Trick or treat

What a week, full of treats certainly, but fortunately no tricks!

I’ve made a conscious effort to switch off from work, and with only two mornings in I’ve succeeded.

Kevin and I enjoyed afternoon tea, bought a new car, I’ve made cards, baubles and been to the cinema.

The house has been cleaned, the garden fed and watered, the drive treated and had time with the kids too, always fun!

I’ve started thinking about improvements/ refurbishments of our home, and enjoyed some walking in the sunshine.

Yesterday we drove to Surrey and enjoyed an extended lunch at Great Fosters in Egham with Viv and Don. The food was great, the surroundings magnificent and well worth another visit!

The clocks went back so an extra hour of sleeplessness for me, but hopefully recharged enough to face the ‘muck and bullets’ of the next eight weeks until the Christmas break: so much to do, but I have promised myself to say ‘no’ and ‘not at the moment’ more, be kinder to myself. Place less pressure on being everything to everybody, and enjoy the build up to Christmas.

Autumn half term-term1

Today sees the start of half term, after an eventful seven weeks.

The school has a new Head teacher, and that with the start of the academic year has brought fresh challenges, transparency, joy, and a real buzz.

No two days have been the same, and I have been pushed to my absolute limit: HR, payroll, event planning, gift making, legal advice, supporting staff new to their roles-just so much. I can feel a cloud hovering and this time I am aware of what that means and after Thursday I have realised how little finance, budget monitoring and review fills my time, so I intend to have some time away, refocus, room decorating planning and be creative, in an effort to go back stronger for the next seven weeks up to Christmas.

No doubt once back I will see myself pushed again, but I must learn to give myself time to do my job and not be distracted.

I’m having a sign made for my door, will post a pic when it’s done!

Ninety not out

Today we visited Crawley to see my Auntie Alma on her 90th birthday. Her and my Mum’s brother Joe were married in 1952 and Alma is originally from Liverpool.

Family had travelled far and wide including her eldest son from America, and family from all over the UK.

We were awaiting the birthday girl’s entrance and as she came through the doors we all began to sign Happy Birthday. Unfortunately, her skirt fell to her ankles, which was heralded by much laughter and an underskirt covered her modesty! Later in the afternoon Auntie Alma said it was because she wanted to show off her legs 😂😂

There were photo albums and photos strewn over many tables with memories aplenty for those that remember loved ones no longer with us. Many an eye had a tear, some with fond memories, some with sadness, but also laughter.

To see this writing in an album from over 30 years ago brought so many happy memories of my childhood flooding back! The picture above that has Alma in the shop and the mirror I am having restored in clear view

One particular favourite was of my grandma, Valentina, probably taken in her early twenties.

A women who had warmth, a wicked sense of humour and also not opposed to cheating at cards!

We all had a great day, Jo, John and Mike did Alma proud and her grandchildren and great grandchildren were there too. How fortunate we were to be invited, and able to attend.

💕💕💕💕💕

Make me a channel of your peace

What a day.

It began with the final preparations for the Bishop’s visit.

The itinerary was precise but took no account of the Bishop and his humility and wishing to meet the students.

It all appeared to flow well, the building was blessed and Mass was celebrated. A joyous occasion, uplifting and a real boost to our community.

After 2pm our focus was for open evening and there was a buzz around school that enveloped is all.

We dined together and it was such a pleasure to see old faces and new to welcome to our school.

Today will remain a wonderful memory for me that will sustain me on one’s that undoubtably prove challenging, and I felt a real sense of belonging and a warmth that radiates for all to see.

Legend of Upton Park

I attended St Angela’s convent school in Forest Gate and knew well the Upton Park/West Ham connection.

Trevor Brooking was and is a legend!

Kevin and I were celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary and went to Vita Bella to dine.

Seated at our table there was a table to my right comprised of Grandparents, uncle, daughter and two grandchildren.

After a while I recognised the voice of the male grandparent-Sir Trevor Brooking no less!

I felt I had to get a photo, as Andrew would love that as a WHU fan.

I ummed and ahhed, but as they were to leave I took my chance, and Sir Trevor happily obliged!

Lovely man, legend and great ambassador for football and West Ham.

I hope you enjoyed your 70th birthday celebrations today!

Weekend delights

This weekend I’ve been staying near Brands Hatch for a craft weekend.

A room full of a couple of family members and over 20 new acquaintances/ friends. Tables heaving with cards, embellishments and an array of made goodies.

The challenge began with following sheets to replicate those and maybe deviate.

Our rooms were ready so time to have a look – wow!

More cards, boxes, food and drink, then a little time to relax and prepare for dinner.

Bingo next but no win for me 😞

After a good sleep breakfast beckoned, with more things to try and make.

A little gift from Kim who put together this weekend!

Many thanks to all for an inspirational few days. Now all I need is the time to do more 🤔🤔 and the week ahead is not conducive at all, SLT, wedding anniversary, MAT meeting, Bishop Alan’s visit, open evening, INSET, and mum and dad down. I’m exhausted just writing it down! 🤗💤💤💤

Four weeks and counting!

So I’ve been back at work, or at least joined by others, for four weeks!

One month done and now the build up to Bishop Alan’s visit to bless the sixth form block.

Lots of preparation is afoot, with practices, plaques, and floral arrangements arranged.

It really will be a holy and joyful occasion! More to follow in a just over a week’s time.

We have also met Reggie, Georgina and Jay’s kitten. Such a sweet thing and perfect for Georgina!

Also one of our Assistant Head’s has become a first time grandparent to a granddaughter, Cerys, such wonderful news after a fairly protracted labour.

May they enjoy all the blessings for years to come.

Tying the proverbial knot

On Thursday Kevin and I began our journey up to Scotland for a family wedding on Saturday.

We drove to Suffolk to a mirror restorer to see what could be done with my grandparents chip shop mirror. A bit of a detour but provided great scenery and a lovely lunch.

Next up the drive to Yorkshire and a great overnight stay with my cousin Heather and her partner Mark.

We also saw our first pictures of Reggie, Georgina and Jay’s kitten.

Friday morning and a light breakfast and the drive to Leslie.

Our B&B was superb and we were joined by Elaine , Jane and Mum and Dad.

Our hosts dropped us off at Balbirnie House for the pre wedding gathering where we enjoyed an eclectic mix of food and met some new people.

Andrew also made the above logo for me!

Saturday and we awoke to grey skies, but after a good walk the sun was trying to shine through

We all got suited and booted and after a photo shoot made our way to the wedding venue.

The bride glided down the aisle to ‘tale as old as time’ from beauty and the beast. Fitting as both her and the groom are Disney mad.

A Humanist ceremony which was personal, poignant and touching followed. The photo above showing the celebrant literally tying the knot!

Photos followed, the speeches, then dinner. The cake was cut, the band played and guests danced with kilts aplenty swaying!

The joy and hope of a wedding always brings me to tears. The love surrounding the couple, the pride of all the parents in their children and of each other was palpable. A job well done and precious times and memories.

Sunday breakfast was delicious and goodbyes said we made our way back to Thorner. Another wonderful evening and then off to bed.

This morning we made an early start, stopped for breakfast at Stamford and I popped into to work( for 5 hours)

I couldn’t wait for Kevin to pick me up as we were to meet Reggie in person.

OMG what a cutie!

A great long weekend full of love, hope and memories. I feel invigorated and ready for the challenges ahead.

First week completed

So it was back to school on Monday, a new term, new academic year and a new Headteacher.

You could feel the buzz around school and INSET for the first two days there was real sense of doing things together.

I, after 13 years, had the opportunity to welcome support staff and also on day two to address the whole staff on GDPR! Who says my work isn’t glamorous!

Meetings galore, catch ups on holidays, sorting out things that hadn’t quite gone to plan, and even an occasional thank you did make for a feeling of involvement that I haven’t had before.

I travelled to Brighton, a journey of over 3 hours!, to pick up my parents to bring them to Essex for a few days.

I had Friday booked off so that they weren’t left alone and bored.

We enjoyed a late breakfast and did some shopping.

Saturday, Georgina picked up her new Fifi, and we enjoyed her company too.

We have family coming on Sunday so I prepared two desserts and got the house tidyish!

First week done, and I look forward to the next 37 school weeks of this academic year.

Rail Mail

A few weeks ago my cousin Jo put on Facebook about the Postal museum, a ride underground from Mount Pleasant in a train that transferred the post around London.

It seemed like fun so we booked and lunch at Madison’s arranged.

Kevin and I left our hotel and had breakfast and we met Shirley and later Jo.

I said goodbye to Kevin and we walked the 15 minutes to phoenix place.

Once inside we entered the tiny compartments, this is not for the claustrophobic. After a 15 minute loop we enjoyed the museum and gift shop.

Next we walked to St Paul’s for our lunch although the number plate on this car drew our attention and we dropped into a church!

Lunch was fantastic as were the cocktails.

We walked to Covent Garden did some shopping and stopped off for a bottle of wine to toast a great day!

Once home I settled down to review where we had been over the last few days and Kevin offered me a G&T, I said only a small one…

This mini tankard was duly deposited. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

OH 60 Day 7

Last treat for Kevin a meal with friends at Dalloway Terrace in London.

As I was also to be in London on Saturday morning, I booked a hotel for the night too!

We left Billericay at 3:00pm and we were on our way.

We checked in and got ready, although the precipitation was a slight concern as we had a walk to meet our friends!

The rain stopped and held off so that we could walk to meet up and enjoyed pre dinner drinks in the Edition.

Another walk to Dalloway Terrace and we settled at our table.

The surroundings are delightful and we enjoyed amazing food, great wine and conversation flowed.

We met Bev and Neil working at Libra Bank and have enjoyed many convivial evenings over the last 30+ years.

Whilst we enjoyed our food the heavens opened again, but didn’t dampen our evening at all.

We had a 2 minute walk back to our hotel which was perfect!

So that’s it – the week of celebrations complete.

Kevin is an amazing, humble, gentle man and deserves all the accolades and surprises that have come his way this week.

It has been a blast to share it all with him and family and friends.

Xxxxxx

OH 60 Day 6

Nothing planned by me today, as I had to go to work as it was GCSE results day.

Nail appointment later in the afternoon in readiness for tomorrow’s treat.

Kevin had arranged to play squash with his chum of over 33 years, the first person he played against when we moved to Essex.

I settled down to make up two nightstands for the spare room!

Georgina and Jay popped round, and Joseph had Ellen and Ralph over, so there was the usual hubbub.

Georgina also sent a photo of me taking a photo last night!

Have a good day!

OH 60 Day 5

Back at work this morning for me, leaving the new sexagenarian at home.

I had to visit the graphic designer/branding consultant and enjoyed the amble through the little gardens in Chelmsford.

Getting home early afternoon there was an unknown car on our drive and I wondered who Kevin had round. He was entertaining 3 ladies! I’d forgotten one his treats was getting the house cleaned! 😂😂 He’d also had an impromptu visit from Jay with some beer from the Billericay Brewing Company.

Next up was a visit from the hairdresser-long overdue at 8 weeks since our last appointment!

I’d booked a table for 5 at a nearby restaurant Vita Bella, I’d been on a couple of occasions, and felt it would be perfect for our celebration, so we gathered there for 7:30.

We had a great time, the food delicious and plentiful. The staff were incredible, when Georgina went to the bathroom a waitress placed a cover over her food and on her return just seemed to come out of thin air to remove it!

Kevin didn’t want any fuss, but was ok with a candle in his dessert! No singing – phew!

It was lovely to talk about favourite holiday memories, places and laughter and tears were never far away, as is customary for us!

I can’t believe how quickly this week has gone, but it was another moment to savour.

OH 60 Day 4

So the 21st of August was upon us, Kevin’s 60th birthday. I asked him what time he was born and he didn’t know.

I was up at 7:15, to find there was no water. After much twiddling with taps I managed to squeeze a dribble to wash my hair. After that whilst drying my hair the power went off. For those that know me this was a nightmare for me!

We were called to breakfast, but that was slightly delayed by the power failure. A great choice of cold and hot items with great coffee.

We packed and Kevin opened the cards that we took with us. We read messages on Facebook, with a couple making us both teary! (You know who you are)!

It was time to disembark, not looking forward to it, but it was easier than our arrival.

Kevin was unaware of where or what we would do next, as I put in the post code for his next surprise.

We arrived at the Anchor pub by Pyrford Lock, an hour earlier than expected so we ambled along the lockside path.

I got a message and made our way back to the pub, where Kevin recognised his Mum and Viv sitting at a table-his next surprise!

Don returned from the bar and we made our way to our table.

We raised our glasses to toast his birthday and also his Mum knew the time of birth 6:15 in the morning -so he was 60!

We ordered food and talked about the past, the future, retirement plans, hopes and dreams, trips and so much more.

Delightful!

We sat outside in the sun for a bit enjoying the warmth and nature at its best, with the occasional canal boat chugging along.

Goodbyes all round and more good wishes, with hugs and kisses, we left to return home.

It felt like we’d been away for a week, not just two days!

Once home we waited for Georgina to come over. More cards and presents were opened, a few tears and lots of laughter. Georgina made chocolate chip cookies and Joseph returned from work and they sang happy birthday.

Kevin was very appreciative of all the cards, gifts, messages and time family and friends had given, and that have been sent; with a few more treats still to come, he is quite overwhelmed by it all.

Happy Birthday to my husband, friend, and soulmate! 😘😘💕💕💕💕🍾🎁