Christmas shopping

 We have already done some Christmas shopping as we have had to post presents abroad. But there is something totally enjoyable about buying presents. 

Plasticine

 We found some plasticine, well not plasticine that I remember. The original mixture I seem to remember had a smell to it - linseed oil? But this modern version has no smell and is just as good if not better.

There is something quite theraputic about moulding it into various shapes.

Toffee or not toffee

 I used to enjoy going in to a Thornton's chocolate kabin not only for chocolate but my favourite - toffee.

Although the chocolates were great, particularly choosing single ones to make up a bag or box and the nougat casket was a fantastic treat, for me there was nothing to beat toffee. Whether original, brazil nut, nut and fruits, liquorice or more recently chocolate smothered.

I didn't like that it used palm oil/fat. Surely the recipe originally used butter? Was palm oil even around when Stanley created his recipe?

Thornton's has beentaken over by Ferrero but doesn't seem to be bringing back the variety or the shops.

Flying

 We were flying today but the plane was delayed due to bad weather at the airport we were going to - strong winds.

After we landed and got of the plane it seemed to us that there was still a strong wind - a side wind but the landing was very smooth.

I am not a frequent flyer but the flights I have been on have been fine. Only a couple of times we had some turbulence but nothing drastic. One of my friends flew one time and the flight was so scary that he seriously considered returning by ship.

Esso blues

We have a lot of small plants in the greenhouse so trying to be ahead of the game we bought a heater for it.

It does not seem worth the money to install an electric cable just for the few days and nights that heating will be needed. Particularly as it will have to be installed by a registered electrician in a protected sleeve etc. 

I thought paraffin was cheap but was it? It seems to be dearer per gallon than petrol or diesel now.

Playground

 We went to two different play parks today, one small, the other the largest in the town.

Both need improvement. I find it annoying that council money is wasted on idiotic cycle lanes abd not spent on the future citizens. 

There is a skatepark which also needs an upgrade. The children who use the skatepark are very tolerant of newcomers and there never seems to be a problem. It is not only good exercise in open air but they learn to mix with others of all abilities.

But do you remember the play parks of the past with witches hats? Seesaws like horses trying to throw you off? And proper high slides?

Back to school

 With Inset days - in service days extending the Summer school holidays, it was back to school today.

Who remembers their return to school? I have to admit that I don't remember any at all but I should think that my parents did. Obviously we would have all met up with friends during the holiday but it was great to see our other classmates too. Perhaps even slightly more exciting to find out their news after not seeing them for so long.