Hello coconut!
How are you today?
Missed checking in last week, but it was soooo good to have a break.
We soaked up ALL the sunshine in west Wales; went on some lush walks on the coast path, through banks of wild flowers, spent a day on a deserted beach exploring rockpools, explored a sun-dappled wood with stream and waterfalls, visited castles and scrambled up hills to watch the sunset. So refreshing!
When we got back the garden had literally popped – everything is so green and alive. It’s a bit wild, but that’s how I love it.
By the way, this gorgeous crocheted food is made by Kate Jenkins - I've fallen in love with her work. Scroll down for more.
Here’s What We’ve Been Up To
Joining the Kids’ Parade
Last Saturday, the Children’s Parade kicked off Brighton Festival 2025. Iris and I joined the home educators (big thanks to my sister for making our papier maché lucky coins, while we were away, so that we had something to carry!).
We’ve been part of this joyful procession for over 20 years now. It’s such a fun, colourful, creative community event. I remember making a pair of furry hobbit trousers for my middle daughter when she was about two or three. She looked the cutest!
This year, over 5000 kids from over 65 schools and groups from around the city took part. The theme was New Dawn and our group had made a huge lucky cat, complete with waving arm! All the kids carried lucky coins that they'd made from willow and tissue paper. Each one was illustrated with a lucky symbol that they'd chosen.
I love that the whole city comes to life fuelled by kids’ creativity – I’m always in tears, usually from the moment we step on the bus, on our way in to the centre. Seeing children proudly carrying their creations to the starting point is really emotional.
Harvesting Sorrel to Make Lemonade
We found so much sorrel (Rumex acetosa) out on the coastal path last week. I love its bright, lemony, tangy flavour – it has a high oxalic acid content. Usually Iris and I just eat it as we’re walking along. There was so much available, I thought I’d try a recipe with it.
Here's a refreshing sorrel lemonade recipe.
