The old tree trunk

A few years ago my husband cut down four old conifer trees that had grown too big and were too close to the electricity lines. We dried and burnt most of the wood, but kept one last section for the children to play with. They’ve had lots of imaginative fun with it, over the years. I tied a loop of  rope at one end and the girls rode tandem on their imaginary horse. Sometimes they would ride fast to get to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Other times they rode slow and took in the scenery.

One year, they found an old plank and changed the log into a see saw. As the plank wasn’t fixed to the log, and was a bit too short, it took teamwork to make it work. Otherwise one of them would bump on the ground and it was game over. Other times, the log is changed into a walk-way so they can use it as part of an obstacle course. It stops them from touching the water, where the sharks are waiting to gobble them up.

The last couple of years it has started to rot. I suspect that cats and wild animals have helped to loosen the top, along with the see saw’s plank. Now it has become an object for TF to refine his “chain saw” skills. It has become his mission.

The girls spent some time, today, looking at the results of the log’s disintegration. They rubbed the powdering wood between her fingers and looked at the patterns on the wood. No bugs to be found, but they are probably further down in it. I’m not sure if this log will see another year, but as it has provided hours of entertainment for them, I’ll be sorry to see it go.  Maybe the log’s story hasn’t finished quite yet.

It was a lovely sunny day. We spent most of the day outside, playing and planting. In the evening, three hot air balloons went over. If the weather is right and the wind is in our direction, we have balloons go over most weekends in the spring and summer. Its not an unusual sight, but we still race out to watch them. Even better if they come down near us.

I think my mission will be to take better photos of hot air balloons this year. There will be plenty of opportunities.

Finally, here is my latest pencil roll….

…they are so quick, and so much more fun than shopping for birthday presents (tutorial here).

4 comments

  1. Isn’t it lovely how a log, or a mud puddle or a pile of sand will keep them happy for hours.

    I must confess to a fascination for watching balloons … my Ma and I once leapt into her pale blue Morris 1,000 (The two border collies had to come too) and chased after a low flying balloon. we charged down narrow country lanes, over the canal and up to the open fields and then had a fun shouted conversation with the balloonists. Totally crazy but great fun!

    That crayon roll tutorial is a beauty! and adapted a tiny bit it’s made a great knitting needle roll. You have great ideas :0)

    1. Val – I love the idea that the border collies went too. Did they bark all the way? We have been known to take alternative routes home, following balloons. As for mud puddles, the best one in the garden is outside one of our neighbours’ window. Hmn. Probably confirms everything they think about us, as the children charge through it. Fortunately the children have never sat down in that one and made mud villages……yet.

  2. Children’s imaginations are wonderful aren’t they? You are right, the is something magical about a hot air balloon no matter how many times you see one.

    1. Sue – I love listening to their stories as they unfold. Sometimes you can spot the influences, other times I have no idea. One thing is for sure, they are desperate to go in a hot air balloon.

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