On the day we moved, a kind friend gave me a present to be unwrapped only when I’d arrived in our new home. As I opened it on that first evening, surrounded by boxes and dirt and dreams; I felt a little teary. For it was a sign saying “She believed she could, so she … More Little Miss Independent
There’s a winding country road that approaches our lovely new town from the south. It snakes upwards for a mile or so, from the next nearest village. Stone walls line the lane, there are glimpses of a quarry in the distance, and craggy edges and green hilltops surround on all sides. It’s beautiful. Classic dark … More The Project House
Soaring red kites circling the house. Screeching. “Hello beautiful”. Counting parachutists as they emerge from the clouds. Confidently recognizing which seedlings in the garden are weeds. Striking up conversation with every dog walker. And stroking every dog. Watching first hand the farming circle of life: from newborns to on our plate. Feeling like you’re in … More 100 Things I’ve Loved About Charlton
“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry” (Robert Burns) They say moving house is one of the most stressful times of your life. 🙂 Phil and I have been talking about relocating to the hills for years. Every holiday to the mountains, we imagine ourselves living there. High on the scenery … More The Best Laid Plans
On Saturday night, we wild camped beneath the stars. We scootered to a local field, overlooking our favourite hill, and spent the night in the open. My first time bivouacking. As the sun set, we watched deers and hares and bats scurrying around; and later, as true darkness took over, we spotted the satellites and … More The Chunky Wheels that Opened Up My World
I remember the day Lottie Pie entered our world. 🙂 We’d arrived at the rescue centre, on that sunny Saturday in June 2014, full of excitement and hope. As Phil wandered the kennels, looking for our forever friend, the dogs rushed excitedly to the edge of their cages to greet him. Tails a-wagging. But as … More Goodbye My Lottie Pie
On Thursday evening, we sat under the stars, in the beautiful Blenheim Palace courtyard, and sang along to David Gray. The atmosphere was joyful and happy, and the nostalgia and love in full force. As we drove out the gates -for one last time- we turned back to that special spot, and waved goodbye. Over … More One Last Time
Our house is currently upside down. Mayhem. With only a few weeks to go until moving day; there are boxes stacked up, cupboards half empty, and piles and piles of our possessions everywhere. In the ten years that we’ve lived in Charlton, we have acquired a fair amount. The paraphernalia from new hobbies and new … More Giving Away My Old Life
From the age of thirteen, until I developed Pulmonary Hypertension in my early thirties, I worked. Babysitting paid for my young teen wardrobe, selling cameras at Boots allowed me to fund my way through university, and teaching infant children taught me how joy and reward comes from making a difference. So when I was suddenly … More The Booking Clerk
Last weekend we looked after our best friends’ children. Normally, to survive these fun yet full-on sleepovers, I need early nights and lie-ins and multiple sneaky rests. Yet, for the first time ever, I was there for it all. No power naps needed. I was awake early making breakfast waffles, and still there for movie … More Enjoying Some Miracle Months
We Can Adjust The Sails 