Schools out for Summer!

It never fails to amaze me how the British weather plays the same joke on us parents every year.  Similarly to the last two years, summer term is warm and dry. And then the holidays arrive. And before you know it, all that fake tan has rubbed off and you've got more layers on than an onion. Seven interminably long weeks loom ahead and the rain continues to fall. Funnily enough, this year the start of our rainy season coincided with our hosepipe ban. Like the British people, the British weather is fond of irony too!!

Despite global warming however, I don't think this is a new thing.  I remember as a teenager and then as a student revising for exams (I know, I should have got out more!!) with searing heat cracking the pavements outside.  Then on finishing the exams in July the weather took an inevitable turn for the worse, anticlimax it always was! We do need to consider shifting the school holidays if only for the sanity of the parents. 

So this time I was prepared and three weeks in France was booked before saying so much as ta ta to the children on their first day back in September!! But before congratulating myself too much, I am now wondering whether there may be one or two flaws in the plan.  The first is, we are under canvas - fairweather parent and camper I'm afraid.  The second is it is west France, rather than the blistering and guaranteed heat of the Med. So as I'm packing five swimsuits, five beach towels, fifteen bottles of suncream, I'm now wondering whether I am being over-optimistic and should be throwing in five pairs of wellies, five waterproofs and umpteen hats!!

Anyway, at least it won't be fifty days in the British 'wetting' rain, we can have a stint in the middle with 'eau a la France - I can't wait - precipitation - bring it on!!  So what of my course. That will come with me. I intend to photograph our entire trip, tantrums, wind-damaged tents, French queuing and all.  But before all that, I am hoping to send off my first assignment to my tutor. 

On another note, just a small observation about studying social documentary compared to TAOP projects, I am working in a far less methodical manner with this course. Largely I think because when there are other people involved, you lose a little flexibility. And conversely I need to be spontaneous and take advantage when opportunities arise, no matter what project number I'm on. I find it more inspiring to work in this way.

Fickle as I am, I feel much better now I've seen a white cloud on the final day of the five day local forecast. Have a lovely summer all, no matter what the weather.