Greetings Humans! How was your week? Mommy is back at work and even though I miss her terribly when she’s at school, it’s good to see her running around and spreading sunshine just like a busy bee. School officially opened on Wednesday and it was chaos. The good kind. Lots of happy, smiley faces and only a few tears from the new Grade 1’s.
But alas, the sunshine only lasts until the thunder clouds start rolling in. my Mommy works at a Private School and trying not to get into politics, but the gap between Public Schools and Private Schools in SA is quite the pothole. Needless to say, after the chaotic school year in 2020, it’s now rather The Big Hole in Kimberley.
Quite a number of the Private Schools in SA opened on Wednesday with Public Schools planned to open on the 27th of January. This date has now been postponed to the 15th of February. And those Private Schools who did open already, are now forced to close until the 15th of February as well. Look, I do get it. I really do understand that even though a very, very large percentage of public schools hardly had any school from March last year and that some schools still don’t have their ducks in a row 9 months later. But why penalize the ducklings who are already safely on the pond? Yes, it is very difficult for some schools to comply to the Covid health and safety regulations, but some schools actually do have a clean bill and strictly adhere to all rules and regulations in such a way that the kids are safer at school than many other places in our country. Those schools are the future of this country. If everybody jumps into the hole, we are all just going to drown with no lifesavers at the top to help us out.
But what do I know? I’m nothing but a fluffy white kitten. Let’s rather talk books.
No new books acquired last week.
Scratching the Blog Pole
I did warn you that not much is going to happen this week and I was right. As usual. Only 3 posts. Top Ten Tuesday was by far our favorite and it does appear as if you also enjoyed it. So glad! Of course we can all do with some ABBA during this time. Click on the graphic if you’ve missed the post.
On Friday we did a Friday Fives and we talked about 5 places we would love to visit, because the books told us to.
And yesterday I, not we, I, reviewed A Cat’s Guide to Bonding with Dragons
On the Couch
Currently Reading
The Guest List is soooo good. I hope we can still finish it this afternoon.
Watching
Last Sunday we’ve watched Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I know Mommy has seen it a couple of times, but I was glued to the edge of my paws. What a lovely movie and perfect to start a new school year with. Even with all that happened this week. Perhaps even more so. Believe it or not, my favorite character was the talking mouse.
Just like Reepicheep – my word is my honour and I value it deeply. Both me and my Mommy are physically small with loud voices, strong opinions with an unshakeable faith in Aslan and Narnia. “It’s not your size that matters, but the size of your faith.” I am sure that when we all gather around Aslan’s table one day, we will spend hours upon hours talking to Reepicheep.
Mommy and Daddy’s been watching The Queen’s Gambit as well this week after many of you recommended it. It’s good!
Okay, that’s all from us today. Mommy has a book to finish and I have cuddles that was due this week, to cash in.
Wishing you all a wonderful week and stay safe!
A big thank you to our Sunday hosts for listening to all our stories every week. Gosh, I hope they do.
Lots of Love,
I really liked the Guest List so hope you do too.
Oh my, the school situation does sound quite confusing. I hope it gets sorted out soon.
My brother-in-law has 5 cats but two of them are brothers from the same litter. The black-and-white kitty is named Aslan and the black one is named Reephicheep. Reep is a cowardly cat but maybe he'll grow into his name some day.
Enjoy your week!
Aaaaah, I was telling my husband on Sunday night that we should call our next cat Reephicheep. I just glared at me. What a cute story about your brother in law's cats. I have 4, if I get one more, my husband might not survive it!
I'm so tired of covid… I mean, I know everyone is but I really wish we were nearing the end now. No matter what people say (what with vaccines etc) it still feels like the end is so far away. 🙁
Our schools are closed until Feb half term and I'm not holding my breath for them to re-open then either. It all sucks.
At least there are books! And good TV…
Hi Nicci, I'm just as tired of this whole thing and I agree with you, it doesn't feel as if the end is anywhere near.
Our school is closed, by my classes are still going on. Special needs students. Week was hectic! But grateful for that.
Is "The Guest List" similar to Agatha Christie's "And then there were none"? Looks really interesting, hope the end stays strong
~ Lex (lexlingua.co)
Hi Lex! There are a few similarities and it's definitely worth the read! Read it and then you will see where the similarities are, actually not where you think!
Hmm! You just had to add to the suspense, didn't you? 😛
I think the school situation is a mess in a lot of places. In-person school started here in October. Then there was a virus outbreak, and they switched back to online. Now they’re back to in-person. It must be stressful for parents. Have a great week!
Aj @ Read All The Things!
Hi AJ! It's very stressful on the parents yes. Not to mention the teachers. But we take it one day at a time and so far so good.
Hope your week was good!
I am glad school got off to a good start, although what a blow to have to close down again. I am sorry to hear it. The Guest List is on my to read list. I hope you are enjoying it. I hope you have a great week!
Do try to get to The Guest List. It really is worth the read. School is a bit hectic, but we take it one day at a time!
I'm normally not a fan of favorite books being turned into movies but the Narnia books were so beautifully done. We really loved Dawn Treader. Just the mention of it has me wanting to watch it again! That's so frustrating about the schools especially since so many are making it work. I'm so glad we started homeschooling before the whole pandemic thing because of this back and forth can't be good for the kids or the adults who are trying to manage it all. Hope you have a great week!
Hi Katherine! I saw The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe before I've read the Narnia series. I thought it was so beautiful and that was why I read the books. It's some of the best adaptations ever.
School is just messed up, but we are taking it one day at time and it's okay. Week was hectically busy!
Hope you guys are good.
I'm so sorry that things are getting complicated with the schools. This virus situation is really horrible. I hope you have a great week!
Here’s my Sunday Post!
Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog
It's hectic Ronyell, but we are going on and taking it day by day.
Hope your week was good too!
"spreading sunshine" That's always good! And yes chaos (the good kind) and school go hand in hand. 🙂 I'm sorry to hear about the confusion regarding openings though- or rather, sounds like postponings. There are so many opinions about schools reopening and every country does it differently- I hope it all works out there in the best way.
The Guest List looks great! And yay for Dawn Treader! I loved that book as a kid- never saw the movie. Love Reepicheep tho!!!
Hi Greg! It's been a hectic week so far. I hardly got to the blog at all. The school is closed, but because I work in special needs, my classes are still open and the extra classes as well. I am a registered business and don't fall under the school's regulations. So it's a bit crazy.
The Guest List was super great and The Dawn Treader is always the best medicine. Please watch the movie, it's awesome!
Glad you're enjoying The Queen's Gamibt, I think it was really well done and loved seeing her clothing change throughout the series. Our schools that have opened are allowed to stay open no matter how bad the numbers get, but those that haven't opened yet have to stay closed. It's interesting to see how differently each country (and in the US, each state) deals with it all.
That sounds quite fair to my Helen. We really do take very, very good care to comply to all safety regulations at all time. Oh well, this too shall pass.
Yes, the costume changes and the way she carries herself does develop vey nicely in The Queen's Gambit.
Hope you are having a good week Helen.
I really don’t know what is going to happen with schools here, they were supposed to go back tomorrow but it’s been put pack another two weeks, the rumour mill says it could be after Easter when they head in to class. I’m glad I’m not I charge, it’s so incredibly hard to make a decision the way figures are.
Anyway in happier note I’m glad you are enjoying The Guest List, it’s so good!
Have a lovely week my feline friend ?
Hi Heather! I'm in charge of my own section at school, but I am ever so grateful that I at least still have a department head and a principal ahead of me!! Otherwise I might have gone crazy.
The Guest List was sooooo good!!! Thank heavens for some great books at least. Always something to be grateful for.
You know it is so hard to know what the right decision is right now. Hopefully, kids can get back to school safely everywhere very soon. I hope you have a wonderful week!
Hi Carol! It really is very hard. Our numbers are going down very quickly now again, so I do hope that there might be a possibility for schools to re-open soon. I had a very busy day as all my students are still allowed at school. I work in special needs and am a registered business as well. So thank the Good Lord for that.
Hope your week is good and kind to you!
It's sad to hear about the school situation. Politics always end up having a say, don't they. I've been seeing The Guest List everywhere but have yet to read it. Have a good upcoming week and stay safe!
Hi Laura! Politics politics. And if only we can get politicians that actually really care for what's best for the people and not their own selfish games, this world would be a whole lot better.
Hope you are having a good week too and stay safe!
My daughter is back in school as I'm a key worker but most of the rest of her class are doing remote learning so its all a bit odd. Not sure that closing them is having the desired effect anyway.
I have been wondering about the Queen's Gambit, ill have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation.
HI there Charlotte, I don't think it has the desired effect at all, it actually just creates more anxiety and students that just fall behind more and more.
The Queen's Gambit is quite good yes!
Schools are open in Florida but that means we are seeing more covid cases. It's such a no win situation. My granddughter is in 1st rade on Nebraska and so far she is doing well.
I haven't watched the Queen's Gambit yet. Sounds good.
Hi Tina! You can say that again. The scales just doesn't want to balance. The Little ones do so much better if they can only be at school. We'll see what happens here!
The Queen's Gambit is worth watching for sure.
I quit trying to find some sense in governmental decisions relating to Covid (among others…). We're in curfew at 6PM now, some kids go to school, some don't, people get off work at 6PM or 5.30PM but have to work more at other parts of day to still work the amount of time required, there are less public transportation, etc. Books are definitely better ! Oh, The guest list, it's on my TBR ! I'm glad you love The queen's gambit 🙂 And you made me laugh with the talking mouse, thank you. I wish you a zen and headache-less week !
I thank that's the right attitude, just give up trying to understand. Books are definitely better than reality at the moment.
The Guest List was great!!! One sitting read. Finished it last night.
My is starting with a bang, but let's hope it gets better! Hope you are well and that your week will be filled with puppies and rainbows or kittens and unicorns should you rather prefer those.
A Cat's Guide to Bonding with Dragons looks good. Elza you did a great job with the review. I love the Friday Fives post and places to visit. I hope you have a great week!
Hi Yvonne! It's such a fun read! Sure you will enjoy it too.
I need something to look forward to and a trip somewhere will do just the trick.
I haven't watched Voyahe of the Dawn Treader. You may like this one 'Peaky Benders' on Netflix–its fast paced and imaginative!
Hi there Trin! One of my friends watched Peaky Blinders and she loved it. I think I will take a look at it!
That's nice you got back to work, but what a shame about the school troubles with them closing again till 15 February. It was fun to read your review for A Cat's Guide to Bonding with Dragons. I hope you have a good week!
Hi there Lola! I need to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to read A Cat's guide to Bonding with Dragons. Was fun!
I hope we will get things sorted out at school and that by some miracle, we will be able to open earlier.
Have a good week Lola!
It's so hard to know what is the best thing to do with schools. My school (from which I retired two years ago) is a primary school, and those children really need in-person school. I am so worried about the results of all this school disruption on children. But what can be done? Sigh. I know less than a fluffy white kitty, I'm afraid.
I enjoyed your Top Ten and 5 Places to Visit posts last week.
Knitty Kitties? Super fun.
I wonder if Voyage of the Dawn Treader is new or rather-new. We have not seen it. Maybe it hasn't come here yet.
Hi Debbie! We are also a Primary School and yes, those kids do need to be at school. Luckily most of my classes will continue, because I'm registered as a business as well and they can't close the businesses down.
Glad you enjoyed my posts! That makes me happy. I look forward to WWW on Wednesday.
Voyage of the Dawn Treader came out about 10years ago if I'm not mistaken. Sure it must be available with you. It's the third instalment in the movies of the Narnia series. Love it!
Have a good week Debs!
love the cat's guide. looks like a good one. i don't understand any of the covid crap!
sherry @ fundinmental
Hi Sherry! A cat's guide to bonding with dragons was a fun read and I think we might all benefit from a few light and fun reads to forget all about the chaos Covid is causing.
Have a good week!
School openings and closings have caused furious controversy everywhere. Whenever they do open here, there is at least one outbreak of the virus and they have to close again. Tragically, quite a number of teachers have died, despite having a supposedly safe age and condition. All bad!
be safe… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
That is unfortunately the sad reality of all this.
We've been very blessed not have had any casualties at our schools and also only a few cases of Covid.
Let's hope things sort out soon, especially with the vaccine rolling out all across the world.
Have a good week!
I am sorry to hear your school has had to shut again – We had a similar chaos when we first opened the schools here in the UK, too. Thankfully things have calmed down this second week at my school, as our headteacher has a plan and she is sticking with it! ? I hope the coming week will a good one and you'll continue to have lots of books, TV shows and films to cheer you. ?
Hi Jessica! We are also making plans like crazy here to see where we can jump the system and so forth. Part of my classes will remain open, as the special needs class at school is not run through the school, but through my business. So yea for them! They are the students that should be at school most importantly.
Luckily I do have some great books and yes, there are a few tv shows I need to catch up on!
Have a good week Jessica!
Yes… I don't think any Govt in the world has got a proper handle on the schools and what to do for the best for children. They are messing it up here in the UK, too:((. I hope you have a good week, despite all the troubles. That is one wrecked road! Loved the review of A Cat's Guide to Bonding With Dragons:)). Stay safe, Mareli:). And thank you so much for the link to Castellan's latest outburst regarding rules for hunting!
Hi there Sarah! It does really make me feel better to know it's not only us. I do sometimes feel that Africa is a continent all on their own. Well we are, but you know what I mean!
I'm glad you enjoyed my review for A Cat's Guide to bonding with Dragons, it definitely is right up your alley.
Have a good week!
Sorry to hear about the schools there & the delays etc. The schools here have been open & running since August so they seem to have it under control. I hope you enjoyed being back. Much to do I'm sure. We enjoyed The Queen's Gambit too. Enjoy your Reading & week ahead.
The best part is that we were up and running before the December holidays…. And then we complied to all regulations to a T before opening on Wednesday. This is nothing more than a political move. But lets leave it at that!
At least we can work online and part of my classes can continue because it's registered as a business.
Have a good week and happy reading!