Here's a recent photo of Thomas. If cats could speak, he'd be saying
"Mum, please BE QUIET! Why don't you do something peaceful like a blog post??"
So here's a flavour of what I'm up to...
~ There's been lots of instrumental teaching. I've picked up another harp pupil AND did some coaching for a Year 13 student (which ended last week). A number of my pupils have also asked for extra time or additional lessons for various reasons.
~ I've been asked to learn lots of material on both the harp and the piano so I've had to expand my practice regime. I'm now starting piano practice at 7.00 each morning (good thing we're detached!!). My sister and I have got a medium term plan which involves some challenging flute and piano playing, so I need to brush up my technique. I'm currently re-learning one of the late Beethoven piano sonatas which I studied at Uni. (back in the dark ages!!). It's hard to explain just how good this makes me feel... but I'm sure that you fellow musicians out there will know what I'm on about!
~ We went away for two nights over the May Bank Holiday weekend. We stayed at the lovely little 'motel style' guest house that we normally use for the Donington Historic Festival. It's a great set-up for the car and fabulous value for money. The weather was SO COLD but we still enjoyed the first racing of the season.
~ My Blue Discovery was finally towed away by the insurance company last week. Sadly the Silver one also has had to go back to the garage that we bought her from... She has several issues that need to be sorted while she's still under warranty. To be honest, Mark could fix her. It's just that he's so busy with work, other jobs at home AND his building/maintenance programme for the Marcos cars. Unfortunately, dealing with all of this is extremely time-consuming because the Garage where the Silver car is being fixed is over 30 minutes drive away...
~ There's been a steady stream of low-level jobs to deal with in the house - Such as the light bulb in the extractor fan popping; small things breaking and the whole boiler system developing a curious resonance in the loft!! (Which was resolved by cleaning all the lime-scale off.........!?)
~ AND the tray in the Shower has cracked... leaving a nasty stain on the lounge ceiling. Grrrr! 'Kevin the Builder' is coming at 12.00 to start the process of removing the old shower and replacing it with a nice non-leaky new one.....
Thomas is not going to be impressed by all the mess and dust from this latest disruption!!!
Jx
If Thomas is anything like Archie, he won't like his routine being disturbed by people being in his house. Glad your teaching is going so well and nice to see that Thomas is settled again. Not such good news about the car but I'm sure it'll be fine once the garage has taken a look at it.
ReplyDeleteIt must be lovely to have a musical sister. It's encouraging that your pupils are asking for extra lessons. Even though the weather was cold the weekend away sounds great!
ReplyDeleteOh dear, so much maintenance & repair work all over, but we always say it comes in batches. Our X-Trail needed 4 new tyres, then front brake pads. Expensive week, but at least we know it's road worthy & hubby did the pads. I've hardly touched my piano in months as we always seem so busy. I'd love to hear you play, but too far away. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThomas has the right attitude. Oh that I could just, at times of weariness, curl up anywhere and refresh! So lovely to read all your news. Times of renewal by the sounds of it. Love Lea xxx
ReplyDeleteOh, dear poor Thomas just wants some peace and quiet but your extra musical activities sound wonderful and the projects with your sister and the new pupils. It was cold at the May bank holiday, especially after the warm weather the week before:)
ReplyDeleteThomas looks so cosy, a ball of fur! You sound so busy, but enjoying it too xx
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