Down by the river

E hasn't been swimming in his life, as I can't swim and am pretty scared of water. But this weekend we went with his (half) brother Jake, myself and the woodsman down to the River Itchen, near Itchen Abbas, and paddled in the shallows. It was such fun! E needed some persuading to get in but once in he didn't want to get out. Another family came for a paddle with their dog, who was *very* excited about the whole thing, and E kept shouting 'woof woof'. All great fun. We then popped in to see a friend who gave us a big bowl full of home grown raspberries. Jake - who is now 12 - said it was the best Sunday he's had in ages, much better than sitting and playing X Box!

Photo by sandlings on Flickr

'Late Summer' by Lyndn Gauntlett

Here's a pretty tune that the woodsman wrote, with woodsman on piano and me on bass. We need to sort out our camera angles more so you can see us both.

China collection

I love these pretty teacups that the woodsman found - perfect for a cup of Earl Grey in the summer sun

China collection

As promised, dear readers - though a bit later than anticipated - here is an introduction to our vintage china collection. The woodsman has a great eye for beautiful old tableware and often brings me back little gifts that cost under a pound. Some are a classic style - like this lovely teapot - others are more retro/kitsch. I think this teapot is just darling.

(Photo by Dy Swindlehurst also known as my mummy!)

The woods

Apologies for the hiatus, but the super sunny weather has meant we've been spending much time outside. Yesterday the heat got so unbearable that we rushed to the shelter of the woods. We had such a wonderful afternoon in the shade of some beautiful trees. E actually walked a really long way and mostly in the direction that we asked him to! He was lovely and well behaved, exploring sticks and moss and old leaves, and all things natural. The bluebells were nearly over, but here's a photograph from a couple of years back. The woods lift my spirit and refresh me

Mo' pedal power

My woodsman has just bought a 1967 Raleigh Wisp and is on his way back from picking it up. I gather it's a bit tatty and needs some work, but I'm hoping when he's done it will look like this fine specimen.

The woodsman already has a 1958 Norman Nippy so this now means he has a moped collection, now there are two in the family. Norman is (obviously) a boy, but methinks the Raleigh Wisp might be a girl. Maybe when I get my license I'll show her around town...

Photo via Moped Army