Ramblings from The Burgh

Summer is finally packing its toothbrush and canceling the milk, ready for a vacation down south. In some ways I am dreading the arrival of the chilly weather (and boy does it ever get chilly) but in another way I will be glad to see the back of sweaty nights when I can't sleep cos it is too hot and being endlessly soaking wet from cycling in 90 degree temperatures.

Adam seems to be loving his new school which is absolutely massive for us. Comments at the end of the day when asked "how was school" include...."wonderful" which frankly is hard to believe but I'll take that any day over a grunt and a shrug.

My new regime of dropping him off and picking him up on the bike means that I am getting to know the staff quite well which is great. Mr Nardini, Adam's class teacher, is a very cool dude. Lots of communication with the parents and very quick to praise good behavior and point out "issues" so they can be dealt with.

One thing that strikes me about Adam is how comfortable he is in saying what he thinks. For example, when I picked him up today he saw Jon McCann, the headteacher, standing in the yard. The conversation that followed went something like this.

Adam: There's Jon McCann

Me: Yeah???

Adam: Well...er....I just wanna have a quick chat with him

Me: Err

Jon McCann: What's up Adam? (or similar)

Adam: Alright?...Anyway I was wondering why it says "Principal's Office" on your office door....seein that your never in there"

OPEN MOUTHED SILENCE....(I have to say that Adam wasn't trying to suggest a lack of attention to duty on Mr McCann's part so no deduction of house points so far)

Shortly after this came the following exchange,

Jon McCann: Adam...do any of the other kids in your class ever comment on your different accent?

Adam: Yes

Jon McCann: Don't worry....they'll stop that soon when they get used to it

Adam: Do your secretaries and teachers ever comment on your different accent? (Jon McCann is English)

PAUSE: (honest question so still full marks)

Jon McCann: No I just tell them to shut it

PAUSE: (Adam was clearly considering this as a possible strategy)

Adam: I'll just tell them that I must be talking properly cos I talk like the principal.

There's not much you can add to that really is there?

Recent activities have included a lightening quick camping trip in Laurel Ridge State Park last weekend which was fab.

Also I've been riding alot with my buddy Avi. He is writing a book on cycling routes in Pittsburgh neighborhoods and there is a sort of book launch/ride party coming up in two weeks when we will do the entire ride (I think it is 80 miles which means I am in trouble).

Anyway....some pics of the camping and kids and Avi and bike rides and stuff. As you can see....Adam loves the Hobbitt. We are reading it together.