tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-11-11:/A stop-start diary of my life in Edinburgh where I am a teacher of children with multiple disabilities. This diary started during my 6 month stay in India working with their special children.MokoFeed2009-11-11T21:18:35+01:00tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-11-09:/2009/11/09/a-fishy-tale-7339664/Saritime2009-11-09T20:57:57+01:002009-11-09T22:43:46+01:00 <p>Joyce and I were down at Freddie's again over the weekend and we are gradually getting things organised there. No small thanks to Freddie's wonderful friends. One thing though which has caused me some concern is her pond. There have been problems with the pump valve blocking and pumping the water out onto the grass rather than back into the pond resulting... obviously in a drained pond and some very unhappy fish.... fortunately someone has spotted the problem in time and mass fishicide has been avoided.<br> Well, on Saturday Jim and I drained the pond and checked out the pump and filter again. Thanks Jim, it was not a fun job - the water was freezing and the mud stank and the frogs - who had begun to hibernate at the bottom of the pond - were VERY unimpressed at being netted in error and showed just how well they could jump out of the net and back into the mud.<br> I've worked out what was wrong with the pump but have decided to leave it switched off for the winter period anyway. I did however decide I would not be able to live with myself if I was the cause of Freddie's fish all dying... so yesterday I rescued four.<br> I had a crate in the boot of my car, containing a bucket 1/3rd full of water containing the fish and covered with a poly bag tied with an elastic and a ribbon.... couldn't find string so a ribbon it had to be! Most fetching! Joyce gave me an old camping water bottle full of water just in case of further leaks and I set off up the A68. I don't know how well you know the A68 between Durham and Edinburgh, but a combination of the Cheviots, the mining country and everything else means that it has more ups and downs than any other road I know, and not just wee gentle ups and downs but amazing crowns and crests and blind summits where you can fly the car rather than drive it... crests they call them on the road signs and crest we did. After the joys of Carter Bar, I stopped for some refreshment at the Jedburgh Woollen Mill and to my surprise bumped into D&V there on their way back from a wedding. Nice to have some company! I shot away from them though and got back on the road and up and over Soutra, the views over the Forth were fabulous, clear cold evening skies a beautiful sunset and winter colours.<br> Somehow, eventually, I managed to get to Edinburgh with fish intact and very little water in the boot! I've now moved them into my pond with the 6 fish that are already there. I'm sure that being hardy northerners they'll be able to hold their own against my wee Scottish beasts! Hopefully the cold will make them so drowsy that they'll all just go into winter shutdown and by the time they all wake up in the spring they'll be so used to each otehr that they won't even notice that there are more than there were before. It was certainly cold last night -3 on my window thermometer when I checked it this morning before going to work. Brrrrrrrrrrrrr. It is a nice wee pond though I'm quite chuffed with it.<br> <a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Our pond by night"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/115/4094115_6fc21baf6f_s.jpeg" alt="Our pond by night"></a><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Freddie and I in her garden - end of August"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/429/4094429_47cc726518_s.jpeg" alt="Freddie and I in her garden - end of August"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/11/09/a-fishy-tale-7339664/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-11-04:/2009/11/04/life-goes-on-7308849/Saritime2009-11-04T22:20:33+01:002009-11-04T22:40:02+01:00 <p>We're all trying very hard to move on from our sadness of the past year, it's been quite a roller-coaster beginning with the death of our aunt in February, Stepmother in March, Dad in May and now of course Freddie. I've told my remaining wee sister Joyce quite sternly that she had better look after herself or I shall have to have severe words with her!<br> We've been up and down to Durham over the past few weeks trying to do some sorting and sifting and doing a lot of reminiscing. Freddie had a great bunch of friends and their support has been just fantastic. Come to that our own friends have been really supportive and helped us incredibly to get through things. There were only 9 weeks between Freddie's diagnosis and death, so we really have been, and remain, in shock.<br> To try to get a rest from things here, Colin and I had a trip to Marrakesh in the October holiday sadly the weather was not brilliant so we had to do a lot of drinking coffee and shopping! Tough but someone has to do it. If you want a nice place to stay have a look at the Riad Linda's website. Very comfy and owned by Edinburgh friends of ours.<br> Had a couple of visits to a Hamman... a Morroccan version of a Turkish bath, starts with a thorough steaming then a wash down by the attendant followed by a thorough ex-foliation all over, next is a warm shower and finally a full body massage, takes about an hour and you feel great after. The building itself is worth a visit. Men and women are kept very separate and the clouds of steam are so thick that the odd roll of flesh goes un-noticed.</p> <p> <a title="Entrance to the Hamman" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/996/4076996_8c3704aa06_s.jpeg" alt="Entrance to teh Hamman"></a><a title="Shopping!" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/000/4077000_1c60dbc82e_s.jpeg" alt="Shopping!"></a><a title="More shopping" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/023/4077023_e58eaaabff_s.jpeg" alt="More shopping"></a><a title="Shoe shop" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/072/4077072_ca84f8c787_s.jpeg" alt="Shoe shop"></a><a title="Fossil Shop" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/073/4077073_b5618c24a5_s.jpeg" alt="Fossil Shop"></a></p> <p> We were amazed when we came across lots of men taking part in what amounts to a fairground fishing game, except they were fishing for Coca Cola, Spright and Fanta with wooden fishing rods with loops of wire on the ends. Alcohol was available, but not within sight of mosques and it was nice to be in a sober environment!<br> <a title="Fishing for fanta and Cola" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/997/4076997_b309de4545_s.jpeg" alt="Fishing for fanta and Cola"></a><a title="La Place by night" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/027/4077027_807469042b_s.jpeg" alt="La Place by night"></a><br> It was wonderful to walk around the main square of the Medina - La Place El Fna by night, there were orange juice sellers, snake charmers, restaurants which set up each evening and were gone by morning, monkey handlers, fortune tellers and medicine men as well as musicians and thousands of people local and tourists. <a title="Night time Restaurant Stall" href="javascript:window.open("><br><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/071/4077071_cedc4d6238_s.jpeg" alt="Night time Restaurant Stall"></a></p> <p>It's a very clean town and we had no concerns about food etc which was nice. My school girl french had a good testing and it was quite reasssuring just how much of higher french 1971 I have retained. Archie Gilogley would be proud of me!<br> <a title="Entrance to Morroccan Restaurant in La Place" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/024/4077024_7e5b585cf3_s.jpeg" alt="Entrance to Morroccan Restaurant in "></a><a title="Moroccan salad Starter" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/026/4077026_83fcf92011_s.jpeg" alt="Moroccan salad Starter"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/life-goes-on-7308849/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-10-02:/2009/10/02/freddie-7083416/Saritime2009-10-02T10:36:43+02:002009-10-02T10:44:05+02:00 <p><a title="Freddie" href="javascript:window.open("><span><span>My lovely sister Freddie<em> </em></span><em>12th June 1957 - 25th September 2009<br></em></span></a><a title="Freddie" href="javascript:window.open("><a title="Freddie" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/446/3957446_e54c88a8ef_m.jpeg" alt="Freddie"></a></a><a title="Freddie" href="javascript:window.open("><span><em></em></span></a><a title="Freddie" href="javascript:window.open("><a title="Freddie" href="javascript:window.open("><span><em></em></span></a></a><em></em></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/10/02/freddie-7083416/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-08-13:/2009/08/13/life-is-a-beach-6717241/Saritime2009-08-13T17:27:52+02:002009-08-13T17:29:35+02:00 <p>Well it is hard to believe, but the summer is over and I am about to go home. It has been different this year, but very enjoyable. It made me realise how very lucky I was last year with my house in Perumalpuram, which was comparatively cool, this house was newer and although the fans were very good, I simply baked especially over night.<br> I had two new pupils into school as well as some of my existing ones. Anbu, who is 2 and a half, was absolutely delightful. Not yet walking and very reluctant to explore objects, still very much at the mouthing stage which was of concern to his mum until we had a chat about why he was mouthing objects. For the first few days he screamed when he was in school with us, but by the end of the time, he was happily playing in class with us and having his physio, (with Shanthi, the new physio) for almost an hour and a half without his mum being in the room, she was thrilled.<br> Banu (note the similarity of names which caused me great confusion!) is 6 and has never allowed her mum to leave her anywhere, but again, by the end of the time was doing so. She had just learned that people got really fed up with her screaming and so if she kept it up for long enough people would give in and get her mum. Once mum was with her, she would then constantly ask to go to the toilet and if not taken at once would pee! The longest we stood the screaming for before it stopped was around 35 minutes. By my last day however, apart from a coffee break when mum swapped in with me, she managed a 2 hour play session which was fab. She was a lot of fun and I think would have been outright winner in a girning (face pulling) competition, it was hard not to laugh at times, she could cross her eyes, and turn them up almost into their sockets while making facial expressions too. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/08/13/life-is-a-beach-6717241/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-08-05:/2009/08/05/odds-and-ends-6656712/Saritime2009-08-05T13:41:16+02:002009-08-05T13:41:16+02:00 <p>Today is Wednesday, yesterday was a public holiday s no school. Sadly though I spent the morning at the dentist. I don't think I mentioned, but the saga of the teeth continues. The day Colin, Ali and I were due to fly north, the car had come at 10.30 to get us to the airport, when i went to brush my teeth and found I had lost half of a white filling in my front tooth. We had to leave by 11.00 to catch the only flight of the day and then our onward connection. I ran to the dentist next door and within 20 minutes, I had had the filling replaced and was on the road. Can't see that happening in the UK! Which reminds me I really must pay her.<br> On our return I went to see her about a sensitive tooth which has been getting gradually worse over the last 6 months or so. The upshot was it needed a crown and of course root canal treatment, which as many will testify is no longer economically viable on the NHS. Last Tuesday teh orhodontist came and drilled out the roots and put a temp dressing on them I left with pain killers, not required adn 3 days of antibiotics. I went back yesterday and the root work was completed, the post fitted for the crown and I go back on Friday for the mould to be made and the crown will then be fitted on Tuesday just in time for my leaving on Thursday.<br> I met Raja's wife yesterday for the first time and watched highlights from their wedding DVD. Their's is an arranged marriage they had only met once or twice before the ceremony, she seems really nice and a good match with him, they did a lot of laughing which was good.<br> Blessie came into school with her mum and dad today and will be back on Friday, you can see pics of her last year in the archives of the blog, she is still a beautiful child, sadly though not made a lot of progress, but she will be in most days till I leave, She has at least been having physio which is really important for her. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/08/05/odds-and-ends-6656712/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-08-01:/2009/08/01/new-month-6629958/Saritime2009-08-01T11:34:09+02:002009-08-01T11:34:09+02:00 <p>Can't believe it is August already! Saturday today so no school. I went out last night in Raja's auto, he's now back workng after his marriage on 13th July, I was really sorry to miss hs wedding but it was while we were up north so sadly we couldn't make it. I've got an invitation though, in Tamil, and apparently all went well. I'm going to meet his wife Beula on Tuesday and to watch the wedding DVDs!<br> Back to shopping, nothing much to report, went to Pothy's - see their website you can find it if you look it up on google, it is a glorious shop full of colour and residents out for a shop! Pothy's and RMKV, also available online, are totally different to any other shop in the area and they come with air conditioning!<br> Went to the Buhari restaurant to pick up some chkcne 65 and a nan for my dinner then backto phone home and have an early night. Today is just a lazy day which is a joy here!<br> Don't know if I have mentioned but Prem's brother and his wife live next door, she is lecturer in Coimabature, 3 hours bus ride away. She is not allowed to go to college by car apparently, as only the principal should do that! They are both ver nce and friendly asa re most folks here.<br> As a side line they also breed and sell tropical fish (well this is the tropics after all), and sell fresh chicken. this means that every day a crate of chickens are brought in from the country and sold as required, resulting in a loud clcking as the salesman's hands go in to grab the next unfortunate bird follwed by silence. At least there is no dreadful thud of the executioner's axe, not sure I could bear that all day long. It s al incredibly quick, from cage to plucked and cleaned and on the scales all within 5 minutes! I don't buy raw chicken here though! Only the ready cooked version! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/08/01/new-month-6629958/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-07-30:/2009/07/30/new-pupils-yeah-6618514/Saritime2009-07-30T16:31:55+02:002009-07-30T16:31:55+02:00 <p>I’ve tried to put up the pics from the other day, I’m working on Prem’s laptop in his eye clinic just along from the house and the connection is much better.<br> To school today, came not the child Jeya that I was expecting, but two other children, one a boy of two and a half who howled for the first half hour as we tried to talk to his mum, then once he stopped crying and looked at the things I was playing with he calmed down and didn’t want to leave! He has CP and is fairly delayed in all aspects of his development, we’ve arranged for him to come in tomorrow for an hour to see how things go. The other is a young girl of 6 with an unfortunate alopecia condition which has resulted in her hair growing in clumps around her head, so the parents have been keeping her head shaved to try to minimise the strange appearance, she came in wearing the most beautiful sun bonnet. She has CP too and some very strange abnormalities of her feet. I cannot see her weight bearing at all at least for some time until something can be done for her feet. She has a habit of throwing everything within reach and at 6 has some strength behind her throw, I can also testify that she has a strong grip and enjoys pulling hair! She too is coming in tomorrow but at a different time to the little boy, I’m also seeing Sanjay on a daily basis too. Along with his general lower body weakness in his muscles, he has weakness in his bladder muscles too and they don’t wear pads here! I am getting very good at jumping off the mat as another flood happens! The physio is working with us to try to look at his muscle tone in general and develop an appropriate exercise programme!<br> One plus is that I have managed to get the new physio interested in working with Thilagavadi and I which is great and may help to keep her own professional enthusiasm up as otherwise her job is very routine and I don’t think much of a challenge for her, in fact she has already asked if I am aware of any physio positions in Scotland!<br> Language, and my Scottish accent can sometimes cause problems and I have realised that it is easier for people to read English than to talk in it with me on a professional level, so I have written two short essays in the last few days in response to requests! I’ll see how they have gone down next week. One is on communication and the other on the multi sensory approach! Though my essay writing days were over now I’m a depute!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/07/30/new-pupils-yeah-6618514/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-07-28:/2009/07/28/school-time-6605066/Saritime2009-07-28T15:24:00+02:002009-07-30T16:30:03+02:00 <p>I went back into school yesterday, and had a bit of a mixed day. There are currently no pre-schoolers attending although there were up until May when the school broke for the summer. My group of last year remained steady, at 5 attending most days. That core group has now re-joined the class at the speech therapy clinic in the town and one other, Sanjay who had just begun last year when I finished in May, has joined class 1 as he is almost 5. I don’t think developmentally he is at that level, but hopefully some of the stuff we did last year will continue. Jeyakodi has apparently put out feelers for new pupils to come over the next few days, there is a two year old coming on Thursday. Methi has as I feared been moved away from the group, and Thilagavadi, who was keen towards the end of my visit, has taken over. She will be working with me this year while I am here. We spent time with Sanjay this morning, and one of the most difficult things, is responding to the question ‘What sort of training do you recommend for this boy Sally?’ Those of you who are familiar with the ways we work back in the UK will know that there is no standard or magic answer, but it is what is looked for. The answer is really, ‘Well I’ll spend a lot of time playing with him and watching him and at times interacting with him and at other not interacting with him, and we’ll see how he responds and then look at what his development levels are and then try to help him to continue to develop the skills he has and acquire new ones and all of this will be at his own pace.’ Sadly the environment here will not allow that to happen, so the answer is probably, ‘Well we’ll observe him and play with him and try to help his confidence to develop.’ I’m very aware though that when I come back next year I am likely to be told how far he can jump, how many beads he can thread and whether or not he is toilet trained, which he may well be. We sat down together and got out some of my stuff from last year, he huddled in a corner, but when I got out eh bongo drums and started to play with them he came across and started to play with me, he then had fun with the bells and within an hour was digging in my toy boxes seeing what he could find and having lots of fun. During the afternoon, I went to Subbaiah’s class and tried to persuade him to come with me but he was having none of it until I had a brain wave and went and got a couple of tumblers and a spoon and started to tap out some sounds. He was up like a shot, grabbed the spoon and ran across to my classroom. After 10 minutes or so he suddenly jumped up, climbed onto my knee and started to vocalise and rock the way we had done in our movement sessions last year. Great. The most difficult thing was getting him to go back to his class again later in the day. Pictures: Here are some rainbow chicks which we spotted when Ali and Colin were here, looks like Cursillo has taken over the poultry market here. These were on sale outside the cathedral, haven’t a clue why they looked like this. Also, here is the Tirunelvelli Town temple elephant, Ali was offered a ride on it when we were there but declined. She hadn’t realised that when I said we might see the temple elephant that I had meant a living and breathing one, she had been used to me talking about elephants and seeing statues and pictures of them. This one is out for its nightly stroll around the town. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw these emus for sale at the market in Bangalore, specially imported from Australia and apparently not heading for the butcher’s block! For Holy Cross folks here is a picture of Sham and family, Shyama is now into her final year at school so tough exams and decisions are ahead. It was lovely to see them in Bangalore. Oops looks like pics will follow as upload is very slow today.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Chicks"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/424/3736424_8876e462f2_s.jpg" alt="Chicks"></a><br> <a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Temple elephant"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/427/3736427_fd1d254a39_s.jpg" alt="Temple elephant"></a></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Baby Emus at Bangalore Market"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/465/3736465_5b4bc21c34_s.jpg" alt="Baby Emus at Bangalore Market"></a></p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Sham Jolly and Shyama"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/428/3736428_fa4fc2bb82_s.jpg" alt="Sham Jolly and Shyama"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/07/28/school-time-6605066/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-07-25:/2009/07/25/back-in-tirunelvelli-6584587/Saritime2009-07-25T12:25:01+02:002009-07-25T12:37:33+02:00 <p>Well I’m on my own here in Tirunelvelli again, C olin, Ali and I had a great time touring around the north, but they’ve gone home now. We didn’t manage much internet access over that period which is why the blog was abandoned a bit. I thought I might even have found a nearby wi-fi connection which I could have used here but it has disappeared, so I’ll write up sections and post when I get access which may mean a few instalments appear at once.<br> I’m staying in a very nice flat belonging to Prem’s cousin near to teh bus stand in Palayamkottai so very central. I’ve a bedroom, kitchen and sitting room as well as a shower room. It’s a modern house, next door to Prem’s brother and mother. It’s very up-market, however it is also much hotter then the house last year so I am finding that a bit tough at times.<br> Prem’s mum who is in her 80’s, has offered me breakfast while I’m here which is very kind, so , so far, I’ve had iddiappam, (she called them string hoppers which is the Sri Lankan name apparently) you have them with coconut milk and sugar, a bit like soft cereal, they are made of steamed rice flour and look a bit like spaghetti. Next day was dosai, with coconut chutney and ‘greens’, today was idli, which are made in the same recipe as dosai but steamed rather than griddled, they are made with a fermented dough and anyone who knows me, knows that I am not fond of either of these two, so eating them is a labour of love.<br> Today is Saturday, a fairly lazy day so far, not helped by a 3.5 hour power cut, which means no fans and as the temp is a steady 32 degrees, in the shade, it means that I am hot! I’m off to junction shortly to pick up the shirts Ali left to be made, hope they look good. Later this evening I’m off to Carrie’s to use the internet and post this piece.<br> I’ve enjoyed being out and about and have been stopped by lots of folks who recognise me. I start school on Monday but will have a late start on Tuesday as I shall be going back to the dentist as my sensitive tooth had hit crisis level, she says there is nothing for it but root canal and a crown, so it’s a bit of déjà vu here. At least I know that her work is good, the bridge she made last year has been fine.<br> Looking forward to going to church tomorrow as well I’ll be going to evening service though, the 7.00am start is really not my best time for the Eucharist!<br> BTW thanks very much to Ali who left me her notebook PC to work on while I’m here, very small and lightweight especially as I only have a 20kg checked baggage allowance and 7kg hand baggage allowance. It’s a bit like cutting off her right hand to leave it with me so is much appreciated honey!<br> Tomorrow is Colin’s and my 34th wedding anniversary, sorry not to be with you love, we’ll celebrate when I am back and btw Happy anniversary to Caroline and Colin on their 1st anniversary tomorrow too.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Lounge, please note marble floors throughout!"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/021/3720021_c0cf58a1e3_s.jpeg" alt="Lounge, please note marble floors throughout!"></a><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Bedroom"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/020/3720020_8fe95e69a0_s.jpeg" alt="Bedroom"></a><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="My kitchen"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/019/3720019_e6092edc2b_s.jpeg" alt="My kitchen"></a><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Idli"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/022/3720022_13417a7e3d_s.jpeg" alt="Idli"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/07/25/back-in-tirunelvelli-6584587/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-07-20:/2009/07/20/pictures-worth-a-thousand-words-6552402/Saritime2009-07-20T13:01:28+02:002009-07-20T18:20:57+02:00 <p>We've had a wonderful couple of weeks travelling, lots to see, taste, smell and generally absorb. We've been in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Bangalore and are now in Chennai, yesterday we went to Mahaballapuram and today shopped, Ali and Colin are as good as I am at that!<br>Here are some pictures of us having fun before the work start in Tirunelvelli next week.<br><a title="Ali happy!" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/331/3704331_a8c4105a82_s.jpeg" alt="Ali happy!"></a><a title="The Amber Fort at Jaipur" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/332/3704332_0feaaa63ad_s.jpeg" alt="The Amber Fort at Jaipur"></a><a title="Mahabalipuram" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/333/3704333_bcc69f6bba_s.jpeg" alt="Mahabalipuram"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/07/20/pictures-worth-a-thousand-words-6552402/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-07-13:/2009/07/13/delhi-and-the-north-6506042/Saritime2009-07-13T17:41:39+02:002009-07-13T17:41:39+02:00 <p>After our 2 days in Kovalum, where it didn't rain and we made agood start to our tans, it was off to Tirunelvelli and old friends. We are staying in a flat belonging to Prem's cousin, in the same compound as Prem's opthalmic practice and also his parents and brother. Very luxurious but no AC so very hot. We borrowed a tower fan from Carrie to make life a little more bearable for Ali. Visited school briefly and had a wonderful welcome from  the kids, especially Viki, Hepzibah, Muutuselvis, Tamil Selvan and Subbaiyah, who watched me from a distance until I went over to him. The wee ones have not been coming regularly, but they are trying to keep things going as a drop in. I knida feared that might happen, however I can see the fruits of the work I did with the older pupils and the treachers who are definitely more child centred in their approach. The school is also looking fresher having been painted and is definitely less cluttered and dusty. We visited friends, shopped and explored the town in Tirunelvelli and saw Raja, my auto driver who is getting married (today actually).<br>Amazingly as we turned into the school compound, having been in TIrunelvelli for 2 hours, there was a shout and there, sitting in his auto eating his lunch in the peace of the school grounds was Ignesh, my morning auto driver. He was very surprised to see me and immediately checked I still had his phone number!<br>We visited the Bishop and discovered taht not only can pacocks fly, but they can fly to the top of tall palm trees!<br>We had 3 nights in Tirunelvelli, then flew via Chennai to Delhi, temp here is in the 40's! Two nights in the YMCA Tourist hostel, not to be highly recommended but cleanish and safe, then car to Agra today. We are going to the Taj tomorrow, Ali can't wait. We booked this hotel, The Howard Park Plaza from home and it is fab, we went straight for a swim on arrival and then a very fine buffet. To Ali's delight we have internet access too!</p> <p></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/07/13/delhi-and-the-north-6506042/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-07-07:/2009/07/07/back-again-6467146/Saritime2009-07-07T18:22:57+02:002009-07-07T18:22:57+02:00 <p>Well Colin Ali and I are back in India, monsoon in Kovalum and bless its cotton socks it hasn't rained on us. Ali seems to love the place as much as we do. We're staying in the Hotel Seaface (has a website)which is alittle more up market than the Rockholm and a little dearer but has a pool and as it is monsoon weather the sea is too rough to swim in, so a pool is a must.<br> Been lazing around, sleeping late, wandering those shops which are open and enjoying the sea food. Ali has discovered she enjoys prawns! We asked what one fish was in a restaurant today and they said they didn't know as it was the first time they had had it! Don't think it was a blow fish but avoided it just in case. They've enjoyed butter fish +++ and red snapper - but not quite so much.<br> Went in an auto to Kovalum junction today which Ali loved, really liked seeing a little of real India. Off to Tirunelvelli tomorrow via Kanya Kumari, Nancy's driver is picking us up in their new Ambassador, delivered just after I left last year, new driver too! We are going to be staying in Prem's cousin's flat near Palay bus stand. Handy for my dentist too if I need her. Weather says it has been 31 degrees today here, but we have had a cool sea breeze. Tiruenlveli is 32 tomorrow and Delhi currently in the 40s, Hot Hot Hot!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/07/07/back-again-6467146/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-06-03:/2009/06/03/a-sad-time-6232438/Saritime2009-06-03T21:45:01+02:002009-06-03T21:45:01+02:00 <p>My father died last week on 22nd May, so we have all been down in Romsey organising the funeral, tidying up the house etc as my step brother wants it to go on the market this week. It's all been rather hectic and a very sad time for us all.<br> The funeral went well, I managed to deliver the eulogy, thanks to a lot of support from family and friends.<br> The picture below is of Katy and I with him, not at his best, as he didn't normally use a wheelchair, but fairly happy after my return from India. </p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Katy and I with Dad"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/772/3563772_b13fd15901_s.jpeg" alt="Katy and I with Dad" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/06/03/a-sad-time-6232438/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-04-19:/2009/04/19/so-that-was-easter-5972676/Saritime2009-04-19T21:53:27+02:002009-04-20T13:01:41+02:00 <p>These holidays have seemed rather strange, in some ways, a lot crammed in and in other ways, no rest at all.<br> Week one was spent down with Dad, preparing for the funeral, juggling finances and other such tasks as well as grieving and comforting Dad after the death of my stepmother. I came back home on the Wednesday and had some time with Ali and Colin, then on Easter Sunday, after a quick Easter egg hunt in the garden... who says 19 is too old for an Easter egg hunt?... it was back to the airport and a flybe down to Soton again. We've been staying during recent trips south, in Chilworth manor which is very comfy, an old manor house and now an hotel, lovely grounds and a pool and leisure centre in the grounds which has helped me to de-stress at times.<br> My sisters and Kathryn arrived on Monday and the funeral was on Tuesday. A little strange as it started at the crematorium and was then followed by a service of thanksgiving in the Abbey where they were married almost 24 years ago. Dad was great and managed to walk back down the length of the aisle with H's two eldest grandchildren supporting him. Extraordinarily moving, the entire congregation stood as he passed them. It was obvious what a real effort he was making. We then had tea and biccies provided by the MU in the church rooms.<br> C, K and A all came home on the Tuesday evening, F and J on the Wednesday and I stayed till the Thursday evening. Lots of banking and negotiating, Barclays and Nationwide really helpful Abbey unhelpful to the pint of obstructive. Dad is determined to get himself back to their house soon, but it is going to require a lot of organisation and a 24 care package in place. Not easy when we are all so very far away.<br> Got home Thursday evening and spent most of Friday Saturday at home sleeping or relaxing and unable to get any enthusiasm up for anything much. Saturday we went out looking for cars as my new Golf plus is a little large for town use and so Colin will probably use it. Looking for something a little smaller for em and think we may have found it ... rather nice... more soon!<br> One more day off tomorrow then back to school, hard to believe it is the Summer term already. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/04/19/so-that-was-easter-5972676/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-04-09:/2009/04/09/help-please-5917608/Saritime2009-04-09T18:04:48+02:002009-04-09T18:04:48+02:00 <p>Does anyone have this week's Church Times? I'd like to see the death notice for my stepmother which I believe is in it. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/04/09/help-please-5917608/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-04-09:/2009/04/09/oh-dear-5917396/Saritime2009-04-09T17:12:44+02:002009-04-09T18:07:08+02:00 <p>I was in Waitrose yesterday trying to catch up with things after being down south with my Dad, when I saw the following with their display of cards and chocolate eggs:<span><span><strong><br></strong></span></span><span><span><strong>Happy Easter - 10-13th April</strong></span></span><br>Since when did Good Friday and Holy Saturday become a part of Happy Easter?</p> <p>I am off south again next week, Hilda's funeral is on Tuesday, so I'll stay a couple of days with Dad too afterwards.<br> Hope to spend next weekend chilling out and having a bit of a rest before school starts again on the Tuesday. That's after a visit to the dentist, I managed to find an NHS dentist yesterday and what's more got a cancellation appointment for next week so that's one item on the checklist done.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/04/09/oh-dear-5917396/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-03-31:/2009/03/31/goodbye-to-hilda-5868199/Saritime2009-03-31T22:00:21+02:002009-03-31T22:00:21+02:00 <p>My step mother died suddenly on Saturday morning, very peacefully, thankfully my father was able to get to her bedside in time to be with her. Sadly she has been in hospital for the last few weeks since a fall at home and Dad has been stranded in the nursing home since 17th Feb. so they've not been together for a while. My middle sister was down at the weekend and was with them at the hospital, along with Hilda's daughter in law and grandson. Little sis did a great job in supporting Dad and Hilda, What a star. The support that the three of us have for each other and Dad is just amazing. Maybe something to do with losing Mum when we were comparatively young, or maybe we're just lucky to be so close in our hearts if not in miles! Dad and Hilda were married for over 23 years both of them having been widowed before they married in 1985, for a second time each. Not a bad tally these days, two happy marriages each.<br> My fund raising Bridge day on Saturday went well although hearing about Hilda just before the start was rather distracting. We raised around £750 on the day through tickets, raffle and donations which is fantastic.<br> Thanks to all those who helped either on the day or in advance.<br> Read the most recent Marian Keyes over the last few days, a great chance just to disappear from the world without having to think too much about what I was reading although it was written in 4 different voices which takes a while to get used to! It has an insight into violence against women in relationships and the strange way these relationships continue in spite of this. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/03/31/goodbye-to-hilda-5868199/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-03-24:/2009/03/24/almost-spring-5823054/Saritime2009-03-24T22:02:18+01:002009-03-24T22:02:18+01:00 <p>It must be almost Spring as the clocks go forward on Saturday night / Sunday morning. Funny how it's OK in the Winter when they go back but horrid in the Spring when they go forward!<br> I can't believe it is almost the end of March already! I've been flying solo in school this week as the VP and P are in Sweden. How come I got to go to Bradford last week and they get to go to Orebro, not fair! Still it's snowing in Orebro and it was 17 degrees in Bradford.<br> Mother's Day last Sunday, C took me overnight to the Orocco in South Queensferry. Very nice, a fabulous meal so I can highly recommend it. It looks like a traditional pub from the front, but they have put huge windows at the back and the view across the Forth taking in both bridges is amazing.<br> I'm running a fund-raising Bridge afternoon next Saturday in aid of the Trust. Lots of folks helping in so many ways so thank you. Folks putting out tables, baking, making sandwiches, serving food and tea, selling raffle tickets then clearing it all up again at the end. thanks to you all I really appreciate your support. I'm off out to India again in the Summer and will be taking £1000 as a donation. Fingers crossed I have a house too. Dr Prem who found my last one, has come up trumps again we think! A large house on the main road between the bus stand (Palay) and the railway gate which means I still won't be held up by the level crossing Yo! The railway was out of use for the entire 6 months of my stay and even when I went back out in August was still out of use so no inconvenience at all to me. Trains in India are both very slow and very, very, very long so it can take 15 minutes for one to go past.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/03/24/almost-spring-5823054/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-03-01:/2009/03/01/the-last-couple-of-weeks-have-continued-to-be-difficult-5674521/Saritime2009-03-01T22:51:51+01:002009-03-01T23:02:46+01:00 <p>Happy Dewi Sant (St Davids Day)everyone, I'm half Welsh so Mum always remembered it in our house.<br> It seemed for a while today as if Spring was actually arriving, it was warm enough to have the back door open and I even hung out the washing! Then I had to run and bring it back in as the hail came down half an hour later. Thought it was the first of April when jokes were played! Still the daffs will be out by the end of this week, so we may have turned the corner.<br> The last couple of weeks have continued to be difficult, my father is still in the nursing home having had his stay extended by a week. Today my stepmother fell and has fractured<br> her pubic bone. We will here tomorrow what the plan is for her recovery, they seem to be suggesting that she go home. I would have thought it was the ideal opportunity to have an enforced rest in hospital. I spent time this evening phoning the hospital then the nursing home then the hospital again to coordinate getting her to a phone and a phone to dad so they could speak to each other. Being 500 miles away makes it all so much more complicated.<br> My aunt died last week, she was my dad's brother's widow, so he was upset not to make the funeral. These two pictures of her wedding have my dad as an usher in one and he and my mum, who were going out at that time in the other, she looks so quiet and shy, not like herself as I knew her at all! I reckon she was about 21 at the time!<br> <a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Bab"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/102/3279102_e8c6295fad_s.jpeg" alt="Bab" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Our side of the family"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/103/3279103_4ceda4c28e_s.jpeg" alt="Our side of the family" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p>I got some odds and ends of jobs done at home this weekend which I have been putting off for ages like replacing the back door handles... which had begun to seize up... before I got home one day and found I couldn't get into the house! I carefully removed the old handles, fixed the door so I didn't get shut out! Took the old handle down to homebase and matched it up with a suitable replacement, making sure the holes were the same distance apart and the handle mounting was the same length etc, got it home and discovered that although all the relationshops etc were the same, the entire thing was set 1/2 an inch lower so ended up having to redrill everything anyway... why change something which is a standard size! That all meant out with the woodfiller and repainting half the door. I had not anticipated that however it is done. Next job was fishing some of the minute green duckweed out of the pond which had magically appeared there within an hour of the pond being filled with water, don't know who told it there was a pond there but the word must have got out really quickly. I know it is good for the pond, but I don't want it to completely cover the surface, so out I went with Ali's old fishing net! I went looking for a water lily for the pond yesterday but apparently they are not available till next month. Have to be patient then! I don't want to transfer the fish till there is some shelter for them from passing moggies and herons.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/03/01/the-last-couple-of-weeks-have-continued-to-be-difficult-5674521/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-02-18:/2009/02/19/half-term-blues-5604590/Saritime2009-02-19T00:42:21+01:002009-02-19T00:51:26+01:00 <p>I spent the first part of this week in Romsey staying with my Dad and step-mother. Dad has Parkinson's and life at home is getting difficult for them both. The house is a bit chaotic and after Dad had a fall last week, my middle sister dropped everything and went to stay and to help. She took her laptop and hoped to be able to do some work while there but there was just no free time. Someone needs to keep an eye out all the time in case Dad fell and so there was no time she wasn't either helping or sleeping! What a star!<br>The spare bedroom is inaccessible as lots of stuff was being stored there, so we are used to sleeping on a lilo when we go down. F was there until Saturday and I arrived on Friday evenig and stayed in a hotel until next day when F went home. I cancelled my half term plans of going up to stay with younger sister J in Leeds and stayed in Romsey till today. I spent Monday getting the TV aerial on their roof fixed by someone before it fell down on next doors roof! <br>The real job then began of trying to find some respite in a nursing home for dad for 2 weeks to give H a rest. Dad is not too happy and nor are we, but I think it was essential to give them both a time to rest and take stock. I managed to find a place to my relief, but it all seemed to happen too quickly for any of us. He moved in on Tuesday, not a very nice room which is probably why it is available for short term respite, however the Matron of the home is nice and it seemed like a good place, no bad smells or bored looking residents. Had a good report from the English version of the Care Commission, so that's a good thing and the local reputation seems to be good. They even lent H a zimmer as Dad has him with him and she had been using it too at home. Lots of money a week in case you wondered, self funding but they will be entitled to a refund of £103 NHS nursing costs. Not a pleasant thought if it has to be used long term.<br>Horrible horrible horrible thought to see our Dad needing care and not being able to do it ourselves. <br>I spent Monday evening trying to get the spare room at Dad's sorted so one of the beds is now available in case they need a carer to stay over or for one of us next time we go down... I'm getting too old for a lilo, it's an awful long way back up although getting down is ok!<br>I came up via Leeds to Aberdeen today for a couple of days with C before home again and ready for inservice at work on Monday. The plane did a very bouncy landing at Leeds/Bradford airport having threatened not to stop there at all as the weather was so bad! Skidded on landing from the bounce which was jolly excited, the stewardess then came along with her "Ladies and Gentleman as you have probably realised we <strong>have</strong> just landed at Leeds Bradford airport!" She and everyone else burst out laughing. poor pilot. Aberdeen was much more gentle but raining!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/02/19/half-term-blues-5604590/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-02-12:/2009/02/12/our-new-pond-5557341/Saritime2009-02-12T08:30:56+01:002009-02-12T08:30:56+01:00 <p>For a long time I have had goldfish who lived in a baby bath sunk into the back garden, but have hankered for a real pond for ages. With one thing and another though it kept being put off... however... At the weekend we spoke with the chap who fixed our garden fence and arranged for him to come and dig one for us on Monday,on Monday though it snowed and how.... so eh went skiing instead as one does. On Tuesday though eh got stuck in and within the space of a day, we had a pond. I've not moved my fish yet, and yes they do survive the winter in a baby bath. So here it is in all its glory. Mind you it has frozen over now and has a layer of snow over the top of it.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Our pond"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/446/3226446_ba852d26f8_s.jpeg" alt="Our pond" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/02/12/our-new-pond-5557341/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-02-01:/2009/02/01/as-promised-5484833/Saritime2009-02-01T11:08:09+01:002009-02-01T20:12:36+01:00 <p>I said I'd show you what my class team gave me when I ceased to be a classroom teacher and became non-teaching Depute Head last month so here it is. I have had, for a number of years, a mug which said 'Top Teacher' so in their wisdom they decided as I was no longer teaching I wouldn't need it any longer.... so took a hammer to it! They then made the pieces into a wall hanging,and watched my reaction, with more than a little trepidation as I opened my gift! They needn't have worried though,I have had it framed and it hangs in pride of place in my new office... They did buy me a new mug I might add, which sums things up succinctly but gives me rather a lot to live up to!</p> <p><a title="My old mug, It no longer meets my job description according to my team!" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/891/3193891_cfaafc88ca_s.jpeg" alt="My old mug, It no longer meets my job description according to my team!" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><a title="My new mug - not much to live up to here then!" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/892/3193892_d3c7568fbd_s.jpeg" alt="My new mug - not much to live up to here then!" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></p> <p>My new mug sits on a shelf in my office, alongside:</p> <ul> <li>another mug which was a gift from my predecessor for use during long meetings which says quite simply... I'd rather be eating chocolate </li> <li>and the two... not one, but two please note... flashing LED ducks which again, not one but two, of my friends decided were ideal christmas presents for me!</li> <li>a huge range of HMIE and LTS and Scottish Government publications which are currently providing me with more than a little, not very light, bedtime reading.</li> <li>In common with my friend Ruth, I was up at dawn yesterday morning, not really so very early as it was around 8 am to be greeted with the most amazing range of colours in the sky, my photographic offerings are below. It put me in mind of that hymn we used to sing at school... <p>"The morning bright with rosy light has waked me up from sleep...."</p> <p>The camera just doesn't do it justice!<br> <br><a title="A Scottish January Dawn" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/906/3193906_24debe2d5e_s.jpeg" alt="A Scottish January Dawn" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><a title="Dawn 2" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/907/3193907_2cdbaaba76_s.jpeg" alt="Dawn 2" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><a title="Dawn 3" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/908/3193908_ae95b36cd3_s.jpeg" alt="Dawn 3" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><a title="Edinburgh Dawn 4" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/909/3193909_ddfd9377f6_s.jpeg" alt="Edinburgh Dawn 4" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></li> </ul> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/02/01/as-promised-5484833/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-01-20:/2009/01/20/new-year-new-job-5415129/Saritime2009-01-20T22:36:28+01:002009-01-20T22:38:33+01:00 <p>Well I've been in my new role as DHT for almost 2 weeks now and generally I'm really enjoying it.<br> At times I feel like I am drowning in papers. I've inherited a full filing cabinet from somebody who had inherited it from someone else and its really difficult to follow someone else's filing system. My sense of logic does not necessarily follow theirs so I often can't work out where something should be if it has been filed or where it should be if it has not been filed if you can follow that logic.<br> Having said that the staff have been incredibly supportive even when I had to raise the thorny issue of dress code at our staff meeting this week as well as the perennials such as switching off lights when you leave, keeping the classrooms tidy and other such house keeping issues.<br> With the new job has come a new dress code for me too, I am no longer working directly with pupils, so am able to wear smarter clothes in school. Boy did I have fun in the Per Una sale! One of my colleagues who shall remain nameless said she wasn't sure if she could cope with seeing my legs every day as I am wearing skirts now rather than trousers! My husband on the other hand asked where the legs had come from and my retort was that they came with the job! personally when I am the shape I am I think skirts are definitely better than trousers, but there you go everyone has their own opinion.<br> I've got the picture my old team gave me, when I left the class last term, up on my office wall... it looks fab... but more about that later. I'll take a photo and tell you about it next time.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/01/20/new-year-new-job-5415129/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2009-01-01:/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-5305738/Saritime2009-01-01T02:21:18+01:002009-01-01T02:21:18+01:00 <p>To all my readers I wish you a good year filled with health and happiness for you and those you love.<br> Spent tonight watching Jools Holland Hootenany show which was fab. Champagne and Fireworks over Edinburgh at midnight. We only see the highest ones from Blackhall, but it looked and sounded like a spectacular display. Daughter #1 was on nights tonight and #2 is out on the town but called in bless her to wish us a Happy new Year.<br> Almost matches up to the fireworks in Tirunelvelli last year... well actually they outdids them by quite a lot.<br> Once again. A guid new year tae ye all! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-5305738/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2008-12-25:/2008/12/25/happy-christmas-5275561/Saritime2008-12-25T15:01:50+01:002008-12-25T15:01:50+01:00 <p>Had a really nice 23rd December both of my sisters, and Maggie, who is an adopted sister, were with me. Maggie celebrating the arrival of her first grandchild, a boy named Bryn. Can't believe she is old enough to have a grandchild. Sister 2 and I told sister 1 and Maggie that they could sit and talk knitting together as Grannies and we would drink the champagne for them!</p> <p>Just want to wish everyone a very happy Christmas. We went to the midnight Eucharist at Holy Cross last night I served and assisted with Chalice too which was lovely. A nice start to the Day. Number 2 sister came and daughter number 2 came along with her friend too which was a nice surprise. I came out of the service to go for coffee and mince pies to find 3 texts from India which was nice too, they'd been having their Christmas Day early morning service at 4.30am! Wonder how many we'd get to turn up at that time!</p> <p>I've had some fab presents and can't wait to get into reading some of the books I got, Dawn French, Ian Rankin, to mention but 2. lovely smellies and clothes too, you won't recognise the new fabulous looking Sally when next you meet her!</p> <p>Tiem to get stuck into the final lunch preparations now, so once again Happy Christmas to all who read this. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2008/12/25/happy-christmas-5275561/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2008-12-22:/2008/12/22/advent-rushes-by-5258829/Saritime2008-12-22T11:40:00+01:002008-12-22T12:17:52+01:00 <p>It's hard to believe that yesterday was the last Sunday of Advent and Christmas is just 3 days away... only 3 more sleeps and 3 more chocs in the advent calendar... we got a Lindt one this year and it was just fab, starting with a choccie reindeer and finishing unless I am very much mistaken, with a chocolate Santa with delicious slabs of swiss chocolate in between. There are some secular things about Christmas which are just to good to ignore.<br> Yesterday was mixed day. we went to church first having dropped daughter #2 off at the hotel to work. After church we began again the long hunt for Christmas lights the week before Christmas. Some designer in a far away country seems to have decided that everyone in the UK should have blue or white LED lights this year, whereas I like multi coloured ones... and somehow, when I got out the lights on Saturday, they seem to have died between being put away last 12th night working and emerging this 20th December. C and I drove around Edinburgh fruitlessly on Saturday evening for around 3 hours looking for lights (I would almost, but not quite, have accepted blue LEDs by the time we got home). We decided we would head for the garden centres on Sunday after church. We'd only got about half a mile from home, when we came across two runners trying to lift the remains of a fallen tree off the road on Ravelston Dykes, while cars drove around them!!! I stopped and blocked the road with my hazard lights on and C took off his jacket and went to help. The upshot was the male jogger got a bit overkeen and pushed the tree back knocking C over too, then, just to make sure once he'd stood up again, he did it again! The road was cleared but C & I ended up in the Western and he has broken a bone in his foot! After dropping him back home an hour later, with multiple painkillers and a cup of tea it was off once more to the garden centre. Where yes, I was successful, however I got the last set, plenty of blue and white LEDs left though and even a purple set Ruthie! Back home once more and the tree is complete, the presents are gathering and we await the coming of the Christ Child, and Santa!<br> Our Christmas tree has never been an item of restraint and has bits of our life threaded amongst the greenery, there are dwarves from my childhood tree, my pink fairy which came from my godmother when I was about 5 - sister 2 has one in blue! One of my favourites though (apart from A's shuttlecock angel made in her first year at nursery in 1992 when she was only 3), is a walnut shell nativity which my Dad brought me back from the Holy Land about 20 years ago.<br> <a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Christmas tree"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/084/3086084_9ece604b67_s.jpeg" alt="Christmas tree" vspace="5" hspace="5"><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Walnut nativity"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/083/3086083_3f12073d12_s.jpeg" alt="Walnut nativity" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></a><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="My pink fairy circa 1959"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/085/3086085_32b08c1f0d_s.jpeg" alt="My pink fairy circa 1959" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> Today is number 1 daughter's birthday though, so I'll see her at luchtime, then she has to shoot off to Dundee where she is on night duty, she goes down to J's parents in Bolton for Christmas, so this will be my 2nd Christmas without her <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0">. At least I'm here this year though and not languishing in a hospital in South India not caring whether it is Christmas or not, except that I missed out on Carrie's special turkey biryani. I'll have C, #2 daughter and my younger sister though. This year F is going to her daughter in Hamilton for their first family Christmas so there'll only be 4 of us around the table this year, so lots of turkey sandwiches and extra crackers.<br> Must get the Christmas cake iced today and the mince pies made!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2008/12/22/advent-rushes-by-5258829/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2008-12-20:/2008/12/20/christmas-starts-here-5249854/Saritime2008-12-20T13:41:49+01:002008-12-20T13:42:31+01:00 <p>In common with many of my teaching colleagues, I started my Christmas holidays yesterday, such a relief. Now I feel I can actually get on with some of the Christmas preparations although of course it is elder daughter's birthday on Monday so that has to take precedence till then. However, on my way home from school yesterday in the gale force winds and driving rain I stopped to buy my Christmas tree! I didn't even get it unrolled to check it which those of you who know me will realise is a first... I am VERY picky when it comes to Christmas trees. (Nice to think that the one I bought last year is now in Methi's house twinkling away!)<br> I got home and rammed it into its log base and am now waiting the rest of my family's assistance to decorate it although we are running out of time before number two daughter has to go to the hotel to work.<br> Last night was my Christmas night out and it went fine although I have to say I really didn't want to go back out last night. C and A promised me a lift up town but left me panicking as they got stuck in traffic at Dalmeny on their way south. they arrived here at 7.02 and I was supposed to be at the hotel by 7! A drove me in though and I made it in time for 3 champagne cocktails (freebies) so that was very nice and cheered me up no end as I'm sure you'll appreciate. the table was, as the last time we were at that hotel, very crowded and I can't believe that we actually took away the chair of someone who couldn't make it, and were still so squashed. The meal was very good though with real turkey not preformed from turkey meat stuff. P and I did our best at the tables at Roulette with free toy money and chips, but I only managed to bring us to 4th place over all and there were only 2 prizes on the night so that was good but not good enough. Never done that before and was just starting to get the hang of it Vegas here I come!!<br> <a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Christmas night out"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/064/3081064_6310d95e9a_s.jpeg" alt="Christmas night out" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> It felt very strange having my 19 year old daughter come into town at midnight to pick up her mum. I even had the good grace to get my stiletto caught in the door as I got into the car so she is now convinced I had over-indulged. Cheek, as if! I told her I just wasn't used to 3 inch heels but she just scoffed.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2008/12/20/christmas-starts-here-5249854/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2008-12-15:/2008/12/15/got-it-5227919/Saritime2008-12-15T21:33:27+01:002008-12-15T22:10:04+01:00 <p>I'm able at last to announce that I got the job I was interviewed for last month. I heard the next day, but I couldn't say anything publicly before school parents had been told so... although a few folks heard by word of mouth, many did not! I start as Depute Head on 7th January, so a new challenge and a new year! I'll be non teaching for the first time and will be based in my own office... in the words of a colleague."How cool is that!"</p> <p>Went down to see my Dad the other weekend in Hampshire which is a bit of a trek. He's getting old which is hard to see, but is generally content. My sisters and I are each going down for a weekend about once every month to see if we can help out a bit. Middle sis has taken down a lilo, but I think my size shape and extra years make that hard for more than one night so I spend one night in a B&B and the other on the lilo!</p> <p>I heard today that I'm not going to be able to go and stay in my little house in Perumalpuram when we go to India next year <img src="/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif" alt=":'(" class="middle" border="0">. Sadly I'm going to have to look for somewhere else. I'm going out with husband and number 2 daughter for a holiday. They'll come back after two and a half weeks and I'll stay on to work in the school for the next 3 weeks.</p> <p>C and I managed to break the back of the worst of the Christmas shopping at the weekend and C has gone north with the pressies for that direction to wrap and deliver and I'm getting stuck into the rest. Ribbon, sellotape and wrapping paper rule at the moment! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2008/12/15/got-it-5227919/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2008-11-16:/2008/11/16/highs-and-lows-5048091/Saritime2008-11-16T23:12:25+01:002008-11-17T03:14:33+01:00 <p>We've had a bit of a frantic week, or at least I have... my feet don't seem to have hit the ground for more than 5 minutes.<br> On Monday evening, after work I went out to visit P who is recovering from nasty surgery - at home at last, around 30 miles away. It's good to see her getting back to more like her old self each time I visit, they're all excited as L is about to graduate with an HNC for her beautiful work with stained glass. P is going to make it to the ceremony which is great. When I got home, it was time to gather lots of bits and pieces from India and make sure I was happy with the talk I was giving on Tuesday...<br> On Tuesday evening, I was giving a talk about the work of my project in India  to Christ Church Mothers Union, which seemed to go well. Thanks for inviting me folks, I never have difficulty talking on that subject!<br> At 8.45am on Thursday morning, I had an interview at my school for a DHT post which was more than a little stressful and lasted for around an hour and a quarter plus 30 minutes to prepare a written response to deliver on a topic which I then had to deliver and answer questions on. I wasn't out until 10.40 and felt like I'd run a marathon although I was mostly happy with what I had said. I didn't think of too many things that I had missed and managed not to dry up either. I applied for the post in March when I was in India which seems a very long time ago.<br> Thursday evening, A and I had to take our lovely old puss to the vet at the end of her life, very sad and a bit of a weepy time. We took ourselves off shopping in the new centre at Livingston which is quite a building to try to cheer ourselves up... a girl after my own heart! Didn't manage to do much shopping though as we were a wee bit distracted. We rewarded ourselves with a fish supper between us which was naughty but nice! </p> <p><a title="Pandy enjoying the sunshine!" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/201/2993201_e907336a11_m.jpeg" alt="Pandy enjoying the sunshine!" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></p> <p>Here's a pic of Pandy, who we have had since she was about 7 which is almost 10 years - like many things in our house, she came from the nearly new shop... or at least a notice in our local post office window. She was a Persian chinchilla of distinction, apparently with a pedigree although we never actually saw it. She was lovely and gentle, not least as she has had hardly any teeth for the last few years! We're going to miss her and I keep thinking I see her out of the corner of my eye as I move about the house. She's done well, having had kidney problems and a very expensive special diet for the last two years. I actually didn't think she'd still be here when I came back from India in May, so we can't really complain she went suddenly. It's always sudden when it actually happens though!<br> Friday was a little quieter thank goodness. I take my class out every Friday to a special Playground in Canonmills. It's full of equipment for kids with additional support needs, but is a safe yet challenging environment for them. As always we all had fun both staff and pupils, and the morning just flew by! On Friday afternoon I had every intention of going home to sleep but didn't actually manage to do so.<br> On Saturday I ran A back to uni, having managed to avoid buying a new cat quite yet! We were in my car, which is an 8 year old polo estate and fab except for the fact that in cold weather it starts to cut out - which can be a little alarming when you are half way past a car on the motorway. To cut a long story short it started to cut out again, so we've decided to buy a new car, or at least a 'new to us' car!<br> Sunday afternoon was spent looking for said new car, we've ended up with a very nice March 2006 Golf plus, apparently the plus means its a wee bit bigger than a standard Golf. I really wanted a Beetle, but I think to go from an estate to a saloon with hardly any boot might have been too big a change, still maybe next time! I'll just have to find myself a little 'stick on' vase to hold a flower in on the dashboard and pretend! I pick up the new car on Thursday so I'm looking forward to that. Being in India must have rubbed off on me as I haggled the price down by £500 and got my road-tax back from the old car to claim a refund for the 10 months which was still left on it.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2008/11/16/highs-and-lows-5048091/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:saritime.blog.co.uk,2008-10-30:/2008/10/30/day-trip-to-dalayan-4958654/Saritime2008-10-30T22:39:30+01:002008-10-30T22:39:30+01:00 <p>After our trip to Ephesus, we arrived back tired to find in our rooms that the cleaners had done their usual efficient job and that our towels had been laid out on the bed in pretty designs. Each day they were different or the bed cover had been arranged differently too. It was a really nice touch. We had gone self catering and had a one bedroom apartment. We couldn't really have done much by way of cooking though as the only time we tried, we made some soup and it took over 30 minutes to even come to the boil... not the most effective electric cooker I have come across... for that matter, come to think of it, the single electric ring I had on my return visit to India was better than that! Still the apartments were clean and comfortable and had a shop just next door.<br> <a title="Towel patterns" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/061/2946061_b7431078a0_s.jpeg" alt="Towel patterns" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><a title="Apartments - ours was the groundfloor one." href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/062/2946062_4099156d06_s.jpeg" alt="Apartments - ours was the groundfloor one." hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></p> <p>When we got back to icemeler, we went for a wander around the town to work up an appetite. There is a very pretty little canal with small shops and stalls lining it and of course everything stays open till around 10pm.</p> <p>Next day it was off to Dalayan, not quite such an early start though the bus to pick us up disappeared around the corner just as we went to join it, a couple of phone calls later though and it reappeared. The bus took us along to Marmaris where we picked up the boat which would take us to Dalayan. This was another full day trip, starting with 2 hours on the boat... last one on board sits inside with no sunbed! We made it though to about the last two on the upper deck and got the books out to settle in for a leisurely cruise. Everyone was lounging around in various states of undress enjoying the sun except for two delightful ladies from the home counties, who were all wrapped up and sipping cups of tea wearing their sun hats and staying in the shade.<a title="Tea on board" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/079/2946079_e262c77ad5_s.jpeg" alt="Tea on board" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><br> The trip took us first to a beach which is one of the last breeding grounds of the Loggerhead Turtle and protected. However it is open for humans to swim in between the hours of 8.00am and 8.00pm when it closes and the sunbeds are presumably taken over by turtles! A swim there for an hour, you can choose between the river water and the sea... we went for the med! Mind you it is not particularly warm in October but a lot warmer than the weather folks back home had last week. We then transferred to a flotilla of small boats and set off via water ways surrounded by reed beds to Dalayan. Apparently the beds are reminiscent of those in the African Queen, couldn't quite see the similarity myself, but very relaxing. On the way you pass beneath the tombs of Caunos. These are built high in the cliff face and are most spectacular. The most ornate are those of the royal family, then military and finally simple caves of the common people. they date from around 400BC. The original occupants have been turfed out several times throughout history and the tombs were reused by the Romans. Sadly we didn't get to explore them as they are built into vertical cliffs. there is a town being excavated below them which I would love to visit some time. </p> <p><a title="Kings Tombs, Caunos" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/107/2946107_e6a3d03c3d_s.jpeg" alt="Kings Tombs, Caunos" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><a title="Kings Tombs" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/129/2946129_1ee2b17d3e_s.jpeg" alt="Kings Tombs" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><a title="The small boats on the way to Dalayan" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/109/2946109_bed77efed2_s.jpeg" alt="The small boats on the way to Dalayan" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><br> After the tombs, we went on to Dalayan itself where we had the joys of caking ourselves in thick grey clay, a mud bath - I felt like a kid again, scrabbling around in the murky water to find lumps of mud to rub in - couldn't really believe I was doing it either! We then let the mud dry in the sun before rinsing it off again in cold showers. Next it was off to a 39degree pool of sulphurous water to finish the treatment, hilarious however I cannot see the promised 20years younger look or C's magical regrowth of hair, I'll let you know if it happens!<br> We then transferred back to the big boat and sailed off into the sunset, by around 7.00pm, even the bravest of us had piled on the clothes and was huddled on the lower deck to keep warm.</p> <p><a title="The boat back from Dalayan" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/148/2946148_1b23019414_s.jpeg" alt="The boat back from Dalayan" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><a title="Approaching sun down" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/152/2946152_fd0fec6426_s.jpeg" alt="Approaching sun down" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><a title="Into the sunset" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/151/2946151_0a51117ff9_s.jpeg" alt="Into the sunset" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></p> <p>We got back around 8.00pm and set off for Alin's for delicious barbecued chicken. Really friendly staff and good simple food.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://saritime.blog.co.uk/2008/10/30/day-trip-to-dalayan-4958654/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>