seventy-seven

I was wrong

I was wrong
Spring has not arrived.
Today was grey

and cold.

Very, very cold. 

.

half

 

It's half term and we are now over half way through the week.  Usually at this point I am breathing a sigh of relief that I've made it this far but today I'm feeling a little sad that it's going so fast.  We have had a ball - enjoying the fabulous city we live in.  The sun came out and it started to feel like spring might be coming.

I've probably jinxed the rest of the week by saying it's going so well but I take the last few days and hold onto them whem things aren't so smooth.  Like a few weeks time when I'm trying to sort out costumes for book week!

 

one to one

 

As my children grow I realise that however much we all enjoy the hurlyburly of family life we all need a little one on one time and so I try really hard to make it happen.  
Sometimes it's a treat while everyone else is busy.  Other times it just sharing a few minutes, catching up with out competing with everyone else's news or needs.

the hamster wheel

 

I sometimes complain that I feel like a hamster on a wheel.
Trapped in endless cycle of school runs, and shopping and cooking and laundry and cleaning and tidying.  Last night after a particularly tedious day my husband listended patiently and then said
"the hamster runs on the wheel because he likes it.  He is not trappped.  He can get off anytime and do something else."  

And so I have resolved to get off and do something else for at least part of every day even if it's only a cup of tea with a friend.  I do feel guilty when I moan because as my family point out I am the one who cares most about all these things.

 

 

chicken pie

 

I love chicken pie.  if I ever have to choose my last meal it will be chicken pie.  
But it has to be a really good one and only homemade will ever do.  
I have tried lots of different recipes and there are lots of good ones on my list.  

Some for leftovers and other with the chicken cooked from scratch.  
My favourite however is from my beloved Nigel Slater and you can find it here.

My own amendments (there are usually a few and I know Nigel would approve of tinkering)
are less mustard and no parmesan.  

this is just to say

 

Today Megan at the scent of water introduced me to the poet Mary Oliver and I am in her debt.  
In return I offer my favourite poem at the moment.  
May be not as profound as Mary Oliver on first reading but just as good.    

 

This Is Just To Say

I have eaten
the plums 
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

Willian Carlos Williams 
(1883-1963) 

 

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