April Antics

Already we are in April, how I don’t know.  So much has been happening and the time is literally flying past in front of our eyes.  In the last few weeks we have had the usual ups and downs plus a few worries.  TT with bronchitis, antibiotics, steroids then a trip to hospital after accidentally taking the dog’s medicine. Yep, bad mother award heading my way!  The bottles really did look the same, honestly.  We have had a lovely start to summer with Grandma staying with us from England.  The girl was so lucky to have her Nonna here when she was poorly as she managed to spend time curled up on the sofa under a duvet learning Sudoku, being taught how to do crosswords, enjoying puzzle books galore, watching old films, listening to music and relaxing with the puppies.

Grandma also showed us how to French Knit and inspired me to continue knitting again.  Knitting hates me, it tangles me up and messes with my brain, I so want to be OK at it but really it’s like Algebra to be, logarithms with wool an fact.

We managed to finally re-home Ted the last of the puppies we were fostering so now we can concentrate on Zoe (Mummy) dog and LB (Little Bear), he had his very first walk on the lead today and would only move from the doormat when bribed with biscuits which we had to throw every few feet, he looked very cute out in the big wide world though.

 There’s been Rugby Matches, Trips to Medieval Towns, Picnics, Ice creams, Homemade Hot Cross Buns, Chocolate Cakes, Fruit Bread, Seed Loaves, Organic Wine, Pot Roast, Artisan Cheese bought in the optician (love Italy’s random finds), Gardening, Dog Walks, Lots of Reading, Creating an Easter Table (well windowsill really), painting eggs, making cards, lego, glitter and paints.  A few evenings by the woodburner, phone calls to older relatives, lunch with family, lots of sun kissed views of Tuscany and time to restore and revive. 

In the garden we have:  Asparagus, Tomatoes, Peppers, Aubergines, Mange Tout, Yellow Beans, Green Beans, Peas, Zuchini, Cucumbers, Lettuces, Onions, Leeks, Strawberries, Quince, Pomegranate, Plums, Cherries, Figs, Apples, Walnuts, Peach, Apricots, not to mention Olives.  In the old wooden barrels we have basil, fennel, tarragon, thyme, parsley, purple basil and many more herbs on the way.

Everything is growing thanks to the recent rain but our garden looks like The Somme according to my DH as it has been ransacked by puppies and Zoe Dog who have dug trenches, bunkers, hides and dens and completely annihilated my original herb spiral!

This week I hope to make flapjacks, muffins, soup and even the occasional crumble.  The freezer is well stocked and we have several tubs of delicious rich Chianti fuelled Ragu to have with Polenta, Rice or Pasta.  For now though my thoughts are all about making sure TT gets rid of her cough and being there to help the boy get through his exams at school.  I am consciously trying to be more tolerant, accepting and above all read the signs all around me and hear, really hear what my loved ones have to tell me. x