Monday 21 October 2013

Long time no see!- 52 weeks of Happy

Well, many apologies for not having posted for a while- I've missed lots of deadlines and regular postings- but it has been Half term break over here and so I took a bit of a trip back home to the UK!
12OOO km is a long way to go for a week-24 hours flying time plus the jet lag- but I'm glad I went.
 
I had planned to go back, mostly to see how my dada was doing- but kept it a surprise from my grandmother- who was very pleased to see me. It is her 90th birthday next week- and so I used the time to celebrate her birthday a little early:)
 
A week really isn't long enough to catch up with everyone- but it was good to see those I did. Dad was in hospital and so a lot of time was spent visiting him and being there for my mum- overall a bittersweet trip- but it's now back to reality.
 
I have two weeks worth of happies to post- and there were many things to choose- I'm sure I had a few more photos taken but as I appear to have lost my camera- (my little one- not my dslr, thank goodness,) - I just had to see what I had. So here goes - 52 Weeks of Happy:

Week 41
7th October- 13th October
A half term of school happies. I've had a great first half term this year- my class are lovely, keen to learn and very entertaining! We've all worked hard so far and had fun along the way -so a picture to remind myself how I'm counting my blessings, that this is the case!

Home made ice cream- my first ever go at making ice cream- but I had a large amount of cream to use up, so this was the end result- It might not be Ben and Jerrys- but it's not bad :) 

New flip flops to show off my new colour nail polish!
Sometimes you just have to be a little decadent and have a pedicure! Oh it's a hard life! Again, I'm counting myself lucky that my toes are able to be exposed all year round:) 

We had our school's 40th Anniversary celebration this week- it was a good excuse to dress up and party like it was 1973! I have no claim on the cake except to take photos of it- It's pretty impressive though:)

Wk 42
14th October- 20th October
I make no apologies for the many photos I have this week- 4 just wasn't enough:)
 
Over the hedge! Crisp autumn days and blue skies. This is the view from my window at home, and even though it has only been a couple of months since I was last home- it was nice to be back.
Even better than being at home- was being at home in the autumn. It's my favourite season and it was nice to see the leaves change colour whilst I was there.
 
My Grandma's early 90th birthday celebration. It was nice to be able to celebrate it early with her , even though my dad wasn't there. We had a lovely meal out and of course the obligatory birthday cake!
I'm at the back with Lizzie, my niece and my brother in law Simon. My mum, grandma and Deb (my twin) are at the front.
My poor dad was still stuck in hospital, but we still managed to get a few smiles out of him!
Aren't these the cutest rabbits- For some reason -I had the camera on black and white whilst I took this shot. They were for sale at the local garden centre- I hope some nice family come to take them home.
Well, it's not like me to take animal shots and this post I have two- But this cat was the biggest, fattest cat I had seen in a long while- and I found it sprawled on the hood of my car. I tried to coax it off, but it was obviously enjoying the sunshine and the heat of the warm engine!
 
My all time autumn favourites- Conkers! Reminiscent of school yard conker championships, I just love them. I was a week or so late in finding some- but did find a few, nestled beneath the fallen leaves. They are the most gorgeous brown colour, especially as soon as they split out of their shell. I can't claim this little lot- I managed to find about a dozen- but I was very pleased with my haul- You would still think I was aged 8, I was so excited carting them home:)
 
So that's it for this week. Thanks for those who are still reading:)
 It's 10 things Tuesday tomorrow- See you then:)
Amanda x

15 comments:

  1. A lovely two weeks of happies Amanda, glad you enjoyed your trip even if it was a little hectic! xx

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    1. Hectic it was, but also enjoyable. Thanks for visiting :)

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  2. It's so nice to see you again. I love your happies. I'm glad you had a chance to be with your family. I hope your dad's health improves very soon.

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    1. Thanks and it was lovely to be with the family:)

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  3. Lovely to hear from you again and I'm so pleased you managed to squeeze in some family time and find lots of happies too.

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  4. It must have been a wonderful surprise for your Grandma, What a shame your Dad was still in hospital.
    Sarah x

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    1. Grandma was surprised- she wasn't expecting me home until Christmas:)

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  5. Lovely moment of happiness, glad you were able to see you family, hope your dad is doing the best he can.

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    1. Yes, it was nice to go home and see everyone. Thanks for the good wishes:)

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  6. Some lovely happies there Amanda. I bet your nana was so pleased to have you celebrate her birthday with her.
    Patricia x

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  7. I honestly... still... do not know what a conker is!! What tree is it from??
    So are you an English teacher in Asia?
    I hope your dad gets better soon and Grandma doesn't look a day over 60!!!
    Im looking forward to following you!!
    Tammy x

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    1. Hi Tammy, thanks for joining me! A conker is the fruit / seed from a Horse Chesnut tree. If you see my next post there is a picture of a leaf, conker and the tree at various points of my post. Secondly , yes, I am a primary teacher, from England, working in Borneo. Thanks for your comments about my family- you're very kind. I shall enjoy following you too!

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