There has been a lot of outside time in these parts. I made a decision for our family that time out doors/time in nature was/is a main priority. And we’ve not looked back. I think we are all better for it, I know for me, my emotional health is never greater than after a good walk and a cup of tea for afters and I’m noticing the same for my two, my daughter especially.
We’re adjusting to my much improved work schedule, and while we’d all rather my be at home, it is such a blessing. I am continually amazed at the kindness we receive just as we most need it. In other news my mum is moving about an hour away by car about 1 hr & 30 minutes by public transport. I’m pleased she’ll be in a community where she has friends and the type of amenities that are important for her on her doorstep. I’m so happy for her.
In health related news finally my son is gaining weight, though only at 1% on the growth charts. We are now looking at whether there is a growth-hormone deficiency after his tests for cystic fibrosis, celiac and cancer (!) came back negative. It was a very very worrying time.
Lets see, what else? Well, we still have one cat that can’t be around another, I’m not sure what the solution is to that. But we keep plugging away at it. Four cats bring much joy and work 
! We are all keen to expand with chickens, goats and bees, but not possible in the city – sadly I don’t think our property line is big enough to be allowed to keep bees. I do miss the fact in the UK one can keep chickens in the city, but life is occasionally disappointing in that way, and despite my children’s pleas, I am not a law-breaker. I’m hoping we can find an animal farm/homestead we can volunteer at. Speaking of farms, I’m looking forward to spending weekends volunteering at the organic farm again this spring/summer and we are eagerly planning our community garden patch and some container gardening on our deck.
And then there is the hacking into my account & email {why I was away the last week}. I believe, thanks to the fact I can now sign in and was requested to change my password again, it is solved. I missed writing, oh how I missed writing.
How are you all?
I am truly glad that you are all well, in fact, better than ever. The hacking into your account was worrisome. I had no idea what it meant. I also think that being outside near living growing things is a key to health, mental-physical health. And spiritual health too….
Agreed thickethouse. And thanks for your kind concern!
Glad you are all ok x
Thank you!
Such a great idea to take flashcards to a restaurant or anywhere that you would have a wait!
It’s actually a game but it works both as a game (you create a sentence using the word from the card you pick) and for spelling/reading!
I have not long read an article about how mothers in one of the Scandinavian countries leave their well wrapped babies in the ‘fresh’ air every day at nap time. Even the creches do. They believe that it makes the children hardier and some stats bear them out. I’m not sure if you will ever solve your cat issues as older cats sometimes are so stubborn that you just have to accept their dislikes. Love the photo of your daughter walking along the log. That would have (could still be) me in my sprightlier days. Cherrie
I very much agree willywagtail1. I’m always amazed when people don’t want babies to be outdoors, I believe it is good for us all – unless of course there is a cold weather alert etc. Agreed re: cats.
I have old photos of my parents asleep outside in their prams as babies. Its use to be a common practice.
I’m enjoying the warmer temps too. Its nice to be able to get outside for fresh air a little easier.
It does doesn’t it? I try to get out 12 months/year but walking is a tad challenging in – 20!
What a blessing that your son’s tests came back negative! Although I do understand the frustration of not knowing what is causing his slow growth, etc., it seems as if some extremely serious things have been ruled out. Praise God!
I totally agree about getting out of doors. It is a foundation for good physical and mental health and an appreciation of the Creator. The picture of your daughter walking a log is great–makes me want to do it too!
It sounds as if your mother’s move will relieve some of your stress and worry about her, as she’s moving closer to friends and resources. I hope this works out well for her and for you too.
Blessings.
Yes thank you. I do think it will be good for you and that makes me happy!
Such a worrying time for you waiting for your son’s results, but I’m so happy to hear that everyone is enjoying their outside time. I couldn’t agree more with you about how restorative a walk in the fresh air can be.
Lisa x
I often feel encouragement from your simple joys. I really do find your approach to life encouraging and mentor-ship like. I love it.
Glad to hear your son’s tests came back negative. Don’t know if he’s had a lot of antibiotics in his younger years with my youngest daughter she had a lot of health issues that caused almost yearly or biannual hospitalizations and we found when she joined our family two years ago that her extreme thinness and malnutrition was in part a result of her body not absorbing the foods properly even when her diet was significantly improved. I started her on vitamins and added chewable probiotics and within a few months we actually could watch her get a tummy and backside as she was finally at 7 years of age able to keep 2 Toddler pants on!!! Today at 8 she grown a good 5 inches taller and is in a 5 Toddler size. Still tiny for her age, but a huge improvement. Even better is the fact that in the 2 years she’s had little more than a couple of colds!! All the best to continued success and health improvements for all of you.
Thanks, Lynda. That is certainly interesting. My son’s history sounds a similar to your daughters in terms of diet etc. Thanks for the ideas and encouragement!
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Good to hear your news – I just mentioned to my husband yesterday that I hadn’t seen a post from you in a while. Speaking of email, I said I could send you some seeds we had leftover from last summer but we’ve just moved house/country and I left them behind with my mum in France. Would still love to help you out in some way if possible. Maybe you could email an updated list of anything that you, your son or daughter might need? Having spent the last week packing I know we have more than we need
xoxo
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Outside time is so important and there are so many things that can be enjoyed for free