It’s frightening here tonight – we have winds of almost 70mph again and they’re not forecast to abate until at least Sunday. Driving is scary, being in the house is scary and being outside on foot – well, it’s utterly terrifying. When I left work, I was completely drenched within two paces of the front door of the school and as I crossed the road to return to my car, my glasses came zooming off my bonce and onto the road. It was pitch dark, hammering down and I got in a panic because a car was bearing down on me really fast. I stepped back onto the pavement in time to see the car clip the arms of my glasses, sending them spinning across the road (at least I could see them when this happened) and fortunately I didn’t have to watch them being pounded to dust by the car – they survived!

This shot is of a small part of our battery of storm protection supplies – DM has candles, lighters and torches spread around the house in strategically important points – if we survive until morning with power I’ll be surprised.

Oh – and yes, I exactly met the required standard from my examiner and therefore unless there is a major upset in the next few days, I’m through to the next round of fighting for my teaching certificate. he said to my school based tutor "I can see her being a teacher". So there you go - someone important can see me becoming a teacher. Thanks to all for the good vibes – I’m sure they helped!