When our daughter was born in the early 80s, ‘swaddling’ was making a comeback. The midwife wrapped Emma gently yet snuggly in the cotton receiving blanket in a fashion that would help her feel warm, secure and content; I was encouraged to do likewise each time she needed changing. Help! I was in the maternity … Continue reading Swaddled for Us →

I’m certainly not a twitcher - someone who obsesses about searching out rare birds and travels far and wide to tick one off their list. Nor am I a birder. They are more passive, willing to just enjoy any bird they see, but for them it’s still a hobby and for that you need to … Continue reading The Redwing and The Robin →

We now have two home extensions: the Zoom Room and the Garden Grotto. The Zoom Room came first and took a lot of getting used to. Now, it’s our place to welcome visitors and meet with friends even from other countries and continents. I’m more comfortable than before and sometimes forget it’s virtual. I feel … Continue reading Hospitality in Lockdown →

It was important yesterday morning to take 2 min on our doorstep with the neighbours in quiet reverence, remembering those who died in past wars and praying for those caught up in conflicts in our world today. Some of my older friends are showing great resilience during these days of pandemic. They are coping patiently … Continue reading Resilient Seniors →

Do you feel you’re on an emotional rollercoaster as we navigate life through this pandemic? Some days you feel you’re thriving while other times you feel you’re barely surviving. You are not alone! We can experience so many emotions in the course of a day: anxiety and confusion, irritation, frustration and even anger. There is … Continue reading Emotional Rollercoaster? →

As a child my hands were often in the dirt. I made mud pies and pottered in the garden. I would often be found burying the little mice and birds caught by my cat. In many ways, I was messy. If my mother got me ready early for a party, it was impossible for me … Continue reading How clean are your hands? →

It had been a difficult day at school and I felt lousy. I loved my primary 2 class but I wasn’t a great teacher. In my enthusiasm I would get the children too excited and then I’d struggle to calm them down. Today they had run amok; I had lost my temper to no avail … Continue reading The Lights Turned Green And Everything Changed! →

The price of dogs has rocketed during this pandemic - it seems lots of people want one. Working from home means they have the time to care for a dog and take it for walks. For anyone living alone a dog is a welcome companion. Dogs are enjoying having their owners at home more. Poor … Continue reading Happy Tail Syndrome →