End of September

It's been just over three weeks since my last blog and so much has happened. It's amazing how much life can pack itself into a day!

School started and I've met my kiddos. What a great group. The room looked good when I stood with my boxes and bags and looked around. It looked happy once it was unpacked and welcome signs were hung. But it looks positively exciting filled with fourth graders. Each is eager to learn in his or her own way. Some plunge right in, others are more cautious, not wanting to repeat unsettling experiences from the past. So far, we've managed to cover a lot of territory and generate a ton of smiles as well.

Having walls and a door makes such a HUGE difference. When I read aloud I can add sound effects and change voices. When they laugh out loud it is OK. When we work in groups a comfortable buzz is actually comfortable. Last year it was an open space class and we had to constantly whisper and shush because of the other 5 classes in the same space!

Much more joy will be had this year! Meg

September

We are safely home and have been for just over two weeks now. The days have zipped past as only time can.

Our trip was such fun! We collected memories to keep us cozy over many wintry days.
I'll update the blog with a few of the better photos we took soon.

We've spent some time with family and friends since getting back. And we took out the kayaks. Paddling across the water and enjoying the gorgeous sights and wildlife near Deception Pass is an amazing experience.

The other activity that has gobbled up time is school. I've changed locations again and came home to see that my boxes of materials had been moved. It has taken many days to open all of the boxes and find a place for everything. Classroom library books, paper supplies, decorations and items for bulletin boards, files, a professional library, etc...all needed to be set up and ready for use. Tomorrow I'll hook up the computers, printers, and electronic equipment. Then I'll think about activities for the first days. Lots is done and more remains.

My new room is quite large and very sunny. Have a look at the picture or better yet, come for a visit.

Love, Meg

London

Have enjoyed our time in London. The entire world in a few city blocks. Once you've reviewed a bit of history you look at these buildings and monuments with completely new eyes. Amazing. Not only the current world but the past as well.

We've been to Avebury and walked the circumference of a stone circle, walked along roman roads and under roman arches, seen signs of Queen Victoria, Napoleon,and even Ben Franklin. We've watched a memorial to the dead of many wars and read about the current ones including new and strong protests. Fashion alive and very dead. Food to be remembered and food to leave ulcers in its tracks!

To the prime meridian and back again. An amazing time and now we've run out. Less than 24 hours to home. See you all soon. Bringing hugs and smiles and stories and songs.

Love, meg

Still in Love

Unlike any other trip I've ever taken, I was a bit homesick as this one began. I think that's good actually. It means I've put down roots and home is truly home. Good friends, a satisfying job and family not too far away.

That having been said, I forgot everything as I stood on the edge of the sea for a week in Boscastle. The raw power and beauty of the ocean flows through my body when I'm there and there is room for nothing else. Pure joy.

We did have some sun and when swimming up the road in Crackington Haven. The waves pounded us and we laughed out loud. Most were in wet suits and on surf or boogie boards. Warren and I just went in. We both love the sea and in we went. Big cresting waves to wash over us, high swells to dive into, splash and jump and swim and tumble. Sea and salt and sun. It was fabulous.

We ended our stay in Boscastle with two unbelievable nights with the locals.Our landlord told us about the snug up the hill where a group of locals meet to sing once a week. We went and were invited to join in . It was like an "evening fire" at Zanika, just in Cornwall. The next night was instruments and singers alike. We met some truly lovely people and I suspect we'll return again. There's more, but I'll save it for another entry.

We're in London now. Headed for the Thames and a play sometime tonight. More soon. In a few days we'll be home to enjoy each of you in person.

Love you. Meg

Pictures from Boscastle

Having a really great time! Just thought I'd add a few photos today. Meg

In Love

Twenty-four years ago Warren and I went on a whirlwind tour of England and Scotland. I stood on the edge of a cliff looking down at pounding waves, listening to the roar and feeling the power of wind and water and promised myself I would somehow return. We came again in 2002 and now we have a full week. I am in heaven.

WE are in Boscastle on the Cornish Coast. The cliffs are dramatic in black slate, angled from earthquakes and worn from the wind. The waves are still crashing and they still take my breath away.

Nestled in the valley a bit behind is a dozy village. Whitewashed walls, everything bent and worn with age. Lovely. Scones and tea are the food of the gods. Now we just need a tad bit of sun and I'll jump into the harbor and swim to my hearts content.

We are having a grand time!! Wish you were all here to enjoy it with us.

LOVE Meg

Oxford

We're in Oxford now. OMG it is so impressive. I felt obligated to buy half a dozen books and carry them around so we wouldn't look like the hundreds (make that thousands) of other tourists. Once we tore our eyes away from the matching backpacks and screaming t-shirts we looked up to see gargoyles that make you laugh, not scream. ancient and lovely architectural details. lazy fields with cows, punts on the river, blooming roses and every window and inch of garden in bloom. it's really nice. the colleges with their dignified quads, the libraries, the dates on building going back hundreds of years. it's really great.

And now we're off to explore some more. enjoy your summers. we are. love meg