Winning the lottery.

Our beloved Dad was taken into hospital on Wednesday after becoming very poorly and Elaine and I travelled up as soon as we could but Dad succumbed to the many conditions he suffered with and died in the early hours of Thursday morning, as he had lived, with dignity, quietly without fuss. This was howContinue reading “Winning the lottery.”

Almost a year ago

Last year almost to the day I found out that we were going to be grandparents, and I was thrilled. Since December 8th, River has been such a joy in our lives and I’m so proud of Joe and Nicole and how they have taken parenthood in their stride. We all know it isn’t easy,Continue reading “Almost a year ago”

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”

Mothering Sunday

Originally Mothering Sunday was the fourth Sunday in Lent whereby people visited the mother church: where they were baptised or the nearest cathedral. Later it was when domestic servants were allowed to visit their mums. Mother’s Day is a modern concept and the two were combined, although in some countries they are celebrated separately. TomorrowContinue reading “Mothering Sunday”

Plans, projects and positives

Phew, what a mad ten days, testing area set up and running. Not without challenge but at least we did it. A great team effort all round: 55 hour week all told. I am rightly proud of myself too in galvanising the staff and volunteers to make this happen, even though, truth be told, IContinue reading “Plans, projects and positives”

‘Twas the day……’

Christmas 2020 is complete, we survived it! Hooray! It was different in as much as there weren’t a few nights out before and not seeing more family members over the holiday. Although perversely, as we attended Kevin’s step-father’s funeral on the 23rd we did see five of the family. Quite bizarre with face masks worn,Continue reading “‘Twas the day……’”

He’s here, safe and sound.

In my first sleep I came to the river And looked down Through the clear water – Only in dream Water so pure, Laced and undulant Lines of flow On its rocky bed Water of life Streaming for ever. Kathleen Jessie Raine Arriving on Tuesday morning, a healthy 7lbs 7oz a beautifully perfect grandson. MumContinue reading “He’s here, safe and sound.”

November… the ninth month…

As we approach the end of November and St Andrew’s Day (patron saint of my beloved Scotland) and the impending birth of our grandson (still pinching myself writing that!) I thought I’d look up what November meant. It’s from the Latin for nine, as it was the 9th month in the Roman calendar, before JanuaryContinue reading “November… the ninth month…”

Where I work

This year due to Covid we can’t have open evening, so after some negotiation we commissioned a great film maker and director to create a promotional video for our school. I watched it with the Head and an Assistant head on Tuesday and I have to say it was emotional. It brought back the feelingsContinue reading “Where I work”

September ahoy

Four weeks have passed as we approach autumn, and a new academic year with all that will hold. I’ve been busy at work with all the prep for the full return to school for students and staff. This has been a real rollercoaster and my days have been long and the anxiety huge. A floodContinue reading “September ahoy”

LD Day 60 ……

It’s been a couple of weeks since my last blog and it’s been full of twists and turns. Three weeks ago we were given unexpected but wonderful news that our youngest son, Joe and his girlfriend, Nicole, were expecting their first baby. We’ve waited until the 12 week scan to share the news…….. so BabyContinue reading “LD Day 60 ……”

VE 75 years and LD45

Today is a bank holiday, as a nation we celebrate the ending of the Second World War 75 years ago. Under normal conditions there would’ve been a street party but lockdown has put paid to this. Kevin and I were due to visit the Bombay Sapphire distillery, now postponed to a future date. Some photosContinue reading “VE 75 years and LD45”

LD 33

A busy rest of the week with two trips to work, decisions to be made and ensuring that everything just seamlessly carries on in readiness for students and staff return. My role in school is definitely a solitary one and the anxiety of missing something is profoundly felt, but I can only do what IContinue reading “LD 33”