September has somehow arrived again, constituting, for me and the many others who still work in academic cycles, the new year. And, while I hope there will be at least a few more sunny days ahead, there is no doubt that the evenings are getting shorter and we are heading towards autumn. The summer, then, is drawing to a close, but it was certainly a lot of fun while it lasted!
Usually, we have been highly organised and had our summer plans fixed long in advance. For a variety of reasons, that was far less the case this year. Likewise we have often gone away for an extended trip (or sometimes trips), which again, wasn't on the agenda for this year. Partly, that's been about adapting to our shifting commitments, and to not having the luxury of school holidays at the moment.
But we did close down our community commitments for the best part of two months, and other activities took on a different shape and rhythm so there has certainly been a different feel to July and August. And while we may not have been for away for a major holiday, that has made space for lots of shorter trips and days out with lots of different people. If I was summing up the summer it would above all be this that stands out: that it has been a summer of fun and friendship, characterised by a whole lot of laughter shared with a whole lot of wonderful people. I am very grateful to the many friends who enrich my life: those who have added so much joy to the last couple of months, those with whom deep and important conversations have taken place, those whose love I know I can count on in so many ways!
The highlights have been many and various, but include:
Keeping a promise to walk part of the London loop with a very good friend
Four amazing days out with the families I support at St Chad's Sanctuary; shared with a total of over 100 children and 50 parents and from which I emerged exhausted but exhilirated.
A few relaxing days of beautiful surroundings and good conversations over leisurely meals in Lancaster and Kendal
Beautiful moments of friendship over cups of tea, glasses of wine, or chutney on the roof
The first hot, sunny greenbelt festival for quite some time, with plenty of space to reflect and be inspired
An evening of cricket at Edgbaston
A lovely summer activities week rounding off my time as ESOL co-ordinator.
Impromptu meals with friends and trips to the pub.
Walking in the Malvern Hills in the sunshine and a very rainy trip to Lichfield.
Celebrating results
An amazing road trip to Whitby, including such highlights as swimming in the sea at sunrise, more fish and chips than would be considered healthy, walks on the beach and clambering down to the plunge pool at Falling Fosse.
So that was the summer, and the good news is, the autumn is shaping up to be full of exciting adventures too!
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