Thursday, April 23, 2009

Oh to be in England now that summer time is here!

There is something about these first warm days of late spring that are glorious - the garden is full of blossom - I have as many fruit trees as I can in a small garden.




We are currently on the final countdown at university - final assignments and exam preparation are well under way. It is hard to explain the atmosphere with so many stressed final year students fretting about these last stages of the course. I am always amazed as to how tough students are on themselves and no matter what you might think of 'Yoofff' today in my experience they are prepared to put the work in when necassary.

However I feel greaaaat!! Finally ditched the pain killers; I have lost half a stone and feeling very positive about the future. [Last blood test hunky dory].

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Post Easter - Blues or Boogy?

Back at work after Easter - with a funny positive feeling - the sky is Blue; the garden is growing well (apart from tomatoes which have died after pricking out!) - we have swallows in flying and the fish are jumping - well almost.


I feel 100% for the first time in a long while and I am enjoying my work and fell confident enough with my health not to worry about the future. I am as they say at an awkward age too old to care and too young to retire.


I went to Flame off last week and got really 'lit up' about making some beads and silver work  - so have signed up for a course in Silver Smithing.  Although I enjoy my academic work I also get  a great deal of pleasure from using my hands and creating stuff - even if it is just some woodwork around the house (put new cupboards in Looserbago*)


Last few weeks of teaching on Bedford - really pleased with final years students and at last feel that the programme in Singapore is working. Have had some positive communications with tutors - which gives me confidence in them.


So all's well - I just hope that life's dirty tricks department is closed for the summer!


*Christened sad old motor-home as opposed the Winner-bago!


Thursday, April 9, 2009

Easter Break Blues

Isn't it funny - but without having to go into work - miss it and find myself checking emails and looking through materials - but I suppose this is OK. Have planned a lot of work in the garden and some odd jobs in the house - so will be busy.

Took the camper van to Brancaster last week end - which was a success. As you can see at least one dog was keen to get going.

Had a lovely evening in the Jolly Sailor and walked back to the van through the harbour.

In the morning on the beach before it got too busy, saw the seals in the creek at the northern end of the beach, then back to the van for a leisurely coffee as the tourists arrived.

Another walk through the reed beds and village then lunch. Mimmsed home via Sandringham - all in all very good.

Just need to fettle the van if we are to take it for a week - but it worked well.

Fished Rutland on Tuesday and had some good sport in East Creek - went home with 6 fish.

Nothing planned for this weekend - but will get to Grafham no doubt.

I was told once about the "The discipline of idleness" - making yourself do nothing can be quite a struggle some times. Oh well better get started!

Brancaster Sunset