ORT

The title will baffle some but others will nod knowingly. I cannot bear Biff, Chip, Kipper and Floppy the dog. Perhaps that is why some children are late readers - they are bored witless by the moronic capers of the ridiculously named children (says the woman who named her son Red).

I hate that torturous reading stage of c--a--t-- c-a-t c.a.t ... dog?! Bella was especially slow to get going but then it clicked into place and she has never looked back. Ally was a dream (he listened to me rant at Bella so many times about sounding out I suspect). Lily is Lily, which will explain it all to those who know her...

Lily did get her book today for getting 100 reading stars. Bella and Ally have yet to be given theirs although they both passed the 100 mark last week. The little ones don't have to read, being read to counts as well. On nights where I am feeling especially bad mum, I get the big 2 to read to Lily and fill in the diaries. It kills many birds with one stone...

I should point out that Ben is topless wrapped in a towel because he is about to go out on the town and Lily has wet hair from her bath. It is not some strange Roly household reading ritual...

Oh and I nearly blipped the docks again - tonight on our way to swimming there was a big Stena fairy in and also a big cruise ship with a name that began with A that I have forgotten. It is all very impressive when they are all lit up...