You know when its almost the end of term when:
- it feels like every time you check their school bags there is another note requesting something
- You receive a request for a costume required in three days time, that is more involved than reworking a pillowcase, while still working on another costume due the day before
- Minor differences between the children flair up to be monumental
- Clearing work desk is behind schedule (see above)
But I’m not complaining.
The ladybirds and soldier beetles have increased in number into a mighty army
There is evidence of a new generation of ladybirds. Each broad bean plant must have had at least five of these, munching away on black flies. I admit, last week I toyed with the idea of using an organic solution, but I held off for fear of killing the good guys at the same time. I’m so glad I trusted my instinct. Or was it the flower fairies?
Additionally, I was able to show the children the whole life cycle of the ladybird, just from the mini-beasts we found on the broad beans.
The courgette plants are doing well.
Very well. The children took turns to carry this one back to the house and show DH. This year looks a good year to dig out the marrow and ginger jam recipe. There are four more like this plus dozens of smaller ones. The children pointed out that my idea of hollowing one out and living in it, was not going to work. They went into great details.
And finally…
My elderflower champagne is ready and is surprisingly good. It fizzes up as I pour it and is not like hooch. More like a proper grown up drink. Its drier than I imagined and what a delicate flavour. I am amazed. Pleasantly surprised!
So no complaints.
I must make some Elderflower champagne. cheers Marie
I’m really pleased with the results. It was less than a couple of weeks to make, but it would still have been disappointing if had turned out a disaster.
Wow to the champagne! x
I’ve wanted to make it for years, but was put off by the idea of exploding bottles. It will be on my seasonal make list from now on.
Oh We’ve got another week or so till the end of term, sports day is looming and Evie has lost her entire PE kit!!!
But the summer looks set to be a lovely one so roll on next friday!!!
Congratulations on the champagne turning out so well!!
Em xxx
I don’t know why this end of year seems more hectic than previous ones, but it most certainly is.
How funny that they pointed out your plan to hollow one out and live inside won’t work! LOL Good luck with the end of term craziness. Schools really seem to demand a lot around this time of year, don’t they?
Good luck with the costumes, I hope the productions go well. Lucky you with the ladybirds, still no sign here. The elderflower champagne sounds wonderful, one to try next year I think.
Your garden pictures are so pretty. I’m facinated that you made champagne! I’m glad it turned out well for you.
I meant to type “fascinated”. I can’t stand typos!
Hello, have been sneaking a peek at your blog for a while and thought it about time to say hello. I’m a wool spinner and I think that’s where I first saw your blog a while ago – wool or spinning blog post.
I too make elderflower champagne, have bottles stored in the shed at the moment. It gets better with age too, not sure if you’ve made it before. We made some last year and had the last bottle in April this year and it was delicious, and rather strong by then too. We haven’t sampled this years yet – waiting a while longer.
I think your blog is lovely, hope you don’t mind me following it.
xx
Hello, Dawn. Thanks for leaving a comment. Also very interested in your champagne experiences, as this is the first time I have made it. Have to admit I am still wary of the whole exploding bottle scenario. I have been wondering how long it keeps as most people seem to drink it staight away. I will try and keep one bottle back.