The rain gradually petered out over the week, but we still didn’t manage to hold a Sports Day at school. I decided to empty the pool to get rid of the rather green water that replaced the crystal clear version just a week ago. It took two days to drain it into the river, and then three days to fill it back up again, 26,000 gallons or litres, I can’t remember which!

Because the pressure had been released while it was empty, the top lining of the pool began to come away, a disaster, and very depressing. However, I decided to continue filling it, and fortunately, the pressure pushed everything back into place, although I did have to carefully clip things back together. I won’t be emptying it again in a hurry.

Anyway, it’s now clear and the pump is working properly; it is a shame the weather’s too cold to use it, and we’re off work next week for six weeks for the summer holidays.

At the weekend, Sarah and I went to see Nan and Charlotte. We didn’t set off until Saturday morning, as Sarah had a party on Friday night and I had a governor’s meeting followed by a PTA school disco. The drive to Yorkshire passed quickly; we chatted the whole way (for over an hour), father and daughter like a pair of grumpy old men, putting the world to rights.

On arrival, we took Nan to the pub in Ulley for lunch. The village has been in the national news lately because of the recent heavy rain. The dam, which is above the village, is threatening to burst and flood parts of Rotherham. The water level had dropped quite a bit, and they’re now considering draining it entirely, which is a real shame. I used to sail on it when I was in my first year of teaching in Rawmarsh.

Charlotte phoned while we were on the way back to Thurcroft and informed us she was on her way to visit Nan with Suraj and Lucas. Her flying lesson had been cancelled because it was too windy, so she decided to see Nan instead.

During the evening, we all went to the pub in Firbeck to enjoy a meal where the meat was served on hot rocks. We all thoroughly enjoyed this novel way of cooking our own meat, though we had to be careful where we put our hands.  Suraj was particularly adventurous and tried the ostrich and gobbled it all down! (Maybe it was turkey?) After the meal, Charlotte and family drove home, and Nan, Sarah and I returned to Thurcroft.

On Sunday morning, after breakfast, I weeded Nan’s garden, and at 10 a.m., Sarah and I set off to visit Charlotte. That weekend was Newark Carnival, and we had previously arranged to go and see it. When we reached Balderton, we first had a BBQ lunch, prepared by Charlotte, before heading into town.  The Carnival was blessed with good weather and was well attended by the locals. We spent a couple of hours mooching around the stalls, enjoying some of the activities on show. Charlotte and I had a very tasty bowl of paella, Suraj and Sarah tucked into doughnuts, and little Lucas had his bottle of milk.

Back in Leicestershire, on Sunday afternoon, Jamie had a driving lesson with a rugby friend of mine who conveniently happened to be a test examiner. He later told me that Jamie should pass his upcoming test, and we’ll find out on Friday if he’s right!

Sue had a very quiet week. Unfortunately, she has reacted badly to the malaria tablets we’re having to take prior to our holiday in the Far East and has spent quite a lot of time in bed. Luckily, Sarah, Jamie and I have had no reactions.