Thirty years ago today

Thirty years ago today, Andrew John arrived safely into the world. A full head of black hair and a giant leap into the unknown. He has made us laugh, cry, shout, beam with pride, laugh some more and cry more tears as we have said goodbyes at the school gates, Brunel University and off toContinue reading “Thirty years ago today”

In loving memory

Today, after over a year, we finally had the items purchased for Tony Ward brought outside for all to admire and enjoy! It was Sports day so with a few students in school, mainly for exams, it was a great opportunity to have them in situ. Martin Cook, an amazingly talented sculptor and his sonContinue reading “In loving memory”

A wonderful day!

What a wonderful day today has been, cousins, sisters, parents, brothers, friends and just everyone who came today! I cannot express my joy today which more than once overwhelmed me! It was amazing, the joy was palpable and I just loved it! Life is made for moments like this and everything was tip top! SomeContinue reading “A wonderful day!”

Thank you

Twists and turns a plenty this week, trying to balance the budget. It’s been stressful and after months of sleeping well, these last few weeks have provided sleep deprivation. One of the ways to try to balance the budget is not to replace staff who have left: never an easy decision. Even harder is toContinue reading “Thank you”

January-sick and tired you’ve been hanging on me….

2018 has been momentous so far, and January has seemed very long, but February has settled in nicely and hopefully Spring is around the corner! The last ten days have been very busy at work and there hasn’t been much time to do much. Last year at this time we were preparing to go toContinue reading “January-sick and tired you’ve been hanging on me….”

Perceptions

This week has been a strange one, lots of excitement and opportunity and not much time to get things done. Early mornings and late nights with a foray into the unknown. A night at home with Kevin spending time with his mum, an opportunity for reflection. This week I’ve been told I’m scary at work,Continue reading “Perceptions”

2017

This last year has been well documented by me, but I will post a few photos here too! As is the way, there has been highs (many) and lows (few), but that is life. How we cope with the lows is the important thing, with support of family and friends. Reading through my blogs forContinue reading “2017”

Ashes to Ashes, Gabba to Hong Kong…..

To see a day of Ashes test cricket, in Australia, was one of the reasons for the timing and destinations of this holiday. We both love cricket, Kevin a very competent bat back in the day! Colin and him met at school, with Colin a demon fast bowler (well he is Jamaican) So tickets wereContinue reading “Ashes to Ashes, Gabba to Hong Kong…..”

Last full day on HI

Our last full day before Four become just two ( three actually as we meet up with Colin). We go into town to buy breakfast essentials and enjoy the views. Kevin and I have a drive around and then walk the other side of the marina and also Bommie Deck, where we hope to goContinue reading “Last full day on HI”

Six become four

Today Andrew and Lis were to leave us to go home, but before that, Andrew and I completed the HI parkrun. We were cheered around the 2 lap route by the rest of the family. It was my first as a ‘tourist’ and what a place to do it. We went for breakfast after ourContinue reading “Six become four”

Paddle boards, palms and a puffer fish…

Here we are on a paradise island, with some of the people I love most, and I have had the fog descend on me. I have thought I could ‘just get over it’, but I have noticeably withdrawn. There is no rhyme or reason per se, but the kids noticed it. After our beach tripContinue reading “Paddle boards, palms and a puffer fish…”

Monday and no work!

I was woken up early by Georgina, still overawed by the previous evening events. We watched the sun rise together and talked about the proposal and the excitement generated. This has been something she has dreamt of for so long and their unbridled joy is just so touching. We enjoyed a chilled day with usContinue reading “Monday and no work!”

World mental health awareness day….

I don't know what it is about this time of year, but I always seem to have a dip in my mental state. Is it the end of summer?Is it the darker nights?Is it the colder weather?Is it the tank running low? Any of or none of the above, I just don't know. Whatever itContinue reading “World mental health awareness day….”

Two weeks in

Well that’s two weeks of the Academic year gone Time just goes so quickly. The start is always frenetic, but this year with the sixth form building project 5 weeks overdue, and possibly another 5 week delay, it’s even more so. Balls in the air trying to ensure all is in place, whilst preparing forContinue reading “Two weeks in”