Moose on the Move!

Much of May (and a bit more) has been spent in some way or other organising, ordering, preparing, planning, researching and generally getting ready for our longest trip yet - driving across Europe to Kaliningrad in Russia with my parents from mid June to mid July.

We finally sold our beloved Rosie, although unfortunately we had to settle for selling it to dealer, and upgraded to our VW Sharan. It's very differnt to drive and I always feel slightly guilty getting into it with dirty shoes but it is very nice to drive and should be a great vehicle for the trip.

I finished up my art classes at Winkleigh Primary and said goodbye to the kids there. I've promised to send postcards to the class from the various places we visit, we'll be going to some unusualy places and I hope they enjoy getting them.

I went on a girly weekend to London with a fellow teacher a couple of weeks ago. I was a last-minute ring-in to cover for an ear infection sufferer. After and hair-do and makeover each we had our photos taken looking absolutely gorgeous but not intirely like ourselves. The prints should be ready when we get back from our summer trip.

We've had Lian come to visit from Belgium, she's on her way to Bangkok for a conference. It's been good to catch up. We went for a walk in Dartmoor, over some of the tors, enjoyed the view and had a Cream Tea. When we parked in Widecombe in the Moor there was a pack of Dartmoor Ponies right in the village centre, just helping themselves to the grass. Several of them were accompanied by tiny foals, looking like children's rocking horses that had got tired of staying in one place.

Football (soccer) Fever has well and truely set in with the leadup to the World Cup in Germany. Cars and buildings all over the country are adorned with the white and red flag of St George. It's funny though because there seems to be quite a strong dislike for the flag (and I guess the things that it symbolises) by many of the people we know here. It will be interesting to travel through other countries that are also taking part.

I've been experimenting with some slightly different designs in my jewellery and the shop owner where I have left some pieces seems to think that they will sell well. So fingers crossed that, when we get back from our trip, everything will be gone and I can walk out of the shop with a clink and jingle in my pocket.

August is shaping up to be a busy month, we already have three visits booked in by people from home with a possible fourth still sorting out details. We think it's great! Hint hint to all those at home. The summer has been a little late starting this year, so hopefully August and September will still be wonderful and warm and sunny.

So - a brief one this time. I ran out of time before we left. The next one will be a whopper though! Make sure you have a cuppa with you when you sit down to read that one. (You decide what is in the cup).

Hope you're well.