Small things

When the highlight of your week is a freshly painted bench and a leaf unfolding, it might sound a tad slow. Even dull, but it hasn’t been. Most deceptive, if anything. Just like a swan gracefully slipping through the water, there has been unbelievable busyness going on below the surface, to ensure everything runs smoothly. After all, it is the first week of the summer holidays and, as usual, us adults are still at work, while the teens are hoping for something a bit more exciting. I seem to spend all day, every day organizing behind the scene and working at double speed, but that would make a dull weekly roundup.

Instead, I’m going to list the small things that have made me smile this week. Some with photos. Like the flower that appeared overnight from the carnivorous plant (Pinguicula Tina) we gave youngest teen for his birthday. The pot of leaves was uninspiring, to say the least, until we realized that they were catching flies on their hairy surface, and now the flower. (top photo) How beautiful is that?

Also, the sudden appearance of a new leaf on my arrowhead plant. I’ve posted a couple of photos on Instagram. Difficult plant, so I’m taking this new leaf as a sign that it is happy in its new home. Who knew house plants could be so exciting!

(raindrops of sunflower)

Other small things to make me smile:

* Eldest teen went to see a friend. First time she’s seen any of her friends since March. They have been in regular contact, but there is nothing like a catchup and realizing that others really have been doing the same as her.

* Youngest teen went to a social distance birthday party. A bestie turning thirteen. His friends live in the village, so they have met up for cycle rides. This time they hung out together and ate cake. Nice for me to catchup with a friend too, as I dropped him off. Comparing notes on how different schools coped with the last few months.

* Middle teen is catching up with a friend tomorrow. She is not missing out.

* Mr TTC repainted the blue benches and re-did the roofs. This one is my secret retreat. No-one ever finds me here, as the fig tree hides it. Honestly, I hear them wandering around the house and garden asking if any one has seen me. They never think to look here. Or the potting shed, but don’t tell them about that one. It is my very last bolt hold.

* We added a string of solar lights to the bench and an old mask that’s been gathering dust for years. We’re hoping to add a raised bed/trough to the right with lavender and night flowering plants for the moths. I might sneak sunflowers in there too, for the summer. In the evening, this spot looks so pretty, lit up. I can sit out with my mint tea and watch the bats.

* Sitting outside on new deck chairs, at the end of the day, with youngest teen, cloud watching. His imagination is great. He adds details to paint a bigger picture. Most make me laugh.

I see a salmon leaping over the house. Or a rocket. A minute before, it was the most perfect pink, downy feather.

* The garden is coming on well. We’ve dug up a few potatoes, but I’d like to leave the rest a little longer. The spaghetti squashes (above) are doing well and the tomatoes are beginning to turn. Beans are starting to be collected, but more as a taster portion than counting as one of our five a day. Courgettes are my fall back veg, at the moment. Fortunately, everyone loves them. The cucumbers are suffering from red mite. I’ve pulled half of them out, but the rest are soldiering on.

Peas are flowering. I’m hoping to have enough for the freezer, but I suspect that most will be eaten before I have a chance.

* I made a double tier pavlova, using up egg whites and cream. Devoured before I thought to take a photo. Plus the gazillion fruit flans that it takes to feed my small army of growing humans. Is it just me, or does anyone else secretly miss grabbing a quick lunch for themselves to eat while they work, instead of stopping to prepare yet another meal for a tableful of people? I know I will miss it when they go back to school. I really will. (Although I will have a free table to lay out fabric and cut it out)

I think that pretty much wraps up my week. Looking forward to starting a new summer craft project today. (little dance of joy) An easy pick-up-inbetween-everything-else kind of craft. Perfect  for this summer holiday.

Linking up with Anne’s word of the week linky.