Back to reality...

We've been back several weeks now. The journey was uneventful despite the predicted bank holiday weekend traffic nightmare. We arrived home to a mountain of post including a Blue Peter badge for Eron! Washing, unpacking and sorting commenced. It didn't take long for everyone to slip into the usual ways of being, most of which involved screens. Gone were the golden breakfasts around the fire, the fun packed days and lazy evening meals. It was easy to feel more than a little glum as we all headed back to work and then school.

There was so much to miss about our two weeks under canvas but one thing that stands out is the feeling of being close to the wild, close to the weather and close to natures, sights, smells and rhythms. I find this to be invigorating for my soul and soothing for my spirit. The challenge, now that I'm back in the hamster wheel, is to find easy but meaningful ways to find a little of that closeness. One quick win is my means of commuting - by motorcycle. I've always thought that my motorbike is not just great fun but keeps me connected to the weather and the seasons. Another way is to enjoy a little of the wildness around the little town in which I live.

Last night and after a long stressful day, I decided to go for a walk in the evening. I knew it would get dark so took a torch. I walked the 2 and a bit miles to Tillington, walking into the hand painted sunset and popped in on Mum & Dad. I enjoyed a beer and installed a memory card in Dad's phone so that he could take thousands of photos of Scotland, their intended destination the following day. By the time all this was done it was dark. I was offered a lift back but declined. I thought about walking along the road side back to Petworth but considered this a cop-out. Instead I decided to walk across the fields and tracks in the darkness.

And what a fantastic walk it was. Setting off through the grave yard my neck hairs on end, I had to consciously decide to ignore the many films and TV programmes that told me the dark was not to be trusted. The more I walked though, the more the darkness felt comforting and blanket-like. I stopped several times either to tilt my head back and enjoy the stars or stand silently in the shadows. It felt like an unusual things to do, risky almost but mostly it felt good to be close again. 

Our Mantel piece full of memory pieces

Day Twelve: Home

The longer we stay the more this place feels like home but at the same time, we think of our home. Without saying it we are all aware that we will have to leave this place soon. The wind is going from our sails, we are all a little less patient with each other and we begin to dream up ways of continuing what we have here, at home. A mourning almost.

Today was another balmy day of warmth and sunshine. Bacon and egg baguettes for breakfast followed by reading, playing and relaxing. After a light lunch we headed off on our bikes for Earl Soham hoping for a refreshing drink at the Queen Victoria. Hopes were dashed when we arrived to a closed sign so we headed to the strange butcher, come deli, come cafe for some apple juice and cake. Reuben held the phone and was the "navigator" using a map App to track our progress. Noah was chirpy and chatty, loving his new found freedom. Having made the six or so miles to Earl Soham and back Noah had more in his legs so we carried on in to Framlingham for a half at the Station Inn.

Whilst in town Cadan popped to the Coop for pizza making supplies while we headed back. Although it was late afternoon at this point no one felt like eating pizza much less cooking it while it was still so hot. So we played badminton and chatted to Richard and Esther. It was nice to connect with her about her growing passion for the injustices in the Palastine. Later on Esther and Edith Peck joined Ben and Reuben for a game of Badminton on the lawn.

Once the day had cooled a little we settled down to make pizza. I used two thirds of a bag of bread flour and guessed at the other ingredients. 16 pizza's later we were stuffed and had plenty for the following days lunch. The evening was wonderful. The one-at-a-time pizza oven forced us to take things at a leisurely pace. We all sat around the fire laughing,  drinking, reminiscing and generally enjoying each other's company, eating as and when a pizza was ready. 

To top off this already amazing scenario, as we sat eating and chatting we began to hear the most amazing singing. It was almost angelic with deep rich harmonies and words sung with passion. It took a few moments to realise that the singing was coming from the farm house. The Gibbon family were all sat around singing. Another piece of Suffolk gold! We presumed that they were rehearsing for a performance at Greenbelt but also liked to think that it was in some way for us too. Priceless!

Day Eleven: Hot!

After several days of activities and outings we thought it would be good to have a day at the campsite. We'd also seen from the weather forecast that today was due to be extremely hot.

And so it turned out to be. Only a few minutes in the sun was bare able so we resorted to reading and playing in the shade. As always Naomi had a few tricks up her sleeve. Today these included a paddling pool, water slide, bubble maker and beads. To end the day we cooked lamb hot pot over a slow fire. As we knew it would be a while we went for a ride around the lanes. The pot was bubbling away when we got back but it was still a while,  dark in fact, before ate. The shallow fried potatoes where very tasty but the lamb joint was not. Very chewy and fatty. Intended for roasting really. Even so it was a tasty meal.

Every one is beginning to sense the holiday drawing to a close. There has been talk of next year, of highlights and even of school. For now though we remain here and must make the most of it.

Day ten: Awesome Aldeburgh

Still recovering from the awful nights sleep on Sunday, I'd gone to bed early. This meant that by 5:30am my eye lids had pinged open and I was ready to go. I always relish the challenge of sneaking out of the tent without waking anyone else and this morning it was mission successful! I was greeted by the most incredible colours in the sky at the far end of the field. Dawn was well under way and felt it rude to turn my back. So I positioned my chair grabbed a blanket and settled down to watch the artist at work. Every few minutes invisible strokes were added from the artists brush as the colours moved through pinks, oranges and yellows. What a privilege.

After another sausage, egg and toast breakfast fit for a king, we headed to Aldeburgh. This happy, higgledy-piggledy, seaside town is one of my favourites. First stop was the amazing ice cream parlour in the high street first. Noah enjoyed his ice cream in his usual inimitable style, eating it from the top and bottom at the same time. Lucky we still carry wipes!

The day included mooching in the high street, popping into bookshops and art galleries and then picnicking on the beach. I enjoyed another swim until a jellyfish floated passed. Then more mooching, this time around the marina, Reuben fancied buying a fishing boat after our fun at Thorpness Mere, before joining the cue for the famous Aldeburgh Fish n Chip shop. We enjoyed our meal at the clam before wandering home taking the scenic route and taking it slowly hoping that the headache stricken Noah would drop off and recover, which he did.

Famous Five,  snacks and snuggles then bed.

Day Nine: messing about on the mere

Another lazy morning. Fire started with last night's embers. Toast cooked and spread with proper butter. Washing hung out. Beautiful sunshine.

Naomi had put her mind to several fun things to make before we came away and had packed a few bits to help this happen. A couple of days ago we were tye dying and today it was kite making. Lots of fun a creativity but limited altitude or flight time.

The boys played on the hay bales again and built Lego crossbows again. We chatted with Prue who kindly donated three packs of pork sausages to our cause. Bangers and mash tonight then!

After lunch we headed to Thorpness Mere. We hired two rowing boats and messed about in the mere for an hour. We stopped off at some islands and explored the lake. All but the youngest two had a go at rowing. Cadan was a natural oarsmen. After a look around a junk shop which relieved Reuben of some more pocket monet we had a thermos flask tea on the beach before heading back to make the most delicious meal.

Day Eight: Castle Fun.

After a torturous night listening to terrible karaoke at 2 am from the Peck party revelers, we packed a picnic and cycled down to Framlingham Castle. Eron was most excited about this day. For the last three years he has gazed longingly at the crossbows in the Castle gift shop. This year he had saved enough to buy one and we headed straight to the shop once we'd parted with a sizable sum at the admissions desk.

This year we timed our visit to coincide with the Knights Tournament. Rather than the usual solitary entertainer teaching kids sword fighting techniques, there was a mass of medieval tents, suits of armour, jesters, musicians and reenacters. We cheered for the red knight from the South who sadly finished in last place after several rounds of knight fighting of varying sorts. Great fun! It went without saying that we also took a walk around the top of the walls and the grounds where we even had a quick game of twang!

The day was topped off by yet another camp fire culinary triumph. At Cadan's request we made his 'pizzaritos' but the piece-de-resistance were the pizza's made with a real dough base and baked in the Dutch oven. They were awesome and justified the £35 spent on the oven. This was washed down with an Adnams cider and St Peters Golden Ale and accompanied by lost of laughter and silliness around the fire.

The gazebos and equipment from last night's party are almost all gone and we have the meadow to ourselves again. The boys have been playing on the hay bales and Ben has been perfecting some ingenious Lego catapults. All is well at Red House Farm.

Day Seven: Celebration

We spent most of today watching and helping with the preparations for the big celebration taking place in 'our' field today. As the day went on more tents, PA, lights and bunting arrived as did the people to set them up. There was a tent full of photos of the great man including one of him with Naomi, her brothers and Dad.

The rain held off and the wind wasn't as dramatic as the forecast has warned. Various friends and family shared memories and reflections then as the light faded the music started. What a treat to hear Polly Gibbons live as well as the Fat Band (including our host Richard on bass. Who knew!). Mark who had helped piece together a gazebo two days before got a little drunk and gave it large on the dance floor in mismatched beach boys get up. He then got up and insisted the band join him in a rendition of knocking on heavens door. Priceless!

Whilst all this was going on we also played Lego, watched Toy Story 3 (tears from Noah and Reuben) and did some tie dying  (yes tie dying!). We also cooked creamy chicken curry with fresh chapatis during a break in the proceedings.