Tom is at home these last two days of the week. His school sets the children work while the teachers do reviews with parents and students. It does seem a bit of a doss to me – having 2 days off to give 10 min interviews, but hey it seems to work.

Proud day today as the review is full of A’s and B’s – can’t think at all where he get the brains from – must be his mother! 97% in the Geography exam, however, is definitely the Ryan blood within him. I do ask myself – how on earth do you get 97%!!??

After the rain stopped today we went to Gillingham pier for a couple of hours as Tom loves fishing. He didn’t catch anything, but again I was proud as he casts seemingly miles and has great patience as he watches his rod. It wag a simply fantastic opportunity to just chat, just be ourselves, with no interruptions. Just to be Dad and Son seems to be a rare opportunity – but one that is excellent. I miss doing this, I need to do it more – before it is too late and he is no longer interested in his old codger of a father!

The great day had a great end with the screen in the garden again for England’s glorious and convincing victory over Trinidad and Tobago. Mmmm – did I mention I only really watched the match from the 85th minute and it looked like they played excellent to me! Anyway – when was the last time in the World Cup that we qualified first and with a game to spare. This time, we may have made a meal of it, but we have qualified the easy way!

Still – the highlight of the day – sitting with Tom, chatting and watching the rod for bites – cheers Son for a cool day!