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.