Its about time I posted something on here - Sorry its been a while (since July actually) that I have posted my own message - I've been hibernating - but now that the summer has hit I've been inspired to blog.
I'll start with my fantastic 'surprise' trip home in October! To cut a very long story short, my best bud Joanne Brown ne MacMillan got wed on the 24th of October and I just had to be there if it was possible. I'd cunningly planned with Calvin, her hubby to arrive a week early and turn up on the doorstep to surprise the bride to be - the plan was going well until she found out 24 hours before I was due to land in Glasgow due to an email from the venue confirming the extra person for the meal! She was, thankfully, very touched that I was able to make it home for her wedding and in true Joanne style she turned the surprise on me and arrived at the airport....bridesmaid dress and shoes in hand! So, after a quick 'fitting' in the airport toilets all was good and the following week Miss Macmillan looked absolutely stunning as she became Mrs Broon! The wedding was amazing and it was so fantastic to catch up with so many friends on such a great day.
I am pleased to say that it felt good to be home. I have a restored faith and appreciation for Scotland and its people, not forgetting it was just so important to spend time with friends and family. Seeing the kids, Hannah, Scott, Emma, Emily and Michael was really special - all growing up so fast! Emily was so funny, at 2 and a bit she knew Auntie Katie and Uncle Steph lived in "Zealand" and she even knew exactly where that was - "over the moon" Such a smart wee girl! Hannah and Scott told me all about their sports and school - Hannah even took me to her swimming class and I think she looked like one of the best swimmers there even though she was one of the youngest. And Scott is quite the footballer - looking forward to Uncle Steph coming home for a kick about! Emma is the cutest wee baby - full of mischief! Michael is only just over two but he's so smart and I think he took a shine to me - such a charmer!
Being home in Carradale was another reminder that home is good! Spending lots of time with mum and getting to see and stay at Bayview for the first time since all the renovations were complete was fantastic. I had to remind myself of all the hard work that went in before I left and the work that my family did to get it to this stage is such an achievement. I think we all agree, that the hard work has and is paying off - we have a really beautiful home that we can enjoy for years to come. And, I was pleased that when I stepped through the door it still felt like home. I was a little worried that it wouldn't, but waking up in my old bedroom and padding about a new improved Bayview felt really comforting. Also treated myself to some things that you don't get over here - irn bru, mothers pride, carradale rolls and square sausage - and photographed it for Steph's benefit!
So now its back to windy welly and work (with a renewed supply of clothes for both of us - courtesy of raiding our loft when I was home). I held my first Grasshoppers Tennis Tournament last Sunday and broke the National record for most participants - yay! On a down side I delivered teacher inservice training a few days later and it was a disaster! Reminder to self - practice the games before trying to teach others how to deliver them to a class of pupils!! On the whole the job is going well, its going to be a great job over the summer and I am getting round the country alot which has been good for seeing new things and meeting some really interesting kiwis.
I've also gained a new friend called Harry. He's 8 years old, 16.2hh, liver chestnut and an ex racehorse. I met a lady from NZ Equestrian Federation and mentioned I was looking to start riding and she said needed a bit of help so we agreed that I would ride a couple of times a week. Its lovely to get back in the saddle - bit sore after over a year!!
Anyway, I should probably have done 3 separate posts rather than one massive story so I hope I've not bored you to tears!
The sun is shining, we are beginning to peel off the layers and duvets! Looking forward to a summer in the city and beginning to plan our final Australasian/South Pacific Adventures before making the homeward journey.
Will write again soon and thanks to everyone I managed to catch up with when I was home :-)
K xxx
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