Niggling November

November began with a bang: fireworks, of course. The obligatory garden bonfire had, in fact, already happened, thanks to a wonderfully calm day in October half term: no wind = no worries about the neighbours. We were actually out for supper on Bonfire Night itself: we returned to find my rucksack and its contents - even down to pencils and pens which were secreted in quite a small pocket - strewn across the hallway. Had we been burgled? No, it was just Pickle having a panic attack because of the (distant) pops of fireworks. Similarly, the sofa cushions were scattered across the living room and all the pillows and cushions on our bed had met a similar fate.

We were out for supper two days later, on the Saturday. We left music blaring VERY loudly in two different rooms. Result: calm.

Having had gales and storms lashing our little island with rain, it was a relief, albeit a tad annoying, to have wonderful warm (15 degrees: yes, that's warm for November) sunny days for our first week back at school. Still, the weather lasted in to the first weekend as well: perfect for a chilly sea swim and a walk on the beach. We took the motorhome down, then hunted - very successfully - for sea glass and pretty pebbles. Satisfying. 

We enjoyed hosting quite a few meals (as well as my monthly breakfast.)  We weren’t too sure about  one particular combination of friends, who didn't really know each other well, but it turned out to be inspired – there were so many coincidences. It was an international gathering: Guernsey, England, South Africa, Kenya, Korea and New Zealand were all represented. (In fact, I counted up to nine countries where we had all, at one time or another, lived.) One had spent part of his childhood in Korea, not too far away from the home of another who is Korean herself; they all had Chester (where a family member is living) in common, knowing it well. Then we started talking about Francis Chan, who I’d been listening to the day before (having only heard him once before, maybe six months ago); there were common experiences regarding upbringing overseas; and we all shared our faith stories and experiences.  I love evenings like this.

Early in the month there was no news from  our dear neighbours Nicky and Richard next door about their impending move to a house in town, so we were hopeful they might not, as they hadn't sold their own house. However, they had an offer at the end of the month. It will all happen rather quickly, and, for us, sadly, but they will be gone by Christmas. ☹ Anyway, we’ll still be friends!

Otherwise, we’ve spent quite a bit of time watching Christmas movies (no one dies! Happy ending!) as the weather has turned dark and gloomy. I only get home before dark on a couple of evenings a week – we’ve had reports, and now new planning and recording to do for Maths, which will be time-consuming but at least reports and writing assessments have been done. And the difficult child in my class has had only two meltdowns in four weeks, which is amazingly good news. Long may it continue! 3 weeks to the end of term. The state schools here go on until Dec 22^nd. Eeek!

So the month ended with a glorious weekend of sunshine. Long bike rides, walks and even a splash with the bodyboard in the excellent waves in between catching up with three different lots of friends. 

Small delights. Spotting an albino pheasant hiding in a hedge; seeing pairs of buzzards every morning on our daily cycle ride. There are two which live very close to us and another pair - one of which is very pale - a couple of miles further on, known as the Riding Club pair. Kestrels too, and often harrier hawks swooping back and forth across the fields. Daisies still blooming voraciously in the garden. The New Zealand spinach showing no sign of slowing down for winter. Doesn't it realise how cold it is getting?

The vociferous solanum, shouting over the woodshed roof and oil tank

Beautiful L'Eree

Sea glass beach finds

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The first Sunday in Advent, too, saw me haul the decorations out of the loft and start our 'Advent tree. On the other side of the world, in New Zealand, Cat had made similar saltdough ornaments with Cara, continuing a tradition. Christmas is coming.

Before that, to paraphrase a traditional Swedish children's rhyme (Nu ar det jul igen...), we celebrated Cara's birthday with her, enjoying the new delights. Cake! Party! Presents! So precious.

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!