First Snowdrops

Last Tuesday, after dropping off Mole at preschool and recovering from the early morning rush with a sit down back at home with Hedgehog, we set off for Cha Cha Chimps, which I’ve just discovered was running in the next village from us, about 2 miles away. Cycling distance I thought. Even better, the cycle way that runs past our house goes directly there, so it’s off road all the way.

So off we trundled with Hedgehog in the bike cart, bouncing around in her straps and being non-plussed as usual with what mummy is making her do. It was slightly uphill all the time`, making it the perfect workout, and the only blockage we encountered was the padlocked gate and turnstile that left no option for a bike with cart to pass. I spent five minutes hauling the whole thing over a wooden sleeper, which just about worked. I still haven’t worked out what those wooden sleeper things are for.

Otherwise it was plain sailing, and after passing some farmers who made the very helpful comment of “You’ve got some more peddling to do there love”, (thanks very much), I passed the first sign of Spring shining at me from the ditch; snowdrops. There was a whole row of them, and with the sight of them and the crisp morning air, there came the glimmer of hope that we might be coming out of the deep dark Winter at last.

There are things I love about Winter, snowy days and Christmas for example, but by this time of year, I’m eyeing the SAD (seasonal affective disorder) lamps on sale thinking that perhaps I need one, downing the vitamin D and fantasising about moving to Greece. My skin just likes the sun, it feels right.

We rocked up to Cha Cha chimps with frozen hands and sweaty torso, (well I did anyway), Hedgehog had the usual snot down her face but otherwise looked presentable, and we had a lovely hour with the music, songs, and dancing. The rocky road cake and tea was worth the £4.50 alone. Hedgehog seemed more interested in a few discarded toys at the back of the village hall than joining in the ‘activities’ at first, but by the end she was running up to the teacher by herself with all the other two year olds.

This was a bit of a landmark because it’s the first playgroup that’s been just for Hedgehog and I. Once Mole starts reception year in September this will most likely become the norm, but right now it feels like a novelty, and quite a luxurious one, not to have two in tow the whole time.

I would call the bike ride back exhilarating or scary as hell, depending on how you view it. down hill all the way, at one point I swear we approached 20 mph, the max speed the cart is supposed to go is 10 mph. Hedgehog didn’t seem to mind. We shall make that one a regular thing, I just need to get ace at bike maintenance. The last thing we want is brakes failing on us half way down the hill. It’s a shame they don’t do M.O.T’s for bikes. Or perhaps they do. I’ll look into it.

Some more signs of Spring unearthed themselves this week (pun intended). The lambing open days coming up at our local farm, the fact I’ve reverted from mulled wine to normal wine, and my latest work on the allotment.

The plots next to me were looking impressively cultivated and showing up my black tarp with leaning over shed, so it was time to up my game. My god digging is hard work! But the results are rewarding. I brought Mole and Hedgehog down to the site and they were happy for over an hour before Mole declared that she was “A little bit cold”. They occupied themselves with finding worms, giving them names (Barbara and Bobbit), and transferring them to the other end of the bed where they weren’t in danger of getting cut in half by the spade. Fellow plot holders smiled at Mole and Hedgehog and remarked ‘your little helpers’. There is a ‘to do’ list as long as my arm on the allotment, but right now it’s only about digging, something which is quite therapeutic in its simplicity. It takes hours and hours and the soil is heavy clay, but little by little it gets done. By Easter time I’m hoping the raised beds will be ready for sowing, the shed will be replaced and the chickens will be installed.

For half term next week the three of us are off to visit Granny Purple Hair in Wales, via a 5 hour train journey. I’ve learned from our travel experience last time and going to be packing a lot less. The buggy for instance is being left behind. This time I’m thinking one large backpack, leaving me hands free to grab hold of Mole and Hedgehog if they try to toddle off, which they frequently do. We’ve deposited increasing amounts of clothes, toys and nappy supplies at Granny Purple Hair’s too, so there really isn’t that much we need to bring. Packing light with two toddlers must be the new holy grail. It puts my teenage backpacker days in the shade.

I cannot wait for a change of scene, snowy Welsh hills, and some beaches with crashing waves. The freezing temperatures never seem to put Mole off. She puts on her wetsuit and runs into the water regardless. Hedgehog stays firmly in her sling and sinks deeper into her hood, she is not impressed with cold weather.

The two of them have just returned from ballet class with Mr M&H. They picked up a HUGE rubber dragon from the Bernardo’s shop on the way back, which Hedgehog apparently selected and is now calling it Sheep. Hedgehog is now sitting on the carpet having a very animated game with ‘Sheep’ and her My Little Ponies. Oh, and running up and down singing the ‘Let It Go’ song from Frozen.

Later on we’re going to see A Walk in the Woods exhibition at The Higgins gallery, as the arctic winds have put me off an actual woodland walk. At least this one will be indoors. So if the Spring could hurry up and thaw everything out, that would be awesome.