Rain...

rain, go away....

Another wet/cold/windy/dark day... I swear we really are in the midst of 'the bleak midwinter'...

We had a day off today - the only Inset where we don't have to come in or participate in any Godforsaken training....

I had a day at home, pottering, and managed to capture the post van, its red colour standing out in a sea of grey gloom.

At 4:30pm, a couple of colleagues and I went to a funeral for the mother of a child in my class who died suddenly 10 days ago....

It was really beautiful, conducted entirely in Malayalam, but it was a real privilege to witness their cultural tradition. I've kept a lid on my feelings since it happened, but it was an open casket, and as we filed past and scattered some rose petals inside, I did begin to cry. She looked so beautiful, and I was reminded how life is just so cruel and unfair sometimes. She was only 39, the same age as me, and leaves behind two small children, 2 and 4. 

Felt very heavy but we were very glad we went, and I know the family were appreciative that we did. They are taking her home to India on Wednesday, for a funeral with her family. 

Very sobering.