tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32439082012-02-01T08:20:18.699Z<br> <center> A South African family abroad - five rock-climbing, left-leaning Unitarian Universalists, trying life in England after almost five years in the USA </center><br>Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.comBlogger14181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-57329827117171884782011-04-22T11:08:00.001Z2011-04-22T11:08:19.721Z

Another day of perfect weather. It breaks my heart that mum isn't here to enjoy it.- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-68049053188595720902011-03-23T06:15:00.001Z2011-03-23T06:15:33.532Z

Mum died peacefully at home early yesterday evening. It was a beautiful Spring afternoon and the sun was falling on the bed. Dad and I were both with her. She was a wonderful mother, and the most unselfish person I've ever met.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-61830852374903832862011-01-16T12:51:00.002Z2011-01-16T12:57:18.630Z

I used to really enjoy keeping this blog, and it was a great record of things we were doing and how I felt about them.These days, though, I don't seem to have either the time or the inclination to update it. Mum is very ill; the breast cancer that she had in 2004 has metastasised to her bones and pancreas. She has been in and out of hospital, and I have been spending as much time with her and

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-7532418342461653922010-11-21T15:02:00.001Z2010-11-21T15:02:01.000Z

My mom has jaundice. Scan next week. Don't want to think about the possible causes, but obviously am.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-12527513438436830232010-11-14T14:09:00.001Z2010-11-14T14:09:12.484Z

Grand Prix on the TV while doing his ironing. Rainy Sunday afternoon filled with chores and marking - but life feels good anyway.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-52835995096589289322010-10-17T17:40:00.001Z2010-10-18T05:13:35.200Z

Early morning run. 12km, but I ran them (as usual) slowly.On the tube. Guy with mismatched shoes and broken arm, reading Kafka.At Indian restaurant near Covent Garden. Dolls hanging from ceiling.We met up with Steve for lunch; it was lovely to have all five of us together. Masala coke - had spices and mint in it - weirdly nice.Pretty building...Now on train, on way home after having seen and

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-2877161884885039742010-10-12T18:10:00.000Z2010-10-12T18:10:00.070Z

At the top of the hill in the park.Am v. tired - open evening at college last night was exhausting. I'm too old for 13 hour days at work. But I'm happy nonetheless ... Chickpea curry simmering, and looking forward to an early night tonight.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-50037354744805924352010-10-01T19:22:00.001Z2010-10-01T19:22:17.535Z

The light through the trees was amazing yesterday. Rain today, alas.Work is busy as ever. I'm enjoying it though... Just not enough hours in the day.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-3660629659244689582010-09-25T09:03:00.001Z2010-09-25T09:03:02.341Z

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-36173529149487057732010-09-21T20:14:00.001Z2010-09-21T20:14:01.073Z

Such a beautiful evening.Gorgeous weather aside, work is going really well this year. I am reusing a lot of the stuff I prepared last year, so my work load is much more manageable. And so far, my classes are all lovely. Long may it last! It's the time of the year when we have to help the upper sixth students with their uni applications - so home and work are rather similar, as Ems is preparing

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-77741497435633709272010-09-18T12:29:00.001Z2010-09-18T12:29:10.888Z

I'm so relieved! All the studying from that stupid book paid off. It's not cheap either - £34 each just to do a computer based test. Still, it's done now. Next step - the dreaded forms. They're on the train, on their way home from Croydon at the moment - waste of a beautiful morning. Though Bobs did manage a run with me early this morning. We went just over 10km, though we did stop a couple of

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-7092286999511137852010-09-17T20:04:00.001Z2010-09-17T20:04:44.206Z

The two of them are doing a bit of last minute cramming for the Life in the UK test that they have to write tomorrow.Glad I don't have to do it, as I already have a British passport - those questions are really hard! Population of Wales, anyone?

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-15830919567147682172010-09-12T22:20:00.004Z2010-09-12T22:26:29.625Z

Beautiful day in the late summer sun.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-39343905312030723892010-09-07T07:06:00.001Z2010-09-07T07:06:40.511Z

Got back from my run to find bits of disembowelled mouse on Sophie's carpet. Let's hope my day is better than the mouse's.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-7470129023393795492010-09-04T07:02:00.000Z2010-09-04T07:02:43.382Z

And the perfect weather continues.From this morning's run through the misty fields...Being back at work this week was exhausting, and it hasn't even got to the busy part yet... Thank goodness for coffee, sunshine and running!

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-56071891112330413652010-08-31T20:45:00.003Z2010-08-31T20:53:38.387Z

... and I'm exhausted. And it wasn't even a full-on day, just meetings and admin stuff!Yesterday was a brilliant end to the holidays, though. Bobby and I cycled the 40 miles to Brighton, along the back roads. It was a beautiful ride, traffic-free for much of the way. It felt so good to be outside, in the sun, and moving...The last hill almost killed me though. It went on for what seemed like

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-2480272840869217302010-08-25T09:21:00.000Z2010-08-25T09:21:00.373Z

Been for a run - slow, but I went just over 10km, so I'm pleased.Home to breakfast, coffee and the Guardian ... aaah.Except Roly has stolen my paper, and he's too cute to dislodge.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-48828946365064176742010-08-24T17:57:00.001Z2010-08-24T17:57:06.738Z

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-18237452298663729142010-08-12T21:07:00.003Z2010-08-12T21:25:56.464Z

I've always prided myself on my lack of materialism, but I must confess, I have fallen in love with my iPhone. To the extent that if someone tried to mug me I think I actually would fight them for it. (To put this is context, when someone mugged me for my wallet years ago, when Stephen was a toddler, I just sort of stood there passively - didn't even yell at them, as I recall).For years, I was

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-80599571661058210002010-08-11T17:42:00.000Z2010-08-11T17:42:00.253Z

We went to hear Vienna Teng play in London last night.Excellent... Would post a link to her music but I'm updating from my phone so it's too fiddly. Had a really good night out - ate at a Syrian restaurant beforehand, and made it onto the last train home afterwards. Tired today though... Old age creeping up?- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-26881547597174166192010-08-10T14:25:00.000Z2010-08-10T14:25:00.591Z

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-34782017790791402992010-08-07T10:41:00.001Z2010-08-07T10:41:16.771Z

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-35054450666900997482010-07-21T10:34:00.001Z2010-07-21T10:34:02.016Z

Went on a 10 mile bike ride this morning. Now drinking tea and reading the Guardian. Bliss.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-32047041097866274882010-07-19T05:43:00.001Z2010-07-19T05:44:05.585Z

Now on to the day! Only 1.5 days of work left.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-4004411416146870082010-07-18T20:19:00.001Z2010-07-18T22:36:21.335Z

Early morning run - home by 6.A walk along Lowestoft beach with the girls, Bobby, and my folks.Now on the way home - traffic jam allows view of the Thames at the Dartford Crossing.Should be home by 10... It's been a lovely day.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-52079969104439158382010-07-04T20:20:00.000Z2010-07-04T20:20:11.407Z

The ridge of the hill in the park at about 7 this morning.The rest of the day involved a picnic, a braai, and a viewing of Ghostbusters with Sophie. Ridiculously tired now, though... Trying to stay awake till Ems gets home from her concert, but not sure I'll make it...

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-26930813001313703732010-07-03T17:28:00.001Z2010-07-03T17:28:27.264Z

And the sunshine continues!We got up early - were running through this field of poppies by 6.30.Then chores, then shopping with Emily for her forthcoming trip to Spain, then a haircut for me (oh how I hate the awkwardness of making conversation with my hairdresser...) and a trip to the library. Bobby's flying his plane this afternoon, and the kids and I have been watching the football (more them

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-66719728737179837052010-06-29T18:03:00.001Z2010-06-29T18:03:00.785Z

I went for a pathetic run early this morning - so pathetic that it turned into a walk after less than a mile.Pretty, though.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-57778589671870490212010-06-28T18:59:00.001Z2010-06-28T18:59:20.690Z

Another perfect evening, so we went back to Colley Hill for a picnic.Ice cream...Frisbee...And the paper in the evening sun.I love summer!

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-52618526621569608162010-06-27T22:12:00.001Z2010-06-27T22:14:41.338Z

The gorgeous weather continues - it was 30 degrees today! We cycled up to the top of Colley Hill this evening......And then along the North Downs Way.The only downside to these long summer days - it's 9.30 before we even start to contemplate dinner.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-82997655383296380342010-06-26T13:38:00.001Z2010-06-26T13:38:39.753Z

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-46603141920121835072010-06-24T23:23:00.000Z2010-06-24T23:31:33.829Z

The streets of London are more dangerous than we'd realised -This was outside the Festival Hall on the South Bank. A nice evening out - wine, sushi, and a comedy gig called "Nine Lessons And Carols for Godless People" designed for geeky atheists such as ourselves. I'd put a link in but I can't be bothered as I'm updating from my phone on the last train home. We had to run for it along with a lot

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-34182295329856032562010-06-23T19:59:00.001Z2010-06-23T19:59:16.671Z

In the garden this evening.I love these long summer evenings - 9 o'clock and the sun's still up.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-76652757788623462132010-06-22T19:20:00.001Z2010-06-22T19:20:27.092Z

I read a study a while ago that said that just spending 20 minutes a day in nature helped lift depression.This is the pond in the park... Beautiful in all seasons.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-41816597404147030512010-06-20T20:21:00.001Z2010-06-20T20:30:31.754Z

... And one week.The celebrations: a trip to the theatre (to see Hair), then a meal out and - since we were dressed up - a night club. Cab back to the hotel, and, in the morning, a leisurely breakfast followed by a stroll through the roses at Regent's Park and lunch on the south bank. A perfect 24 hours. We are so lucky to still be so much in love.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-3939968053771315672010-06-19T14:49:00.001Z2010-06-19T14:49:24.478Z

More from the anniversary celebrations when I get home - posting this from the train.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-6018130175989607892010-06-16T19:41:00.001Z2010-06-16T19:41:41.450Z

In the park, early this morning.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-16115272964626067072010-06-06T09:03:00.000Z2010-06-06T09:04:13.378Z

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-50813172346549105342010-06-04T09:25:00.001Z2010-06-04T09:26:06.786Z

Early morning run...... Morning tea.I recovered the garden chairs after breakfast - my craft type skills are atrocious so they look a little like badly wrapped presents. But the overall effect is cheerful so I'm happy.The weather is gorgeous - couldn't ask for better. The rest of the day will involve fetching and carrying of children, some gardening, some baking, and a good book out here in the

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-700635067225893142010-06-02T16:37:00.001Z2010-06-02T16:37:09.002Z

Sophie browsing the second hand books on London's South Bank.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-3920909701712287552010-06-01T15:05:00.002Z2010-06-01T15:06:17.361Z

...in the pocket handkerchief sized patch of weeds that we call the lawn.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-58771391139526111662010-05-31T10:03:00.001Z2010-05-31T10:03:30.559Z

...Sunday evening bike ride.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-19544677746471085832010-05-30T09:16:00.000Z2010-05-30T09:17:01.606Z

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-23377678813482042012010-05-15T21:25:00.000Z2010-05-15T21:26:31.628Z

Early morning run... Peaceful baking session...And a DVD with Bobby and Sophie. Got to stay awake long enough to fetch Emily from a party... Yawn...

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-90952914511726176702010-05-06T21:01:00.000Z2010-05-06T21:03:51.431Z

Moving in closer with each picture - from my walk home from work -

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-15909988250214488632010-05-01T10:15:00.000Z2010-05-01T10:15:08.046Z

3 day weekend coming up!Below - Spring flowers, and Bobby in the distance during this morning's gentle run.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-74643744618097364692010-04-29T18:29:00.000Z2010-04-29T18:29:22.790Z

From the bedroom window...

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-7358759576391034802010-04-27T21:39:00.000Z2010-04-27T21:39:37.931Z

Sunrise and a vapour trail in the fields near our house, on my morning run. Then work, then in to London this evening, for a comedy gig. At Victoria station, the pigeons struck me as comical, walking so determinedly to the ticket barrier where the rest of the commuters were waiting.It's been a good day.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-31243330041304091532010-04-26T21:16:00.000Z2010-04-26T21:17:17.571Z

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-17050681467136859162010-04-25T21:00:00.000Z2010-04-25T21:04:55.680Z

Sophie was at a sleep over last night, so she missed Doctor Who. Here she is watching it on BBC iPlayer through the Wii... I had to keep her company; far too scary to cope with those weeping angels alone!The rest of today - I went for a (short) run in the drizzle. Priory park below -This evening, the five of us went out to dinner (our favourite Indian restaurant,) and we watched a DVD when we

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-13541130176335575942010-04-24T15:33:00.000Z2010-04-24T15:33:47.039Z

The perfect weather continues! This afternoon I've done my marking and tackled a bit of prep. Tonight - Doctor Who. And tomorrow - hopefully more sunshine!

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-87093548773749726622010-04-23T21:20:00.000Z2010-04-23T21:20:08.344Z

And it flew by.Gorgeous weather, and everything's in bloom -I took these on my walk in to work this morning. Everything is coming to life!

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-83445298404275139952010-04-18T09:12:00.000Z2010-04-18T09:12:10.518Z

I ran through the church yard at about 7.45 this morning. Perfect day - flawless blue skies, still free of vapour trails onvthe third day of plane-free skies...

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-55020665902112936952010-04-16T14:49:00.000Z2010-04-16T14:50:03.847Z

In Kensington Gardens, after yesterday's London shopping trip.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-41097153089146961932010-04-15T18:39:00.001Z2010-04-15T18:40:51.816Z

Family evening - my mom and Emily helping get dinner going -- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-26484159393991473702010-04-14T14:46:00.000Z2010-04-14T14:48:03.589Z

The house is tidy, the laundry is done, there are clean sheets on the beds, and supper's organised. I took a stroll around the garden in this peaceful interlude before my parents arrive to spend the next couple of days with us...A little bit of colour on a grey day.- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-87687518526199750972010-04-13T16:43:00.001Z2010-04-13T21:58:12.728Z

Bobby and I are going down to Brighton tonight, to Skeptics in the Pub. So I'm waiting outside his work till he gets out at 6. Meanwhile, here's a picture of Sophie from our trip.- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-44252657595477390872010-04-13T15:12:00.000Z2010-04-13T15:12:16.779Z

This was where we stayed.Could it be more Jane Eyre?

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-48187547182352817602010-04-13T12:56:00.001Z2010-04-13T12:56:07.682Z

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-51486158086125012842010-04-05T18:45:00.000Z2010-04-05T18:45:05.383Z

I forced myself out for a run this evening. So glad I went; it's beautiful out there.Now to ferry Emily and her newly acquired boyfriend to a party... Very grateful someone else is doing the lift home tonight!

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-12503402271056356592010-03-27T17:38:00.000Z2010-03-27T17:38:28.868Z

Rain then sun then rain... About five minutes after I took this picture of the threatening clouds it started to rain. Enough to drench us on our walk home from the pub. And then, five minutes later, the sun came out again. Spring in England!And, the daffodils are finally out!

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-39799577985219486092010-03-21T20:47:00.000Z2010-03-21T20:47:58.269Z

Looks like we made it through another winter!The crocuses are in bloom, and the daffodils will be here soon. They're late this year - all that snow we had...Bobby, Sophie and I went for a bike ride this afternoon. Lovely to be outside.Soph found an old, dodgy looking rope swing...I'm not ready for another week at work, though. It's so hectic at the moment - and on top of everything else, I

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-56703924633327623332010-03-14T15:13:00.004Z2010-03-14T15:19:11.825Z

The sound of another week flying by!Busy week at work, busy week at home.Tonight we're going to The Big Libel Gig so I need to make sure everything's ready for the work and school week tomorrow. I must be getting old; going out on a school night seems awfully exhausting... I have started (sort of) running again; decided I needed to do something about my sky-rocketing stress levels, and exercise

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-8683364888077007242010-03-07T11:31:00.001Z2010-03-07T11:31:24.405Z

This was the moment I waited for all week. Sun, rooibos tea, the last ginger biscuit, and the new Alexander McCall Smith book. If not heaven, close enough!

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-39708802852843867872010-02-28T21:53:00.000Z2010-02-28T21:54:28.665Z

The statue of Paddington Bear in Paddington Station is next to the Yo Sushi. For some reason this makes me happy.As do snowdrops in London..sunshine on Orwell's house...and spending time with the family.I should go to bed but I don't want the weekend to be over and I know I'll fall asleep as soon I open my book. The joys of middle age combined with a busy life.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-52994254927140843872010-02-21T17:21:00.001Z2010-02-21T17:21:34.482Z

Yesterday- a visit to Bodiam Castle. Sun (or what passes for it in the English winter), a nice lunch out, and some good family memories.Today ...Rain outside, lesson prep inside. Term starts again tomorrow, so it's back to the grindstone. And as if that's not bad enough, work clothes and school uniforms need to be ironed too.It's not all bad today, though. The Sunday roast is in the oven, and

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-41124299827635232672010-02-17T15:56:00.001Z2010-02-17T15:56:38.583Z

The sun is shining!The rainbow-maker in the kitchen window is finally turning, and the kitchen is filled with fleeting darts of colour.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-75173342557594390462010-02-07T14:10:00.001Z2010-02-07T14:12:51.037Z

You can't read the sign on the building across the street, but it says "South Chelsea School of English".Pretty bloody far south of Chelsea - it's way the other side of the river, opposite Brixton underground. Note the police van parked outside, light still flashing, and the Poundland. (Budget store where everything costs - you guessed it - a pound...) Probably not quite the Chelsea boutique

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-65161656257444817192010-02-04T22:16:00.001Z2010-02-04T22:16:38.933Z

Supper with Stephen at Giraffe on the South Bank. I'm knackered now... Not in the mood for work tomorrow. Roll on Friday evening...

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-35481504526939892362010-01-31T15:45:00.001Z2010-01-31T15:45:42.369Z

We had a good day in the city. Met up with Stephen, took our overdoses, went to Simon Singh's talk, ate lunch, did a bit of shopping, went to the National Portrait Gallery, came home and collapsed onto the sofa. Haven't done much today; I'm knackered. Wish I didn't have to go to work tomorrow. Bobby has the day off (he has leave he needs to use up) and it would be so nice to spend the day at home

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-66520183015168683192010-01-28T20:26:00.002Z2010-01-28T20:36:27.224Z

There just isn't enough time.Work. Family. A bit of running, a bit of climbing, a bit of yoga. Going to the odd film. Trying to make a bit of time to read - rather hopeless, that last one, as I tend to fall asleep as soon as I lie down. Mostly things are good right now. I think. Touch wood. I have a lesson observation tomorrow - if it goes well, it'll be the only one I need to do this year

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-63941051758912890122010-01-16T23:14:00.001Z2010-01-16T23:17:10.535Z

It snowed again on Monday, and was icy on Tuesday and Wednesday. But then it warmed up and started raining, and the snow and ice turned to a mix of slush and lethal slippery bits. As of this evening, the winter wonderland is more like a mud puddle. It's been a tiring week. A full work week, plus a mid-week night out (we went to the London Skeptics in the Pub monthly meeting) has meant that I'm

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-40418736318622322732010-01-11T17:20:00.001Z2010-01-11T17:20:18.658Z

The lack of colour since it's snowed amazes me. My photos look as though I'm taking them in black and white, but I'm not - it's the world that's black and white at the moment!A normal day of work for me and Bobby today. Stress for Emily though, as she wrote the first of her AS exams this afternoon. (She seems to think it went okay.) Steve went back to uni yesterday evening... Scares me to think

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-33941230782919228272010-01-09T18:01:00.001Z2010-01-09T18:01:46.576Z

Normally we get our groceries delivered, but the snow meant that we couldn't get a slot this week. Which is why we ended up in Tesco's this afternoon. And oh, the humanity! The slippery icy walkway of death leading into the shop, the hundreds of damp customers thronging the aisles in a frenzy of panic buying, the endless angry queues at the checkout - bad times! And Bobby playing what he calls

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-76168828518415090102010-01-08T19:06:00.000Z2010-01-08T19:18:57.997Z

So college opened today after our two snow days. We were one of only three institutions in the district to open, apparently. We need every lesson we can get, as the lower sixth students start their exams on Monday. About a third of the Sociology students made it in - and, fair play to them, for some of them it took almost 3 hours, what with the ice - and about two-thirds of the Psychology

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-6893704391107600122010-01-07T17:42:00.001Z2010-01-07T17:42:18.382Z

The snow makes the world look a different place.So empty and so clean.I walked to Bobby's work with him this morning (since I had another snow day and he didn't), and because the snow didn't allow him to go by either bicycle or car. It was beautiful, albeit tiring. Walking through fresh deep snow is a bit like walking through water. And snow that's been compacted a bit squeaks when you walk on it

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-11256834835263361852010-01-06T13:51:00.000Z2010-01-06T13:52:56.320Z

Turns out college is cancelled today...I've set work for the students, done some prep, baked bread and made soup. Here's Roly helping to take down the Christmas decorations. Late, I know... The magnet on his collar that opens his cat flap snared a bauble, much to his amazement. Now off to play in the snow with Sophie...

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-19521974667447079272010-01-06T07:53:00.001Z2010-01-06T07:53:13.607Z

This is the view from our bedroom window. College will let us know whether we have to come in by 8.30. It's still snowing at the moment...

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-55043199068219742352010-01-05T19:11:00.001Z2010-01-05T19:11:48.252Z

Walking (to work) in a winter wonderland...I love these frosty mornings. I took this picture on my way to work this morning - sunrise just after 8! But the days are gradually getting longer...We got up super-early this morning and went for a 5k run - it's interesting how quickly we warmed up, despite the -7 temperature. It was a good start to the day; I felt really energetic today, and I got

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-28279239940400142222010-01-04T19:35:00.002Z2010-01-04T19:40:03.812Z

I always hate the last day of any holiday. I mope around, feel stressed by all the things that have to be done at work (lesson prep, marking, students with personal problems who need extra help, students struggling with the work who need extra help, planning last minute revision for the forthcoming exams, observations (by me), observations (of me), bloody key skills (schleppy tasks we are

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-20014172892134083642010-01-03T12:47:00.001Z2010-01-03T13:39:22.441Z

The picture is from this morning's run; the bit that took me along the high street. It felt insanely early, but it was 8am. I am not sure how I am going to cope with getting ip for work tomorrow...This break has gone awfully fast... I just logged onto the college system to see how many of the students had accessed the work we set them over the break - seems like just two of them have! Two! Out of

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-14903871478844675842010-01-02T11:24:00.001Z2010-01-02T11:24:26.666Z

Back from icy - but pretty - bike ride. Not sure my hands and feet will ever warm up! And i was wearing two pairs of gloves!Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-86398027801901703762010-01-01T19:46:00.001Z2010-01-01T19:46:39.762Z

Stephen texting his sister at lunch. She was at the same table... We went out to lunch to celebrate Steve's birthday today, then to the shops to buy him some new running shoes. I am sort of envious of him; his hall is so close to the Thames that he can run alongside it past all those fabulous London views... So, as usual, we started this year with a celebration. I think 2010 has the potential

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-4473070317618213062009-12-31T17:47:00.000Z2009-12-31T17:48:06.837Z

Here we are in Cornwall.... It was a fantastic holiday. Here's hoping for a good year (and more reliable blog updating).

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-73096847100416458752009-12-08T19:28:00.004Z2009-12-08T20:25:08.153Z

I love all the Christmas lights. The trees along the road opposite the college are all white and sparkly, as are the fir trees next to the park. It makes leaving college in the dark (the sun sets ridiculously early at the moment; it's pitch dark before I've even finished teaching every afternoon) a pleasure instead of a chore.The other nice thing about the insanely short days is that you can

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-23058649106495666562009-12-03T20:23:00.004Z2009-12-03T20:43:40.724Z

Yesterday evening after work I had to go to one of the local high schools to do some student interviews with next year's prospective college students. I can't say I really felt like doing the interviewing; it was cold and dark and raining and I would far rather have gone straight home to the family. Most of the interviews were either boring (straight A students who know exactly what they want

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-54557377021561778182009-11-28T12:19:00.003Z2009-11-28T12:34:03.148Z

Sophie was at a sleepover last night, and Emily was working 5.30 till 9.30, so Bobby and I had the house all to ourselves for a few hours. Posh pizza and nice wine from M&S, crackling fire, candles, white chocolate liqueur ... great night in. Till 9.45, when we had to vacate the livingroom to tactfully make way for Emily and her friends. Felt a bit like being evicted from paradise.This

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-22164536246895149142009-11-26T20:52:00.002Z2009-11-26T21:01:42.392Z

I spent a couple of hours after work this evening interviewing some of next year's prospective students. It is lovely to see how excited they all are about starting college next year. I envy them a little - all those choices to make, so many options, so many opportunities! I envy Stephen a little too - he seems to be really enjoying university, and making the most of the experience. He is

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-14161838040593239732009-11-19T21:23:00.005Z2009-11-19T21:42:17.733Z

Last week I plumbed new depths of disorganisation.I needed to pick up a gift for someone before work, so I drove in (normally I walk), parked in the Morrison's car park (local grocery store) and walked down the high street to M&S. Bought a gift, and a gift bag, and a card - and walked back down the high street to college, forgetting all about the car. The next I thought of it was at 5 that

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-28452359678932726422009-11-08T16:31:00.005Z2009-11-08T17:01:19.524Z

I think I'm going to have a hard time this winter. This will be our fifth winter here, and the first one so far that I'm struggling with.The days have been getting shorter and shorter, and it's coming up to the time of the year when we only have a few hours of light each day. Right now, it's 4.30 and the sun's already set. And it's going to get steadily darker and colder for the next six

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-17871186375742396542009-11-01T20:39:00.002Z2009-11-01T20:57:30.438Z

Grey windy darkness today. It's dreary, and depressing.Yesterday was busy - it was a surprise family celebration for my uncle, and my cousins had flown in from France and Switzerland for the weekend. So we got to hang out with all the baby cousins - well, the cousins' babies - who were multi-lingually adorable. Between them, they - or at least, the ones who have got to the verbal stage - speak

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-88965243685121820112009-10-29T16:47:00.002Z2009-10-29T17:01:12.138Z

Just got back from a little run with Sophie. It was lovely - we went through the park, up to the ridge of the hill (Sophie says she feels like a rabbit when we go along that bit, tired from all the hopping), back down through the woods, round the duckpond, past the allotments, through the fields, past the horses and along the footpath back home.Reminds me of the Bears In the Night book I loved

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-85032396888849975552009-10-26T16:49:00.002Z2009-10-26T17:20:04.141Z

Thank God. I really need this break.Nine days of freedom - and three of them have already flown by.The days are going to get shorter and shorter from now on, because the clocks went back yesterday. Soon I'll be teaching the last period of the day, and notice that it's pitch black outside...But on the plus side, I love the whole run up to Christmas, all the lights and the decorations, and the

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-33077237500310183112009-10-11T19:06:00.003Z2009-10-11T19:14:00.693Z

Took this on this evening's bike ride. It was grey and drizzly all day today, so when the sun finally came out at about 5.30 we seized the opportunity to get outside. The sunset was very gentle, all pink and blue. The view is of the golf course, as you emerge from the trees in the first picture.I am currently procrastinating after having enjoyed a lovely leisurely Sunday night dinner with the

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-18776473474852240242009-10-10T14:44:00.003Z2009-10-10T15:03:38.829Z

We paused on our run this morning to take this picture... Still can't get over how lucky we were to land up here. The rest of the day has been tending to sicky Sophie (who has a horrible hacking cough and headache), taking Ems for her cervical cancer vaccine (ow) and cleaning (four loads of washing currently hanging on the line). So, nothing special... but the autumn sun makes the mundane seem

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-65087815901504462082009-10-09T19:40:00.003Z2009-10-09T20:17:52.951Z

Ah, Friday. Bliss. Tuesday night's Open Evening at college tired me out. It is weirdly exhausting answering the same questions again and again... and again. My least favourite question: "So what is Psychology, exactly?". Also annoying are the parents who either studied Psychology themselves, and want to talk about it, and the ones who always wanted to study it, but didn't. It depresses me,

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-21272797325416573242009-10-02T16:57:00.002Z2009-10-02T17:14:33.182Z

Poor Sophie.Today was the day of her blood tests - fasting blood tests, at that.Things could have gone better.We were at the hospital just before 8 (the blood taking department opens for business at 8, and if you get there right as it opens you can be in and out in 10 minutes). We were both rather hungry (I hadn't eaten or drunk either, in solidarity with Soph...) but in good spirits. But, the

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-23755130183943707302009-09-30T16:11:00.002Z2009-09-30T16:20:09.024Z

The movie last night was really good. I don't usually enjoy thrillers all that much, but I found this one gripping. I could actually feel my heart racing during the tense bits - so odd, that watching something that I knew was not real could affect my body so dramatically.I've been tired today, though. I think having a full teaching load, and teaching on three courses, is catching up with me.

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-58567142410935381782009-09-29T19:04:00.004Z2009-09-29T19:09:07.412Z

About to venture out into the chilly evening...we're walking down to the local cinema to see Anything For Her. It's supposed to be a good film, but I'm so tired that a long hot bath and my snuggly pjs actually seem like a more appealing option tonight. But, since we've already got the tickets, there's no backing out at this stage!

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243908.post-60968373303714429162009-09-27T21:29:00.004Z2009-09-27T21:35:33.368Z

Sunshine.Tomatoes from the garden. And carrots, and beetroots, and chillies, and courgettes.Vegetable soup made by Bobby from the above.A flying visit from Stephen (who's extremely busy and very happy)A sleepover for Sophie, followed by a doctor's visit (probably nothing, but she's not grown much this past year, so, bearing the family history in mind, I think we need to investigate)Work - Bobby

Annalisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387743078965092362noreply@blogger.com0