Term 7 week 6 and 2/3 of 2019 done.

Well that’s it the summer break is over. I can’t write back to work on Monday as I’ve been in every week, not every day, but I have managed to reduce my to do list!

This past week I have enjoyed wonderful weather, with fantastic company and great sport and entertainment.

Last Saturday at Twickenham to watch Ireland v England was full of fun, although the tramp experience on the tube home will provide a lasting memory on Debbie and I!

Sunday began with a walk , the four of us, then brekkie in the garden.

There was the third ashes test to save, but after 3 quick wickets it was looking unlikely, and then there was Ben Stokes-phenomenal innings from him to win the game. I was getting ready to go out, but delayed drying my hair it was so 😬.

I’d booked to see a screening of Romeo and Juliet ( Baz Luhrmann ) as it was in a Chapel and soundtrack sung by a gospel choir.

Amazing, emotional and poignant for my friend Debbie. Kissing you by Des’ree, a favourite of her son Luke’s, as was the film which Debbie had never seen, was stunning to hear in the epic venue of the Union Chapel. Suffice to say we both had a very emotional reaction.

A tramp free journey home this time, which was good!

Monday and a drive to Surrey to visit Kevin’s cricket club. One circumnavigation of the pitch, a catch up with old players ( one of Kevin’s old PE teachers was there! ), great food as per, then the journey home. We bought some raffle tickets and I won a £50 voucher to spend at Ely’s, a Wimbledon department store, where Kevin’s Nan used to work!

Tuesday to Friday found me at work mostly tidying up loose ends and prepping for start of the new AY. Our sixth form numbers this year look very encouraging; challenge now is to ensure we have sufficient facilities to meet their needs!

I have also had more emotional ups and downs, this month has not been the best, and they say from the mouths of babes, and that has definitely been the case.

New month tomorrow, and I intend to finish the last third of this year on a high ( at least higher than I am now) and finding my joie de vivre! I need to accept that only I can change how I react, how I deal with things, I can’t change others but I will find peace if I accept who I am, with all my foibles.

I have much to look forward to coming up so I’ll keep you posted. 💕💕💕

Term 7 week 5

I already posted this, but it has now disappeared.

I had an opportunity to go to Twickenham so tickets we’re duly purchased and delivered.

We enjoyed a lovely afternoon with extended family on the 17th and a meal with great friends on the 18th.

Monday to Thursday saw work challenges, one treating the memorial benches for Tony Ward.

I spent time in the garden my safe haven.

Friday was a good day for a walk to pick up parcels, and sort out malaria tablet prescriptions for the intrepid walkers.

That done and a change for a lovely evening with a dear friend who enjoys and understands shoes, dresses and other excesses!

Term 7 week 4

A Level results this week, which were pleasing and great to share in the students’ successes, and also a week full of the emotional rollercoaster.

I’ve caught up with friends, family, visited Kew again, completed routine tasks, dealt with contractors, looked at LG staff to begin pay assimilation, cooked, cleaned and made cards in equal measure.

Appointments needed have been made and I’ve been given a good talking to today-a game changer.

I’ve made a list of the 10 (could easily have been more, especially if I had chosen my fabulous toe nails!) most important and positive things in my life that bring me great joy: I will refer to this often from here on in.

A selection of this week’s photos

And so to bed with a weekend full of lovely people and much to be happy about 💕💕💕

Term 7 Week 3

This has been one of the hardest weeks and has brought many insecurities and vulnerabilities to light.

Suffice to say my family have been supportive and encouraging.

The battle continues…but I’ve made a decision to seek professional help.

So just some photos from the week.

Term 7 Week 2

Another full week with jobs crossed of a list that keeps getting added to!

Last Saturday we visited Kevin’s Nan as she celebrated her 98th birthday. The youngest family member was there too, and good to catch up.

When we got home Georgina had cut back the ivy that has been covering the wall near her bedroom window. It must have been a bit precarious, but she was more worried about the bugs!

Sunday, as part of the training, we went for a walk. Kevin and Joe were wearing there day packs too.

Next up another trip to look at kitchens and then home.

Monday and work with cash flow reporting a priority. Next up month end closure and reporting, payroll checking, walking round the site, preparation for the upcoming audit visits, GDPR, a five year projection, including all staff salary calculations. Yesterday was a visit to the graphic designer reviewing website and charting our next steps. Exciting times!

Had a catch up with the wonderful Debbie and made plans for the upcoming months.

It’s been very busy but I did also manage to make my bed!

Can’t believe that’s a third of the break gone, with still so much to do. Check progress of the boiler and building projects. Prepare for the first two days back, start the work on the salary scale changes, and August payroll, as well as home and Mum duties!

Term 7 week 1

School broke up last Friday, a time of reflection, goodbyes and realising that another academic year has passed.

It’s been a very full year with many a tale to tell, but I will save those for another time 😉

These last few weeks have been so full and fraught too, so Term 7, the six week summer break will help recharge for another year.

Although I will work every week, may be not every day, this gives the opportunity to spend time on things I love and to catch up on jobs that I just can’t do working 10-13 hours a day in term time.

So in this first week, I’ve researched kitchens, assisted in Kilimanjaro essential purchasing, cooking, cleaning, painting, catching up with friends, and crossed 4 things off my work to do list ( it is very long).

The weather has been glorious, although too hot at night, and sun always makes things seem better.

Ruby has been allowed outside, and so far stays within our garden: chasing moths, bees and even a frog.

I’ve also had some time with Joseph and Georgina and sometimes your kids just amaze you with their thoughtfulness and their capacity for good! It’s difficult not to be proud of them all.

After a trip to the dentist yesterday to find out I have a shallow lower jaw, experiencing more difficulty with my cataract, it was most pleasing to be told my feet are in good condition: so dress will be from neck to ankles from now on…..

I made risotto tonight with some ingredients brought back from Borgotaro: porcini, porcini cube, and Parmesan. Delicious and a great reminder of our time there.

Wimbledon 2019

So lucky to be successful in the Wimbledon ballot again-this year Gentleman’s quarter finals on centre court.

A good journey and easy parking made for a great start.

Once safely inside we made our way to The Wingfield where I’d booked lunch-a cheeky treat!

And so after a quick photo opp we made our way to centre court where we were to see Novak Djokovic versus David Goffin.

Great seats five rows from the front. The raw power and expertise to hit the ball time after time still amazes me. Djokovic was supreme.

Next up Roger Federer against Kei Nishkori – an exciting prospect.

At 37 Roger Federer is amazing his deftness of hand, his athleticism is great to watch. Such an elegant player. He lost the first set, but warmed up to pull out every stop, you could see the younger Kei had no answer.

Next up we were treated to Ladies Doubles with a certain Martina Navratilova-a treat it certainly was. At 62 whilst not as springlike as in her prime Martina still has her skill and timing to play great shots, although Cara Black, her partner, was certainly no slouch either.

Camaraderie at the end asking the umpire to take a photo of the four was great to see.

Next the journey home-through London. I love driving through our capital city and I really must sort out a weekend in London and be a ‘tourist’ soon!

Next year the ballot is online for the first time as opposed to a sae for a form. Fingers crossed I still can get tickets, as I love my sojourn to Wimbledon with all the treats that it bestows!

2019 part 1

Six months in to 2019 and it’s been full of ups, downs, sadness and joy, with memories made.

It didn’t get off to the best start, but with some fortuitous twists we were able to join up with Andrew and Lis in Italy.

Totally unexpected and all the sweeter for it!

We met up in Ferrara a medieval town near Bologna and we walked, and walked and did a fair amount of drinking!

It was so hot, up to 40+ degrees!

We even found ( er a 40 minute walk away) a swimming pool and that provided a welcome relief, even though hats had to be worn, hence I didn’t go in!

Our last full day was spent walking around the castle Estense, more drinking and meeting up for dinner!

Sunday morning and Andrew’s birthday: the first one in 9 years we were together and we travelled via taxi, train and feet to Borgo Val Di Taro, the town near to where my maternal grandparents came from, Rovinaglia. I had been before in 2008 but time had played tricks on how it looked.

We unpacked, and changed for a celebratory dinner.

Andrew and Lis were off the next day to the Cinqueterra whilst we would remain for another night.

We had a stroll, did some shopping and a gelato before the dreaded goodbyes. Whilst I was upset, it wasn’t as overwhelming as it had been in the past, whether because this was a bonus I don’t know, and yes I did cry!

We made our way to the black jack pool and spent an enjoyable afternoon, watching the waterside and diving shenanigans!

Dinner was quieter but conversation flowed as we were about to end our trip.

After breakfast Kevin, Georgina and I tried to walk to Rovinaglia ( 7 km and in searing heat).

We made it probably halfway, we enjoyed stunning views and wobbly legs!

I reflected on the walk down about family both present and past. I felt a connection with Italy and also had the realisation that on 22nd June, when I made my first Holy Communion, in 1969, that I had lived in England for 50 years! And what a half century it has been, and here I was in the town that my grandparents had left almost 100 years earlier.

All too soon we had to travel back to Bologna and yes delights of Ryanair – they disappointed massively and a delay meant we arrived home at 3:00am this morning. I won’t dwell on that as we had such a wonderful time, and look forward to when we will get together again.

Life is what you make it: good, bad and indifferent but spending time with loved ones and taking opportunities as they present themselves is the best!

I am grateful to my family for spending their time with us, for making it all the sweeter too. Xxxx💕💕💕

The Italian Job 2

We left Florence by train, and it is a civilised way to travel.

Walking out of the station to be greeted by the sight of water was amazing. We bought a pass for the waterbus and we were on our way to the lido!

Hotel Biasutti was quaint and not too far a walk from the pier.

We unpacked then caught the waterbus to the Rialto bridge.

We took in the sights and sounds, just amazing and found a restaurant to have dinner.

Replete we made our way back and enjoyed watching the setting sun.

Next morning an early start for the walking tour, and our guide didn’t disappoint. She really gave an insight into being Venetian and the advantages and disadvantages of being a population of 52800 with 30 million visitors a year!

A walk around and over bridges and we made our way to St Mark’s, not quite the wow I expected, but still impressive.

Next up a gondola ride- what a treat!

How they navigate those narrow canals takes skill and a certain amount of arrogance!

Lunch next and another walk around before the waterbus to Murano with more photo opportunities.

A freshen up and a mediocre dinner before we crashed after a full day!

Sunday was the Vogalonga regatta and that meant the grand canal was a no go area for most of the day, so we stayed on the lido.

I’d booked the panoramic view from the Fondeca department store for 6:15pm which meant an hour and twenty minute round trip for a 15 minute slot. The views were worth it, and the cruise ship was an added bonus?

A real highlight before the waterbus back where we got ready for dinner.

Over dinner Kevin and I discussed what were our highlights of the trip and Kevin said that looking along the Grand Canal felt like he’d stepped out of a painting, which I had to agree with. Magical!

We packed, enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before making our way to the pier for our water taxi. It was late and I called what I thought was the number but in fact was the taxi driver in Florence, hence his shock when I was asking why he wasn’t picking us up in Venice ! 🤔🤔😂

What a week, what a trip. I truly feel at home in Italy, I feel I belong and luckily don’t have to wait too long to return!

Ciao for now 😘

The Italian Job 1

Thinking about holiday options, Kevin and I decided to go to Florence and Venice in February, and we used Franky Polaine to help get us booked up to visit in June.

We said our goodbyes and arrived in Florence at about 2pm, although we were delayed because a certain Mr Trump flew into Stansted!

We unpacked and made our way into the city to get our bearings for our walking tour the next day.

We changed for dinner at a recommended restaurant and enjoyed the food and wine!

Day 2 and the breakfast was plentiful and the view awesome. We met Leo our tour guide and he provided so much information, apparently the teenage mutant ninja turtles were big in Florence!

I’d booked La Traviata for that night and dinner. The opera was fab, the food not to my taste at all!

Day 3 and we were to visit the Duomo-breathtaking in more ways than one!

436 steps, I believe,to the top. Legs like jelly, but a challenge for me which I’m so glad I did it.

Dinner that evening was with a work colleague of Kevin’s and his wife. Food was exceptional! Company interesting and I learnt a lot about MotoGP racing.

Our last day comprised of a museum trip and another 400+ steps up the bell tower!

We had a table booked at the restaurant which was on the roof terrace and what a treat that was. The sunset, the food, wine and company made for one of the most romantic evenings ever. 💕

We packed ready for our next adventure – Venice. I’d booked the train so another experience to look forward to.

Team building for the future

Today we held interviews in school for a new Assistant Headteacher. It was a long, tiring day but full of hope for a wonderful time ahead.

Being a part of the process, hearing young professional people talking about their commitment, love and passion for their subject, student outcomes and their determination was truly inspirational.

Tough choices to be made but it bodes well for us as a team and as a school community.

As a faith school we pray together most mornings and this morning the Chaplain reiterated what a year 13 student had said in his last day with us. He had lost his father whilst at school, but he knew when he returned to school that he would feel safe, and loved as we had all travelled a path together. He was saddened that he would soon embark on a path that his father wouldn’t be a part of, although he was reassured of this that he would be.

An emotionally fulfilling indictment of why we work in education. 🤗

Arbroath are the Champions!

So the day had arrived for Arbroath to be crowned League one winners! After a breakfast of blueberry pancakes 🥞 we took our time to get ready, prepare dinner for later and enjoyed some quiet time.

Arbroath and Angus really has some beautiful places to see , with red sandstone glowing like an ember on the cliffs.

Time to go so we can get a seat!

Entrance paid we made our way to the stand. Music playing tunes like ‘I’ve got a feeling’ + ‘Heroes’ (always takes me back to Andrew and Lis’s wedding). Smokie Joe made an appearance!

The match began, 0-0 at half time, with a few goal opportunities gaining the ooos and ahs of the 1373 strong crowd!

Dumbarton then scored, but Ballantyne was sent off, some 7 minutes later and a penalty awarded, and duly despatched.

Tbh the result was immaterial, but it was good not to lose. Final whistle and a pitch invasion, the man asking the fans to leave the pitch was funny as was the blatant disregard. The podium was built, the players and management team were introduced and walked out to receive their medals.

Next was the ‘we are the champions’, the cup, the pyrotechnics, the jumping, the champagne!

A wonderful end to a fantastic season. I wish the team the very best and look forward to seeing them in the 2019/2020 season and whatever that may bring!

Dick Campbell the Manager

May the 4th be with you

I have always followed Arbroath’s football club as I was born in the town, even living there for a brief spell before our move to England.

This year they have been top of the league for most of, if not, the whole season.

So before they had officially won I took a risk to book the train to travel up for their last home game!

And they were champions with fixtures to spare, so I can’t wait to go to Gayfield today and see the football, the team and the trophy!

Their manager, Dick Campbell, has been shortlisted for PFA Scotland manager of the year-so possibly more celebration tomorrow if he wins!

I am fiercely proud of both my Scottish and Italian heritage and love my trips back ‘hame’.

I will no doubt have a few photos from today to share tomorrow. Until then c’mon the red lichties!

The water in Majorca….

I booked the trip for Georgina and I earlier this year to provide a few days break in the sun-epic fail on the weather front! Although I was prepared for sun we had little use of the below items.

Breakfast at spoons, a good flight and a private transfer, we arrived and were pleased with the hotel choice – pure salt Garonda, I used a travel agent, a one woman band, franky polaine, and she was great in her help!

We enjoyed a brief walk to see the sights, beach and local hostelries and then got ready for dinner which would be in the hotel restaurant.

We hoped that the weather would improve, but suffice to say we spent a lot of time in the spa!

We found a great place to eat, the ginger beach club, and enjoyed cocktails and food.

I’ve hinched myself happy and have a few plans on that front.

I learnt some new words, and I am under strict instructions not to repeat, we laughed, we cried and although the weather was poor the company provided the sunshine!

Only downside was the technical issue whereby we had no electricity at 5:25am when the alarm went off. No shower, no light, no power so iPhone torch slightly to the rescue.

The break was a real tonic and I am refreshed, tbh only momentarily, as a return to work quickly unravels all the relaxation.

Happy Easter to one and all xxxx