This week sees the beginning of a new routine for our household. For the first time in over nine years, I have none of the children at home. No pre-schoolers. TF started school on Monday. He’s only had three half days so far, but I think he is enjoying it. Although this morning, he did have a quick sob about having to wear uniform again and school not letting him play outside as much as he wanted to. Part of me sees his point and I will be putting my thinking cap on.
Part of my solution has to be more outside time, when he is at home. The dragonfly visited the children this week. It seemed to enjoy their company. Maybe it was as curious about them as they were of it. I loved watching it fly. When it flew, it moved as if it was peddling a bike. Fascinating to watch. The caterpillars are Elephant Hawk moths that are busy munching through our evening primroses, which have self seeded just outside our back door. Every morning, we count them. So far we have counted 6 at one time. There are about as big as a grown up’s finger.
In the meantime, the change in our routine does mean I can spend more time doing paid work during daylight hours, which is bliss. Regular hours! Less late nights, as I try to meet deadlines.
I want to make the most of this time, so that I can make the most of my time, with the children, once school is out. I’m going to start meal planning again. I’ve already reinstated a couple other baby steps, inspired by the Fly Lady. The final area that needs taming is my crafting projects.
I’m going to limit myself to one sewing project and one knitting project on the go at a time. Spinning seems to be a non-stop project as I process fleece to yarn, so I’m not counting it. I’m not counting my mending pile either. I’m also not counting the crafts that I do with the children. Its my own projects that sap my time and don’t always yield results. Easy to start projects. Harder to finish. If I limit my projects by type, I think that this will be enough to satisfy my creative hunger, without overwhelming me. Other work in progresses will be put out of sight and wait their turn.
I’m kicking off my sewing project by picking up a work in progress. Many moons ago, some of you may remember my hexagon patchwork. Also up there in my banner. It has been sitting on the side in my bedroom, as I searched charity shops for a suitable backing. Nothing seemed to fit the bill. So there it sat. That was until I reorganised a couple of shelves in my airing cupboard and rediscovered a duvet cover I made AJ when she was a toddler. It is made from beautiful sunny yellow organic cotton. I appliqued the three bears and Goldilocks on to it, which she loved at the time. It is too small to fit on any duvet now, but is the perfect size for my patchwork quilt. Why didn’t I think of it before? It’s so good to reorganize.
Knitting project is a pair of socks, using dpns. More on this project once I have finished them. As for the avalanche of new ideas that beckon to be done, I’m documenting them in a notebook. For later.
So, a transition time of organizing and making the most of what I have. Not sure I like the word routine. Reminds me of school timetables and having no control over my time. Instead, I’m taking a deep breath and organizing my time to make the most of it.
Although we don’t have an official “back to school” in this house………I’m still home educating my youngest of four, although at 15 it’s mostly revision work, physics and higher maths…..yuk, I feel like some organisation needs to be happening in this house……too much clutter, like you too many projects waiting to be finished, and a need to start on the christmas knitting……it’s never too soon.
Your patchwork blanket looks lovely and I love the pattern of the socks you have on your dpns………..I’m sure your little one will soon get used to the routines of school life, and as you said there’s always time after school for outdoor play.
Enjoy your little bit of freedom,
lily x
I’m working on our clutter, as well as the too-many-work-in-progresses. Never easy, but always liberating when I do let go of something. Good idea to start on Christmas knitting. September is definitely not too soon!
inspiring post Cheryl. I could use a bit of organization and discipline where it comes to my crafting…
Love the shot of the dragonfly on the tree stump with the growth rings and the shadow. Very interesting!!
Blessings, Debbie
The dragonfly loved landing on the stump. It was warm from the sun. Just lovely spending time being with such a fine fellow. It really did feel like he was visiting. Or maybe it was the other way round!
Gosh you have my sympathy ..the pull on the heartstrings can be so painful. I still have ambiguous feelings about school at times not least because at times it really isn’t fair and provokes ‘Mommy Grizzly response’ but then I try and put my sensible no nonsense nanny head and try and decide if I should intervene or not ??? and I’m wincing inside with that horrendous parental mix of guilt and worry…can’t it be stressful… and then they bounce in happily and I wonder if I’m going crackers…
I’ve been having a Summer break but now the Snow has started to appear on the mountains so I’ve promised myself the treat of reading your blog entries to catch up..it looks like you’ve been having a lovely time and I’m going to enjoy catching up!
Hey welcome back Val. I missed you. I guessed that you were busy exploring the wilderness. Living life.
I know what you mean about feeling like a Mommy Grizzly. I’m sure I should use an anglo version, but can’t think of one. Number of times I’ve felt more like a Mother Hen, after talking to the relevant teacher. Oh and I know the feeling of worrying all day, whether one of them has coped with a situation, only to have them come bouncing up to me in the playground, as happy as Larry. Snow already! Its feeling very Autumnal here. Vainly hoping for an Indian summer.
You really are living a change of season!!! Poor little guy, I am sure he will be fine when he gets used to it!!! Hope you get your stuff sorted… somehow anytime I find myself child free is when I get totally nothing done and stare into space recovering!!! Have a great day tomorrow!!!
He is enjoying school, its just that he would rather wear his home clothes and spend less learning time in the classroom. Each night he says that he is looking forward to going. Just so long as he can wear his digging trousers. I can’t imagine you spending much time starring into space, unless it is to do with weather or cosmic studies!
Gorgeous photos! Is that a tomato horn worm…amazing, I got one this year bigger than my thumb!
No, but I love the name. They are elephant hawk moth caterpillars. They are hefty chaps and long. I’m going to miss them when they disappear. Although they will be bashing against our windows soon, trying to get to the lights!
It’s funny I was having the organisation conversation with a friend yesterday and another one the day before….I think maybe the universe is giving me a big hint! I have, in between all the fun, managed to streamline things about here this summer. Last years first step back into work after 12 years was a bit of a shock on the organisational front….this year I was determined to go back with meal plans, timetables (for me cleaning, making etc) and routines a bit more in place, not too much though, I do enjoy a bit of flexability. Just three days in I can already feel the panic of time running too quickly for me to catch up but I have managed to do a big bake day, all the household jobs are up to date and today is designated ‘fun’ day so maybe the panic is just caught from everyone else! Goodluck with your plans and your new extra time. I hope school gets easier for your little one…I have great sympathy with the desire to wear digging trousers! 😀
I think September is so drummed into us as the time for neat boxed timetables and pursuing new opportunities, that we can’t help organizing ourselves. To get all of what we want to do, there has to be some form of routine. Its getting the balance to enjoy the surprises in life that can never be scheduled.
TF was happy going to school today. He accepted that he has to wear the uniform and his digging trousers will be waiting for him when he gets home. It helps that his sisters are happy to go as well. Phew!