birthday/ back into it!

 

Its a rainy day in Dovedale today; the earth sure needs it, though maybe not so the washing pile!

 The children have done painting, Anoushka  has helped me get ready for the day, doing little cleanup chores, and now they are playing cosy tent/camping games in the bedroom. Fun!

Umm, birthday dessert: Pumpkin and apple meringue pie as made by Hugh in River cottage . It was my turn this week, and I was sure spoiled!  Can I just say, I have tried making meringue and pavlova many times and each time it has been a failure, and Sturan's first try turns out perfect. Hmm, new job in the kitchen for him: meringue maker!

 The girls, anoushka inparticular, has ben getting more interested in taking photos and documenting things that are important to her ( A child's camera may be in the pipeline), and here is one she took this morning. Her dolls had taken about an hour to dress this morning ,while she thought about what items of clothing would be appropriate for this rainy winter day.

 I also want to send out a shout to my friend Alexandra, who on behalf of playgroup gave me a bottle of wine from her own , certified organic vineyard.
Fantastic thanks! You can find them here .
 Have a nice day.

breathe out

Hedgerow socks from Ravelry.

Saartje-inspired bootees also found on Ravelry. ( The whole family now have a pair each, mum and dad included! watch out you could get a pair next, they are addictive and quick!)

Still life in kitchen.
A change of scene this week ( we really are gypsys at the moment!). A bach in Kina Beach near Tasman, kindly organised by a friend and just in time for my sanity. Even better, just 50 metres from the beach!Its the little things that make this resting space wonderful: grass, trees and tuis(native birds with beautiful song) feeding from them, a full size fridge, and oven, space for the children to play away from my feet.
Its been good for the whole family, for even though the change is hard particularly for the smallest in the family, the space has been good for everyone's creativity. Anouhska has started to read books on her own ( fiercely on her own), accepting help only on her terms. not surprising really as that is how i find most children are about learning new skills. How often have we heard wee toddlers saying emphatically "I Do it!!!"