Honey Show

Last weekend was the annual hampshire honey show.  All members of the Folly Family had entries and out of the 6 of us there was just one person who did not gain any prizes - now who do you think that was?  
I had 2 entries this time and apparently my honey biscuits did look attractive. So I think we can take that as something of an improvement on last year, when the only comment was that my honey buns lacked flavour.  Oh well - try again next year.

Let there be light (shades)

Now I understand that lampshades are not great as a chatting point.  In fact I have managed almost 7 months without any in about half the rooms in the house.  I suppose the bulbs were just not in my line of sight - just as I never seem to notice the cobwebs dangling from the ceiling.  However, with days getting shorter and so our increased use of lights, these bright twirls of energy efficiency have been getting on my nerves.  Whenever we buy anything in our house it becomes a major ordeal as both Mr and Mrs Folly have to agree and we rarely seem drawn to the same type of thing.  Such was my irritation that I just went for it and made an extravagant purchase from Laura Ashley. Doomed was the pricey lampshade and back it has to go after Mr Folly saw it in situ. 

Having suffered this preamble I am sure you understand then, my delight when the next day I find in a great second hand shop (Consortium) no less than 7 suitable lampshades at a lower price than my Laura Ashley debacle. Even if these are not to Mr Folly's taste at that price we can put up with them until we eventually find something we both agree upon and I can take off my sunglasses in the house.

One the successful lampshades in the hall

Half Term Approaches

I think ( actually I know) that I am looking forward to a half term break as much as my girls.  I love having them around the house and we have a few activities planned without making it too much of a structured week.  Monday we are going to listen to a talk given by Lauren Child which I hope appeals to the age range of 8-14.  Towards the end of the week the 2 middle girls get the chance to accompany dad for 'bring your child to work' day.

They have already collected huge bags of conkers so perhaps we will spend some time making autumn displays and of course there will pumpkins to carve.

I imagine that I won't have much time to myself but have managed to spend part of one day this week working on my creative writing.  I am sure I will have ample opportunity to vent my creative spirit in other ways.

Autumn Days

Unfortunately these lovely apples are not growing in my garden but in Houghton Lodge

Now these funghi were growing in my garden and I am so pleased that I took the picture as a few days later I noticed our puppy having a harried moment had scrambled all over them

The first

OK this is it - my first post and once that's over i'm sure it will be easy.  It will just flow on from there won't it? 

I realise there isn't much here at the moment and hopefully you will notice additions as I learn more.  What about my public voice how will that sound as you sit and read this?  So many questions and decisions.  You all make it look so simple.

I must tell you what it will be about as you sit there in limbo wondering.  Family life here in a village community. Coping with four girls who are growing so fast and a puppy who has just become part of the family. Finding a space to spend time with a husband who works hard at office and home. And of course the follies we all make in the midst of this muddle.