Sorry I haven’t been around at all this past week. School has been incredibly busy as it’s the time of year when I have to do evaluations of exam results, pupil performance, etc. as well as write a development plan and set targets for the coming year. So I’ve been drowning in paperwork and figures. I finally completed all those tasks yesterday, which is a huge relief. I suppose it’s a good idea to focus on improvement, but with everything else (marking, lesson preparation) it doesn’t leave much time for you to have a life.

I managed to write a bit more of the WIP yesterday although I’m still waiting for my NWS report from the RNA. I sent it off a month ago and it can take up to eight weeks so it’s early days yet. But I can’t help hoping there’ll be something in the post.

Son has gone back to trying to find work in film editing. No one would offer him an apprenticeship to become an electrician because he has a university degree. It’s a form of inverse snobbery, we think. Today he has finally finished his “show reel” and will be contacting prospective employers from next week. Please send good thoughts his way that he’ll be successful!

Here’s the latest pic of Charlie Cat. Isn’t he handsome?

My naughty little boy seems to be settling down at last. He’s three and a half years’ old now and it’s rare for him not to come home every night. Sophie is and always has been a "house cat” but Charlie loves the great outdoors. I’ll leave you with some “cat stuff” I found on the UK Rag Doll Cat Community Site that is so true about my two babies. (They’re not Rag Dolls but share a lot of the characteristics.) Have a great week everyone!

·         Cats shed hairs ............ a lot.

·         Toes poking out of the bed at 4am are a viable target for playing with

·         If you're trying to do something where you need to concentrate, i.e. re-wire a plug, do your paperwork etc. they will try to help

·         Cats can climb up ladders

·         Cats cannot climb down ladders

·         Cats make excellent hot water bottles, even in the middle of summer

·         Anytime is playtime to a cat regardless of what time it is

·         If it is on the floor it has to be a toy

·         Slippers are for putting things in, namely bits of paper, toys etc

·         If it moves it's fair game

·         If it doesn't move............why not?

·         Any open door or drawer WILL result in a cat meowing to be freed 5 minutes later

·         Once you have acquired comfy seat on sofa to watch movie, ALWAYS ensure you have enough drink and snacks to get you through or you WILL lose your warm comfy seat to said cat

·         They like to be involved in everything you do - including bathing

·         A cat flop occurs wherever and whenever but most usually in your way

·         Those big green eyes really can get whatever they want

·         Cat bellies are for rubbing

·         Your bed is no longer your own, and how dare you even try to suggest to a cat that you want them to move over so you can get in it?

·         No matter how quietly you think you've opened a tin of food or the tin of cookies, you still need to stand clear of the stampede

·         Fur lined everything is not optional; it just happens anyway

·         Don't expect to get a clear view of the PC monitor while cats are awake

·         The mouse cursor must be chased

·         Your friends think you've gone totally mad as all you do is talk about cats and how wonderful they are. It’s not an option either, you just can't stop yourself

·         They should come with an addiction warning