Independent

How did a month squeeze into a week? Sorry. I have no punch line. It’s just that. Last weekend feels like two or three weeks ago, but it wasn’t. I’ve checked the calendar. Only a week has passed.

Definite highs and lows this week. As I’m writing this, I have no idea what word will sum up my week. Shout out if you get there before me.

Starting with Friday.We went to the Sheppy’s Cider farm and it turned into a really good family trip out. There are no end of places that are set up to attract younger families or adults, but the in between years (I’m talking teens) are fewer. The ones that we’ve found mostly require adult entrance fees for 14 or 16 years onwards, making a day out on the pricey side, when you pay for four “adults” and one child. Even some cinema trips can require an adult ticket for our 14 year old. We love family trips out. A few “entrance fee” days, sandwiched between less obvious/cheaper days out, means we can have fun without breaking the bank.

Anyway. The cider farm was good and falls into the second category. Less obvious. We ate fabulous food, took a beautiful walk and, best of all, enjoyed family time together.

Saturday, middle teen went off to a trampolining venue with her friends, while youngest disappeared off on his bike with his pals. I managed to do a bit of gardening. Never enough, but it is coming on.

My popcorn experiment has worked better than I imagined. I tried two different ways of growing them. Hopefully, they’ll be lots of popcorn to pop this autumn. Or craft with. I’m not entirely sure.

(photos taken on phone)

Sunday, eldest teen went to London with one of her friends to Wembley to see BTS. She’s been to London before, but it’s the first time she’s been to Wembley and a big concert. Needless to say, she was still bouncing the next day, which was probably a good thing as she had a latin exam that day.

The rest of the week has gone in a blur. Hero has been quite unwell and I’ve not wanted to leave him. As a result, the children have had to get on without me supporting them so much. Youngest had two cricket matches (one village and one school) which I’d usually support. Middle started piano lessons again and took herself off to it. All three have had exams at school. Both internal and external. They’ve made no fuss. Taken it all in their stride. They are growing up.

Other news. I made progress on the right side of my cardigan, and then undid it all. Grr. I’m back to where I started. I’m not sure if it is me or the instructions, but the lacey part was not working. I’ll try again when I’m more focused.

Probably not the best crafty activity to do while watching TV. I don’t watch much, but Years and Years (showing soon over in the US) has caught me. Cruel to run it just before the 10 o’clock news, as the action blends in too well with current affairs. Also watching Pratchett and Gaimans’ Good Omens, which is easier to knit to!

(sparrow beak marks on my radish leaves)

That is my week. What a hotch potch. I’m joining in with Anne’s Word of the Week linky. I’m going to sum it up with the word independent, as the children have been just that and I like to focus on the positive. They are growing up, but I love that they still want to spend time with us.

Raisie Bay

 

12 comments

  1. It’s lovely that your children are finding their independence but still wanting to spend time with you. I agree, it can get pricier to visit places when they get older! I’ve been watching Years and Years too and yes, I noticed the irony when the news was on afterwards. It’s scary to think it’s a drama that so close to being real. I literally cried at the end of the last one, I’ve been a big fan of Russell Tovey ever since he played George in Being Human.
    I hope poor Hero is feeling better soon. Thanks for linking up to #wotw

    1. Some of the pricing is over the top too and lacks logic. Just the time when they should be encouraging the next generation. Must put a lot of families off going. Others I can understand the adult pricing. Years and Years is really good. It is very relatable, which makes it strangely more scary than a horror movie. I loved Being Human too.

  2. Days out do get so expensive as the kids get older. I’ve notice that I have to pay for my teen as an adult for most things now. Hmmf! The cider farm sounds like a fab day out.
    Ahh! BTS are all the craze at the moment. All the teenagers seem to love them.
    Years and Years and Good Omens are on my list of things I need to watch. x

    1. Hope you enjoy both. I’m feeling a bit old fogey, as I don’t quite get the BTS craze, but they do seem to like it!

  3. It’s hard to find days out, that entertain everyone, isn’t it? I’m off to Legoland soon, I’m really hoping my 16 year old enjoys it. I’m going to watch that Good Omens, I’ve heard nothing but good things, so far and I love Michael Sheen x

  4. Your popcorn seeds are beautiful!~ I hope they taste as good as they look. Your photos of your garden are always so lovely! You have a green thumb!

  5. Independent is a good word for the week – but lovely that your teens still want to spend time with you as well as being independent. The cider farm sounds like a lovely place to go for a family day out. I can imagine that it gets very pricey once teenagers start being charged adult entry prices for days out. Hope that Hero is better soon. #WotW

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