Up at six, Alton Towers and the wind howls.....

On the right: a map of Alton Towers Theme Park

.... and the rain still comes down ( in case you were wondering). I know from comments on the blog ( thanks folks- I love to see them) and from emails that I am getting, that others in Europe and in some parts of the US can't believe how awful the weather is here - especially in regards to us needing the heating on! I feel the same. Even some of my stalwart ' we wear fleeces in our house- I would never dream of putting the heating on til mid December' type of friends and acquaintances are admitting to a blast of the warm stuff first thing in the mornings to help inspire the kids out of beds for school.

However, it only takes a look at what other parts of the world are having to face in terms of nature, and it makes me realise how lucky we really are. I am irritated and sometimes glum because of the weather, but never frightened by the prospects of it affecting my safety or security. Anyone who is out there in that position- my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Son and heir is off to Alton Towers for the day. For those readers who live in the UK you will be now groaning and sighing. For those who are outside the UK here is the link.

http://www.altontowers.com/

It's a theme park! The school ( bless them) take pupils from year seven, eight and nine there every year at this time. Those teachers need a medal. I have been once and thought it was mightly disappointing. A few reasons: first I don't go on rides these days because they make me as sick as a dog! Secondly, I have been to the wonderfully presented and imaginative Disneyland in Orlando in the hot sun ( and it can't be beaten) and thirdly because every theme park I have been to in UK is a grim, grimy unimaginative affair which borders in varying degrees on tacky. This could be seen as a challenge for some to prove me wrong but before you start I have been to Blackpool Pleasure Beach ( forty five minutes from us and a regular fave of teenager), Thorpe Park ( hideous), M and D's in Glasgow ( hideous), Camelot ( hideous), Lightwater valley ( ok-ish for smaller kids, but I went over five years ago so not sure now) and Flamingo Land ( which surprisingly was the best of all in my humble opinion).

It really irritates me that for some of them ( for example Thorpe Park) you have to pay to get in even if you have no intention on riding on anything. I think that is ludicrous and profiteering. All it needs is an arm band system ( such as Blackpool) and they can differentiate from the rider and non rider. I think there should be a spectator fee ( even half price would be better). I appreciate they don't have such a system as Disney, but rider or not, there is lots to do,see and enjoy ( parades, shows, gardens, little trains, displays etc) for the non- rider.

Anyway, Alton Towers is enormously popular so lots of folk obviously disagree and I can see the appeal for teenagers ... ( I know, I sound ancient). I am very glad not to be there, and happy to go into Kendal now for new glasses ( of the reading variety) and black ankle boots for the autumn. Simple pleasures...