Guy Fawkes' Day - light my fire?

Neighbourhood watch

Apparently I was missed last Thursday & Friday so delivering 'omiyagi' (souvenirs) the very least expected of me. Nothing 'special' - the usual "giri choco" that airports around the world stock for returning Japanese sightseers to waste money & baggage allowances on.

With my fave little pink teacher today, who teaches a new song to the teeny ones very nicely, in small chinks that even I can manage to repeat (but lo, instantly forget...I just cannot take in this language). Also delivers a homily about carrying our own bags out of school & not dumping them at the gate for mummy to carry.

The gentle touch

Autumn is arriving, and my days in shorts are finally over. Marked the changing of the leaves with a neighbourhood walk, buddies holding hands as we try to keep against the side of the road; Koz-sensei does this by being very grabby & crabby. A gorgeous, crisp morning.

Curry rice & jelly for lunch today, not quite matching the stupendous buffet I was tucking into last Friday in Hong Kong - thought I'd burst, and still might judging from the pats on the tummy I keep getting. Today's highlight is the sight of snot trails running down faces into curry, with fingers criss-crossing between noses & food. For my sins (a dreadful too-much-in-flight-food fart) requiring a subtle walk around the room to dilute strategy looking quizzically around, a 4 year old lass sports the most obvious builder's crack I have witnessed in ages!

Origami mushroom

During the snooze, I find myself admiring Rumi and her calm, quiet classroom management. Doesn't say much, never raises her voice, just does things with assurance and grace. I think she's great. Had A's rowdy class eating out of her hand, making origami apples & mushrooms.