Thursday
Well the missing parcel turned up yesterday. It contained one of the new plants which, if it had arrived on Tuesday as notified, could have been planted when Danielle was here. Never mind!
I finished off all the housework and bulk cooking yesterday, then spent most of the afternoon coming up with ideas for my upcoming staycation. If it all works out the first three weeks of September will be staycation time, chosen because I can feel myself gearing up for the new school term but of course, I won't be teaching any more. I have to keep reminding myself that I'm retired! Anyway, I'm creating three lists for the staycation - ideas for rainy days, ideas for sunny days, and ideas for evenings. The long term forecast is for sunny days with only four days of rain, but this is England so I'll make sure I have plenty of ideas for whatever the weather throws at me. Most ideas will be for solo activities but there will be some opportunities to meet with friends face-to- socially distanced face as well.
Today I'll go out for a walk around the village before it gets too hot, and then fit in some piano playing before I do a session on Italian phrases. I've joined a 'Learning Italian' Facebook group, which is going to be extremely useful, and found some recommendations for YouTube videos, so I want to have a look at those today. Once that's all done I'm hoping to do some more research on my family tree.
How frustrating about the parcel. Will Danielle be coming next week?
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about the sap rising in line with school terms. I still feel it after five years out and I think I always will. It's a bitter-sweet feeling but overall it feels good and I do take great pleasure in outings during the school day!
xx
She comes once a fortnight so I won't see her now until September 2nd.
DeleteOn the surface I'm happy to have retired but there is obviously something lurking deep down. It's a strange year anyway with all the changes to everyday life isn't it. I would have also been going into schools on behalf of the band to get new starters but of course that's not happening either now. Still, September symbolises a new year so, after my staycation, I will have a good think about what I want to do. ☺️ xx
I'm always thrilled when school goes back but I dont! I always used to take myself off on a jolly on the first day of every new term, relishing my freedom. When I had to take early retirement I put my watch in a drawer and have only worn it once since. I only have two clocks in the house; in the kitchen and bedroom. I wander happily through each day thinking how lovely it is to have no timetable, bells or clock watching. But September still feels like the new year and a time to plan!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you were ready to retire!
DeleteYes, September is definitely 'new year' for me too, and I still use an academic diary. I'll be planning for the next stage of my life once my staycation is over. xx
I still feel there is a bit of a countdown to the beginning of the autumn term even though I haven’t had a child at school for 4 years. I am just thankful that mine aren’t involved in this exam results fiasco and feel so sorry for those that are.
ReplyDeleteLuckily we had none affected by the A level results but do have a couple waiting on GSCEs. I feel desperately sorry for the ones who have lost their uni places as a result of this fiasco. It was all so unnecessary wasn't it?
DeleteWas it really four years ago that your youngest left school? Time really does fly! xx
It was indeed and thank goodness her graduation was last year. Selfish I know. Now we have different worries because as a physio she is potentially in contact with COViD patients especially now she is working in ITU but hugely proud of her.
DeleteI don't think it's selfish at all and congratulations to your daughter. I understand the worries as all four or my friend's daughter work in hospitals in daily contact with patients.
DeleteBeautiful flower! What are your ideas for your staycation? I hope you share.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon.
DeleteThe staycation will be local trips and yes, I will share!
A very pretty cosmos & good close up. It's at this time of year as the light changes, the temperatures go up & down, the nights closing in earlier that you know it's time to return to schedules & school. Alas this year because of the pandemic there's almost no certainty of schedules, so thankfully Mother Nature keeps to her schedule.
ReplyDeleteOnce my staycation is finished I'm aiming to sort out a different daily schedule as I'd like to reduce this overriding feeling of being in limbo. Time to start living, despite all the restrictions and worry.
DeleteWe're planning a staycation for sometime in the Autumn, so I look forward to hearing what kinds of things you decide to do :)
ReplyDeleteI'm still racking my brain for ideas, but I will share what I decide to do 🙂
DeleteGlad your parcel arrived. Did it arrive by mail? If so, maybe your post offices are delaying mail in sympathy with our post offices, which have been tuned upside down due to "cost cutting" measures just before the big election when most people are expected to mail in their ballots to avoid voting in person and risk getting the virus!
ReplyDeleteI like your plans for a staycation. Hope you have a lovely, relaxing time. :)
No it came by courier service. Three more arrive today via Royal Mail but they were a week early!
DeleteThe news of all that's happening in the US is truly awful. I hope this election puts a competent president in place.
I have the rest of August until my staycation starts, but I am looking forward to it. 😊