The arrival,

Hello all . For many of you this will be the last weekend before the start of the new term !! How are you all feeling ? To make you feel even worse I have been enjoying temperatures in the high 80's !! Sitting out in the decking , Lying on the lounger and the odd trip to the pool . I am exhausted !

Anyway the last night in Scotland was a fab family meal and where best to go but the American diner in Buchanan Street . A cocktail or two and I was ready to think and feel like i was on my way .

The goodbyes the next morning with Billy and Maureen ( brother and sister-in -law ) and my lovely daughter Gillian was a wee bit emotional but once on the plane I knew this was it and so onward across the atlantic . I met up with other exchange teachers at heathrow who were all a bit nervous like me but keen to get going .

The flight to Washington was not great . No on- flight entertainment and tight for space !

Finally arriving at 11pm and very tired we found the hotel and hospitality excellent . Although the bar had closed at 11pm . They had heard of the Scots fondness for a wee night -cap .

The lectures started next morning at 8am and went on all morning changing every hour . We finally stopped for the DC tour in the afternoon . I met up with Theresa for the tour and immediately hit it off . She will enjoy her time In Scotland and Dumfries . A good sense of humour . Hopefully I can send a few photos to let you see we had a laugh .

The next day at 8am guess what ! Yes and this time it was a 3hour lecture on teaching ' procedures ' The chap was funny and entertaining but soon discovered this NEW word meant classroom rules and management ! You know what after 37 years I think I might be doing something right . Nice to be re-assured .

More lectures and more forms later the UK group with exchange partners escaped to the local pub . An Irish pub !!!! Good night ! The Drambuie night-cap is very nice here also .The last night was cabaret night and the UK staff performed to the Proclaimers 5oo miles with of course a variation on the words and mileage ie 5000 miles . Jill you would have laughed at you favourite dance number !

With living so near to my new school and house Theresa took me to see where it is all going to happen . I met a few staff who were very welcoming . The school is so different and will be quite a challenge . More because of the cultural difference but I am up for it and will get to grips as quickly as I can . I am really looking forward to start day .

I have a few things to sort out eg social security for a number . This seems to open doors for living and working in US and car insurance etc.

Theresa had me drive her car which is a gear stick which was fine . My house is really lovely and the neighbours have been brill .I have a lot more exploring to do but as I do not need to be at Poe until 25th Aug to meet the staff I have come to Long Island to be with Stuart , Melissa and Emily. Having not seen Emily since she was 11 months I was quite touched at how much she has grown in 8 months . I know I am biased folks but can you blame me !!

I have been here a week already and next week we head for Sesame Street theme park . Can't wait to meet Elmo and the gang . Hannah my Elmo t-shirt is a hit already . Emily wanted to wear it . We then drive on to Virginia where I will get settled in properly .

Keep in touch on the message board or e-mail me and I will keep you all posted of the next stage of the adventure . Take care Helen xxx