Well hello again, Peeps! Monday flies around so fast!

- If we were sipping chai together I’d say I am sitting at home, enjoying my Monday, for a change!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that I actually spent every weekday of last week in school! Yes. There was so much to do. Some the kids could help, some I just needed peace to do. But aside from the one piece of furniture I am waiting, for, a cupboard, I think everything has been done. I have some posters at home that I want to put up, and a couple more soft toys for the Reading Area, but I think I’m done! This is my little star chart for the class, which I hope they will enjoy trying to fill for a class treat!
- If we were sipping chai together I know you would be pestering me for details of the new book corner… well, here it is! My Winnie The Pooh themed reading area! Let me know what you think!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d say that for the best part of the week, school took over, but I did take the kids out to Bluewater for lunch, and started a bit of uniform shopping for Lil Princess, who starts secondary school soon enough! Eeeek! We had a lovely Nando’s meal, and I took advantage of the Paperchase teachers discount as well, finding some supersize Post It notes for my desk!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that the weekend was peaceful. Lil Man and I went to pick up his new bike on the Friday, which he has been saving up for, and he wanted to be able to ride it around, so the whole family walked down to the prom, where Hubby Dearest and I had lunch (don’t worry, the kids had eaten at home, I didn’t leave them starving!) while the kids rode their bikes. The children enjoyed a little stone skimming action and then we walked home, and had a very chilled out day, reading and cooking dinner.
- If we were sipping chai together I’d let you know that Sunday was a cricket day for Lil Man, a whole day of inter-club tournament matches, while I got cleaning done, and the shopping, because, finally, Hubby Dearest can drive!!!!! Lil Princess and I joined them in the afternoon, in time to watch the final match, in which Lil Man’s team were playing. They didn’t win, only lost by 7 runs, but he bowled amazingly, and considering it was a mixed team, from 11 up to adult, he did himself proud. There was lots of back slapping and well dones to him too as he got a wicket. And he got to show his Dhol playing skills there too, as someone brought a drum out, not really being able to play… whereas my boy can PLAY!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d say that I have actually been pretty good with my #RiNoEdMo personal challenge too. I have edited a good few chapters, reworked my chapters and introduced a little extra twist! The only day I didn’t edit was Sunday, as I ended up with a tiredness induced headache. I hadn’t slept much on Saturday night, because I wasn’t tired, and them morning came too soon!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d have to mention that Lil Man has discovered Reggae! It is quite funny hearing him listening to Bob Marley, or UB40 (I kid you not) in the shower! But I get to sing along with it, because I do love a bit of Reggae!

- If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that today, Hubby Dearest is facing his first long drive in 4 months, with his first day back in the office. I know he’s a little nervous, but I’m sure he’ll be fine!
- If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies as I mentioned before, I am not planning on going into school again until maybe the end of the holidays, unless a call comes to tell me that the cupboard has arrived, in which case, I’ll be there in a flash, to get that last bit of my room set up!
- If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d excitedly say that I am going to Brum! It’s only a quick visit, as we have a function there for my cousin’s grandson’s first birthday, but a great excuse to go and see Pops for a couple of days, before he joins Mum in Helsinki! That there might just be my summer holiday!
Let me how your week has been!
Aug 09, 2019 @ 02:05:50
Your days have been lovely. Over my cup of coffee and homemade white chocolate chip, fresh cherries (OH, all that pitting!) cookies, I’d tell you Sunday we went with 20 other Alvinites to Houston to see Murder on the Orient Express at the Alley Theater, then ate a late lunch/early supper at a local bakery/cafe together. It was bigtime fun! Monday saw me up at six sipping coffee, this time creamy hazelnut flavored, and eating oatmeal for breakfast. At eight I went to the YMCA for water aerobics, and soaked up some (too much–didn’t burn but felt hot and itchy all day) sun while the others finished class. Tuesday was scheduled to be catch up/schoolwork day, but I awoke feeling like I’d lost a battle with a Mack Truck! By Wednesday I knew I had overdone when I slept through an appointment for a much-needed haircut when I rested my eyes for a few minutes. Wednesday I visited my pharmacist friend who manages my medicine prescriptions, and she advised me on a supplement and a hydrating drink called biotite…like Pedialyte for kids. These two additions have made a new person out of me! Today, Thursday, as I sip coffee and eat pound cake, I reflect on a very successful committee meeting at a new BBQ restaurant to discuss AAUW (local branch of the American Association of University Women) scholarship candidates, and I was able to relay the happy news to my young friend, who means a great deal to me, that she had been selected. She came over early this evening to hang out and say thanks. In between the meeting and the young woman’s visit, our dear friend came by for a “pastorly visit.” It was sooo good to see him. We love investing our time in young people and are so proud of all those we’ve mentored through the years. Tonight, as I sip DECAF coffee and eat M n M’s My Better Half, is watching the first Houston Texans football game, and I am finally getting to the catching up, which includes reading emails and friends’ blogs. We are hoping for a good team this year.
I hope you have a good weekend and invite you back for Coffee and a Chat next Monday. I have some lovely Green-ginger tea I think you’d like.
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Aug 09, 2019 @ 08:14:14
Well you have been extremely busy, haven’t you!!!
How lovely, to be able to give positive news, like a scholarship offer, to someone you care about!
I’m getting ready to head off to my Pops right now!!! 🥰 have a lovely weekend.
And that green ginger tea sounds delicious 😁
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Aug 12, 2019 @ 01:19:38
Hope your weekend turned out as happy as mine! (Sunday night)
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Aug 12, 2019 @ 08:33:52
I spent it with my Pops. It was lovely 💜
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 20:04:36
What a lovely week! And great pics. I would certainly want to read in your reading nook! And isn’t it delightful when our kids actually like the same music we do!? One of mine has discovered Queen, and I couldn’t be happier!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 20:10:13
Every time I hear one of them singing, or humming a tune I recognise as one of my own, my heart sings!!!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 19:25:09
That reading corner looks very nice. Well done, sis! I am a Winnie The Poh Fan (when even more of the classic Pooh) and so I like it even more!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 20:09:41
Thank you Sis! I love Winnie The Pooh!!! He is my favourite ever!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 20:19:17
Awh, Pooh buddies 😊💖🐻🐻
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 18:55:07
A very productive week and bravo for all you are doing to make learning fun!!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 18:56:51
Thank you John 😊
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 18:27:56
A lovely post, Ritu, you have done wonders with your classroom and your star chart ideas is delightful. Michael will also be going to high school for the next academic year which starts in January for us. I can’t believe it.
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 18:39:56
Thank you Robbie!
Time flies with these kids!!!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 17:11:35
Wonderful preparations! Funtastic, Sis! But do not forget and calm down.Otherwise you will loose a lot of power when the school starts. Best wishes, Michael – Btw. Bob Marley and UB40 are great. 😉
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 17:14:53
I’m relaxing now Bro, don’t worry!!!!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 17:28:24
I am reassured, Sis! 😉 You sound so busy, this makes me worring. I know its a lot of fun too. Michael
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 17:30:14
I’ve been watching a cricket match, whilst secretly reading all afternoon!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 17:33:01
You are really a cricket fan??? 😉
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 17:37:13
I don’t have a choice with Lil Man playing! Got to be a supportive mum!!!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 17:47:09
:-)) Good luck.
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 17:03:36
Can I come sit in your reading corner?
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 17:14:26
You’d be most welcome!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 14:49:55
Your reading corner looks awesome Sister! Who doesn’t love Winnie the Pooh? 😊 Enjoy the visit to Brum and hanging out with Pops 💜 Have a fantastic week overall!!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 14:52:25
Thank you Brother! I just hope the kids like it!!!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 15:16:19
You’re welcome Sister!! Kids 😄
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 15:19:37
😉
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 14:22:22
sounds like a wonderful week Ritu! You got so much accomplished and that reading corner is delightful! Enjoy the time with the kids. ❤
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 14:35:56
Thank you so much for all your support!!! 💓
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 12:51:22
You had a great week, Ritu. Hubby driving is the best news. May I make a suggestion on the book corner? Instead of all the books in the container / drawer, put them front facing against the wall. I have a bookshelf that takes up very little space, and all the books face the front. Makes all the difference in the world!!! If you can’t get a bookshelf, you can use house gutters. Really. Google Jim Trelease and rain gutters to tell you how.
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 13:27:51
I know what you mean, Jennie!!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 14:05:35
😀😍😀
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 08:29:11
Your new classroom looks great, Ritu 🙂
Enjoy your holidays.
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 09:21:59
Thank you Irene 🥰
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 07:48:07
Busy busy now time to relax a while 💜💜. All the photos are lovely, good luck to hubby on his first day back 💜
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 08:00:57
Thanks sis. He’s just driven off 🤞🏼
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 08:14:02
He will be fine, how far does he have to go. It will be a big day for him , and he will be exhausted tonight! I bet you miss him 💜💜💜
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 08:22:44
It’s an hours drive nearly. I told him to take it slow, stop if he needs to, and call me when he arrives. I’ll be silently panicjing, until I know he’s home!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 09:44:29
He will be fine, mixed emotions all round. I will be thinking of you both 💜💜
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 11:18:22
Thank you sis! He got there fine, and was straight into meetings as soon as he arrived! ❤
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 11:23:02
Excellent back in the swing of things, so glad you can relax now 😀💜
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 11:29:55
I’ve even done 2 hours of editing! Can sit back now… though I can,t as need to sort out lunch for the kids and me, and then get Lil Man to another cricket match! And have school uniform to pick up for Lil Princess!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 11:58:49
It all go, I have just read your interview over The South Branch Scribbler, really enjoyed it. I have just got back from Physio for my foot, Drs for hand tomorrow, scan on 12th geez! My life is exciting 🤣🤣🤣🤣💜💜💜
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 12:02:32
I hope you liked the exerpt, sis!!
It’s all go for you definitely!
Good luck with the drs appts!
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 12:11:59
Lol yes I know how to live it up 🤣🤣🤣, yes I really liked the extract it really made me want to read more 💜
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 12:35:51
I’m so happy 🥰🥰🥰
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 13:18:15
Lol 💜💜💜🤣
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 05:11:58
I love how your classroom looks – that reading area is so cute! Remember what Spidey said – take some time to rest! Enjoy Brum.
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Aug 05, 2019 @ 07:35:27
I’m resting now!!! I can’t do any more now, until the cupboard arrives!!!
Thank you! I’m excited to go home! X
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