Saturday Snaps

A photograph, each Saturday- Quirky or Serious?, Fun or Interesting?, Real or Abstract?

A comment or not, a thought, a quote or whatever-Let the pictures do the talking

 

 

As you know i'm a sucker for a good sunset- Well this is sunset soccer!

Amanda x

And we're back in the Game..!

Yep, back to it! The long (well long to anyone who isn't a teacher!) 6 weeks of holidays are over and 2 days down, into the school year- and I'm raring to go!

 

With everything that's happened over the summer, I actually feel that now I'm back at work, Life feels just a little bit more back to normal. With a little bit of structure, back to normal routines and keeping busy- at least I can just get on and let it all take over.

 

I've grown to accept the fact that I will always feel guilty that I'm 11,00 kms away from my dad and everything that the family are going through, That I can't be there to visit dad or give support to my mum, or be there to hear what the doctors have to say and so the burden falls to my sister.. but me, crying and worrying, isn't going to help matters. So I've picked myself up, gave myself a shake and wonder in the merits of having a large limit available on my credit card, ready to spend on flights back to the UK!

 

I feel blessed, that I have such a supportive group of friends, family and colleagues, real and in blogland, who just know what to say at the right time-  It's nice to know that even though I'm on my own over here- I'm not alone-and to those I'm so very grateful :)

 

So here we go - a new year - a new start- new positive thinking. Making the most of my time over here and dealing with whatever gets thrown my way, in the best way I can.

 

I am going to take opportunities that I can, accept invites that come my way, spend time reading, taking photos, blogging, visit new places, relish in being in old places and generally make the most of life- because as many of us know- life is just too short!

Life is too short for plain biscuits, cheap wine and bad coffee!

 

So go on - Indulge!

Amanda x

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday- A weekly photograph that needs no explanation- or then again I might decide otherwise!
 

 

The Calm before the storm!

 

A clean, tidy, organised classroom just waiting for the onslaught of children, on the first day of the new school year!

 

Amanda x

52 Weeks of Happy- Bali Style

Many happy moments this week as a week in Bali would cheer anyone up:)

 So, despite everything that is going on in the Uk, just tried to make the most of chilling before the rest of the new school year starts. So linking in with Little Birdie here are this week's happy moments.

Week 34

19th- 25th August

Some great food- Not only did I find a fantastic Greek restaurant, but generally ate very well over the week- Maybe a bit too well really- and certainly way too many deserts! The diet can start tomorrow!

Chilling in the Sunshine, by the pool- what else needs to be said!

This little guy was being released into the sea after hatching. I hope he makes it:)

Sunday Afternoon! After a great Sunday Lunch, it was time to sit back and watch the sunset. Meeting up with friends and new work colleagues was a nice way to spend the last day of the Summer break.

 

So that's it - Six weeks of Summer holidays gone by already. My school bag is packed and waiting by the door ready for an early start in the morning- All good things come to an end- and now it's back to reality and routine!

Hope everyone had a good week:)

Amanda x 

 

Saturday Snaps

A photograph, each Saturday- Quirky or Serious?, Fun or Interesting?, Real or Abstract?

A comment or not, a thought, a quote or whatever-Let the pictures do the talking

 

It's great being on holiday- But sometimes the most simplest things about being back make you smile. Suitcases unpacked, washing done-not a thing in the house to eat...so English Cheese, Scottish Oatcakes and a local beer, sitting watching the sunset...What's not to like!

Work starts on Monday-but until then...chill :)

Amanda x

52 Weeks of Happy

Hi, It's that time of the week again to show some of the things that have made me happy this week. It's not been the best week to find happy moments. There's been more sad times than happy, but I managed to find things that made me smile between the tears, So linking in with Little Birdie here are this week's happy moments.

Week 33

12-18th August

My family! Just spending precious time with them all has made me really happy! Enough said!

Something a little more trivial!- Unpacking my suitcase and finding it full of goodies, treats and essentials that will get me through the next few months here in Borneo!

Some lovely things I bought whilst at home, now I just have to decide where to put them:)

No picture for the 4th one- For once I didn't have my camera!- But a very enjoyable morning walking through the local park with an old friend- catching up, putting the world to rights and temporarily escaping from the norm:)

To finish off I had to mention Lizzy, who managed to get her AS results this week,

I'm a very proud Aunty!:)

Amanda x

Saturday Snaps

 A photograph, each Saturday- Quirky or Serious?, Fun or Interesting?, Real or Abstract?

A comment or not, a thought, a quote or whatever-Let the pictures do the talking

Look Familiar? mmm... Suitcases coming in, Suitcases going out!

 

 

A one day turnaround this week! Suitcases from the uk were unpacked, washing done, and then suitcases were repacked for my holiday to Bali. A week of respite before the madness that entails the start of a new school year. A week of sitting on the beach, by the pool, book in hand, trying to escape reality. A week of investigating new places, revisiting old places and generally taking it easy with an odd stop for a coffee or ice cream, here or there.

 

When I booked this week's holiday way, way, back I obviously didn't know about the turmoils that the family would be going through. So it's not without a lot of guilt or worry, that I'm heading off for a break. Not that I can do much over here anyway, so I might as well get on with it.

Dad remains in hospital- and will be for some time- it's not been great news but we're all trying to remain positive and strong. With referrals to neurology, oncology and surgery on the cards this is going to be one long slog. So you imagine my hesitancy about taking time out for a holiday.

 

But here I am- all packed and ready to go- life still goes on, whatever curve balls are thrown along the way and so I'll try to make the most of it and so maybe I'll feel a little more refreshed and ready to face the challenges up ahead.

 

Amanda  X

A not so Wordless Wednessday

Wordless Wednesday : A weekly photo that needs no comment and no explanation- But then again, I might decide otherwise:)

Well today I decided otherwise- Now please ignore the time and date- I'm posting this in UAE, but my body tells me I'm in the UK and my computer thinks its in Malaysia- so who knows what it will end up as- but for all intents and purposes--Its Wednesday :)

 

Ok not a great picture

 

 

and neither is this one- but it's a great plane: A c130 Hercules flying past our house, obviously on some training mission. As I was flying today, albeit on a commercial flight, thought I'd just add this photo since it flew past yesterday:)

But here I am, one flight down and two more to go, waiting for what seems hours in International airports. The first flight was quite pleasant though, 6hrs 30 of flicking through channels, flicking through magazines and eating flight food.
There was some impressive views too as we flew over Eastern Europe, The Black Sea, Turkey and Iran and into the UAE.

 

But now I'm just whiling away a few hours between flights and then hopefully by Thursday evening Borneo time- I shall be back in my little apartment- probably whiling away a few more hours as I wait for my body clock to adjust.

Until then,

 Amanda x

 

52 Weeks of Happy

Well, it's my last day here in the UK and its been a bit of a roller coaster of a ride. Feeling decidedly emotional going back this time for many reasons, but life goes on, whatever curve ball gets thrown at you. I've still managed to find some 'Happies' this week, in between hospital visits and feeling guilty about leaving to go back to work- but anyway here are some of the things that made me happy last week.

 

August 5th- 11th

 

Finding time to visit favourite places- Castlerigg, despite being full of tourists was still a pleasure to visit.

 

Getting to the beach- on a bright sunny day as well- finding some sea glass and breathing in all that fresh salty sea air.

 

 

 Snacking on favourite food- ice cream nougat wafers from the ice cream van- and freshly baked scones with lemon curd- very local, very delicious.

 The lakes! Not a great picture as it was through the car window- but just being here, in my home county and appreciating what we have- it doesn't get much better than this:)

 

 

 

 Well, off to get packed, fingers crossed that I'm under the luggage allowance- my suitcase is full of tea, chocolate and sweets to take back with me!

Amanda x

 

 

Another July Scavenger Hunt and a Saturday Snap

 

A photograph, each Saturday- Quirky or Serious?, Fun or Interesting?, Real or Abstract?

A comment or not, a thought, a quote or whatever-Let the pictures do the talking

 

Butterflies seem to be everywhere at the moment and they particularly like this Buddleia / Buddleja bush in our garden.

 

And as usual for the beginning of the month I have joined in with Sophie at CGDN  for another Scavenger hunt. I took a bit of liberty with some of the interpretations- but still managed to get them. So here's my July Photos:

 

Message

A car sticker message that I spotted whilst waiting at some traffic lights.

 

In between

This plane is in between flights- being refuelled, restocked and luggage boarded.

 

Brim

Lots of brims on these summer hats, found in the airport shop.

 

Healthy

A healthy alternative fast food stall- full of smoothies and fresh juice

 

Aloft

High up- a fairground attraction ride at the Rewind festival- You wouldn't catch me up there!

 

Summer

A summer festival- Rewind 2013

 

Cool

My sister's very cool camper Humphry.

 

Peaceful

A very quiet and peaceful walk through the grounds of Scone Palace

 

 Record

Some old vinyls found at a second hand stall at Preston Market

 

Barbeque

Instant BBQ, coals and firelighters for sale in the supermarket.

 

Sand

Tidal sands

 

Skin

Not quite skin- but hide:)

 

 

So that's it for another month. There's going to be a slight change for next month- a show and tell- so it will be interesting to see if I can think of something to come up with.

 

Until Next time,

 Amanda x

52 weeks of busy!

Well, it's been more of the same here- busy, busy and totally out of routine- I think I'll be glad in a way to get back to Borneo- if only for the sense of normality. Many apologies for not keeping up to date with posting and/ or even reading anyone else's pages. But a big thank you for those that still pop over to have a look and see what's going on over here on Graham's Landing.

It's been a very strange couple of weeks. Dad ended up back in hospital and is still there, so life is revolving around hospital visits. We're not really sure what's going on-so everything is up in the air. I've still managed to find some 'Happies' though- albeit a bit late!

 

July 29th-August 4th

 

Dad's 70th Birthday

Dad's birthday was last week. We had a quiet celebration tea at home as he'd just come out of hospital, but it was nice to do something.

 

A new book

I spent the weekend down in London with Deb and Lizzy. A girly weekend treat :) It started off with a very pleasant train ride down- a great chance to catch up with a cup of tea and a new book to read.

 

Champagne Afternoon Tea

 

Well, why not? The National Gallery Restaurant on a Friday afternoon- what a great way to spend an afternoon.

 

A Welcome Visitor

 Back at home, this little wren was spotted hopping about on the patio. I haven't seen a wren for a long time in the garden- so I was most impressed. They are just a cute little bird.:)

 

 So that's it for now. I have lots of photos to upload of my goings on in London and roundabout here. Hopefully I'll get to show a few. Hope everyone is having a good week.

Amanda x

 

 

 

 

July Made with Love Scavenger Hunt

Happy August. Linking up with Greenthumb at Made with Love and taking part in the July photo scavenger hunt.

 

Numbers

A list of flight numbers during my journey back to the UK.

 

Smile

 A serene smile from a churchyard angel

Black

The Black Horse pub in Preston, Lancashire

Bright

Brightly Coloured fireworks at Rewind

Coins

 A collection of Scottish Coins

 

Feet

Wellie clad feet at the festival

 

Wheels

Aircraft wheels 

 

11

I landed at gate B11

 

Umbrella

Playing hide under the umbrella!

 

Something Very Old

Castlerigg Stone Circle. Keswick, Cumbria

 

Technology

High tech audio and video at Rewind

 

The Great Outdoors

The Lake District Northern Fells.

 

Hope to see you for August's list :)

Amanda x