“Uphill and down dale they went”. So we read from the time we were infants, and experience to when our gums ebb, our tissues dry and our bones rattle. Is one allowed to be philosophical on a Friday? We all have ascending and descending routes, don’t we? Sometimes we labour as we climb, feel a high when we peak, before we cruise merrily along as we make a descent. The next climb then looms as the heavy feeling sinks in and the cycle repeats. I had a mild euphoria on Wednesday night, after meeting Elysia’s class teacher. The morning before (on Tuesday), I had had a terrible time at the office. On Wednesday night Elysia was on a high. She was happy because we were happy with her. This morning I sensed that a little of that uphill feeling has started to creep in. She has been very keen on participating in the Victoria Premier’s reading program, which requires kids to read a prescribed list of books. This had to be done by middle August. This morning we discussed her progress over breakfast and she was clearly worried. She still has something like 10 books to go through. Rowling’s latest offering is due out tomorrow and like kids her age in many parts of the world, she has been looking forward to this for months. We had only pre-purchased her copy a few weeks ago. Now she may have to postpone reading it because of the Premier’s program. I suggested drastic reduction of internet time, as well as TV time, to cover loss grounds. She nodded in agreement, but the worry was still painted all over her face. As I finished my coffee and allowed the caffeine to boost my fatherhood skills, I started to work through the details with her. How many books exactly, what are the titles, how many books per day she has to cover, how long per day she has to read, and so we went. Just before we left the house, she revisited the issue. I may not agree with the choice of books making up the “Premier’s List”, but what do I know – Rowling’s books are all in that list. Elysia has read all of them, several times. Surely she doesn’t have to plough through them just to tick off the list? She has read them, can remember every detail about every character, and that was good enough for me. That’s 4 books ticked off. She looked much better. I guess she feels closer to this peak. She still has some way to climb, but suddenly (after a chat with Dad of course) she feels more confident about reaching this particular peak. Next time, it may not be as easy to make up lost ground. Never mind. We all have our “uphill and down dale” repeatedly, but each one is easier and more fun to go through with a companion. I’m grateful to be Elysia’s for this cycle.