Wales

We survived half term in Wales in the caravan without killing each other and what's more we actually had a fabulous time despite my reservations and worries about the weather, the journey and the sheer claustrophobia of four people in a confined space for eight days!

Well firstly we were truly blessed with the most fantastic weather, glorious sunshine everyday and mild temperatures and the problem of the long (7hrs!!!) journey was much helped when our previously lost portable car dvd player was found and installed and last but not least we were barely in the caravan except to sleep as the weather was so good we spent our days exploring castle ruins and dramatic Welsh coastlines and the evenings were spent playing yahtzee and scrabble in the caravan awning once the kids were in bed, bliss.

So now I feel ready to face the fast approaching Xmas preparations etc. Thankfully my sister and brother in law are hosting this years festivities. I used to love Xmas and still do to a point it's just that the true spirit of Xmas (and I don't mean vodka) seems to get more lost with each year. My mum bless her has decided to buy ethical gifts for mine and my sisters family this year. I believe she has bought a pair of pigs and clean drinking water for a village on our behalf which is very admirable and makes me feel good but I'm not so sure how the kids will feel when they don't get a present. I think it's a great lesson for them to learn but i know that it might be hard for them the first year.

http://www.oxfamunwrapped.com/ is a good place to look for ideas for ethical gifts.

Charity begins at home.....

.....or at least that's what Jacob (5ys) believes as we gave him some money to give to a beggar on our trip to Bristol at the weekend and he kept the big stuff and gave the homeless guy the pennies!! We didn't realise till later when we found it tucked away in his pocket. I felt so bad and tried to explain to Jacob about how the man he'd seen had no money or home etc but I wonder if it wasn't all a bit too complicated for him. Meanwhile I hope the homeless guy managed to get rather more than Jacob saw fit to give him as the day wore on.

We had a lovely couple of days staying with friends in Bristol and enjoyed the use of the fab guest annexe with 2 bedrooms and an ensuite bathroom (posh or what?) Guests here generally get a blow up mattress on the floor of the lounge! We had a relaxing (well sort of) boat ride on the Bristo channel and were treated to lots of lovely homecooking and eggs from their chickens and ducks, not to mention wine at every meal except breakfast.

I felt so inspried that tonight I cooked a full roast and homemade crumble. Sadly no wine, just water with dinner in this house!