  It was a great day today until I heard the evening news. The weather in Hurlford, Ayrshire has been brilliant! Went into work this morning in my sandals and short-sleeved shirt, and got the rip taken mind you! But I love the better weather, which is the gardener in me. First spent some time chatting in the Staff room with my boss, Mick Roebuck and a few of the other philosophers. Peter, Joe, Jim, Iris and Grace.
Eventually we all had to move and it was upstairs to get wellied into the marking. There are enormous piles of disparate stuff on my desk this time of year. Nightmare. The secret in teaching is to do a little a lot, otherwise it goes mental. As do you. Was doing well, and had knocked about 2” off the 4’ 6” mountain when two of my school’s group pitched.
They were in to do an assessment, so it was down tools and finding somewhere to sit and invigilate the assessment. Top floor. I was knackered running up and down the stairs getting them organised, and then myself relocated. Two bags of marking is like two tons when you have to climb up three flights for the third time in 15 minutes. They got it finished and off they went on their study leave like their colleagues. One is off to the Royal Scottish Academy in September to do music.
Imagine having such a talent as that? Explore and enjoy Holly. Lunchtime saw a Union meeting. These used to be sparse and grey affairs, but not anymore. There was a great turn out. Mind you, always is when pay is being discussed!
I think we are beginning to value ourselves more. A lively debate on an offer that we rejected. Too long we have been the Cinderella of education in Scotland. Or so said the Scottish Executive a fortnight ago. We are now coming to the reckoning on this one, methinks? A wage to reflect what we are told we are worth.
P.M. was more marking, and a tedious journey home by bus. I’ve never learned to drive as a result of interesting eyesight, and buses and trains are my only hassle in life. Cheered up immensely when I found Graeme in the office beavering away as he does. The Boy Wonder did his thing, and now the Blog as we can see. Excellent has been our favourite word on www.gerardkeegan.co.uk this last six months. The gestalt is something else.
We get such a buzz when we see our visitor figures climb. 88% of websites are never seen by anyone. We in less than 6 months, have attracted nearly 10 000 visitors. Incredible. And thanks. But then the News.
That poor guy Nick Berg, beheaded in Iraq, and the US promising a major doing in return. But with whom? Not a good idea at all, as has been this whole misadventure. In Scotland we have the big Plastics factory explosion in Maryhill, Glasgow. A major tragedy in my home town. Reminded me never to leave the house on an argument with Caroline or our wean, Toni aged 13.
You just never know what’s around the corner. Thoughts to all concerned. Now for a wander around the garden, apprentice to all I survey. 
