I was enormously lucky to grow up about a mile outside the town that we now live in. We had a big garden where mum and dad grew nearly all of our fruit and veg (it was once the kitchen garden for the 'big house' next door), a few fields (we had sheep, sometimes cattle, usually hens, one duck 'Jemima' and, once, twelve turkeys who made their way into our freezer) and woods. A small area of woodland was ours and the rest we just roamed in freely.
I still feel as if I know almost every part of these woods. They bring back so many memories.
This was our most challenging climbing tree. You can see a long way from up there!
I planted this little grove when I was about 16 or 17. I suppose I wasn't a typical teenager - I didn't really discover nightlife until university but then I did take it up with enthusiasm!
Once back in town I cut down to the river and followed it back to the end of our street.
My run made me, once again, appreciate how much I gained from the freedom and outdoor life I had throughout my childhood. And made me worry that we're not replicating that for our children. But I think, on balance, that its better that I'm at home with them and we are outside as much as possible, rather than me working and us having the money to live in something closer to our dream house. Of course we are very lucky that we can, more or less, manage without me working.
Probably with that at the back of my mind we set off to the beach this morning after dropping the boys at school. As with our last Monday morning jaunt we had so much fun. It really felt like skiving from real life to be paddling about on the beach with Islay.
The dogs had so much fun.
What a great way to start the week. I hope yours has started well too.
10 comments:
Oh I envy you living so near to your childhood home, my Mother and Brother still live on the family farm so we do visit but I have so many memories of playing in the fields and woods there. One of the reasons (for me) of moving out of London to live in the country was to try and bring my children up with as much outdoors life as possible and although I know my other half misses city life he appreciates what we have here. Wouldn't mind being near the sea though, that would be the icing!
Looks like you had a great weekend. Bx
Yes, we are very lucky. I was quite determined that we wouldn't move back so close when John got a job over here but in the end it just made sense. And I'm so pleased we did as its a lovely part of the world.
We (my brothers and I) were gutted when mum and dad decided to move about 7 years ago but they have gone somewhere lovely and its not far away. Juliex
Beautiful photos, and that's a fantastic beach you have close by. I want to go to the seaside now!
Anne - its difficult to beat a good beach isn't it? Mind you, when I look at your photos I want to live somewhere with proper hills to look at! Juliex
On a visit to the UK I have to walk by the sea.
Our time and an introduction to the outdoors is the greatest gift we can give future generations. My (step)grandson, 6years old, is often here with us. He has a room full of expensive toys at home in their flat in town, but seems happier running with the dog and playing in the garden. Kids also need to talk. It is not as easy as leaving him in front of a screen, we have to be vigilant and one step ahead thinking of the next activity. The time and energy invested is not wasted, the benefits are possible to see when he has to draw something.
I reckon some of your kids' drawings must be pretty interesting.
Have a good week....Tramp
Tramp, you are quite right. Your grandson must love visiting and getting to play with Lady. Hope you have a good week too. Julie
It sounds as though you had an idyllic childhood Julie. How wonderful that your family grew all their fruit and veg and you had farm animals too! I am quite envious! The beach looks gorgeous as does your little girl and happy dogs. Judging by these photos you live in a beautiful part of the UK.
Hi Simone - yes I think it must have been pretty special, it certainly seems that way when I look back on it. I loved having all the animals altho' I don't think my brothers always appreciated it - they tended to get a bit fed-up if we had to spend a Saturday worming lambs etc!
No idea how my folks managed to grow so much. Even if we had a bigger garden I think I'd still struggle to grow much more than the salads and so on that I do just now.
We live in East Lothian and it has some great spots. Juliex
You are so lucky living that close to a wood - we went to Hamsterley Forest at the weekend - I love being amongst trees also
Periwinkle - I've heard lots about Hamsterly but haven't been. I often think we should have a hiloday around there as I think there must be some beautiful spots. Juliex
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