The smells of winter in National Park

Smoke from the fire, always lingering in my hair from multiple attempts to blow it back in to life.
Damp cat, does he have to jump up on me the moment he comes in the door?!
Oil, diesel and grease on G. The gore-tex winter uniform soaks it up and it sticks to him all winter.
Frost. Those mornings when you don't even need to look outside to know the car will be caked in ice.
Rum. Hot rum, with blackcurrant and honey. This year we've added green ginger wine too. Yum...

Seeing it in the littlies

I'm absolutely loving being a student teacher and can't wait to be a real one. My practical placement was great, with the senior kids. There were some awesome lightbulb moments where you'd see them just suddenly get it and off they'd go. Wow...
And my day a week at a local school in a class at the other end of the spectrum - new entrants - is equally rewarding. I know I've made the right choice for me with teaching.

It makes me giggles sometimes when I recognise people I know in the 5 year olds. The cheeky little monkey who is just like my brother at that age. The gorgeous wee lad who reminds me so intensely but beautifully of my dearly missed friend Ray. And then there's that one girl. Oh dear. That's what I must have been like; what a little bossy boots!

Love it.