Woke up full of the joys of spring, overshadowed of course by the catastrophe in Japan. Now another explosion. Surely nuclear power is dangerous. And costly. I know I’m a bear of little brain, but why can’t we harness wave power? The sea is always there. Yes, I know we need to be careful about where we position things, but this seems to be a resource we just haven’t made the most of. And I think windfarms look beautiful, so there!

Anyway, I have a new way of getting organised. A way I used in the 70s come to think of it. It’s just writing a list on a sheet of paper, and highlighting the item when it’s done. I tried this last week, but made the mistake of writing things down that would happen anyway, like driving Fr Neville to hospital. But I found I did all the other things, except for one, and that’s because I am waiting for information on it. So this week - great plans. A lot of them are church based, but that’s just coincidence. Next week it could be other stuff, maybe gardening, or sorting out stuff in my office. Here’s this week’s list

• Link all Chrn’s Liturgy people by email group
• Design and print application forms for First Holy Communion
• Design and prepare instructions for correct way to iron altar linen
• Fine tune and print off Stations of the Cross
• Prepare chrn’s liturgy
• Prepare FHC session 3
• Do Creative Writing homework
• Sweep garden paths

Right, some of this I would do anyway in the course of the week, but seeing it written down will hopefully stop me from leaving it until the last minute.

Another thing to do. My TMA is due in on Thursday. I’ve done the work and made lots of notes, but have never left it so late. It looks a straightforward one, so hopefully it will just flow. Marks so far - 80%   90%   95%   90% Can’t believe it. I just love this course and my tutor.

Anyway, today. It’s sunny, and a female blackbird is outside finishing off the seed I put out for the ducks yesterday. Our three cats were looking longingly from behind the French windows. Housework this morning, Hopefully I’ll sweep the paths as it’s such a lovely day. TMA this afternoon, then Viewfinders this evening. We’re doing portraits by candlelight.

Family news - Fiona had her twenty week scan last Tuesday, on her birthday. The baby is in the top percentile for size, and they couldn’t see if it was a girl or a boy, but as nothing showed they are guessing a girl. So a buxom Irish lass then. Can’t wait. Fiona is still being sick, and all three of them have had horrible viral throat and chest infections.

All of us are descending (ascending) on Ali and family for Easter. Or Easter Sunday to Easter Wednesday as Liam and Kieran are otherwise engaged before this, and Ali and Eric are out on Holy Saturday. Should be a good break. I’m bringing up the boys’ Christmas presents from Kevin and Mag!

Our lovely Rachel (Niall’s daughter - see main website) is getting married in July. We met Ian at Alexander’s christening, and he’s super. It’s funny, at the christening Rachel wasn’t drinking, and some of us were wondering if she was pregnant. All sorts of questions about who’s driving etc. did not elicit any information from her, but the following week she had her first scan and told us all she was pregnant. She now has a little boy, brother for Kieya who is about 12. They sent us a most organised and thoughtful package with the wedding invitation in.

• Beautiful homemade invitation
• Details of two nearby hotels
• Card for us to fill in with dietary requirements
• An RSVP card for us to fill in
• Maps to the church and reception venue
• Stamped addressed envelope
• Little poem saying they had everything so pressie could be Thomas Cook vouchers for a family holiday

Rachel takes after her mother, Sue, who is really artistic.

Well I’ve spent far too long on the computer, but at least I haven’t been idly surfing.

Weyhay! There are three greylag geese on the pond. Hope they nest on our land.

Bye all. Be good.