this and that on a Monday evening










How are you all? I am so happy that a semblance of summer has finally arrived here in Glasgow. At least this was the case over the weekend. We are forecast some proper hot weather, which I find really exciting. I am on the countdown for my holidays. Richard and I are taking James and Alistair camping and Jack will of course come with us. We booked one of our favourite campsites for a whole ten days. For the first time, we'll be leaving the older two at home. I am slightly anxious because it is Annie's first time home alone with her older brother. She'll keep in in check, I am quite certain of that. They'll join us for the last three nights.

When we get back, Sam will be heading to Hungary, Annie is flying to Switzerland a few days later and another two days later, Richard will travel to France. Just me and the boys in Glasgow then... I booked the youngest two into a holiday camp so that I can work. One of the most difficult aspects of working full time when the children are still young are the endless holidays. The costs of holiday camps are comparable to a family camping holiday, which makes me cross. Annual leave is limited and although my allowance is a generous 30 days per year plus public holidays, I need to spread it over several school holidays. Enough moaning, it is the way it is.

Life is always busy here.... I made four small bottles of elderflower squash. I am the only one who likes it and it will last a long time. We made loads of chocolate chip cookies for various good byes last week.  More baking is planned for tomorrow. There are so many good byes this year, particularly for James, who is moving up to secondary school. I like to give those who look after my children so competently a small token of appreciation, usually something edible made by us.

Sam took the little ones for a hair cut but misunderstood my instructions (short sides & back, scissor trim on top). James now has what I call prisoner issue hair cut, very short all over. Luckily Sam called to confirm my instructions when he realised that this is not the haircut James usually gets and Alistair was spared the same fate. The hair will grow but I feel guilty for not taking him myself now. James is slowly getting used to his extra short hair. He is still cute as a button, but with a rough edge.

We attended James' P7 presentation, which was quite sweet. The children were filmed in small groups, talking about their favourite memories at school. James' best memory was his very first day at primary school, when he met his best friend who is still his best friend now. There was a collective "awww" going through the assembly hall, it was by fart the sweetest thing said all evening. The children all received a leavers pack with calculator, dictionary and other useful stuff for secondary school, and a leaver's hoodie. James burst out in tears when they were singing a song at the end but he wasn't the only one. On Friday, the collective sobbing of leavers will be audible across Glasgow at 1:30 pm, when the schools close for the summer.

Did I mention the P7 leavers show? James was a town crier in the musical and he did very well indeed.

We also went to a scouting end of year BBQ, which was fun. All our kids were and are Scouts. Sam is just starting out as a young leader, which surprised me quite a bit. Good for him. Maybe less fun for his sister because that's the pack he'll be joining as young leader.... Alistair is finally moving up to Scouts after being a Cub Scout for what seemed forever. He is excited. James who is already a Scout, less so.

The last ever swimming lesson was this evening. Alistair doesn't want to go back, which is fair enough. He is a confident enough swimmer but maybe not the most elegant one.

Our weekday evenings will be less hectic in the new school year.

Not much sewing, knitting or anything creative at the moment, there is little time. I started quilting the postage stamp quilt but I am not in love with my work. I tried machine quilting and hand quilting as well as different threads. I'll stew over it.

There was some exceptionally bad behaviour in the house, involving two little boys and greed. The two little boys are terribly sorry. A complete screen ban (excluding the Kindle) is in place, which is the most feared consequence for bad behaviour in our house.

I went for a jog on Sunday, just a simple walk-run routine to see if my knee would get any worse than it is when walking. It didn't. Alistair, who came along, he thought I was terribly slow.  In the afternoon, I cycled to the Westend with four kids in tow. We visited a street festival, which was boring and overcrowded but we bumped into our now retired social worker from our adoption agency and had a lovely chat so it didn't feel like time completely wasted. Well, for me it didn't. Then we cycled past the Botanics. I left the kids there for a play and went to buy new running shoes in the local running shop. My old ones have stuffing come out and my toes poke out of several holes. The sole is completely smooth, too. Good enough for dog walking but maybe not for running. I also bought a new running bra because my old one is too baggy. With the shoes, I went for the best cushioning I could afford. I am broke now. Fingers crossed for my knee to hold up.

In the evening we had guests from Colombia. We had a beautiful cheese board because our friends really like cheese and there are not as many cheese varieties in Colombia as there are here. It was lovely to catch up. Cheese does not agree with my tummy, I found it difficult to sleep. I woke at 3 am and wondered if Sam was in. He wasn't. I texted him to find out if all was well. He called to say that he was walking his friend home because he was terribly drunk and Sam didn't feel comfortable leaving him to make his own way. Sam's friend lives about an hours walk from the pool club...  I felt sorry for them and transferred money for a cab. I am such a soft touch. It was difficult to get back to sleep.

This morning, I felt a bit worse for wear and the thought of engaging with reflective writing did not appeal. Alas, needs must. I am on a deadline for a first draft. I made good progress, just two case studies to write now.

What's been happening in your lives? Busy end of term or not just yet? We break early here in Scotland, at least three weeks before England. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello.

Comments

  1. foods sound delicious...yummy
    aww... ducks and ducklings...

    Have a wonderful day

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  2. You have been busy. I love the idea of a Leavers' Pack and am intrigued by the sound of 'pubic' holidays! :0P xx

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    1. Oops, fixed that now :-) Autocorrect at its worst!

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  3. It all sounds very busy there at the moment, I remember well all the end of term activities from when my two were at school. I think I was more sad when my kids left primary school than they were, I'm such a softie. I'm imagining James with his haircut, I think we've all had at least one disaster at the hairdressers hands, haven't we? I'm sure it'll soon grow back. Fingers crossed that the sunshine arrives in time for your camping trip, it's throwing it down here today, who'd think it was June?

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  4. Beautiful photos and I love that crochet blanket! My husband went for a proper haircut last week, he normally just gets a buzz-cut when I do it with the 'sheep shears' LOL The weather here is alternating sun and overcast, but very warm and muggy, the sort that's makes you feel you can't be bothered to do anything. Best, Jane x

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  5. End of little school approaches here as well. James's memory is so sweet, how lovely that he still has the same best friend. The last few weeks of the summer term are always utter madness aren't they. I am struggling to keep up with it all. Sorry about the cheese-induced insomnia. Good to here your knee might be up to running again. Love the photo of Jack with the remote control. I like to imagine he is watching 'One Man and His Dog'. CJ xx

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  6. I was always a soft touch with the girls too. How sweet the comment from James at the P7 presentation, bless him. Like you I am excited about the change in weather Wednesday, exciting times to see some sun.

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  7. It has been very busy in your household, Christina, with the end of school events and upcoming holiday travel plans. We are winding down our current road trip travels and are on our final stop in our home state of NJ. It’s been a great trip as we have visited family members and friends, some of which haven’t been seen in 40 years! The swan family was lovely as was Jack with the remote, but he will learn there is little useful programming. Glad you are finally getting some warmer weather.

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  8. I always enjoy your blog, your creativity and hearing of your family. I was wondering what was grilling in the pan? It looks delicious. jean/winnipeg.

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    1. Hi Jean. These are courgette fritters. I grated courgette, sprinkled this with a little salt to extract water, then squeezed all the water out. Then I mixed in self raising flour and eggs to a consistency that I liked. I added some seasoning but no salt. Dill is nice if you have any handy. The fritters are good hot and cold. x

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  9. Wow! You are one busy family this time of the year. Have fun on your camping trip and take some photos to share:) God bless.

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  10. It is very emotional when the children leave primary school, I don't think you realise until you are sat in the leavers assembly. They don't have quite the same relationship with school when they go to secondary education. I hope you get back into your running it is a shame your knee has been putting you out of action. We have another three weeks until summer here in England as you said, do you go back earlier than us or have a longer break? x

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  11. Your life sounds exhausting to a retired lady. Bet you are looking forward to that holiday, hopefully in sunshine. Love the sound of the assembly. I dare say there were a few tears. Good luck with the jogging. Hope the knee behaves. B x

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  12. It sounds as if summer is going to be a busy time for you and your family. Hope you enjoy your upcoming camping holiday!

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  13. Hi Christina - do change the word by 'fart' to by far...it made me laugh though! We are a few weeks away from the wind down but my work winds down before the children which I really like. You seem to have some good plans in place for the summer. I always think it is one of reasons women don't go back to work and I get on my high horse about it often - it makes me mad. My quilt is not moving very fast either. Because I am sewing for my friends business, I am all sewed out at the end of the day or week but the money is great. Have a good week. Jo xxx

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    1. Oh me too, sorry. Christina you do make me giggle. Cx

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  14. End of school years are so busy aren't they? No wonder you haven't had much time for crafting but hopefully things will settle down a bit soon...or not! I see Jack is doing his part to enforce the screen ban too and I love seeing white swans as we only have black swans here. xx Susan

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  15. Enjoy the camping, and all the busy-ness happening over at your place! It sounds like family life is going on as usual, good to see!

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  17. Goodness that seemed like a pretty hectic week. I feel like I need a sit down on your behalf Christina. Still a dew more weeks of school here for our youngest. He moans but I keep telling him its not long now until he will have finished altogether and then he will really know what its like to be getting up early and going to earn his living. You can imagine the response as you have four yourself...

    Mx

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  18. Those signets are so fluffy and sweet. Jack is his usual handsome self, taking life easy. The photo with the remote control is good. I hope you manage to balance everything over the summer Christina. Cx

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  19. You have been very busy my friend, with life at home, work, cheese well everything. I transfer money for my son to get a ride home when he is out with friends, I would rather do that then even take a chance he will drive. Your son is lovely to walk his friend home. You have done such a wonderful job with all your children.

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  20. What a fun and busy life you lead. I enjoyed all the photos.. the swans and their babies so sweet. We have our daughter and granddaughters here for a week and we're trying to make the most of it. A family BBQ tomorrow. Have fun camping! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  21. A lovely post to read and nice photos too. Sounds like life is a nice mix of the mundane and good times :)

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Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, I love to hear from you, I really do. I sometimes reply by email but I am not all that reliable... Christina xx

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