Where did the last six weeks go? Ok, so I’ve achieved quite a lot…in fact it occurred to me the other day that, in a short space of time, I’ve regained three things that I used to have and had oft longed for again……a bike, a wedding ring and a piano! The first two have been logged on here but the last one I achieved at the weekend when a very kind and generous friend gifted to me her old joanna. I’m thrilled to bits about it but was horrified to find that I can’t remember a thing! Having reached Grade 4 standard about 16 years ago, I stopped practising due to family and work commitments. When the piano arrived on Saturday morning I fully expected to be able to jump on and play the way I used to (same as riding a bike). But oh dear me no! I can remember my scales and that’s about it so it’s back to the real basics again. Having said that, though, I’m very much enjoying it 
So anyway, I struggled out of bed this morning at the indecent hour of 8am and headed off for work. As we don’t have the children in until Wednesday, today we were under orders to roam around the local area looking for new venues for school visits. The three of us who work together already had two places in mind….a working windmill and a wind farm with an Eco-Centre. The windmill was first on the agenda and what an absolute joy it was! Recently taken over by new owners, who have great plans to make it suitable for all age groups, we had a whale of a time. Firstly we had to climb up to the top of the mill which we were all extremely nervous about as the steps were scarily ladderlike! (I have a huge fear of heights and flatly refused to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower in a lift!). But as we are thinking of taking 4 and 5 year olds up there we of course had to do it first! I’m proud to say I did it (we all did) …….methinks, though, that when we do the school trip, I’ll volunteer to stay at the bottom with any littlies who don’t want to go up 
. We had a really good look round and found out that when the children visit they will go through the whole process of making bread beginning with the heads of corn and ending with theiir own little individual loaves that they’ve made themselves. We think it will be a hugely valuable trip. Our visit was particularly enhanced by the splendid tea room which serves doorstep sandwiches made with ‘as fresh as you get’ bread and the best latte I’ve tasted this side of Italy!
Our second visit was less successful as it proved to be unsuitable for children of the age we teach. Part of the day would include climbing the 300 steps to the top of the wind turbine which has the only viewing platform in the UK. When asked if we would like to go up (and this was after reading on a notice outside that it was not recommended to people who suffer from claustrophobia or vertigo), we declined the offer! They did however have a very nice cafe 
8 Comments
Hello sweetie !
I see you had a great start to the new school year, and I’m very happy about that for you ! The windmill sounds like a fantastic experience for the children ! What a building indeed ! Wow !
Tomorrow is the official back to school day for P & U. Chris took a day off to be there too.
Yes, you managed to do quite a lot during your vacations ! Time always flies by so very quickly, but sometimes we do lots even though we don’t think so !
I wish you a great week. It’s good to be busy, but good busy-ness !
Big hugs XOXOXO
Hi Nikki,
You have done well for a 6 week break, all good things too
How cool meeting up with Sadie, and your right it is easy
Wow the windmill sounds awesome, are you watching the Hairy Bakers? BBC2 on a Monday, first show they did bread and visited a Windmill.. your braver than me to go up to the top.. me feet firmly on the ground lol
Good luck for the start of your term and where is the back to school sun? damp and dull here
Luv n hugs Pixie xxx
Ciao Nikki, good luck for the start of your term. School start on Sep. 15th in Italy, not sure if here in Scotland it’s already started.
I am quite fine, but I am missing my beloved Italian sunny days! 
I got back in Scotland 2 days ago, and I got a cold already! Oh my! Well, nothing bad, luckily, but my nose is running like crazy! 
I used 10 tissues in only 1 ½ hours. And it’s not witer yet! Argh. Sending you a germ-free hug, have a happy day!
why? why do I always manage to NOT visit when you have finally posted!!!!
sounds like you are easing into work again nicely. supping coffee and going sight seeing!
ooh, I’m watching the Hairy Bakers Pixie, and I love it. That apple pie last night! yum! It’s funny, I was going to write about them today, but ended up prattling on about other rubbish instead!
xxxx
Me again!
I just saw your pic on Aug 18th post. How sweet you four are! My warmest congrats once again 
Hi Nikki, I hope your day is going well, I can’t believe it’s back to school once again,
I imagine how fast it went for you. Thanks so much for your message, I really appreciate.
Hugs
Hi Nikki, What a pretty windmill and how interesting. I’m glad to hear that I am not the only one who has forgotten what she learned on the Piano, I only took lessons for a short while but I cannot remember a thing. I’m sure it will come back to you quickly. Enjoy your new gift. I love the video of the doggies, they are so sweet and loved hearing your voice. It was as I imagined. *hugs*
Hello, Nikki, and congratulations on all the happy things that have come your way recently. I love the idea of the windmill and would have enjoyed the tearoom experience so much, but you would never be able to get me up that tall tower thing for a million bucks! Thanks so very, very much for your concern during the Gustav thing. That means more than you know, as I received the email version of your comment while in north Louisiana. We did evacuate and return safely, although with some difficulty and much bad weather. The power went off where we were staying Monday evening, so we decided to return a bit earlier that most on Tuesday. We still don’t have power at our house, but Matt and Ashley got theirs back yesterday, so we spent the night – thus the computer connection. School is at a halt, of course, and only 20 of our 30 district schools have electricity, so we may or may not return on Monday. What an adventure! Hugs, Julia
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