Fashion Show

The Young Enterprise students put on a fashion show last week that Anna Catherine was asked to be a part of. Another new experience and great job walking on those heals - she's steady. Don't know where she gets all that grace - certainly not from me.

As at most British events, there was a raffle. We gave Na two pounds and he put in three of his own. Would you believe that boy won the iPod touch, a $25 iTunes card and a CD - for real! He totally didn't need any of it but of course you don't really expect to win these things - they're just another way of making money.

Let it Snow

Much of England has come to a halt for some part of this week due to snow and ice. 1000 schools are closed today; on Monday London was crippled by the blast. You'd think that being north we would get loads of snow....but no, being on the sea, we have the gulf stream to temper our climate. Therefore we don't have real extreme weather. It's a bit like living in Georgia where a small amount of snow throws the system in a panic. Monday many local schools were closed but our schools were open. While other kids were out 'sledging' Nathan's school wasn't even aloud outside. Hmm, I appreciate that they didn't want the kids all cold, wet and miserable but not letting them out all day is a bit anal.

We may yet get some more snow over here, it's supposed to be in the negative numbers tonight and tomorrow. Should make for a fun soccer match at 9:45 a.m. for Na. At least we can see the snow covered mountains. I say, let it snow!

Three nights, all expenses paid trip ....

...to the Cumbrian Hospital. Monday night Dennis was in intense abdominal pain and decided we should go to the hospital. After some tests they suspected gallstones. The next morning an ultrasound confirmed the preliminary diagnosis of gallstones. Each day they kept saying they wanted him to stay one more day for more blood work due to high white cell count and fever. By day 2 Dennis was feeling just fine and ready to move on with his week. Today, day 3, he likened the feeling to a caged animal. He bargained with the doc by offering to take oral antibiotics as opposed to the iv antibiotics and would come back for another blood test if he could just go home. The first doc agreed but then this afternoon we got a call saying the main doc wanted to see Dennis again and needed another blood test - could he come back tomorrow morning? They have put him in the 'cue' to have his gall bladder out as he is young and not a profile candidate for gallstones. It's about an 18 week wait. So for now 'the diet Nazi' aka Julie will prepare a more lowfat fare for the Thompson family to keep the attacks at bay.

The second largest employer in the world, NHS or National Health System, worked out fine for Dennis. He was in a ward with 3 other older guys - very Cumbrian, in a giant room with curtains around your bed as if a thin piece of fabric constitutes privacy. No one in his ward drew their curtains anyway - they all just sat on their beds and had a good chat or crack as they say here. Meals, meds, and medical attention totalled $0. Why? Taxes are 17% on everythiing which covers the NHS. Dennis had plenty of visitors and good care but he's oh so glad to be back home!

Disco Fever

Reliving the 60s and 70s is what we did for a moment on Saturday night at the parents' organization disco at St. Bees School. 'Fancy Dress' was optional but loads of people went all out! We tie dyed t-shirts and added a few accessories to complete the look but not go over the top. You know, Dennis is a pretty reserved fella and I was doing well to get him there. There were golden oldies from the Bee Gees, Saturday Night Fever, Beach Boys, Beatles, etc. My poor brother had to suffer through the Bee Gees ad nauseum thanks to his little sister.

Quite a few folks seemed to be reliving their teen years as seen by this foursome - Nathan is still talking about this guy - he's worried about him. Dennis explained that this guy never left the era - he was just in full swing and character at the disco.

Anyway, the kids and I had a great time getting ready, laughing and dancing. Dennis was a good sport. Of course you can't talk at these things - the music is so loud you practically have to yell into someone's ear to talk. Nathan enjoyed the cocktail food and orange Fanta a little too much so we had to relive that in the middle of the night. No further comment.

This group of ladies is the core (minus one or two) of the parents' organization that I've gotten to know since its inception a year ago. It's been a great way for me to get connected at St. Bees.

Oh well, enjoy the photos.