Stan is 4

More words to follow, but this picture says it all really!

Old friends and mad weekends

Have had a totally fab, if somewhat full weekend, the highlight of which may arguably have been Stan's birthday festivities on Sunday, but was in fact Saturday when Miles, great old friend/ex flat mate from Uni days came over with Kara, his wife and Sidney, their babe.

The boys did group reiki (don't know what prompted it!!)
Much chat about the old days, who was now doing what, who went where, who had kids/didn't have was(n't) married etc etc.

The kids loved having them here too and were mostly on cute and charming mode all day. Ed also popped in for tea, which turned into glass of wine, on his way to Canterbury which was lovely too.

On Friday night we had friends round for Sri Lankan curry, Mum had brought back a hopper pan (Sri Lankan thing) from their recent trip and we had promised Annie and Dan first attempt at hoppers. I am rather proud of my results, which Annie said took her back to Colombo. Now just have to repeat the success as Georgia would like to try Egg hoppers, Sri Lankan breakfast.

Sunday was Stan's 'official' birthday and we went to Chatham with many small children to watch 'Harry and his bucketful of Dinosaurs' - the grown ups didn't think much of the show (and neither did G) but the small ones thought it was great. Afterwards they all came back for tea - hot dogs and choc cake and a frolic in the garden.

Blossom

Yesterday in the garden, the Amelanchier (Snowy Mespilus) and Pear both really came out in the sunshine.

Today it's snowing!

Bean Update

It's almost at the top of the skylight - may need re-potting if we are ever going to have a harvest!

Raff's fabulous beanstalk!

Spring has sprung in Nagden - most notably in the kitchen!

We recently went on a bit of a seed spending spree and the kids have chosen things that they would like to grow in their own veg beds when the concrete pond finally gets smashed up (hopefully in April) and turned into a much enlarged/improved veg plot!

So whilst waiting for said landscaping works they have all sown a few things indoors. Raff has been incredibly successful with his runner beans - we think they may truly be the ones from the story as they seem to gain inches every day! I am looking forward to the goose that lays golden eggs.

Speaking of eggs, I felt that we needed a boost in our production line, since we now only have two reliable layers, so last Friday Stan and I went and chose two new ladies. they are settling in slowly, being very henpecked which is a bit heartbreaking, but hopefully will not last long. Pictures to follow as they are rather beautiful.