The Stolen Sunflower

Just found some  summer shots of my 41st birthday and the very sneakly stolen sunflower.  The girl soooo wanted one and I charged into the field grabbed one and drove away fast like a bank robber.  Very naughty I know but it made the girl truly happy, the boy however was very unimpressed!  The sunflowers are all gone now but Autumn brings its own colours and I cant wait.

A wee rest

I have just not felt like blogging of late, I have felt that blogging was getting in the way of actually doing things. I was writing rather than achieving and this is not good for me. So I have had a rest from my blog and can now come back renewed and afresh. In my time away from the blog I have managed to spring clean the house, plant up roses,herbs, strawberries and veg seeds. Move the office to the cantina so I can now 'go' to work, converted what was the office to a playroom - perfect for everyone. Made apple cake, easter rabbits, easter cards and had lots of fresh air on walks with the old man (the dog not the husband). Also had my full body scan at the hospital, results are looming but I have continued to stay well on my diet of Echinacea, Dog Rose and Vitamin B supplements, which seem to be supporting my immune system well, though I am still really shattered. The children are loving the warmer days: blossomy trees, wild flowers, mud pie experiments, swinging in the trees, diggin in the dirt, wearing short sleeves, staying outside after school, harrassing kittens and days in the park. Today has been about gluing and sticking, feathers and pompoms, cakes and biscuits, chalks and puzzles, rugby practice and now a sliding sun and a warm fireside. Preserved 6 huge jars of baked artichokes from the market... very industrious. Tomorrow a day of gardening and then the man (not the dog) and I are planning a walk around Siena at dusk, as the children are off to the grandparents for the evening. For now a random selection of pics - notice TT's bed hair (saying morning to the kittens at 6am). x

HOT, HOT, HOT

Lovely day.............. Started off with nursery rhymes that Tabby doesn't know. All her knowledge has been forged since moving from UK to Italy so songs and rhymes in English are a whole new area for her. Went to the park, climbed the trees, Tabby learnt to flip over on the hanging bars - very strong and fearless. We went on the deathslide and I scraped by bum on the ground (I am sure the heat has stretched the bungee) got eaten my mosquitoes, ate sweets and told old stories.

Now inside out of the 37 degree sun, managing to fit in about 5 hours work a day despite heat and school holidays, in chunks when I can. Pictures of our crops, some local flowers and Tabby's new dress made by Mummy and Grandma.