One of those days ..

Hi all, you know how it is sometimes, you have a series of tough days, just not quite enough sleep and suddenly you wake up just feeling low and not quite with the world ... so after I dropped the girls off at school I went back to bed for a kip - what a difference! Got up all ready for battle with my Kindermusik course, but got a few chores done first, then got sidetracked with catching up on email and the blog (not touched the pc for about a week) and here I am. We've been up to our necks with making costumes for church and school Christmas productions (J&B do theirs at the local Casa de Cultura tomorrow night, dress rehearsal this am, hence big rush), carol concerts, mince pie making, looking after friend of J whilst parents over in Germany for a week - and not a Christmas card sent yet - oh dear!!! Washing machine packed up yesterday, new one being delivered on Thursday. Choice between leaving a huge load until the weekend, or hand-washing little at a time until then. Think I'll just concentrate on the smalls and other essentials. Hope the rain stops for a while.

Have really enjoyed catching up on all your newses. We recently checked your web site, Julian, and as always, stand in awe of your work. Ruth, you must be heaving a sigh of relief now that the tour is over. We recently met some folk at Church whose son used to play cello for Glyndebourne but I don't remember the name now. Will have to check it up. Martin someone, someone Martin ... no, it's gone. Probably just before your time, don't know when you started.

Your mention of the Phantom, Dad, and other COS related items brought a flood of memories back to me. I certainly remember our battle with Masquerade!!! Do you recall that rather statuesque lady who joined us for that show I think? She was rather remarkable, with long dark hair streaked with silver. Our church did an outside carol concert last Tuesday, in the pouring rain, under cafe umbrellas, a good crowd turned out none-the-less - Pete almost got electrocuted (I think he's mentioned that already? Sorry if I repeat). Even Amy did her bit a an angel, bless her! How's the Rutter going, Steve? Christmas wouldn't be Christmas with him, or at least his carol arrangements. Can't say I know the work you're doing though. I did a stint with Aylesbury Choral Group for a while, under Julian Bigg? Brigg? (Not very good with names, am I?) and when Pete and I went to see Les Mis in London, I couldn't fully give myself to watching the fantastic production for the fact that he was the stand-in conductor that evening and I was watching him, fascinated, for much of the time!

Got to lunch now, as off to work this afternoon. Mustn't forget to contact the dentist re J's appointment on Wed - brace fitting?? My Spanish vocab with regards dentistry, at least, is improving bit by bit! Adios mis amigos! Hasta luego!

Love you all, Jan