Opportunities in October...or Awful October

 Actually, neither of those titles are accurate, although I pray for a positive mindset to SEE those opportunities afforded us this month. Hmm... let’s see.

Well, there were opportunities to meet up with friends, although after the busyness of September we took a bit of a rest. We started the month, though, with a meal out with some of our closest friends and finished with a fun, fancy dress birthday party with the usual suspects of 'our' crowd. An unexpected, last minute lunch invitation was a joy; the monthly ladies’ breakfast a delight, as always, especially when one friend stayed on to chat and catch up over another coffee. And then, of course, were my weekly afternoon tea, chat and prayer sessions with Kareena. #lifeline  

There were a few sea swims, including one in the Venus pool on Lihou Island, where I'd gone with my class for an overnight 'team building and leadership' exercise. Also a few body-boarding sessions, especially when huge surf (4 metres) arrived on the island, albeit with high winds. The sea is still remarkably warm.

 Chats with Cara were always a highlight. She is an absolute delight, discovering language and communicating in every way she knows, so often with smiles and giggles. Videos show her collapsed with laughter on the sofa: “Cara funny. Bubba funny.” Bubba is her doll companion, whose nappy she is adept at changing, ‘cleaning’ the doll’s bottom with a tissue, alternately wiping her nose after using it. Hope she doesn’t do that with Baby Sista, once she arrives in December. Another video shows a thoughtful little girl, saying, “Cara waiting. Dada.” as she waits for her dad to come home from work.

A night away in the motorhome at Beaucette Marina in the north of the island coincided with the arrival of a storm and strong winds. 

We managed a good walk up to Fort Doyle and Fort Le Marchant and then went to the restaurant there with friends for supper. We’d wondered about staying an extra night... but woke up to lashing rain, so fled for the comforts of home. It seemed like a long way... all of eight miles. One bit of excitement on the way home: a wasp emerged from somewhere in the van - it must have been there since the summer, when we were next to many of them feasting on fallen apples. In my panic, I flicked it off my finger...onto Richard's jeans, while he was driving. I won't say exactly WHERE it was crawling around, but he had to do a sudden stop so he could concentrate on persuading it to leave, rather than thinking about when - and where - it might sting him. 

And we had a good tidy up of the loft. Finally, after several suggestions on my part, we will be giving away the gazebos Richard had been hanging on to ‘in case’ we had another huge party in the summer.(The last time was 6 years ago.) Perfect timing, just right for Christmas...along with the electric sauna, which is also leaving us. At least THAT is appropriate for the winter season...

The month, though, wasn’t the best. School was, at times, incredibly stressful and it took me most of half term to begin to regain energy and recapture my resilience. The cumulative effect of the griefs and losses of the year added to the stress, catching me by surprise, coupled with the sad news that our wonderful neighbours are moving into town. They have become dear friends: the positive is that they will STILL be dear friends. At least they haven't moved to Alderney...yes, that was on the cards at one point, for a mercifully short-lived time.

So, what were the positives this month? Friends. Fresh air. Faithfulness. Family. Fun.

Not such an awful month, after all, then.

Contentment

Chilli. I thought it was a sweet pepper...TOOK A BITE!