Illuminations 2

It was nice to see so many people coming along to enjoy the work done by the Park employees of the District Council.

There were some rides for the children, some drumming, and a coffee bar.
Lots of families were there, and I think that is very important.

There was no trouble, and Police were unobtrusive, as there was no need for their services. The local Red Cross were there with their ambulance should any casulties need attention.

The lights will be on all weekend, the September Weekend holiday here.

Dalmuir Park Illuminations

Many moons ago there was a tradition of the Clydebank public Parks being "lit up" at a certain time of the year.

The custom died out and was forgotten about.

Then a few years ago, it was decided to bring it back on a small scale and only for a weekend.

Tonight, the lights were switched on as darkness fell.

These are some of the photographs I took
Enjoy.

Greenbank Gardens 2

The property is now run by the National Trust for Scotland

I think they are doing a fantastic job.

There is also nice little tea room. Try the black bun or the Selkirk bannock.

Greenbank Gardens 1

Last week we went to visit Greenbank Gardens in Clarkston, Glasgow. The house and gardens were the property of one of Glasgow'a "Tobacco Lords."

It was a beautiful day and we saw the gardens at their best, given the lateness of the season.

I was there, my wife, and her cousins mary and Rose. Rose was over from Canada.

I hope you enjoy the photos.

Supply Teaching

We had to curtail our jaunt to Roman Bath because daughter was unwell...swine flu. We drove home the 400 miles on Thursday, leaving Bath at 11.30am, and back home in Clydebank at 7.30pm, after a couple of stops.

On Monday morning, I awoke early with the intention of using the sunshine to finally plant some trees that have been awaiting planting for some time.

Sadly, at 8.20am, the phone rang. Could I be at school for 9 to cover a class. I said yes, but after I had put the phone down, I relalised that somehow....the class stage had been.....not mentioned.

I got to the school at 8.55am. And it was Primary 2.

Now Primary 2 are...small. ...they move a lot...they ask questions...they are persistent...they follow you....they get under your feet...they talk a lot...such little children...so many words....

And words flowed from my mouth too....

"Don't do that....."....."NO! you can't!"...."Where did you get that?"

"Is it really yours or does it belong to Johnny ?".....Thankyou for the lovely dead leaf you found in the grass...." No I don't want to see the insects you collected at lunchtime in your water bottle...." Don't touch the teacher......" "I asked you already not tothat....."....".Leave that alone!!!"....."No....we can't...there isn't time...." He's locked in the what????"..."Please come out from under there......"

I came home exhausted. But I learned and they learned too. They are actually a really nice class of children. But I have always thought that teaching at Early stages is undervalued. But it is where the building block are laid for the future years. I have great admiration for Early Years Teachers. I don't think I could teach at that stage permanently. It's fine for this week or two. I don't want to shortchange the children, but I lack the training in Phonics and and structured play....or whatever they call it these days.

I am well prepared with task sheets. I have tried best as I can to decode the forward plan and prepare accordingly. Not easy. Tomorrow there is an Environmental period. In the weekly plan it says...."Rotation." Aye....right. Reminds me of the Roman Technology box we had in school.Large plastic box. Contents...1 tin of olives....some strips of balsa wood.

Sugestions please on $50 bills to me.

The photos were taken in Worcester. The red post box dates from the time of Queen Victoria. Elgar is one of my favourite composers.

Roman Bath

Today was sunny and warm. We went into Bath.

My wife went to the Costume Museum, while I went to the Roman Baths.

This is a fascinating place. Lots to see, lots of photo opportunities.

You are also given an Audio Guide Tour, whihc explains such a lot. Bill Bryson is available on this audio tour. I like his humour, and his comments added to the day.

The hot water still flows deep from the Earth's surface, and bubbles up in the main outdoor pool.

You must visit this Museum when you come to Bath.

The architecture around the town is also wonderful. The Crescent, The Circus, streets worth going to see.

Bath is a busy town, and the traffic can be a problem, so be warned.

The photos are from the Baths.