My Pot

The list of 40 things has seen a slow month, in fact it is pretty low on my priority list right.  However, on Friday afternoon I did get started on one of them.  I am trying to prove to myself that some of my families artistic talents lay within me somewhere.  I have my sketching class, eventually water colour and this weekend I started pottery.  Now my first attempt does resemble an ash tray that one may make in kindergarten for their grand father but I am still proud of it.  I am not displaying it until it is all painted and glazed though, which will leave my many many readers (both of you) desperate with anticipation.  It is not easy but I just find the art world so relaxing so will continue with this as well.

 Jacqui is my art partner in crime, difference being is she is really talented!

 Pottery was not the only major event of the weekend. In a shocking turn around Lola let another dog spend the weekend and was even rather friendly.  

We looked after Ruth and Adam's dog, Bella, while they were racing.  This was a pretty amazing moment when Lola even let Bella sit with me when we were watching TV.  Wonders never cease.

Granddad and Freda

 This week has felt like a month, I do not think I have ever been so tired.  And to top it off, seem to have gotten sick too, trying to battle but it is not easy.  But this morning I received some pictures that put a spring back into my step.  I am so excited that Freda is in Canada now meeting her fabulous Grandfather.  I cannot wait to see all the pictures and just so badly times a million wish I could be there now to hang out with the family and meet Freda!

 The proud Grandfather

Freda in my favourite chair which is apparently her favourite chair too.  Sounds like they are having a great time.  Such a shame we missed each other by so little time, but guess good things to those who wait!

Luis's New Job

It is only the end of Wednesday and I am absolutely exhausted!  I have totally forgotten how tiring it is to start a new year and teach a full time table (from April we lose our Year 13's to exams).  I can barley keep my eyes open past 8pm and have had no energy to even write a blog about Luis starting his new job which is super exciting.  Sunday Luis moved into his new apartment on campus (making us a three home couple, not sure how we will ever go down to two or heaven forbid one house ;)!) as he started his new job as an assistant boarding parent.  Me and Lola will miss him hugely the three nights he is gone a week but guess it will make the other four that much more special.  

 I dropped Luis to his new three bed flat Sunday morning.  He is in the boarding house with the older boys 15-18, some of my favourite students are in this house and think he will have a great time.

 I will miss him loads, luckily I have some pretty nice people to help keep me occupied.  So this Sunday I invited all the Newbies and Twobies (old new staff) to brunch at our favourite Cape Panwa.

 Last night we were on our again, so me and Lola headed to the beach for some crab chasing.  It was an amazing day, I think that Thailand has forgotten it is the rainy season which suits me just fine.

Family Day and Cars

Yesterday we had a much needed family day after a stressful week and my trip to Canada.  We were very fortunate that the weather behaved as had a very rainy week and well you never know this time of the year.  We were up early and off to the beach and then had a spot of lunch.  Returning to our still not working, looking slightly like a pond pool to enjoy some cards, Indian and a movie together.

 Lola actually chilling on the beach after a couple hours of serious crab hunting

 This is the worlds best mechanic, who would have been ready to retire at the end of the year with our cars, if he charged us properly.  Very rarely do we have two cars actually on the road (although looks like we will tomorrow), one usually is having a rest at this shop.

Yesterday we dropped in to learn that Green Bean was all ready to go and also that the White Rider was about to explode due to a radiator leak.  our mechanic spent an hour fixing the leak, filling up all the necessary fluids and checking over everything for free.  In the end Luis insisted he take some money but the mechanic would not take more than 200 Baht (6 pounds, 7 dollars).  A great family day and now Luis is getting all ready for his first day of work starting in half an hour (I am going to brunch!!).

Cape Sienna Kick off

The school year ends and begins with dinner and drinks at beautiful Cape Sienna in Kamala.  Once again it was a lovely evening with loads of food, drink and good people.  Although it is a beautiful place, I do think it is worth looking at another spot for one of the events possibly a job for the new unofficial social committee (me and Jacqui).

 The all important drink ticket queue.

 Barbara, Richard abd Sara

Science and Maths Men

 The kiddie table

I must say it is a lovely spot.  It felt like the official kick off of the year, a bit of fun before the kiddies are back on Monday and the real work begins!

Start to Year 2

It was been a bit of a rough start to the beginning of Year 2 in Thailand, the jet lag has been very bad and my motivation lacking.  It felt like a very long summer with some major ups and downs but overall I am thrilled I got to spend so much time with Luis, good friends and my fabulous father.  Today (Friday) is the first day I have felt slightly human since I arrived back Monday night.  This means that I have been a very busy bee trying to get ready today for the kids arrival back on Monday.  Even though it has been a tough week I have gotten to see some good friends for dinner, spend some quality time with my L's and today even got my classroom sorted.

 Laughter and friends is always the best medicine.  We enjoyed a lovely mid-week meal at Leica's catching up with great friends.

 Finally after one year I started working on my notice boards.  This has been a great distraction and good fun to create.

This one is not quite finished but coming a long nicely.  I think the kids will love them, or at least pretend to if they know what is good for them. I am now abut half way ready for Monday!

What a Great Holiday

Leaving my Dad is never easy, I guess this is the price to pay when you have the world's greatest father, and this time is no different.  We had such a great time together, with our daily walks, movies, and especially chats.  In fact, we did not really leave the house, except for  the odd food pick up.  But really there was no need, the property is just so beautiful and it is just so nice to be there.

I also was able to see the fabulous five and I know how much they mean to Dad as well.  On Friday night Tracy and Amy joined us for dinner and today Jen and Brad for lunch.  They really are the kindest most generous people I know and feel so lucky that they are in our lives.

 The girls last night.

 Me, Dad and Jen

 As it was my last day we had two walks, one in the meadow which just looks so lovely.  Unfortunately the gigantic mosquitos make it fairly difficult to stay out there too long though.

I am now sitting in the departure lounge in Toronto airport, trying to keep it together, I am a bit of a crier really and once I start it is hard to stop.  I just had such a lovely time and wish I could have stayed a little longer.  But I will be back soon and next time with the other man in my life, whom I miss terribly.

Well time to board, and although sad to leave I do miss my L's and looking forward to seeing them both in 42 short hours... 

Henry Helper Meal

Last night was meant to be our Henry Helper night, but was not totally complete as some of the key players were unavailable (Will and Colleen).  But we still got a few helpers over and also Aunty Janice and Darcy who may not help with things like mowing lawns but do provide emotional support which is equally important.  We were super lucky that one of the two days that have been summer since I arrived was yesterday and we were able to sit outside for a while.

 I woke up at 6am to start on my lasagna, it was average.  I always seem to be just a bit off! I think I am lucky to now live in a country where it is really expected one never cooks.

 My wonderful God Mother, who I adore and am so glad I got to see.

Superman Fred, a great friend and neighbour.  

A really nice evening, even though I am not keen on cooking I do thoroughly enjoy having all over for dinner!

Pita Pit

The other day I went to the petrol station for some odds and ends and bought Dad a scratch card, I figured he was due a little luck.  He missed out on the $50 000 grand prize but did get five times the amount I paid which was just enough to treat his eldest to Pita Pit (one of my favourite things to eat here).  We had delicious pitas, but as the place was freezing with AC we decided to be super classy and eat in the car.

 Not fine dining in any sense, but lots of delicious toppings and a place that reminds me a lot of my after 'clubbing' nights back in the day

 Super yummy and got us prepared to attack the supermarket which was even colder.  We do not like to go out too much, why would we when we have a beautiful property to look at and everything all set up.

 As a sunny day I tackled the lawn with this antique mower.  I prefer this one to the electric one (mainly as it seems to be a little under the weather) and the riding one is just too easy!

  We ended the day with one of our walks, part of our daily routine.  It was the first real summer day since I arrived.  We had another lovely day, just hanging out the two of us.

Amy, Ryan, Ainsley and Carson

I have said this at least 1000 times and I will probably say it 10 000 more times, I am so lucky to have the friends that I do all over the world, particularly here.  My father made a speech at our wedding that included a blurb about families.  He mentioned three families that were key to my life and the Fabulous Five was one of them.  These women have been my best friends for at least 25 years (one as long as 35) and not only a great friend to me but this has extended to my family as well.  When I arrived last week I opened the freezer to see it stacked full of food from them.  He cannot tell me enough how much he loves Tracy's lasagna or Amy's cacciatore but most of all he loves their visits.

Yesterday Amy came with her beautiful family, Ryan who I have also known for 25 years and their kids.  Ryan is always full of fun and Dad just adores him. Amy is one of the greats and I am so lucky to have her in my life.  And then there are the children, whom I would kinda like to sneak back on the plane with me.  They are just amazing.

 I went to buy snacks but Dad told me that was all crap food but okay if I baked.  So for the first time in plus twenty years I baked cookies.

 Amy, Dad and Me :)

 Ryan showing off with his magic tricks, it was pretty amazing

 Dad with Ryan

 Ainsley and Carson, possibly the two most well behaved, polite, funny children I have ever met.