Coldingham and Eyemouth

...from St Abbs.

As well as a giant rubber ring, buckets and spades, a plastic golf set, a packet of joy rides (travel pills) and a foot high painted clay Coldstream Guard, the staff presented me with a beautiful silver necklace and this painting of a view that I adore and will always return to.

We had an absolute blast out for dinner, consuming a quantity (!) and laughing like I never have with them!! Funny that...

All of this followed one of most up and down days ever. All down bits were away from children when one bit after another of bad or challenging news came in on email, and then I was picked up by children.

The big school classes had all made me mementos - books, cards, pictures and a Survival Guide to Millport!! P7 and I had a leavers lunch and then I left to hugs, tears and cheers. Tough!

The wee school had a tea party for me and more beautiful flowers - freesia and gypsophila. More hugs and tears, waves to many on the bus and more tears!! At tea with the staff there, we had a lot of laughs and then out of the blue they presented me with an Ortak brooch - just stunning.

For someone who hates a fuss, I have been put on the spot quite a lot recently and have learned to cry in public! Who cares?!

I am overwhelmed by the attention and kindness I have been shown. I certainly will miss all these people but I do not regret my decision. Something had to give, and it would have been my health.

Strangely, I know there are very many people that I will keep up with and see when I return. My friends are too special to walk away from so my return visits will be frequent! I also know that the economy on Cumbrae is about to rise in the future with many visitors coming to see me!

All I need to do is find a nice house for my pictures, jewellery and flowers and I'll be all set!! I hope to choose my new camera later today!

I'm off on a couple of adventures first though...starting Sunday!

Farewell SBC and all those I have had the privilege of working with for 12 years. I will certainly miss you.