Day 136 - Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Sunday August 3oth

M&D Anniversary and we had big family lunch. Fun Uncle Charles (as he is known round here because so far the kids have gratefully received Playstation, Ping Pong table, Trampoline and now a Wii from him) and Suzan stayed on with the promise of summer pudding (delicious)

And so the final Sunday before I start my new career is upon me. It still feels very surreal but reality will kick in soon enough. I am cr*p at Wii golf.

Christmas is at our place this year. Daunting

Day 135 - moonpig.com

Saturday August 29th

Went for my long run this morning without Chris, who turned up a little late. Managed 10 miles at 7:16 which I was delighted with especially as I had a couple of breathers. First time I've run that far since December I think. Nice circuit around York, taking in the wall, the gates, Minster and Bootham Crescent although I couldn't find the ground itself.

Forgot to mention that I discovered www.moonpig.com on Thursday when I forgot to post Mrs N an anniversary card on time. It's brilliant and took me back to a conversation I had with Chris Parsons on the journey back from Pebble Beach in 06. We were talking about dreams and he said he had this idea for an online greetings service that posted real cards with real stamps and signatures. Sorry, Chris, you're too late.

Felt good all morning and then headed off to the train for the long journey back. It was great to be home and see everyone. Charles and Suzan arrived for the night so we drank beer, ate curry and had a good old chat

Day 130 - The Grand Old Duke Of York

Monday August 24th

Uneventful journey up to York, other than bumping into Charles and Suzan at Waterloo (what is the probability of THAT?). It was fun to be on the train and walking through Waterloo and Kings Cross again. Got the bus up to campus and for about an hour was horrified at the thought of spending a whole week here. It seemed a little geeky and I had nothing to say to anyone. Things improved as we walked around doing a Maths Quiz and by the evening had met a few people who I could talk to.

I really want to blurt out my story but I only get as far as "I start teaching in September...." at which point I am sure people are already judging me. I can't complain because we are all the same, it's human nature, but there is part of me that wants to tell everyone that I had a very successful career in my chosen field, was earning a very nice salary and then CHOSE to go into teaching. Of course, I want people to think I'm special. It's not going to happen so I will just have to remain special in my own mind.

This evening a venerable old professor donned period costume and told the story of Euler. This was striking on many fronts, not least that it was pretty interesting. I had no idea who Euler was until now. He used hand written overheads on and OHP....wow!

The course leader is pretty impressive. He is prolific in his output, very forthright in his opinion and is passionate enough to run this summer school. Good stuff. His presentation notes are unorthodox to say the least.

Day 107 - The Referee's a W*****

Saturday August 1st

I cannot believe it's August already. Suddenly the end of my retirement is in focus and there is much to do. I spent lots of time last week on preparing my "Portfolio of Evidence" for next year and have been attempting test papers. I seem to be stuck on 89%.

Early drive up to St Margarets for our marathon Saturday. Had a giant lunch with the Thrumbles and took the boys and Alice off to Reading for the match. We really enjoyed it. The ground is very tight and we were right behind the Reading goal for the 1st half and saw loads of action. Unfortunately all 4 goals were scored the other end but we had a good time. Alice and Ted's first game in England.

On to Charles for more food. Got there at around 7 and tucked into rib of beef with the whole family and M&D. It was very quick and didn't get to talk much. Alice and Ted were full of chat but fell asleep on the way home. Last night on an airbed.