news from the weekend

Hello, Just a quick update because I haven't posted since Friday. We spent the weekend alternately cycling round our neck of the woods with the tag-alongs, loafing about and gardening. Saturday had a big bonfire in the place where we live so all the neighbours got together for a BBQ, red wine and songs round the fire, while the kids climbed trees and snaffled leftover chocolate cake. Yesterday we went to Kew to enjoy the year-long Festival of Trees. There is a tree-top walkway that takes you through the upmost branches of horse chestnuts, an English woodland habitat exhibition and a chance to listen to trees! We explored a different area of the gardens and headed for the bamboo garden and the lake to start with. The girls had a guide book each, filled with fascinating facts and things to spot. I usually avoid these prescriptive activities when we visit places but it was really interesting to discover how the guide book opened up a whole new experience and view of the gardens for them. Maybe, I'll be less dismissive of 'educational' activities in the future! Our family railcard makes trips to London really manageable. And we got home in time for me to go to a wonderful crystal workshop with some friends. It was held by the owner of my favourite crystal store (I know, it's not like they are two-a-penny!) in a tiny village on the Sussex Downs. We did some meditations, including a protection one with amethyst and one that evokes guardian angel spirit using blue lace agate. It was held outside as the sun was setting, the energies held by a ring of amethyst. Quite magical. Well, there's lots to be done at work today but will post more later.