We had an amazing weekend, full of love and beauty. Tetbury is a picturesque part of the UK, cotswold stone buildings and lush green fields and trees. We fell into the comfortable chats and hugs with the Wagners and celebrated Michael's birthday with a sighting of the cycle race - the tour of the UK. We waited in the shade of a towns 17th century buildings and I very much enjoyed watching how the police bikes organized and arranged us all, cars, roads and people in readiness for the cyclists to whiz past in seconds. The speed and strength palpable. And then it was done. Everyone moved on and we headed back to their home. We went to a river to have a swim. I wasn't brave enough to face the freezing cold water any higher than my ankles, BigA, Michael and Bobby braving the rope swing in. It was so very cold but refreshing. Back home for cake and tea and a bbq. The heat of the weekend was really something unexpected but such an opportunity to have it at this time in September. It really was glorious to see them and to offload how totally different life is, the toughness of coming back. And it was certainly comforting to see they have all settled in, just starting their third year back in the UK and all 5 happy and enjoying the stage of life they are at.
I was sad to leave. Our friendship began and was so wonderfully sustained because Rosie and I just chatted away most days. Sitting in her kitchen while we unpicked the failures of our school and strategized on improvements. I miss that so much. But the knowledge that it's going to be possible to see them more makes it feel good to be home.
And then for the reality of a full week at work! Oof, it's been hard work but at least the heat has subsided and the room in teach in is cooler. Best way to describe it is up and down. I anticipated having to use every classroom management technique I've ever had to use. Some classes I would be genuinely embarrassed for anyone to see and some that were almost as I want them. There certainly are lots of characters - if only they were the ones in the plays!
We had Open Evening on Wednesday and I used the time to tackle the absurdly messy costume cupboard. The studio is looking better than it did.
A and M finally started school and had a slightly bumpy start - still due to the cyber issue. They are loving it though, they have a good routine and making friends quickly. I am so pleased they have finally begun. They have long days but lots of study periods and plenty of books on order to read in them.
BigA has managed to secure an office in Westminster - impressive and he was childlike in his joy at hearing big Ben as he worked. He's been in a few times and still been doing plenty of things in the house. A few more bits down from the loft. The front room feeling a bit more lived in, which I like.
Last night Edgar and Dan came over for Rosh Hashanah. BigA cooked while I relaxed. Very lovely. He did a very good job, despite burning a few things. The food was delicious and very filling. Our first official Friday night, M's real first.
I end my week very grateful to the really lovely women I have met at work who help me get through the hard days and makes me feel valued. And so very happy to have lots of people in my life who make me feel loved and cared for no matter what.
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