NotSheep

A couple of years ago, I bought lengths of a fine mesh fabric which can be attached to doorframes and windows by way of stickyback velcro-type strips. In the summer, it’s very effective for keeping out insects - I put it on the windows that are usually open, and also on the conservatory door, which leads into the garden and therefore spends most of every warm and/or sunny day lying open. In North America, this kind of insect-control comes as standard on doors and windows, but living here, this is the best we can do. It works very well though, and it’s easy to take down at the end of the summer.

So does anybody know what I did with mine when I took it down at the end of last summer? Because I’ve been through all the places I think I might have put it, and it isn’t in any of them

Today the conservatory door has been open since about 9.30. Toby and Jack have spent most of the day out in the garden; they are loving getting outside to play. Jack has spent half his time on the trampoline and half of it playing with Toby, pushing him on the swing etc. We have a swing-set which includes a boat-swing, which is great for little kids because they’re more steady on it than on an ordinary swing-seat. Toby has figured out how to climb onto it and off it, and he appears to be working on figuring out how to get onto the trampoline… Jack has also dug a few new holes in the lawn

I do like getting them outdoors. I’ve a friend who has recently had her fifth baby (and first girl) who passes on the advice another mother of four boys gave to her: treat them like a litter of puppies and assume they need exercise and outdoor-time every day. I think she’s hit the nail on the head; I certainly see a difference in atmosphere when we manage to get everyone out and moving - and the only reason we don’t do it every day is that I’m often too lazy

George and Freddy did some French with me this morning and we talked about how they could manage their time so they could do all the things they want to do. Freddy has spent most of the afternoon playing on the computer and watching television - though the recorder thing is playing up, so I’ll have to have a look at that - and George sat for ages this afternoon sewing two huge badges onto his ju-jitsu gi, since he’s being graded tonight (Freddy is too, but he picked up a faulty badge, so we have to get a replacement before it can be sewed on). I have no idea why ju-jitsu badges have to be so massive; it seems totally unreasonable to me and I’m just glad that George can sew them himself. Having finished the sewing, he and Freddy are now also outside, joined by R, who appears to have forgiven me for telling him off yesterday.

As for what do I want… well, there’s definitely a theme in those comments I do have a list, and yes, a baby is on that list (though I don’t think I’m ovulating, so don’t hold your breath for an announcement). It’s not the only thing on the list, of course, though the list is surprisingly short, and surprisingly non-materialistic for someone who enjoys her home comforts like I do Watch this space

I’m very pleased with how my veg are coming along - lots of little green shoots: two lettuce, five tomato, five basil and a sweet pepper, as well as a bit that might or might not be the beginnings of an onion - not bad for a complete ignoramus such as myself