Anne in NYC with big brother at Allman Brothers concert. Just got a text saying that she will be back tomorrow. Maybe. Clearly enjoying herself far too much and being led astray by Rob. Kids have been great for me.

Joey and boxing;  Joey had a very good day at school today.  But there was one incident at lunch.  Not sure what started it but it seems that Joey was more sinned against than sinner.  But then over-reacted, not in the sense of crying but in squaring up to the other kid and taking a boxing stance.  It seems that there might well have been a fight had not a teacher intervened.  It also seems that a kid might get expelled for getting in a fight like this.  Not like in my day where if we were caught fighting and refused to make up, we were put in the boxing ring to sort it out.

Mrs H thinks that Joey should stop the boxing.  I am reluctant but understand.  I think that boxing is good for Joey and still believe that a boy/man does need to be able to look after himself physically.  You never know what might happen, and it is good for confidence.  Particularly if you are on the small side.  But we cannot risk Joey getting expelled so, sadly, I will take Ahmed that we will do the boxing no more.  A pity, as I was looking forward to using it to get fit as well!

Joey won his yellow belt at Taekwondo today, and a trophy.  He was delighted with himself.  The instructor said that he was the most enthusiastic student.  More photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/16275813@N03/

Saw 3 houses today.  None perfect - one rather sad in that the house and outbuildings clearly a vibrant, working farm and community at one point, but the house looks as if it has not been touched since the 50s and would need a huge amount of work.  Second one in much better nick but would still need a lot of work.  Third one has a lovely, modern and well-cared for house.  In the woods with some 12 acres.  But is more expensive and isolated.  Hm,mm.  We need to see some more.

Off to school tomorrow to see Joey tested for hus yellow belt at Tae Kwon Do.

Good to be home and settling in again.  Went to the docs to get results of blood tests.  Nothing too worrying, but also not exactly quite the clear bill of health that I would have liked.  In short, some indicators of risk of cardio-vascular disease.  So, finally have given up the one habit that dare not be spoken about, cut down on the booze a bit, diet is good and more cardio-vascular exercise.  Back to the docs in 6 mths to see how it is going.  Key will be the nasty habit so that is now officially gone.

Looking at houses again tomorrow.  Nothing in the Borough, so we are looking outside.  The kids really do miss having space, as do we.  We also do like being able to walk into town but the main reason for that has been to go in with the kids for pizza, ice cream etc, which we can't do anymore.  So balance of advantages has maybe moved again in favour of some space just outside of town.

A nice email from Joey's maths teacher today;

Hi Gery and Ann,

 I just wanted to let you know that Joey had a great class today in math. It took about the first 10-15 minutes for him to transition into the class which is typical for him but once he settled in he did very well. He was participatory, stayed on pace the entire class and was very cooperative. I meant to tell him how proud I was of him after class but another teacher needed to speak with me so I will tell him so tomorrow.

 I will let you know any observations I notice the rest of the week.

 Best,

 Kristen

Mrs H also said that he had a  very good day (once he got over his usual first 10 minutes of grumpiness) and he was good at home.