Just When I Thought Things Would Get Back to Normal
Having gotten the kids all back to school, I was hoping life was going to go back to normal this week. But it seems the powers that be are determined to keep throwing curve balls at me. The re-entry process is rushed this year, and we're already having to jump into IEP meetings for the two older girls next week. Plus there are school fees, additional supplies to be bought, and a whack of paperwork to fill in – again!
On top of the usual, there are several folks around me who are either looking for work or doing upgrades, or going through some sort of transition period at work. So that's throwing off our usual routine at home, and leaving me wondering when it's safe to do things like book appointments.
Oh well, there's no rest for the wicked!
Image credit: The image is my own photo of the rowan tree outside my window. It's relaxing to look at it when everything gets a little crazy!
© Kyla Matton Osborne
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Image Credit » Kyla Matton Osborne
Comments
Feisty56 wrote on September 25, 2014, 1:52 PM
Wow, it sure sounds like your plate is overflowing at the moment! I can see why gazing at the tree outside gives you a moment or two of zen. I hope things soon settle in to a less frantic routine for you and your household soon.
suffolkjason wrote on September 25, 2014, 2:06 PM
Lovely tree- we have a young Rowan in the garden- I hope it grows to be something like this specimen.
AliCanary wrote on September 25, 2014, 4:08 PM
School fees??? I thought Canada was like us, with free education. Are your kids in private school? Sounds like everything is hopping!
MegL wrote on September 25, 2014, 6:24 PM
A friend would love those rowan berries, she makes Rowan jelly, it's great with Turkey on Christmas Day.
Ruby3881 wrote on September 25, 2014, 7:32 PM
It sure is a moment of zen! The kids are all off school tomorrow, so I think I'll put some of them to work tidying the yard. I want to go back to sitting out back when I have my tea....
Ruby3881 wrote on September 25, 2014, 7:34 PM
It seems very healthy this year - more so than last year. I hope your rowan grows to be just as lovely :)
Ruby3881 wrote on September 25, 2014, 8:10 PM
While school is free, the schools are allowed to charge "nominal" fees for consumables like workbooks, or for rental of musical instruments. Other fees can be charged for participation in sports, field trips, supplies for art/shop classes, etc.
We're fortunate that fees here are quite low. I paid $30 to the independent school, which pays for all the supplies for the youngest. We buy no school supplies for her at all. Our other kids are all at the same school, and their maximum is $75/family. I'll probably get hit with more fees for supplies in the next couple weeks, but the student fees are paid up.
Ruby3881 wrote on September 25, 2014, 8:12 PM
I haven't dared to try making anything out of the berries on this tree yet. We tried with our previous tree, and the berries were so sour the pie we made was completely unpalatable. I wonder if your friend has any tips to share?
Ellis wrote on September 25, 2014, 9:08 PM
Hopefully things will settle down for you soon....I like the tree...
bestwriter wrote on September 25, 2014, 9:24 PM
Rowan is new to me. I had to surf to see how the berries or fruits look. Persona is a treasure trove of knowledge and they are talking about not getting enough coins. There is more too Persona than just coins
LeaPea2417 wrote on September 25, 2014, 10:10 PM
I remember all the papers I had to fill out and sign for my boys when they were in school right at the beginning of the school year.
Ruby3881 wrote on October 1, 2014, 6:18 PM
I ended up with a pesky cold, right after the older kids started school. I'm still feeling rather fatigued, but making an effort to get a few things done today...
Ruby3881 wrote on October 1, 2014, 6:21 PM
It's a beautiful tree, Grace! The berries tend to stay on the tree even after the leaves fall. In winter the birds will come for a snack. It's a beautiful sight, the red berries and the brightly coloured feathers of a blue jay or a cedar waxwing, against the white snow :)
Ruby3881 wrote on October 1, 2014, 6:23 PM
I thought I'd filled everything in, and then there was another whole deluge! It turns out the independent school had a lengthy handbook I'm meant to read, with several papers that need signing and returning. And then there are papers for the Bug's riding lessons with school...
bestwriter wrote on October 1, 2014, 8:26 PM
Next time zoom your camera and click that image and feed us :)
Ruby3881 wrote on October 1, 2014, 10:11 PM
I'm actually planning another post about the rowan, Grace. I do have some pictures of the berries close-up, as well as a few of the different stages of budding, flowering, etc.
bestwriter wrote on October 1, 2014, 10:40 PM
Eagerly waiting. I am glad I found another one here who like me loves to admire trees and stuff.
Ruby3881 wrote on October 2, 2014, 5:47 AM
I was thinking the same thing about you, Grace :)
paigea wrote on October 6, 2014, 11:20 AM
A good friend made Rowan Berry wine. I was not a fan.
Ruby3881 wrote on October 7, 2014, 2:36 PM
Was it quite sour? I had a friend who made elderberry wine that was so incredibly sweet, it was like drinking syrup. Didn't care for it at all...
paigea wrote on October 7, 2014, 5:52 PM
It was bitter I guess. It just tasted like something humans were not meant to consume. lol
momathome wrote on October 20, 2014, 2:45 PM
It's been like that here, too. My kids both attend an online public school and the first month and a half were a whirlwind of virtual teacher meetings, comprehensive tests, class connect sessions, TGA assignments and that's not even thinking about the regular lessons! I felt like I was chasing my tail! lol.
Ruby3881 wrote on October 20, 2014, 3:08 PM
I was looking at some of the photos the other day, and they aren't as clear as I remember them. I'm still not sure how I will approach this project, especially since the photos aren't of great quality....
Ruby3881 wrote on October 20, 2014, 3:09 PM
Ugh! That reminds me of the pies we tried to make with our ground cherries one year...
Ruby3881 wrote on October 20, 2014, 3:10 PM
We still haven't even had IEP meetings for the kids, and midterms are already coming up!
momathome wrote on October 20, 2014, 5:48 PM
Ruby3881 We had my daughters IEP, plus we've had to ILP for each of the kids, 12 coaches corners, 3 Map conferences each, and the list goes on and on, lol.