It takes a lot to keep our youngest out of the garden. This morning she could not understand why the rest of us were not keen to play out in the biggest storm to hit Britain so far this year: Storm Dennis is arriving today.
Our garden is quite sheltered and I find the gales are much worse on our driveway as I battle my way over to the garage to fetch some left over bubble mix. Before I get back to the door, a tea towel is suddenly blown from inside the house and out into the street and I go charging after it.
I admit that bubble mix is perhaps more associated with balmy sunny days and not the obvious choice for today, however it is brilliant in winter storms. Suddenly the invisible air currents can be seen in all of their glory as the delicate spheres helix around each other and twirl upwards at lightning speeds.
My eldest, unable to say “no” to his little sister whenever she calls his name, is soon outside with us, holding the pot for her.
The very best thing about a blustery day is that the bubbles do not need any help. Little ones can just run about with the bubble wand and the wind will do all of the work for them.
When you are tiny it can still take a little bit of practise and persistence. Patience is a must if the wind suddenly calms and nothing happens.
And then suddenly – magic.
It is not long before my third son is watching us, with his face pressed against the cool glass of the window. Within moments, he is grabbing his own coat and enthusiastically joining in. Our youngest son follows soon after, the breeze almost lifting him off his feet as he runs around the paths pretending to be a kite.
My second son is helping out, running warm baths for the younger ones, as they come in from the cold. Then the storm really picks up and the torrential rain pours down. It is time to get inside.
The little ones are now bathed, nestled into blankets, and wearing clothes that have warmed on radiators. I make two frothy hot chocolates for my eldest sons, and a tea for myself in my favourite winter mug.
The gale is suddenly so strong that it rattles through our roof space and pops the attic hatch out of place. It is quickly fixed by my husband and myself – but it is only midday and the full storm has not hit us yet.
I make a batch of gingerbread with my youngest son and to my delight he learns the word “cookie.” I make bubble shaped biscuits to commemorate the morning’s fun, he makes dinosaur prints. With the scent of baking throughout the house and writing to do, I’m quite happy to be cosied up indoors now, occasionally pausing to watch the raindrops on the window, until it all blows over.
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I do hope it doesn’t get any worse. The picture of the eldest and his little sister is delightful, especially with the explanation. I was like that with my little sister who often features on my posts 60+ years later.
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When I fell pregnant with our daughter, our eldest was so excited to get a fourth sibling and kept talking to my bump – we thought “oh it’ll wear off perhaps?” but no – they’ve been glued together since the first day and are inseperable 🙂 Thank you for telling me about your little sister – I hope my two are still close in their 60s and beyond x
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This is such a lovely post and what a fun way to spend a rainy day. Hope you’re all staying cosy. X
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Thank you! We had a lovely Sunday together indoors and out of the storm. Was so thrilled to read your news yesterday – I hope the three of you are all cosy together too xxx
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A delightful day. I have good memories of bubble mix fun and sidewalk chalk as well. I like your photos through the rain-spattered windows and I love seeing photos of your garden. It’s so lovely.
janet
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Thank you very much! I need these storms to calm down so I can potter about and garden again 🙂 My kiddies love drawing with chalk in the summertime too – my two eldest learnt to write their alphabet with chalk on the garden patio.
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What I’m really loving about your posts are your words – almost lyrical. As an aside, I’m always up for bubbles.
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Thank you Jo, that’s so kind. I actually have struggled to write about my travels for years. (I have been trained to write distantly about literature and art history … but not about myself) I now find the photos act as prompts and it comes much more easily – and everyone on WP has been really encouraging.
I am with you on the bubbles. I pretend it’s for the children … 😀
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Bubbles and gingerbread – how perfect!
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I really love what you have done with the landscaping in your yard. It looks like a park. I bet it’s gorgeous when things are in bloom.
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Thank you very much – it has taken me years to decide what to do with such a small space and a lot of moving things around before finally daring to commit to having things concreted in! The final bit of landscaping was over this winter, so I am as excited as anyone to see what everything looks like in spring 😀
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I look forward to seeing it in the coming months!
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I can’t tell you how much we are looking forward to a bit of sunshine 🌞
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Me too!
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Pretty garden and sweetest post ever.
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How kind – thank you very very much xxx
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Bubbles and hot chocolate and gingerbread. Perfect ways to weather a storm. Hope it didn’t hit too hard. Also, hope nothing was damaged. With a storm like that, we’d be without power for at least a week.
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Hi Laurie – we’re all okay although the storm keeps rumbling on. We had a bit of a break for some sunshine this morning … then some more rain for good measure! No damage, thank goodness. For us, it’s rare to get anything this strong – it’s usually mild sunshine and showers all year round.
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What a relief! It’s been a stormy time for your neck of the woods.
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Thanks! We’re still getting huge amounts of rain (!) but the fakes have gone away, thank goodness x
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Oh didn’t she look forlorn in your first picture, my heart went out to her. Hurrah for big brothers and bubbles.
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Yes! Though she is so cute that none of us can resist her, the moment her head drops, she is swamped in cuddles 🙂
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Such beautiful family pictures and post!
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Thank you very much Jun 🙂
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It is wonderful that your third son actually joins in the family fun. I have a nephew who is autistic and just keeps isolating himself from everyone.
Brave people, going outside in such weather!
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Hello there 🙂 It has taken a lot of coaxing and patience – as for two years (whilst 2-4yrs) our third son was completely locked out and didn’t acknowledge anyone and would sit in a corner and stim … but gradually he has emerged as a very happy boy at 10yrs old who loves to join in with close family – which we didn’t even dare to dream would happen in the beginning.
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This is great. I am happy for you!
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Love this! And love your garden path! It sounds like your family finds ways to enjoy February like I do. I’m a week late reading it, but it’s perfect for me on my rainy morning of February 24.
https://suzanklassen.com/2020/02/24/cheery-morning/
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Thank you SuZan x You definitely have to like rain to live in Leicestershire 🙂
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Beautiful pictures, oh stay blest n safe you precious fam!
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