lows and highs















We only halfway through term and I am not enjoying it. There is just no room for thought and I am stuck in a relentless routine of churning out learning material and giving feedback, always a week behind schedule. When not glued to my computer, I don't really feel like doing much other than staring into midair but of course there is always something that requires my attention. The laundry, always so much laundry. How many pyjamas does a single child need each week? I found four pairs of Alistair's in this week monumental pile of laundry. Yes, four. On the other hand, only one school shirt. Poor teachers, the assault on their odour receptors must be quite something. 

The highlight of the week was Annie's visit. It was study week in St. Andrews and she came home for a few days. She brought all her laundry because it is free here (she does it herself). I think she needed a bit of a rest, she looked a bit worn-out. She arrived just after Raisin Weekend. What a weird tradition, I can't quite get my head around it. It involves her academic family pranking the first year mentees, drinking games, very little sleep and to round it all up, a shaving foam fight in costume. Annie's academic family went as Minions. You must google it, it is most bizarre. Of course the official description on the University's website is far from the reality judging by Annie's experience. It was good to have her home for a few days. We all carved out a bit of time to spend with her individually. We enjoyed a wee trip down Byres Rd to shop for earrings, then for lunch at Kember & Jones. Avocado on sourdough toast with crisp streaky bacon strips. We sat outside, it was rather chilly. Then we went to the supermarket for some essentials for the student flat.

I wanted the weekend to be easy on the mind so did a few jobs that had been on my list of things to do. I mended two pairs of jeans, borrowed Annie's glue gun to fix the small birds on twigs in my wire lampshade back in an upright position. I washed the raw selvage denim that is destined to be come jeans three times, to soften it a little. It was stiff as a board. I went for a run on Sunday, 40 minutes, with a few short walks. I am rather pleased with that although I am barely faster than an elderly person walking a dog. We started stripping lining in our bedroom in preparation for the decorator who will give the room a makeover. Stripping the walls ourselves saves quite a bit of money. I had forgotten how satisfying a job this is. I did most of one wall on Sunday afternoon and only stopped after my body started aching from the surprisingly physical strain of climbing up stepladders and kneeling on the floor. We have one week to finish this preparatory job. The original walls painted in 1929 were duck egg blue below the picture rail, beige above. I chose the paint already, it is called schoolhouse white. I am not sure what to make of this name. White touched by grubby hands? I'll keep you posted on that. So, in a couple of weeks from now I'll have a freshly painted bedroom. I might buy new bedlinen, just because.

The photos are from our trip to Devon, in no particular order. We managed three walks in three different landscapes, one on the beach on Jurassic coast, a woodlands walk and one walk up a Tor in Dartmoor. Jack loved them all, and so did we. The main reason for travelling that far was of course not exploring the different landscapes but a memorial service for Richard's aunt Kay, an aunt we all loved very much. 

Thanks for stopping by. Have a lovely week ðŸ™‚

Comments

  1. Lovely photos. Sorry about Richard's aunt. I'm glad you got to see Annie, no doubt university is a big adjustment. I will probably be adjusting to it next year. I hope the rest of half term isn't too bad. I know exactly what you mean about no room for thought. Rather overwhelmed here at the moment too. But, onwards etc. Very productive weekend, so that is something. CJ xx

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  2. You do so much aside from your paying job.

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  3. Devon looks lovely! Sorry work is getting you down - I’m sure your students appreciate your hard work. X Doris

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  4. Hope work improves soon. Always draining when not enjoyable. Good that Annie got home for a while. I guess it’s not so far to travel. Her days sound fun. Love the Devon photos. Hope the week improves. B x

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  5. You are doing a lot on top of your work so it isn't surprising you are tired!
    I think your boys look old enough to learn how to do their own laundry. My granddaughters started doing their own laundry around the age of 12 and they are quite self-sufficient now - helping their Dad with the house chores too. Some things aren't done perfectly, but they get done anyway! :)

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  6. Sorry to hear about Richard's aunt.
    Lovely photos.. looks like everyone had a nice time.
    It's nice that Annie got a chance to come home for a bit.. college is quite an adjustment.
    Raisin Weekend sounds hellish.. but then again I'm sure young people like that sort of thing..

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  7. A newly painted bedroom will be lovely and new bedding, who needs an excuse for something like that. Hope it takes your mind off the way you are feeling about work at the moment. Glad you were able to spend time with Annie last week.
    Wishing you a better week Christina x

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  8. Beautiful photos. I hope work improves for you.

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  9. Sounds like half term for a lot of people. Working and having people at home can be a trial. Your photos look great and it is good to get outside for some fresh air. I have to wrestle Pj's off my girls (shudder) but the basket seems to be full of things worn once?? I sniff them and fold them up to put back in the drawers if they don't pass my actual laundry test! Jo xx

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  10. Despite not feeling great your photos are always a joy to behold. Poor Annie the raisin weekend sounds half brill and half terrifying!!! I don’t envy you working from home with kids on a two week break, definitely not easy! I’m also sorry to read about your much loved Aunt, may the memories you shared sustain you through the sadness xx

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  11. Sorry to read that this term is a bit of a drudge for you, Christina. Even in this 2-person household, laundry is never a favorite chore as my husband likes to layer in cooler weather. He enjoys lounging in flannel wear as well. Enjoyed the photos, as always. The spider in its web and Jack and you son(s) enjoying a splash. I have never heard of Raisin Weekend before. Condolences sent to your family on the passing of Aunt Kay.

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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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