Casa Rosales

Casa Rosales

Monday 24 June 2013

We reap what we sow....

Oh dear. I've just been looking at my statistics - my blog statistics, that is. It would appear that I've become very boring over the past few weeks. I haven't written too many posts and those I've written have been done through a sense of obligation. I haven't warmed to the task the way I used to. I've stopped thinking 'blog' at the moment. My page views have more than halved this month.

I know I have my 'hardcore' readers (is that the right term - probably not) because the comments you leave me are from a close group of blogging friends and I am so grateful to you lot because without comments, I don't think I could continue now.

There is absolutely nothing wrong. Nothing at all. I've been busy and I've had - still got - a horrid head cold that has given me a bout of sinusitis like I haven't had for decades. I'm slightly anxious and excited about what is 'going to happen' when I don't go back to work in September - though I know it's down to me to investigate my options. Indeed, I'm off to a meeting in about 10 minutes to talk about the possibilities of doing a summer school in Alcala la Real.


See - perfectly cheerful in my little study! Hello!

I have a week to myself as FR takes the children to Majorca for a week in July. Originally, just he, Ruy and Romy where going to see his brother, who lives there, but Mateo thought it could be fun too, so they're all going. I confess to being absolutely delighted at the idea of a whole week to myself. No cooking, no piles of laundry, no timetable or need to do anything I don't want! And no desire to sit on a beach this year - my garden will do just fine.





And although I have no batteries in my camera (a sure sign of blog fatigue) I've just looked at what we've taken on Ruy's and so I thought I'd share with you just a few images of what we've all been up to during the busy weeks in June. And when I go into town today - I shall buy some batteries.

The huge and beautiful bunch of flowers I got from my Level 6 students on Wednesday

Ruy at his graduation ceremony on Thursday - being hugged by his first teacher here in Alcala, who sadly retired at the end of that first year. They thought the world of each other.

Ruy second from the right with his classmates. A lovely class they are and luckily most of them are going to the same high school next year. 

Romy and Paula enjoying the fun at Parents Evening - where there was much singing and dancing.

My second cherry pie of the week - we've picked and eaten several kilos of cherries thanks to Sergio.



And I have to say how utterly delighted I am that ALL the students passed their oral exam on Friday afternoon!  We have to wait until August to get the final results which include their written work - and for a few of them, it will be touch and go - but a pass at this stage shows how hard they have worked and how much effort they have all put in. The examiner was lovely and made them all feel very comfortable. Well done to all of them! And right now, these are the only statistics that I really care about.


20 comments:

  1. Your posts are always great to read Annie. It is little wonder though, after all the anticipation of finding and moving into your new home, that it is hard to summon up the energy to write about what is going on. I just love the thought that you are finally there, and getting on with things. I certainly know that my energy for blogging waxes and wanes ( is that how you spell it ? ) and sometimes my posts are just a way of keeping family ( and those few regular bloggers that we have both come to know and love) up to date with quite boring every day stuff. Other times, something just hits a chord...and the ponderings have to be shared. Whatever...don't stop.....I love your thoughts on most things and need to see the images of the things around you.....kids, yours..and other people's, dog, flowers, friends, mountains, castles, fields, pies.....Hope the sinus thing sorts itself out soon. Lots of love Jxxxx

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    1. Have just had a really good meeting with a friend, Janice, and am quite excited about what I might be doing next year. Wish you were close enough to give you a hug! I need to hug you just now, so do have a virtual one when you read this. I love hugging - last week was wonderful with all my student hugs - I do love a good hug.
      And apart from sinus pain, I'm feeling extremely cheerful. I won't be stopping the blog but I just feel that there are more things going on now that are pulling me away from blogging - whereas before, almost everything made me think of a potential blogging post and I think that the drop off in readership reflects this.
      Axxx

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  2. Life is about so much more than mere statistics.

    It's your life we like to read about and life goes in phases. Good luck with your summer school plans and I'm sure some time alone to concentrate on you, and only you will be very welcome. Enjoy... x

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    1. It's interesting that I used to work in statistics, Gaynor - I should be able to read the signs and deal with them.
      And my life is going through a really lovely phase - which as I said to Janice above, is actually pulling me away from blogging as much. I'm certainly looking forward to some 'me' time, though, being the extrovert I am, I have already invited half the folk I know to come over and share my 'me' time with me!
      Thank you - Axxx

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  3. I love your posts so please don't think of giving up. I'm also slowing down as I find it difficult to think when the temperatures are in the 30s. My viewing figures have also dropped, it's probably just the time of the year.

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    1. Thank you, BtoB!
      I really don't mind at all whether lots of people read these days. I think blogging has paid me huge dividends by connecting me with a really interesting bunch of people that I genuinely think of as friends - yourself included.
      I just felt that my attitude towards blogging had changed a bit recently and wondered whether that was why the numbers had fallen - it may be that or, as you say, it could be the time of year too.
      Carry on and keep cool!
      Axxx

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  4. Popping by to say hello and not to take it too much to heart.

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    1. Hello - and thank you! I hope it's clear I'm not taking it too seriously - and that there are certainly more important things that blog stats!
      Axxx

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  5. You know, Annie, I haven't been posting as much, nor have others in the blogging arena that I read. Sometimes, other things take precedent, like gets busy, we need a break. I do hope you will continue to write - and enjoy your week We love our families, but, sometimes it is nice to have time and space to ourselves.

    I had one of those nasty sinus infections this winter, ended up needing some meds. They can really spin us off kilter, can't they. Rest up.

    Oh, that pie looks delicious.

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    1. Thank you Penny. I confess to reading less too - I have a bit of catching up to do, which now the holidays have started, I shall have more time for. I will, of course, continue to write - I do enjoy it - and oh yes, a week to myself!!
      I used to have bad sinuses but in recent years, they haven't bothered me. This is a cold 'gone wrong' and if it doesn't clear, I shall have to go to the docs.

      The pie is Mateo's - he loves pie!
      Axx

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  6. Nothing wrong with a dry spell. Your blogging mojo will return and so will your readers...
    I read anyway of course :-)
    The Cherry pie sounds amazing by the way!
    And how lovely to see such a sweet picture of you. Sx

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    1. I think the hot and dry spell could be part of the 'problem', Sophie - it's been well over 35 degrees today - does rather slow the pace of life down!
      Thanks for reading!
      (The pie tasted even better than it looks (or sounds!)
      Axxx

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  7. Please don't give up the blogging!
    I'm sure it is a mood thing - you probably feel a bit sad about leaving all your lovely pupils behind.
    AND I'd love you to do a blog post about statistics - I have very mixed feelings about their usefulness and would appreciate an insider's view!

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    1. No, Nilly - I won't give up - thank you so much. I didn't clearly convey my mood of laidbackness about the statistics. As long as I know a few of you are reading, it's like being part of a big, friendly, spread out group of like-minded folk and I really value that.
      And oh, wow, a request! I shall start thinking about that one - it could be enormous fun or a real turn off...
      Axxx

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  8. I love all your posts Annie so don't give up just yet. But I do know what you mean. I feel that in recent weeks my posts have been utterly boring..all about day-to-day mundane trivia. It's like I feel guilty if I don't write something, but when I do I wish I hadn't.

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    1. I feel absolutely the same about your blog, Ayak. There is nothing boring about your posts at all! Let's just enjoy it and leave the guilt well behind. Axxx

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  9. I know just where you're coming from, Annie, both about losing the blogging mojo and about fluctuating statistics. it happens to us all at times and is particularly prevalent in summer, which is as it should be. When the weather is good and the world outdoors beckons, blogging and reading blogs is going to take a back seat for many people.

    I really wouldn't worry. There are plenty of us out here who love your blog and will be here whenever you have time and inclination to put fingers to keyboard. In the meantime enjoy your summer and especially that blissful week to yourself. :-)

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    1. Thank you Perpetua - I think I could have said it all a lot better. What I really meant was that despite falling statistics, my close blogging friends are still here and that's all that matters, really. It is much harder to blog when the sun is shining and there's so many other things to do though, isn't it - I know you know!
      Axxx

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  10. Some of the photos on this blog Annie made me think -- that schooldays are some of the best and most memorable we will all keep locked away in our hearts.

    I so enjoy your blogs--you are an inspiration to me. x Maria

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    1. Thank you for your lovely words and thoughts, Maria. I have been so lucky with my students and it's always a joy to bump into them when I'm out and about in town.
      I'm glad you like my blog - as for inspiration, your photos are really wonderful!
      Axxx

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I welcome your comments - it makes blogging even more fun to know someone is reading!