A busy few days

Iris moved back home. Minus most of their belongings, looking a bit worse for wear and with the smelliest feet ever. Sofa surfing must have finally lost its appeal. Iris’ girlfriend was definitely in the driving seat, controlling even their bursary income. Iris is a poor judge of character, they have no concept of the worry and hurt they have caused, or learned anything from their experience. But overall I am glad Iris is back. I am not increasing our milk order just yet. 

That was just before Easter, which I realise is some time back already. The Easter weekend was very nice indeed. All four kids plus one boyfriend were home for Easter Sunday and we had roast lamb and roast chicken with vegetables and potatoes. We also had a nice meal at One Devonshire Gardens with Annie and her boyfriend. A lovely evening.

It was good to have a long weekend because last week was completely bonkers with work. I attended a the British Society for Parasitology Spring Conference here in Glasgow, as did Richard. We were essentially out of the house from Tuesday to Friday, with brief stopovers at home for sleep and to clean up after the teens and the puppy. Jack was lucky to be on holiday with Sam, over in Govanhill. During the conference, I managed to record about a dozen interviews, ranging from short 4 minute chats to an almost 40 minute in depth interview. It was a lot of fun but also a bit anxiety inducing because walking up to people and ask them to be interviewed is not for the introvert, for sure. Still, it was fun. I need to do a bit of editing, which means I have to not only listen to myself (which I am used to) but also watch myself. I am not looking forward to that. Together with two colleagues I organised a workshop focusing on education, and how we can get the next generation excited about parasitology. I didn’t expect much enthusiams about the workshop because traditionally, the conference showcases latest research but there were at least 50 people in the audience, with great participation. On Friday there was a “field trip” on the schedule. We went on a pilgrimage to Blairmore to have a peek at Sir William Leishman’s residence. He is a Scottish doctor credited with discovery of a parasite causing fatal disease in India (Leishmania parasites). We were delighted with two talks in the village hall, one a history of the village and region, the other about Leishman’s life and work. The weather was favourable, the scenery on route breathtaking, the talks fun and educational and the lunch delicious. A good day. 

Now it is the weekend and I am chilling. No plans other than catching up with housework and the puppy.

Thanks for visiting 😊