A busy, busy 10 days.

Well, I haven't stopped to take a breath for days and days, I've been so busy. I'm only able to write now because I got the day wrong for the Bury Home Watch conference (I was going a week early). Peter Fahy is making an appearance so in my new role as roving reporter I thought I'd better go and take notes.

I have written the first Friends of Rhine Close newsletter. It only took a few hours to put together as I used most of the material I already had. I've also been accepted on Ramsbottomonline.com, so I've done a couple of bits for them. Again, I used material I already had. Northern Life have asked me to write a piece for their December edition. I haven't started this yet, so I need to get cracking. I am thinking about writing new stuff for them. A while ago, when FB was still here, I started a list of '101 Things You Can Do When Your Teenager Leaves Home'. I didn't actually get very far with it, but I'm sure I can work on that. I'll have to use my poetic license again so that no offence is caused. Added to this is an article I wrote for the Bury Times about the recent litter pick that got into BT today. Paul also had star letter in this week's Bury Times, and he doesn't even remember writing it, ha ha. I still haven't had any paid work but I'm trying to convince myself that the more I do, the better chance I have of someone giving me a chance. Of course, I don't want too much of a chance - I do have a more than full time job to do as well.

The Friends of Rhine Close field!

Oh, and did I mention I'm doing an A-Level (equivalent) course? I started that yesterday and the first assignment has now been sent off.

Phew, I'm exhausted just thinking about it all.

I have been trying to be more involved in local issues, as there are lots of things on our doorstep that we can do as a family. Last weekend we attended the Tottington Wildlife Watch Group. A group met in the community room in the library and we took the children along the Kirklees Trail searching for different trees and leaves. We had sheets printed off so they could be identified and they did really well, until they got to the first horse chestnut tree. Then, the afternoon turned into a big conker hunt! Still, they all got on well together and they were outside running about, so I think it went well. I've been asked if I'll help out so as long as it is just for the hour and a half every month I can't see any harm in that. The group meets on the 2nd Saturday of each month 2-3.30pm.

I have also attended the Friends Of Kirklees Valley meeting this week. This group are involved in the improvements along the 'lines' and a bat expert was there to advise about some changes. Apparently the Environment Agency (who are staying according to the list published today) want to 'naturalise' as many rivers as possible and they have highlighted a culvert near us. Batman thinks this will cause problems for our wildlife though! The completed stage of the Kirklees Trail will be a designated nature reserve from next week.

I will gather you something better for next week as, fingers crossed, we'll be out on Saturday. H is off to his first cub camp. For 1 night away he needs to take: 3 pairs of trousers, shorts, swimming trunks, 4 jumpers, 6 t-shirts, pyjamas, 6 pairs of underpants, 8 pairs of socks, a waterproof coat, wellies, trainers, sturdy shoes, plate, dish, mug, knife, fork, spoon, torch, sleeping bag, pillow and a teddy bear! Plus his cub uniform.

I leave you with my sort of dessert menu, and news of a new beauty salon in Radcliffe. Their advert states that with every male shoulder and back wax they will give free ear wax! I wondered about phoning them to point out their error, but it would spoil the fun.

My own ice-cream; it would be rude not to try it.