Forest and fungi

 

 

 

 

Disappointed?

I'm not sure if I'm disappointed today or just deliriously tired - probably the later I suspect.

A friend called last night to let me know that the petitions were being handed in and I could see it live on television. Good job she had tipped me off as I had just staggered back from Ikea with a mashed brain.

I'm not sure how I expected to feel today. Pleased? Elated? Optimistic? I don't really know. I've just felt flat really. It feels like an anticlimax. After a flurry of activity sorting out our petition, chasing our MP, deciding she could not be trusted to present it and forwarding it on to where it needed to go, suddenly I had a bit more head space. Of course there was no fanfare, the problem remains and I guess it's just a case of what to do next...hmmm...

So, what did I do with the spare head space? I got off my butt, checked the pool timetable and took the children swimming. It was good. We enjoyed it. I've also made some new cushion covers with fabric I bought at Ikea last night. They have quite a reasonable range of prints at £1.99 and that is enough to pay for making cushion covers in this house.

While messing in the garden I noticed that the tops of my new potatoes were wilted and frosted. I hurriedly grabbed the spade in the hope of finding hidden treasures beneath, but alas, no. The potatoes were the size of marbles. On reflection I think perhaps I should have planted them in the greenhouse. I live and learn.

I am buckling under the pressure to buy a Christmas tree early this year. I quite like to dress the tree the Sunday before Christmas. It's always a full day affair involving carols, ginger wine and many mince pies. However, since I always insist on taking it down before new year (often on the 26th) I am finding myself under pressure to put it up earlier. Even nana is dropping not so subtle hints. Maybe, just maybe, later this week.

Hermione is reading a book about the Workhouse by Pamela Oldfield. I'm so pleased a friend introduced us to the My Story series. I know I rave about them but they really do bring history to life.

I'm off to bed, trying hard not to think about an extra week of vacuuming pine needles, Kirsty Alsop and her homemade chutneys or any beastly politicians.

Also, if A is reading this, please drop me a line. I've tried to email you twice but it keeps bouncing back to me. I'm using the addy you suggested. x

Melting ice

Miles is very keen to do experiments these days. Here he is covering one ice cube in salt crystals while leaving the other as it is. Of course the one with salt on melted first.

 

I would like to do more simple science with him. We have done the usual sink and float stuff, changing states from solids to liquids, growing peas in glass jars and a couple of other bits and bobs. Can anyone suggest more simple science for a just gone four year old?

Victoria Tunnel trip

We visited Victoria Tunnel today. It was fascinating, particularly as it highlights two key periods in history as opposed to just one.

 

 

A very kind lady and gentleman who had memories of going into the tunnel when it was used as a WW2 shelter came in to share their memories with the children. That was special.

Hermione and Nana plan to do more research around the Victorian period and then go along on another tour.

The visit was arranged by a fellow home educator. While we were on the visit another home educator gave me a book about Roman women which she had picked up especially for Hermione. Back at home a friend called by to collect Hermione and take her to Badgers because I was home with Miles and Craig was working late. Life may not be a bowl of cherries but I do loose count of my blessings sometimes!

Medieval Yule Celebration

Hermione and I trundled off to Brancepeth Castle for a Medieval Yule Celebration last night. Well, it was most certainly a night with a difference!



The Castle itself is very rustic. It was decidedly chilly despite huge open log fires. A slight musty smell, magnificent stone work and predominantly candle light. Delightful!

We listened to lots of medieval music and singing. I don't know what most of the instruments were called. There were many that I had never seen before. I took pictures of some of the musicians but not all, there were a whole array of different instruments.

Some folks danced in medieval style. I don't know if they were overcome by the music or just trying to keep warm!

 

 

 

There was also fabulous story tellings with interesting props. Tales of wizards, eye pecking crows, mystery and intrigue.

 

All in all a fabulous night. Hermione thoroughly enjoyed it. She loves learning about the medieval period and we both agreed that the evening was about as authentic as it could be in this day and age - all that was missing was the blackbird pie!

Happy days

Drying fir cones by the fire after an invigorating walk in woods, scuffing through fallen leaves to find them.

 

Miles made an advent candle with stockmaar wax sheets. He really enjoyed doing it and it gives off a beautiful coloured glow.

 

Spray snow on the windows, arrgghhhhhh!

 

Fooling about on the stepping stones. Perhaps the big kid should have set a better example.

 

Crypts, Climate Change and Christmas trees

Feels like a while since I've blogged - even though it's only days!

Well, what have we been up to?

We visited Hexham Abbey with friends. This is the crypt below. This was the first time either Hermione or I had been in a crypt. Lots of threads of thought to follow up arising from this visit - crypts, sanctuary and the church and more...



We also visited Blanchland, a medieval village. A very quaint place that holds a special place in my heart.



We have been reading up about climate change a lot this week and have enjoyed this weeks Panorama programme on BBCiplayer. It's worth a look if you didn't see it. It details the measures Tesco are taking to reduce their carbon footprint.

There have been discussions about Christmas trees. We always have two - a large fresh one in the hall and an artificial one in the living room. I really would like a living tree to bring in doors each year. I hate the thought of them being chopped down, however price was prohibitive. Well, I spotted a small tree in a pot in Ikea yesterday for only £3.99. It is quite small (about 30cm tall)but we'll pot it on and hopefully it will be a fair bit bigger come next year.