Little snippets of stuff

I don't have enough, in my head for a post but I have little snippety bits and then I'm off to do my rounds!

So, the summer ... France was lovely but a little soggy. Just like the UK, the hot dry weather seemed to have been kept especially for term time ~ hot in July and September with plenty of rain throughout August. It's not that there was no sun ... rather that there was plenty of rain to keep the dust down! The rain did make for great canoeing though as there was more water in the Dordogne than I've seen for many a year! So here, to keep the readers happy a few canoeing photos!

Simon and Steve had a lads day out ... they went to Andorra, just an excuse to drive fast through the mountains if you ask me. The weather and the scenery were stunning and it was very peaceful at the water park ... which is where we ended up!

In a complete change of subject school started for real last week. We've had a week of "come along, bring your child and have fun for an hour or so" but on Tuesday they came back for good! It's been fun but by golly it's hard work! They move fast the little ones but they're very sweet :o)

Had a very quiet weekend, shopping in Tesco* and lots of housework ... never thrilling! It was a bit of a downer after last weekend when I left work in a flurry on Friday evening and went to Brighton to stay with Kev. We stayed in and shared a bottle or two of Isla Negra on Friday night, then walked the Lanes in the sunshine and had a fabulous meal out with friends (Simon came too) on Saturday. I never get enough time to spend with him ~ my husband's unreasonable jealousy doesn't help this situation!

Anyway it's Monday, so I'd better shift my arse and get to work! Have a fab week everyone!

* Christmas selection boxes on the shelves ... in September! What are they like?

Hello!

Gosh, look how long it is since I last posted!

I am still here honest but there's nothing interesting happening 'cept school, oh and school! This will probably give me an ooomph though ... with any luck that is!

Homeward Bound!

And so all good things come to an end as they must and tomorrow I am travelling north once again to go home – boo! Simon left for home last Sunday but of course being a teacher I go to stay on … however there is no truth in the rumour that I went into teaching for the summer holidays. Honest! Our ferry is at 9pm tomorrow and then next Monday I have to go back to work.

Now, those of you who know me will be astonished by this early return as you realise that I wouldn’t normally come back to the UK until the very last minute possible ~ they don’t call me last minute fly by the seat of my pants Annie for nothing. But Wednesday the 30th is a pretty special day as I’ll be off to Wales to help my Nana celebrate her 90th birthday!

So, here’s to another French broadband free holiday almost over … see you all soon :o)

Finally ...

I have managed to get online! And this afternoon we are off to talk to Mr French Broadband! Hurrah! But other than that not a lot happening really ... some poolside relaxation, a 7* course meal out with a friend of the AP's, arrival of other friends and putting up of their trailer tent. Luckily I have a car here to go and collect Simon on Sunday as he's bringing my phone charger .... how naturally blonde is that?

*Utterly stuffed and still unable to move properly!

I *heart* Northumberland

... but I hate Easyjet!

Some photos for you to enjoy, off to France in 2 hours ~ we'll get bi-country post today! How FLASH is that?

A round up

So yesterday was my first day with the keys clutched in my fist! Hurrah! Jo, our nursery nurses and I went in to clean everything down and to do some tidying. What a mess ... when we left last night that is. But we had managed to get rid of a load of shoddy old resources and furniture that we didn't want or need. And by the end of the day we had got one room completely straight, furniture & resources clean* and in place for the start of September.

I imagine it'll take another whole day to get the second room; the "noisy" room ready and ship-shape. This is the room where all the loud activities will take place. All the crash, bang, wallop and attitude! Musical instruments, discovery table, water & sand trays, painting ... do you have any idea of the the fun I'm going to have in September? He he he :o)

Early Saturday morning Simon and I are off up north for a party. Right up north, further than when I went to see Fizzy last November. And we're flying. How decadent is that? We're off to Alnwick which is where Simon's brother lives. Alnwick is also home to a castle famously used as Hogwarts ... I think it's mentioned in some kids book/films or other. It would have taken us almost 7 hours to drive up and cost £50 each way for the fuel, so we made the decision to fly. 40 minutes flying time and only £120 including car hire whilst we are there ~ bargain! And the joy of a car to visit Alnwick Castle, Holy Isle and Seahouses.

And after that ... well, I'll be back before I slope off to France - honest I will!

* Sterilised for the first time in years I would imagine :o)

I'm awake!

.... so that would make it *waits for drum roll* the last day of school *ta-da!* Another year over ~ whoop! Can you believe that's a whole school year you have been with me for?

Dances with fans!

I don't know whether you are aware but the part of Kent I work in is where Pocahontas is buried. You know, Pocahontas, Native American princess, daughter of Powhatan, the powerful chief of the Algonquian Indians in the Tidewater region of Virginia.

This Pocahontas.



Not this Disneyfied one!

According to the wonderful Wiki, Pocahontas travelled to the UK in 1616 accompanied by her husband John Rolfe. In March 1617, they boarded a ship to return to Virginia. However, the ship had only gone as far as Gravesend when Pocahontas became ill. She was taken ashore and died. Her funeral took place in March 1617 in Gravesend. Her memory is recorded in Gravesend with a life-size bronze statue at St George's Church.

"So, where is she going with this?" I hear you ask. Well ... last week we had a visit from some of her decendants. A group of Native American dancers came and performed in the school yard. They sang and spoke for about an hour. They talked about their costumes, traditions, language and culture. And then they danced.

**Clicking on the photo should take you to a mini slideshow of photos**

The children were transfixed. The whirling colours, the rhythmic drum beat, the voices ~ fab! They watched spellbound for 40 minutes, silent except for applause and questions. However, it was so punishingly hot out there on the asphalt* that it was more a case of Dances with Fans than Dances with Wolves!

* WHAT??? The kids were completely bemused! I wish somebody would warn visitors that with children you have to speak English not American ... just like I'd speak American and not English in the same situation :o)

I did it!

Tired, nap now please!

Unconscious mutterings #181

I say ... and you think ... ?

Requirements :: needs, wants
Pizza :: from Domino's please
Dating :: thank goodness that's over, you know the sick feeling making, worried about what you're wearing, "will he ring?", is he bored bit of dating. I quite enjoyed the rest! *wink*
Issue :: I have an issue with one of the stinking TAs (teaching assistant) I have been given for September who spends all her time giggling and complaining about the children in her care. Trust me she wont last :o)
Sharp :: as a pin
Distinguish :: between homophones
Remote :: access
Felony :: theft
Exercise :: swim
Choose :: chicken or salmon for dinner tonight? Ummm ....

Race for Life

*REPUBLISHED FROM APRIL 2006*

Tomorrow, Simone and I will be taking part in the 2006 Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research UK ... all donations gratefully received, go-on, click here to sponsor me!

Polishing my own halo until it is ready to fall down and choke me!

Which translates as ...

Dear Mrs Langthorne

I wish you were going to be my teacher in year 2 I will miss you and I think you will have good luck in the nursery and I will wave you at the fence.

Love from Gursharan


I swear to god I have taught her to use more full-stops than that but it should be noted that I'll miss her too!