Our rainy Sunday

So, what to do on a rainy day? Being inspired by our holiday visits to galleries, and also yesterday seeing BB's Godfather, Keith Pettit, exhibiting his wonderful wood engravings at The Hive in Lewes, the boys got their heads down to do a spot of 'arting'.

Meanwhile the rain did pour and pour....

For BB art is far from his strongest interest, and although he can be encouraged to draw, he isn't very enthusiastic, believing that he is rather 'rubbish' at it! Hopefully he will be able to gain more confidence at his new secondary school. In the meantime, Sam decided that he'd try the next level on Angry Birds!

Whilst in Lewes I spotted a few classic records in the charity shop, so as the rain continued to pour, we listened to the oldies but goldies, which seemed appropriate on the retro record player... Bali, hi...

Lunch for Steve and myself consisted of sprouted spelt bread, with humus and black olives, alfalfa and radish sprouts, cucumber and pumpkin seeds -  no dairy, no wheat and importantly no pesticides! Even the boys with their rice pasta and pesto escaped the dreaded highly cultivated wheat.

With the sun coming out in the morning, Zaf and I had managed to collect quite a haul of juicy blackberries on his walk (despite Zaf's best efforts to eat as many berries as he could directly from the prickly bushes). BB and I decided to make apple and blackberry crumble for pudding, and even Sam helped by peeling the apples.

No sugar, just a dribble of agave syrup

The crumble top was made with oats, cashew and pecan nuts, chia seeds, dates and a lovely dollop of thyme honey. For dinner I rustled up a lemon and spinach risotto, with roasted (sweet and tasty straight from our green house!) tomatoes, sprinkled with a helping of pine nuts and a smidgin of Parmesan!

An unexpected highlight of the day was a particularly lovely bunch of jewel-coloured dahlias. They were given in exchange for two pieces of glass panels which Steve had put on Freecycle.

 There wasn't much the two furry chaps could do, other than kip in their own loveable way!

But the good thing about rain is that it makes rainbows, and we had the pleasure of two of these lovely apparitions.

Hope you had a great weekend too!

 

The birthday splash and dash at Bedelands

BB is turning 11 next week, so before his school chums disappear on vacations near and far in the half-term, we gathered a dozen kiddies and headed off to Bedelands Nature Reserve  for a picnic and play. I love getting the youngsters out exploring nature, having fun, getting fresh air and using their imagination.

Here they are heading down the stream, crashing through the undergrowth, climbing under and over fallen trees, laughing and squealing! Fearless warriors!

Getting the picnic area ready for cream teas for big people, and party platters for small people!

Jelly and birthday cake in the meadow in the sunshine after a run and play in the woods......

before we all head off home, tired and dirty, but happy!

Many thanks go to my lovely girl friends Gaby, Nadia and Helen for helping to make the party extra special. xXx

I do believe in fairies!

Ever since I was a little girl I've been fascinated with the natural world. I also have a particular fondness for the magical world too. And this includes pixies, trolls, unicorns, nisser (Danish Christmas elves), and, of course, fairies! Now, don't get me wrong, I certainly don't have twee plastic gnomes all over the garden, or tacky ornaments of dragons and pixies on the mantelpiece.

However, I do like the mystery surrounding these mythical beings. Fairies are usually tiny, often beautiful human-like creatures (sometimes with wings) that appear in legends and folklore around the world. Fairies probably began as versions of pagan nature gods and goddesses, and so they are often associated with the outdoors.

Depending on the region, fairies are said to live in woodland communities, underground kingdoms, or inhabit lakes, hills, or stone or grass circles — sometimes with centaurs, elves, ogres, gnomes and other such creatures. Fairies come in many races and tribes, and vary in size and shape; though most are small, some can change in height and become human-sized or larger if they choose.

The remains of a fairy...

Fairies are now mostly relegated to children's magical fiction, hence the phrase "fairy tales." In centuries past, however, many adults also believed in the existence of fairies. Early fairies were not cute pixies; they were lustful, nasty and cruel creatures as likely to kill you as lead you out of the forest. They were often benevolent, but could also be capricious and vindictive. Travelers on long journeys (or even those just beyond their home villages) would bring offerings to leave for the fairies, typically bannock (bread) cakes, tobacco or fruits. In return, the fairy folk might provide good weather or safe passage from wild beasts and highwaymen.

Today I decided to pamper to my inner 'fairyness' and make a little home for a fairy. It's very easy to do and makes a lovely (and also rainy day) play activity with small people, as they can use their imagination to create something rather magical.

Find a large jar, the bigger the better.

Pop out to the woods, your garden, or a local park, and collect some stones, a little moss and a few twigs.

Arrange these items in the jar. If you wish, you could also add some miniature furniture, for instance, chairs and a table borrowed from a doll's house. I kept my fairy jar quite natural, like their woodland floor home.

I added a large toadstool, and popped my little fairy girl in.  And I think she looks rather cute nestled there in the spongy green moss, bringing a sparkle of New Year magic to my home!

How about this teapot fairy house made by Arthur Millican, jr. of Sleepy Hollow Woodworking Studio?

Or this pine cone house from Annmarie Garden?

 

So, tell me, do you believe in fairies?