Today's craft

Today the children and I were studying USDA dairy recommendations for over 65's in our home school program. So exciting! D'Artagnan came up with a wonderful idea for craft time. Our neighbours had just bought a new truck in a dreary shade of slate grey and D'Artagnan thought it would be kind and neighbourly if we would paint it like a cow. Bertie painted the black spots (isn't he clever?) and Nigel sang the Rachmaninoff Concerto 3 by Bach to cheer us on our work. The children were so industrious that we finished before our neighbor got back from work. She was so surprised! But look how happy she looks (I think).

Tidying

Many happy homemakers give advice on how to tidy house in sections. We heartily agree with this but they often neglect the garden, but oh no! not moi!

So here are my tips for for clearing up the garden:

1) Make your own hand-woven wicker baskets (very easy, took me a minute as I had presoaked the wicker during the night).
2) organize baskets-one for balls, one for miscelaneous.
3) Before the visitors arrive, check the children. If they're looking grubby, pop them in the basket as well.
4) Finally a little bit of Christmas scented air freshener on the flowers will disguise any ineptitude with growing things.

Togtherness

Bliss! Our happy family have just been for a glorious walk along the main road, felt the refreshing breeze from the cars rushing past us and enjoyed the energising run away from three rabid dogs. Oh... these moments are to be treasured.

A lovely dinner

Tonight was another lovely dinner with the family. In less than an hour I had whipped up the feast pictured below. Just a couple of tips:

• Use fresh romaine lettuce for the salad



• I used ham from a local farmer for the pizza rather than store-bought ham. It just tastes fresher



• I always open the tomato sauce packets before the family comes to the table. It prevents so many tears and stains

Because the dinner was ready more quickly than I had planned. I had time to create a beautiful bouquet of my lovely winter roses which have just begun to bloom. Here is a picture taken by Nigel. He's becoming quite the artist with a camera.