And now what?

I've just realised with some shock, relief and then concern that at the end of this week, I will have finished work for the summer. Well, when I say work, I mean teaching and examining.

It's been pretty hectic recently with the mad dash to get everything done, but now it's almost over, my brain is threatening to go into spasm. At best, it starts thinking 'What now? Nothing, I hope.'

Of course, it has no reason to do that at all. I have heaps to do personally and Koos and I have another heap to do together. The list includes formatting a book, writing two articles and getting on with my current work in progress. Then there's maintenance on both boats and a garden to rescue as well as door and window frames on the crumbly cottage to renovate and paint. Quite apart from all that, the online courses I give have to be revised and updated.

I think that's enough to keep anyone going, isn't it? But no, I've gone and bought myself a Dutch course that I really must get down to, and a couple of short courses on editing, so I want to do those as well.

To go back to that 'What now?' Well, yes. But...

Nevertheless, my brain has a point. It's telling me it needs a rest, as is the rest of my person. At least I think it is. If not, it's a good story and I'm sticking to it. The point is I've been incredibly tired this week and I can only think it's my system prodding me into shutting down for a bit. So I'm going to take its advice, I am, and have a bit of time off: time to stop and stare, talk to the sheep, water my plants and go for walks. Koos agrees, but I suspect it's because he gets nervous when I'm too busy. I might find him stuff to do...haha (joking, Koos!).

Hopefully next week we'll be doing a short trip on the Vereeniging, but I won't jinx that by being too certain about it. We've got a lot of checking to do before we take to the water, but I'll keep you posted on that one. It will also be a gentle journey without too much hurry...time to stop and fare.

(...UPDATE...The Vereeniging trip has to be postponed. Koos has a health issue that means we can't go faring at the moment. Nothing life threatening, but it's affecting his balance. Not a good idea to combine that with a moving barge. Hopefully, it will be better in a few weeks)

Meanwhile, let's hope the sun keeps shining. Here's a few pictures of Koos' birthday outing with my daughter yesterday. A good time was had by all.