Snuffles

Phoebe's teacher had the rather nice idea that for Christmas, all the children in the class would each buy one small inexpensive present, suitable for either a boy or a girl, which, after the drawing of lots, a child would take home as a little gift from a classmate. Phoebe took along a cute little dog on a keyring, which she immediately nicknamed Snuffles (rather a good name, I think, as he really does look as though he's snuffling along having picked up some scent or other).

She was a little bit sad, of course, that such a splendid item would be going home with another child, but understood that this was all about the spirit of Christmas and giving generously and so on. Imagine her delight, then, when she was the child whose name was drawn to take Snuffles home with her. And imagine her even greater delight (and our deep, deep shame) when one of her friends discovered Snuffles' amazing secret ability. For Snuffles is not just a cute little dog on a keyring. He is a cute little dog on a keyring that poos when you squeeze him!

Fear

"Phoebe, you are very naughty little girl. You are not to scare your sister by chasing her round the house claiming to have been possessed by Lord Voldemort."

Uri Geller

In Kolonaki yesterday, Emily was waved at by Uri Geller!

True fact!

And when she got home she found her socks had magically been turned inside out.

Spooky!!!

("Dad, you have to erase that. People will think my socks really were inside out!"

"No they won't, darling. People will realise it's a joke."

"What if a stupid person reads the blog? They might not realise."

"Stupid people don't read this blog, my love. It's only for clever people.")

Photos

The girls had their school photos taken today. These are not what they were in my day. I remember having individual portraits taken (in full school uniform with blazer, cap and tie) and panoramas of the whole school. What I don't remember was being snapped holding a football (Phoebe, who refused to touch the doll provided by the photographer) or reclining on a fluffy orange cushion (Emily apparently in a Next Top Model sort of pose)...

Swine flu

Phoebe's class has been shut down for a week because of swine flu. Phoebe herself is perfectly fine, thankfully, but finds herself at something of a loose end.

"Daddy, I wish I was at school! I've finished all my homework and now I've got nothing to do. I'm a completely stiff board."

"Bored stiff, darling."

"Yes, that too."