Every time I look at Sally's blog she's put up photo's of the beautiful coastline where she goes for relaxing walks. There's not much coast round here, Luton being fairly well inland. But what we do have just 5 mins walk from our house is stunning countryside to roam around in. So here are my photos to prove that Luton isn't all scuzzy, some of it is beautiful.

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Rain, rain, go away..

When will it ever stop? We've had sports day cancelled 3 times and we've got the summer fare tomorrow with the official opening of the reception classes new sensory garden. The Mayor and press are coming. I hope they bring their wellies!
Still, I did grab 90 mins yesterday to get some of the grass cut at home. Mind you, when the mower mwde strange noises, smelt of burning then had smoke coming out of it, I thought it was time to unplug it!! So I finished with the older, heavier mower, which is a bit of a bugger on the slopes round the fruit trees. The pears aren't looking too good - too much rain. Still, it could be worse. At least we're not flooded like some.
Anyone know a bloke called Noah?

Geek

Tried to put my geek rating here but didn't manage the copy/paste thing. That's probably why I only scored 16% ! Oh well.

Catching up

Well, Portugal was fantastic. Great weather (whilst UK had torrential rain and Luton was flooded in parts), great food and wine, fabulous villa with pool, wonderful beaches and we all got on without any squabbling between the girls.

This was our favourite beach, Marinah. The car park was at the top then there were endless steps down to the beach and you could climb over rocks to get to other bays that were more secluded. Absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to go back.

Then it was back to school for a week to show off the tan. Mind you, everyone thought it was fake, until I started peeling!

The weekend was a residential at London Colney. Much better that the last time I was there (January - cold and dark) . I went for a lovely long walk around the grounds and fields on the Sunday morning. It was good to have the time to stop and look at the little things we so often miss in our day to day rushing around, like the dew on a cobweb, the sun on the petals of tiny flowers, the roots of an ivy plant winding themselves around an old tree trunk, the patterns on a butterfly. It's something I intend to do more of.

I've also been to see Archbishop Desmond Tutu! He was preaching at St Albans Cathederal last Saturday as part of their annual festival for St Alban. He was really great, so down to earth and genuine. It was a privilege to hear him.

Its also time to write my end of year reflection for ERMC. My tutor has also had to do one. It was all OK except for my own minister and church. Having negative comments from them was hard, especially as they weren't about my ability as a preacher, but about me as a person. I found it really upsetting. I know how much I have changed in the last year, but people who have known me on a more casual basis, like just on Sundays, have a preconcieved idea of who I am based on previous knowledge, so can't see how I've changed as they only see what the expect to see, if that makes sense. I don't fit their preconcieved idea of a Methodist minister, so they don't think I'm ready to candidate. But I don't want to fit the mold, because I don't want to lose sight of who I am. So I'm having second thoughts about whether or not I candidate this year, if at all.

On a lighter note, my unofficial God-daughter (she's not been christened as her parents have no beliefs and felt it would be hypocritical) has got a puppy. Scooby is a 9 week old Jack Russell and she is adorable. I taught her to fetch when we babysat for Amelia on Saturday night. I can't wait for the time when we are home enough to have one of our own, or two. We hope to get a retired greyhound, and I want something small, maybe a chihuahua or a dachshound. Or maybe just a little rescue mutt.

Also been watching lots of Glastonbury. Must get Get Cape, Wear Cape. Fly's album. Great horns and I loved some of the lyrics too. I'd love to go as I've never been, but wouldn't fancy quite that much mud. Call me a wimp, but I'd rather watch from the comfort of my own sofa!

So I think that just about catches up from the hols to now. I've got a tally chart on the board in the classroom counting down the days till the end of term - 19!! Can't wait. Might even blog again before then!!

YIPEEE!!!!

At last, 6000 words finished, proof read, printed and ready to post. At one point it looked dubious, but it's amazing how much ink you can get out of an empty cartridge - about 15 pages worth!
So now all I have to do is take it to the post office tomorrow and send it off, then relax, pack and have an early night. Our flight is at 6.45am on Friday, so the cab is collecting us at 4.45am, if such a time really exists!
My 'baby', Bryony, is 15 today. I feel so old :-( But she's had a great day and is so excited about the holiday. She's never been in a 'big' plane before and it's our first ever family holiday abroad. Can't wait to be in the sun by the pool, chilling out and getting a tan.
So enjoy next week - I hear rain is forcast! And I'll let you know how it was when I return. There might even be pictures .....

Weekend Away

Just had a wild weekend! Well as wild as it can get in a convent in the middle of nowhere in Norfolk. But, Saturday night was the disco, with 4 different decades to dress up in - 20's, 40's, 60's, 80's, and I got the 40's. So went as a land girl but Lorraine made me wear LIPSTICK!!!!! I never wear it, never have, even in my more girly days. Mind you, it was fun using it on Giles face as part of his Adam Ant look. The staff joined in too, which made for interesting photos to show the bishop! And the wine was free, and I drank probably more than I should have. I have no memory of anything between leaving the disco and waking up at 6am in my bed. Apparently I went up the fire escape and in through the window. I know this because before and after that I was on the fone to Sue - who must have been thrilled by my drunken ramblings at 1am. But we all had a great time, with everyone entering into the spirit of it. Well done to the bods who organised it all.

Presbyter or Deacon

Spent a couple of hours with a Deacon last Thursday. It's part of the discernment process - looking at all the options to be sure about my calling. Anyway, I went along to rule it out - after all, they just visit the sick and elderly and they don't preach, so it's not where I'm heading.
Two hours later......So they do preach, run all sorts of activities - cafe church, drama groups, alternative worship, mums n tots, and a load of other things that bring the community and church together. What she doesn't do is dull church council meetings and communion. That will probably be the decider for me. Communion, not church meetings (I can live without them). So now I'm more undecided about my vocation than I was this time last week. So, more thinking, praying and talking to people over the next few months so that I know by the time the candidating process starts in September.