Bathroom, schools and snow

18 January 2013

We got snow outside here today.  Nowt special there then seeing as it was forecast and just about the whole country is getting it at the same time.  Normally this area doesn't get and real extremes of weather and when we do it tends not to hang around for very long.  Even now, although it's snowing and there seems to be a lot of it coming down and settling, it's a fine snow, not the large flakes that some areas see.  For that we Dorktowners are rather thankful!

Next Tuesday the contactors are due to start work on removing our bath and installing a level access shower for us.  Having to walk to the supported complex a hundred yards off for a shower has been a real pain, and even worse in bad weather.  I'm told it will take about two weeks to complete the job.  The sooner the better for us! 

Jan is happy in Antrim at Lynda's.  She is hoping to get out shopping later today and has offered to cook dinner tonight so Lynda can have a day off.  What she is hoping to do for the rest of the week I don't know though ;-)))

Two schools in Dorktown have been blasted by OFSTED, one primary and one junior school.  I know nothing about the primary but the junior school is the one that our son Tom attended.  It seems to have changed a lot since he was there.  At that time it was considered to be one of the better schools in the town.  I wonder how the school is rated?  You know, what criteria are used for it?  The school is one of two covering a fairly high immigrant area.  But should that be used in any way?  There two two entrances to the school, as with most schools.  One is off a side street and seems to be safe; the second one is on to Queens Road, one of the main arterial routes into town.  The buildings are old but substantial and from memory are of good repair.  I would hope that the teachers are up to the job, if not, why are they still teaching!  If they are, why did they get such a poor rating to end up in 'special measures'?  Whatever that means!  You can probably guess that I know little or nothing about how the inspections takes place but I do know that a lot of teachers tend to be very stressed out during the period that it is carried out.  Such stressed out teachers can't be good for how the pupils are taught during inspections.  Teacher experience might play a part here I suppose.  I'm surprised that more schools get good reports than bad reports.

So it's photo time again ... 

Jan and me in birding mode some time ago.

Funny time ...

Toward the end of Sunday service, the Minister asked, 'How many of you have forgiven your enemies?'  80% held up their hands.  The Minister then repeated his question. All responded this time, except one small elderly lady.
'Mrs. Neely?'; 'Are you not willing to forgive your enemies?'
I don't have any.' She replied, smiling sweetly.
'Mrs. Neely, that is very unusual. How old are you?'
'Ninety-eight.' she replied.
'Oh, Mrs. Neely, would you please come down in front & tell us all how a person can live ninety-eight years & not have an enemy in the world?'
The little sweetheart of a lady tottered down the aisle, faced the congregation, and said: 'I've outlived the bitches.'