Food miles? More like food metres

Yesterday we visited our friends E, D and E, where we enjoyed freshly made chocolate fairy cakes, and I 'enjoyed' having my face painted by the ever creative Miss A. 'Mummy you make a lovely angel'. I resembled the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz. Fortunately I was allowed to clean my face before we cycled to the canal in the afternoon to feed the ducks, otherwise the ducks might have been scared off. Made it for a run last night, despite the threat of rain. I always sleep well after an evening run. Which was just as well, as while Miss I slept through for over 11 hours (HURRAH) Miss A decided to wake frequently (BOO). Reasons varied, from maybe needing a wee, to being too hot, to her hair bunches needing adjusting . . . . .after the 7th time I lost any enthusiasm. 

Today our friends T, Z and R came over to play. Miss A and Miss Z dressed up as Rapunzel and Cinderella. They attracted a number of glances as we walked to the park, but they were oblivious. Fortunately they agreed to leave their glass (plastic) slippers at home. I think slippers on the swings could have been tricky. 

On the way home the eagle eyed Miss A noticed windfall apples and blackberries. We collected handfuls of both. The apples had their woodlice removed, and were made into an apple crumble. The blackberries were eaten as they were, and consumed with great enthusiasm by Miss I, who looked rather purple afterwards. So less food miles, more food metres as the apples and blackberries came from our road! We also found raspberries and a couple of blueberries in the garden, so we have done well today. 

Neighbour J came over tonight and we planned the autumn programme of activities for Young Transition. Delights include blackberry picking and making crumble, cooking dampers over a campfire, leaf printing and other natural art, and Christmas wreath and decorations. Miss A will be very enthusiastic. 

And I'm very proud as I'm a published columnist! Well, as a one off. In the Chichester Observer on page 99, a half page opinion column (or rant) on the limits of 'pink versus blue'.