It’s not about you
Right, so here’s the thing that’s annoying me lately. Self-centredness. Is that even a word? I think so. I mean people who forget that there’s anything outside their little world or that other people have different experiences, needs, abilities, finances and so on. Like what? Like those who don’t want to vaccinate because the vaccines… Continue reading It’s not about you
Our favourite board games
During our winter break we had a full day dedicated to board games and a few extra afternoons too. The boys almost always get a board game or card game or something for their birthdays and Christmases. Here are our favourites from winter 2021-22. Catan We’ve had Catan Junior for several years and it’s one… Continue reading Our favourite board games
Running Review 2021
At the start of 2021, I did a round up of 2020 and included some running stats. Over the last year though, my running has got a bit more serious I suppose. So I’m dedicating a whole post to look back at what I’ve achieved. Total Stats Active days: 278 Total time: 239 hours Total… Continue reading Running Review 2021
Lessons in Loss: Restart
Back in November 2020, I started a series of collaboration posts about how we cope with loss. I think about loss from time to time, as you probably know if you’re a regular reader over here. I’ve discussed recovery from loss of a baby and other people’s reactions. But, we don’t only struggle or grieve… Continue reading Lessons in Loss: Restart
Feeling weepy
I’m feeling weepy at the moment. Hormones. Anniversaries. Seems like so much is going on, even though it’s no more than usual. May be I’m wearing myself out with RED January. Could do with a bit of a boost of cheer and energy, that isn’t chocolate-based. That’s all I’ve got today.
Reflecting on 2021
A year ago I wrote a post looking towards (not forwards to) 2021. And, well, 2020 had certainly been a rollercoaster but it wasn’t as painful as 2019 was for us. For 2021, I knew not to make resolutions or think about specific goals. Instead there were some general things I wanted from 2021, and… Continue reading Reflecting on 2021
December 2021 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy The Day the Screens Went Blank by Danny Wallace One day when a family were all sitting on the sofa watching different TV… Continue reading December 2021 Reading
This time next year
Bill over at A Silly Place passed on this pondering question – where will I be this time next year? He’s got some clear ideas about the inevitable and some general goals for himself this time next year. However, he generously shared the challenge with some other folks, including me. I’ve had to have a… Continue reading This time next year
Taking A Festive Break
Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas. I’m taking a few days off to enjoy some cuddles, laughs, and lots of food with my family. I might be back on 28th or I might not. I hope everyone has a joyful and peaceful few days. But I know Christmas can be awful for some of us… Continue reading Taking A Festive Break
My Christmas Wishlist 2021
There are lots of lovely lists I’ve seen lately, recommending gifts for our loved ones. Rather than a general list, I’m going to share my personal wishlist…. Any links in this post are not sponsored.I won’t be compensated if you click on them. Foodie Books I’m not much of a chef, neither ambitious nor sophisticated.… Continue reading My Christmas Wishlist 2021
Christmas Prep: Nut Roast
This recipe was first published in my 2020 Christmas Treat Recipes post. I’ve made some edits and added some pictures. In the December when I was 9 I decided I wanted to be vegetarian. My amazing mum is a saint and let me get on with it, supporting me by preparing all sorts of different… Continue reading Christmas Prep: Nut Roast
Get to Know Me Festive Edition
The lovely Molly from Lovely Local Indie tagged me in her post about festive personal facts. I’m not sure where this tag came from, but I do love to learn more about my fellow bloggers in the community, so I can’t resist passing it on. Thank you! First of all, a big thanks to Molly… Continue reading Get to Know Me Festive Edition
You look tired…
OK, so potentially debatable opinion: I hate Zoom. Work has just switched to Zoom for conference calls and that means more video calls. I’ve managed to avoid them so far for the most part – himself almost always interrupts my regular Wednesday group meeting and I’ve started making him wave at the other participants in… Continue reading You look tired…
And now he’s ten
This time of year always brings a nostalgia trip for me. I think back to the surprise of my waters breaking at 36 weeks and then spending another four days waiting to meet large boy. Remembering that induced first labour, my body completely ignoring my plan. The jaundice, the reflux, the exhaustion, the sore boobs,… Continue reading And now he’s ten
November 2021 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy He’s deigned to help write some more considered and worthwhile reviews this month, thanks large boy! Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by… Continue reading November 2021 Reading
A Christmas Poem
As someone who usually refuses to think about getting festive until mid-December, you might be getting the impression I’m rather excited this year. I’m not. I’m actually finding life more than usually difficult. Baby boy3 is on my mind a lot and it’s not easy for me to understand why. So, to try to focus… Continue reading A Christmas Poem
Review: Worm World
Small boy was very pleased to receive My Living World Worm World for his sixth birthday, back at the end of June 2021. He’s always loved being in the garden and getting dirty, forever turning over plant pots to see what’s lurking beneath. He was sticking his hands in the soil before he was one… Continue reading Review: Worm World
Advent Calendar Activities
For the last couple of years I’ve used a beautiful fabric advent calendar that my mum made to plan out a set of activities for the boys. Of course they never all go quite as planned, but we have a great time not eating chocolate. Previously I was more organised and bought them each a… Continue reading Advent Calendar Activities
Christmas Prep: Light bottles
Ahem, there are some empty gin bottles in the house. Well, that’s not quite true. There are lots of half-full and some almost-full gin bottles in the house, much of it homemade. But there are also quite a few empty bottles, mostly from my Craft Gin Club subscription that delivers a treat package every three… Continue reading Christmas Prep: Light bottles
Exciting and scary: more progress
So a couple of months ago an exciting but scary opportunity presented itself to me at work. I’d been trundling along with the same general activities for quite a while, there are challenges and long term projects running all the time and I thought I was pretty contented. Background Earlier this year I got picked… Continue reading Exciting and scary: more progress
Christmas Prep: other people’s ideas
So I’ve written a few posts about how I’ve been preparing for Christmas and of course all the gin, jam and chutney heads in that direction too. However, I’ve also been enjoying reading about lots of other people’s preparations. I’ve asked to share some here, hope you enjoy. Vegan Clementine Curd by The Grumpy Olive… Continue reading Christmas Prep: other people’s ideas
Top 10+ tips for Edinburgh
We recently spent half term in an AirBnB in Edinburgh – our first family trip there and our first time using AirBnB (which was excellent, by the way). Here are our top ten favourite things to do or places to eat with primary school children in (and around) Edinburgh. Note: Edinburgh Castle and the Royal… Continue reading Top 10+ tips for Edinburgh
Making stuff 20: Chutneys
As well as all the other culinary efforts producing stuff in jars this year (gin and jam, and mincemeat), I’ve also been in the chutney production business. This isn’t unusual. In 2019 it was courgette chutney after a glut. I’ve done normal chutneys before as well in previous (pre-blogging years). I hadn’t really planned on… Continue reading Making stuff 20: Chutneys
Halloween (boo humbug)
OK, confession time…. I do not like Halloween and I really don’t like dressing up. We didn’t do Halloween when I was little, it seems to be an adopted, imported event from elsewhere. It’s not a holiday or a celebration. It’s just an opportunity to fill kids with sweets (“candy”! Eugh!), pour more money down… Continue reading Halloween (boo humbug)
October 2021 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy The Creakers by Tom Fletcher Large boy is being concise again. He says it was good, same as any old Tom Fletcher. He… Continue reading October 2021 Reading
Taking an Autumn Break
We’re off to Edinburgh today for half term. As in, actually going on a holiday! Away! So, to make sure we all really enjoy this opportunity for adventures and fun, I’m going to just put the blog down for a week. Especially since I felt so good after doing that when we went to Whitby… Continue reading Taking an Autumn Break
Brainstorms Award
The Brainstorms Award was created by Nabeeha Jameel over at Brainstorms. This award is basically for all those bloggers out there, new, or old, who do a lot of work to keep their blogs alive and an interest for other people! Brainstorms Rules Thank the person who nominated you. Tag your post with #BrainStormsAward and… Continue reading Brainstorms Award
Making stuff 19: gin and jam 2021
I think we’ve established by now that my only claim to any goddess-like levels of domesticity is my habit of making gin, jam, and chutney. Last year (2020) featured a ridiculous 6 gins but just one jelly. The year before (2019) I just did a couple of gins and three jams. This year, the focus… Continue reading Making stuff 19: gin and jam 2021
BLAW: What does coping look like?
I’ll be honest, not much has changed for me in terms of my reaction to Baby Loss Awareness week since last year. I’m not going to be active on Twitter or Facebook or Instagram talking about miscarriage and baby loss. All I want to say on social media is that I don’t want to…. Instead,… Continue reading BLAW: What does coping look like?
What happens when you blog less?
So, earlier in the year I decided to take a little break from the blog while we went on holiday. It was lovely just enjoying some family time and not doing any promotion – either through Twitter threads or Facebook groups. When we came back I decided not to return to the way I’d been… Continue reading What happens when you blog less?
Christmas Prep: Roast Beef
As I said a few weeks ago, we’re hosting Christmas in 2021 – my parents are free to travel at last (after my Gran died in April, previous years they always stayed at home so that she could visit them for the day) and my brother and his wife have booked a room in a… Continue reading Christmas Prep: Roast Beef
September 2021 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy Large boy re-read a whole bunch of David Baddiel books this month so that he could do Accelerated Reader quizzes and got points… Continue reading September 2021 Reading
Any advice for entering a new phase?
I can’t even figure out what to call this post, I’ll come back to it. [I came back to it and titled it with my final thought.] So I started my blog a bit over two years ago, to have an outlet for my thoughts and feelings that I’m not comfortable sharing in real life.… Continue reading Any advice for entering a new phase?
Veggie harvest report 2021
I do love to look back on how my veggies have gone each year (well, I did in 2020 at least). After my progress report a couple of months ago, the subsequent reset, and as we’re nearing the end of vegetable growing season for us, I figured its time for a report on the harvest.… Continue reading Veggie harvest report 2021
Christmas Prep: Mincemeat
I might do a bit of a series of how I’m preparing for Christmas – I might not, this might be the only thing I can think of to write about. We’re hosting Christmas in 2021 – my parents are free to travel at last (after my Gran died in April, previous years they always… Continue reading Christmas Prep: Mincemeat
2021 Holiday Highlights: Lincolnshire
The last couple of years have been varied holidays and I’ve managed to keep lovely diaries of what we got up to (see 2019 and 2020) as well as during our break in Whitby in May 2021. This summer though, I didn’t try to do that. I didn’t want to be blogging in the evenings… Continue reading 2021 Holiday Highlights: Lincolnshire
RED 40: running for forty days
There’s no hiding from it…. I’m 40 now. For what it’s worth, I don’t much care and I don’t feel any different – what’s all the fuss about? Why is thirty-nine one thing, and forty another? Given that a big party seemed unreasonable, foolish to plan in case of some disaster unthinkable in the before… Continue reading RED 40: running for forty days
Memories of Grandad
The very lovely Michelle over at Boomer Eco Crusader asked me if I had any stories to tell for her beautiful series of Clutter Tales. I’d recently had to deal with some clutter, so my Grandad easily came to mind. The Clutter Tales series is a set of responses that various people have to coming… Continue reading Memories of Grandad
August 2021 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! It’s a bit late this month as I got distracted by all the back to school fun and games. Large boy Cookie and… Continue reading August 2021 Reading
Back to school 2021
Back to school 2021 is different again, and that’s when even 2020 wasn’t quite the same as 2019 was. It’s been sort of normal, at least it’s only been 5 weeks away from their friends compared to the 20 or so last year. Here’s how we prepared for R-day, returning to school. R minus 6… Continue reading Back to school 2021
Running without Headphones
Soundtrack silenced Senses heightened Birdsong and blowing leaves an accompaniment To the rhythm Of trainers tapping on tarmac. Yeah, so that’s what happens when you don’t charge your Bluetooth headphones before a long run and their battery dies half way through. I stuck them in my pocket, enjoyed the birdsong and the security of hearing… Continue reading Running without Headphones
Crafty Kids – August 2021
Ah the joys of holiday club (summer camp)! Since we got back from our summer 2021 trip to see family, the boys have been in a holiday club at a different school two or three days a week. After last summer when they spent weeks and weeks in the house, being quite while mum and… Continue reading Crafty Kids – August 2021
2021 Holiday Highlights: Scotland
The last couple of years have been varied holidays and I’ve managed to keep lovely diaries of what we got up to (see 2019 and 2020) as well as during our break in Whitby in May 2021. This summer though, I didn’t try to do that. I didn’t want to be blogging in the evenings… Continue reading 2021 Holiday Highlights: Scotland
Le Mans 24 Hours 2021: Our Picks
The delayed Le Mans 24 hours race takes place at the Circuit de la Sarthe this weekend (21-22 August 2021). We missed it in June and the experience watching from home is rather odd – no crowds, no smoke from the campsite barbecues wafting around, and of course much more racing in darkness in August… Continue reading Le Mans 24 Hours 2021: Our Picks
House fantasies
Himself won’t move house locally. He hates moving and throwing money on taxes and all the legal stuff and the moving and all the disruption. I get it. But I also don’t like my garden, it’s too small, and my feelings about the kitchen in this house have built from mild inconvenience to strong dislike… Continue reading House fantasies
Old Friends
Well, not old as in they themselves are old. More, long-standing…. While I was at my mum and dad’s during our summer holiday I managed to meet up with three very long-standing friends who I’ve known for very many years. Two who I met while we were in reception (kindergarden) and one who I’ve known… Continue reading Old Friends
Fenland Beauty: a prelude
I’m planning on writing something much more substantial than this, describing why I love the fens so much. In the meantime, I just wanted to share some photos I’ve taken recently of the vast skies and endless fields that make the fens so beautiful.
Forty
Hmm, so I just turned 40. Honestly, so far, it feels just the same as 39. I could write lots of things about how I was when I was born, when I was 13 or 18, 21 or 30. But, from my point of view, all those milestones are artificial. In fact, why am I… Continue reading Forty
I Believe….
A little while ago the lovely Bill from A Silly Place asked some folks about what we believe. It was a really interesting exercise in examining what I fundamentally hold to be true. Each person who wrote something for Bill had something different to say, each one individual and reflecting a unique perspective. We’ve all… Continue reading I Believe….
July 2021 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy His reviews are getting briefer and briefer. Sorry about that. The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd He really enjoyed… Continue reading July 2021 Reading
Holiday Time 2021
You know that feeling when you’re on the cusp of going on holiday and the relief and anticipation are both running high? Well, that’s where we are right now. I’ve been winding down at work all week, packing, planning, himself has been booking things, and just preparing ourselves to get away. We are all SO… Continue reading Holiday Time 2021
Veggies progress report 2021 – part 2
I love growing veggies. I’ll never forget the first year that I grew 5 courgette plants in a sun blessed garden and a friend gave me 8 tomato plants. Himself is only just coming back round to considering courgettes acceptable on his plate after 3 months of me sneaking them into almost every meal. Since… Continue reading Veggies progress report 2021 – part 2
School’s Out 2021
Wow, that’s it. The last day of school for the 2020-2021 school year. And what a year it’s been! From the countdown last September, through an almost-immediate COVID scare, Christmas and another round of home learning, more school holidays in lockdown over February half term, and then back to in-school learning (thank goodness). The boys… Continue reading School’s Out 2021
10 Things to do in Whitby
We had a week in Whitby at the end of May 2021, we got up to loads of fun activities and I wanted to shared our favourite ten (or so). 1. Boat Trip Around the harbour there are several opportunities to take a short trip out of Whitby harbour or a longer excursion to fish… Continue reading 10 Things to do in Whitby
Different is Beautiful
Some time ago I wrote a post about beautiful imperfections. Recently, my thoughts are travelling along a similar path. There are some fairly well-defined traditional ideas about what is beautiful: blondeness, being thin with big boobs, sunny days, lush green grass, orange sunsets, spotless cars, rhyming words, clear skin, a straight nose, big blossoming flowers,… Continue reading Different is Beautiful
Exciting and scary: some progress
So a couple of months ago an exciting but scary opportunity presented itself to me at work. I’d been trundling along with the same general activities for quite a while, there are challenges and long term projects running all the time and I thought I was pretty contented. Then I got picked to spend 9… Continue reading Exciting and scary: some progress
Turning Away
Some time ago I was feeling upset about the idea of being judged by other mums – you know the way we do sometimes. I told my lovely friend S (I’ve mentioned her before) and she said something that’s always stuck with me: “If they don’t like what they see, they should turn away.” Her… Continue reading Turning Away
Teachers’ gifts 2021
Ever since large boy started school and I discovered the joys of making my own fruit gin (coincidentally the same year, or was it a coincidence?), I’ve made gifts for teachers and TAs for Christmas and the end of the summer term. I love giving them something we’ve made at home – if I’ve put… Continue reading Teachers’ gifts 2021
June 2021 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy His reviews are getting briefer and briefer. Sorry about that. Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape by Dermot… Continue reading June 2021 Reading
Lessons in Loss 13: Losing Myself
My very lovely friend Lisa from The Procrastinating Mum has kindly shared her thoughts on loss of a sense of self and the impact anxiety has on how she feels about who she is. This is a beautifully raw and honest post, I’m really touched that she felt comfortable sharing it with me and with… Continue reading Lessons in Loss 13: Losing Myself
Somehow 6
It’s time to look back again and wonder, baffled, how small boy has arrived at another birthday. It was the same last year. The time seems to just fly past so quickly. What’s more, he’s grown and grown up so much in the last year. He’s very nearly 120cm tall, sprouting about 7cm in the… Continue reading Somehow 6
Achievement Unlocked
This is (yet another) post about running. This time though, running is just the example that applies to me and my life at the moment. A goal So here we go….. people often have bucket lists before big birthdays, or they set personal goals that they want to achieve, sometimes with a deadline and sometimes… Continue reading Achievement Unlocked
Second blogiversary
OK, I need to confess. We went away on holiday and I took a break from the blog, when I got back I got my head all mixed up and didn’t post the things I meant to when I intended. With our getaway at the forefront of my mind, I published our little diary first… Continue reading Second blogiversary
Not a birthday
Well, I faced it again. 17th June wasn’t baby boy3’s birthday and I made it through. No toddler joyfully screaming, running amok, smearing cake everywhere, overtired and spoiled by their family and friends. No midnight wake ups or relief at sleeping through. No teething drool, no funny ways of saying new words. No adjustments to… Continue reading Not a birthday
A week in Whitby
In the world before 2020, who would ever have thought that we could be so excited about a week in a small, quiet seaside town? Well, in the event we’ve been counting the weeks and days ever since we booked it. A little cottage, plans for eating fish and chips, hunting fossils and generally mooching… Continue reading A week in Whitby
A Little Break
We’re off to Whitby today for the second week of half term. As in, actually going on a holiday! Away! So, to make sure we all really enjoy this first opportunity for adventures and fun in almost 2 years, I’m going to just put the blog down for a week. I’ll be back next weekend… Continue reading A Little Break
May 2021 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy His reviews are getting briefer and briefer. Sorry about that. House of Hades and Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan Yeah,… Continue reading May 2021 Reading
Veggies 2021: Reset
I love growing veggies. In previous years, I’ve tortured himself, colleagues and neighbours with a surfeit of courgettes, almost ruined the foundations of an oil tank with rhubarb and produced cucumbers into October. In recent years, since we moved up North to a house with a North-facing garden, I’ve had less luck. I’ve tried growing… Continue reading Veggies 2021: Reset
Making Stuff 18: How to Use Wild Garlic Pesto
Last year I shared a recipe on how to make wild garlic pesto – at the time we made pasta pesto for large boy to count towards a Cubs badge. I’ve made more this year, two batches in fact and I might make another. Honestly, I absolutely love the stuff! Its gorgeously peppery without being… Continue reading Making Stuff 18: How to Use Wild Garlic Pesto
Dazzling Blogger Award
Helen at Crispy Confessions very generously nominated me in the first ever Dazzling Blogger Award. I love her blog, she’s honest, open, funny and varied – my favourite combination! The Official Rules Thank the person who nominated you for The Dazzling Blogger Award. Link back to the original blog post. Answer the seven questions that they… Continue reading Dazzling Blogger Award
Back to Scouting
I was lucky enough to be involved with guiding from when I was 7 until I was 17. I joined Brownies and them moved onto Guides and eventually Young Leaders. I didn’t keep going when I went off to university, but all the non-school related experiences and friends I got to have through guiding have… Continue reading Back to Scouting
Bank Holiday Adventure
As I write this, we’ve had our first May Bank Holiday of 2021 with another to come. I sincerely hope the second is an improvement… Restrictions had lifted enough that we could plan a day out for the early May Bank Holiday. Saturday and Sunday were out because of swimming and rugby. So even though… Continue reading Bank Holiday Adventure
You’re doing okay
I was brushing my teeth When I started to worry Are we harming our kids with our Work dedication? I was walking the dog When I began to fret Are the kids learning that money And position are all that we need? I was cooking the dinner When I wondered in fear Do the kids… Continue reading You’re doing okay
There’s only one first time
The piece was written for and first published at T.B.C, as part of a series of first time descriptions. The world around us freezes every winter, the ground hardens and is inhospitable for months. Nature is harsh, the winds blow and rain, hail and snow swamp the ground. The earth endures the pain and hardship… Continue reading There’s only one first time
Veggie progress report 2021 – part 1
I love growing veggies. I’ll never forget the first year that I grew 5 courgette plants in a sun blessed garden and a friend gave me 8 tomato plants. Himself is only just coming back round to considering courgettes acceptable on his plate after 3 months of me sneaking them into almost every meal. Since… Continue reading Veggie progress report 2021 – part 1
Getting back out there
Well I guess it’s time to get back out there? Yes? No? Maybe a bit? I won’t pretend that I’m not perhaps a bit more cautious than many people about ending lockdown. I felt that the kids went back to school too early at the beginning of March. I felt we need to keep adapting… Continue reading Getting back out there
April 2021 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy Percy Jackson: The Last Olympian, The Lost Hero, Son of Neptune, and The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan Yes, he’s… Continue reading April 2021 Reading
Saying goodbye
Yesterday was my gran’s funeral. I don’t want to say anything particular about losing her, but I wanted to share the reading I did during the service. God’s Garden (by Katie Evans) God looked around his garden, and he found an empty place. He then looked down upon this earth, and saw your tired face.… Continue reading Saying goodbye
Lessons in Loss 12: Money Isn’t Everything
Today’s post is by Steve from The Diary of a Dad. Steve is a dad who blogs about the reality of parenting a two year old, he’s honest and realistic, no pretentiousness or perfection. Drop by his blog and have a browse, I hope you find something to enjoy. Money Isn’t Everything Loss affects everyone… Continue reading Lessons in Loss 12: Money Isn’t Everything
How to take a bath (as a mum)
This is going to be a bit of a compare and contrast exercise. So, first up, how I used to take a bath. Before kids When its just you and maybe your partner or parents in the house. Taking a bath is simple. You pour in some bubbles, turn on the taps, grab a towel… Continue reading How to take a bath (as a mum)
My running playlist
While out running at the end of February, having a totally awesome run, just feeling fantastic and enjoying every step in the early spring sunshine, I reflected that the music I was listening to (and singing along to the choruses) had a huge effect on my enjoyment of the run. Music while running So, first… Continue reading My running playlist
Exciting and scary
I haven’t written a work post for a very long time. I’ve just been bumbling along for quite a while with no major events beyond the usual daily or weekly frustrations of my team. Anyway, a thing happened today. First, let’s back up for some history. I happened to edit a particular “career path” form… Continue reading Exciting and scary
Lessons in Loss 11: Ghosts
Today’s post is by Graham from Middle Age Fanclub. Graham’s blog is an eclectic mix of poetry, commentaries on life as a teacher, football, and book reviews. Can you tell why I like him? He’s as un-niched as me. Introduction Hi, I’m Graham and I write the Middle Age Fanclub blog. My blog is the… Continue reading Lessons in Loss 11: Ghosts
A Little Joy
It’s the Easter holidays. On Good Friday we asked the boys what they wanted to do. As well as various requests for Scalextric tracks and Monopoly, large boy said he wanted to see his grandparents. Trying to meet up with himself’s parents for the day is kind of hard as we live 8 hours apart.… Continue reading A Little Joy
Himself at 40
The last couple of birthdays for the boys I’ve written a post about who they are and how they’ve grown and changed. Himself has just faced a big birthday, so I figured I’d give him a similar treatment. He probably won’t like that because I’m likely to get soppy and write nice things about him.… Continue reading Himself at 40
Our Easter Treats
I’ve got to admit that we’re all about the modern day festival of chocolate and treats at Easter. We aren’t religious, occasionally forget pancake day (don’t even call it shrove Tuesday) and we don’t give things up for lent. That said, we also try not to focus too much on the edible treats. Easter in… Continue reading Our Easter Treats
March 2021 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer I was very impressed with how large boy coped with this. Its a 7.5 level… Continue reading March 2021 Reading
Lessons in Loss 10: Show’s Over
This post has been contributed by Eric at The Thoughtful Beggar, I’ll let his own intro do the talking because I love the ethos: … an online magazine dedicated to thought, and the sharing of it with like-minded people. Like-minded in the pursuit of a deeper, more fulfilling existence, not in a lockstep agreement of… Continue reading Lessons in Loss 10: Show’s Over
Golden Bloggerz Award 2
What Is The Golden Bloggerz Award? It’s an award made to motivate and reward all these amazing bloggers that work daily to serve their audience and they deserve more recognition. Their priority is to do their best to help their readers solve their problems & reach their goals! Rules Place the award logo on your… Continue reading Golden Bloggerz Award 2
My Instagram Favourites
Instagram was something I knew nothing about when I started blogging. I’d been deliberately steering clear of it – all the chat about “insta perfect” lives really put me off. I thought I would end up looking at other people’s pictures and feel like I didn’t live up to some imagined standard. Facebook competitive parenting… Continue reading My Instagram Favourites
Keep Adapting
I started writing this post in response to a comment on my post about throwing a lockdown birthday party. I wrote a couple of paragraphs and then decided that it was a bit overkill for reply to a simple “the kids have missed out on so much” sympathetic comment. Here’s the thing, COVID is shit.… Continue reading Keep Adapting
A to Z of Me
I’m kind of jumping on the bandwagon here. I’ve seen some cool posts from Tom, Michelle and Em lately, giving a lowdown about them using a nifty alphabetic categorization. You can see their posts here: The Doubting Thomas Boomer Eco Crusader Echoes of Em So, I thought that I’d give it a go, not least… Continue reading A to Z of Me
Lessons in Loss 9: Cherishing a Link
This post has been contributed by the wonderful Lindsay at Live, Parent, Teach, Repeat. She’s just hilarious, reading her posts I feel like I’m a fly on the wall in her house. Her series’ of lockdown diaries from both 2020 and 2021 are an absolute must read – waiting for her daily updates is honestly… Continue reading Lessons in Loss 9: Cherishing a Link
You know you’ve got the running bug when… Part II
I wrote a post a year ago with some symptoms of the running bug, but my case has become more severe so here are some new behaviours that might indicate affliction with the runner’s bug. 1. You thought you had all the gear, but discovered that many more things are needed. 2. You start reading… Continue reading You know you’ve got the running bug when… Part II
How (not) to throw a kids birthday party in lockdown
Over the years we’ve done all sorts of birthday parties for the boys. From a local village hall to rugby in a sports hall, from a house full of small kids to a day out with friends at the Natural History Museum, from a transit van on the drive with Xboxes to playing Scalextric in… Continue reading How (not) to throw a kids birthday party in lockdown
Making Stuff 17: Cocktails 2021
Last year’s cocktails post seems long enough ago to start a new separate one with this year’s recipes. I love a cocktail, but I rarely follow recipes though and enjoy making things up a bit as I go with little or no planning. So here are a few of my recent inventions… Rosalie I tried… Continue reading Making Stuff 17: Cocktails 2021
February 2021 Reading
I’ve decided to do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy How to Capture an Invisible Cat by Paul Tobin Delphine is just a normal girl, she befriends a lonely boy called… Continue reading February 2021 Reading
Lessons in Loss 8: Grief is Just Love with No Place to Go
Today’s post comes from wonderful Rachel from Jasperden Health. Do take some time to visit her blog, its a wealth of information on healthy foods and their benefits, personal experiences, and lovely recipes. Grief is Just Love with No Place to Go Thank you, Smell for inviting me to write a post about loss. I… Continue reading Lessons in Loss 8: Grief is Just Love with No Place to Go
Will it be you?
Thirty thousand is the price to pay Lives worth less than money Less than “freedom” Less than convenience But who will they be? Will it be me Will it be you Will it be someone we love Will it be someone unknown whose loss precludes a life bringing change and wonder Are our lives less… Continue reading Will it be you?
Lockdown half term
I love using my blog as a bit of a diary. I documented our 2019 summer holiday, the weekly churn of the first lockdown and our 2020 summer roadtrip. So this half term holiday has been a bit odd. Usually, at February half term, the boys would be in a holiday club somewhere. Usually, as… Continue reading Lockdown half term
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Smelly Socks and Garden Peas 