December around the corner

In the last three weeks I’ve enjoyed two trips to the theatre in London, been to Murrayfield and been to Scotland and back. The next three will be full of all things Christmas preparation (hopefully) and a chance to take things a little easier. A trip to see Pride and prejudice sort of, began withContinue reading “December around the corner”

Scotland the Brave

What a week! Elaine and I took mum home; she hadn’t been there since late June so we set priority on some tasks to complete. On Sunday we made a list and worked our way through during the week. We saw family, neighbours, enjoyed good food, and crossed things off the list. The priest whoContinue reading “Scotland the Brave”

Autumnal equinox

A month ago I blogged about resilience, and three weeks of retirement has proved that still more is needed, although there have been lighter moments and joy to be found. I don’t really want to wish time away, but I won’t be sorry to see the back of 2021. The news of impending food shortages,Continue reading “Autumnal equinox”

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!”

Remember, remember the 5th of November…..

As we approach the 5th of November will there be Gunpowder, treason and plot, as we, from that date, return to lockdown for at least four weeks? I have spent the last fourteen days with my parents to support them at a time of uncertainty and with a few issues, with the groundwork put inContinue reading “Remember, remember the 5th of November…..”

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”

August 2020: hello, hope and health

It’s been 3 weeks since my last post, and it’s been busy! The summer term ended with shock resignations, plate spinning, risk assessments and teams meetings. We have four big projects going on in school with toilet refurbishment, building a new repro area, reroofing of one building and a new fire alarm system, which hasContinue reading “August 2020: hello, hope and health”

LD 74

Another fortnight has passed by full of food, cleaning, work and so much more unfolding on the world stage……. Two weeks ago was half term , but it didn’t feel like it. So much to prepare for and do. Last week there were zoom meetings, teams meetings and even face to face meetings! Preparing forContinue reading “LD 74”

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 39

Another week has passed, where I haven’t posted on social media as much as usual. This last week the weather hasn’t been great and it’s been harder, and I’ve been into work four out of five days, unusual and very tiring. I caught up with friends and work colleagues both virtually and in person- strangeContinue reading “LD 39”

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”

LD 20 Easter 2020

A few days have passed since my last blog with sunny days enjoyed in the garden. We’ve enjoyed some great food, with popcorn chicken and beef stroganoff two of the faves. I tidied a couple of drawers and did the whole Marie Kondo thing: feel if there’s joy in an item, so a few piecesContinue reading “LD 20 Easter 2020”

LD 8

A return to actually working in school. Financial year end waits for no man or woman, although the deadline has been extended to 17th April, but I’m confident that it will be completed by tomorrow! ( no, not an April Fool) So lots of prep, contacting suppliers for invoices, deleting commitments, making adjustments, whilst remainingContinue reading “LD 8”