Party Build Up

 I do three periods of relief. The Year 9 class period 1 are really rude. That's typical of their cohort but makes me wonder what's happened along the way. They know how to behave, everybody does. They just don't know enough about respect and have been too difficult to manage. Boundaries are nearly non-existent for some of them. And the Year 10 class period 6. They are a bit more mature, sort of. It's last period Friday and they're ready to cut out for the weekend. So am I but I can't ignore the girl with the village hall voice who shouts, "Penis," until I kick her out. Really not sure what was going on in her head. 

The bell goes and I drive to pick up my old mate, John Dainty, he of the Walking in Light book which I edited at the end of 2013. His chronicle of walking from Bluff to Cape Reinga with no money. And walking, rides refused unless someone dropped him back to resume from the same spot. I take him to the house for a catch up but we look through the windows. Lance is busy with the paint brush...dust is the enemy. From outside the shower looks small. Too late. 

Next stop, party mission at Anjie's. I climb into her ceiling space which is set up to store preserving jars, dress ups, musical instruments, and other peoples' stuff, mine included. We go through the racks and I pick a dress which is actually mine, and a negligee of Anjie's. John comes up to fossick. Mission accomplished. 

Will arrives with oysters. We plate them up with chilli powder, pickled onion vinegar and some onion. I manage three before I feel like I'm swallowing sea water. They're delicate. John's drawn a picture of the old house and underneath is

22 Things I learn't while at the College in the Woods

Celebrate often, Plant gardens, Keep family together at all costs, Be colourful, Be welcoming to friends at all times and have a place for them to sleep, Always have a book to read, Have music flowing through your home, Have a couch on your porch, Acknowledge the teachers that touched you in your life, Give gifts of food to people, Listen to student radio- it keeps you young, Be careful with fireworks, Embrace the fantasy world of the child, Stand up for principals, Support artists and have art in your home, Cats called Pierre can be tres illusoire, Pickle onions, Garages can be delapidated and still function, Door knobs can be confusing, Being able to cook is a gift to everybody, Have a brazier and gather around its fire with friends, Some butters are higher quality than others.

And that nicely sums it up.

Peter Poser

Wooden posts for the laundry