And what a week

Last week we were awaiting ‘confirmation’ of our next Prime Minister. Liz Truss was duly announced last Monday as the winner, and on Tuesday she flew to Scotland to meet the Queen. Whilst frail, Her Majesty smiled and did her duty and no one thought that her death would be announced a matter of hoursContinue reading “And what a week”

Retirement one year in

Well that year flew by, although it’s not been without it’s challenges. The relief of not getting up five days a week, to meet deadlines, smoke and mirrors, pulling rabbits from hats and spinning plates, is great. I don’t regret the decision to retire, in fact it’s one of the best I’ve made. I, andContinue reading “Retirement one year in”

2021 …..

With 2022 almost upon us, time to reflect on, for me personally and us as a family, what a year 2021 has been. The challenges, as for many others, have been multifarious, each with their own mini challenges within. We have been through a whole gamut of emotions: disbelief, shock, anger, surprise, grief, sadness, helplessness,Continue reading “2021 …..”

Now is the winter of our discontent……

The title of this blog is the opening line from Shakespeare’s Richard III, but how would you read it? I read it as, although we’ve been through some challenging times, that better days are to come. I’m being positive, as it could be that we are to face even bigger challenges on the political landscapeContinue reading “Now is the winter of our discontent……”

Yay! Retired!

Yesterday was my last day at work. A weird situation, with no office, laptop, phone or computer at my disposal, but it was a good day nonetheless. The last six weeks without students and staff, have given me the time to process retirement and to reflect on my achievements during my sixteen year tenure. IContinue reading “Yay! Retired!”

Resilience 2

2021 has been, so far, a year of so many difficult challenges and the last few weeks have provided a few more. I know that this is life, but so many in such a relatively short space of time. We, as a family, and as individuals have been sorely tested and I have to say,Continue reading “Resilience 2”

Almost midway through 2021

It’s the last weekend of June 2021 after a busy fortnight. Mum had her op on the 16th and it was successful. She is recovering well, well enough to travel down south for a bit if R&R. Hopefully she will regain her strength and progress every day. The hurly burly of life is in fullContinue reading “Almost midway through 2021”

Grief and the passing of time

The last two weeks have passed so quickly and I have been busy-perhaps too busy. Dad’s funeral was lovely, the sun shone, people came from afar and we feel we gave him the send off he deserved. I wrote and read the eulogy which hopefully had the right mix of humour, pride and love expressed.Continue reading “Grief and the passing of time”

Another trip to Scotland, another hospital

We had lovely weather for our day trip to Brighton. River met Great Aunts Elaine and Jane and we had a lovely seafront stroll, ice cream and the usual wonderful fayre to eat. Sunday and a trip to Hopefield sanctuary to see the donkeys, pigs, llamas etc. River slept through. Monday and I was earlyContinue reading “Another trip to Scotland, another hospital”

A week of change

Almost two weeks after making the decision to retire, I’ve been overwhelmed by the lovely comments, many of which are surprise, expressed sadness and congratulations. Everyday that has passed has provided me with the affirmation that this timing is so right for me. A dear friend lost her husband this week, which highlights the importanceContinue reading “A week of change”

Exciting times ahead

I have spent the last few months (the last year really) wrestling with a decision. And the Easter break gave me the impetus to go for it, so decision made. I handed in my resignation on Monday to retire this summer. The relief was palpable and instant. I’ve been associated with the school for 22Continue reading “Exciting times ahead”

Testing times

Nearly four weeks have passed, with an easing of lockdown, and another from Monday. We have enjoyed seeing River and he is growing and changing so much. Such a happy, content wee man. We’ve been to visit another household, which was so lovely and met my sister’s new puppy, Dora. She’s a black cockerpoo andContinue reading “Testing times”

The year Marches on….

Bye bye February 2021, not one of your finest but that’s the way it goes. Although a positive both Kevin and I were vaccinated today, which provides comfort for the future. A week’s break from social media, and I’ve quite enjoyed it-I’ve lost a few ‘followers’ but again that’s the way it goes. A fewContinue reading “The year Marches on….”

Tasks to do…

The snow started to fall last Sunday and as always seems the case, whilst forecast we all don’t quite believe it! Monday morning and I made the decision early to work from home as the roads would not be gritted sufficiently. Unexpectedly the glass for the dressing room was delivered as was Georgina’s bed: theContinue reading “Tasks to do…”