long goodbye

 As you know I told boss) that we have decided to leave and I've been applying for jobs already. There have been 3 that look ok so far. I've got 2 meetings with someone at the school, governor or similar. I didn't write expect to get that so I'm feeling very pleased about that. Still top secret here but I'm sure it will get out soon. Funny how people want to know what we're doing. I remember Julia saying how lots of people want your stuff. That will be annoying but I can feel it bubbling already. 

Here's the email

The party prep was simple, A and her friends got cakes made and put up decorations. We begun to hear the rumble of thunder and after an extremely hot week we hoped it would rain. Big A confidently telling mum and Lynne it would only last an hour if it came. It suddenly seemed unlikely as only a few spots dropped. We continued with our lunch, me bemoaning that we might be missed. Oh how we needed to clear the air of dust and be refreshed, but at last it came and then didn't look like it was going to stop. Big A  drove me up to my drama room to get our costumes as I would have been drenched (I could have driven myself but he was dropping some other stuff off too.) So with a all set, the rain calming down and me armed with 3 lion tabards and a box of face paint I set about transforming my mum , Lynne and me into a small pride of lions. We were then kicked out of our house and headed up the hill to our old one. Funny to show mum that space, one we lived in so happily for 4 years. It holds many memories and felt as strange as always to sit on our old sofa, the one I watched my Dad and uncle Tim's funeral from. I still wasn't feeling 100% and only made it to 7:30 before I snuck home and went straight to my room as to not spoil A's fun. My mum, Lynne and Big A  however were on top form and the next morning I saw many a video taken by colleagues and friends of her dancing, none of the box game unfortunately. 

Sunday morning and off mum I went to church. The previous mass was over running and we were treated to hearing how much money had been collected the week before on loudspeaker outside in Chichewa. Once the English mass begun I thought, oh that's good they're trying to get through it so the next mass can start on time. But nope, at the offertory bit we were, ummm, well strong armed into several money giving moments. Mother and I did not approve. Us as a captive audience having not yet got to the bit you kind of need to be there for! It took over 30 minutes and was not fun. Eventually we moved back to the praying and praising part but it felt rather mercenary. We left after communion. 

 We had had a message on the Friday to say that a local meat shop had lamb and my wonderful vegetarian husband had set off to get some. So for Sunday lunch I made a lamb dish inspired by something I remember my dad making and a veggie version for A&A. Then after a little relax and read then- off to frisbee. 

My day on Monday was routinely punctuated by staff telling me how great my mum is. They all adored her and couldn't wait to tell me what fun she is. Most had met her at the party. I of course agreed and was perhaps slightly glad I left early so I could let her light shine! 

The two of them saw my yr 13 perform on Tuesday, I wasn't there as Kev was their teacher that day. A meal out that evening and a few glasses of wine together and good food. And then before I knew it Wednesday had rolled around and we drove them the shortish drive to the airport. 

Saying goodbye was not easy, and I now feel like my khonde is empty without my mum sitting reading a book as I wander in from work. But only a few months really, until I get to give her cuddles again. The house oddly quiet and just in time really as we had notice that we won't have water for 3 days and that just isn't a nice way to spend your time while on holiday. The water stayed though but with another big rain storm we've not got electricity and the solar has run out. All part of the fun. 

We had a few friends over for poker and I made a tidy profit!