This is how it is done

and this

To be able to completely give oneself over to relaxation must be bliss. It is also a skill. One I do not have. Of late I have spent time trying to relax and clear my mind of all the lists and tasks that constantly seem to pop around in my head. It feels like a fight scene in a comic up there with big coloured stars saying 'pow' and 'bang'. Only my stars say 'Japanese GSCE', 'DoE trip', Em's Challenge Kit', 'CHEESE' and today, 'crochet a donut'....My jaw aches most mornings now and today the clinic called to say my mouth guard is ready for collection. Something to bite into when there is too much popping in my head although it could be a bit of passion killer!!

But, really, life is so full and that is of my own making in many ways. It is a small step to be aware at least that slowing down and enjoying the ride is no bad thing. Life is not a race to its end. I crave the time to garden, crochet and cook but find I take on other chores. What do you say? A bit of prioritising, a bit of slowing down and maybe a bit of not being all things to everyone might be necessary?

Western Union

to the rescue. Finally got the money to Spain and am now looking forward to the hols.
This week there are only three of us here as BJ is in Hong Kong and Ads is back in Hove. Not quite the peaceful home I crave, but everyone needs their space to be crabby.....I was a crabby teen, in fact I was horrible. I love my girls to bits but there are times when it really is a struggle just to remind myself that they are young and life can look very bleak at times and if you are going to act out, it is better done in the safety of home where they love you warts and all....and I do love the warts, but I love the girls under the warts much, much more!

Why

is it so hard to transfer money to a country in Europe? For days I have been trying to send a holding deposit on a holiday flat in Spain with no luck....we booked the tickets and the car and now we need a place to stay and it is making me nervous that I can't get the money to the lady.

Goodbye, farewell

This morning we took our students to see the lambs that Han-solo's friend is hand rearing. There was much excitement and everyone cuddled a lamb....both were very obliging and did not bleat or wiggle.

You can see why they were so popular. They are very sweet and only a month old.

While the lambs were getting all the attention, someone was getting a bit jealous! She can't get through the cat flap but it didn't stop her protesting!

Our final outing was en route back to school when we stopped for a superb lunch at The Fox Inn - Famous for Seafood
between Guildford and Horsham. GREAT food and lots of it. We will go there again.
Now we are at home and tomorrow school starts again. It is raining and even though it is gloomy, it is a very good thing. We need lots of rain here.

Kemp Town Carnival in Brighton

What a great day. We took our Japanese girls and our two to Brighton, a magic place,

to go to the Kemp Town Carnival. The main reason being that Adam was playing with his band RISING TIDE , please have a look at this link and this one too! They were great, and here is a photo to prove it...

The band list

A group of hard core fans....

The carnival was fun too. There was a samba parade to start it off and lots of food, quirky stalls and music. Brighton has to be one of the best people watching places of all time. It was fabulous. The girls went off on their own and Big J and I pottered. We had posh lamb burgers, then later on an ice cold beer in a Polish restaurant where BJ ordered bigos to take home.

We chilled in a garden cafe with bits of the paper and between these two sit downs, walked miles.

At the end of the day we both had a garra rufa fish pedicure. So cool on the feet and a bit tickly. A great way to rest tired tootsies.

I snapped this nosy gull who seemed very sure that someone would come to the window eventually.

Some folk travel in splendour

and some have fun.

It was a lovely day.

Shortcake - Triumph to Tragedy!

This is what the cake looked like when decorated and ready to cut. Almost like the real thing. After taking loads of photos, birthday girl was cutting it when it slipped off the plate and onto the floor.

This is the re-assembled result. Fortunately the five second rule kicked in meaning that as it wasn't on the floor for all that long, it was still edible. We can thank Julia Childs for that little gem of a rule. Have to admit, it was a little on the solid side, but it did taste nice.

Sunny start

Almost hot here today, so nice for the beginning of June. The girls have gone to London for the day, so will be tired and foot weary when they get back. I have had a day to myself. It meant I could visit the coin laundry to get the mattress cover washed and I have put out piles of clothes to dry in the sun. One of our girls is 19 today, so I am going to make her a birthday cake 'Japonaise'....Shortcake...a sponge with fresh cream and strawberries. Fingers crossed it does not turn out like pancake.

In theory it should look a little like this:

We will have to wait and see!