Back to school

Today is Toby's first day in Year 1. Last year he wore a polo top and the school sweatshirt but he's decided that he wants to wear the blazer and tie this year. Now, this isn't down to any kind of fashion sense but rather a growing interest in Dr Who. Toby's friend Teddy was the only boy who wore a blazer last year (also because of Dr Who) and this year Toby and Solar joined him. I also heard at least two other mums talking about trying to get blazers for their boys. So, fashion mags take note. This term the look for stylish Year 1 boys is all about the blazer.

Yesterday we went to Manor House Gardens and bumped into loads of children from Toby's class. It was a nice way to ease back into the school term. I've really missed the routine of the school year and I know Toby has missed the stimulation and his friends. Because the children get just six weeks off every summer the families seem to disappear on vacation for most of August so we didn't see that much of Toby's friends. We stayed put in London and, though it was restful, we have seen the wisdom in getting away. No one is here, London is overrun with tourists and everyone benefits from a change of scene. Next year we'll be going away.

So, it's with a huge sigh of relief all around that the school year has begun. We've already got two birthday parties to attend this weekend and once I join the Friends Committee I'll be even more busy than usual. Can't wait!

Still haven't sold the flat but the house we want is still available and we're deep in negotiations with the couple who gave such an initial low offer. They've raised the offer to a more acceptable level and we're just trying to fine tune the details now but we're hopeful. They're a Canadian couple and I assume that it's all a bit different and perhaps confusing here. I know it's a lot different to the way things are done in the States.

The funny thing is that the estate agent obviously doesn't realise that I'm American but, I guess because of their accents, she thinks that the couple trying to buy the flat are American. We've heard such witticisms as: "I know they're Americans but we all have our problems, heh." and "God, these Americans. You have to spoon-feed them everything." Jason and I keep saying we should probably set her straight but it's just so entertaining.