May 2011

01.05.11. Began the month by taking Lucy back to Oxford and spending a great day out there. First we took her things back to her bedsit (converted attic at the top of a house in the centre of Oxford) and parked the car - no restrictions as it was a Sunday. Lovely warm day, so changed into my Oxford outfit, white skirt and matching top and then walked into Oxford. The walk 'in' was just delightful. Down one residential road, across rolling fields with a river meandering through them. There were people boating, ducks with their newly hatched duckling, all quite idyllic. Eventually we arrived at the cafe Lucy had selected, not my ideal choice, but filling in a special way. Afterwards we made our way to the castle and climbed up the castle mound having handed over £1 each for the privilege. By then we'd earned a cup of tea, Lucy insisted we had a chocolate brownie as well, naughty but very nice! A quick tour of the shops was followed by the scenic way 'home' via the punting station - we got lost in the meadow (my fault), then needed another cup of tea and all too soon it was time to head home.

02.05.11.

May Day Bank holiday, so no piano lessons, but a whole day spent on the website.

03.05.11. Another trip to the dentist. I think my tooth has cracked and split although the dentist was unable to find any evidence - it hurts if I breath on it... Has arranged for me to have a crown (only £200) not convinced that this will solve the problem - we can but hope... Came home via Croots and bought two ham joints.

03.05.11. Had to make trips out to two different centres to collect registers for two new classes starting this week..

04.05.11. Arrived at library to take class only to find all they knew was that the room had been booked, but had overlooked publicising the session for their users. Plan B is to re-start during Adult learner's week. Spoke to Line Manager who felt that the people who had liaised with the Library Service had let us down - couldn't agree more...

05.05.11. After yesterday's 'let down', didn't expect anyone to know I was even coming. The library staff were much more accommodating and apologetic, but there were no learners. Took a few flyer to neighbouring shops and went back to centre to talk things through with my Line Manager. Retailer therapy required after that!

06.05.11. As Graham was still away spent the day in Cambridge with Robert. Arrived just after 12 - took over 2 hours to get there. Very warm, had lunch outside - took ages, but we had the opportunity for a chat. When we'd finished, we had a walk round the Botanical Gardens (£4 entrance each) by this time the sky had become very overcast, although having now looked at my photos, it was ideal light for taking photos of flowers. This was followed by a drink/ice cream which fuelled us for a walk around town and to a gallery which closed as we arrived. Back into town and then a rush to the nearest tea shop during a shower of rain. Back at Robert's house he showed me his photos from his holiday last week in Norway/Sweden - amazing pics, especially those of a fiord. On the way back there was a long detour as the M1 was shut - should have paid more attention on the way there!

09.05.11. Thought I was teaching, so had cancelled my piano lessons for this morning and then found the dates had changed - (pulls face)

10.05.11. Spent whole of afternoon ringing round getting logos for banner being made. Tap class was a welcome break.

12.05.11. When we were away to Italy for my birthday, I found out that Lang Lang was coming to Nottingham in May and we booked tickets over the internet. At last, the great day had arrived. Lang Lang's playing was amazing - it brought a whole new meaning the the words 'touch sensitive', however, the choice of pieces was a little disappointing, coupled with a chap in front of us having a heart attack 20 minutes into the performance didn't make for the best evening's entertainment. Luckily Lang Lang was persuaded to play two encores - still he chose two more pieces I didn't recognise, Chopin (how could I not know one of Chopin's pieces?) and Dedication, a song by Schumann, arranged by Liszt - honey to your ears...

13.05.11. Had hair cut and spoke to a few people asking advice about what to charge for some photos that have been published.

15.05.11. Up early and on my way for 8am. Today I was heading for Stoneleigh Park to help at a Trade Show. It was very nostalgic driving up the lanes inside the park which I previously knew from my annual visit to The Royal Show. Another victim of the recession/change in people's values. The buildings are already beginning to look very tired, although every effort has been made to make a go in park now being a conference centre. I had to smile when the other signs were for a 'Grassland and Muck Event'. By 10am the place was buzzing and although we came up for air at 2pm for lunch, I didn't see the light of day again until it was time to go home. I say 'home', we were all booked into a very nice Village Hotel in Coventry, although it took so long to get there, I could easily have been half way home in the same time. However, as I said it was a lovely hotel, I had a very quiet room with a double bed and as many soft pillows as I could balance on top of each other. It did take me 20 minutes to realise that I hadn't pushed the card right down to get any electric, but it was all a learning curve. I had a three course dinner with Ann and Chris, where most of the talk was related to the weekend. All the reps were also having dinner in the hotel, so when a big 'whoop' and clattered went up we were sure what was happening until someone mentioned that on comparing who had made the biggest sale of the day, one of the girls had managed to sell 3.5kilos, a record even I could understand.

16.05.11. The second day being a Monday was a little quieter especially after lunch, which was good as it left me time to take some photos. Then it was 5pm and time for the whole place to be taken apart and loaded into awaiting vans. Luckily there was enough to do in our room so that no one noticed that I can't carry anything. Home to an empty house (Graham in Plymouth until tomorrow) arriving 7.45pm

17.05.11. Lots to do on the website and 5 piano pupils to teach. A phone call from a new adult learner to cancel until after Christmas (?) was not unexpected. Escape to tap class, most welcome.

19.05.11. New Recycled Jewellery Class at Mickleover Library started today. My Line Manager came to collect fees and was very good at mixing with the learners with telling anecdotes of her daughter. I had 5 learners which normally wouldn't be enough, but because of the recession/mix up etc, it will be allowed to run - phew...

20.05.11. New Recycled Jewellery Class at Alvaston Library, no one turned up, this was not unexpected, but disappointing never the less. Librarian has suggested a taster session. Emails duly sent.

22.05.11. Woke up fine, but as the morning progressed realised I had a real problem with Hermione to the point where I was unable to bend forward or lift anything all day. Went for a long walk after lunch hoping it would free things up, but had little or no effect. After thinking that I had no need for any further acupuncture sessions I am so thankful that I am due for my next session this Wednesday.

23.05.11. Phonecall from Eco Centre to say class cancelled, but managed to persuade a turn around - as I explained they would be paying me anyway...

24.05.11. Took class at Eco Centre, great to see previous students, one of which had brought her daughter along, but as there were no others, this class will not be running. Saw another Line Manager there, the upshot being, she has offered me a class in Somercotes, so being in the right place at the right time has paid off. I feel elated that somebody wants me! Tap class - the last session for a German girl who has been coning this half term. She enters competitions in Germany and spent the last 20 minutes teaching us one of her style tap routines. It was great - built on rhythm and learnt 'step by step', very different from our type of tap!

25.05.11. One piano pupil, then off to the Derby Royal for 12pm. My nurse who is usually difficult to engage in conversation went on and on about how no one's job is safe. A sad but true statement. Apparently there is an important meeting on Friday when it is rumoured that the axe will fall on all acupuncture sessions. I know I have been very lucky to have had them free up till now... Back home for lunch and then off to the dentist for the preparation for a new crown. Unfortunately, I do not think that having a crown will sort my tooth out. Next appointment is on 14th June, so will have to wait and see - crossing my fingers may help in the circumstances...

26.05.11. Second session at Mickleover Library. One of the students has just been voted out of being a local councillor, which she has held for the last 9 years, so is understandably at a bit of a lose end. She came with reels of plarn and four bracelets she had made since last week - great to know that my class - running by the skin of it's teeth has managed to make a small difference in her life...Robert had appointment with dentist at 3.30pm and came home very happy, all sorted. We two went and collected Lucy from the train station at 7pm.

27.05.11. Took Lucy to a dentist appointment for 9.40am and then she spent the rest of the morning at the Oxfam shop. Met up at 2.00pm and went shopping.

28.05.11.Lucy went off to spend the day with Steven. Graham stayed at home and worked on his bikes. Robert and I went first to Harley Gallery to see the Smile Exhibition there and have a nice lunch, then off up to Wakefield to see The Hepworth Gallery. Really frustrating as there was a brand new car park opposite the Gallery, but you weren't allowed to use it. Instead there were two blokes letting busses in from the Park and Ride which everyone was directed to. Not being good at taking 'stupid instructions' we followed the bus, but parked in a shop car park and made sure we were back in the allotted 1 and a half hours. Then we re-parked in a car park which was near to the gallery and went back for a cup of tea and piece of very enjoyable chocolate brownie. The Gallery? Sure, it was interesting and had some thought provoking items to view. You weren't allowed to take photos inside, although I did take some from the windows out. We also walked to the church on the bridge and had a look inside as a paintings exhibition was just packing up. Then we walked into town and up to the older part of town where we found some magical architecture. If it hadn't have been so windy it would have been a great day! Home 7.15pm.