Summer Dreaming

After a very long break from this blog about our slightly crazy family life I feel ready to slowly and calmly post some snapshots of where we have been, what has been happening and how life is treating us here in our little home in Tuscany.  Life is good, tough and full, busy and stressful but above all good.  When I list the things that need attention, need work, need money I remain focused on what we already have, what has been achieved, the progress we have all made on many levels, this seems to help keep the stress levels under control.

We have grown and harvested a whopping selection of veg in our jungle like patch
We have been to England and enjoyed time with friends and family
Our dogs have calmed down finally
We have spent days at the pool cooling off
We have enjoyed time with Grandma
We have Cycled to Monteriggioni for picnics
We have eaten outside for lots of the summer
We are all healthy and happy in equal measures
We have great friends in all corners of the world
The blackberries, Sloes, Figs are all ripe
Our damaged Peach tree did still bear fruit
We still have water! Miracle in Tuscany
We will go to the beach soon
We have read, played games, watched films, baked cakes and just enjoyed each other's company
The views are free
Homemade pizza always a winner

Memories of Blighty.... I trip to London, Somerset and Devon with the kids and friends, including Waffles, English Breakfasts, London Eye, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Trains, Planes, Buses, Beaches, Devon, Somerset, Chocolate Cake, Horses, Dogs, BBQs, Picnics, Builders Tea,  Family and Friends

A sense of calm - at last

Its been too long since I last put my thoughts down in writing.  Someone once told me that difficult, immense, stressful, life changing things only happen to those people that can handle them – is this true?  If so, I must have a hidden strength I was unaware of.

So, at last I am through the dark days the heavy shadows that fell over me for a while and am well and truly out the other side of the tunnel beautifully blinded by the light of wondrous possibilities.  To explain a little where I’m coming from, this summer included:

• Moving House (whilst the man and kids were overseas)
• Changing Career (whilst maintaining the old one)
• Having a painful operation (left unable to drive for 4 weeks)
• Training our unruly adopted dogs (dealing with unhappy new neighbours)
• Changing our son’s school (coping with the emotional turmoil it created)
• A crashed car (no injuries except to the wallet thankfully)
• Losing a few work projects (due to all the above combined)
• Boy with Bronchitis
• Girl with arm in plaster
• An overwhelming sense of tiredness and lack of control

But, stop, as all the above have passed.  We have moved on and in my mind I am in a much more secure and comfortable place, feeling more settled, positive, hopeful and above all loved and happy.

I just want to share some of the magical things that make this life here in Tuscany bringing up two amazing individuals with my oh so patient man so special:

• Open fires slowly burning olive wood off-cuts
• Perfectly chilled Prosecco
• Cheese and Honey
• My boxer dog’s so soft cheeks
• The girl’s special tree, climbed and much loved
• The sunset above the ancient Tuscan roof tiles
• The view to the medieval church from our window
• Late flowering roses
• The scent of wild curry plants
• The boy’s dedication to his passion (Rugby)
• Music, old and new, classic and contemporary
• An oversized snoozing puppy
• The return of the long lost cat (after 5 months)
• Time together watching old films
• Special friends, time together and apart
• The dog whisperer who saved my sanity
• Slowly marinated beef daube
• This year’s new Olive Oil
• Tiramisu (pick me up) made by the darling daughter
• Fresh baked bread thanks to the Boy
• Rosehips, Sloes and Dandelion Leaves
• Wild mushrooms, Porcini and Truffles
• Drifting wood smoke
• Plans for Christmas
• Tips of snow covered mountains in the distance
• Horses, Donkeys, Goats and Ponies (we live next to a stable)
• One trusty old camera
• Outdoor sofas
• Cappuccinos and Macchiatos
• Brandy drenched Christmas cake (resting on the bookshelves)
• Piles of books in bedroom, in the bathroom and in the car (and handbag if I’m honest)
• The total faith that tomorrow will bring more adventures
• The freedom to be kind to myself
• Letting myself off the hook occasionally 

I would love to share all the above with you, so why not induge yourself a little this autumn, I fully recommend it. x