Whatever

Came across this and had to share it with Mr. C. I just don't get it. At least I'm not alone!

And Even More Signs

These signs just make me chuckle. Silly. Some of them I liked the different wording than what you see here in the states. They're reminders of the differences in dialect and vocabulary we encountered while in the UK.

Nice of you to let us know.

Then why does so much of it end up on the sidewalk?

When was the last time you heard anyone use the word "whilst"?

They really do have all the amenities.

And if you use the above service, you will be looking for a place to change all your dirty nappies.

We only saw a few buggies and prams on the underground.

This is the only place I saw the word Loo. Usually they were WC or Toilets.

I want one of these for the front of my car!

I need to hang this one in my classroom.

This has got to be the most awesome security system! Although I don't think I'd like it in my house.

What the...? I'll just have a coffee please. (T would have ordered the neeps & tatties!)

And this was my favorite sign. I should get this on a T-shirt.

Well, that is but a small sampling of my sign collection. I was that crazy American taking photos of the warnings and adverts, while all the other tourists were focusing on the castles and cathedrals. I gotta be me, especially on vacation!

Signs and More Signs

It is the 11th day of school and I need a break already. So I'm revisiting my trip to England. I've shared some pretty amazing architecture and history already. But by far, the things I found most interesting were the signs. After awhile my traveling companions would point them out, "Did you get that one?"I've picked 22 of my favorites (yep, there are a lot more!) to share so you know this is going to take more than one post. Maybe if I put them small I can fit more on one posting. You can always click to enlarge them. I'm sure everyone is just as interested in them as me!
Here goes.

I'm still hearing the recording of this one in my sleep. "Mind the gap. Please mind the gap."

Check out the klutzy guy on the escalator. AHHH!

Escalators aren't the only dangerous place in London. You've also got to watch out for steep slopes.

We got to Edinburgh and found falling to be a problem there too.

If you're not a speed reader you might fall before getting to the end of this warning. They probably should get one of the above signs for the train.

Thankfully these ladies were both taking care and there was no slipping going on in this slip/ trip zone.

Directional signs were very specific in their measurement.

This Mercedes popped a U-ey right in front of the sign forbidding U-turns for the next 74 yards. Bad drivers. You travel half-way around the world and you just can't get away from them.

Sometimes we scratched our heads and said, "Wait a minute. Something is not quite right."

And then there were times when we just wanted simple directions. You know you've been here too!

Luckily there were plenty of these signs around.
I better break here and put the other half up in another post. I know someone is still reading. Right? Hello? Anyone?

There Goes the Second Bird

Yesterday was a big day. It was S's 20th birthday(!!!) and it was move-in day at UT for M.

M's day started with breakfast with friends. One last pic with V.

We drove two cars stuffed with M's belongings to help her get settled in. Her room is set up like a suite. Here is a link to the floor plan because I can't describe it very well. It is pretty unusual the way the shower and toilet are right inside the door. All her roommates seem very nice.

When we finally got to the dorm, after several wrong turns and about an hour in line with all the other families, it was jam-packed. Dads setting up new TVs and building shelving units, moms and siblings navigating the stairwell, girls decorating, local church groups with grocery carts transporting all our belongings up to the rooms. Everyone was super nice and helpful. By the time we finished unpacking and building a bench/shelf for the entry foyer, almost everyone had cleared out. Daddy told her she'd be okay. I told her she'd be better than okay.

It was a quiet ride home.

No Time to Write, But Here Goes

I shouldn't be "wasting" time blogging, but feel like I need to put some updates on here.

Rowing ended last Wednesday. My camera wasn't working. It was completely locked up and wouldn't take a picture until I put it in manual focus. So I didn't get many good pictures of Mr. C on the water. Fall season begins Monday and M is going to drive him the first week. After that he will have to quit if we can't find someone willing to carpool. The team is working on finding rides for the few who need them. So we'll see.

Mr. C started his first day of his last year in middle school on Thursday! Time, what have you done with my baby?!

And finally, S was home this weekend so I got a photo of all three kids on the back deck. (The camera was working this time. Go figure.)
I am so overwhelmed with beginning year stuff. What's new, huh? My class seems really sweet this year. I have the tiny class (17) so I'll be picking up all the new students until the numbers even out. The other classes are 20 and 21. It just happened that several of the kids on my roster moved away over the summer.

Hubby and I have a new hobby. It is called "Hunting for a retirement/ vacation place in the Low Country." Since we figure that I can pay an extra house payment (remember that whole AL house debacle?) we are looking for a house somewhere we would enjoy visiting (and eventually living?). We are going to "hunt" in person in a few weeks.
Finally, I am trying Facebook again. I still don't like it, but feel it is necessary since everyone else is on there. Since I call the kids by their real names on there, I'm debating whether to use them on here. Still not sure. I'm kind of used to their "blogger names".

Never Ready

How does Miss Bindergarten get ready for kindergarten the morning before the kids arrive?!?

I'm into polka dots this year

All the way from Paddington Station to spend the year in First Grade!

About 7 o'clock I decided to chuck all the clutter into the file cabinets and GO HOME!

After several weeks, and about 11 hours today, my classroom is as close to ready as it's going to get. My new kiddos arrive tomorrow. Here we go again!

Home Life

I still have tons of vacation photos to share (sorry if you're getting tired of them) but thought I better post something about life back at home.

Mr. C got brackets on his teeth this week. He will get the wires after he has four permanent teeth pulled.  He is excited about getting braces, since the orthodontist gives away a mini-iPad with every full set of braces. M is upset that she only had the top teeth done, so no iPad for her.

M has finished her summer job--did I mention that she's been a barista at a local coffee shop this summer? Rowing wraps up for both kids next week. It should have ended today, but was extended due to flooding. Tomorrow is a big rowing fundraiser. Each rower is going to row a 10K in an hour on an erg (rowing machine). They are doing this outside at a park downtown to raise awareness about the rowing program and to raise pledges to buy a new boat. I think boats run about 20K, used. M will correct me if I'm wrong.

I had my first full teacher day today. Meetings all day. I've been almost everyday for the last couple of weeks just getting the room ready. Kids register on Monday, more meetings, then school starts next Thursday. So long summer. :(