New border in the garden

I've spent the last two days reorganising my shady flowerbed. It all started with some hand weeding which turned into an epic task as I discovered a network of bindweed in my astilbe. So I dug everything up, teased all the bindweed roots out and and then replanted the astilbe with some additional plants I bought with my birthday vouchers - a lupin and two foxgloves. I treated the bed to some compost as it was a bit claggy in places.

It looks lovely - I'm very pleased with the results and am thinking of other shade-loving plants I can buy to fill the gaps!

Day out at Stump Cross Caverns and Brimham Rocks

The second day of our Easter break in the Yorkshire Dales saw us visit Stump Cross caverns. We were amazed by the maze of tunnels and stalagmite and stalactite formations. We were glad of the hard hats too as the passages were narrow and low in places.

We had an afternoon at Brimham Rocks which was great fun - better than any adventure playground!

Walk from Skirethorns across Threshfield Moor

We enjoyed a 4 mile walk up the moor from our campsite and back round in a circle to Skirethorns.

I've posted a few photos from our day. As you can see, there was snow on the ground in places!

A day in the garden

Today was the first time we've managed to get into the garden properly this year. There were loads of tidying up jobs to do as well as preparing for the growing year ahead.

The first tough job was emptying the compost heap, as it was very tightly packed. Two barrow-fuls were tipped onto the fruit and veg bed, leaving room for rabbit litter and some dry twigs to start the process again.

I planted out my new blackcurrant bush and re-potted my blueberry which is coming on leaps and bounds. I can't wait to see how much fruit I harvest off these two this year! I also planted out some herbs, although I kept the mint in its tub to prevent it taking over the bed.

It was lovely to enjoy time in the garden with the kids, and we especially enjoyed getting our rabbit out while I cleaned his hutch out! A final walk round the garden before going indoors led to my discovery of the first iris of the year!

Muddy walk

We decided to go for a walk this afternoon to blow away the cobwebs. It turned out to be quite muddy and wet!

Captain Poopie-pants and the curse that changed his life

My daughter is an avid reader, but she also enjoys writing her own stories. Here is her latest work:

Captain Poopie-pants and the curse that changed his life

"Fishbone! Go and make me a cup of hot poo. Immediately!" screamed Captain Poopie-pants. "Oh, and don't forget the poo-cake!". Captain loved poo-cake, it was his favourite food.

Maid Fishbone skipped to the kitchen but then ran back, her orange hair bobbing on her shoulders. "Cap'n, no poo-powder," she said, sheepishly. "Well I am going to get some from Volcani Island then," he said bravely.

Volcani Island was the home of Stiggle Stalkett, an evil fairy-monster that looked (almost) human. "Look at the springs coming out of her neck!!" people would say.

So they set off to Volcani Island on their ship, "The Poo-Master's Carrot". On the way, the pirates on Poopie's ship fought the pirates on the ship "The Black Eyed Peas". They thought it was a funny name for a ship. But the pirates, sheesh, they were no good at fighting. So "The Poo-Master's Carrot" won the battle. They sailed on to Volcani Island.

They arrived at the island. The fairy-monster saw them coming and shot a spell at Captain Poopie-pants. Maid Fishbone was angry and threw her sword at her. It didn't miss.

"Cap'n, y'all right?" asked Fishbone. "Can I have some fish pie?" replied Poopie-pants. "Oh, and some salt water." he added. "What about the poo-powder for the poo-cake and hot poo?" asked Maid Fishbone. "Yuk, disgusting!" replied Captain Poopie-pants.

Maid Fishbone got what he wanted and they sailed home. And Captain Poopie-pants never ate poo again!


THE END