Out from hibernation

The world is waking up from winter, and it took a half term for me to notice. Buds are poised and patient, the chill in the air is warming and I feel a little giddy inside thinking about picnic bench lunches with friends – sandwich anyone? I have definitely been in hibernation a little over winter. Rufus loves being indoors, is happy indoors and enjoys his own company, so it makes staying indoors easy. He is happy once he’s outdoors – he would just never suggest it, and often needs a little persuasion (!) In contrast, Win loves being outside, and it has been so nice to have half term and shake up our usual routine.

I’d forgotten how nice it is to return home, wet, cold and muddy – ready for a warm bath, and placing almost all of our clothes straight into the washing machine. Warming our toes by the heater and sipping a warm drink. During half term we had two lovely outdoorsy trips – one to our local park with bikes, and another to RSPB Fairburn Ings (a place we love). We took our wellies, dug for worms and met with friends. It felt so good to be outside in the fresh air, and it was so nice watching them run around freely.

I find outings with three a little more hectic (think semi naked screaming three year old), but I find there’s not much a bag of snacks doesn’t solve. An outing minus snacks is never going to be a good one. And if children never needed the toilet, the level of crazy would reduce dramatically. They always seem to need it at the most inconvenient times, and it can be quite frantic, but then it’s all good again, and we return home with rosy cheeks and smiles on our faces.

By the end of next month tadpoles will be hatching, floral scents will fill the air, bees will buzz and mornings will be light once again.

Spring – we’re ready when you are.

E xx