Ponding, Painting, Pencil and PJs

This is the lake that develops in our playground when it rains. At its worst it covers the whole width of the area. On this particular day I decided it was too huge to sweep away as we have been doing up until now. (Not that there is anywhere to sweep it as it doesn't drain even on the muddy areas as there is an impermeable membrane under everything.) Anyway, I went to tell the Head about it and he came round a little while later to look. Then there ensued the classic scene of many builders standing round looking thoughtful and talking about the situation. I think that common sense should have told whoever designed this area that if you have no drains, no grassed areas, and a membrane under everything, then water will collect. But then I am not an architect or builder, so what do I know? There have been some holes drilled in the bottom of the wall at the edge of the playground (producing fascinating cores of amalgamated stone, one of which I must grab before they are thrown away.) This seems to have lessened the problem a little. Then in our meeting this morning we were told that the problem with the 'ponding' (apparently the technical term for this happening-laking would be better) could be because they may have used the wrong type of slabs and stones, ones that are not up to British safety standards. That has not been confirmed, but if it turns out to be true they will have to re-do the lot! 

 Doodling painting in my journal. It is a moleskin watercolour one and has lovely thick paper. I have been using brusho ink which is lovely stuff. The colours are so rich. I used a piece of gold wrapping from a Christmas pudding ( I have started early!) and some children's glitter glue which has stars in it.

 This one looks Greek or Viking.

 And this one just stopped at pencil. I saw a girl this morning when driving to work who had a hat like this on. My favourite sort of hat!

 This is me wearing my pajamas for Children in Need. Nearly all the kids wore theirs. It was a very cute looking day! Also very comfy. Walking round the school at lunchtime it reminded me of Hogwarts-seeing teachers and children in nightwear is quite surreal. Like we have all suddenly been transported to a public school!