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Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 338 – The End Or The Beginning

29 Aug 2021 37 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Back to school, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday

“What feels like the end, is often the beginning.”
Anon

Thanks, Spidey, for putting a positive spin on a time of the year that I sometimes find quite difficult.

It is the end. Yup, the end of the summer holidays. Meaning time to go back go school.

But, just because a lovely break and time of rest has come to an end, it doesnt mean that there is nothing left to look forward to.

We are at the start of a new academic year. Soon, there will be my small army of new recruits joining the school. Who knows what the year will bring?

Will we manage a full year, with no remote learning or lockdowns? I hope so. These children have had far too much disruption over the last 18 months.

I’m dreading the thought of Ofsted coming to visit, though, as they might, this year, because I will be a part of the leadership team, so far more accountable for the way the department is run. That’s not so say I think I’m doing a bad job. No, we have a wonderful team, and every one works well together for the good of the children.

But, still, it is nerve wracking.

So, I’ll put that to the back of my mind and just get excited with everything else that is happening, and being able to welcome a whole host of new learners to school!

So, what about you? Do you enjoy new beginnings?

Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!

Chai And A Chat #149 #ChaiAndAChat

23 Aug 2021 32 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Catch Up, Chai and a Chat

Oh, Lordy, four weeks down, and only one to go!

Well, if you’re ready with your drink, I’m ready with my recap!

If we were having chai I’d start with a little sigh, and say that I still feel very, very tired. It’s not going to be a long post, today. I don’t have it in me, to be honnest, and with just a week of holiday left, I am not sure I will be firing all cylinders at the beginning of term.
If we were having chai I’d tell you that we went suit shopping for Lil Man and his Sixth form. It’ll be strange seeing him getting ready to go to college, rather than school… with his suit on rather than uniform, but how wonderful, too!
If we were having chai I’d mention that I popped into school briefly on two occasions, to move a few bits around, and get some things ready. There isn’t a huge point in doing too much right now, because we really don;t know what the cohort of children will be like, so the basic preparations will be done, and we can take it from there.
If we were having chai I’d go a bit quiet and say that, again, I have eaten far too much this week. The scales are mocking me. Nuff said…
If we were having chai I’d excitedly tell you that this week Lil Man’s Under 17s team won their league, and the cup match, then on Saturday, the 4ths Mens team he plays with, also won their match, meaning they will finish top of their league! And on the cricket front, my brother was playing a T20I tournament with Finland, against Sweden, and after four matches, they drew 2-2, so not a bad cricket week, all round!

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If we were having chai I’d tell you it was Rakhri on Sunday, where brothers and sisters celebrate their love for one another. I miss being with my own brother, but always feel blessed that my own two have each other to continue this tradition with.

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This week, I still have two intense cricket days, where Lil Man is playing for his District team, along with three traininng sessions, and another match on Sunday. I also have to go into school for the day on Tuesday, to spend some time with my team, getting set for September. But Hubby Dearest has time off on Thursday and Friday, so it will be lovely to chill with him, too, and hopefully relax a little before back to school hits!

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!

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 337 – Rakhri

22 Aug 2021 26 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Brothers and Sisters, rakhri, Raksha Bandhan, siblings, Smile, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday

“Brothers and sisters separated by distance, joined by love.”
Chuck Danes

Thanks Spidey, for a wonderful quote, apt for today, as it is Rakhri, or Raksha Bandhan, today.

This is a special day, celebrated in India, and by Indians worldwide. It is a day for brothers and sisters.

Raksha means to look after. Bandhan means bound together.

Traditionally, a sister ties a special thread around the wrist of her brother(s) and feeds them something sweet. A brother returns this with a small gift.

That special thread is filled with blessings and a promise to always be there for the brother, praying for his wellbeing at all times. The brother takes this duty seriously, and if a rakhi is tied on him, he vows to look after his sister, forever, too.

When I was younger, it was a wonderfully profitable day! I have many, many cousins, and it’s not just your brother you tie on, but anyone who is like a brother to you, so cousins, friends who are close enough to be brothers, etc. and they all gave a token, or money, as their little gesture, responding to the sacred thread tied on them.

It was always an exciting time amongst all us girls, and oen that the brothers loved, but dreaded, knowing they would be lighter in the pocket by the end of the day, especially if they had lots of sisters!

Obviously, there are a few changes to this nowadays. Sisters tie on sisters, too, because you don’t have to be a male, or a brother, to look after one another. And, it’s not about the money, or gifts, either. It is the thought behind that thread that is tied. The bond that shouldn’t ever break.

It’s always a bittersweet day for me, as, nowadays, rarely will I get the chance to be with my own brother, to tie his rakhi on him, personally. We faithfully post ours, me to him, Lil Princess to her two little brothers, out there, in Helsinki, and they get tied on our behalfs. They know we are there for them, with them, forever.

At least I get to see my own two, performing this age old ritual. Though, the promises are to look after each other, not just the brother looking after his sister! (And she still expects a little gift!)

So, what about you? Do you have a close bond with your siblings, if you have them?

Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!

#SoCS Aug. 21, 2021 – Ode

21 Aug 2021 29 Comments

by Ritu in #SoCS Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, cricket, Ode, Socs, Stream Of Consciousness Saturday

Linda’s treat for us this week for #SoCS:

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “ode.” Find a one- or two-syllable word that rhymes with “ode,” or use the word “ode.” Have fun!

Rather than faff around, I shall just write an ode, shall I?

On a topic rather dear to my heart, at this precise moment!

An Ode To Cricket

There once was a time when cricket
Was something that bored me to tears
Who'd have guessed it would become more appealling
As I advanced in my years?

In my teens, a game lasting a day
Seemed an incredible waste of my time
I'd rather be out shopping, or reading
More important things to do in my prime

Yet now, you will find me transfixed
Either at the ground or on screen
As I cheer on my bro from the sofa
Or the sideline, as I watch my teen

Each bowl balled, keeps me transfixed
Each run scored makes me cheer
When they get a wicket I'm grinning
If they get out, I sneer

I'm learning the lingo real fast
5 for 8 off 5 *
Tapping scores into my WhatsApp
To keep family updated, live

Oh, Cricket, you've wormed your way in
Look, how far you've come
I'm not a cricket widow
I'm quite proudly, a cricket sister and mum!

Ritu 2021

And there you have it, a little (SoCS) ode to cricket.

Today, I wasn’t watching the match from the sidelines, but my brother is playing for Finland, in a proper international T20I tournament, and I watched both matches live on YouTube, and they won both against Sweden, so, Yay! to the Finnish Bears! Another two matches tomorrow.

And Lil Man? Well, he was playing for the Mens 4th team, and with the win they secured today, their team has topped their league for this season!

I’m an extremely proud Sister and Mother, right now!

The season is still not over, yet, for my son. Maybe three weeks to go, but, however tiring it has been for me to ferry him to and fro, over the last few months, it’s worth it, to see him progress.

*5 for 8 off 5 – that was Lil Man’s best bowling score this season, and, unless anything changes over the next couple of weeks, it has him at the top of the bowling performances leader board across the club! It means he bowled five overs, and got five wickets, giving away only eight runs. Pretty good for my little Lefty Spin bowler!

Chai And A Chat #148 #ChaiAndAChat

16 Aug 2021 43 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Catch Up, Chai and a Chat

Have three weeks of my break really passed me by? Do I really only have two weeks left?

Well, if you’re ready with your drink, I’m ready with my recap!

If we were having chai I’d start by telling you that since the holidays have started, I have no idea what I am doing… my life is so up and down, with things going on, constantly, that I forget what happened last week/this week, what is yet to happen… I think, this week, my mind spin is coming from the fact that I didn’t have a huge amount planned, so I was a bit lost, to be honest.

If we were having chai I’d tell you that, as always, cricket still featured heavily. (It’s the summer, it’s the season, I can’t get away from it!) He had two more one to one sessions with some of his district coaches, who appeared very impressed with his skills and progress. There were three club training sessions, where I had a great chat with one of the ‘cricket widows’ as she described herself, with her husband being the director of cricket for the club, and two sons who have been immersed in cricket since they were mere dots. Then, he had his club match on Saturday, where he did phenomenally. 3 for 11 of 9. In plain English, that means that he bowled for nine overs, and managed to get three wickets (batters out) only giving away eleven runs, which is pretty good!

If we were having chai I’d mention that Lil Princess and I went to the haidresser for trims after a good six months. I have also decided that I need to sort my diet out, so after a post I saaw by my author friend Dan Wilcocks, pledging to only shave his beard once he hits his target weight, I have created my own little challenge #keepinggreyuntililovehowmuchiweigh – yes, I am not dyeing my hair until I hit that target. My roots are pretty obvious already. Who knows, I might just like the au naturel look, but for now, that is my incentive, and boy, do I need it… I ate FOUR donuts in one go on Saturday. I am SO ASHAMED!
If we were having chai I’d say that

If we were having chai I’d excitedly tell you that Lil Man’s GCSE results came out, and HE PASSED! So, as of September, he will be attending the Sixth form of his choice to continue his education. We are so proud of him!

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If we were having chai I’d tell you that we had a lovely lunch on Sunday, with my in-laws who came around after a long time. My Bro in law has been in plaster and a walking boot since April, and he was unable to move, before this, so it was his first time at the new house. Such a lovely few hours, it was.

If we were having chai I’d leave you with an image of Sonu Singh, who is still very haappy with the new table!

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This week, there is cricket, as always, but only the the club training, and a match on Saturday (and possibly, Thursday). I have an appointment to take my father-in-law to, on Wednesday, and I really need to log into my work laptop, and also pop into school, too… But, I also am still on r & r mode… I need to be in tip top condition for the begining of school, so I’m still reading and relaxing!