rd
Couldn't get a good image of the moon last night, so found this sunset to post instead...
Couldn't get a good image of the moon last night, so found this sunset to post instead...
Saturday, February 03, 2007
IN BRIEF
Monday 29th
A quiet morning, that's all I ask, then off to teach my class in the afternoon. Instead the morning was frenetic, I received a call asking me to take over someone's class on Wednesday morning. How I hate to turn down work, but this was no ordinary job, the class they needed a tutor for will be an NOCN course (= loads of more paperwork) and as I'm already teaching 3 sessions a week there just aren't enough hours in the day. Oh to have a proper job where you get paid for the hours you put in!!
Jewellery class went OK and for once I gatecrashed next door's lesson (she said I could) so I could use the computer and show my students an animation of Brick Stitch, they were almost as excited as me about it...
For some unknown reason (probably because both piano lessons had cancelled and had an hour's extra time) I picked up the Parish magazine and read it from cover to cover (can't remember the last time I did that) Anyway, I found out two things, one we're getting a new vicar (hurrah! I didn't think anyone got one of those any more - and he's a man...) and the parish council have their own website. I dialled it up to see if they had any local history to help me in my quest to find out more about Morley Mound. Other than a picture (which wasn't anything to do with Morley!) and some titles, there was little to look at. There was however a request for wintery scenes of Morley, (me, me, me I yelled: "I have some") so I clicked on the email and sent off my Flickr link. (Chap has promised to get back in touch...)
Tuesday 30th
I kept waiting for the phone to ring this morning, so that I wouldn't have to continue with ironing/tidying/cleaning etc, but nothing until the moment I raised my fork to my mouth at lunch time. It was my Line manager for a session I've agreed to do at Hatton Centre over half term, 'could I tell her what I'd like so that they could send an order for materials off today.' I knew what the short answer was (no), but after a lot of 'ums' and 'ers' I said I'd ring back in 10 minutes. As I haven't exactly decided what I'm doing when I rang back I put in a vague order for some coloured card and negotiated a budget of £10, so I can make up my mind in the usual 24 hours before!
Wednesday 31st
Graham came home today, although he didn't until he'd gone to work to a meeting and eventually made it back for 1.30pm. As usual, he unpacked his bag and showered me with presents, magazines, one of which he bought me last visit and a CD of 'How To Play The Piano' (is he trying to tell me something?) Sorry, Graham, the other things are fab!
Gail (one of my adult pupils) made it to piano lesson, having spent the whole day helping her dad move into a house in Gotham ( "was that the same Gotham as Batman lives in?" I asked ducking a punch) We spent most of the lesson discussing why, when there are so many articles about music, no one writes about how to help people who have difficulty holding a tune. Answers on a large postcard, please...
Thursday 1st February
Piano lesson first thing and major breakthrough. At last Mary (one of three adults) is convinced that 'fingering works'. Always difficult for adults to accept this when they've spent a life time using any old finger (me included at one stage).
Silk Painting lesson went better, feel the students are beginning to accept me a bit better.
After class off to Heanor to Lucy's Parent's Evening. Yes, 'A's expected in all subjects, why are my children so much better at achieving than I was?
Another email from person on parish magazine enthusing about my photos, but will have to wait and see if they make it to the Morley Parish Council website. (One more thing to add to my CV?). Also sent a reply back to textile shop in Derby who have invited me to be their bead tutor. Not sure whether I'm advanced enough for them, but we'll see...
Friday 2nd
Had I great time with my class this morning teaching them about Homophones (same sound, different spelling) We were making a stationery set and as my spelling is so bad they'll now never know whether it's 'stationery' or 'stationary'...
Met up with Graham for a quick lunch, thanks for the flowers, Graham ( I got to choose them)
Took Lucy for our customary retail therapy, but was glad to get home as side playing up.
Thought I'd taken the ultimate photo last night as the moon was full and hanging serenely in the sky. Images show small bright blob against a black background, can't win 'em all, I suppose...
Monday 29th
A quiet morning, that's all I ask, then off to teach my class in the afternoon. Instead the morning was frenetic, I received a call asking me to take over someone's class on Wednesday morning. How I hate to turn down work, but this was no ordinary job, the class they needed a tutor for will be an NOCN course (= loads of more paperwork) and as I'm already teaching 3 sessions a week there just aren't enough hours in the day. Oh to have a proper job where you get paid for the hours you put in!!
Jewellery class went OK and for once I gatecrashed next door's lesson (she said I could) so I could use the computer and show my students an animation of Brick Stitch, they were almost as excited as me about it...
For some unknown reason (probably because both piano lessons had cancelled and had an hour's extra time) I picked up the Parish magazine and read it from cover to cover (can't remember the last time I did that) Anyway, I found out two things, one we're getting a new vicar (hurrah! I didn't think anyone got one of those any more - and he's a man...) and the parish council have their own website. I dialled it up to see if they had any local history to help me in my quest to find out more about Morley Mound. Other than a picture (which wasn't anything to do with Morley!) and some titles, there was little to look at. There was however a request for wintery scenes of Morley, (me, me, me I yelled: "I have some") so I clicked on the email and sent off my Flickr link. (Chap has promised to get back in touch...)
Tuesday 30th
I kept waiting for the phone to ring this morning, so that I wouldn't have to continue with ironing/tidying/cleaning etc, but nothing until the moment I raised my fork to my mouth at lunch time. It was my Line manager for a session I've agreed to do at Hatton Centre over half term, 'could I tell her what I'd like so that they could send an order for materials off today.' I knew what the short answer was (no), but after a lot of 'ums' and 'ers' I said I'd ring back in 10 minutes. As I haven't exactly decided what I'm doing when I rang back I put in a vague order for some coloured card and negotiated a budget of £10, so I can make up my mind in the usual 24 hours before!
Wednesday 31st
Graham came home today, although he didn't until he'd gone to work to a meeting and eventually made it back for 1.30pm. As usual, he unpacked his bag and showered me with presents, magazines, one of which he bought me last visit and a CD of 'How To Play The Piano' (is he trying to tell me something?) Sorry, Graham, the other things are fab!
Gail (one of my adult pupils) made it to piano lesson, having spent the whole day helping her dad move into a house in Gotham ( "was that the same Gotham as Batman lives in?" I asked ducking a punch) We spent most of the lesson discussing why, when there are so many articles about music, no one writes about how to help people who have difficulty holding a tune. Answers on a large postcard, please...
Thursday 1st February
Piano lesson first thing and major breakthrough. At last Mary (one of three adults) is convinced that 'fingering works'. Always difficult for adults to accept this when they've spent a life time using any old finger (me included at one stage).
Silk Painting lesson went better, feel the students are beginning to accept me a bit better.
After class off to Heanor to Lucy's Parent's Evening. Yes, 'A's expected in all subjects, why are my children so much better at achieving than I was?
Another email from person on parish magazine enthusing about my photos, but will have to wait and see if they make it to the Morley Parish Council website. (One more thing to add to my CV?). Also sent a reply back to textile shop in Derby who have invited me to be their bead tutor. Not sure whether I'm advanced enough for them, but we'll see...
Friday 2nd
Had I great time with my class this morning teaching them about Homophones (same sound, different spelling) We were making a stationery set and as my spelling is so bad they'll now never know whether it's 'stationery' or 'stationary'...
Met up with Graham for a quick lunch, thanks for the flowers, Graham ( I got to choose them)
Took Lucy for our customary retail therapy, but was glad to get home as side playing up.
Thought I'd taken the ultimate photo last night as the moon was full and hanging serenely in the sky. Images show small bright blob against a black background, can't win 'em all, I suppose...
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