1st-9th September

This week I have been 

Reading - a Lidl magazine which was posted through the door. Liking the look of these cookie based bats for Halloween.

Cooking - a couple of new things. This turkey chilli was a huge hit and will definitely be made again. G has joined Slimming World and has lost 5lb in his first week. I'm in the process of working out weekly menu plans.

Feeling - proud and anxious on S's first day of the new academic year.

That first morning S was up before me and had a big smile on her face.

She wasn't quite as happy to be called out of bed the rest of the week!

Due to the problems she has had over the past year I was feeling more than a little anxious as the week progressed but I'm thrilled to say all went well.

Drinking - tea from my new teapot and cup.

T rang me on his way home from work. He is back working for a charity and is busy driving to different shops covering for staff holidays in other local branches.

He said he had bought me something he thought I would like. 

'I think you'll like it, it's a bit odd, but I think it's your kind of thing,' he said.

I like it very much and was really very touched that he thought of buying it for me.

Wondering - if it's too early to add the pumpkins to the mantle along with the toadstools.

Loving - my bargain Emma Bridgewater bat mug. Found in a local sale for 50p.

Watching - Strictly Come Dancing to see who got paired up with who and how they all performed in that first team dance. 

Visiting - a windmill for Open Heritage weekend.

This windmill is just a 5 minute drive away from us and yet we've never taken S here. When we got there they were conducting tours but we had just missed the start of one so we wandered off to a stroll in the woods. When we got back the sails were turning and the tours had ended so we sat and enjoyed watching the windmill in motion whilst sipping hot chocolate.

Enjoying - crossing a couple of jobs off the long to do list. I painted the skirting board in the bathroom so now we are one step closer to getting the flooring down and having a room finished. Such a good feeling.

Year 8

Here we are at the start of S's second year at senior school.

Year 7 whizzed by and I suspect this year will be no different.

There was the photo by the front door ritual before she trotted off with her friend A this morning.

I have manged to make it look like the dragonfly door knocker is sprouting out of the top of her head!

She went off with a smile and was just as happy when she came home again.

I normally make something quick and easy for the evening meal on the first day back and as today is Cheese pizza day this fitted in just nicely.

Rest of June Round Up

My last post was just over a fortnight ago.

That wasn't part of my plan for June.

Then again when do things go to plan?

Everyone's ok but I'd be fibbing if I were to say that the last two weeks chez Jumble and Jelly have been plain sailing!

Enough of all that though, let's take a peek at some other news.

After a little discussion me, G and S have booked to go away to Amsterdam for 4 nights in early August.

Excited? 

You bet.

Amsterdam has been on my wish list for ages.

I went to the library and took out some books.

One is on self guided walks around the city and also for places such as Delft and Haarlem. We're not quite sure yet where else we will visit but Haarlem is definitely high on the list.

We need to go places and do things of interest to all 3 of us.

Last week I took S to Cambridge for her annual eye check up. The day was a hot, long one made all the more tolerable for S for our stop off at Five Guys so she could have one of their milkshakes.
The check up showed a minuscule cataract in S's left eye. It's something which can happen at an early age because of the condition she has, but it's nothing to worry about and is not likely to grow or require surgery for years and years.

My 90 day chuck out challenge failed after I reached 30 days. It started well enough when I had a really good clear out from our bedroom drawers and then went through the kitchen cupboards. I'm not too bothered as I regularly send items off to the charity shop. We may get a little cluttered at times but I'm not a hoarder.

A few weeks ago one of my school friends posted details on Facebook of an open evening at our old secondary school.

The reason for this special event is our school will soon be no more.

It's going to be demolished, it needed too much money to maintain the poor state it was in and so it was cheaper to construct a new one, which has been built on the school sports field.

The site the current school is standing on will then be converted into a sports area. 

Eventually.

The thing was the event was being held between 4 and 6.

How disappointing, many wanted to go but those hours are when lots are at work or travelling home from work.

Then just a few days beforehand they extended it by an hour until 7pm.

Hurrah.

I didn't want to pass up the opportunity of one last wander down those corridors and luckily neither did R, so he and I went together.

This is the door to my English classroom.

Our teacher used to have the girls and boys line up separately along here before going into class.

So many memories from just this one spot.

I left in 1984 and as you would expect during that time things have changed, but not as much as you may think.

Words can not describe how familiar it felt to once again be walking down the staircase (in what was known back then as the 'new block') as if I had just finished my maths lesson.

I will never forget that feeling.

Somewhere I hadn't set foot for over 30 years and yet it felt like I'd been there only yesterday.

We saw half a dozen others from our year group, the last time we had seen each other was the reunion last September.

We reminisced some more, took more photos and marveled over the fact our former headteacher was also visiting that evening and looking extremely sprightly at 86.

We had an entertaining afternoon out one Saturday in Eastleigh at their annual arts day.

The group of four acrobatic dancers showed such controlled strength as they threw themselves around this cage during their performance.

I loved watching the group of women all dressed in grey perform together. They are called Ceyda Tanc Dance and you can read about them and watch videos here. It was so inclusive, women of all ages and physical ability joined together in one rhythmic gathering, it was entrancing to watch.

Our favourite was definitely the couple on the left from Glasshouse dance who performed a classic boy meets girl tale with a twist or two along the way.

At the end they encouraged the audience to join them and dance along to Love Train. 

Some resolutely refused to get up and dance, I have to say that when the female performer approached me I jumped up and was happy to bop away with them. It seemed like the polite thing to do seeing they had entertained us so well.

I'm still settling into being at work for four days.

I have been trying to get a better handle on shopping and meal planning.

When the children were little it was so much easier.

Now with T sometimes being in for meal times and sometimes not, which can mean an hour before dishing up he'll say 'yes I'll be here to eat with you' and then suddenly his plans have changed, or saying he won't be in and then turning up, it seems I need to have an unending supply of meals which can instantly be adapted to suit.

And do you know what, I don't a limitless supply of food, time, money or patience to cater for each scenario and I've been finding it quite frustrating.

I am cooking from scratch so much less these days and I don't like that either as I have always tried to provide my family with a variety of foods. Then again I suppose this is just another change that our family is going through as the children are growing and doing more outside the home.

Only a couple of days left in June now but just enough so I can finish my posts for the month. If things go to plan of course.

Starting with a Fete, Ending with a Rake

S volunteered to help at her school fete on Saturday.

We were up bright and early to prepare her two contributions, cinnamon sugar popcorn and these marshmallow and white chocolate skewers which sold very well.

When S left with her goodies I toddled off round the corner to the church hall for a jumble sale.

I picked up a few items of clothing for me and my mum and a couple of bits and bobs for my sister's birthday present.
DVD's were being sold at three for £1.00 and I had no problem finding some I thought we would enjoy.
I have never read or seen an adaptation of Macbeth and so I thought I would give the version with Michael Fassbender a go.
I remember seeing a trailer for The Dressmaker featuring a very stylish Kate Winslet when it first came out, I hope it lives up to expectations.
The last one I chose was A Long Way Down, the film adapation of a Nick Hornby book which G had read recently and thoroughly enjoyed.
Something certainly a bit different it's about four people from very different backgrounds who find themselves on the top of a very tall building on New Year's Eve, each wanting to end their life. I suspect this was very much the case of the book being better than the movie. 

Sunday morning G and I headed out to the car boot. It was cold and overcast and it seemed like every other person was selling baby clothes and toys and I got a bit fed up half way round. G always scoots on ahead and so was happy to leave once I'd had enough. My best purchase was for my sister. 20p on this robin sweater which I know she's going to love.

How different the weather was in the afternoon to how it had been all morning. Out came the sun and the temperature shot up. G and I pottered about in the garden and got a few things sorted. 
Our next door neighbour has a garage at the bottom of their garden which makes a great border with ours. Until recently this area was where we had the children's trampoline, but they had decided the time had come for it to go. We hope, in time, to make a little seating area down there of some sort.
Anyway we have various bits and bobs we wanted to hang on the plain brick wall, mostly inspired by things I have seen on Pinterest and Sunday afternoon was the time to get out the drill and get them up. 
We have had the old garden sieve for ages and when our rake fell apart last year I knew exactly what I was going to keep that for. I picked up the ladles for pennies at car boot sales and now these are going to become tea light holders for when we get those warm summer evenings. That's the plan anyway.

Senior School

S has been excited all through the holiday about the start of senior school and today was that day.
S went to bed early last night because of course the earlier you go to bed the sooner the morning comes when you are excited, just like Christmas!
Looking so smart in her new uniform she was raring to go by the time ticked round to when she had to leave.
I must admit I was feeling anxious for her. The thought of something going wrong or that this much longed for day ended up being an anti-climax was a concern but thankfully all went well.
Long may it continue. 
I'm so proud of S for her positive attitude and enthusiasm.
And I love that big smile too.

Junior School Ends

Here is S on her first day at junior school

and this is how she looked this morning on her last day.
Just a little bit of a difference!
S came home half an hour ago saying a few of her friends were crying as they left. I asked her if she felt sad, but she says she's just excited about things to come. Long may that last!

Last visit

Last night G and I went to see S in her Leaver's Assembly, she was part of the choir singing in The Jungle Book and today I've been into school again.

Year 6 were hosting a Fairtrade coffee and cake event this afternoon to raise money for Water Aid.

Each class gave parents a short presentation on the Africa work they've been busy with this half term and S stood up and read out some information on the charity they were supporting with this event.

We then had some time to look at our children's individual work.

S has one week left at junior school but today was my last visit there and when I left I couldn't help but feel a little sad but I also felt very happy knowing how excited S is about the next stage of her education.

Sound Asleep

With G working and T off to Bournemouth Gay Pride, the plan for me and S on Saturday was to be up early and get ourselves into town.

An Ikea breakfast, a search for new swimmers and a handful of other little tasks were on the agenda.

None of this happened.

S did wake up early but then she was sick.

S spent the day between her bed, the sofa and, as seen here, our bed too.

She had a little sleeping companion for some of the time.

Thankfully she is bright as a button again today and off out at a friend's birthday party.
It's been a busy week for S with 2 transfer days at her new senior school. We were invited in on Wednesday evening to meet the form tutor who will be with her for the next 5 years. Along with her pupils Miss W will also be new to the school in September.
On the way home S said 'why can't it come sooner (meaning the beginning of term in Sept)', it's so exciting.' 
To know she has such a positive attitude towards the start of her senior school years is very reassuring.

Sweets and Treats

S has been beside herself with excitement, these weeks are chock full of extras.

School is always busy at this time and as another academic years draws to end this one also signals the end of her time at junior school as senior school beckons in September.

Last week was Enterprise week.

In July the Year 6 children have a trip to a big water park to look forward to.

Enterprise week is their opportunity to raise funding for it by coming up with money making ideas.

S and her group decided to make cakes and other treats.

This was her contribution.

We made these by dipping Oreo cookies into melted chocolate and then into hundreds and thousands.

It was a bit of a joint effort as G used his pen knife to fashion the end of the lolly sticks so they would fit into the cake pop holder S was going to use for displaying them.

Next exciting event is happening right now.

S is away for the weekend on a school trip.

An activity weekend on the Isle of Wight.

G had to drop S at school yesterday at 11.30.

He text me to say she had ants in her pants all morning and couldn't wait to get going.

The weather here has been very showery and we are just across the Solent from the Island so I expect they've been having similar downpours but I bet they're still having a huge amount of fun.

Christmas Marathon Catch Up

There aren't many pictures in this post and the ones that are here are of shocking quality but I need to make sure I get down some kind of record of our December.

On the first Saturday evening of the month the annual festive event at our local shops was held. It was opened by the lantern parade which was a bit of a haphazard affair as S didn't want to take part without her friend B and we couldn't find her in the crowd.

Earlier in the day, whilst out looking for more new school shoes we had bumped into friend G and we ended up inviting her to come along with us.

 The girls had fun on the fairground rides, bumping into friends from school and mooching around the shops before it was time to visit the fish and chip shop and make our way home.

The second week of December was a long one as I had agreed to work extra hours to cover a colleagues annual leave. So at the time of year when I'm looking for more time to get things done I actually had less than usual, like many others I'm sure. 
I have really enjoyed the advent activities S and I have done over the past couple of years but when I asked her about doing them this year she wasn't so keen. I have to admit I was a little sad at the prospect but it probably made this week a little more manageable. 
I did squeeze in a bit of socialising one evening though as one of the ladies from our book club had issued an invite to all for wine and nibbles. And very nice it was too.

Although S and I haven't been doing the crafts and games we've done before we have been getting out and about. Last weekend I suggested to G we went along to an outdoor carol service. I can't sing in tune but I do love singing a good carol like Come All Ye Faithful. I never want to sing In The Bleak Midwinter again, I'd never sung it before and thought it was a bit of a dirge. We ended with We Wish You A Merry Christmas and that left everyone smiling.
As we were leaving G said he had really enjoyed himself and it had got him feeling festive. He isn't a fan of Christmas time, even less so as it was this time of year he lost his dad a few years ago, but he was glad we went along and joined in. I think the free mince pies may have helped. 

The last week of school was a hectic one. This being S's last year at junior school it will probably be the last one quite like it. Senior school is so different. As are the children as they grow into teenagers!
Tuesday was Year 6's production of Oliver. This year S, who is normally happy to be part of the choir, auditioned for a part as a dancer in the tavern when they sing Oom Pah Pah. She looked like she was having a lot of fun and the children did a really good job throughout.
Wednesday was wear a Christmas jumper/t-shirt to school day. There was the carol service to go to in the morning and Christmas meal to enjoy at lunch time.
The day was rounded off by me, S and T going into town. There we met up with my mum and sisters. Our arrival, without planning it, coincided with Father Christmas and his sleigh. There was a little shopping done, food eaten and festive atmosphere soaked up.

As if there wasn't enough happening at school this week Thursday was Greek Day. The Ancient Greeks have been the topic this half term and a day of Grecian activities was on the agenda, which of course required a costume. Thank goodness for the internet and youtube. Instructions were found for making a long tunic out of a sheet, being December we went for a thicker material in the shape of an old fleecey throw. A few stitches added to make arm holes and a bronze coloured leaf brooch to hold it in place and it was done. S wore a plain cream long sleeved top and her leggings underneath.

G had been called for jury service last week, he has been along to the courts but not actually been called as a juror. He is back there again today.
I'm off for the next three days so I hope I can accomplish the little bit more of wrapping which needs to be done and the small amount of food shopping which needs to be bought. 

Busy Week

There has been a lot going on this week, we've all been busy in various ways.

S has been busy at school.

Last week she came home with a certificate to say she speller of the week for always putting her words in her spelling log

and then to top that she was given the Super Star of the week award for all the effort and hard work she has put in to her work and her name appeared in the school newsletter published on Monday.
What a great start to the school year for S, that deserves a little treat I reckon.

Since the children returned to school my days off have been filled with necessary appointments, things such as the car MOT, this Monday it was the dentist for a root canal. Nice.
On my return I found the postman had been and in among the boring stuff was something really quite exciting.
A letter from T's school inviting us to an awards evening.
It said T had been nominated to receive an award, although we won't find out what for until the actual event itself in a couple of weeks time.
Intriguing. 

As an added extra to liven up the day even further the toilet became blocked. 
To cut a long, and very yucky, story short the problem turned out to be with the main sewerage pipe. Thankfully after a call to the water company it was confirmed it was one for which they were responsible and we were told an engineer would be sent the next morning.

Next September S starts senior school (can't believe I'm typing those words) and Monday evening me, G and S went to visit the first of three local schools we are considering as they were holding their open evening.
The school is a recently established academy and in a building which is only a couple of years old, everything is very light and spacious and a huge improvement on the facilities previously on the site.

            DVDs bought for 10p each at the car boot on Sunday.

Thankfully Tuesday morning the promised engineer turned up bright and early, the blockage was cleared and the toilet was soon in full working order again.
Phew.

G finished work earlier than normal in the afternoon so he could go and watch S's class assembly. This is probably the last class assembly we'll be attending. There's the Christmas production and probably a leaver's assembly and then that's it.
Strange to think.
Anyway, S's main activity in this assembly was to tell everyone about the sweet potato cookies she had baked as part of their project on Zimbabwe. G said she delivered her speech very clearly and did a great job.

I was having to work until 8pm that evening so was unable to join G and S at the second senior school open evening. 
As this was held at T's current school I didn't mind so much as we already know a great deal about the school, but T had volunteered to help out in one of the Science classrooms and was helping the younger children conduct a very simple experiment. G said he looked quite the part in his white lab coat and was good at communicating with the children.

The final open evening is next week and then a decision will need to be made.

                       pretty floral top, 50p

Wednesday involved another dental visit, but this time it was for S. 
I had to take her to the orthodontist to see if she was ready for the brace the dentist had referred her for.
The answer was a no, we need to go back in a year and she'll be reassessed then. 
Next year when she'll be at senior school.
Oh my.

So that's been our week so far.
School and dental based.