Butterfly days
The end of July means two things in these parts. Firstly, the school holidays are a coming-in and secondly, it's time to count butterflies! My eldest's time at nursery is coming to an end, which is a huge milestone. He's had the most
Ash and embers
I awoke to the smell of smoke. My immediate reaction was to check on the boys, who were both sleeping soundly, uncovered and sweaty at the edges. The smoke was an outside odour, seeping through open windows to flip my worry switch for the day. I tried to address my
Fair weather
In the village where I grew up we had a summer fair every year. In fact, I recently learned it's been a tradition since the 14th Century, making it one of the oldest in the country, though sweating through your shirt in a marquee is a more recent
Past glories
Delving into the past can be a bit painful, but exploring mindfully can reveal amazing insights.
Searching for the real d'eel
May Day celebrations with a fishy twist in Ely, Cambridgeshire
Getting the jay blues
I've become obsessed with finding the right shade of blue for the Eurasian jay.
Scrying and surveying
I'm doing some research for a book project so I've pulled together a little online survey. If you have 2 minutes, I'd love to get your response. Create your own user feedback survey
Crossing paths
On a family walk around Delamere, we kept spotting red paper ribbons tied to the trees. I saw them again alongside the canal at Waverton and a sign for GB trails. Unimaginably to my recovering lungs, they were all part of the same race route: the Chester Ultra 100 mile.
A riverside cox
We inadvertently watched a rowing race on the Dee, but none of the coxes could compete with the riverside's loudest caller.
Rituals of renewal, with cake
In the past I've enjoyed indulging in birthday 'bath tub tourism'. Little did I know it's traditional for the time of year.
The jay as a messenger
Who knows what messages the jay may have for me.
Ghost, stories and ghost stories
How can you tell it's January? I'm putting together another iteration of my website.