We’ve had two storms in quick succession here in the UK and in the midst of the second one, we all headed down to Devon for a few days. The gale force winds and driving rain enforced the rest we all badly needed. We spent the first two days tucked away consuming copious cups of… Continue reading Time Out – February 2020
Tag: Seasons
Christmas – 2019
We're half way through the twelve days of Christmas with HWH and Lanky Dude starting back to work tomorrow; the week has passed by all too quickly. I've relished the time we've all been at home, despite the arguments, mess and normal family upsets. As the boys grow older, each season when everyone is home… Continue reading Christmas – 2019
Joy in the midst of life – December 2019
As I've journeyed through the advent themes of hope, peace and joy during my morning quiet times A grace-filled Advent - December 2019 , joy is the one which has seemed most incongruent to this world. It's not that I don't feel joy...I'm so incredibly grateful for the many blessings we have; our warm home,… Continue reading Joy in the midst of life – December 2019
A grace-filled Advent – December 2019
As the season of advent approached this year I was determined yet again to move towards simplicity and a slowing down. The purpose of Advent before Christmas is as Lent is for Easter, a time of preparation, being still and even fasting. So different from our general experience. I wrote more about this last year.… Continue reading A grace-filled Advent – December 2019
Autumn books – October 2019
A fresh chill in the air, the rustle of leaves as we shuffle through these glorious piles of yellow and gold, the smell of bonfire smoke, the vivid crimson of berries against a gin blue sky, the evening chatter of water fowl as they congregate. These delights to my senses all tell me that autumn… Continue reading Autumn books – October 2019
Sausages and hams October 2019
This is not strictly foraged food...we no longer live in the days when one could head off into the woods, bow and arrows slung over the shoulder, and hunt down a wild boar. However, it is part of our seasonal living, an autumn tradition, and it's fun! We generally get our weaners in the spring… Continue reading Sausages and hams October 2019
Autumn Term November 2019
This half of term has felt like a long haul, with challenges on several levels, as well as much for be thankful for. I feel that during this season we are in, we will increasingly face challenges, and I've felt God impress upon my heart a few strategies for walking well through them. We want… Continue reading Autumn Term November 2019
Sloe Gin – September 2019
The sloe is the fruit of the blackthorn, sometimes known as wild plum. They line the hedgerows in the autumn, jostling with blackberries as the most sought after fruit. The blackberry usually wins as sloes can't be eaten straight from the bush. They can, however, be turned into sloe gin, a warming winter drink. Its… Continue reading Sloe Gin – September 2019
Summer days August 2019
The slow summer days I'd dreamed of have slipped through my fingers all too quickly as exam results, plans and preparations for next year have jolted us back into reality. I remember a song in "Mama Mia" when Meryl Streep sits with her daughter as the latter approaches her wedding and recalls, through song of… Continue reading Summer days August 2019
Spring learning April 2019
As the weather warms up, we naturally spend more time outdoors, both at work and play. The summer term is often a more relaxed one, with lots of outdoor learning. Both boys have exams coming up, so this is a season when the pressure is on for them. I therefore decided that in an attempt… Continue reading Spring learning April 2019