sunrise over the howgillsSeptember 30th posted by Hannah
In the nine years that we've lived in the lakes, we've rarely managed to actually go camping on the days we had planned. This summer has been no exception and we've had to cancel or postpone many trips and outings because of the weather. However, we are learning (with some success)! and the trick is, to be prepared to go at a moment's notice, when the weather is glorious. So, taking our own advice, after tea tonight we climbed a mountain. With pockets full of glowsticks, we pitched our tent at the trig point, facing east in preparation for the sunrise. The night sky was absolutely clear and the stars came out for us in their millions. This is a picture of Dan watching the sunrise in his sleeping bag. More pictures here
harvestSeptember 23rd posted by Hannah
The harvest weekend is upon us and we don't have any contenders for the longest runner bean or heaviest potato competitions and we've eaten all our jam! However, Daniel has had a good carrot harvest and as part of the school's celebrations, the children had to paint pictures of the things they were thankful for. You might just be able to make out Dan and I pulling carrots in Daniel's picture.
smugSeptember 15th posted by Hannah
While Bethan and Lucy were at school this morning, Tanya and I launched an assault on Brunt Knott. This is a high point above the village that neither of us had ever climbed even though you can walk to it from the front door. It was a great walk and the views from the top were stunning. We felt extremely smug rolling up to school at two minutes to twelve, having spent the morning galavanting about the fells in the sunshine.
biscuits maisonSeptember 13th posted by Hannah
Rach has come to our rescue this week and looked after Bethan for me so I could work. Boo considers it a big treat to be at Rachel's and she is always thoroughly indulged. Rach has recently returned from France with a stamp that prints 'biscuits maison' onto your shortbread so this was rigourously tested and we all enjoyed the results.
"Great One Samuel"September 11th posted by Hannah
The weather has done it's worst this weekend but we haven't been deterred from having some fun with David and Samuel Allen. Dan has found Samuel to be the most engaging and amusing companion and has spent the weekend chuckling at all his jokes, declaring 'Great One Samuel' to all in earshot. Together we've played 'dodge the showers' and enjoyed ourselves despite the weather. We've been for a bike ride up Kentmere valley, including some epic off-road action and yesterday we went for a pretty special night hike after tea. We climbed Reston Scar at dusk and were able to watch the moon rise from the summit. Remarkably, we even stayed dry! More photos here.
schoolgirlsSeptember 7th posted by Hannah
Having worn her uniform for much of August, today the great day finally arrived and Bethan is officially a schoolgirl. I will admit to feeling a bit lost mid afternoon having delivered her into the care of the reception classroom but fortunately, Mum and Dad were on-hand and we glided seamlessly into Wilfs for a rarebit. Gone are the carefree pre-school days of bus rides, rhythm time, toddler group and lunchtime picnics. Soon there will be reading books and phonics but Bethan is more than ready for a new adventure and flanked by her three best friends she strode confidently into this brave new world.
