Books, blocks and buds. Oh, and an apple pie



A little spring reading.  The top book was treasure found at Oxfam Books in Cirencester - "We Didn't Mean to go to Sea" by Arthur Ransome.  I absolutely loved Arthur Ransome when I was young, and I'm hoping the boys will enjoy him too, although I think they might not be quite ready yet.  In the meantime I'm thinking I might read it.  I read the first part of Steig Larsson's Millemium Trilogy a few weeks ago; ready for the next one now.  And in our local community bookshop I found Dodie Smith's "I Capture the Castle", which I have heard great things about, but which I have never read.  Apparently it was voted no. 82 of the nation's 100 best-loved novels, so definitely worth a look.  I'm really enjoying Cleve West's "Our Plot", which is about his allotment, and which is hugely readable as well as being inspirational.  And there is also a little cookery - a book from Demuth's, a wonderful vegetarian restaurant in Bath, which I used to go to regularly Before Children; a little photography and finally some crafting, although whether I'll have the time to try it is another matter.

Some little hints of our late spring in the garden.  A magnolia blossom just peeking out, gooseberry leaves, chives and this fantastic red mustard, which has the most amazing kick to it.  I made an apple pie yesterday which hopefully will last over the weekend (although I did do some chocolate brownies as well just in case) and in the evenings I've been working away on squares for the quilt I'm making.

Looking forward to a little sun this weekend and maybe some photography practice at the eldest's football match on Sunday.  It is a balance between watching the match and watching the 4-year-old.  Last time I looked away from the action to check where he was and missed a goal.  I am usually the one saying, "What happened?  Who scored?"  I shall try to pay attention, though for a dreamer this is hard at the best of times.

Hope you have a good one, see you on the other side.