Tuesday 17th Sept

In a handy quirk of timing, just as the internet access fails at the library this morning, I have to pop next doors to get my blood taking at the doctors’ surgery. As I’m sat with my arm outstretched, awaiting the “you may feel a sharp scratch” comment, I’m discussing how much easier it is these days. They just pop the needle in and pop on a vacuum pod, and out the blood goes. Gone are the days of the phlebotomist pulling on a giant syringe, to drag the blood out of you. Progress there then, although the nurses weren’t convinced that having everything online today helped them. They seemed of the view it just created more work for them. Phlebotomy science 1 IT Technology 0.

I get a very welcome call in the afternoon from the supermarket I queried a penalty notice parking charge with yesterday (see 16^th Sept). The good news is the £40 charge has been waived. Sighs of relief in the Perry household; I just hope the eldest learns a lesson from this episode.

For the first time in a few months the weather beats my attempts to get the washing dry, and so I have to use the tumble dryer, before I can get on with the ironing. More signs that autumn is here, and when you twin it with the likelihood we will have to put the heating on sooner rather than later, the bills are going to be going up.

I spend the evening at a school Governors meeting. Mr Gove’s changes may or may not be for the best in the long run, but the onset of so many changes at once, the not least of which are the changes in funding, can make it seem difficult to plan long term. As we will be having a General Election in the next 18 months who knows what else will be introduced, to encourage voters. Being a school Governor is a worthwhile and rewarding role, but I wish we could spend less time on processes and reports to government, and more time focusing on the kids and their education.

Yours enjoying the good things.

Jay