Ramadan in Autumn

Canal at Pooley Country Park, Tamworth

Autumn announces itself through changes in colour, texture and light. The evenings are cooler and when I get dressed in the morning, a cardigan is my first choice. The sun shines a bit lower and the light is different, not darker but has a glow about it.

Today is the 6th day of Ramadan. It is a month for prayer, reading the Quran, reflection and charity. It was during Ramadan that the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet (SAW). Muslims are encouraged to read the whole 30 chapters during the holy month. I cheated a bit. At work, I put on my earphones and listened to Quran recitals on the Internet. I tried listening to as many chapters as I could.

It also soothes my nerves at work. The Remodelling Project is on full steam and the noise is unbearable. They have just started on the floor above ours and it's like having a constant migraine.

The second floor was completed and we were given a tour. New carpets, glass walls everywhere, Shaker-inspired furniture and mobile shelves with heat sensors. I could forsee students walking straight into the glass walls or trapped between the shelves. Couldn't wait...

We weren't surprised when told that the library won't be completed in time for the new term. As a result, Customers Service will be based on the ground floor and they have moved into the room occupied by the two J's. The two J's will relocate to my office and guess who's moving out? Moi!!!

I'll be up on the 5th floor where the Sivanandan Collection lived. Since the CRER staff are part-timers, I'll be there all the time, mostly on my own. Just hope I won't fall asleep.

I didn't attend the Warwick Network Staff Conference on Fri cos of trapped nerve. It hurt so bad that I'd to break my fast, took pain-killers and went home. I spent the day sleeping and resting with a hot-water bottle for company.

Had an easy day on Saturday recuperating and went for a drive to Rugby. There was a football match at the Ricoh so traffic into the Arena was chaotic. Sky Blues lost 3:0 to Bristol City. But welldone to England for the win 3:0 against Russia for the Euro 2008. Tonight, Liverpool drew 1:1 against FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League. I was busy switching channels trying to watch the match and CSI Miami.

On Sunday, we checked out another playground, Pooles Country Park in Staffordshire. Kevin borrowed a mobility scooter and we walked about 2 km along the Coventry Canal towards Alvecote Prory. There was so many beautifully painted narrowboats moored along the canal. I was busy snapping away. Sigh!!! How I wish I could live in one.

We missed the Alvecote Pools because we followed the canal route. We also didn't get to the ruined Benedictine Priory as the gates was locked and the scooter couldn't pass through. But we managed to catch a glimpse of the ruins among the trees, across the canal. Will do that on our next visit.

We'd another visit from the Community Support Officers regarding the vandalism on Benzy. The first visit was from the Rapid Response Unit. All we wanted was some police presence, something done to prevent it from happening again. Apart from that, these guys are really good looking :-)

Zoe came over. She's bloomingly huge, and very beautiful with it, the baby's due on 4th Nov, so good luck to you both.

Heartiest congratulations to RB, my colleague with ANW, on tying the knot with the lovely J.