Choir practice, a trip to the seaside and a rainy week
It has felt like a slog to get through this week. Maybe because of the variable weather, the uncertain times we are living in, the period of lockdown we have all lived through or end of term fatigue; I don’t know, but I don’t think I’m the only one to have struggled to feel motivated this week.
On a more positive note, my daughter recently joined the St Paul’s Junior Choir after their leader, Fiona Johnson came into the school assembly to talk to the children about it. So far she loves it, and their practices on a Friday evening are proving a very beautiful and uplifting way to start the weekend. It’s only slightly discombobulating that they are practicing Christmas songs right now!
The path home from choir practice on Friday evening
On Saturday afternoon my children and I spent time hanging out with milkshakes under the covered terrace at the A-Star cafe, and happened to be there at the same time as people we know, got chatting and realised what a valuable social spot this is going to be.
On Sunday morning my daughter and I get up early to go to her one on one swimming lesson in the teaching pool at Fusion Leisure Centre with my friend and qualified swimming teacher Janet. The focused lessons are really helping her build some confidence in the water back after not beginning swimming lessons earlier because of Covid lockdowns.
Swimming done, we were off on a daytrip to the coast on the train. It was St Leonard’s and Hastings again…we are not yet bored of these towns, which have lots to offer. One of the advantages of having a car, would be that we got to explore some different places, but I also think there is something really great about going back to the same place and finding something new each time, and getting to know it really well. This time we were there with the kids, and focused on our pebble skimming game, loved the coffee and hot chocolate at the Goat Ledge but were less keen on the South American food on the pier - the South Americans in our party said it was not as good as it should be.
Fierce incoming tide, glowering skies, but surprisingly warm in St Leonard’s
As for the school week, I’ve had children off school with colds, and generally felt like I wasn’t getting done what I should be. Mostly I’ve been working on plans that are yet to come to fruition, so it hasn’t felt too satisfying in terms of getting things ticked off the list. Many parents are realising there are only a few weeks left to the end of term, and we need to plan our time to feel ready for the six week lack of childcare - sometimes it makes me feel panicky, although it’s nothing that’s not doable really.
The things that have grounded and soothed me are the walks around the common, the fresh air and being able to meet up with friends again for walks and chats in cafes. In particular I had a long brunch with a friend I realise I haven’t had a proper catch up with in a couple of years - how time flies under conditions of social distancing and lockdown restrictions! We can only hope that better times are coming.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the Dressing of the Toad looks like it is going to be magical and crafty at the weekend - we definitely hope to get along and see what it’s all about. I just hope the rain holds off…I’ve also been looking at this great blog about favourite places to try in Hastings, so perhaps another trip is called for…!
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Wishing you all a happy weekend,
Jayne x
