Anxiously waiting to hear whether my friend Debs has had her baby yet. It was due two days ago but she’s not been online and her blog not updated yet. Fingers crossed all is well and who knows, she may be in the middle of it all right now.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Training
Had some excellent training on Saturday at Froglife on identification of amphibians and surveying methods, in preparation for surveying ponds. I always learn something new, although Kieran thinks he already knows it all! First time he’s ever taken notes though (he’s allergic to writing!)
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Good news, I think
Had a call from the police last night. They have now arrested and charged the boy that threw the brick at Kieran’s head back in January. Its taken so long because Kieran couldn’t identify which boy threw it as he was walking away, and there were no witnesses or other evidence. However, two boys, presumably from the group, have made video statements identifying the lad that did it. The cuprit is only 11 and apparently has behaviour & learning difficulties and goes to a special school that I’m not familiar with. He had previously denied the actions and continued to do so, but a trip to Thorpewood Police Station in the cage in the van (mum was in front) and sight of the cells made him rethink and he admitted the offence. It seems he was angry about something but the officer couldn’t get to the bottom of why. Although the lad, who I can’t name for obvious reasons, is known to the police locally as a “gobby lad” he hasn’t any prior convictions. In theory he could have been given a reprimand but the nature of the offence means he has to go straight to a Final Warning. This is where he will have to been seen by the Police Officer seconded to the Youth Offending Service who will work out a plan for him. It will also identify any help he and his mum need (there was no mention of dad). He may even do reparation, which would of course mean some work with my friends at Froglife. Unfortunately he now has a criminal record that he will carry for life. Which of course sets all my guilt strings going. But I hope this will lead to the right help to ensure he doesn’t do this again. I also offered, having spoken to Kieran, that if considered appropriate Kieran would meet him for a “hand shake”. I believe its important to set a good example of behaviour and Kieran is generous enough to agree that this would be a good idea, especially as he may meet him or his friends in the area again.
Anyway, I hope it has all ended well. The police obviously did a good job at eventually persuading the witnesses to make statements because without them it would remain “unsolved”. Kieran is satisfied, and I just hope this boy can get back on the right track. Having said that I am a big believer in the role of the parent/carer and although I understand mum has brought up other children successfully that doesn’t mean she doesn’t need help this time.
Inez
Friday, March 7, 2008
Hop along!
Kieran has been making a sterling effort the last three days by “walking” home from school with friends, although hopping along on crutches is a better way to look at it. But fingers crossed and he will soon be off them altogether and back to cycling both ways. Cant wait.
Collected a Playstation bag yesterday from a member of our local online “freecycle” group. If you don’t know it’s internet based and members locally put items up for offer where ordinarily it would go to landfill, or if lucky to charity. All items are exchanged free. I have put quite a few things up myself and keep an eye open for useful items. I have even put up wanted ads because sometimes people dont knowthey dont want something until someone else asks. I managed to get audio books for my nan that way. If you are not already a member I recommend joining your local group here: http://www.freecycle.org/
Go save the planet!!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Bones and Muscles
Kieran went back to the hospital today. Bone all ok now but the tendons are still healing so still on crutches for a couple of weeks while he gradually increases the amount of weight bearing. He can take the ankle brace off when he feels comfortable, so he has said he will try to go without both at home, but is nervous about it at school until he feels he has built up a bit of his muscle again. Off swimming tonight to start getting him moving.
Our friend Amy (Mel’s daughter) doesn’t want to be outdone - so I hear she has broken her arm at school yesterday! Apparently she did the other arm a few years ago so now has a matching set. Get well soon Amy!
Train trouble
I was at a conference on volunteering in London yesterday. A good event, well attended, food was great (always a good sign) and easy to get to. Some interesting speakers, from Volunteering England, V, St Christopher’s Hospice, Independent Safeguarding Authority and others. Not only is it part of my job to promote and support volunteering but important to me personally. I have done lots of volunteering in many different guises over the years. Currently my activities are as a school governor and at Froglife as a Hampton Nature Reserve Volunteer. The latter I do with Kieran, and of course he is a star volunteer person.
I asked Kieran last night why he volunteers. He said it’s because he likes to help people and because its fun. Wise words.
I asked Kieran last night why he volunteers. He said it’s because he likes to help people and because its fun. Wise words.
Unfortunately the journey home was not fun. Not as bad as it could have been, but certainly not good. There were power line problems apparently so all the fast direct trains were delayed by hours (and Peterborough was the first top, some passengers were travelling as far as Scotland). I managed to get on a slow train which was still delayed considerably. It was packed of course but I was lucky enough to get to sit on the luggage rack. Initially we were told we would have to transfer to buses at Hitchin (wherever that is!) but by the time we got there the problem was solved but there were lots of train movements so we had to go slower than normal.
I understand these things happen. But at Kings Cross information was non existent and not being used to the journey it was confusing when some BR staff said catch the Cambridge train and others said wait. But I was home eventually. Luckily Kieran had walked (hobbled) home from school with a friend who had a puncture,otherwise he would have had to sit in the sports centre waiting after the library closed. Too tired to cook so KFC was the order of the day - Mums Night Off!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Happy Birthday Jordan
Happy Birthday Jordan - a mega Dr Who fan.
For the birthday message go to:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/inez.smith
Hope you got everything you wanted and had a big birthday cake
See you soon
Love Inez & Kieran
Its all too quick!
I discovered on Saturday night that Primeval was over already. Where did that go? It seemed like just a couple of episodes. Why does the UK record either 7 or 13 episodes and call it a series? The US record 22 and call it a season. Yes it can cause the quality to be a bit doubtful in one or two cases but generally its worth that little bit of disappointment. With 7 episodes, especially where they are for less than an hour allowing for adverts, you just get into it & connect with characters & story and then its gone. And Kingdom seems even quicker. Thank goodness for Larkrise to Candleford, that seems to be lasting for years.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Happy Mothers Day
Well I actually got a cup of tea in bed today! Given that he is still on crutches I wasn’t expecting it although he did make it in my room. I was also treated to the cinema and we saw Jumpers which was a lot better than I thought it would be. An early showing meant the tickest were cheaper than the refreshments - but I wasn’t paying!!!!!
We spent this afternoon in the back garden. First time this year. The front is all sorted but the back is the last to get done. Managed to pick up all the poo! And sorted all the planters, trimmed back some hedges, took the chair out of the pond after all the wind had blown it in and sorted in my mind what else needs doing. Kieran sharpened the hedge cutters, which were pretty blunt and rusted - a good “mans” job! He was also able to play with the dog for the first time since he injured himself as he had a safety point in the trampoline while Pebbles ran round fetching balls. The bird feeders are all back in order now so we should start seeing some more activity in the garden. We’ve neglected them a bit over the winter as we tend not to use the back of the house so much then.
Found a whole load of last years frogs (all under 2 inches in full length) under one of the logs. No spawn yet, but then we’ve never had spawn despite having a very good population. Need to finish making new fence panels to go round the pond & replace the chicken wire to keep Pebbles out. Hopefully we can do that over the coming weeks. When the garden is nice it’s the best place to be in the spring and summer, full of birds and sunshine. I always feel good after a few hours out there.
Anyway, Dancing On Ice is about to start. Will be fingers crossed Gareth gets through this week. It didn’t work last night though. As good as Andy Abraham is I really wanted Michelle Gayle to go through for Eurovision. Andy’s song just wasn’t Euro enough were as I think Michelle’s has the best chance.
Must go. Have a good week.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
All’s well
All’s well at the moment. Kieran is back at school after his slip in the ice last week with the ankle doing well. He has been busy writing a script for his pals at school to perform in drama class. He got me to read with him but of course I didn’t do it right, wrong intonation, but then I’m not doing drama and Kieran is always right!!
Two favourite programmes for us both at the mo are Primeval & Torchwood - both great but there’s not enough of them. Dancing on Ice is good but I doubt my fav will win - its Gareth by the way, there’s something I just cant stand about that Chris - dont know why, perhaps because he knows he already has the skills to do the job when the others had to start from scratch, although I bet Suzanne has done dance and been to drama school.
Been at various meetings this week across Cambridgeshire, and when the weather is bright I love driving round. Met with Carina today and she can always win me round by telling me how lovely Kieran is. Sure fire way to get me on side.
Big conference that I’ve supported the set up for tomorrow. Prof Wikstrom frm Cambridge Uni delivering some extensive research on adolescent offending based on his work in Peterborough. It will be really interesting - providing I can stay focussed all day as I tend to lose when listening to academics, and providing I can pick through his Swedish accent. Otherwise should be a barrel of laughs!
Am now part of the Sheilas Wheels crew and Kieran says I must wear pink, sing and buy an open topped car. Unfortunately I look awful in bright baby pink, can’t sing a note and can’t afford an open top.
Went to an excellent evening at the Museum of Zoology at Cambridge Uni last week with Kieran. It was set up by Froglife (www.froglife.org) around the Life In Cold Blood series (perhaps I should have put that in my fav programmes above? - sorry Sir David but John Barrowman beats you hands down). If anyone fancies become a Froglife Friend there’s the time limited chance to sign up for free on their website.
All the best to everyone
Inez
