Yes, I'm still here and, no, you haven't really missed anything. Actually, you have, but don't worry, it was nothing life-changing.
It's six in the morning on a cold November day and I've got to crank my mind and body up for a busy day of driving tests and lessons. Five lessons, plus no less than TEN driving tests! Surely this must be a world record with driving tests? Has anyone (at least in Britain) had ten of their pupils (nine of them having their first attempt) taking their tests in the same day?
This has all come about because two examiners are coming to Ullapool today. The reasons are too long-winded to explain. Usually we get one examiner, conducting six tests on one day in each month. This is always a Wednesday. For some unknown reason, this month and next are on Tuesdays though.
I was with a pupil last week and we were practising turning the car around in the road (three point turn). I pointed out that, being a Wednesday, the wheelie bins were out in the road, ready for collection.
"Remind me of your test date" I asked him.
"January 29th."
"OK, so that's a Wednesday," I replied. I knew it was simply because it is only November and December that have tests on a Tuesday, "so, the wheelie bins will be something to consider on the day of your test."
He looked at me with a stunned expression.
"How did you work that out so quickly?"
Perhaps I should have given him some BS about calendars, leap years and perhaps some quadratic equations, but I boringly told him the truth.
He looked very disappointed. "So no hidden talents then?"
"No," I sighed, "no hidden talents."
