Good News

I wanted to mention our Good News to those of you particularly invested in Cliveden Park House. During Christmas, Clyde's brother told us that his company is keen to donate some computers to us. Most of them would be refurbished, but at least two of them will be brand new. Not only do the company want to donate them, they want to set up a network and internet connection, and bring someone in to teach the software on the computers. This would include AutoCAD, which is certainly not run of the mill. We are ecstatic. Understandably so.

However, this has meant that we have had to get a room ready for the products. The room we are working with might fit 9 computer stations at a stretch, which is great. The company originally offered 25 machines. 25! Twenty five! But we just don't have the space. We don't even have furniture at the moment, but I expect we'll be able to get some from somewhere.

Clyde has spent two evenings this week spackling holes in the walls so that can paint the room, which up until this week was a rosy shade of dark gray, with a poo-brown ceiling. I voted for a while ceiling with medium yellow walls. Clyde concurred and we found the right colour at Home Depot. So this afternoon I am driving down to put on a second coat of primer and pick up the yellow paint when we know how much we'll need.

Additionally to all that, Clyde's Dad has offered to come in and fix up some issues with the rest room, which isn't a very nice place to have to spend a penny. It's passable, but there are holes in the walls.

We are working quickly to get these changes made because we want to show the company that they are making a decent investment, and not throwing good money away. Also, if they are serious, which it sounds as though they are, they will probably want to move quickly as the year turns. So we plan to be prepared.

I have dreams of being able to work with six or more children at a time, using Reader Rabbit software and other phonics programs. I won't give up on books, of course, but it's easier to plan for more children if I have more equipment to work with.