A Walk at Arne

Today we tried out somewhere new... well new to us.  I'd been told how lovely Arne was, so despite it trying to rain as we drove there, we packed up a picnic and off we went.  It's a beautiful RSPB reserve, and it only cost £4 to park all day.  There was a lovely RSPB person there called Sarah who told us all about the walks, the wildlife - she was so knowledgeable.

This guy was very interested in our picnic, and apparently likes ketchup flavoured Pringles!  (I should add we didn't purposely feed him, but when Todd dropped some crisps, he was there like a shot.)

Sparrows, one of my favourites.

Our budding bird-spotter - he really impressed the RSPB girl with his knowledge.

Me, and my boys.  Yes, how tall are they against me!

I absolutely love foxgloves, and I only noticed when I looked at this one on the computer, the bee flying in from the left.

The deer were so inquisitive, and so very cute.

Examining dead crabs.

I couldn't get over how diverse this reserve is.  There is woodland, marshland, heathland, meadows and a beach - it was truly magical.

My boys.

I had to take a picture of this sign, as Todd walked up to it and read it straight off.  He didn't get stuck on a single word.  His reading amazes me at times.

My silly boy walking backwards down the hill.

If you haven't been to Arne I highly recommend it.  We shall be back, many, many times.

I would also like to make an amendment to my last post.  Somewhere in my head (a scary place sometimes) I thought it was Father's Day tomorrow.  I really did - so much so that the boys and I were making cards this afternoon.  Luckily a friend popped by and corrected me - it's actually the 17th June, but then you already knew that didn't you!!!

K x

My Garden & The Pirate King

Thankfully the antibiotics are doing the trick and I am starting to feel like me again.  Swallowing is no longer torture, however I'm still quite tired.

I dusted off my camera today and captured some lovely shots - I hope you don't mind me sharing.

Up early getting the boys ready for school (as all Mum's know, the days continue whether you are 100% or not), and I saw our furry friend in the front garden.

I wasn't the only one watching...

I took this through my bedroom window, which is a bay window, whilst he was looking out the other bay window in our living room.

Today was Todd's last day at school before half term.  All the children had to dress as a king, queen, prince or princess, or in red, white and blue.  They were having a jubilee picnic on the sports field.

I got a couple of photos before he went.  We decided to economise and re-use his pirate coat, so he was a pirate king complete with crown made by Granny of course.

We added the jeans and t-shirt for the blue and white.  He then added his flashing trainers as they flash red, white and blue!  Perhaps not exactly what a pirate king would have, but he was happy.

The Mr had the pleasure of attending the picnic - I didn't want to share my germs :-(  Thankfully he took his camera with him.

Apparently he iced the bun in class himself...!

I had a cup of tea in the garden.

So, are you planning much for the long weekend?  We have Father's Day with Daddy actually home (sorry but it's a rarity around here), then someone turns 11 on Tuesday - Jake  has been telling everyone that the extra bank holiday is just for him, so we will be busy with home-made cards and cakes.

I'm now thinking looking the at last picture above, whether or not to paint the gate white...hmmm..I must be feeling better!

K x

Ten on Tuesday

1.  I may not make ten today, forgive me for I am sick.... again.
2.  I have tonsillitis apparently this time, which is funny as I had my tonsils out when I was four or five.
3.  I have been given the antibiotics that I am least allergic too, although these still give me a terrible rash.
4.  I'm fed up with being sick, my doctor is not one for offering help, just a prescription to treat the symptoms.  I have not been 100% since mid-March.
5.  I'm wondering if there are alternatives that I should explore to help get my immune system back on track.
6.  I struggle each night with panic attacks that I can't breathe now that my throat is so swollen.  It was the same when I had bronchitis.  Today, when I asked my doctor for help, he suggested the internet and to think of sandy beaches with dolphins... seriously that's what he said.
7.  On the plus side I've hardly eaten today as swallowing is like swallowing knives, or fire, or both.
8.  Jake enjoyed his school's production of A Midsummers Night today as part of his off curriculum week, plus rounders, dancing and circuits, although he has mentioned sore muscles tonight.
9.  I am enjoying watching Spring Watch with Jake after the little one has gone to bed - a chance for us to have some me time together.
10.  Jake read to Todd tonight as I couldn't manage it - I was so busy watching them that I completely forgot about taking a photo.

So it looks like I made it to 10 after all.  Thank you for bearing with me, I really hope to be fighting fit soon.

K x

Car Boot Sunday

Today we did a car boot sale - we must have been mad, it was so so hot!  I slapped the factor 50 on us again, only in my haste I missed the v-shaped bit at the front where I was wearing a v-necked t-shirt.  It is currently a lovely shade of raspberry.

Mum and Ian had a stall next to us which meant I could have a walk around with the boys, although I couldn't get this one to move...

For £2 he got a huge box of Pokemon cards - he was in heaven, and is still sorting them now.  He has a trading club at school - I have a feeling he may be quite popular next week!

We managed to get two Harry Potter things which Jake is still very much into, a 'Room of Requirements' play-set with all the characters, and a electronic quidditch game, which Todd liked too.

I didn't get anything for me, which is good as the whole point of the day was to get rid of stuff.

Of course, now all I want to do is collapse on the sofa, unfortunately there are children to be fed and school stuff to get ready for tomorrow.

Hope you had a lovely weekend, just next week to go and then the Mr & I are off for a week with the boys.

K x

Hot & Steamy

Today we headed towards Swanage to see a little steam train that was visiting.  We parked at Norden and rode the Swanage Railway into Swanage.  It was gloriously sunny and I was grateful for the factor 50 I'd slapped on.

Someone was very excited.

I love the ears...!

Even the big one seemed to enjoy it.

The wonderful Corfe Castle - I love this place but today we didn't stop.

It was quite hard getting a photo next to the train, but I didn't do too bad.

The boys thought the name of this diesel was funny.

It was actually quite a cool wind coming off the sea.

And my favourite shot of the day...

I didn't edit the colour at all, it really was that blue!

So, good night, as I type the Eurovision Song Contest is ending... and we didn't win.... again!

His New Do

I had to post these photos of my little boy with his new do.  He says its very cool!

Future heart-breaker... I think so!