Heat

It's been a very hot weekend - more records have been broken over the past week for November temperatures across NSW and Sydney 'copped a scorcher' which made it hard to do much, other than stay inside. This is forecast to be the sign of things to come this summer, with a high bush fire risk as well. Sunday afternoon was the worst time and then during the night the temperatures plummeted again, driven by strong winds from the south.

Fortunately Saturday night was also a bit cooler once the sun went down, as this coincided with a 50th birthday party we'd been invited to - fancy dress as well (something starting with the letter 'M'). Having planned our outfits some time in advance, without considering hot weather, we were lucky it didn't get too hot as Sue was a match (with a bright red wig) and I went as a mummy. Being wrapped in bandages from head to foot got some strange looks from passers by, but went down well at the party! However, with the heat and the unravelling, I had luckily taken some spare clothes and changed into something more normal after an hour or so.

Last week Rebecca received her brand new mini-laptop computer from school - a new initiative this year which is seeing all Year 9 children in Australian schools getting a small laptop plus lots of up-to-date software to help their learning. She will keep this laptop through the rest of school (and afterwards) as the intention is that eventually the top years in school will be taught with the computers as a core resource, with most exams eventually being done on these as well.

Of course the downsides are that handwriting skills will go to pot (like mine) and Rebecca also has to carry her laptop to school and back each day. A lot of the 'popular' websites, like Facebook, are blocked from these laptops, even though they can still be used through our home network. Teaching methods are also going to have to change, but then it will be good preparation for the school kids prior to university and work, where computers are commonplace.