For a quiet week, there have been a fair few new things going on around here. Funny how some weeks go that way. Convince yourself that you’ve done nothing out of the ordinary. Start writing a list of moments that made you smile and you realise that they are piling up like a mountain of mismatching socks, except more welcome.
Cinema
On Saturday, we booked tickets to see The Crimes of Grindelwald at the Wells cinema. It is our new favourite place to see movies. It’s a small, independent cinema, with a touch of oldy worldy. The sound doesn’t boom, nor can you hear the film in the next auditorium. (Once saw Beauty and the Beast at a big cinema, with the soundtrack of Krull Island adding a touch of je ne sais quoi to the experience.)
Anyway, it was the perfect cinema to see The Crimes of Grindelwald. We all loved it and I shan’t say more, as I’d hate to spoil it for anyone.
Afterwards, we headed into the high street to buy a copy of the screen play and have a coffee. I went for a gingerbread latte, which I’ve been dreaming about all week. Looking up recipes to make at home. Turns out that it is far sweeter than I remember from last year, although I suspect the person serving may have been distracted at the moment they were adding gingerbread syrup. I shall be working on my own recipe…..
Five gifts
If you’ve read my last post, you’ll know we’ve opted to go with the five present scheme for the children this year (one to read, one to wear, one to do, one to eat and one needed). I brokered the concept to the children this week and they surprisingly took it well. In fact, enthusiastically. They’ve really got behind the idea and I can already feel the stress of gift organizing being lifted. My target of getting it all done before the end of November may be ambitious, so I’m pushing it to the first week of December.
Bread and weddings
My niece came round one evening this week. It still feels a novelty to have a relative near by. Anyway, she brought her wedding dress round to show us. It is gorgeous and she looks amazing in it. Needs a few alterations, which I’m going to help her with, before the big day.
She also brought a tub of sour bread starter, which I’m ridiculously excited about. I’ve been trying to set myself up to make my own bread on a regular basis. I have a big book of recipes from last Christmas and, more recently, an even bigger bag of flour (yes that is a 16kg sack of flour or around 35 pounds in weight), but I’ve been procrastinating. No more, thanks to her breadmaking fiancé, who sent over the last part of the puzzle – the starter.
Watch this space. Hopefully next week’s round up will feature a photo of freshly baked bread.
Other news
Seems a rabbit has moved into our garden. It’s been fun watching her interacting with the other occupants. She has had a few stand offs with the squirrels and finds the chicken coup a safe place to hide. I think she has made her home under one of the sheds. It would be nice to think she will stay, but they usually disappear before the week is out.
Middle daughter is practising hard for her piano exam next week. It is wonderful to hear her pieces. I hope she does well, as she deserves to.
It still feels slightly odd that our calendar is not full of festive school events, that go hand in hand with having a child at primary school. At the same time, I’m very ready for the change. It does mean that we can focus on our own ideas of fun this year. Our holiday bucket list is up on the fridge ready to be checked off.
I’ve been busy making Christmas gifts. Unfortunately, I can’t show them here for obvious reasons, but my fingers have been working overtime.
That wraps up my week. A list that makes me smile. What more could I ask for?
Linking up with Anne’s Word of the week. My word is new.
Raisie Bay – Word of the Week
Let me start at the end, the school festivities. It’s such a strange feeling when they disappear isn’t it. Last year I had two primary school children but because they were in an all through school (Reception to year 11) they had just one music concert which wasn’t even Christmassy. I was so upset. This year the Little Man is in a new school, in year 4 and is already practising his Christmas play…I’m beyond thrilled 🙂
I love your little rabbit visitor, I hope he sticks around a while.
I’m glad you enjoyed the cinema, I miss the old fashioned smaller cinemas, we used to have loads dotted around but now have to go to the huge cinema complexes.
I got excited about your bread making, I’ve been thinking that I should make some too, it’s been a while but I love the smell of freshly baked bread.
And the five present idea sounds great. I’ve sort of done the same thing without thinking about it. Although my kids have 7 presents each, they have the five you mentioned plus a couple of extras, but they are only stocking fillers.
Have a lovely week and thanks for linking up to #Wotw xx
I’m glad that you have your Christmas play to look forward to this year. It is a fun time. You’ve got me wondering. What are your other two category of presents? Best not tell me. The children may start badgering me to do the same. I’m looking forward to making the bread and perfecting it. The fragrance is something else.
Oh, we can’t wait to see The Crimes of Grindelwald. It would be so nice to see it at a traditional independent cinema.
I have got quite a few presents, mainly for the kids and some of Craig’s but I do need to get a few more.
I hope your rabbit friend sticks around. We have a couple lodging in our gardens at the moment.
Best of luck to your daughter on her piano exam.
Thanks ever so much for sharing with #MMBC. I hope you have had a wonderful weekend. x
I think the second is almost better than the first. I hope you enjoy it. You sound quite organized on the present front. I need to organize a bit more. I think the rabbit has gone, but I may be wrong.
That film sounds like gun and good luck with your daughters piano lesson. I am really looking forward to seeing my son’s chrismtas play, it will be my youngest first so special X #wotw
First plays are so special. I hope he is looking forward to it and it is as sweet as sweet can be.
Your week sounds wonderful and it’s exciting that the children are accepting of the 5 presents idea. I think that will make Christmas even more special this year. Can’t wait to see your homemade bread. How exciting to have the gift of starter. Some years ago I read all about baking bread and starter. Never found anyone with starter nor made bread. Have a great week! #MMBC
I hope it will give a slightly different feel to gift giving. I’m with you on the bread making. I know I can make my own starter, but receiving one pushes the bread making up in the priorities.
I like the five present rule idea. We’re trying to do something like that this year. I was given some sourdough starter a couple of years ago and quite enjoyed making loaves with it. Good luck to your daughter for her piano exam this week. #WotW
A list that makes one smile is great. It’s a shame so many sweet treats are full of sugar. May you find a recipe that tickles your taste buds. I think the five present rule is one to bare in mind when Christmas shopping. I certainly have books for my girls. #MMBC
I so miss all the school events its so strange when they start high school. I think I am going to put my foot soon about Grindleward I am desperate to see it but no one else seems to be bothered in our house and that is a wonderful gifting plan there is so much emphasis on Christmas gifts. The rabbit is so cute we have a lot of foxes where we are so I don’t think we would be so lucky although I am sure Toby would not be so welcoming either x
Yes. You must go and see Grindelwald. Very entertaining. The rabbit is still around. SO maybe she will stay. 🙂