Thursday 12 December 2013

Insidey-ness


What with a suspect ankle (eldest) and the early sunsets (two minutes past four today - about as early as it's going to get) we've been enjoying the indoors a lot lately.

The carols books are out and being banged out on the piano and blasted out of recorders and sung loudly (shouted even).


The piano is played more in December than the rest of the year.  It's old and battered (the eldest ran his toys up and down it a couple of times when he was little) and it really needs tuning and some repairs, but I love it anyway.


I don't often have time, but sometimes I play a few pieces, and when I do, I really enjoy it.

A couple of houseplants have snuck into our home lately.  A little rooted hoya leaf from Ikea.  I couldn't resist it, I'm dying to see what it's going to do.   (It's the heart-shaped leaf in the red pot).  And secondly a tillandsia that I rescued from B&Q.  It was sat all alone and slightly battered on the reduced shelf.  Nobody wanted it.  Sometimes I just can't help myself.  I only went to B&Q for a bathroom lightbulb, but while I was there I thought I'd just have a quick look at the plants.  Just a look.  I used to have dozens of houseplants Before Children, and I can feel them sneaking back in now that the little people are (theoretically) old enough not to dig around in the earth.


Last week I picked a few pretty things from the back lane - ivy, rosehips and what must surely be the last of the blackberries.  They're still brightening up my mantelpiece.  My favourite kind of arrangement - locally grown, chemical free, no flower miles, native wildlife friendly plants and free.


The biggest boy made me laugh the other day.  I looked into the living room and saw all three of them seated at the table together playing a game.  Together!  Nicely!!  On silent feet I went to find my camera to capture this moment of brotherly bliss.  It lives on the hall table, and as I took it out of the case I heard the eldest say, "Just to warn you, mum's coming in to take a photo in a minute".  I asked him after if he'd heard the velcro on the case when I opened it.  He said, "No.  We were all sat together playing.  I knew you'd come and take a picture."  Oh my.  Am I that predictable?  I fear I am.  But I do have nice photo.  The game they were playing is Whot! which is a vintage game from the 1930's.  It's fantastic, I played it when I was little, and I was thrilled to find it in a charity shop a couple of years ago so that I could play it with my little people.  It's a fantastic introduction to card games, and the five-year-old and the ten-year-old both like playing it.


Tonight was the littlest boy's nativity play.  He was a sheep.  It was of course utterly adorable and slightly chaotic.  The singing was in turn angelic and shouty.  It was moving and funny in equal measure.  Sheep, cows, donkeys, angels and kings milled around on the stage and mumbled their lines.  I sat about three feet away from my little man, who was rubbing his tummy and hissing, "Mummy, I'm hungry", in a stage whisper.  (I did give him his tea before we went.  Obviously not enough).  But oh how wonderful it was.  These are moments to treasure.  Although I am finding his mask slightly unnerving.  Maybe I just watch too much crime fiction...  (I should probably mention that during the play he had it perched on the top of his head, he wasn't required to stumble blindly across the stage.)


Once the little people are in bed I'm doing a little crochet with some lovely wool I found in the local wool shop.  It's somewhere I'm happy to support whenever I can.


I'm making a sleeping bag for a hedgehog, if you can believe that.  The littlest boy is still very fond of soft toys, and I believe that FC may be bringing him a hedgehog.  Hence a blanket or sleeping bag will of course be required (the littlest likes to tuck them up when it's time for bed).  So I'm crocheting as fast as I can whenever I have a moment.  Slightly worried about the lack of days until Christmas.  So that's what I'm off to do now.  Light a couple of candles, watch Marple and crochet like the devil.

56 comments:

  1. The school Christmas plays are so special aren't they.
    I shall have to keep an eye out for that card game.
    Lisa x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's great, I can highly recommend it.

      Delete
  2. I can absolutely believe you're crocheting a sleeping bag for a hedgehog...because the first thing I ever crocheted was a sleeping bag for a tiny Lambchop finger puppet. It was well before I had children. It was for my husband, whose grandmother always made sleeping bags for various stuffed friends. I loved reading about your son's play, I am sure it was adorable. I also love your piano, it really beautiful, a real piece of furniture. We have an electric piano, which the children play constantly. It's nice to think that children are doing the same things everywhere.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the idea of all the stuffed animals having their own sleeping bags! It is nice to think about the children playing their pianos, and enjoying them.

      Delete
  3. Love that piano! I always try to play it when I go to my parent's house. There's something so festive about all singing carols while standing around the piano:) I love that you're making a sleeping bag for a hedgehog--that is the sweetest! And that sheep outfit is adorable. Hope you have a lovely day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kari, how nice to know that you play the piano as well.

      Delete
  4. Good luck with the houseplants. I am something of an addict too. It's time for a cull though, the window ledges are all creaking under the strain.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's hard to let them go though I think!

      Delete
  5. Good luck getting your sleeping bag done! I love the story about the boys playing together and them knowing instantly that you were off to get your camera! Just too funny! But those are indeed the moments to capture! And I can relate to how you feel about plants as well. They come home with me from various places for one reason or another and I tend to them like some would a pet! So lovely to see all of your festive bits here...especially your son at his performance! Sounds like an absolute hoot! All the best to you this weekend lady!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. I can't help "rescuing" sad plants that need loving homes!

      Delete
  6. I always think that one day I will learn to play piano... But I am not even sure I am good at music! My son is not doing play at school anymore... He is at this stage where he will be soon a "grown up"... This year it is him that will help the little ones during the Xmas market to chose the presents for the loved one. It just seems to me that it was not so long ago he was the little one helped by the older ones... It gets busier and I will welcome the break.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It does go quickly. How nice that he gets to help the littles ones though.

      Delete
  7. My son has interest in planning piano. Planning to join him in some classes since i have no idea in it. Waiting to see your sleeping bag!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you manage to find a class for him and that he enjoys it. It's a lovely instrument to learn.

      Delete
  8. Oh I am jealous now you have room for an upright piano. My house is too small I have an electric piano which I love but it is not quite the same :(. Hope you get your crochet done in time, love the yarn.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, the crochet is done! The yarn was nice, it felt as though it had silk in it, but it was just a cheaper mix, so I was happy.

      Delete
  9. I'm intrigued as I have an ancient hoya but it has small thin waxy leaves not heart shaped ones so must be a different variety to yours. Is the leaf just stuck in the pot?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used to have a hoya like yours - hoya carnosa I think. This is hoya kerrii. Very different leaves, but the flowers are quite similar, thick and waxy in appearance. The leaf is rooted, and the root is out the bottom of the pot. I'll probably re-pot it before too long.

      Delete
  10. hedgehogs clearly need sleeping bags! just adorable x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They do, they do, especially in winter.

      Delete
  11. A most enjoyable, seasonable post, and lovely pictures. Good luck with the indoor plants. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Flighty, I'm really enjoying them at the moment.

      Delete
  12. I loved that little peek inside, CJ. I'm very envious of your piano. I have always wanted to learn to play, and when we moved into this house the previous owners had left their piano behind. We sold it (needed the money) but have always regretted it. Always.
    Your little sheep made me chuckle. I've made many masks over the years for various plays and themed days at school. I vividly remember making a Zebra mask for Alfie when Olly was about a month old. I was completley sleep deprived and copied a mask desing from the internet. I whipped it up in about five minutes, and do you know it was the best thing I've ever done?!
    I'm off to B&Q in a mo. House plants have gone on my list. For the bathroom.
    Have a great weekend!

    Leanne xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hope you've found some nice plants, I always think they make such a lovely addition to a room. A shame you miss the piano, maybe one day you'll find another one. I can just imagine you with a month old baby trying to make a zebra mask.

      Delete
  13. How I miss the nativity plays we used to see when my two were in them, they always used to do something to make you smile. Your piano is beautiful. I got rid of my piano when I left home, I'd had a few lessons as a child and taken my first exam but got bored soon afterwards so I can't play, but they're such beautiful pieces of furniture. We've got a keyboard now which Eleanor plays, it plays the sounds of most instruments including a piano, but it just isn't the same. I've never heard of that game, I'll have to watch out for that one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The game's great - simple but good fun, and a really good introduction to card games.

      Delete
  14. CJ, I am just loving this post so much. You have a wonderful family and they have a wonderful Mother. I miss little ones around getting excited about Christmas. I miss boys playing together at a table and laughing, and I miss funny and odd little school plays, where everyone looks adorable.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I'm trying to soak it all up while I can, I know how fast these days will pass. But right now, it's wonderful.

      Delete
  15. I remember Whot ... I think it may have been our favourite game as children.

    And that small sheep certainly is adorable.

    Great post CJ :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great to find someone else who knows this game!

      Delete
  16. The nativity plays are always a special part of the run up to Christmas. The hoya leaf looks very interesting.
    Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the nativity plays. I feel sorry for the schools that don't do them - one local school does all sorts of odd productions. Children have to go in as pirates and fish and things.

      Delete
  17. I've just been to my last school Christmas play as my youngest will be at high school by next Christmas and that makes me sad , these are moments to treasure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can imagine it was very poignant. I know I'll cry when it's my last one! They are moments to treasure indeed.

      Delete
  18. Lovely stories, CJ. I always end up in the plant section in B&Q as well - I like to escape to the greenery after the atmosphere of the main store. And my favourite decorations are the natural ones, too - I shall be gathering some from the hedgerows and herb garden over the next few days.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lucky you having things in your herb garden to pick. I saw someone using rosemary the other day, which looked lovely, so I might try and grow some next year.

      Delete
  19. Lovely post - great sheep! We went to see a grandson in school Nativity least night - all the classic stuff like child in front picking his nose throughout :(.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wonderful. All part of the traditional festive magic. No doubt your grandson was adorable though, and how lovely that you were able to go as well.

      Delete
  20. Beautiful wool colour! Loving the nativity play outfit! So nice to find your blog, Catherine x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Catherine, and thanks for visiting.

      Delete
  21. I had a piano as a child, but never appreciated it and disliked most of my music teachers. Now of course I wish I had taken it more seriously. Nothing says Christmas more to me than Carols being sung by the family around the piano.

    I love that your refer to Father Christmas instead of Santa.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sometimes it would be nice to have those opportunities again - lessons, and the time to practice!

      Delete
  22. I may have to adopt the word "insidey-ness". It does conjure up visions of pleasant bits of baking and curling up with a good book as the snow flies outdoors. You tell a lovely story in your post and, fortunately, I find no terror in the adorable sheep. The colours in the yarn are beautiful and should certainly suit any well cared for hedgehog.

    Thank you for visiting my blog. I appreciate you popping "over the pond" to Canada to do so.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really enjoyed reading your blog, and thanks for visiting here too.

      Delete
  23. oh yes, I was doing the Nativity thing last week, my Little B (age 3) was one of the three kings. I managed to cry my way through the whole thing, sniffing and dabbing my eyes like a complete idiot, as NOBODY else shed a tear. It was soo moving and emotional, sweet and funny and..well. You know. I've just got to negotiate the carol service in church this week (more quiet sobbing) and then I'm done with the tears.x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always cry at the drop of a hat as well. The boys' carol service was incredibly moving, a cause for tears indeed. Little B is at a perfect age now for these things, big enough to join in, but still very small and sweet. At the carol service you couldn't see the reception class coming in as they were mostly shorter than the pews - just a glimpse of angels' haloes, crowns and donkey ears moving down the church. Wonderful.

      Delete
  24. CJ, I see it as my mission in life to rescue plants from B&Q, Homebase and other detention centres for plants. So glad you're on the team! That is one fab sheep costume, looks like a real effort was made. My son (years ago) was a tree. One that grew, as he introduced a spot of method acting into his role. Apparently his knees started hurting from all that kneeling down being a bush. Can't remember if I was crying tears of pride or laughter at the time. Needless to say, I love school plays! I'm envious of your crochet evening, sounds pretty perfect to me, bar the glass of wine!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I knew it wasn't just me who rescues plants, it's a compulsion! I'm smiling at the idea of your son being a bush.

      Delete
  25. Oh, candles, crochet and Miss Marple...sounds heavenly! Can I come over?

    How lovely to have a piano and be able to play. I learnt as a child but stopped lessons when I was about 14 and have heartily regretted it ever since. I can just about sight read the music but my hands wont cooperate when I try to play both hands together....I thought about getting an old piano for my kids but they are not interested at the moment. But I love the thought of you all playing carols together! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll get the kettle on! I'm the same as you with piano, I had lessons then stopped. But I can bang out the odd little tune. Quite badly. Doesn't stop me though.

      Delete
  26. I know what your little heart shaped plant is going to do: Nothing at all. It will remain unchanged for ever after. I've had one for three years and it still looks exactly the same, it hasn't even grown. It is still alive. I think.
    I just stumbled across your blog via Leanne's and I very much enjoyed your post. Still so many blogs to discover! I will definitely pop in again and read more. Cx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry your hoya hasn't grown, I haven't given up on mine though, I shall talk to it and ask it nicely to grow! Thanks for visiting Christina, lovely to have you here.

      Delete
  27. There's nothing I don't love about this. It's been such a happy and calming read for me on my train ride home. The crochet sleeping bag will be perfect for a hedgehog in the winter and I love that you are all enjoying Christmas carols together. The photo opportunity of the boys is priceless. So is the comment :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Devon. I can picture you on your train ride now I've seen those beautiful photos. How nice to imagine you speeding past those lovely views while visiting here.

      Delete
  28. It's the strangest thing in the world that now that my kids are a bit older I suddenly start having an interest for plants. In my case I had no interest for them at all before the kids. But they somehow creep in my house and I take good care of them. I think they are a substitute for not having any more babies around. I enjoyed your post very much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the plants will start creeping in here a bit more as well, they do make a room look lovely. Good for the air too I think. Glad you enjoyed the post, thank you for visiting.

      Delete