From debt to freedom...

savingholmes

I found a box of wildflower seeds that you just scatter so planning to give them a go. I've had them at least a year - 'shopping from home.' Will need to do some pruning and weeding first.

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Sun Addict & SH.

Had a pleasant Mother’s Day yesterday. The younger DDs presented me with homemade cards at some unearthly hour. They had written their own poems inside which were really sweet. One had bought me a bar of chocolate which we all shared. DD2, once she had surfaced, made me some American pancakes for brunch which was thoughtful.

The weather was glorious yesterday and the children really wanted to go to the beach...but I said no. On days like yesterday the beaches would normally be busier with locals but having read the online news decided we simply couldn’t at the moment. Instead we packed up a small picnic ( testing out a picnic bag that the older DDs have given me for my birthday) and set off on a circular route away from the village  to minimise any contact. The walk was super, up a huge hill and across 2 fields but the view made it worthwhile. We could see the villages and hamlets in our local area, even right up to the highest points of the moor. The fresh breeze was very welcome!  We followed the lanes around the route for the rest of the walk. It’s a walk I’ve done many times  before but somehow in these times, the simple pleasures are doubly precious and make me count my blessings everyday.  About 2/3rds of the way round, we sat on a grassy verge ( narrow country lane) and ate our picnic.  3 people passed us, which was unusual. Goodness knows what they thought, but we were having a great time!  The route took us past the allotment, so we checked in to water the seedlings before walking back home. 

The younger DDs, of their own volition, decided to clean out their toy box. They found smaller toys that had slipped down to the bottom, which were promptly used. DS3 was delighted to find some  of his cars that he had forgotten about 🙂. Result - one cleared and cleaned toybox, odd bits that weren’t part of anything  binned and 3 happy DCs playing cooperatively 😁. Much to be thankful for.

For pudding last night, I chopped up a cake that was going a  bit stale and served it with custard. No waste and DS1 commented “ Have to say Mum, that was really nice”! I took the opportunity to talk to the children at the table and explain that we might be having some  strange combinations of food. The older children can understand why I’m putting in so much time at the allotment. It was important for our budget before, now it’s doubly important. 

Today I have a meeting via some app so will hopefully understand what I’ll be doing  for work.  I can see me having to work out a rota at home so that we have turns accessing the computer...all of us online at once isn’t practical !

BalanceBy50

Sounds like a lovely day HSL.  We have to make the most of the resources at hand. Thank you for your advice - I made a big seed order last night and going to share seeds with my son's friends too.

Take care in these crazy times xx

Honeysucklelou2

Happy Gardening Balance by 50. For any parents who might be feeling a little overwhelmed there is a site called Twinkl that has lots of resources and home learning packs.

Honeysucklelou2

I have a bit more of an idea how work is likely to work out, which is useful. At least once you know, you can get started on what’s expected of you. 

This afternoon we went to the allotment. I’m so thankful for and pleased with my bunch. Normally it’s just the younger DCs and the elderly lurcher who come with me. Today everyone came including the full canine contingent! They all helped me in some way - a couple chopped brambles  back, another 2 raked up the cut  brambles and another loaded them into the wheelbarrow. A real team effort. Even one of the dogs dug around the weed roots!


By the time we got home we were ready for tea- chick pea curry served with rice.

The mangetout plants have doubled in size in the last day or so. Over the course of today 7 cucumber seeds have germinated 😀.

savingholmes

You remind me of the famous five with all your little adventures with the kids. Cake and custard sounds tasty. I bought some instant custard at the weekend so we could have treats like that.

crazy_cat_lady

Your family life sounds all idyllic and lovely. My two fight constantly and won't be in the same room as each other - never mind out and about together

Honeysucklelou2

They do have their moments CCL, believe me, but the older ones understand enough to know this is a serious situation and are pitching in well...DS1 even made me lunch😵😵😵😀that’s just unheard of!

Sun_Addict

We are living through a historic time right now, glad the older ones are clued up xx Stay strong 💪

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Sun Addict.
Seed  potatoes arrived today, so have unpacked and put the potatoes into egg boxes to chit. We got to the allotment and did a bit more yesterday. DD2 seems to have inherited her great grandfathers’ combined horticultural skills as she turned over a bed and raked the soil to a fine tilth. She was amazing!