NotSheep

Saturday got off to its usual start here, with three children in the pool by 9 a.m. for their swimming lesson. I went with them this morning, because George wanted me to stay for his trampoline class again. I didn’t sit in the class for the whole session today though, just tootled about the leisure centre, and he was fine with that. I mentioned to the instructor that he’d had a rough week, and she was surprised, as he’d been absolutely fine during the class.

After leaving George in the trampoline area at 9.45, I took Barney upstairs to the fitness suite, as he wanted to try out the Fit Kids programme - the kids get to use all the equipment and do other bits and pieces too - today they’d an obstacle course set up. He thoroughly enjoyed it, and plans to go back. I had a tour of the fitness suite too; I’ve been thinking that I could drop the boys for swimming classes on Saturdays and do an hour working out myself while they swam and got dressed. We’ll see if my willpower ever gets me that far. They offer a pay-as-you-go option as well as a membership, so at least I don’t have to hand over lots of dosh only to find out I never use it.

Freddy stayed with me this morning too, so once Barney was settled in, we went and had a quick look at George bouncing on the trampolines, then headed for the cafeteria where I read to Freddy (Harry Potter - what else? LOL) while he realised that he shouldn’t have bought two jawbreakers. He just about coped with the first, then traded the second for a drink from Barney once his class was over

The Fit Kids session includes a free swim, but it has to be used on the same day as the class, so this afternoon when Scratchy went to play basketball, Barney and George went with him, intending to go swimming. Can’t believe I have two kids old enough to go swimming without parental supervision But they’d only just arrived at the leisure centre when a power-cut meant the whole place had to be shut down, so they never got to swim after all. Maybe we’ll take the whole family tomorrow. I haven’t been swimming in ages - I do enjoy it, but Toby is so skinny I’m afraid he’d freeze! He hasn’t got an ounce of fat for insulation! But Scratchy isn’t keen on swimming anyway, so I could either let him look after Toby, or I could take Toby in for the last few minutes I was in the pool with the others.

At home again, they all had a DVD while Scratchy cooked and I mooched. I did make what was probably the best bread I’ve ever made, with or without a breadmaker. It was about 1/4 wholewheat, and it just rose beautifully and coloured beautifully and came out very tasty with a really soft tender crumb and a crust that was just right - crunchy but not hard. Will definitely use the same quantities again. I’m thoroughly enjoying this breadmaking kick I’m on - it’s very little trouble, the process is fascinating, and the results are very enjoyable