Mountains

I've had a productive couple of weeks which has helped to take my mind off missing Charlie. 10 days to go until his return and I can't wait to see him. We are all really missing him.

I've completed a complete draft thesis which is a milestone for me even though it made me realise how much work I still have to do.

We are thinking of taking in a German boy for a year starting from next September and the family came to dinner last week as they were in the UK for a holiday. The boy is exactly the same age as Harry and everybody is keen that he comes to live with us for the year. We will just wait and see what Charlie's plans are before we decide.

I am aching so much after a climb up Helvellyn (the third highest mountain in England) on Saturday. I had a great time though. The weather and views were superb and spending time with three friends was lovely. It was the break I needed after the hard work of the previous couple of weeks. We were only away one night but it felt longer as we did such a lot during the time we were away.

The summit of my metaphorical PhD mountain is getting closer with another steep climb ahead before I reach the top! My funding runs out at the end of next month so I have applied for a very part-time lecturing post (6 hours per week) to start in October.

Looking forward to our holiday next month and a couple of days away on our own next week whilst the children are away at Newday.

Celebrating

So much has been happening recently. Two birthdays, 20th wedding anniversary, Charlie preparing for his month's trip to China on Wednesday, big presentation to the faculty, Graham's mum in hospital but now home and children's last week at school with musical evenings and prize giving.

We enjoyed our wedding anniversary and went to Cambridge for the evening. We had dinner at the hotel where we had our wedding reception. It was so lovely to go back and we are still thinking we will return to live in Cambridge one day, if that's where God is leading us.

I'm feeling very churned up inside about Charlie going to China. Whilst it will be a once in a lifetime experience for him I will miss him so much. A full month without any contact. The longest time away from home has been 6 days so it will be hard. Just praying for God's protection.

It is Rosie's last week at her school and she will join the boy's school in September. More change ahead.

Harry did D of E last week and returned a bit worse for wear after doing about 15 mile hikes for two days.