It’s a double issue as there’s not much noteworthy in the first week. I had the final days of work which were training and the tough job of moving into a new to me classroom. There was a lot of work to do to, so not the most relaxing end to the school year. Then we went straight to my father in law’s to spend a few days with him before returning home. We have had family birthdays too, it’s our most hectic time of the year for family celebrations, now it’s just our wedding anniversary to come and then I can relax .. I did make a mistake when ordering balloons, the 17 were very different sizes despite me checking carefully when ordering. However I didn’t check until I went to inflate them but we were able to laugh it off. I will be more careful next year, although as it’s an 18th the balloon numbers do tend to come together. I also have had my birthday, as it was so close to our holiday I spent the day having my hair, nails and waxing done with a nice lunch out. My nails are insanely gorgeous, the base is bright pink with a chrome finish which makes them look sparkling and shimmering from pink to orange.

This week is carnival week which is the best week of the year in town, although still only part way through it has been a cracker. The theme is whacky Wild West and it is one of the best in years, it’s been embraced by all. Our parkun on Saturday was brilliant, I was dressed as a cow girl for my pre run volunteer stint, courtesy of my friend’s borrowed hen party outfit, think pink and sparkly. The theme then went through all parts, a witty briefing. marshals all in fancy dress, and a much needed water squirting in very hot conditions.

I love the fireworks during the carnival and other the years different traditions have evolved. On Saturday night displays, we used to stand on our street and watch the fireworks with our neighbours. However with the passing of my lovely friend I just felt too sad to do this so decided to go to a different viewpoint nearby. It was a brilliant spot and the photos I took frame the bay and are stunning. The Wednesday display is one we always watch with a bag of chips. My daughter and her boyfriend joined my son and I and we started off watching some live music which was the band of a friend’s sons, they are hugely talented but it showed the passing of time. The little boys I used to walk to school, my friend and I took turns depending on our working days, are now fully grown men embarking on life. My daughter is an adult now and my son is tall and strapping. The emotions I felt were shared by my friend too. However it was an evening of joy and just the best vibe. Standing watching live music, on a warm summer’s evening with an ice cold cider followed by the best chips in town and then fireworks felt perfect. Our view of the fireworks was so good we just sat and watched, no photos needed the memories are there.