Daktacort

Just a quick update. The prescribed cream, Daktacort, seems to be working on the ringworm/eczema. The only problem is it needs to be kept in the fridge. I manage to remember to apply it in the mornings but in the evening I normally forget it. This means one cold walk downstairs to get it out the fridge and then another one to return it. And no, I could not just apply it in the kitchen. Somehow that feels so wrong.

Ringworm

I have managed to get ringworm. Well, that is to say the GP is not sure it could be eczema. Luckily the pharmaceutical industry has realised that GP's can't always tell the difference. I have therefore been prescribed a cream that should treat both ringworm and eczema.

This is not the first time I have had ringworm. I caught it of a horse when I was younger. Our Tervuren caught it of me. On his nose - his rosette winning best in breed nose. The dog was taken to the vet to see what could be done. The poor thing did not like the gel stuff for his nose. He even tried nip my father as he applied the cream. Most unlike our dog. He was devoted to my dad and never tried this before. So, as the source of infection was my leg, I had to try the gel on my leg - the vet prescribed dog friendly gel, which did not mention if it was child friendly. It stung, it really hurt. Cleared up the ringworm a treat though.

The dog was taken back to the vet's. He was prescribed a new treatment. My parents were asked to please not try out any other dog treatments on their children.

Snow

It snowed. In fact it snowed snowed so much that the primary school and all other schools in our town were shut.

The children didn't mind one bit. They spent the morning building snow cats.

Inspiration

I am afraid I lacking inspiration. Well that's not quite true. I could write lots about my job at the pre-school. I don't do this as I worry about confidentiality.

Could write about the fact that my brother and his family are emigrating. But I get a little upset thinking about that and my feelings about it are complicated.

I could write about my grandmother and that I feel she is unfair. But she is 95, so what the point be? She isn't going to change now.

I am also guessing that no one wants to know about my flu. The oldest daughter's sickness (and the fact that she gets all colds and illness).

I will try harder.

Teaching

Britain has a shortage of secondary school teachers. Especially science teachers, maths, IT, RE and modern languages. So, basically most subjects except PE and drama.

I have a science degree. I have been looking into teacher training. I would like to take up work again now that the little ones are older. I don't think accountancy is for me anymore. The five year break means lots of re-learning and also retaking of exams. Month end is unsociable and there is no 6 week break in the summer.

Problem is: Getting qualified will mean working long hours. Now this does not worry me unduly. However Mr Y.'s new job entails lost of long days and lots of working away from. Where is the difference with the old job I hear you ask. Well it's not international travel. Makes all the difference- apparently.

I can't commit the time at present. I want the girls to be settled into their school. I could ask my mum and dad to help out but somehow that feels wrong. They are in their 60's they don't have the puff to look after two lively girls.

The Teaching Development Agency are clearly desperate though. They have sent me on a three day taster course, organised school visits and are now trying to find a flexible course for me. I never knew chemistry was that much in demand. Hopefully I have managed to let them down gently. I told them that I would be unable to start before September 2010. "Don't worry Mrs Y." he said with a not unappealing Welsh lilt "I'll call you in six months time." "Why?" "Well now, you'll be needing to get your references in order and your application form. Don't worry though. I'll be there to help you through the process."

I think I had better dig up the old Chemistry text book.

Christmas Tree 2008

The tree is up. BC (or before children) we had classy trees. They were themed silver or blue or silver and blue. Now our trees are colourful and garish.
I think I like the after children trees better.

Top picture was taken by the 4 year old daughter.

Christmas Prep

Advent has begun and we have put up the Advent's calendars. We have four this year. Auntie H. decided not to check with us and sent them calendars. Nice thought but I had already bought them one each. I don't think the girls mind. The more Playmobil the merrier.

It is difficult to celebrate Sinter Klaas with just us. It seems a bit flat. No one else gets it. There is a Dutch society in Oxford. Mr Yoastie looked into joining but felt he had nothing in common with the people who went there other than his passport. Normally we have pepernoten etc. but my father-in-law is in hospital. Understandably sending Sinter Klaas stuff to grandchildren isn't really foremost on my mother-in-law's to do list.

But on a more cheerful note CS is one of the angels in the Christmas production. Apparently during rehearsals Mary was worried about the lack of hospital facilities in Bethlehem. The angels at least stick to the script. Mummies and Daddies are allowed to come and watch. We are a little worried that younger sisters are excluded, well CE is worried. Mr Y. will do his best to work from home on the opening night (lunch hour), so that he can see our eldest perform.
Luckily the school provides the costumes. I am not sure I could have mastered angel wings.

I will get on with some baking later. We have new biscuit cutters in the shape of reindeer and they need to be used.