Back up to Albany Park for Digipen today; lesson two. Teacher not really improved on being able to keep us all up and running at the same speed and, once again, Callum had to help out a fellow student! Actually I helped out a fellow student as well today, go me! Haha. Went over the homework we should have all done; surprise, surprise, Callum was the only one who'd managed to complete it all, so we went over what he had already done, but then added some music. Callum didn't mind as we learnt another way of doing something he'd done already and it also meant he could play a bit more and investigate further.
The journey this week was as straightforward as it should have been with no delays, but if does look like we'll have to catch the 5.45pm train home which stops at Strood (but at least is direct)!!! If we then wait at Strood for a connection back to Gillingham, we won't get home until 7pm!!! We leave home at 2.10pm to get there for 4pm. The lesson is only supposed to be an hour (although so far it's been more like 1 hour and 20mins), so that's 4 hours travelling for a one hour lesson. Blimey we're dedicated. haha. As of next week we're hoping to get a lift from dad from Strood which will save us about 20mins journey and a 15min wait on a cold Strood station.
Not everyone there this week either, so not sure if people have already dropped out. Some people are still having difficulty getting the programme to run so they are going to have to talk in the week to try and sort it as it will soon get to the stage where they are too far behind. Luckily the issues we had in the first week I managed to solve and, so far, everything is running fine.
We also got the manual this week and I can imagine Callum going beyond the required homework just to see what's next. Had a quick flip through myself and after feeling chuffed with myself for being able to help out, I can't see that lasting as it looks way beyond me in a few sessions. Think I might start taking my knitting, haha.
Anyway, cya
PS: Took a flask of tea with me today to drink on the way home and stupidly ended up kicking the thing and smashing it! Boo hoo, no tea for me again until I got home. Waaaaaah!
Monday, 22 April 2013
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
THE START OF SOMETHING BIGGER
Well, yesterday was the start of a new section of work. We're attempting 2 award schemes and a Digipen course which is a game programming course (see link below for some more info). We're doing this as I'd like a bit more structure and I'd also like Callum to begin having something to show for his work instead of just lots and lots of paper. Exams may prove difficult for Callum due to the Asperger, so am looking at alternative routes and ways of getting certificates.
https://projectfun.digipen.edu/online-courses/
Yesterday was the first of the Digipen 'lessons'. And after much hrumphing, moaning, worrying, "be glad when today is over"ing, Callum actually really enjoyed the lesson. It was a fairly basic one I admit (even I followed it and I'm useless at tech). He even helped out a fellow student who'd arrived late and got him up to speed really quickly. The boy's mum (I will learn names eventually) even said that Callum should be teaching as he'd explained it well; the teacher having confused her.
So good points: He enjoyed it. He wants to go again!!! He helped out someone else willingly and obviously engaged in conversation with someone new. Journey there and back was easy and cost was reasonable. And there is no online lessons planned unless we feel it necessary later which is brilliant as trying to pin us down to being online at a certain time/date could prove difficult. AND she reckons we'll be finished in 8 weeks instead of 12, but obviously that depends on how much we get done at home and whether people have problems. So Callum and me very happy!
Bad points: Teacher is a bit disjointed in her teaching (confused me and a couple of others and didn't cope very well when people ended up on different levels to where she was expecting us to be, but hopefully that will improve). Journey was very long due to long waits between connections and delays of trains due to signalling probs so we left the house at 2.10pm and got home at 7.15pm just to do a 1 hour lesson (admittedly we did stay a bit longer than 1 hour as we had a problem). That problem was that our programme which we'd downloaded pre lesson wouldn't run and so Callum couldn't check that his work had worked, if you see what I mean. Have hopefully sorted that out this morning, but can't check until he gets up!
It's trampolining and social time today, but he's planning on doing the homework tomorrow at his sister's. Here's hoping the thing will actually work this time.
Cya
https://projectfun.digipen.edu/online-courses/
Yesterday was the first of the Digipen 'lessons'. And after much hrumphing, moaning, worrying, "be glad when today is over"ing, Callum actually really enjoyed the lesson. It was a fairly basic one I admit (even I followed it and I'm useless at tech). He even helped out a fellow student who'd arrived late and got him up to speed really quickly. The boy's mum (I will learn names eventually) even said that Callum should be teaching as he'd explained it well; the teacher having confused her.
So good points: He enjoyed it. He wants to go again!!! He helped out someone else willingly and obviously engaged in conversation with someone new. Journey there and back was easy and cost was reasonable. And there is no online lessons planned unless we feel it necessary later which is brilliant as trying to pin us down to being online at a certain time/date could prove difficult. AND she reckons we'll be finished in 8 weeks instead of 12, but obviously that depends on how much we get done at home and whether people have problems. So Callum and me very happy!
Bad points: Teacher is a bit disjointed in her teaching (confused me and a couple of others and didn't cope very well when people ended up on different levels to where she was expecting us to be, but hopefully that will improve). Journey was very long due to long waits between connections and delays of trains due to signalling probs so we left the house at 2.10pm and got home at 7.15pm just to do a 1 hour lesson (admittedly we did stay a bit longer than 1 hour as we had a problem). That problem was that our programme which we'd downloaded pre lesson wouldn't run and so Callum couldn't check that his work had worked, if you see what I mean. Have hopefully sorted that out this morning, but can't check until he gets up!
It's trampolining and social time today, but he's planning on doing the homework tomorrow at his sister's. Here's hoping the thing will actually work this time.
Cya
Monday, 25 March 2013
YES TIME DOES!
Hiya
In respect of the blog title, the last one was entitled Doesn't Time Fly and this one is a follow on as it's obvious that it does as it's been an age!
What have we done? Well, for starters, we've been on holiday!!! And we went to the Science Fair in London. AND we've also done the usual trampolining, social visits, etc.
So, firstly, Science Fair at London, EXcel centre. Easy journey; high speed to Stratford International and then DLR to EXcel, brilliant!!
The fair was packed, but Callum coped really really well. We arrived about 11.30am and had a good general look round before hitting some individual 'stalls'. Callum joined in with the Science Museum stuff and although I had to help him 'get in amongst it' as the school kids were really pushy,he handled it pretty well and enjoyed the tasks set. I even had the kids lining up at one point as there were kids who just stood by and let the others push in. Hey ho, wasn't having that as it was unfair! There was loads to see and do and I got some great information with regard to science awards from the British Science Association. We toddled off for a coffee and some lunch about 12.30 and then dived back in afterwards to catch up on bits we'd missed. However, by about 1.30pm it was starting to get even more noisy and busy and Callum (and myself) had begun to feel a little claustrophobic and he wasn't coping with the noise very well, so we left and had a stroll along the waterfront in the wind and watched the planes flying overhead. Back on the DLR and high speed train and home by 3.30pm. Short day, but good fun, well worth it!
And so to holiday! Weymouth Bay Haven Holiday Park for 4 nights from Monday through to Friday. Nightmare journey through A roads because dad felt that the M25 would be too busy, but as we kept hitting towns, I don't think it would have made much difference. Took 5 hours!!! Check in easy peasy and they had allocated a lovely caravan away from the main entertainment site, so lovely and quiet. We'd also managed to get an upgrade; booked a Prestige and ended up with a Platinum!
Unpacked, made a cuppa and then headed off into town to stock up on supplies for the days away. Didn't do much in the evening apart from popping into the arcades to spend some 2ps.
Tuesday was sunny, but windy with some overcast clouds, but it didn't rain all day. So Tank Museum (main reason for going) followed by Corfe Castle Model Village. Callum loved the fact that they had a model village within the model village and even a really really tiny village inside that. Didn't go up to the castle itself as up a very large hill and my hip was already hurting from walking around the museum and Callum was beginning to get a headache. I'd like to point out that he was up at 7am! Normally it's 11am, so I think he was a little knackered.
In respect of the blog title, the last one was entitled Doesn't Time Fly and this one is a follow on as it's obvious that it does as it's been an age!
What have we done? Well, for starters, we've been on holiday!!! And we went to the Science Fair in London. AND we've also done the usual trampolining, social visits, etc.
So, firstly, Science Fair at London, EXcel centre. Easy journey; high speed to Stratford International and then DLR to EXcel, brilliant!!
The fair was packed, but Callum coped really really well. We arrived about 11.30am and had a good general look round before hitting some individual 'stalls'. Callum joined in with the Science Museum stuff and although I had to help him 'get in amongst it' as the school kids were really pushy,he handled it pretty well and enjoyed the tasks set. I even had the kids lining up at one point as there were kids who just stood by and let the others push in. Hey ho, wasn't having that as it was unfair! There was loads to see and do and I got some great information with regard to science awards from the British Science Association. We toddled off for a coffee and some lunch about 12.30 and then dived back in afterwards to catch up on bits we'd missed. However, by about 1.30pm it was starting to get even more noisy and busy and Callum (and myself) had begun to feel a little claustrophobic and he wasn't coping with the noise very well, so we left and had a stroll along the waterfront in the wind and watched the planes flying overhead. Back on the DLR and high speed train and home by 3.30pm. Short day, but good fun, well worth it!
And so to holiday! Weymouth Bay Haven Holiday Park for 4 nights from Monday through to Friday. Nightmare journey through A roads because dad felt that the M25 would be too busy, but as we kept hitting towns, I don't think it would have made much difference. Took 5 hours!!! Check in easy peasy and they had allocated a lovely caravan away from the main entertainment site, so lovely and quiet. We'd also managed to get an upgrade; booked a Prestige and ended up with a Platinum!
Unpacked, made a cuppa and then headed off into town to stock up on supplies for the days away. Didn't do much in the evening apart from popping into the arcades to spend some 2ps.
Tuesday was sunny, but windy with some overcast clouds, but it didn't rain all day. So Tank Museum (main reason for going) followed by Corfe Castle Model Village. Callum loved the fact that they had a model village within the model village and even a really really tiny village inside that. Didn't go up to the castle itself as up a very large hill and my hip was already hurting from walking around the museum and Callum was beginning to get a headache. I'd like to point out that he was up at 7am! Normally it's 11am, so I think he was a little knackered.
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My favourite - it's pink! |
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Hands up dad! |
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The entrance |
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The Triumph of Humanity |
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Outside again! |
Tank museum pictures above!
Honestly, I've loads of tank pictures as Callum loves tanks, but personally, once you've seen one, you've seen most of them. I'm such a heathen!
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Model village within a model village with a model village (just look closely to the left just below the trees - it's there) |
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Working mill |
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The model Corfe Castle |
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The real Corfe Castle |
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Having a wander |
Corfe Castle Model Village
Again got loads more, but hey, it's a small house. Fab workmanship though. Well impressed.
Anyway, that's the first day written up! Will do some more tomorrow.
Cya
Friday, 1 March 2013
DON'T TIME FLY?
Wow, well the hell did that week go? It's been a bit busy.
We've had friends over as well as family, we've done a little work and dad's been off for a couple of days.
Callum's highlight of the week was Wednesday as he was left with his big sis all day as I was off with my friend, Carol, for the day. They cooked dinner and played scrabble; Callum not doing too bad and almost winning.
Spaghetti Bolognese for dinner that night and I'll hopefully have some piccies once my daughter has sent them to me.
Apart from that we had friends over Monday so Callum had a great afternoon socialising with Azeem.
Tuesday we did a little work; maths on KhanAcademy and some more work on the Magnet project. Had some simple question and answer sheets to do and Callum also had to research some additional, slightly harder, questions.
Thursday was group trampolining lesson and then Lauren and Carol back for a bit of social and a cuppa. No cake made this week though, so we popped into Aldi on the way home and Carol bought some ice creams for us all. I ended up spending some money on some baby bits. Callum especially liked the little socks!
Today (and yesterday) dad was off and Callum had haircut appointment. So we had a drive there instead of a walk, then a quick look in the Cats Protection League before dad picked us up again and we all headed off to Sainsbury for our monthly stock up shop. Also picked up peanut butter in Holland and Barrett (buy one, get one half price) and Callum managed to find a Worms game in Game which was the exact price that his dad owed him (wasn't planned as he actually asked me if he could buy it with his money before dad then piped up with the fact he owed him some cash).
So, although it appears we haven't done a great deal, it's been really busy. And he has his best mate Callum D over tomorrow afternoon.
Cya
We've had friends over as well as family, we've done a little work and dad's been off for a couple of days.
Callum's highlight of the week was Wednesday as he was left with his big sis all day as I was off with my friend, Carol, for the day. They cooked dinner and played scrabble; Callum not doing too bad and almost winning.
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Terri - 199 pnts
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Apart from that we had friends over Monday so Callum had a great afternoon socialising with Azeem.
Tuesday we did a little work; maths on KhanAcademy and some more work on the Magnet project. Had some simple question and answer sheets to do and Callum also had to research some additional, slightly harder, questions.
Thursday was group trampolining lesson and then Lauren and Carol back for a bit of social and a cuppa. No cake made this week though, so we popped into Aldi on the way home and Carol bought some ice creams for us all. I ended up spending some money on some baby bits. Callum especially liked the little socks!
Today (and yesterday) dad was off and Callum had haircut appointment. So we had a drive there instead of a walk, then a quick look in the Cats Protection League before dad picked us up again and we all headed off to Sainsbury for our monthly stock up shop. Also picked up peanut butter in Holland and Barrett (buy one, get one half price) and Callum managed to find a Worms game in Game which was the exact price that his dad owed him (wasn't planned as he actually asked me if he could buy it with his money before dad then piped up with the fact he owed him some cash).
So, although it appears we haven't done a great deal, it's been really busy. And he has his best mate Callum D over tomorrow afternoon.
Cya
Thursday, 21 February 2013
HALF TERM? MAYBE
Hi all
Here's this week's blog. Finding it hard to write blogs daily, not because of time, but because it's difficult to write without going into the whole "we did this, then we did this, then we did that" kind of writing which is not only boring to write, it's boring to read. So, I've started doing quick, easy, daily status updates on Callum's World page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CallumsWorld?ref=hl
And then a proper blog at end of week (or whenever I get time over the weekend).
So, what has Callum been doing this week? Well, for starters he's been very lethargic and typically teenager floppy lazy hrumph boy. He isn't rude or grumpy, but I am getting the occasional 'grunt' reply when he's asked a question. Hey ho, to be expected with a 13, nearly 14 year old, even with a neuro typical kid, let alone an Aspi one.
Our days still always start with a cuppa and a sit-curled-up-on-sofa-in-pjs chat. I've normally been up a couple of hours before he surfaces, so it's actually nice to take a bit of time out and talk. We go over how we slept, whether he had good or bad dreams, what time he finally got to sleep and what book he's currently reading. We then discuss the day and I talk over what I expect from him. He can then ask any questions, raise any queries and, quite often, try and compromise with me if he's really not feeling up to anything huge. He can drive a hard bargain sometimes, but then so can I. It always works out suitable for us both in the end though and I think it's a good lesson in negotiating.
It was our week for two trampolining lessons this week, private with Kim and group with James. Kim always works him really hard and Callum certainly knows he's done half an hour of workout. He was a bit worried this week as it's half term and he was concerned that there might be a holiday club going on. He hates the idea that they might be staring at him and judging what he does, even though I am constantly telling him that they spend most of their time with their heads in their lunch boxes and talking amongst themselves. Luckily there wasn't a club and he had the whole centre to himself (kids wise). Somersaults went well although he did graze his chin after a particularly clumsy landing and he's practising the routine that he has to tack the somersault onto. Kim always stops the lesson about 10 mins before the end to do conditioning exercises with Callum, which I might add, he hates. This week he was getting a bit bolshy and telling Kim he wouldn't do it, but Kim, like James, is very good at convincing him otherwise. Came out absolutely knackered and had definitely earned his Subway. Group session today was more of a fun lesson which suited Callum.
As to 'lessons', as it's half term in school world, we haven't done anything too in depth, but I have asked him to do some more self monitored work like Khan Academy maths and today's science was reading matter with questions to answer. He's getting a lot better at working on his own, but still needs me to dish out work rather than being self motivated.
Socially he's had a pretty good week too. Monday was spent around his friend's house playing on the Xbox and Playstation. He loves going there as he has known his friend and his family since nursery school, so he's completely comfortable there and I have no worries about leaving him. Wednesday was the usual big sis visit with Merlin the dog and a now ever growing bump. No cooking this week though as not in the mood and was tired (more later). So lots of chat and play on Roblox. Today, after trampo, it was the now regular visit back from Lauren for tea and cake and even more Roblox.
Tomorrow is his dad's birthday and we still have a couple of bits to get ready for his return from work, so a shopping visit in the morning and possibly a cake bake in the afternoon, but that may not get done until Saturday. We like to spread out birthdays in this house, usually over a week, and as we are dog sitting his uncle's dog overnight on Saturday, we may have tea and birthday cake on Sunday afternoon when they return to pick up the hound.
He's had a good week even though he had a visit to the osteopath on Tuesday evening. He only goes about once every six months, normally when he starts complaining his shoulder or neck feels stiff. He likes going and Emma is brilliant with him, although he had to take off his Tshirt this time and he doesn't like stripping off in front of strangers. A bit of cracking later and all he wanted to do was go to sleep, hence the sleepy eyed, excessively lazy Wednesday. He's additionally happy as he received two more books in the Phoenix Files saga in the post along with dad's presents, so he's now rereading the previous three books in preparation of next two. One more to go apparently, but that's not been released yet.
Sorry no pics this week, not really done anything worth photographing, but hopefully be back on track with that next time.
Cya
Here's this week's blog. Finding it hard to write blogs daily, not because of time, but because it's difficult to write without going into the whole "we did this, then we did this, then we did that" kind of writing which is not only boring to write, it's boring to read. So, I've started doing quick, easy, daily status updates on Callum's World page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CallumsWorld?ref=hl
And then a proper blog at end of week (or whenever I get time over the weekend).
So, what has Callum been doing this week? Well, for starters he's been very lethargic and typically teenager floppy lazy hrumph boy. He isn't rude or grumpy, but I am getting the occasional 'grunt' reply when he's asked a question. Hey ho, to be expected with a 13, nearly 14 year old, even with a neuro typical kid, let alone an Aspi one.
Our days still always start with a cuppa and a sit-curled-up-on-sofa-in-pjs chat. I've normally been up a couple of hours before he surfaces, so it's actually nice to take a bit of time out and talk. We go over how we slept, whether he had good or bad dreams, what time he finally got to sleep and what book he's currently reading. We then discuss the day and I talk over what I expect from him. He can then ask any questions, raise any queries and, quite often, try and compromise with me if he's really not feeling up to anything huge. He can drive a hard bargain sometimes, but then so can I. It always works out suitable for us both in the end though and I think it's a good lesson in negotiating.
It was our week for two trampolining lessons this week, private with Kim and group with James. Kim always works him really hard and Callum certainly knows he's done half an hour of workout. He was a bit worried this week as it's half term and he was concerned that there might be a holiday club going on. He hates the idea that they might be staring at him and judging what he does, even though I am constantly telling him that they spend most of their time with their heads in their lunch boxes and talking amongst themselves. Luckily there wasn't a club and he had the whole centre to himself (kids wise). Somersaults went well although he did graze his chin after a particularly clumsy landing and he's practising the routine that he has to tack the somersault onto. Kim always stops the lesson about 10 mins before the end to do conditioning exercises with Callum, which I might add, he hates. This week he was getting a bit bolshy and telling Kim he wouldn't do it, but Kim, like James, is very good at convincing him otherwise. Came out absolutely knackered and had definitely earned his Subway. Group session today was more of a fun lesson which suited Callum.
As to 'lessons', as it's half term in school world, we haven't done anything too in depth, but I have asked him to do some more self monitored work like Khan Academy maths and today's science was reading matter with questions to answer. He's getting a lot better at working on his own, but still needs me to dish out work rather than being self motivated.
Socially he's had a pretty good week too. Monday was spent around his friend's house playing on the Xbox and Playstation. He loves going there as he has known his friend and his family since nursery school, so he's completely comfortable there and I have no worries about leaving him. Wednesday was the usual big sis visit with Merlin the dog and a now ever growing bump. No cooking this week though as not in the mood and was tired (more later). So lots of chat and play on Roblox. Today, after trampo, it was the now regular visit back from Lauren for tea and cake and even more Roblox.
Tomorrow is his dad's birthday and we still have a couple of bits to get ready for his return from work, so a shopping visit in the morning and possibly a cake bake in the afternoon, but that may not get done until Saturday. We like to spread out birthdays in this house, usually over a week, and as we are dog sitting his uncle's dog overnight on Saturday, we may have tea and birthday cake on Sunday afternoon when they return to pick up the hound.
He's had a good week even though he had a visit to the osteopath on Tuesday evening. He only goes about once every six months, normally when he starts complaining his shoulder or neck feels stiff. He likes going and Emma is brilliant with him, although he had to take off his Tshirt this time and he doesn't like stripping off in front of strangers. A bit of cracking later and all he wanted to do was go to sleep, hence the sleepy eyed, excessively lazy Wednesday. He's additionally happy as he received two more books in the Phoenix Files saga in the post along with dad's presents, so he's now rereading the previous three books in preparation of next two. One more to go apparently, but that's not been released yet.
Sorry no pics this week, not really done anything worth photographing, but hopefully be back on track with that next time.
Cya
Friday, 15 February 2013
REMAINS OF THE WEEK
Good evening all
Thought I'd take a bit of time out from sorting out all the computer gumpf to do a quick write up.
Wednesday was a little different to usual as Terri visited yesterday. So today we caught up on some work. Callum did yet another book review. He's finally caught up now though, so those should be a bit more spaced out; much to his likeness as he hates doing them. I want him to start thinking about how things make him feel. Being an Aspi, empathy and emotions are things that they find hard to express, so anything that challenges that is a good thing as far as I'm concerned.
It was also Callum's turn to cook dinner and he chose pizza. He cooked it all from scratch, even the sauce. The pizza base wasn't a yeast version as we didn't have time to do that and I wanted to keep it straight forward, so this one was based on using baking powder. Then the tomato sauce was made (using the same recipe as the meatball sauce we used a couple of weeks ago) and we left that to reduce and become thick. The base was then smeared with tomato sauce, sliced mozzarella, pepperoni, olives and a sprinkling of mixed herb.
Yesterday was trampolining class with the group and James. Not many kids there today so turns came around quickly. Somersaults done and then practice of backward rolls ready for backward somersaults. Eeek. Carol and Lauren back for tea and cake and play on computer, then he was on his own again.
And today, he helped me with some surveys, bought Dad's birthday present online, sorted out and researched best place to get Black Ops season pass and then bought and paid me back. He then, of course, disappeared off to immerse himself in new maps and extras. So I've had the computer to go through emails, more surveys and catch up on Facebook and here.
Cya
Thought I'd take a bit of time out from sorting out all the computer gumpf to do a quick write up.
Wednesday was a little different to usual as Terri visited yesterday. So today we caught up on some work. Callum did yet another book review. He's finally caught up now though, so those should be a bit more spaced out; much to his likeness as he hates doing them. I want him to start thinking about how things make him feel. Being an Aspi, empathy and emotions are things that they find hard to express, so anything that challenges that is a good thing as far as I'm concerned.
It was also Callum's turn to cook dinner and he chose pizza. He cooked it all from scratch, even the sauce. The pizza base wasn't a yeast version as we didn't have time to do that and I wanted to keep it straight forward, so this one was based on using baking powder. Then the tomato sauce was made (using the same recipe as the meatball sauce we used a couple of weeks ago) and we left that to reduce and become thick. The base was then smeared with tomato sauce, sliced mozzarella, pepperoni, olives and a sprinkling of mixed herb.
.JPG) |
Stirring the sauce |
.JPG) |
Making the dough |
.JPG) |
Spreading the tomato sauce |
.JPG) |
Finished pizza before cooking |
.JPG) |
Cooked! Can I eat it now? |
And today, he helped me with some surveys, bought Dad's birthday present online, sorted out and researched best place to get Black Ops season pass and then bought and paid me back. He then, of course, disappeared off to immerse himself in new maps and extras. So I've had the computer to go through emails, more surveys and catch up on Facebook and here.
Cya
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
SHROVE TUESDAY
Good morning folks. Whilst Callum is struggling to write a book review, I thought I'd write up yesterday while he, either gets his brain in gear or yells for help.
Yesterday was Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day. It's traditional in this house to have pancakes all day! Yep, breakfast, lunch and dinner (and dessert if there are enough left).
So breakfast was English style pancakes with lemon and lime juice and caster sugar - yum.
Terri came over late morning and then made American style pancakes which Callum and herself had with bacon and maple syrup:
Yesterday was Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day. It's traditional in this house to have pancakes all day! Yep, breakfast, lunch and dinner (and dessert if there are enough left).
So breakfast was English style pancakes with lemon and lime juice and caster sugar - yum.
Terri came over late morning and then made American style pancakes which Callum and herself had with bacon and maple syrup:
Then dinner was cheese and ham English pancake wraps.
We didn't just eat all day. Callum did another book review and we went to Aldi to get the ingredients for today's (Wednesday) cooking. He's making pepperoni and olive pizza today.
He also did some research on what Shrove Tuesday means and printed off some info and a list of dates for future years. Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, is the day preceding Ash Wednesday which is the first day of Lent. Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the custom for Christians to be "shriven". Pancakes are associated with the day because they were a way of using up rich foods such as eggs, milk and sugar before the fasting season of Lent, where all foods that give 'pleasure' are not eaten.
The custom of 'pancake races' which are still held in England is said to have originated from the story of a housewife in Olney, Buckinghamshire, who was so busy making pancakes that she forgot the time until she heard the church bells ringing for service. She, apparently, raced out of the house to church still carrying her frying pan and pancake. Pancake races are traditionally run by woman, although if men want to join in they can as long as they dress up in an apron and scarf. The most famous race is held in Olney and is run over 415 yards. The rules are that the contestants must toss their pancake both at the start and the finish of the race. The race is then finished with a church service.
The date of Shrove Tuesday changes each year as it is connected with the dates of Easter.
Anyway, that's enough for the moment.
Cya
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