Its that time of year when the whole world seems to be in bloom. The green is retina-searing--if you look down too long it leaves marks on your vision when you look up again. 

Even after almost 10 years of living in Scotland, my knowledge of the local flora and fauna is poor. I tried to weed the garden yesterday, but unless it was grass or a plant that I knew for certain in its young form, I was unable to distinguish between veg and weeds. The children are constantly asking me the names of the birds we see and I have to constantly look them up and have the RSPB bird identifier bookmarked.

I do love it though, there is a hare that grazes in the back yard with the chickens in the afternoons. A young roe stag that grazes by the road on our morning cycle and looks like something out of a fairy tale. We've counted 16 swallow nests in the outbuildings. The paddock has turning into a field of yellow irises. Even the field mice that live in the compost are a source of constant amazement for us all.

Sometimes, I am overcome with gratitude for the crappy situation that led us here. We had to go through all of that to get to us here. Don't get me wrong, I am not going to be writing any thank you letters, but its a good reminder that everything happens for a reason. 

Its not only the landscape that is full, we are in the end of term frenzy. Every day over the next few weeks seems to have some sort of activity. Sports day, school barbecue, summer fairs and friends compete with gardening, chickens, dog, and seasonal chores to fill the days to the brim so that we aren't sitting down in the evening until 10 or 11. This weekend is no different,  we'll be taking advantage of the recently arrived elderflowers (ice cream and elderflower fritters for dessert tonight) and starting big batches of elderflower cordial and champagne for the summer and then also heading over to Stirling for the Top Festival. If you are local, its worth checking out - lots of great things to do for kids and young people! 

Have a great weekend!