Work, Windmills & Wales.

Wow, has it really been the best part of 3 months since my last blog?

WORK
Lots has happened here, my school did indeed get an Ofsted visit. I was graded 'Satisfactory', as was the school. I was very pleased, especially as I'm a non-specialist in the subject I was observed in. On the job front I didn't get it, but another opportunity opened up which meant I could go part time anyway.

WINDMILLS
I drove on the 'wrong' side of the road, on purpose for 5 hours in total. Yep we went to Holland for J's wedding. The whole experience was fabulous, my friend, N, came with us and has written a travel log I hope to quote from when I've received a copy. We drove to Colchester the day before, stayed in a TravelInn near there then got the ferry from Harwich. The crossing was fine, just slow because the gear box on the ship broke. Anyway we got to Hook of Holland and I was interogated by border control over the parentage of my youngest. (Note to Self: Take birth certificates in future).

We spent some fabulous days in Sneek, Frisland, especially on the day of J's wedding. She married S in a castle just outside the city, it was lovely and when I get chance I'll upload the pics. DD was a flower girl along with J's SD, they looked adorable in their dresses, DD took it all in her stride and was fabulous. Special mention at this stage has to go to DS1 who was not an official part of the wedding party but mucked in and did exactly as he was asked. His behaviour all day was exempalary, just hope he continues it.

The day after the wedding we braved Dutch public transport and caught the train to Leeuwarden. What an unusual city! Or that's how it felt, the railway station seemed miles from the city centre, and where are you supposed to eat? We took slings and the pram, and ended up in Hama for food. The highlight of the day has to be the woman at Hama's door who told a man off for stopping. He was holding the door open for me because I just couldn't manage heavy door, pram and slung baby all at once.

Wilhamena (sp?) Park in Sneek was our destination of choice before returning back to the UK. The collection of birds was impressive and DD fell in love with a white peacock whilst DS1 and I discussed ways in which we could 'free' the tortoise. Alas, our plans were foiled when DS1 discovered the play park and spent the next hour on there.

Our return journey was completed in more comfort than the outbound, N kindly paid for an upgrade to a family cabin. This meant we could get some sleep/quiet time before beginning the mammoth drive back Up North. We were lucky on the ferry, the 3rd car off and 1st out of the port thanks to some nifty wheelwork and fortunate placements.

WALES
After just 3 days home we shot down to the caravan for 2 weeks with friends from Lampeter. The caravan is definitely blessed with the weather and having heard the rain this morning I just want to go back. Think we will go this weekend. TBH we've done very little at the van, visited the beach, chilled, read, played, visited Pwhelli a couple of times. Took DD to Criccieth for her birthday, Portmadog & Snowdonia all got a look in too when DP joined us. We've decided we definitely need a DSLR though, the digicam isn't doing it for us anymore.

TODAY
Day 2 at home and it's done nothing but rain! We've got Vacs and Dentist today PLUS a mountain of housework so I'd better get my bum into gear and go do. I will aim to get back on here and post properly about the holidays with pics to illustrate but the kiddiwinks all need catering for in one way or another.

Back soonish.