Friday the 13th again.

So...yesterday was another Friday the 13th. I had to get up early as I had a day in school booked. It was a very cloudy and dull day for an Australian summer and for once the cicadas were eeerily silent without the sun.The news from the UK of the election result was earth shatteringly depressing and the day seemed to be living up to its reputation.It was the last day of the school year here and the six week summer holiday started on the 14th. I wasn't expecting the day to be too taxing but it was the first time I had taken a prep class this year at the town state school. Their usual teacher was away at her son's graduation.In the end I only had 14 children turn up and it was a doddle of a day, with easy Christmas decoration making, festive stories, games, colouring and construction toys.I did get a phonecall from the office midday to say they had forgotten to inform the usual class teacher that her carpets were going to be cleaned during the holiday and could I clear the furniture into the lino?Er...I don't think that is in my relief teaching job description but after I waved off the elves and goblins I did move all the chairs and tables but left all the cupboards and shelves with all the 'stuff' on for someone else to worry about.We were down at Glen Aplin Hall for the evening for a visit by the Festival of Small Halls. Every year from Boxing Day to the New Year there is the Woodford Folk Festival north of Brisbane and prior to the Festival a few of the acts tour some of the remoter areas. Normally Glen Aplin is not on that circuit but after another Hall dropped out our local committee jumped in and asked if we could fill the space.We got there about 5.30 and the local rural fire brigade ran a BBQ to boost their funds and the local school ran a bar to raise money for the school. Our neighbours are part of a bluegrass group called Too Much Fun and they played while everyone are and drank. The concert started at 7.00. The hall had been beautifully decorated with draped hail netting across the ceiling and empty plastic water bottles and up turned umbrellas hanging from it to represent the rain we so badly need. Again Jenny from next door had a big hand in creating and setting up those decorations.First up was the Dogwood Three, a local trio, who regaled us with three new songs which were instantly forgettable, thankfully. Next up were our friends Penny and Roger who sang 'Hey Rain!' and a few other lovely songs. Blair Dunlop from the UK was the first of the Woodford acts of the night. He was very good but we couldn't always hear the lyrics. During the interval the local CWA (Country Women's Association) provided tea, coffee and a huge selection of cakes. The concert ended with Hat Fitz and Cara who were in a league of their own and had half the hall up dancing down by the stage at the end. They said that it was the biggest crowd they had performed for on their tour so far. It was fabulous to be part of it all and a great end to a notoriously bad day.