School in the Woods

Who Killed Jesus?

2009-04-12T21:03:00.018+01:00

There was a day, as I took my walks abroad, when I came hard by a spot for ever engraven upon my memory, for there I saw this Friend, my best, my only Friend, murdered. I stooped down in sad affright, and looked at Him. I saw that His hands had been pierced with rough iron nails, and His feet had been rent in the same way. There was misery in His dead countenance so terrible that I scarcely dared to look upon it. His body was emaciated with hunger, His back was red with bloody scourges, and His brow had a circle of wounds about it: clearly could one see that these had been pierced by thorns. I shuddered, for I had known this Friend full well. He never had a fault. He was the purest of the pure, the holiest of the holy. Who could have injured Him? For He never injured any man. All His life long He went about doing good. He had healed the sick. He had fed the hungry. He had raised the dead. For which of these works did they kill Him? He had never breathed out anything else but love and as I looked into the poor sorrowful face, so full of agony and yet so full of love, I wondered who could have been a wretch so vile as to pierce hands like His. I said within myself, "Where can these traitors live? Who are these that could have smitten such an One as this? Had they murdered an oppressor, we might have forgiven them. Had they slain one who had indulged in vice or villainy, it might have been his desert. Had it been a murderer & a rebel, or one who had committed sedition, we would have said, "Bury his corpse. Justice has at last given him his due." But when Thou wast slain, my best, my only beloved, where lodged the traitors? Let me seize them, and they shall be put to death. If there be torments that I can devise, surely they shall endure them all. Oh! what jealousy, what revenge I felt. If I might but find these murderers, what would I not do with them. And as I looked upon that corpse, I heard a footstep and wondered where it was. I listened and I clearly perceived that the murderer was close at hand. It was dark and I groped about to find him. I found that somehow or other wherever I put out my hand, I could not meet with him for he was nearer to me than my hand would go. At last I put my hand upon my breast. "I have thee now," said I, for lo, he was in my own heart. The murderer was hiding within my own bosom, dwelling in the recesses of my inmost soul. (CH Spurgeon - The Early Years)

Isaiah 53 v5 'He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, The chastisement for our peace was upon Him & by His stripes we are healed'

Astronomy Project

2008-12-16T20:17:00.003Z

Just thought I'd share a pretty cool model of the solar system which the kids made - I'm learning more than they are atm.

Salmon for Supper

2008-10-09T14:59:00.004+01:00

After fishing for months, for little in return, D finally caught the big one last night - a 6lb 7oz Wild Atlantic Salmon.

Invasion of the Pumpkins

2008-09-29T11:02:00.002+01:00

Several months ago I chopped back the pumpkin plants thinking it would contain them - bad move - they retaliated & took over the whole tunnel to the detriment of everything else planted. Davey has banned me from planting them next year but I'll probably sneak 1 or 2 plants in anyway! Going to try my hand at pumpkin pie & soup tonight.

Slave Labour

2008-07-26T13:06:00.006+01:00

Almost 81 & still working like a Trojan - I don't think he'll ever retire! Dad's latest project is laying a path to the polytunnel with the help of his young apprentice.

Update on the Good Life

2008-07-24T23:05:00.005+01:00

One of the hens was sitting on 18 eggs. Don't think she could cope with that many so we've moved her to the small ark on her own & have left just 8 eggs for her to sit on. The Jersey Giant is clocking under the hen ark for the 4th time - the last 3 times her eggs have disappeared in spite of her sitting faithfully on them. As there have been no sign of egg shells, I assume that Shadow has got into the pen & eaten them. We're hoping to get a boar soon for Holly to try & get a litter of piglets before Christmas. 6 Black turkeys are on order so we hope to get them in the next week or two. Sweetcorn has reached the roof of the poly tunnel & pumpkins are taking over the rest of the poly tunnel. We're going to plant potatoes tomorrow - we're a couple of months late but it'll be an experiment to see if they still grow. Might try a few in the poly to see what happens. Not sure that I'd like to live the Good Life for real but it's nice to try & imitate it in some small way!

Impending Sex Education for 4 Year Olds

2008-07-05T17:20:00.007+01:00

As a mother of 5, the only questions that I can recall being asked about the facts of life are:
1) Where do babies come from &
2) How do they get out of your tummy.

"Questions that only the education system can handle & we'd better start teaching them at 4 years old or our children might grow up not being able to handle relationships!!"

I wonder who has decided, once again, to raise issues that are not really anything to do with concern about our children but rather from their own desires to see our children taught that their perverse way of life is acceptable & that those who oppose their views are narrow minded & religious fanatics. The above questions can be & have been answered for centuries by loving mothers in a way that the child's natural curiosity is satisfied without the child being bombarded with facts that are really not necessary. This new debate, which I have no doubt will eventually find it's way into the curriculum unless Christians start taking a stand. One reason given for the impending changes are that nowadays children are watching things on TV that may be confusing for them. No one has yet said that as parents we ought to be overseeing & protecting our children from watching anything on TV that needs an explanation. Today's children are being exposed to things that no other generation has been exposed to - men with men & women with women. Personally, my stomach turns if anything like that were to pop up while turning over programmes - I certainly don't want to have to explain it to my child or have it taught to them as normal when it's very much abnormal. Even if people don't believe in God, nature itself shows that women were made for men & not men for men. Britain used to be a great country but not anymore - I wonder what catastrophes are in store for it in the future.

France 11 June - 26 June

2008-06-27T21:04:00.009+01:00

Planned to update my blog while we were away in France but we couldn't get an internet connection. We got the boat from Larne - Cairnryan on 11th June. Friday we visited Howletts animal park, near Dover, where 'Roar' is recorded. Took Dover - Calais boat & arrived at 10pm - the time had moved forward 1 hour rather than back, as I had thought, so it was a bit of a panic as we realised we were in France with no accommodation booked. Fortunately, after 45 mins of driving around Calais (praying) trying our best to not go unto a road that lead directly to Paris we came across a site near the boat. The guy had just locked up but he agreed to reopen & let us stay for the night. Next day we headed around the coast & spent the next 4 nights in various campsites. Euro Disneyed the Thurs & Fri (Davey's 50th birthday). Had Davey's birthday dinner in the Euro Disney car park sharing 3 sandwiches, crisps & sweets. Visited Val d'Europe (supposedly largest shopping centre in Europe) on the Sat. Next few days were in campsites then we got the train into Paris & visited the Louvre (to see the Mona Lisa), L'Arc De Triumphe, River Seine & the good old Eiffel Tower. When we asked the kids which part of Paris they enjoyed most they said feeding the birds in the park - nice to know our efforts to educate the children are going so well! Travelling back through England we stopped for a surprise visit with Dave's brother. Took the kids to Eureka & next day (Paul's 8th birthday) to Bronte Land. As with every holiday, it was good to get home to see the green, green grass of home.

Blogging Your Life Away

2008-04-18T05:30:00.003+01:00

It's 5.30am & already I've spent 1 hour on the internet - checking & sending emails. When I wake up early it's often the 1st thing I do. Recently, I decided to spend less time - maybe just checking in two or three times per week. So far, so good. Then this morning I decided to refine 'my favourites list' & came across an old blog which I go into from time to time. What she has to say hit home - even though I spend alot less time blogging & surfing than I used to, it still takes up too much of my time. Time which could be better spent as anyone who visits me will know :-)
I'm not going to stop blogging - I plan to spend some time touring over the next few months & want to document it but I think Cindy's advice is good & sound. www.dominionfamily.com

Weight Watch

2008-04-09T05:41:00.003+01:00

Having re-read my New Year resolutions, I have to report that I've broken them all except the weight loss one. Doing quite well at the moment & I do have to Dec 31st to complete it.

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2 stone 5 lb to go!

Goats, cat, turkeys.

2008-01-02T18:35:00.001Z

Mischief & Rosie (2 goats) arrived at the beginning of Sept for Mick's Birthday.

Bobby (fat, ginger, non-mouse catching, tail-less , lazy tomcat) was bought from the animal sanctuary in Antrim. Don't know how the kids managed this one as I dislike cats & he's a particularly nasty tiger. He gets thrown out every morning & within 10 mins is purring at the door to get in again. If he made an attempt to chase mice I might have grown to like him. At the moment it's a battle of wills & if I don't win he's out on his ear. Turkeys - was going to put a photo of them on but since they've been & gone thought it was pointless. We got them from a commercial place at 12 weeks & reared them for Christmas. Fed 100% organic feed & totally free-range I thought they would make a good dinner - they were just as bland & tasteless as any other turkey. As a chef on TV before Christmas said, " They're ugly when they're living, ugly when they're dead & worse when they're cooked". I'm inclined to agree with him but never being one to quit I'm going to buy some Bronze in the Spring & try them. If they're not tasty then it'll be fillet steak for Christmas from now on!

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T10:46:00.000Z

"How we spend our day is, of course, how we spend our lives"
Annie Dillard

New Years Day just wouldn't be complete without a few New Years Resolutions :
1) Well, considering my blog has been unattended to for 4 months, I suppose I'd better start by committing to updating it at least once per week. It's a good way of talking to yourself without anyone thinking you're nuts.
2) New Years Day is always special - a fresh start, a time to review past achievements & set out new ones. Yet everyday given to us is special, a time to enjoy our families & friends & yet the busyness of life seems to often drain our time spent doing things we really want to do. So this year I am going to try to make the 1st day of every month an extra special day - a day for a special dinner with tablecloth, candles, flowers & invite someone over for dinner who I wouldn't otherwise take the time to have. So watch out - it might be you!
3) To be on time or even early for any necessary appointments. (No snide comments allowed). This is probably the hardest one.
4) To drag IB out for a walk everyday & refuse to accept any excuses from her for not doing so!!!
5) To reach my target weight of 9st 10lb by the end of the year.

The list could go on but I'll leave some for next year, if I'm still alive & kicking.

Weight Watch

2007-08-30T10:35:00.000+01:00

Slow but sure.
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Check out this blog ( www.janne.cc/blog/ )& go into 'The Incredible Shrinking Woman' section to view photos of her before & after. An inspiration to me.

Mommy, Teach Me

2007-08-28T20:00:00.000+01:00

With schools starting back next week, I've been trying to prepare myself for back to 'homeschool'. I've read some good books over the years but it always helps to freshen ones mind with new material. While browsing I came across 2 sites which I liked - www.mommyteachme.net & www.mommylife.net . I ordered both 'Mommy, Teach Me' & 'Mommy, Teach Me to Read' from www.Amazon.co.uk . I'm reading both at the same time (as one does) & they've been an inspiration for me. They're the type of book I wish I'd read years ago (as with most home education books) as if I'd known there was such a thing as home ed when I had my 1st 2 children I would never have sent them to preschool or school. There are still folk out there in N. Ireland who don't know that they can teach their children at home & can do so with very little difficulty. There is nothing mystical about being a teacher & regardless of what teachers think it's not only teachers who can teach. Check out the above sites if you get a chance & take time to read the 'My Story' section in the latter one.

'THE RIGHT PATH IS THE ONE THAT WHISPERS EVEN WHEN THE REST OF THE WORLD IS SHOUTING ABOUT ANOTHER'
Barbara Curtis (Author of above books)

Hedgehog

2007-08-23T10:40:00.000+01:00

The boys found a hedgehog in Polepatrick (our local cemetry - sounds morbid but it's actually a really nice place for a walk - not too many graves yet) so we took it home in a box ( which is what the British Hedgehog Association recommends if you find one during daylight) & are feeding it dog food. It seemed lethargic at first but seems to be coming round & is eating lots - probably thinks it has found a 4 star hotel. Will post a photo of it later.
EDIT: fed & watered it for 3 nights - it has disappeared much to the disappointment of the children & we didn't manage to capture it on camera.

Camping

2007-08-18T10:04:00.000+01:00

It would take an eternal optimist to purchase a tent in this country but that's exactly what I've done. Why? Because I can't afford the luxury of a motorhome. I can dream but it just aint gonna happen in the foreseeable future, so tenting is the next best thing. Maybe it'll make us feel more at one with nature. I'm itching to get touring around Ireland so since it's been raining for the last 4 months I've predicted that it just CAN'T continue into Sept & Oct. So we're starting off our school year on the 1st Sept with a geography tour. Now, don't be thinking that I'm putting off doing Maths & English - this is going to be an educational tour - I don't want anyone to get the impression that this is going to be a holiday!!
Our tent, which is hopefully enroute is here http://www.belltent.co.uk/4_meter_deluxe_version.htm

'Ocean' Deep Inside the Earth

2007-08-17T10:11:00.000+01:00

Scientists analysing more than 600,000 seismograms of earthquakes travelling through the earth have found evidence of a 'vast water reservoir' beneath eastern Asia. At least the volume of the Artic Ocean, it is the first time a body of water so large has been found deep in the mantle. The Bible says that at the beginning of Noah's Flood 'the springs of the great deep burst forth', indicating that the floodwaters came partly from deep underground. Perhaps this newly discovered 'ocean' is all that remains, although the structure of the inside of the earth is still a mystery.
www.livescience.com 28th Feb 2007 Article taken from Creation Magazine vol29 No3 http://www.creationontheweb.com/

My Favourite House

2007-08-14T08:53:00.000+01:00

No I haven't lost my marbles just yet. It is in a state of disrepair but it's situated in one of the most beautiful & rugged locations in Donegal. In the winter it would be completely desolate (actually in the summer it could be desolate too) & it's not up for sale but every summer I drive around Atlantic drive & look to see if anyone has done anything with it. It's obviously over 100 years old & how anyone lived there in those days is hard to imagine. Even now it's quite isolated but when transport & roads were inadequate it just makes me wonder how stark life must have been. Must try to find out more about it's history next time we're there.

There are just hundreds of miles of sea between it & America.

Tannaghmore Gardens - Lurgan

2007-08-13T20:40:00.000+01:00

One of our favourite places in the Lurgan direction. It has a farm, play park & an innovative garden. We visited recently & had to talk Paul out of kidnapping a cat - a rather fat & friendly cat. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

IS IT NOTHING TO YOU

2007-08-12T22:06:00.000+01:00

One day during the 1930's, a man named John Griffin who controlled a railway drawbridge over the Mississippi river, took his son to work with him. After putting the massive bridge up, Griffin was eating lunch when suddenly he heard the whistle of the Memphis Express roaring towards the crossing. Leaping from the observation deck he ran to throw the control switch. Glancing down, his heart stopped! His son had fallen into the gears, trapping his leg in the cogs.

Desperately he tried to devise a rescue plan. But there was no time. His son was down there but there were 400 passengers on the train! Griffin knew what he had to do. Burying his face in his arm, he pushed the master switch just in time to lower the bridge into place as the train thundered across.

Then, raising his head he looked into the passing windows with tear-filled eyes. There were businessmen casually reading the newspaper, ladies sipping coffee and children eating ice cream. Nobody even looked at the control room, or glanced down at the great gearbox. In agony Griffin cried out, 'I sacrificed my son for you people. Don't you care?' But as the train rushed by nobody heard the anguished father's words.

As we consider the cross where God sacrificed His Son for each of us, He's asking, ' Is It Nothing To You, All You Who Pass By?' (Lamentations 1 v12) Our question then becomes: 'What then shall I do with Jesus who is called the Christ? (Matthew 27 v22)

Excerpt from The Word For Today - free issues are available for the UK & Ireland www.ucb.co.uk

Book Sale - Opposite Antrim Forum

2007-08-10T10:07:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I had a dental appointment which takes me further afield than I would like to go so I usually double up & pay a visit to some favourite haunts. We made our way to Antrim Forum, fed the swans & couldn't help noticing a rather large banner displaying a 'BOOK SALE'. For anyone who knows me well enough this is one temptation that I always succomb to. Davey was driving & assured me that there was no way I was buying any more books. I told him that I hadn't known anything about it & that providence must have brought me to it, to which he replied that providence had brought him with me to keep me away from it. I then reminded him of the fact that he could have married a girl who collects handbags, shoes or jewelry etc & that he was indeed lucky to have one whose vice was to buy books - after all, I've saved him a fortune over the years! Being Davey & not one to often win an argument he gave me his mobile phone with a warning to set the alarm to 10 mins & he dutifully took the kids to the play park across the road. (actually a really good one for future reference). I managed to be quite restrained & only spent £6.75 - I haven't told him that we've run out of book case space & that I presently am harbouring books in boxes awaiting the courage to ask him to build another. Well, afterall - I home educate & the kids need books. Long forgotten is my resolution to only borrow books from the library. I wonder can you get a patch for this disease like you do for smoking?

Heaven

2007-08-06T13:21:00.000+01:00

When I get to Heaven, I shall see three wonders there - the 1st wonder will be to see many people there whom I did not expect to see; the 2nd wonder will be to miss many people whom I did expect to see; and the 3rd and greatest wonder of all will be to find myself there.

John Newton

Weight Watch

2007-08-02T08:06:00.000+01:00

Have decided to only update on the last Thursday of every month mainly because my weight loss is soooo slow. Promise I'm trying really hard & I'm sure with all the extra exercise (2 mile daily walk & 30 minutes swim x 3 each week) plus levothyroxine, my metabolic rate just HAS TO increase in the near future.

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Oh To Be Young Again

2007-08-01T23:18:00.000+01:00

We went to Enniskillen the other day & our friends, who have a boat, took the kids out on the lake & let them jet ski on a blow up.
I of 'little faith', clung unto the sides & counted the minutes until we were back on dry land. The children were fearless & had a complete ball.

Rocky & Co

2007-07-30T15:15:00.000+01:00

Hens are at last completely free range. We love watching them & they are becoming really friendly. Problem is that 5 are cockerels & the plan was to put them in the pot. Now 2 are a little cranky so I have no problem roasting them. The other 3 - well, I'm thinking of keeping 1 & finding good homes for the other 2. I just can't kill something that's eating out of my hand. Didn't expect to feel like this but they're sort of cute. Time will tell if my heart or my stomach rules! How we'll ever kill a pig will be interesting to see. We'll probably all end up vegetarians with an animal sanctuary!

Center Parcs

2007-07-30T15:04:00.000+01:00

Center Parcs at the Lake District in England was great fun for the kids. Lots of outdoor activities & the hot tub at our chalet was well used. Swimming pool was the main attraction & I plucked up the courage to don a bathing costume to assist Davey - he wasn't allowed to take the younger 3 on his own. Actually, I probably wouldn't have let him even if those weren't the rules. The embarrassment of walking into the pool on a daily basis has given me the courage of continuing when we came home, so 3 times per week I've started doing 30 mins at our local pool.

Celebrity Status

2007-07-30T14:55:00.000+01:00

On the way to the Lake District, we stopped off at Gretna Green. While sitting on the edge of the fountain, we were asked by a Chinese lady if she could take our photo. She was mesmerised by Jo's blonde hair. ( I remember the same thing happening several years ago with DS4, while in England - obviously the Chinese don't see blonde hair too often). Next thing we knew, all her friends (from a bus tour) were running over sitting beside us & taking our photos - it seemed like ages before we could escape. They were really sweet though. Davey, as usual was off side & was laughing his head off while I tried my best to smile & accommodate.

Holidaying

2007-07-28T08:32:00.001+01:00

We've been on holiday to the Lake District in England & getting back into blogging has been really difficult - trying to convince myself that doing the ironing is more important than updating my blog. Actually, for the 1st time in months I managed to put the ironing board in it's proper cupboard yesterday. Now that might not sound like a major achievement to anyone but to me it is a great accomplishment. Laundry in our house is usually like Mount Everest but working through 'flylady's' policy of 15 mins at a time it has gotten under control. There are now seats to sit on again. (I like to iron in the living room with everyone under my feet).

Brevity of Life

2007-07-04T16:49:00.000+01:00

Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Proverbs 27 v 1

This morning we received the sad news that one of our employees had taken a brain haemorrhage last night and by lunch time today he had passed away. Yesterday he was at work, as large as life, looking forward to his daughter's wedding on Monday. Obviously everyone is totally shocked. It just brings home to us all, how short life is and how unpredictable. We can make preparations for daily life but it's really the preparations that we make for our death that are the most important. Some people don't believe in an afterlife but the Bible teaches that we all are just passing from this life into eternal life.

I'm reading a book at the moment called 'The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus', by John R. Cross. It is a clear and simple explanation of the world's best seller - the Bible. The back cover states : "Wars have been fought in its name, scandals have been precipitated by it, politics shaped and reshaped at its word. Theologians have both defended and reviled it. Skeptics have done the same. If you are a typical member of the human race, you have often been perplexed by all the "fuss" surrounding the Bible. The question remains, "What does it really say?" This is a book that explains the greatest of Bible themes clearly & logically. Rather than focusing on one part - and missing the whole - the author chronologically binds together the entire text into one great universal drama, looking at events from the perspective of those who experienced history in the making. The results are sometimes comical, sometimes frightening - but always true to the intent of the text.

When you are done reading it, you may find yourself believing "the Book" like you never have before. Or you may decide not to. The author's objective approach leaves that decision up to you."

If anyone reading this blog would like this book and they can't locate it themselves or financially can't afford to buy it, please email me direct & I will try my best to ensure that I get a copy posted to you.

Email - dorothy.2004_874@fsmail.net

Cinnamon Scones

2007-07-03T21:51:00.000+01:00

1lb self raising flour
3oz caster sugar
1 tsp baking powder
3oz butter
3oz white fat
1 egg
some milk
soft brown sugar

Method - Sift flour, add caster + BP. Rub in butter + fat. Add egg + enough milk until consistency is a floppy dough. Roll out to 1/2" rectangle. Melt a little butter & brush over dough then sprinkle with cinnamon & brown sugar ( I sometimes add a layer of sweet mincemeat at this stage - delicious ( or apple )). Roll like a swiss roll & cut into slices 1" thick. Cook at 180 oC for 10 - 20 mins. Serve hot with more butter on top + fresh cream. I frequently substitute the white fat for more butter or else just use any other scone recipe instead. WARNING : Not suitable for anyone on a weight reduction diet!!

Thought for the Day

2007-07-03T00:21:00.000+01:00

I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.
Mark Twain (1835-1910)

Road Block

2007-07-02T23:49:00.000+01:00

One of the things I really enjoy about living in the country is that the road blocks don't annoy me as much as the ones in the town. We just take it in our stride & enjoy the scenery.

For a change I had my digi camera in the car as we were just returning from a birthday party in Cookstown.

The Chase

2007-07-01T21:23:00.000+01:00

Shadow (our Golden Retriever who doesn't retrieve) has been sizing up the hens since their arrival. She never leaves their pen & the other night, actually pushed the gate open & was lying in with them for a short while. We were surprised that she didn't attack any, though she seemed to be really jittery when we caught her. I decided that she was just interested in them & maybe would even protect them from foxes. How mistaken I was - tonight, just before serving dinner we heard the hens squawking - she had them all out of the pen & was chasing them madly around the garden. Next she zoomed out of the garden, across the fields, with a Light Sussex in her mouth & myself in hot pursuit. Three fields later, she shoved it under some bushes & when I caught up with her, she ran off. It looked dead but on closer inspection was still alive - just. Took it back to the ark & it seems to have a broken wing & is still in shock. Will see tomorrow what we'll do with it. Jo's 'Partridge Pecan', which is a lovely, tiny hen with feathers right down to it's toes is still missing. Hopefully, it'll be roosting in the trees & will turn up tomorrow. Needless to say, we had to leave dinner 'til later & I was late for church - again - having run a mini marathon!

Camping

2007-07-01T09:18:00.000+01:00

Where else in the world would you have to camp indoors? Just when you think it has stopped raining, it rains again.
The boys bought a tent in Tescos for £4.97 - I thought this was a great bargain but come to think of it, how do they manage to sell so cheaply? Not sure that I agree with their really low prices - it must mean that somewhere in the world, people are working for pittance, which means that by buying the stuff, we're endorsing this practice. Would be interested in hearing your comments on this.

'Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven' Colossians chap4 v1

Paul's Birthday

2007-07-01T08:59:00.001+01:00

Paul was 7 during the week & not to forget Davey who was 49 on the 20th - almost 1/2 century. Paul decided on a quiet celebration this year, so we just took 1 friend to Leisureplex & Pizzahut. 'Eclipse' the dutch rabbit was his Birthday present.

Ulster Folk Park

2007-07-01T08:47:00.000+01:00

Monday week ago, saw the Home Educators at a trip to the Folk & Transport Museum. It's been awhile since we've been that direction so it was good to see the reminders of the old way of life in N. Ireland. The simple way of life back then really appeals to me (without the hardship of course & preferably with a Marks & Spencers close by (sorry PW)). The kids enjoyed the transport end & it was good just to meet up with all the mothers for a chat.

Weight Watch

2007-06-28T10:21:00.000+01:00

Don't know how I managed to lose 1lb this week - between eating out/carryouts & a birthday & the pancakes with maple syrup! Will have to be better this week or it'll show next week on the scales.

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Weight Watch

2007-06-21T06:18:00.000+01:00

Since Jo was born, 3 years ago, I have found it a struggle to get the excess weight off. Also, 10 weeks ago I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid & this has lead to a steady increase in weight since Christmas. While I appreciate that it is more difficult to lose weight with this condition, I know several people who also have this problem & with medication, daily exercise & diet control they have managed to get back into & maintain a healthy weight range. So drastic measures are called for. I've decided to go on a calorie count diet with a daily 2 mile walk & aim to lose 4 stone for next summer. Your help is required - if I do not weigh in here every Thursday by lunchtime, I want someone to phone me & ask why not!

Start Date : 14/06/2007

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Each squiggle = 1lb left to lose. I'll post a photo after each stone is lost.

OK, OK, OK.

2007-06-19T07:46:00.000+01:00

Some people have been complaining to me about not updating my blog. Well, I've not been looking after my plants like I ought to & I didn't think you'd want photos of yellow leaves & weeds, so my idea was to get it sorted out & then post some photos to make you think how industrious I've been & what a good gardener I am. The sad truth is I'm struggling to get housework done, plus home educate the kids and get the polytunnel sorted. I've been a little over ambitious & all the rain hasn't given me much motivation to get outside sorted. Anyway - the plants, inspite of the neglect, are quite determined to grow so my aim this week is to get them planted properly & hopefully have at least some lettuce to show for our efforts.

SILENT SCREAM

2007-06-06T00:52:00.000+01:00

A friend who has a child with learning difficulties wrote this poem & with her permission she has allowed me to post it on my blog. Her & her husband are an inspiration to anyone in the way they care for their little girl with complete, sacrificial love. She, in return, brings them alot of happiness.

Silent Scream
Today I was conceived
my sex, height
and eye colour
already pre determined!
Status: Human being.
By five weeks I have five fingers.
By seven, my own set fingerprints.
Special and unique,
to me!
I am warm and secure and continue to grow.
At sixteen weeks my heart is pumping
thirty litres of blood,
around my body.
I am over a third of the size I will be at birth
and I start to kick my mother.
Today I lie and suck my thumb.
I am unaware of the evil one
waging war
blinding mankind,
causing them to slaughter
their own sons and daughters
out of prejudice, apathy or fear.
Suddenly it comes.
Pain
as never felt before,
Searing,
Excruciating.
My body is crushed and broken.
There is no one to hear my silent cry.
Today was the day of my birth.
It was also the day of my death.

Birds of the Air

2007-06-03T21:22:00.000+01:00

Said the robin to the sparrow,
'I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so.'

Said the sparrow to the robin,
'Friend, I think that it must be
That they have no heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me.'

(E. Cheney)

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 26 v 6

Hens are a Girls Best Friend

2007-06-01T23:48:00.000+01:00

Whoever said it was diamonds was mistaken. Next to worms they have to be the gardeners greatest help. I ordered a custom built run in our workshop & surprisingly had it delivered within the week. This 'run' is built to be moved around the fruit/veg patch with the aim being that my new feathered friends do the weeding. They have almost cleared a 10ft x 10ft patch in 1/2 day. So now, not only are we having our weeds uprooted, they're giving us eggs & in the future will also be providing meat & if you call getting woke at 6am an advantage then we also have a real living alarm clock. They will be repaid by being allowed out completely free range when they finish the gardening.

Zoo etc

2007-05-29T07:51:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we went to Belfast Zoo with an old school friend of mine & her 4 kids who are home from Australia for 6 weeks. It was a gorgeous day & a good exercise workout.

In typical Irish style the poly tunnel didn't arrive on Friday as planned & neither did the men who are to do the fencing. We've only been waiting over 1 year on the latter & I've phoned him almost every week & every week he's promised faithfully to come within a few days. Booked in another guy to do the fencing about 4 weeks ago so whoever arrives first can do it. They'll probably both arrive on the same day.

Rocky is still escaping but seems happy enough to potter around the outside of the pen staying close to the hens. Every night at bedtime he either pecks at the door or window to get in. Not a routine we had planned on but I think Davey is getting quite attached to him.

Rocky Rooster

2007-05-25T22:23:00.000+01:00

We were trying to get the hens back into their ark about 1/2 hr ago. Rocky seemed quite restless & suddenly just flew off out of the pen. Unlike the last cockerel he seemed happy to stay around us but we couldn't get close enough to catch him. We came into the house to see if he would fly back in on his own. He then disappeared & the kids were in the living room when he reappeared at the back door, which is glass, pecking at it. I opened the door & he ran straight in. After a chase around the room, Davey caught him. If we lose this cockerel it'll be the last. Jersey Giants are the breed I'm going to buy from now on as they are too big & fat to fly.

Take 2

2007-05-25T21:59:00.000+01:00

New rooster has arrived - we had to rush out & purchase 2 hens to try & encourage this guy to stay. First day they stayed locked in the hen ark to get them used to their surroundings. Today we had a small temporary pen erected until we get the proper fencing done - hopefully next week. They seem to be quite tame - Rocky ate out of the kid's hands. One hen is laying a blue egg & the other white. Shadow (our golden retriever) has been lying beside the pen 'protecting?' them.

Planting the Seeds

2007-05-23T07:07:00.000+01:00

To date we've planted giant pumpkins, sunflowers, strawberries, broccoli, radish, foxglove & ox-eye daisy. Yesterday we took a trip to Maghera Garden Centre & bought more seeds -asparagus, globe artichoke, onions, leek, rhubarb, coriander, cress, cauliflower, swede, spring onion, fennel bulb & fennel herb, Brussels sprouts, swede, thyme, borage, mint, rocket, parsley, lettuce (3 varieties), cucumber, parsnip, celery, beetroot, carrots, mustard & french bean. The guy at the till said he'd never sold so many at one time. Some of the dates are for 2010 so if we don't get them all planted they'll keep for again. We bought as many organic as we could but the selection is pretty poor. The poly tunnel is supposed to arrive on Friday so we're going to plant as many seeds as we can today in preparation. The garden has been rotavated for grass seed so that'll save me lots of digging this year. The mustard is to provide a green manure - recent evidence shows that it cleans the ground of some bacteria as well as providing nutrients. Plan to do crop rotation - leaving one section each year with just mustard. Haven't time at the moment to read up on all the dos & don'ts so we'll be experimenting. Even if 1/2 the veg grow successfully it'll be worth it. We've got trays with 60 tiny pots so those veg which need to be grown in succession to avoid a glut will be sown at weekly/2weekly intervals.

Rooster

2007-05-20T17:39:00.000+01:00

He hasn't been heard crowing the last couple of mornings so I assume that some sly old fox has had a tasty meal. Lesson learnt. Will wait until garden properly fox proofed before getting another.

Cockadoodledoo

2007-05-16T21:46:00.000+01:00

Had an early morning phonecall from the Browns - 6.00am. Rooster was crowing loudly in the background. Felt obliged to get out of bed & drove up the road to see if we could catch him. He must have heard us coming as there wasn't a mute. It'll be a good alarm clock for them!

Thought for the Day

2007-05-15T23:41:00.000+01:00

'The Real measure of our wealth is how much we'd be worth if we lost all our money' - John Henry Jowett

Who Let the Cat Out of the Bag?

2007-05-15T22:56:00.000+01:00

oops! - I meant ROOSTER. Today we were supposed to receive the 1st addition to our poultry collection. The kids were waiting excitedly for it's arrival. The idea was to keep it in for a few days in the hen ark until it got used to us. So hen ark prepared the 'guy' arrived with the cockerel in a bag. Now there's no way that I would want to embarrass anyone so he shall remain unnamed!! He untied the bag & in a flash the rooster flew out across the field. An hour was spent trying to recapture it but it seemed to have more brains than it's captors. A few tail feathers are all we have left for our encounter. He was quite a beauty & no doubt if he hasn't been eaten by a fox we will hear him crowing in the morning. Our attempts at keeping free range hens has got off to a good start - he had plans for being more free range than we had planned. Will post a photo of him if we manage to catch him tomorrow.

Outcome of Talks with the Dept of Education

2007-05-09T21:56:00.000+01:00

Apologies if this is a little long winded & it's probably totally boring to anyone who isn't interested in home education but for those who are it is an excellent outcome & deserves to be posted here. These are the results of the recent talks with the Dept of Education - copied from the HEDNI site : Going to school 'not compulsory'http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/6636569.stmParents in England are being reminded that they have the right to educate their children at home if they wish. Proposed Department for Education and Skills guidelines on "elective home education" stress that education is compulsory but schooling is not. Councils should offer support to home educators, and parents must see that their children are suitably educated. But the authorities have no right to enter people's homes or make routine checks on children's progress. The department has been discussing the issue with several groups representing home educators and with local authorities. It has decided not to propose any changes to current monitoring arrangements or legislation. It has dropped plans for compulsory registration of home-educated children. Instead it is proposing to issue guidelines for the first time, which point out that it is fundamental to the English system that the responsibility for educating children rests on the parents. What parents must provide is "efficient full-time education" suitable to their children's age, ability and aptitude and any special educational needs. Efficient broadly means that it does what it sets out to do. The courts have held that a "suitable" education is one that equips a child for life within the community they belong to, providing it leaves open their options to live differently later on. The guidelines say there really is no definition of "full-time". Monitoring - Nobody knows how many children are educated out of school. Research commissioned by the education department reported recently that it might range between 7,400 and 34,400. The proposed guidance says local authorities now have a duty to try to identify children in danger of missing education. But it says they have "no statutory duties in relation to monitoring the quality of home education on a routine basis". They could intervene only if they have "good reason" - it stresses -to believe parents were not providing a suitable education. They could ask parents to provide information. Parents "are under no duty to comply" though it would be "sensible" to do so.Serving a school attendance order should be "a last resort". Allegations - The aim should be to build a trusting relationship between families and local officials. This is something that can be lacking at present. Some parents claim local authorities have told people to educate their children themselves, to evade their responsibilities to provide for those with special needs. And some local authority officials have said parents sometimes claim to be home educating to hide abuse. The guidelines accept that local authorities get no money for helping home educators, but say they should at least provide written information and website links. They say there will be diversity in people's approaches to education." Children learn in different ways and at different times and speeds." 'Very good news' - Consultation on the proposed guidelines runs until the end of July. They have been welcomed by one of the main home educators' groups, Education Otherwise." Confirmation from DfES that they have no intention of changing the existing legal framework, nor to make registration compulsory, is verygood news indeed." Spokesperson Ann Newstead said they appeared to be "a welcome changet o the kind of documents that home educators have seen used in the past by local authorities". Details needed to be checked. One of the accompanying documents said registering children educated at home would be made compulsory, but the department had assured her this was an earlier draft, published in error." These are the most positive statements that have been coming out from the DfES," she said."It really is so heart-warming to families to have their choices recognised in this way."

Peatlands Park

2007-05-08T10:04:00.000+01:00

Bank Holiday Monday found some of us home educators at Peatlands Park. It has an excellent resource centre & Peter (our guide for the day) showed slides on the bogland & also did pond dipping with the kids. Diving beetles & newts were among some of the creatures caught. It was good to see some new folk there & inspite of the showery weather a good time was had by all.

It Started With a Bang .......

2007-05-05T00:15:00.000+01:00

...... or so they would have us believe. I'd never seen a Passion Flower before until yesterday. It is perfect - intricately & beautifully made. To believe that something so exquisite could be formed out of disorder & chaos takes more faith to accept than the fact that there is a God who designed & planned it all.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened". Romans 1 v20,21.

Trip to Castle Coole

2007-05-05T00:01:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we went to Enniskillen - the Woman's Institute were celebrating their 75th anniversairy at Castle Coole. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the climbing wall. Mums enjoyed the coffee & chat - Life's tough for stay at home mums!!

A Genius at Work

2007-05-04T23:15:00.000+01:00

In his 80th year - this is dad working on his latest project - a hen ark to rival the one I bought 2 weeks ago. This will hold over 24 hens while the smaller will be used for those which are clocking.

You just don't get good men like this anymore!!

Cameraless

2007-04-28T19:55:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we went to Mountstewart & today to Springhill to the World War 2 event. Forgot to recharge the digi so 2 great photo opportunities missed. Will need to get more organised - flylady obviously isn't having the desired effect.

Arks

2007-04-25T21:27:00.000+01:00

Hen ark arrived Saturday & pig ark today. It all looks very promising. Just need the fencing done. Dad is in the process of organising another hen ark as the one I bought doesn't look big enough. Will keep it for hatching. My dad was visiting someone last night who gave him 7 free-range eggs. They were just laid yesterday but mum had put them in the fridge 30 mins prior to my finding out. I took them out & am going to try to find a clocking banty tomorrow to see if they hatch out.

Broom Cottage

2007-04-21T13:31:00.000+01:00

Last nights issue of farm week had an interesting article on a family near Greyabbey who are living on a small holding & have started up their own cottage industry. They keep bees to produce honey & make their own soap etc to sell. Know that others who read this blog will be interested so here is the web address : www.broomcottage.biz

Pigs & Hens

2007-04-18T21:31:00.000+01:00

What a delightful day. We visited our 'foster' pig - a Gloucestershire Old Spot called Holly. Much larger than we had anticipated. Hope to get her within the next few weeks. Our plan is to get her in piglet & then once she has finished rearing them we will give her back to her owner. She'll probably miss the rest of her family - another GOS, 2 sheep, a Charlais Cross, an Irish Moile, a donkey, a Shetland pony & 3 Sussex hens + her human owners. After the photo call we traversed to Rowallane Gardens & had a lovely walk around the walled garden. Will have to visit next month when the Rhodes are in full bloom. Next to Ballynahinch to view the hen arks where we purchased one for delivery on Sat.

Fruit & Veg Patch

2007-04-12T09:02:00.000+01:00

I paid to have cow manure delivered & covered it with black plastic to prepare the ground so that in Spring we would have a weed free, well nourished spot to start planting. Last week, while we were in Edinburgh, our digger driver arrived to spread out soil & one of our friends (who shall remain unnamed) came up to help. He decided that 'that was a silly place to put the veggie patch' & dutifully scraped up all the manure & dug it into the surrounding garden. Now we have a weed free, manure free area & I've had to beg for some well-rotted horse manure from another friend which hopefully will arrive next week. Just thought I'd start sharing the photos now as preparation gets underway. Our aim is to produce some of our own organic produce with the minimum amount of work.

Wild Flowers

2007-04-11T23:17:00.000+01:00

Today a friend took Jo for a walk & she came back with a bunch of flowers - beautiful, bright yellow dandelions - grown without the pollution of man-made chemicals & allowed to flourish in their own natural environment. She ran into the house shouting, "me brought you sumfing mummy" & together we got a glass & set them with pride of place in the centre of our table. What a lovely moment shared together & as I travel through life I hope that we will have many more little moments like this with our 'Wild Flowers', as I seek to educate them in the natural environment that God has given us without the pollution of ideas & unnatural institutions made by men.