What's the title of the first post?

My teeth ache. I may have to put some gin in the soda water.

In four sleeps I'm going to do Europe. I'm fortunate to be the inaugural recipient of the Highgate Fellowship by virtue of teaching at Otago Girls' High School. Lashings of professional development ahead of me in England and a couple of weeks (school hols) in continental Europe...locals - beware!

So far have managed to delegate all the logistical nightmare stuff to The Cook. He has an idea that he may yet get some inspiration for my future cuisine during the trip.

He'd better.

The progeny have little idea, and I worry sometimes that we resemble each other too much.

However, what could possibly go wrong?

With four sleeps to go and this being the weekend before it's too late, we pack. Hah! Piece of cake. Friend pops round to drop off scales for weighing of suitcases and absconds with Older Child to incorporate into her family as they hit a local school fair. I expect the usual sugar high when OC returns. Her clothes to take are out ready for her perusal and veto. At seven and a half you can't be too careful.

Younger Child is quite content to watch Dora the Explorer. Unfortunately, we're not going to any Spanish speaking countries. YC is the wildcard for this adventure.

Let the fun begin.