Living in Limbo

Its really strange, here we are still working, most things operating the same, except we do not have a permanent address. Post has to be picked up from the delivery office, newspaper from a newsagents and milk from the supermarket, and we both are leaving our places of employment in five days time.

It has been a busy week, going to a number of leaving party's and beginning to say our farewells to our many friends and acquaintances. We have both been active in the County within the education field, working parties, consultation groups and such like. It has been very humbling to receive the good wishes of so many people, and to realise how appreciated the work we did was. However I think the staff at our respective schools are getting tired of our growing smiles as the date for flying to Canada gets closer. Although some colleagues have remarked that are smiles are getting wider whilst others have said how much younger we look - any more years dropping off will take us back to the days of wearing nappies (shouldn't go there).

There is another strange feeling, the schools are preparing for the next term and not only are we not going to be there but it is difficult to contribute to the plans when your not committed to the new term like the others. It is difficult to avoid the opportunity to wind some folk up, and its also very tempting to tell it as it is to some difficult characters. There is also the emotion of leaving behind colleagues who have 'been there' for us at difficult times both at work and personally. It is sometimes hard to hold back the tears; but then I think it is easier for women to show their emotions at such moments.

As we sit looking out of our 'lodge' the skies are turning a deeper shade of grey, no doubt it will be raining by the evening. We have found that we spend little time watching the television but instead spend time listening to the radio or going out for a short stroll around the area we are staying. Within a short walking distance are a number of hostelries serving 'proper' beer and good food. However, this weekend we are eating in; eating more simply as we have been indulging in richer food and much larger portions than we are used to. Perhaps some power walking to burn off those calories. Time spent with friends and good work colleagues, over a nice meal in a pleasant setting means so much as we prepare for our adventures in Alberta.