And just like that, February ends. We’ve been back at school a week, and have another remote learning week to go, before the kids are actually back in school buildings…!
Right, so, first week back. You got your drink? Let’s chat!

- If we were having chai I’d have to start with that thing that is always on my mind, and that is school. The announcement was made on Monday, by the government, that all schools would be starting back on Monday 8th March, giving us two weeks to get ourselves ready for having all children back in, learning traditionally, while still providing the remote learning needed over those same two weeks. Plans are going to be different, as we need to make sure these children are settled, and happy to be back, before we embark upon the inevitable assessments, to see how they have been doing academically. But first, it is all about the social side. Those children have been out of the school routines since the middle of December. Sure, they have been learning at home, but the majority of them haven’t met any of their friends for all that time. New routines, new staff, too, as well as new expectations. So we have been drawing up plans, and working out everything that needs doing before they come back to school. I was also in and out of management meetings, as well as having a catch up with one of our school improvement advisors, who I am under, as part of my continuous professional development. A long, but productive two hours!
- If we were having chai I’d tell you that I have been pretty good with my healthy eating. I have managed to stick to my calorie allowance each day, and factor in a treat for myself, each day, too. The three litres of water or tea that I am drinking, however, means that my bladder is still making me run to the loo far more than usual! I even experinemted with making low fat banana bread, on Sunday, while Lil Princess was baking her own vanilla sponge!
- If we were having chai I’d be feeling very proud of myself as I mention that I have managed to exercise every day, and go for a long walk! Either Lil Man or Lil Princess have been coming with me and we have been walking anything between two and three miles each day. I am feeling good for it, and even lost 3lbs! We’ve walked long blocks, around the area we live, in, walked to my in-laws house to just stand in the drive and say hi, and through the fort gardens that are not far from our house, where I took the shot below!
- If we were having chai I’d let you know that though it wasn’t in the thousands, I managed to write a few more words for Book two, despite my MacBook deciding that was the same moment it wanted to update! My only regret is that I really wanted to send out a newsletter in February, but it didn’t happen… *slaps own wrist.
- If we were having chai I’d leave you with a picture of Sonu Singh, snuggled up with me, as he likes to, when I sit and read. Who needs a hot water bottle when you have a warm kitty?

This week, it is preparing the classrooms and everything around school, to get ready for next Monday. I have to take both my secondary aged kids into their school, at different times, to get their first LFD Covid tests done, too. We have another viewing for our house, as well. Other than that, nothing major of note, but who knows what a new week will bring!
And while you’re here, did you sign up for my mailing list? I am in the middle of writing an exclusive Chickpea Curry Lit story for my subscribers, and there will be news, tips and even recipes! You know you want to join… go on! Click the pic below to sign up!

Mar 06, 2021 @ 00:28:07
You had a great week and good job with your walking. Stay safe!
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Mar 06, 2021 @ 08:40:07
Thank you so much!
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Mar 03, 2021 @ 14:40:42
You are inspiring me to start walking! Here’s hoping school reopening goes well.
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Mar 03, 2021 @ 15:59:20
I’ve managed to walk every day apart from yesterday (migraine!)
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Mar 04, 2021 @ 01:41:41
Way to go! Yes, migraines put a halt to walking. As soon as the snow is gone, I will walk. 🙂
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Mar 04, 2021 @ 06:53:50
I do love a good walk! Last night, it was the rain that stopped us, but, again, I used an online walking exercise class to make up for it! Xxx
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Mar 04, 2021 @ 22:14:47
You rock, girlfriend! 😀
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Mar 04, 2021 @ 22:28:50
🥰🥰🥰
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Mar 03, 2021 @ 07:44:01
Sounds like a busy but productive week. Glad to hear you managed to get some writing done. Well done you! x
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Mar 03, 2021 @ 07:44:32
Thanks, Sis. Not as much as I wanted, but getting there!!
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Mar 03, 2021 @ 09:16:29
Struggling for time at the moment. Still haven’t finished my paperback for my new release! Or done any writing or edits. Work is getting in the way! Lol.
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Mar 03, 2021 @ 09:27:06
We are both in the same situation!
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Mar 03, 2021 @ 13:37:48
Yes very much so. x
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Mar 03, 2021 @ 05:28:12
I am sure it will be a great relief to get back to normal school. On-line learning doesn’t work well for kids. I have had to get extra tuition for Michael to get him back on track with some subjects. Great news about your exercise programme.
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Mar 03, 2021 @ 07:04:56
Thanks, Robbie.
Online learning is a necessary evil, unfortunately!
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 21:29:45
What a discipline, Sis! 😉 This with the low fat banana bread is a very good idea, also this with the walk. In my opinion, and after looking into the mirror, i should do so again. The last weeks were more like Sonu’s behaviour. Lol Lets hope the pupils will remembering you, after for this age very long time. But they had you on screen.
I am once again very happy not to work in the business teaching youngsters. Thats very important, but – with the lot of espresso i drink – my nerves would not accept. Lol
Lets wish you a good week. Dont hurry up, its only a little bit back to the “old normal”. Even better as a “new normal”, i think. Michael
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 21:33:44
Aw thanks, Bro! I’m trying very hard to be good, and so far it’s working!!!
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 21:42:58
You are best, Sis! As busy as possible, and happy with your teaching job. This – as i hear from teacher is – is not the normal state. You are born for beeing a teacher. What a luck for the pupils.
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 21:47:56
🥰🥰🥰
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Mar 02, 2021 @ 16:08:35
:-)) By the way, all around Germany now will try to use the Sputnik vaccine. Never had thought our guys again will not trust in the UK. ;-(
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Mar 02, 2021 @ 17:02:41
Oh!
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Mar 03, 2021 @ 12:35:20
😉 Maybe I should learn more Russian now?
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Mar 03, 2021 @ 12:43:33
Lol!
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 18:57:17
Discipline and determination are the magic words that will lead to success! Sometimes it helps when this is supported with a little natural stubbornness (at least in my case)… lol
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 18:58:06
I think I can be that stubborn.. but then I can be equally stubborn at eating the wrong things, too!
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 19:20:39
Oh, ok, so, please forget that stubborn thingy… lol
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 19:20:52
Lol!
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 13:09:37
Ritu, if I were have Chai with you, I would say way to go on the healthy eating and daily exercising. These are gifts you give yourself. Well done, Keith
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 13:58:09
Thank you Keith, and I hope you enjoy your chai!
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 06:49:43
Gosh it is a balance for you and the your kids going back and you being a school teacher too.
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 07:09:29
It is indeed. Being both parent and teacher is tough… but we have to do it!
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 06:19:55
Schools in our county are resuming on Monday to full attendance. I wish you and all of the other teachers safe reopenings with their schools.
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 07:09:49
Thank you Pete 💜
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