Been reading again – been avoiding writing as well. Not inclined, perhaps because I knew I’d moan on when I’ve little really to moan at; not in myself.

Jack had a day off school yesterday – reached a low ebb, was sick (suspiciously) & was behind on his homework. He’s caught up – he’s still not completely better (his eyes are still itching) but he’s less down – which is so much better. He had a good old talking to the night before with Louise & that did him some good as he was better grounded yesterday. If we could devote more time to cajoling & encouraging him he would not hit these funks, but … it’s not possible – he takes advantage of us at times & procrastinates & skives over homework. It’s a shame, but there is a lot of it – but when he does it – when he sits down & concentrates it doesn’t take him long & he does it well… He’s bright but still – his reluctance at times is quite understandable.

Made the rabbit hutch up yesterday. She’s better after being in the cage in the porch for a while. We seem to have covered the cost of it OK, & it’s sizeable enough to give her enough space; she now has an upstairs & a downstairs – enough room for her to move around freely. As she’s grown so, the same could not be said for the old hutch. I’ll get some bits & bobs from the market stall woman today as well. Shame it’s set to be a bit cold again.

When I set out putting the hutch together Esme & Lilly were all agog – wanting to watch & wanting to join in. Unfortunately the help that 3 year olds is limited; mostly limited to not helping, because they’re more likely to cause problems that be of real assistance. Jack didn’t want to miss out though – so he soon had his shoes & coat on & was about. He helped distract Esme & Lilly a bit, but they were still a little too active. I had to warn Esme off when she started using the old broom to brush one of the half made sides. At that point they (Esme & Lilly) took the old broom & plastic (toy) lawnmower & dashed off to Lil’s house. Esme was dressed as a cat & Lil a fairy. It being World Book Day they had gone to school (& playgroup) dressed as ‘their favourite characters’ Jude had gone as Dr Who (suit, trainers & accoutrements) & Eve as a school witch (she wanted to go a Hermione Granger but we couldn’t get stuff approximate enough)

Jack was happy to help & was keen to use the electric screwdriver thing (which I was thankful for having) but it ran out of juice. I have an aching forearm a from ‘manual screwing’ the thing together (Jack didn’t help with that) when finished we had everyone around; Esme & Lilly & Eve & Amber, but not Jude & Louise – Louise was having to read Famous Five to Jude upstairs. Hey did come down briefly, encouraged by Jack & proclaimed it good & “Jolly big” before Louise had to return to narration duties.

Put down sawdust & paper & hay, then the rabbit. She seemed happy to explore & scratch about but was not keen on trying to get downstairs, although having checked here this morning she did pop downstairs, so that’s good.