Diary of an unconscious mother: Things I've learned in the country. Part 1

Post from 6th July 2014 that somehow became unpublished

Today we did a big transfer of many many boxes and pieces of wood that used to be book cases. It appears all our boxes are either books or toys!!! Hubby called a man with a van who turned up just like that. No fuss. No waiting. No messing about. Brilliant!!

I stood in the new kitchen staring out the window for ages not knowing what to do first or where to put anything. I have been waiting for inspiration and creative ideas for inside the house but they are not really coming. My mind keeps wandering to the outside and all the wonderful things I'm going to build and do out there. So, I quickly emptied some glass dishes I hardly ever use and the bread maker I haven't used in years into a few cupboards and dashed outside.

Last time we were here I cleared out the shed in preparation for the guinea pigs. As much as I love piggies, the hay mess was not so much fun anymore.

Also since we were last here the landlord, who is the local farmer, decided to use our garden to keep his motherless lambs. The place I had earmarked for the girls play area was now totally covered in sheep dung. At the time I saw them, I was excited for having sheep in our garden and said it wasn't a problem. I didn't really think it through. Not until the girls ran through the house and traipsed poo all through the new hall carpets!!!! OMG! We had only just got the keys, the place was empty and immaculately tidied by Farmer Johns lovely partner and there was I cleaning dung of shoes in the sink and staring at an already manky carpet!!! Welcome to the country. *sigh*

So back to today. With hubby doing another van run, I set to sorting out the garden for the kids and here is what I've learned in the country today: sheep dung might look dry but underneath most certainly isn't!!

Farmer John also turned up and we chatted about my plans for his garden. He's a lovely funny man with particular ways and likes to make sure I know exactly how things should be. He says I should be a proper mother and take my kids to the play park instead of ruining the grass in the garden with a paddling pool (trampoline). Is that the same grass the sheep are currently ruining with poo!! I laughed. What else could I say!! I'm sure he's joking but in that 'actually I'm not really, I'd rather you did, but I know I can't make you' kind of way!!!

I don't actually mind him showing up unannounced as long as he doesn't mind me or the kids in various states of undress!!

Three hours later and the main play area is pretty much cleared, the chicken and dog area will just have to stay as is. The dog will probably eat it all away and the chickens won't care.

The other brilliant thing that happened in the country today (well since we are not connected up) is that the girls played played and played all afternoon!!!!!

Oh!!! Also a bat somehow flew into one of the rooms and gave us all some excitement and nature!!