Marsden Grotto and ice cream.

I have actually had a very nice week at The Mother Ship. This is mainly down to the fact that I have only had four students. Before you start calling me names and tell me I am teaching to the 'Bagpuss' method (This is a very detailed way of teaching only found in very exclusive FE colleges) I have has an intensive week. The four girls have been great and I am actually looking forward to next week. The week was rounded off with a positive meeting on Friday afternoon. Definitely something sad about a person who thinks a meeting on a Friday afternoon is exciting.
Saturday saw us buying the girls new bikes. Well they actually bought them. They were bought as a result of one important fact; we had been paying double the pocket money we should have been into the account of my youngest. We only realised when the very nice lady in Nationwide pointed it out. There was only one answer-draw it out and spend it. My youngest is making the move from stabilisers to a mini mountain bike so it was never going to be easy. When we arrived home I took her in to the street and held the saddle so she could climb on. After six laps of the street I managed to let go for about ten seconds until she realised and started to scream. After that she stood it against the wall and told me she was going to look at for a while then try again another day. The joys of parenting!
Church went well and I actually managed two cups of coffee today; the benefit of sitting next to the door. Not being a Christian in the true sense of the word, I have to work very hard to not let the little faults of the people I meet really get to me. I realise it is hereditary on my fathers side (my mother keeps reminding me) but I do try. You never can tell just where you will meet these people. I don't go out of my way to find them they just sense my presence and find me. One day maybe...
Sunday afternoon saw us have a family trip to the coast. We went just North of Marsden. I always think of Sir Jimmy when I pass the Grotto. I read once that he used to train for the Great North Run by running up and down the steps. It went very well. Weather was good and I had a very big ice cream with a flake, chocolate sprinkles and monkey blood. We even saw a young lady who appeared to have hold up stockings tattooed on her legs. The boss and I had a very long discussion about this while waiting for the ice cream. The lady in front of us even joined in and told us that they were the real thing. I am not convinced. It was one of those moments when I wished I had packed the zoom lens.