Back to work today after a week off over half term. It's a bit miserable being back, particularly since I don't have a tremendous amount to do (hence I am blogging in work on my Palm again).

Great time off, made slightly more difficult by Jessica's teenage tendencies. Highlights were the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry (plus a visit to the Wagamama); seeing Antony Gormley's "Another Place" at Crosby beach; and a 5 mile walk around Hockenhull Platts in Cheshire (we managed around 10 miles walking in total over the weekend).

"Another Place" was undoubtedly the highlight. It's an incredibly thought provoking piece of art, and well worth a visit. We spent over an hour sitting on the beach watching the tide slowly come in and cover the statues. I kept wondering what they were all waiting for. Deb commented that it reminded her of a scene from Doctor Who - they've all been hypnotized and are walking into the water together. There's something haunting about the fact that they are all facing the same direction. Truly stunning.

Jessica is still being a teenager. She would really rather spend time with her friends than with us, and this led to some rows in the later part of the holiday, but we managed OK.

Techniquest at Wrexham was also worth a visit, although I wouldn't spend more than a couple of hours there. Very robust science experiments for kids, although in a slightly odd campus location.

Still, back to work, without really having enough to do. Hey ho.