Soggy Bluebell Walks

Horray!  They have finally gone back to school today.  The television and other electrical devices can take a break and Faithful Hound finally gets some attention.  I hadn't been up inthe woods for a while, so I thought I would take him up there to see the bluebells which would no doubt be out.

Well.  They were out and were as stunning as usual.  However, it was a rather soggy walk and whilst the woods smelt wonderful (all wet and earthy), I managed to get extremely damp and Faithful Hound muddy.  Still - the bluebells are always a sight to be seen.  The picture below is from last year.

I wonder what bluebells symbolise?  I have just read a wonderful book called "The Language of Flowers" by Vanessa Diffenbaugh which is all about the meaning of flowers and how they relate to our lives.  Great book and I highly recommend it.  Check out my recommendations on Good Read.

As for writing - well it kind of went by the wayside over the last three weeks.  I have, however, managed to get a column out for the paper (On the delights of teenager's bedroom) so I suppose it is not all bad.

Vanessa x

No More Disney or Dinosaur holidays

I have always longed for the day when I can take my family on holiday to an interesting city with all its cultural sights.  It’s hard dragging small children around art galleries, so Absent Husband and I have always avoided it.  Instead we have opted for Disneyland or outdoor activity parks.  We have talked to Disney princesses; screamed on thrill seeking rides and viewed animals in zoos.  But now we have three teenagers, we thought we would give a city break a try.

It was great.  They didn’t moan about walking miles or standing in a queue for museums.  In fact, they loved it:  especially the world famous football club museum.

They lugged their own bags through public transport; found Wi-Fi spots wherever they could and adopted European time schedules.  They were happy to stop for coffee or tapas or ice cream.  It all went extremely well and Absent Husband and I began to feel like it was the old days again when we could set off for a city destination and soak up the culture.  Only this time we could do it with our children. 

It was perfect, except for one small thing- the cost.  Small children have small children prices.  Museums and art galleries suddenly become expensive when your children are over twelve years.  And as for the food – a few tapas dishes are not quite enough and the phrase “I’m hungry” becomes as irritating as it is at home, only for different reasons. 

I guess we have swapped Disney and Dinosaurs for more interesting cultural experiences but at the end of the day, the only thing that doesn’t change is the cost.  It’s just different.