The London Family
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The London family came to see us on Saturday. We hadn’t seen them since June and, of course, the children have grown. Charlie was ten in August and is going into his last year of primary school. The nail-biting business of applying to schools begins now, with offers not made until March. The most popular schools have strict catchment areas, which are adjusted from year to year, according to the numbers applying. There is no guarantee of a place being offered, unless the child lives right on the school boundary.
Charlie and Jack made a beeline for the cats and spent much of the day playing with them and stroking them. Jellicoe responded magnificently, stretching out on whichever child’s lap he was inhabiting. Herschel became rather over-stimulated and started lashing his tail, a warning to keep clear. He is not as used to being handled as his brother, since he doesn’t make regular visits to the vet. He is very affectionate, but on his own terms.
Robert is entranced by cats and loves watching them. He says he’d get no work done if he had a cat. As he’s allergic to them, having to take an antihistamine before he comes to our house, it’s not very likely he will be acquiring one. It doesn’t stop Charlie researching hypoallergenic cats, though there are no completely hypoallergenic cats.
Roxy and Gilbert were largely ignored. The children have a Labrador of their own, so dogs are not a novelty to them.
Jack spent quite a long period playing cards, first with me, and then with Barry. Apparently, he plays three card games with Bethan every morning before breakfast!
I had made a trifle, but realised, after I had started, that I had no custard. Charlie and Jack were very understanding, but made it clear that a proper trifle should contain custard. I promised them that I would order some immediately, and did so. The lack of that vital ingredient did not prevent them from quietly demolishing most of it in the dining room as the adults sat and chatted in the conservatory, unaware of the boys’ activity. It didn’t do them any great harm as it was packed with fresh blueberries and raspberries.
All too soon, it was time for them to leave. We sent them away with apples and plums and a tradescantia I had potted up. Ninety minutes later they were home again. It had been a most enjoyable day. The dogs and cats were exhausted, Herschel so much so that he didn’t come upstairs to bed. Most unusual!
The following day was a quiet one, as the animals reverted to their usual routine. Today, Monday, the dogs have been out for a lovely walk, and much joyous swimming in the rather depleted ponds. We have had heavy rain, but need very much more. We haven’t had a hosepipe ban imposed in our area, though it could still happen.
Most schools start back later this week, and life returns to normal, with all the demands that come with a busy Christmas term. The daylight hours are shorter, the nights cooler and longer, and soon we shall be lighting our first fire. Then it will be time to draw the curtains, light the lamps, and enjoy the cosiness of autumn.
Must be wonderful to have some quality time with them.
ReplyDeleteIt is very stimulating.
DeleteSounds like a wonderful visit Janice. Our cats all disappear when anyone arrives, though Little One is getting braver & more curious.
ReplyDeleteOur cats are virtually bombproof, though an unfamiliar dog visitor can have them spooked for a short while, then their natural superiority reasserts itself. 😁
DeleteThe kids obvioulsy had fun with the cats, even if Herschel had his limits.
ReplyDeleteAll our children and grandchildren love animals and have them at home, mostly dogs, it must be said.
DeleteDarn I had a long comment that disappeared, so I’m not going to do it again. 😩
ReplyDeleteThat is so irritating, isn't it?
Delete"higher" education begins earlier in your country it seems. I don't fully understand your system, is Charlie applying to a grammar school or college? Here in Australia, kids are in primary school until the end of grade six (used to be grade seven) most are twelve by then, and grade seven is now the first year of High School which goes to grade 12. After that some might go on to University, many more will apply for jobs instead.
ReplyDeleteCharlie will be taking the eleven-plus as there are still some grammar schools around. It's likely he will go to a comprehensive school - his preferred choice, don't ask me why! Children go to secondary school as they approach their twelfth birthday, at the end of year 6 Primary school. Then they go through years 7 to 11, when they take GCSEs. After that, all children have to remain in some form of education or apprenticeship or combined work and education until they are 18. Some will take A levels and go on to university.
Delete. . . and still some will leave school barely able to read and write and do simple arithmetic.
I think of my parents, who were taught in classes of 40, leaving school at 14, but literate and numerate and full of enthusiasm and curiosity for learning, able to express themselves coherently and with a love of poetry and music. Something's gone wrong, somewhere.
There's plenty thta's gone wrong but governments won't listen.
DeleteWhat a lovely day for everyone...
ReplyDeleteIt was, indeed.
DeleteOur cat Lilly loves it when our 3 grandchildren visit, yesterday she was sat in the middle of their pile of toys, The boys are back to school on Thursday, Molly starts in 2 weeks. Life is going to be a lot quieter from now on.
ReplyDeleteLilly was the most important of the 'toys' - a character the children have known from the day she was born. So many children don't have that wonderful experience.
DeleteThe school placement lottery must be a fraught time for parents when there are fewer "good" schools available.
ReplyDeleteHouse prices are significantly affected by the presence of a 'good' school and that adversely affects the intake of such schools. Some parents plan for years ahead in order to 'guarantee' a place at their preferred school. It's very unfair.
DeleteIt's much the same for schools here. Being in the catchment area for a good school can add tens of thousands to housing prices.
ReplyDeleteIt's shocking, isn't it. and so unfair?
DeleteIt's always good to have family visit. Somehow it always seems more quiet after they leave.
ReplyDeleteIn the U.S. with the exception of private schools all children attend school according to what district they live in
That used to be the case here, but now the system is completely skewed.
DeleteA fun time for all while it lasted. Interesting what you say about children having to apply to get into a school at such a young age when it's not a university. We have local public schools and if you live within their bus range that is where you go. We're getting very dry here all of a sudden after being wet for months on end. Grass is turning brown and the farm ponds are drying up. Just the end of summer I guess. Plus it's been very cold in the morning. Shouldn't be like this until october.
ReplyDeleteIt's nippier here now, too. We shall soon have to light the fire. The seasons are shifting, it seems.
DeleteGlad you you had a lovely visit! -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThank you. 😊
DeleteInteresting reading about your educational system. Here, we also have local public schools. Our public schools are state funded through property taxes and other means, and one can opt for what we call private schools, where you pay tuition. I'm happy you had that fun visit with your London family before the back-to-school routine. Our schools go back tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteCats are very interesting; we've had cats that hide when guests appear and cats who show the guests who's the boss around the house.
ReplyDeleteCats refuse to be classified!
DeleteHi Janice - we've just had the most humungous storm - I have to say: 'I'm glad to say' the rain is so so needed, as long as there's no major damage - we'll hear anon. Lovely to have that family gathering and animoooools make for much love and fun for one and all - happy early winter days ahead ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteWe had a heavy rainfall overnight - it was a pleasure to hear it. Our thunderstorm happened a couple of days ago, but wasn't really very spectacular. I hope your area has escaped damage!
DeleteOverall, 7% of UK children attend fee-paying (independent) schools.
ReplyDeleteHard to explain to children that cats will approach on their own timetable. Calli is usually the one to demand, Pet me with your eyes only.
ReplyDeleteSome cats actively seek human interaction. Others disdain it. They will not be generalised.
DeleteWith your big extended family, you are a most fortunate woman Janice. And from what I have read so far, everybody is thriving. I apologise if I missed something in that regard.
ReplyDeleteI am most fortunate, Neil, as you say, and am conscious of it. There are undercurrents, as with any group of people, but generally, everyone cares for everyone else.
DeleteI think starting school after Labor day is the way to go. Our kiddos have now been in school almost 3 weeks. Glad you all had a wonderful visit..
ReplyDeleteIt's always interesting to see how other authorities organise their school years.
DeleteA lovely day for everyone, two feet and four. I hope Charlie gets the school that he wants and starts there with some of his friends from primary.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteSounds like a pleasant reunion. Have you written before about how the school system works in your region of the UK? I'm curious.
ReplyDeleteIt was very pleasant, thank you. I haven't written in detail about our school system, just bits and pieces here and there. (Look up 'school' in the side bar, if you feel so inclined.)
DeleteBroadly speaking, all areas of the UK follow the same pattern - we live on a very small island, after all. All children start full-time education in the September following their 4th birthday. Primary education is from 4 to 11 years of age, in year 6. Secondary school starts in Year 7 and continues to Year 11, when state exams, GCSEs are taken.
A very few areas of the country have a middle school system, for children from 8/9 to 11/13 followed by secondary school. That system roughly follows the Preparatory School (independent, fee-paying ) model, where children transfer at 13 from Prep to Independent Secondary school.
Everyone remains in education or apprenticeship or a combination of the two until the age of 18. Some will take A-levels and apply to university.
Clear as mud, eh?
That sounds a lovely day for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI spent some lovely time with two of my grand-nephews yesterday ... such fun :)
Yes, the school term starts this week, it is a little staggered with INSET days but I'm sure back to routine will be welcomed by most.
I do enjoy Autumn.
All the best Jan
The start of the school year is always exciting, full of promise.
DeleteIt sounds like a wonderful time was had by all.
ReplyDeleteWe had a lovely day.
DeleteYou have well behaved cats. All the ones I know have a short time limit.
ReplyDeleteOne of the highlights of my visits to grandparents was the weekends when trifle was made. There was a whole performance of decorating with sprinkles and jelly diamonds that was almost as much fun as eating it.
But it always had to have custard! I would have unashamedly called it 'jelly crumble and cream' and said that they could have trifle next time, but that's just me.