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... is a French spelling from the mid eighteenth century Middle Dutch. 'A life size jointed figure or dummy used for displaying clothes' first appeared in English in 1939. Its relative 'manakin' meaning 'little man' in a contemptuous tone, appeared in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.
The very first buds on my hydrangea opening up... I love hydrangeas, their muted blues and pinks, their large heavy heads. I also love them when they crinkle and dry and become skeletons.
Yesterday we had a garden lunch to celebrate our boys leaving school. They started at DCPS Nursery in 1995 with the lovely Mrs Strange in charge. They moved up to the main school, where most stayed until 2005, (although my son left in 2003) under the headship of Mr George Marsh.
Our boys then went on to various boarding schools, day schools and grammar schools - often around London and Kent, until this week. Many went to Dulwich College, Tonbridge School, Kings College School - Wimbledon, my son went to St Olave's Grammar School - Orpington, Kent.
Henrietta kindly offered her garden for the event, which she has done a few times before. We always seem to have lovely weather for our lunches.
It's hard to believe all this started 15 years ago...
...and now they're all going out into the big wide world, some to universities, others on exciting adventures around the globe. We wish them all good luck and happiness.
And, remembering some of our parent friends along the way, who didn't finish this journey with us... Caroline Grant and Jim Taylor RIP...
My twin girls celebrated their 14th birthday in Munich with lovely school exchange families. Thank you Uli, Freddy, Karoline and Helena... for all your love and care!
Despite the constant rain, my girls loved Munich, a beautiful city, and the families they stayed with who made them feel very welcome. Just imagine how good it would have been with some sun!
...summer solstice...
My eldest son left school a couple of weeks ago. End of an era... he was quite sad. This is the morning after the day before, which started at 12.30 lunchtime from school, and ended middle of the night sometime! I love the way they're sharing the earphones on the iPod. Now the dreaded A levels loom... but will be over by mid June. Then the long wait for the results... and the hope that they get into the university of their choice.
I would like an 'uncertain button' in my life... preferably in my kitchen! Wouldn't that be useful??
