Ichabod's Day

Was lucky enough to be invited to Alton Towers at the weekend to help celebrate a 7th birthday - what fun! I jumped at the chance but made it very clear that I didn't do scary, high, up and down or even upside down. I'm ok with spinning and I was happy to hold the bags oh, and I didn't do "wet" either. Perhaps not helped by husband suggesting that I beware of any rides that conquer gravity in fear of bursting open from my operation scar (ever the optimist!!). Little did I realise what the power of persuasion and the potential humiliation of being outsmarted by a 9 year old!!! The day itself turned out to be another lovely spring day with the promise of sunshine and clear skies - and my decision not to take a jacket was vindicated. Found the way there fine with the trusty satnav, parking no problem. First stop the monorail from the car park to the entrance gates - explained that this would probably fulfill my excitement quota for the day. Straight into the park -

Went away for the Easter weekend to Wales - what fantastic weather we had. We were up a mountain in a chalet (a v. steep 1in1 hill had to be conquered before reaching the place) near Aberdovey . The views of the estuary were tranquil and only the sounds of birdsong, sheep and children playing could be hear d. Just what we needed. Did a bit of beach activity one day for Bruno and some sightseeing - but mainly sitting out on the balcony in the sun, chatting, drinking, eating (lots) and general merriment. Then we came home and yesterday my car alarm decided to go off -- and off----and off. I quickly became the neighbour from hell as we tried everything to stop it. I couldn't control it from the key thingy. Even the man from Green Flag didn't know what to do so we ended up disconnecting the battery until I could take it in to a garage today. Anybody know how to disarm an Audi A4 alarm??

I've been teaching my family to use wikis - what a great application. We have decided to have a big get together for Halloween weekend and, as I've been off work for a while convalescing, I was tasked with finding somwhere that would take 16 of us and 5 dogs - no easy task I can tell you! Finally found a fantastic place in Lincolnshire where we have rented 3 apartments in the grounds of an old hall- but where was everyone to sleep to ensure any room sharing preserved modesty and the 5 dogs were spread out? After a few emails backwards and forwards between everyone - waiting for replies and making sure that everyone had access to all the info, I suddenly had a brainwave (doesn't happen very often). Why not use a wiki. I have been using these with both undergraduate and post graduate students and on abstracts and publications with colleagues in NZ and USA successfully for some time as a means of sharing and networking so thought I'd give it a go. I set one up ( very ea