Settling In

The post-holiday come down has not been nearly so bad this time as it was after our stay in the Cotswolds. It helps that next week the schools go back and I don't have time to feel sorry for myself. I have a to-do list as long as my arm. Looking at this photo of Bella makes me inordinately happy and I am holding on to those memories of family time and sea air.

Today has been spent doing chores - washing, sorting, more washing - settling back into our home. Quiet play inside and out, cooking, eating. I think I've just about caught up with emails and blogs. 

I've loved seeing how many of you are already feeling inspired by Autumn, or Fall. I know it doesn't officially start until 22 September but, for me, as soon as the new school term starts my thoughts turn to all things Autumnal. Quilts, apples, jam, falling leaves, darkening evenings, the smell of bonfires, planting bulbs, woolen scarves, blackberry picking, chutneys, making my Christmas cake, Harvest Festivals, pumpkins, Halloween, Bonfire Night, soups, lighting the fire, collecting conkers for nature displays, new school kit, crisp sunny mornings, the slow build up to Winter and Christmas. I love it. What makes you feel autumnal?

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Have you seen this limited edition Lyle's Golden Syrup tin? Isn't it great? I will wash it out when it's empty and use it to store pens or buttons or cutlery - or maybe flowers. It sums up rather neatly how I have felt this summer, and especially this week while watching the Paralympics. I am in awe of those athletes. To live with a life-changing injury or disability must be so challenging, the constant struggles and hurdles, day in day out; that in itself deserves more recognition than we give it. But to train for and compete in the Paralympics as well ...they have my respect.

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A few weeks ago the lovely Bee from the linen cloud blog nominated me for a Liebster award, given to blogs of less than 200 followers. Bee, thank you. I have been a little too relaxed in my response and now see that all the blogs I would have nominated have already been chosen by others, such is the interconnectedness of the blogging world! So, bending the rules slightly, can I say that if you visit here and take the time to leave a comment then I would choose you, you are all my Liebster, or dearest blogging friends. You know who your are. 

Olympic Torch Crafting

I know, I know, the Olympic Games are almost over, but don't underestimate the appeal of a bit of crafting to small children; something that they can make, wave around, pretend it's a sword or wand, hit each other with. I pinched this idea from a sports day afternoon we went to a few weeks ago and thought it was such good fun that I really wanted to share it. The ones we created there were made with paper, but they did not stand up to over-enthusiastic play, so I made these from card.

You will need:

1. Yellow tissue paper
2. Orange tissue paper
3. Gold card (A4 size)
4. Red card (A4 size)
5. Double-sided sticky tape
6. Scissors
7. Glue
8. Ruler

• Cut both the red and gold sheets of card in half diagonally, corner to corner.
• Using the double-sided sticky tape, stick the two pieces of card together, along their long sides, making sure the gold side is on top (pic 1).
• Roll into a cone shape and secure with more sticky tape. The card is stiff and kids will need a bit of help with this part (pic 2).
• Using the scissors, snip rough zigzag/flame shapes into the top of the red card (pic 3). Younger ones may need some supervision with this, as you need sharp scissors for the card.
• Roughly cut or tear the tissue paper into small triangular shapes (pic 4).
• Dab some glue onto the straight end of the tissue paper triangles and fix to the inside of the torch.
• Wave around while cheering on your own team of choice.

We had lots of fun with these. The older ones were able to do most of it themselves, while the younger ones (despite huge enthusiasm for the glue, scissors and tissue paper) needed some help. The girls insisted on "Princess Torches", hence the pink one below (it's awful, I know). The boys could not have cared less and just wanted to hit each other with them. 

I am so very proud of the British Olympic Team, of their achievements, their conduct, and their success. This time one year ago this country was rioting. It was a grim time. It just feels so good to celebrate good news and positive role models.

Last of all, a golden postbox! The Royal Mail promised to spray paint a post box gold in the home town of every gold-medal winning British athlete. The Brownlee brothers, from Leeds, won gold and bronze in the triathlon on Tuesday. I drove past it this week but it's a busy road and there was no-where to pull over, so I found this image on the internet. Do you know, Yorkshire has won more medals than any other county in the UK. With 6 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals, if Yorkshire was a country it would be 11th on the medal table*! 

Image from  http://www.goldpostboxes.com/gallery?postbox=70

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* I do hope I worked that out right. Please correct me if I am wrong!

Happy and Glorious

A month ago, if you'd asked me if I was going to watch any of the Olympics, I would've shrugged and said maybe some, we're not that bothered to be honest. Fast forward two weeks and Olympic fever has well and truly gripped our household. John, who admittedly loves watching sport, especially football, cricket (and American football, baseball and ice hockey for some reason) claimed he hated watching athletics and wasn't going to watch any. Ever. Well, all week he has been watching the (excellent) Olympic coverage on the BBC and has been jumping on the sofa and shouting and cheering at the TV with the best of them. 

I am loving the Olympics. It helps that London is hosting and some of our friends have tickets so there has been lots of talk about it. The opening ceremony was fantastic, celebrating  British people and storytelling and history, all with a sense of humour. Bella told John this morning that when she grows up she is going to win gold in a "running race". Angus is fascinated by any events involving boats, bikes or horses and stands right in front of the TV, captivated by them.

So, go team GB! Fourth in the table so far, that's pretty good for such a small (although admittedly densely populated) island. Are you watching the Olympics Games? Are you enjoying it? Its taken over most TV and radio here in the UK - what is the coverage like around the world?