Today started off with a very sleepy Callum and then a very long discussion on his game. Funny how when he's talking about something he's interested, he's suddenly very alert! However, my brain ended up exploding!
He's decided to build a new Roblox game and he's decided to log it as a project for home ed. Started with layout on paint yesterday with information on weapon prices, sizes, zombie waves, regeneration, points earned, main boss level, etc. He's then going to write the script to make the game, hopefully remembering to print it off; have screen shots of the game, instuctions on how to play and any tweaks/changes he's had to make. Now I'm fine with all that; in fact I think it's a great idea. He's even given himself a deadline to work to. However, whilst he was trying to explain it all to me he went a little bit too in depth and I totally lost track. It was a bit like the Brian Cox explanation on measuring light where I was "yes, understand", "yup, still get it", "yup, blimey I'm doing well" and then "No, my brain has just exploded!". All I can say is that I'm glad he gets it, because I can't help with any of it. Must admit, I'm quite impressed with the whole thing so far as he's even going on about how to advertise it on the site and get the game up the rankings.
After my brain had recovered and I'd laid in a hot bath for a while, he then attacked percentages, decimals and fractions in a workbook that he wants to finish. Now I'm ok with maths, but I have to admit that converting decimals to fractions and vice versa isn't my strong point. I can do percentages to fractions, but the other way round makes my head spin so I envisioned another brain explosion, but, nope, Callum, amazingly got it and even taught me how to do it. Love this home ed thing! Now I'm the pupil! Haha
After lunch we headed off to first trampoline lesson of the 'term'. Well, there was us thinking Kim might ease him in gently, but no! He started off running him through all the basic jumps right up to front somersaults, then ran through some combinations including: seat drop -> front drop -> back drop, front drop -> half twist -> back drop and then back drop -> half twist -> back drop; at which point Callum's head went dizzy! He finally finished with practicing both routines he's learnt including the somersault. For a half an hour lesson I don't think he stopped bouncing, twisting or spinning for more than 4 mins! Phew!
The rest of the day was errands; library, bank, haircuts and a bit of shopping then home. He's spent a bit more time on his Roblox game and is now upstairs on the XBox!
I don't think easing in this week is exactly what happened today, but hey ho!
Showing posts with label computer games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label computer games. Show all posts
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
Saturday, 9 February 2013
BIT OF A BUSY WEEK
Good afternoon on this fine, if chilly, Saturday. Not been around much this week, so this is a bit late. Hey ho, fed up with apologising for not doing dailies, life gets in the way and to be honest I do go through a bit of an anti tech phase occasionally where I just cannot be bothered to log in; too much other stuff to do. So anyway, this week:
Briefly;
Monday - hospital with Terri, my daughter, his sister, for her 21 week scan of pregnancy.
Tuesday - Private trampo lesson, subway, eye test.
Wednesday - Terri plus her friend Natalie over for cooking lesson and some arts and crafts.
Thursday - mum, me, at tattoo shop, so friend over and then both off to class trampolining lesson.
Friday - dentist appointment, bit of shopping and then friend's house for a couple of hours.
Today - computer, now Xbox after helping dad put up another shelf in bedroom to house growing collection of helicopters.
Monday
Didn't expect Callum to want to come to hospital with big sis to see baby scan, but he did. I know he's been a bit worried so maybe him going would put his mind a bit more at rest or maybe he was just curious. Also he doesn't normally like hospitals. But off we went, managing to get a lift from Terri's dad (bit like an extended family outing) and got to hosp on time. There was, of course, the usual wait, but we finally got called for scan. Terri's dad had to go off for blood tests, so it was just Terri, Callum and me.
I think he found it interesting and he was paying attention and, as he hasn't asked any more questions since, I'm assuming he's ok. So say hello to Callum's niece or nephew.
Tuesday
Private trampolining went really, really well. He was full of smiles and managed to do 3 full somersaults in a row without using a mat, so whoop whoop to him. Definitely deserved the 12 inch meatball Subway which seems to have become a tradition after the private lesson. Then eye test afterwards; slight deterioration so new glasses on order. Hoping to make the old ones into sunglasses for the summer once new ones have arrived.
Wednesday
We did make carrot cakes first, but for some unknown reason Blogger isn't uploading the picture of our success, so may try again another time. Anyway, the above picture shows the rest of the afternoon with Callum just about to start an Xmas coaster mosaic and the two girls making Valentine bits and pieces.
Thursday
Today
Callum is doing the usual weekend things of computer, XBox or TV or combi of both. He doesn't want to go out anywhere as we've been out pretty much all week (or had people here), so he's after a day to himself. He has, however, helped dad put up another shelf in his bedroom (there are now 3) on which he can put his new helicopters on. He's got 4 waiting construction and housing.
Briefly;
Monday - hospital with Terri, my daughter, his sister, for her 21 week scan of pregnancy.
Tuesday - Private trampo lesson, subway, eye test.
Wednesday - Terri plus her friend Natalie over for cooking lesson and some arts and crafts.
Thursday - mum, me, at tattoo shop, so friend over and then both off to class trampolining lesson.
Friday - dentist appointment, bit of shopping and then friend's house for a couple of hours.
Today - computer, now Xbox after helping dad put up another shelf in bedroom to house growing collection of helicopters.
Monday
Didn't expect Callum to want to come to hospital with big sis to see baby scan, but he did. I know he's been a bit worried so maybe him going would put his mind a bit more at rest or maybe he was just curious. Also he doesn't normally like hospitals. But off we went, managing to get a lift from Terri's dad (bit like an extended family outing) and got to hosp on time. There was, of course, the usual wait, but we finally got called for scan. Terri's dad had to go off for blood tests, so it was just Terri, Callum and me.
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Baby Munn |
Tuesday
Private trampolining went really, really well. He was full of smiles and managed to do 3 full somersaults in a row without using a mat, so whoop whoop to him. Definitely deserved the 12 inch meatball Subway which seems to have become a tradition after the private lesson. Then eye test afterwards; slight deterioration so new glasses on order. Hoping to make the old ones into sunglasses for the summer once new ones have arrived.
Wednesday
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Left to right: Callum, Natalie, TerriThe crafting trio |
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Xmas tree coaster |
I had my tattoo booked for Thursday, so wasn't around for most of the day. However, my wonderful friend Carol agreed that she would take Callum to trampolining for me that afternoon. As it was she dropped Lauren, her daughter, off to our house around 11.30am and Lauren and Callum played on the computer until it was time to go off to the lesson (admittedly they were a bit early). They then came back to the house until it was time for them to go off to Lauren's next activity for the day. Tea and cake was provided by Callum (I assume he made the tea and the cake was the carrot cake he'd made the day before). It mean't that, in the end, Callum wasn't alone for long; about an hour, so I ended up feeling a lot better about it all. Although Callum didn't really mind either way, I think he was happier having the company.
Found out later that evening that James, the coach, was beginning to get him practising backward rolls in prep for backward somersaults - Eeeek!!!
Friday
Not a day that we were entirely looking forward to as it was a dentist appointment first. However, all was well except for Callum being advised to brush his teeth a bit better than he does now. He still hasn't got fillings so was happy. She did ask if he wanted a brace, but he replied with a definite and resounding NO! To be honest, I don't think he really needs one.
Then a bit of quick shopping: jewellers for me to sell off a couple of bits of jewellery that I never wear and then health shop to pick up some marigold and chickweed cream for me to care for my new tattoo. Bought some apricots for £1 on way back to bus stop and then off to friend's house for a couple of hours playing on his XBox whilst us mums drank tea and had a chat.
Today
Callum is doing the usual weekend things of computer, XBox or TV or combi of both. He doesn't want to go out anywhere as we've been out pretty much all week (or had people here), so he's after a day to himself. He has, however, helped dad put up another shelf in his bedroom (there are now 3) on which he can put his new helicopters on. He's got 4 waiting construction and housing.
So busy week, not a great deal of lesson work done apart from maths on Thursday morning before I left, but then again, seeing a pregnancy scan, reading every night, cooking, making a mosiac, trampolining and seeing friends is all good stuff.
Cya
Thursday, 12 July 2012
ART, COMPUTERS AND......IT'S BEYOND ME!
Hiya, don't think I'm doing too bad this week. Seem to be doing an update every other day. Could have something to do with me now having a laptop so I'm not fighting over computer time with Callum and, of course, I can do it from the comfort of my own sofa. However, I also think it may have something to do with the new timetable as I'm now organised with work and Callum knows what needs to be done, so we are doing more.
I don't really notice the difference when we don't have a timetable until I actually have one. I've mentioned before that total autonomous education doesn't work for us, but every now and again, either because we are too busy or I'm too knackered, we end up practising that style of home ed. But I know that it doesn't really work and having this new timetable has proved it. It isn't that we don't do any work at all when its autonomous, but I find that I can't suddenly spring to action when Callum wants to do something (I need to be mentally and physically prepared and that means organising) and I find Callum's motivation lapses very quickly and he just ends up doing the same thing all day every day and that's Roblox or now a game on Facebook. Callum's Asperger means that he does need a certain amount of routine although as he has got older he is more able to cope with sudden changes that may happen in the day. However, having a visual timetable and a breakdown of what he's expected to do on a daily basis written up has seen him motivated and self organising which is a vast improvement. His concentration is better and he is more willing to try. I know this form of education doesn't work for everyone and I know that having a full day's timetable would not work for us, but this semi structured (mornings), semi autonomous (afternoons) approach definitely works for us. I just need to ensure that I stick to it plus it helps me as well as I know what I need to plan for.
So what have we done over the past few days. Well, Wednesday was scheduled for Science and Art and Terri was visiting as she usually does on a Wednesday. I sort of delegated to her for some of the work and they ended up doing a combination of Science and Art using some experiments which looked at colour and light. This time we/they looked at reflected colour and light; shining a torch covered in coloured cellophane (red, blue and yellow) onto various toy vehicles of various colours (red, yellow, blue, green and white). It was quite interesting how the vehicles changed colour when different coloured light was shone onto them. Non of us totally understood it, but a collective conclusion was that the colour reflected was the strongest colour that was left on the spectrum after you removed the colour of the vehicle and the colour of the light. Unfortunately the cellophane we were using was from sweetie wrappers and the red one was rather strong in comparison to the rest, so we aren't entirely sure if our results were totally as they should be, but it was fun and we kind of got the idea.
They then attempted to make blue sky by using a glass of water and dropping various amounts of milk into the water. The torch was then shone from the side of the glass and behind the glass. As the water became more milky, the light from the side shone through the milk in a bluish tinge and shone from behind in a reddish tinge. Rather interesting. Will try and post some pictures later.
Then they 'played' on Photoshop on the computer to change a photograph of Draco, the dog, into various degrees of blue tones. I'm hoping to get Callum to do the same using red and yellow tones.
The afternoon was spent with us all together watching Journey 2: Mysterious Island.
Today was Maths and Computer Studies. Callum spent most of the morning on www.khanacademy.org continuing to look at areas and perimeters and www.codeacademy.com where he begun to learn to write some proper computer code. Then it was a single maths sheet on areas and perimeters of triangles to finish off.
After lunch we watched the latest edition of Turn Back Time - The Family, which is a BBC programme about the life of families through history.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01kwlrr/Turn_Back_Time_The_Family_1940/
Callum enjoys this programme as do I as it isn't all about facts and figures, but more about the everyday life of families and how they lived, worked and played.
For the rest of the day, he has played on the Wii and has now started playing playing one of the games online with other people. Not something that I would want to do or probably could even suss out how to do, but Callum, as do many others, just gets it. I used to be pretty good using computers, but I think a lot of it is now beyond me. But good for C, glad he can keep up as he'll need to.
Anyway, last ice skating meet before the holidays tomorrow and then a bit of a clean up of the house.
Cya folks
I don't really notice the difference when we don't have a timetable until I actually have one. I've mentioned before that total autonomous education doesn't work for us, but every now and again, either because we are too busy or I'm too knackered, we end up practising that style of home ed. But I know that it doesn't really work and having this new timetable has proved it. It isn't that we don't do any work at all when its autonomous, but I find that I can't suddenly spring to action when Callum wants to do something (I need to be mentally and physically prepared and that means organising) and I find Callum's motivation lapses very quickly and he just ends up doing the same thing all day every day and that's Roblox or now a game on Facebook. Callum's Asperger means that he does need a certain amount of routine although as he has got older he is more able to cope with sudden changes that may happen in the day. However, having a visual timetable and a breakdown of what he's expected to do on a daily basis written up has seen him motivated and self organising which is a vast improvement. His concentration is better and he is more willing to try. I know this form of education doesn't work for everyone and I know that having a full day's timetable would not work for us, but this semi structured (mornings), semi autonomous (afternoons) approach definitely works for us. I just need to ensure that I stick to it plus it helps me as well as I know what I need to plan for.
So what have we done over the past few days. Well, Wednesday was scheduled for Science and Art and Terri was visiting as she usually does on a Wednesday. I sort of delegated to her for some of the work and they ended up doing a combination of Science and Art using some experiments which looked at colour and light. This time we/they looked at reflected colour and light; shining a torch covered in coloured cellophane (red, blue and yellow) onto various toy vehicles of various colours (red, yellow, blue, green and white). It was quite interesting how the vehicles changed colour when different coloured light was shone onto them. Non of us totally understood it, but a collective conclusion was that the colour reflected was the strongest colour that was left on the spectrum after you removed the colour of the vehicle and the colour of the light. Unfortunately the cellophane we were using was from sweetie wrappers and the red one was rather strong in comparison to the rest, so we aren't entirely sure if our results were totally as they should be, but it was fun and we kind of got the idea.
They then attempted to make blue sky by using a glass of water and dropping various amounts of milk into the water. The torch was then shone from the side of the glass and behind the glass. As the water became more milky, the light from the side shone through the milk in a bluish tinge and shone from behind in a reddish tinge. Rather interesting. Will try and post some pictures later.
Then they 'played' on Photoshop on the computer to change a photograph of Draco, the dog, into various degrees of blue tones. I'm hoping to get Callum to do the same using red and yellow tones.
The afternoon was spent with us all together watching Journey 2: Mysterious Island.
Today was Maths and Computer Studies. Callum spent most of the morning on www.khanacademy.org continuing to look at areas and perimeters and www.codeacademy.com where he begun to learn to write some proper computer code. Then it was a single maths sheet on areas and perimeters of triangles to finish off.
After lunch we watched the latest edition of Turn Back Time - The Family, which is a BBC programme about the life of families through history.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01kwlrr/Turn_Back_Time_The_Family_1940/
Callum enjoys this programme as do I as it isn't all about facts and figures, but more about the everyday life of families and how they lived, worked and played.
For the rest of the day, he has played on the Wii and has now started playing playing one of the games online with other people. Not something that I would want to do or probably could even suss out how to do, but Callum, as do many others, just gets it. I used to be pretty good using computers, but I think a lot of it is now beyond me. But good for C, glad he can keep up as he'll need to.
Anyway, last ice skating meet before the holidays tomorrow and then a bit of a clean up of the house.
Cya folks
Friday, 29 June 2012
HE'S CONFIDENT! I'M NOT! BAD ME!
Hi all
Wow, that week went quick! Can't believe I last did this blog on Sunday. You must think we've been really busy and I suppose we have, but not because we've been out and about, we've actually done some work.
Callum and myself are feeling a little non motivated at the moment so trying to get into the spirit of doing 'work' has been really hard. He just wants to play on his games, occasionally see his friends and bounce around on the trampoline as the weather has allowed us outside in the garden for a change. Now there is nothing wrong with any of that and he has still being doing all of that.
I'm ready for the 'end of year' and having some time to catch up with sewing, gardening, knitting, etc. But I'm also very aware of the fact that the open day is looming and we still have stuff to finish. I'm also aware that Callum is now 13 and I'm suffering from one of my 'aaargh' moments. Those moments where I feel that we aren't doing enough; what will he do about qualifications; will he get a job; all those questions that all parents must have from time to time, but I also feel that if any of the above fails that it will be down to me! I know that everything is really fine. I know that Callum is learning, maybe not as much as he would do at school, but he's learning what he enjoys and enjoys what he learns and it's at his own pace. I'm pretty sure that he'll be fine when it's time to find work, but I'm still panicking and I do every year and I'm sure that as the years pass, I'll get worse and worse. The trick is not to let it influence my attitude towards what we do. I don't want our home ed experience to turn into one of me being teacher in front of him at a desk telling him what to do and how.
Callum on the other hand isn't having any of those worries. He is certain that he's going to get a job; he's certain that it will be in computers (games design) and he's pretty certain that he's going to end up emigrating to America to do it! I wish I had his confidence and his certainty, but I'm glad he has it. Before we started home education he didn't have any certainty of anything. He was a scared little boy; a frustrated and angry little boy with very little confidence and no idea of what he was good at. Home education has taught him that; it has allowed him to investigate his likes and dislikes and has allowed him to grow in confidence in his own capabilities. He may not be the most sociable kid on the block nor is he the bravest, but he has inner confidence and that is often more important.
So what 'work' have we done? Well, we looked at areas and perimeters of different shapes and looked at Pi. We talked about nouns, pronouns, verbs and adverbs. We talked about what books we wanted to read next year. We had a discussion about how our local area has changed since I was a kid. We wrote up the Horrible Histories theatre trip. We looked up Amelia Dyer, the Victorian baby farmer. We looked up the Charge of the Light Brigade. We looked at the Tudor family tree. We discussed next year's 'timetable'. He rediscovered Lego and built several Halo models and built a base to put them in.
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He built an alarm for his bedroom door and we went to trampolining lesson!
On top of that, we've had visitors, bounced around on the trampoline, read numerous Horrid Henry books and been shopping. Oh and, of course, played on the computer!
Cya
Wow, that week went quick! Can't believe I last did this blog on Sunday. You must think we've been really busy and I suppose we have, but not because we've been out and about, we've actually done some work.
Callum and myself are feeling a little non motivated at the moment so trying to get into the spirit of doing 'work' has been really hard. He just wants to play on his games, occasionally see his friends and bounce around on the trampoline as the weather has allowed us outside in the garden for a change. Now there is nothing wrong with any of that and he has still being doing all of that.
I'm ready for the 'end of year' and having some time to catch up with sewing, gardening, knitting, etc. But I'm also very aware of the fact that the open day is looming and we still have stuff to finish. I'm also aware that Callum is now 13 and I'm suffering from one of my 'aaargh' moments. Those moments where I feel that we aren't doing enough; what will he do about qualifications; will he get a job; all those questions that all parents must have from time to time, but I also feel that if any of the above fails that it will be down to me! I know that everything is really fine. I know that Callum is learning, maybe not as much as he would do at school, but he's learning what he enjoys and enjoys what he learns and it's at his own pace. I'm pretty sure that he'll be fine when it's time to find work, but I'm still panicking and I do every year and I'm sure that as the years pass, I'll get worse and worse. The trick is not to let it influence my attitude towards what we do. I don't want our home ed experience to turn into one of me being teacher in front of him at a desk telling him what to do and how.
Callum on the other hand isn't having any of those worries. He is certain that he's going to get a job; he's certain that it will be in computers (games design) and he's pretty certain that he's going to end up emigrating to America to do it! I wish I had his confidence and his certainty, but I'm glad he has it. Before we started home education he didn't have any certainty of anything. He was a scared little boy; a frustrated and angry little boy with very little confidence and no idea of what he was good at. Home education has taught him that; it has allowed him to investigate his likes and dislikes and has allowed him to grow in confidence in his own capabilities. He may not be the most sociable kid on the block nor is he the bravest, but he has inner confidence and that is often more important.
So what 'work' have we done? Well, we looked at areas and perimeters of different shapes and looked at Pi. We talked about nouns, pronouns, verbs and adverbs. We talked about what books we wanted to read next year. We had a discussion about how our local area has changed since I was a kid. We wrote up the Horrible Histories theatre trip. We looked up Amelia Dyer, the Victorian baby farmer. We looked up the Charge of the Light Brigade. We looked at the Tudor family tree. We discussed next year's 'timetable'. He rediscovered Lego and built several Halo models and built a base to put them in.
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He built an alarm for his bedroom door and we went to trampolining lesson!
On top of that, we've had visitors, bounced around on the trampoline, read numerous Horrid Henry books and been shopping. Oh and, of course, played on the computer!
Cya
Thursday, 14 June 2012
RAIN, THEN SUN, THEN RAIN AGAIN
Well this week has been a bit of a weird one weatherwise. It started off wet, we've just had a few days of brilliant sunshine and now they are predicting heavy rain again. All good for the garden, but not so good when you have plans for being out and about.
Spent last weekend, which was fine in the day and wet by the evening, out and about foraging with Phil and Callum down at Riverside and Motney Hill. Saturday was elderflowers for cordial, chickweed for infusing in oil for an anti itching lotion for later and sea beet for prawn stir fry for dinner. Callum isn't into picking stuff, but loves trying things out when I've cooked them. But he is getting rather good at spotting things, so armed with my 'shopping list' we set off. Elderflowers this year seem rather abundant so managed to get plenty for cordial and a few extra for drying for making 'flu season' tea later in the year. He thoroughly enjoyed himself running up and down the 'beach' with the dog and climbing over the walls.
Once home his dad had to go back to work and I spent the afternoon in the kitchen prepping my free goodies.
Sunday was Motney Hill for some more elderflowers; this time for fritters and we managed to get some samphire from the beach for dinner. Also collected some red clover for drying for a tea. Callum actually helped pick today, but only the clover as he was having far too much fun running up and down with the dog on the beach, but at least it's a start. Both him and the dog ended up covered in mud and sand, but it all washes out so who cares?
Monday we went off to a friend's house and ended up picking even more elderflowers (this time from her garden) and showing them and her student how to make the fritters. There were tons of them; plenty for 4 kids and 4 adults. Callum had a great time playing with Azeem in his little den.
Tuesday was Callum's birthday; the big 13!! Was planning to take him to the beach, but it poured down all day so we didn't go. Asked him what he wanted to do and he said "pj day"! So that's what he had. All day in pjs. He watched Tin Tin on DVD, played on the Playstation and the computer and watched a bit of telly. Big sis visited for the day as well and he obviously had some presents to open and some cards. Has ended up with £30 in cash to spend and a WH Smith voucher, has already ordered a new PC game.
Wednesday was a beautiful sunny day which was brilliant as we were on a home education trip to Quex House in Birchington. Quite a large group of kids, but Callum coped well and he did have some space to retreat for some quiet time too. The guide we had was fab; very good with the children and very patient and funny. We learnt a little about the Powell-Cotton estate, but he didn't dwell on it for long. We then watched a short video on how to make African pots before going outside in the sunshine to have a go at making our own. Will post a photo up next time. Then back inside to make masks. First had a little discussion about different types of masks and why we would use them and then pretty much all the kids went to make animal masks in the animal room. Callum wasn't too keen on doing that, but decided to make a tribal one instead. So I went and gathered some paper and crayons and we returned to the tribal room to make his mask. Had to leave him to get on with it as he didn't want me watching. It's turned out really well and I'll post a photo of that next time too. He wants to add things to it before we finally put it together for a mask, so I may wait until it's complete, but then again I might not.
Then it was lunch and free time. He needed to get some space by this point, so we went over by the fountain to eat and then walked around the gardens before coming home. Was rather proud of him as he remained with the group for the majority of the time which I know was quite hard for him on occasion.
Today he's been at home playing on a game he's found on Facebook. He now has an account as he's 13. He wouldn't join before as you aren't supposed to have one until then. A few of his friends already had their own account, but he insisted on waiting. I must admit, it's a bit odd seeing him comment or like posts.
Tomorrow is his dad's driving experience day at Cranleigh and hopefully the thrill ride for them both. I'll be making sure I have a large flask of tea to drink while I watch them career around the track. Might have to make sure there are waterproofs too as they are forecasting heavy rain again for the afternoon.
Oh well, here's hoping it'll stay dry enough for them to have their afternoon. Cya later folks.
Spent last weekend, which was fine in the day and wet by the evening, out and about foraging with Phil and Callum down at Riverside and Motney Hill. Saturday was elderflowers for cordial, chickweed for infusing in oil for an anti itching lotion for later and sea beet for prawn stir fry for dinner. Callum isn't into picking stuff, but loves trying things out when I've cooked them. But he is getting rather good at spotting things, so armed with my 'shopping list' we set off. Elderflowers this year seem rather abundant so managed to get plenty for cordial and a few extra for drying for making 'flu season' tea later in the year. He thoroughly enjoyed himself running up and down the 'beach' with the dog and climbing over the walls.
Once home his dad had to go back to work and I spent the afternoon in the kitchen prepping my free goodies.
Sunday was Motney Hill for some more elderflowers; this time for fritters and we managed to get some samphire from the beach for dinner. Also collected some red clover for drying for a tea. Callum actually helped pick today, but only the clover as he was having far too much fun running up and down with the dog on the beach, but at least it's a start. Both him and the dog ended up covered in mud and sand, but it all washes out so who cares?
Monday we went off to a friend's house and ended up picking even more elderflowers (this time from her garden) and showing them and her student how to make the fritters. There were tons of them; plenty for 4 kids and 4 adults. Callum had a great time playing with Azeem in his little den.
Tuesday was Callum's birthday; the big 13!! Was planning to take him to the beach, but it poured down all day so we didn't go. Asked him what he wanted to do and he said "pj day"! So that's what he had. All day in pjs. He watched Tin Tin on DVD, played on the Playstation and the computer and watched a bit of telly. Big sis visited for the day as well and he obviously had some presents to open and some cards. Has ended up with £30 in cash to spend and a WH Smith voucher, has already ordered a new PC game.
Wednesday was a beautiful sunny day which was brilliant as we were on a home education trip to Quex House in Birchington. Quite a large group of kids, but Callum coped well and he did have some space to retreat for some quiet time too. The guide we had was fab; very good with the children and very patient and funny. We learnt a little about the Powell-Cotton estate, but he didn't dwell on it for long. We then watched a short video on how to make African pots before going outside in the sunshine to have a go at making our own. Will post a photo up next time. Then back inside to make masks. First had a little discussion about different types of masks and why we would use them and then pretty much all the kids went to make animal masks in the animal room. Callum wasn't too keen on doing that, but decided to make a tribal one instead. So I went and gathered some paper and crayons and we returned to the tribal room to make his mask. Had to leave him to get on with it as he didn't want me watching. It's turned out really well and I'll post a photo of that next time too. He wants to add things to it before we finally put it together for a mask, so I may wait until it's complete, but then again I might not.
Then it was lunch and free time. He needed to get some space by this point, so we went over by the fountain to eat and then walked around the gardens before coming home. Was rather proud of him as he remained with the group for the majority of the time which I know was quite hard for him on occasion.
Today he's been at home playing on a game he's found on Facebook. He now has an account as he's 13. He wouldn't join before as you aren't supposed to have one until then. A few of his friends already had their own account, but he insisted on waiting. I must admit, it's a bit odd seeing him comment or like posts.
Tomorrow is his dad's driving experience day at Cranleigh and hopefully the thrill ride for them both. I'll be making sure I have a large flask of tea to drink while I watch them career around the track. Might have to make sure there are waterproofs too as they are forecasting heavy rain again for the afternoon.
Oh well, here's hoping it'll stay dry enough for them to have their afternoon. Cya later folks.
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
MID WEEK SUNSHINE
Hiya
Had a lovely, pleasant, ploddy day today. The sun was shining, although still chilly and we had a bit of a lazy start, then off up town to do a bit of shopping.
Firstly we went in search of some Borax; first port of call was, of course, Boots. Unfortunately Boots in Gillingham doesn't stock it anymore, although we were informed we may be able to get it in the larger stores. So we left with liquid paracetamol and Vit C tablets instead (we all have colds). We then scoured Savers (came out with large box of Bic of Soda), Wilkinsons (box of Quality Street) and Superdrug (nothing at all), all to no avail.
Why are we after Borax? Well we have some science experiments we want to do and we need Borax. One of the experiments involves growing crystals and one results in a bouncy ball, so the search will continue as I don't really want to have to buy it online. Oh well, we did manage to find the big box of bicarbonate of soda (£1.19 for 500g) which is always handy for volcanos and anything requiring a fizz and the Quality Street, which is actually for the coloured cellophane wrappers as we are going to do a project on light and colour (the chocolates are just a bonus, honest!).
Then off to a friend's house for general chat and a cuppa. We managed to leave there with a complete DS + games and a big pack of white A4 paper. We offered money for the DS, Callum even saying he would give her his £10 that he had in his wallet, but she wouldn't take it. So a humongous thank you to Kim!!!!
Next was the hairdressers for a trim. Callum had his hair washed for the first time at a hairdressers and I think he quite liked it, then next door to the 2nd hand shop to see what goodies we could pick up. Left there with another book on tanks for Callum and a PS1 game as well, both for 75p!!
A nice walk home, followed by a cuppa and a sort out of our wares.
All in all a lovely day with lots of goodies.
Cya
Had a lovely, pleasant, ploddy day today. The sun was shining, although still chilly and we had a bit of a lazy start, then off up town to do a bit of shopping.
Firstly we went in search of some Borax; first port of call was, of course, Boots. Unfortunately Boots in Gillingham doesn't stock it anymore, although we were informed we may be able to get it in the larger stores. So we left with liquid paracetamol and Vit C tablets instead (we all have colds). We then scoured Savers (came out with large box of Bic of Soda), Wilkinsons (box of Quality Street) and Superdrug (nothing at all), all to no avail.
Why are we after Borax? Well we have some science experiments we want to do and we need Borax. One of the experiments involves growing crystals and one results in a bouncy ball, so the search will continue as I don't really want to have to buy it online. Oh well, we did manage to find the big box of bicarbonate of soda (£1.19 for 500g) which is always handy for volcanos and anything requiring a fizz and the Quality Street, which is actually for the coloured cellophane wrappers as we are going to do a project on light and colour (the chocolates are just a bonus, honest!).
Then off to a friend's house for general chat and a cuppa. We managed to leave there with a complete DS + games and a big pack of white A4 paper. We offered money for the DS, Callum even saying he would give her his £10 that he had in his wallet, but she wouldn't take it. So a humongous thank you to Kim!!!!
Next was the hairdressers for a trim. Callum had his hair washed for the first time at a hairdressers and I think he quite liked it, then next door to the 2nd hand shop to see what goodies we could pick up. Left there with another book on tanks for Callum and a PS1 game as well, both for 75p!!
A nice walk home, followed by a cuppa and a sort out of our wares.
All in all a lovely day with lots of goodies.
Cya
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
TUESDAY!!!
Hiya
Today we ventured out to a new home ed group. I say new, it has been going for a while, but we haven't managed to make it there until today.
So up reasonable time, woke Callum at 8am with a cuppa (makes a change for it to be that way round) and said he needed to be up in an hour if he still wanted to go, which he did. After the usual have you washed your face, cleaned your teeth, found your shoes, got a drink, got your ear defenders, got DS, etc we left about 10mins to 10am to catch the train to Faversham. Never been to group before, but knew it was near to the swimming pool so followed the signs. Was just about to nip down the alleyway that took us to pool and I spotted a postman; who else should you ask when your not sure where you're going. After clarifying exactly where I wanted to go he told me the quickest route was straight down the alley and keep going and it was (right opposite to be exact), thank you Mr Postie. Took us about 5mins, brilliant. Do like places that are easy to get to under our own steam.
The Youth Club that the group is held in is lovely and there was use of an art room, a games room, computer room, music room, dance room and hall as well as the kitchen and seating areas. Lovely group; some parents I already knew and some I didn't, but all lovely. Callum didn't want to go off and do anything, so sat with his DS as usual even though he knew some of the kids there. Then, about an hour before we were due to leave he disappeared! Found out he was in the main hall playing basketball with a girl his age and once they'd finished he disappeared into the computer room to play with one of his other friends who'd brought his own game along with him. Yay!!!
We got there about 11am in the morning and didn't leave until after 2pm, but it really didn't feel as if we'd been there that long. When asked whether he wanted to go again, he said he did, so maybe next time he'll go and investigate some of the other stuff available.
Had company on the way home with Liz and her children which made the train journey go so much quicker. Was lovely listening to the kids chatting away to each other while we sat behind, oldest (mine) at 12 and youngest at 4 (I think I'm right??), now how often do you get that with school kids? Love home edding.
Anyway, cya later.
Today we ventured out to a new home ed group. I say new, it has been going for a while, but we haven't managed to make it there until today.
So up reasonable time, woke Callum at 8am with a cuppa (makes a change for it to be that way round) and said he needed to be up in an hour if he still wanted to go, which he did. After the usual have you washed your face, cleaned your teeth, found your shoes, got a drink, got your ear defenders, got DS, etc we left about 10mins to 10am to catch the train to Faversham. Never been to group before, but knew it was near to the swimming pool so followed the signs. Was just about to nip down the alleyway that took us to pool and I spotted a postman; who else should you ask when your not sure where you're going. After clarifying exactly where I wanted to go he told me the quickest route was straight down the alley and keep going and it was (right opposite to be exact), thank you Mr Postie. Took us about 5mins, brilliant. Do like places that are easy to get to under our own steam.
The Youth Club that the group is held in is lovely and there was use of an art room, a games room, computer room, music room, dance room and hall as well as the kitchen and seating areas. Lovely group; some parents I already knew and some I didn't, but all lovely. Callum didn't want to go off and do anything, so sat with his DS as usual even though he knew some of the kids there. Then, about an hour before we were due to leave he disappeared! Found out he was in the main hall playing basketball with a girl his age and once they'd finished he disappeared into the computer room to play with one of his other friends who'd brought his own game along with him. Yay!!!
We got there about 11am in the morning and didn't leave until after 2pm, but it really didn't feel as if we'd been there that long. When asked whether he wanted to go again, he said he did, so maybe next time he'll go and investigate some of the other stuff available.
Had company on the way home with Liz and her children which made the train journey go so much quicker. Was lovely listening to the kids chatting away to each other while we sat behind, oldest (mine) at 12 and youngest at 4 (I think I'm right??), now how often do you get that with school kids? Love home edding.
Anyway, cya later.
Friday, 11 November 2011
WHERE DID THAT WEEK GO?
Hi all, how are we all. I'm a lot better today, thank goodness! Phew!
Had a bit of trouble getting Callum out of bed this morning, which panicked me a bit as I was hoping he hadn't gone down with anything, but no, he was just feeling a bit lazy.
Off to a friend's today for a bit of a chat and a play. Managed to whip together some cornflake and chocolate cakes decorated with hundreds and thousands last night, so took them along for the kids to eat. Decided to try the bus route today as it takes us closer to her house and it was a lot more straightforward, but traffic was awful this morning, so took longer than we had hoped, but got there eventually.
Had lovely afternoon. Kids played well and there is always a lot of really cool and unusual things around that I end up by going "ooooo that looks good" over.
Several cuppas and a good chat later we popped into Tescos to pick up some basics chocolate to replenish the cooking cupboard and picked up a couple of other bits at the same time. Then home by bus, which was a lot quicker on the way home. Thank you Liz for lovely afternoon.
Callum just managed to make another cuppa when we got in while I sorted out the mincemeat before dad got in and he went off to help walk the dog. Draco has been acting up the past few days by not getting out of the car, so today was an experiment. Low and behold, because Callum was there, he jumped out and went for a good run around - I think Callum is going to have to go out with him from now on; silly dog.
Then back on the computer he went to tweak a game he is making on Roblox and is now on his DS watching telly with dad.
Don't know what he's up to tomorrow as I'm out with friends, but hoping to go to a memorial service at the local memorial monument on Sunday morning.
So that's it, another week over, has gone particularly quick this week, but not sure why and another weekend looms.
Have a good one folks.
So that's it, another week over, has gone particularly quick this week, but not sure why and another weekend looms.
Have a good one folks.
Cya
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
HEADS FEEL LIGHTER
Good evening all you lovely people. How are we all? We are having a fab week this week, although I do feel a bit guilty saying that as I'm sure half of it is because we've taken the pressure off of education for doing other stuff instead.
This morning we had a lovely natter about dreams, trouble sleeping and some solutions. Then off to the kitchen to make pancakes. Whilst leaving the batter to settle, the washing got sorted out and then back in the kitchen for a cookery lesson. Didn't have any plain flour, so used self raising so the pancakes where more spongy (bit like a scotch pancake), but they were still scrummy. Callum had the traditional lemon juice and sugar and I had cherry plum jam and yogurt!
Whilst eating, we had another chat about different uses of pancakes and how if you add water instead of milk, you can a tortilla wrap type flatbread.
Then back into the kitchen to sort out the baking bit of the larder and to check off all the ingredients we needed to buy for making mincemeat. So lots of weighing and ticking off and list writing. Then off to have haircuts and some shopping on the way home.
We cancelled our last appointment due to lack of cash, so both our hair was a little longer than it usually is, hence our heads feeling a lot lighter afterwards.
Popped into Cats Protection League shop afterwards and found a noughts and crosses wooden game for 50p and a green jumper for me for £1.75. Then Aldi for a good nose round and some shopping including the ingredients for tomorrow.
Back home around about 2.30pm, where we had a cup of instant Chai Tea (found in Aldi) and Callum back to computer. Me back in kitchen to make sweet potato and lentil curry and a chestnut stuffed cabbage for some dinners for me.
He is now doing some word puzzles and playing noughts and crosses and I'm on here catching up.
So, all in all, a good day!
Hope yours was as good.
Cya
Monday, 10 October 2011
Hi all
For goodness sake I'm a day behind again (if you include Saturday and Sunday as one blog). Must get organised again. Haha.
So, here we go...weekend!
Saturday we went apple picking at Gore Farm with Phil, Linda, Tony, Danielle, Mellissa and Ruby. Colin and Lily went off to horse riding and met up with us afterwards in the cafe. We rent a tree for £30 per year, which between 3 families isn't that much, and we get to pick all the apples off of that tree. If the crop is a little low (as it was this year) they have other trees from which we can make up the loss. The photo below is just our share of the apples picked.
Whilst we had a good old chin wag around the table at the cafe drinking tea and eating cake, the kids went off and saw the animals and did a bit of investigating. The girls also picked strawberries, but Callum stayed with us, not because he didn't want to pick strawberries, we just didn't have the money to buy any that he picked and I didn't want him just going off and eating them all.
He went off and fed the donkeys (his favourite animal) where one particularly noisy one didn't like it when he fed the others. Very vocal animal (the one below).
The afternoon he spent back on the computer, so I was glad we'd managed to get out and about.
Sunday was very lazy, partly because I'd been out the night before and just fancied doing nothing all day and partly because Phil was busy doing stuff in the kitchen. So Callum spent the day occupying himself (may I add, not all of it on the computer!).
So, today! Phil is off all week this week and that normally interferes with our home schooling, but I'm determined to get at least maths and literacy done. So at about 9.45am this morning I woke Callum up with a cuppa and while Phil was sorting out the dog and what he was going to do for the day, we sat in bed and did his worksheets.
Then up we got, Phil going into the bathroom to put radiator on the wall and redo pipework running to it, we started the BBC website's typing course....dancemat style. Callum was really nervous, but he did it and got very good with his 'home' keys. I think him learning to type properly will be a big benefit to him and he sees me touch typing all the time and sees how quick it can be. Talking of which, I did a speed test on Google and came out as 54 words per minute. Bit slower than I was when at work, but glad I'm still above 50. Need to practice more!
This afternoon was baking and cooking for me while Callum helped his dad refill the heating system and check the boiler was working ok. All good stuff.
So, am now up to date again. Yay!
Cya
For goodness sake I'm a day behind again (if you include Saturday and Sunday as one blog). Must get organised again. Haha.
So, here we go...weekend!
Saturday we went apple picking at Gore Farm with Phil, Linda, Tony, Danielle, Mellissa and Ruby. Colin and Lily went off to horse riding and met up with us afterwards in the cafe. We rent a tree for £30 per year, which between 3 families isn't that much, and we get to pick all the apples off of that tree. If the crop is a little low (as it was this year) they have other trees from which we can make up the loss. The photo below is just our share of the apples picked.
Whilst we had a good old chin wag around the table at the cafe drinking tea and eating cake, the kids went off and saw the animals and did a bit of investigating. The girls also picked strawberries, but Callum stayed with us, not because he didn't want to pick strawberries, we just didn't have the money to buy any that he picked and I didn't want him just going off and eating them all.
He went off and fed the donkeys (his favourite animal) where one particularly noisy one didn't like it when he fed the others. Very vocal animal (the one below).
The afternoon he spent back on the computer, so I was glad we'd managed to get out and about.
Sunday was very lazy, partly because I'd been out the night before and just fancied doing nothing all day and partly because Phil was busy doing stuff in the kitchen. So Callum spent the day occupying himself (may I add, not all of it on the computer!).
So, today! Phil is off all week this week and that normally interferes with our home schooling, but I'm determined to get at least maths and literacy done. So at about 9.45am this morning I woke Callum up with a cuppa and while Phil was sorting out the dog and what he was going to do for the day, we sat in bed and did his worksheets.
Then up we got, Phil going into the bathroom to put radiator on the wall and redo pipework running to it, we started the BBC website's typing course....dancemat style. Callum was really nervous, but he did it and got very good with his 'home' keys. I think him learning to type properly will be a big benefit to him and he sees me touch typing all the time and sees how quick it can be. Talking of which, I did a speed test on Google and came out as 54 words per minute. Bit slower than I was when at work, but glad I'm still above 50. Need to practice more!
This afternoon was baking and cooking for me while Callum helped his dad refill the heating system and check the boiler was working ok. All good stuff.
So, am now up to date again. Yay!
Cya
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
YAWN!
Hi all
Today was one of those days where being home educated worked wonders. I woke up at 5am this morning and could not get back to sleep, so spent the next 2.5hrs drinking tea, eating a bowl of cereal and watching TV progs I'd recorded for just such an occasion (although I was intending them to be the other end of the day). 7.30am arrived and I was expecting Callum up and about, so went off to do a morning cuppa for us both...he didn't appear. Ok, no worries, I sorted out the kitchen, sorted washing and cleared up the recycling, fed the dog, but still no Callum! 9.30am I decided I needed to check he was ok, he was, he was fast asleep! Typical, I wake early and he sleeps in, never mind.
He woke up about 15mins later in a right mood and complaining of a headache. Hmmm, avoid for a few mins I think. Admittedly I was beginning to flag by this point.
10am and after my bath and him getting dressed, he says that he's knackered! He's knackered? Pah!
"Do I have to do anything this morning?"
"Well, maths and literacy would be good, but we do have Mad Science trip this afternoon."
He pulls a face and flops on the sofa.
"You're not in the mood are you?" I say
"No! I'm tired and I want to go on the computer."
By this point, I'm really not in the mood either, I just fancy pottering about.
"Sod it then."
"Really?"
"Yep, I'm tired too and we do have all day tomorrow and we did stuff all day yesterday, so let's have the rest of the morning off?"
"Yay!" He perks up immediately and runs to the computer.
"Hang on! Get your stuff ready first!"
"Ok"
He decides to have brunch as its almost 11am by now, so scrambled egg, baked beans and toast, which he happily munches his way through.
12.15pm we are picked up by Lorraine and Amy and head off to Sittingbourne for Mad Science. We get a bit lost, but manage to find it after asking directions, and are only about 10mins late (we weren't the only ones).
Science show was fab...carbon dioxide (dry ice) today with lots of experiments on the fun of it all. They even got to taste it in water and had it blown (in gas form) over them like in a scary movie. And we got to keep the cups (they colour change)! Which reminds me, we still have Amy's cup I think. Whoops!
Back home and Lorraine and I have a couple of cuppas and Amy and Callum play in the garden for a while. No sooner have they gone and he's back on computer, but he was off again by 6pm tonight. Does this mean the game is losing its appeal or did he just fancy having a break...no, he'd got another headache so decided to go upstairs and chill in his room for a bit. Can now hear him giggling away watching TV.
As to me, I've just printed off all the science sheets we need to do and I'm going to flake out in front of the TV later. Hope I have a better night's kip.
Cya
Today was one of those days where being home educated worked wonders. I woke up at 5am this morning and could not get back to sleep, so spent the next 2.5hrs drinking tea, eating a bowl of cereal and watching TV progs I'd recorded for just such an occasion (although I was intending them to be the other end of the day). 7.30am arrived and I was expecting Callum up and about, so went off to do a morning cuppa for us both...he didn't appear. Ok, no worries, I sorted out the kitchen, sorted washing and cleared up the recycling, fed the dog, but still no Callum! 9.30am I decided I needed to check he was ok, he was, he was fast asleep! Typical, I wake early and he sleeps in, never mind.
He woke up about 15mins later in a right mood and complaining of a headache. Hmmm, avoid for a few mins I think. Admittedly I was beginning to flag by this point.
10am and after my bath and him getting dressed, he says that he's knackered! He's knackered? Pah!
"Do I have to do anything this morning?"
"Well, maths and literacy would be good, but we do have Mad Science trip this afternoon."
He pulls a face and flops on the sofa.
"You're not in the mood are you?" I say
"No! I'm tired and I want to go on the computer."
By this point, I'm really not in the mood either, I just fancy pottering about.
"Sod it then."
"Really?"
"Yep, I'm tired too and we do have all day tomorrow and we did stuff all day yesterday, so let's have the rest of the morning off?"
"Yay!" He perks up immediately and runs to the computer.
"Hang on! Get your stuff ready first!"
"Ok"
He decides to have brunch as its almost 11am by now, so scrambled egg, baked beans and toast, which he happily munches his way through.
12.15pm we are picked up by Lorraine and Amy and head off to Sittingbourne for Mad Science. We get a bit lost, but manage to find it after asking directions, and are only about 10mins late (we weren't the only ones).
Science show was fab...carbon dioxide (dry ice) today with lots of experiments on the fun of it all. They even got to taste it in water and had it blown (in gas form) over them like in a scary movie. And we got to keep the cups (they colour change)! Which reminds me, we still have Amy's cup I think. Whoops!
Back home and Lorraine and I have a couple of cuppas and Amy and Callum play in the garden for a while. No sooner have they gone and he's back on computer, but he was off again by 6pm tonight. Does this mean the game is losing its appeal or did he just fancy having a break...no, he'd got another headache so decided to go upstairs and chill in his room for a bit. Can now hear him giggling away watching TV.
As to me, I've just printed off all the science sheets we need to do and I'm going to flake out in front of the TV later. Hope I have a better night's kip.
Cya
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
A CHILLED OUT DAY
Hiya
Today Callum had a chilled out day! I had a friend round this morning for tea and a catch up chat. Haven't seen her for ages properly, so thanks Michelle for popping round.
Callum did do his maths and literacy sheets though and he did two lots as he didn't do them yesterday. Didn't like to mention that he wouldn't be able to do them tomorrow as we are out on a home ed trip, so theoretically he should have done 3 lots, hehe. I was just very pleased that he'd made sure he'd caught up.
He spent most of the rest of the day on the computer playing, you've guessed it, Command and Conquer, Generals! I'm amazed that the fascination for this game has lasted as long as it has, but then it is very Dune like and he's loved that game for years!
Off for the family shop tonight. We went along for a change as there were a couple of items that I desperately needed and didn't want to write a huge list. So Phil went off doing the normal everyday bits and I went off looking for the gluten free bits and the extras I wanted to flavour the veggie food I'm now cooking. Callum flipped between the two of us, ensuring he got a few goodies put in the trolley (he was pushing it); some for packed lunch tomorrow and some for just whenever. Back home and it was dinner, shower and a little chat about tomorrow's trip. He's a little apprehensive, as he always is, but he knows in his heart he will be fine.
Anyway, we are out tomorrow, so might have something a little more interesting to write about.
Cya
Today Callum had a chilled out day! I had a friend round this morning for tea and a catch up chat. Haven't seen her for ages properly, so thanks Michelle for popping round.
Callum did do his maths and literacy sheets though and he did two lots as he didn't do them yesterday. Didn't like to mention that he wouldn't be able to do them tomorrow as we are out on a home ed trip, so theoretically he should have done 3 lots, hehe. I was just very pleased that he'd made sure he'd caught up.
He spent most of the rest of the day on the computer playing, you've guessed it, Command and Conquer, Generals! I'm amazed that the fascination for this game has lasted as long as it has, but then it is very Dune like and he's loved that game for years!
Off for the family shop tonight. We went along for a change as there were a couple of items that I desperately needed and didn't want to write a huge list. So Phil went off doing the normal everyday bits and I went off looking for the gluten free bits and the extras I wanted to flavour the veggie food I'm now cooking. Callum flipped between the two of us, ensuring he got a few goodies put in the trolley (he was pushing it); some for packed lunch tomorrow and some for just whenever. Back home and it was dinner, shower and a little chat about tomorrow's trip. He's a little apprehensive, as he always is, but he knows in his heart he will be fine.
Anyway, we are out tomorrow, so might have something a little more interesting to write about.
Cya
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