Photo diary: week 28, project 365

We're now on the homestretch, racing to the summer holidays. Just a few more days, and no more early morning and hectic rushing around for a while.
Last week has been a bit of a meh, with some ruffled feathers.

 One of those unpleasant situations involved an overbearing school governor. I volunteer in school, reading with children, and have been doing it for the last five years. Last Monday I happened to arrive to school at the same time as one of the other visitors who as a real gentleman blocked me from pressing the button to the gate to enter the school territory, then accused me of tailgating him. When I asked him why he thought he could tell me off, he said he was one of the school governors. His tone was aggressive and intimidating, and this encounter left an unpleasant aftertaste in my mouth.
I later emailed the school office, asking to confirm that this uncivil person was indeed who he claimed he was. The reply was Sorry, you felt intimidated, and yes, he is one of the newest governors.
Who clearly enjoyed his petty little power trip. I bet if I were a man, I wouldn't have been subjected to the mansplaining and rudeness.

This is the photo of the old Witney mill.

On Tuesday Eddie had a friend over after school. The friend brought a big pack of vintage Pokémon cards, and Eddie was ecstatic, looking at them. I baked some choc chip cookies for the boys.

Sports Day for Eddie. It was very hot, and after spending an hour and a half watching the kids, I've managed to get a nasty headache.
Watering potted plants in the garden, I've looked up to see this dragon-shaped cloud.

We have a nest in one of the chimneys on the roof. We don't use the fireplace, but still what a silly place to build a nest. I call them the Guardians of the house. I like this image where the couple both look the same way.

On Friday morning I hopped on the bus to Oxford to get to Sasha's school to the meeting with the social worker and teachers. I was already in Oxford, when I got a phone call from school to say that the meeting was cancelled, as the social worker couldn't make it. A bit annoying that she herself didn't call earlier to inform me, as this would have saved me a trip on a hot bus.

More pics from the garden...

Today was a busy day. Eddie was invited to a birthday party, and we had a festival in town, with the colourful procession. This year's theme was Carnivals of the world.

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Heroes and Villains: Witney carnival parade 2017

Witney carnival takes place in July, and every year a new theme is announced.
I remember watching the parade for the first time seven years ago, when I was heavily pregnant with Eddie who was due in a few days. My Mum came to stay with us for six weeks to help with Sasha and the new baby. We were shopping in town, when the parade started. It was a very cheerful and jolly affair, and I wiggled my big belly to the rhythm of the catchy music to the amusement and concern of my Mum, who had this vision of me going in labour in the middle of the parade.
Since then we always try to catch the big show in town, which starts on the Leys and moves through the town centre. The crowds are friendly, people come with young children, put the rugs along the streets and cheer the procession.
All the profits raised from the carnival go to the community and help local charities and organisations.
We love seeing all the floats - schools, marching bands, steam engines. This year's theme was Heroes and Villains.
Oxford Caledonian Pipes and Drums Band is usually leading the procession, just after the local beauty queen makes her entry and disperses kisses (see video above).

The popularity of Star Wars was reflected in several floats.

It's pretty cool to see Darth Vader walking through the centre of Witney.

The stormtroopers

Eddie's school picked 101 Dalmations as their theme, with the Head playing the part of Cruella de Vil.



I believe the next group was The Rotary Club of Witney who chair the Carnival Committee and organise the procession.

The Incredibles looked, well, incredible.

We were impressed by the young cheerleaders.

The Marvel Superheroes

The prize for the coolest float goes to the Batmobile without doubt.

And the prize for the best dance routine goes to Pirate Fitness. They always make us smile. Last year they were dressed up as prehistoric women in skins, carrying clubs. They are a real hoot.



It was not just superheroes, but community heroes as well - firefighters and police officers.

The majorettes in matching outfits

The colourful procession is only one part of the carnival. There were lots of food tents, trade and crafts stalls set up on The Leys, as well as activities planned including a gigantic bouncy castle, slides, donkey and mini train rides, music events, static displays, circus and much more.

Eddie begged me to let him have a go on the Flight simulator. The queue was enormous, and I nearly fainted there, in the middle of the field, as it was very hot.
Eddie was ecstatic though, and kept shouting "I'm flying! I'm flying", so it was all worth it.

We also spotted the Batmobile, but by the time we had a chance to come closer, Batman went on a loo break, so we couldn't have a photo taken together with the Batman. Eddie now wants us to have a Batmobile.
Who wouldn't want a Batmobile?!