Found, Fun and Freegle

I had misplaced much-loved bracelet. This morning, in a lightbulb moment, I knew where to look and --hooray--found it!

We went and did the grocery shop. The sun was out, so as soon as we were done, we went to the park and had a lovely time running around and feeding the ducks. I love to watch my babies tearing about and laughing.

Looking through our local freegle (freecycle as was) site I realised (not for the first time) what a fabulous idea and concept it is. So much stuff stays out of landfill because of these busy communities.

loaf, muffins and a walk

I am getting the hang of bread. Today I made a malthouse loaf that looks fantastic. R is still talking about yesterday's 'seedy' effort which he thought made the best toast ever. I LOVE making bread. Everyone should do it. It cannot be rushed or pushed or stressed. It is about the most relaxing and rewarding task I can think of; yet, it is so easy to incorporate in to your day. It needs little, other than you being around when it is ready for the next stage.

The rhubarb muffins are lush. I am not being big-headed here - I am someone who has struggled with baking for years. I just seem to be 'getting it' at last.

The children and I went for walk to the village notice board to tidy it out. We saw neighbours, got some air and wore ourselves out nicely.

wildlife, not and baking

Before we had left our lane this morning we saw a rabbit, 2 cats, a herd of calfs and a phesant.

Something I was worried about turned out not to be. I am relieved.

I baked some rhubarb muffins with rhubarb from the garden. We have yet to taste but they look just like the ones in the shops - tall, golden and spongey.

cows, being and home

J and I went for a walk to see the baby cows. They weren't there, but a simple walk up the lane with my little boy holding my hand was utterly peaceful and lovely.

We didn't do much over the weekend, just spent time all together.

R is working from home today. He doesn't often. I love it when he pops into the kitchen for a warm up and a cup of tea.

good book, early night and weekend

I am reading a great book. It's quite rare that I find one I can't put down. Its a delicious feeling and I keep sneaking a few chapters in here and there..

Went to bed at 9pm and slept heavily.

I am excited about the weekend. Nothing planned. Just us, but we haven't seen R since Tuesday really so the though of all being together is lovely.

settled, creating and clean plates

I left J at pre-school for the first time. He did fine. There was no frantic phone call to come and collect him. The look of relief on his face when I arrived at the end was heart-rending.

I have been making greetings cards to sell. I am pleased - they look good.

I made the children bolognaise after their hard morning at pre-school. I hid a hundred (well maybe not) different vegetables in the sauce and they both wolfed it down and have been wearing it all around their mouths all afternoon.

not alone, bank hols and getting better

Thank you friendly flower (you know who you are) for your message of support.

I love Bank Holiday weekends. The whole week feels different after 3 whole days of family time and, the shortened coming week adds to the feeling that summer is on its way.

After buying the River Cottage Handbook on Bread, my loaves are getting better and better and I am loving pouring so much heart and soul into my bread. It's a really nice earthy feeling feeding your family something so basic and yet so powerful, something that you have to invest both time and energy into making. I feel quite grounded by making bread.