Fountainatious Sunsets

Went out on our travels today. Not very far though, since there is a really interesting place called Whitley Court just down the road. With a fountain they turn on at lunchtime:

There is also a church with a very impressive ceiling:

..and of course another sunset..

Worcester Source

The morning was a bit misty, but there was promise of good things to come.

Misty Morning

Then we went off down to Worcester to do some exploring. We went to the Commandery, a very significant place if you are into the Civil War (this sounds like the soldiers were actually polite to each other � but this is not the case). The Commandery was where King Charles II hung out just before the final battle of the war, when his forces were crushed by Cromwell and his New Model Army.

After lunch we went on to the Pottery Museum. Worcester has been involved in the pottery trade for hundreds of years, with skilled craftsmen turning out high quality porcelain for kings and queens amongst other people. No more. There are a handful of artists producing beautiful, but very exclusive, painted things, but hardly anything else is going on.. Last time we came, a few years ago, there were people glazing, firing, finishing and whatever. Next time we come I expect to find a block of luxury flats and a �pottery experience� where we can marvel at the things that they used to make when we were still in the business of manufacturing things. I couldn�t help but wonder what happened to all the people who worked there.

The good news is that we did get a nice sunset.

Daring and Bravery and Rain

Number one daughter did her brave thing today. She has been gathering sponsors for her abseil from the Humber Bridge and today she had to actually do the deed. I think the worst bit is probably just as you go over the edge, but she managed it and Dove House Hospice is now a few hundred quid better off thanks to her efforts.

Just twenty feet or so to go...

Once we had seen the display of bravery we had to scoot off to our holiday cottage for a few days "Away From It All" (tm). We set off in sunshine, and arrived in a cloudburst. I hope this is not an omen...

Happy Birthday with dogs

Number one wife and I are having a few days away from home. Before that we have number one's birthday to deal with. Having a son who is not only old enough to answer back but starting to become right more often than not is rather disconcerting.

I've started being slightly nicer to him (but only slightly) because, as the saying goes, it is the your kids who get to pick your nursing home....

To start with, we got him a lovely cake:



Just right for a budding twenty year old.... There are some embarrasing pictures involving number one son and rubber gloves too, but I'm saving them for later to make sure that I get a really nice nursing home.....


The day was considerably enlivened by a visit from Jake, the best behaved dog I've ever seen.



Your friend for life, as long as you keep throwing that ball.....

"You can't save everyone Alan"

Been to an exam board today. And getting stuff sorted out for the start of next term.

At the end of the Thunderbirds movie Jeff Tracy turns to his son Alan and, as the music swells up in the background, imparts a very important message:

"You can't save everyone Alan"

I'm trying to get everything ready all at once becuase I'm going to be out of the office for a while. I've come to the conclusion that Jeff is right (as well he might be). I can't get everything done before I go. So I'm just making sure that the most improtant bits are in place and I'll deal with the rest when I get back.