Saturday 25 September 2010

Bibs



We've got to the dribble stage and this time round I'm using table napkins and stolen bandanas. They're bulky under the chin, so soak up a lot, and dry quickly when you open them out - result!

September tea-time




The sun's getting to places it doesn't normally.

Like son, like father


I have two stranded turtles on my sitting room floor. Jon is suffering from 'Acute (sudden onset) lower back pain' [so says the internet] and has been ordered to lie still. Nathaniel is in a similar position for different reasons. They are now in a race to see who can sit up first. I've got my money on the little one.

Wednesday 22 September 2010

How to make a lot of noise






Take 1 baby in a highchair, 6 stainless steel bowls and add 1 tiled floor. (spooked dog optional)

Sunday 19 September 2010

A sixth-form study station



A learning pod



A children's centre





A birthday party



And a primary school









We were in London this weekend for a friend's birthday party and Open House. It was a busy, fun, lovely, inspiring day. I always like to see good design and architecture, in schools especially, because it can speak directly to children about all sorts of things without needing to be explained by an adult. The etching on the glass in the primary school (which is on every door) says very clearly and constantly "this place is for all of you"
And it was really lovely to see old friends and gaup at how our babies are all turning into teenagers and that yes, boys and girls can still play together - they had a great time!

Now, a sunday afternoon to digest. (Or maybe a pod-like, sedum roofed chicken coop with a fretwork gate and integrated stainless steel feeding station and egg-collector - where's that hammer?)

[And as soon as I tapped out those words - where's that hammer? - I started to wonder, about chicken coops and wood and nails, and plastic and pods and schools and design, and children and making things. Is modern school design alienating children? Is a plastic pod 'too far' from a child? Or does the Early Learning Centre need to bring out a plastic moulding kit?

Maybe I will just digest.]

Monday 13 September 2010

Sunday 12 September 2010

September Sunday





From the garden: walnuts, pears, apples, plums, damsons, blackberries, blood, sweat (lots of) but no tears (yet).

Thursday 9 September 2010

Fresh air and fuzzy ducks





Autumn's creeping in. (When ducks are fuzzy, chicken wire disappears.)

Friday 3 September 2010