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What’s The Story? | 21st October 2013

Hello everyone, welcome to What’s The Story?

Thank you  for making last week brilliant again, so many wonderful posts. Especially liked Proud, Dearest Toddler, Just the three of us, Dear Son, Wildlife for everyone, The Wait, Carers need care too, Preparing for Morocco, EPCOT dessert party and Uncaptured rainbow.

If you’re new here What’s The Story? focuses on sharing the stories behind your photographs. To join in, all you need to do is share a photograph and describe the story behind it. You can say as little or as much as you like.

You can select a photograph taken at ANY time – there are no restrictions on when it must have been taken. You might choose one you took recently or an oldie you need to scan. New posts are always the best but you can link up older ones should you wish. What’s The Story? is open from 6.30am every Monday until the following Sunday. You’ll find the badge below, feel free to display it in your post or sidebar – I will of course share your post in return.

Have a great superb week everyone.




Forest fun at Alice Holt

PODcast IMG_7190We’ve seen so many great places recently including Alice Holt, a beautiful woodland setting cared for by the Forestry Commission. It was once the centre of a Roman pottery industry with hundreds of kilns producing pots of all shapes and sizes over a period of four centuries.

Located in Surrey, Alice Holt offers walking, cycling trails and play areas. It’s home to Go Ape where you can enjoy being adventurous high above the forest floor on zip wires, Tarzan swings and crossings. There’s also Go Ape Tree Top Junior which includes tree-to-tree crossings and a zip finale.

With POD not yet three, we tend to opt for the shorter waymarked trials of which there are several to chose PODcast IMG_7208from. The Habitat Trail for example is a 0.6 mile family walk with giant wooden animal play sculptures and the Willows Green Trail is 0.5 miles with a steep section.

Both of theses trails are short enough for POD to walk and explore her surroundings. On this occasion we provided her with a list of things to find in the forest – an acorn, bracken, a brown leaf, a stick, a blackberry and a fir cone. A task our toddler felt was necessary to undertake with her sunglasses on.

The Easy Access Trail at Alice Holt is a double looped route which enables visitors to experience a wide range of contrasting woodland habitats. Winding paths take you through dense conifer plantations and a majestic PODcast IMG_7253stand of mature Scots pine. The smell was just amazing.

Having taken a detour through the wonderful “deep dark wood”, we hit open woodland. Used for den building events, it was a great place for POD to hide, climb tree stumps and kick leaves.

Putting our heads through the holes was highly entertaining too especially when Daddy made lots of silly faces!

After collecting more leaves and twigs, we had a short food stop before spending time in the wooden play area. PODcast IMG_7257There POD got to explore before deciding she’d climb the ropes up the side of a pirate ship. Not only did she reach the top she did it in double quick time too. Not a bad effort for a toddler!

Alice Holt’s Habitat Trail has a rather impressive Totem Pole to admire before reaching the first play sculpture – an owl. It’s a great structure that enables children to climb to the tail and look down from the top of it’s head before using a fireman’s pole to reach the ground.

We then came across a Woodpecker Tree with a hollow trunk before reaching the bath and moth climbing walls. Although POD wanted to climb everything in sight, her favourite by far was the Giants Play Area where she got to sit in a giant’s chair!

We’re linking this post up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill. If you have an outdoor post to share, click on the badge below.

Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

The guilt of childcare

We’d have such a great time if we could spend every day together as a family. We might take a walk in the woods, paint or colour. Or we could just have a conversation. We might not put the world to rights but POD isn’t actually three yet. She’s a great communicator though – not just with children her own age but also her peers. We’ve helped her develop these skills as have the staff at her nursery.

She started there when she was a year old. It was a tough decision but not one we made lightly. We looked at all the childcare options available and nursery meant POD had the opportunity to mix with girls and boys her own age. As you’d expect, over the last two years her social skills have increased. Nursery has also allowed her to explore her creativity, be more independent and she’s built her confidence as a result.

The Telegraph has published an article entitled “Children who spend time in nurseries more likely to develop behavioural problems”.

It related to a major study that’s been undertaken by academics at Oxford University. They’ve discovered exposure to some forms of education contributes to bad behaviour and could be linked to emotional problems, such as hyperactivity. It also identifies that children receiving childminder care are more likely to have peer problems.

The ideal scenario for children is staying at home or attending pre-school playgroups for a few hours a day. Really???

As parents we don’t place our children in childcare out of choice. We do it because we have to work. The guilt we already feel for placing our children in nursery for example is great enough already. We don’t need a study telling us what we’re doing is not for the good of our child.

Although this report will no doubt revive that existing debate surrounding childcare, surely the answer is supporting working parents?

Cars, turtles and cling-ons

POD has discovered the car is a new source of entertainment. When she pulled the face you see in this photo, she didn’t crack once even when Mummy snorted with laughter. She’s also discovered how effective it is to say “we’re going to c-r-a-s-h” when Daddy was driving round a bend. Taking her arms out of her straps is another favourite. As is sudden clapping.

Most exciting of all POD got to use her potty on the back seat of the car this week after yelling “Mummy wee coming now”. This is toddler speak for I am just about to pee in my car seat. It was perfect timing given the area around the Dartford Tunnel toll is the only stretch of the M25 with no hard shoulder. Amazingly we remained spillage free.

New words have been “come by harder” [combine harvester] and “scrumbles” which is POD’s word for mushrooms.

Bathtime has involved lying down pretending to swim, a good sign given her current fear of pools. Saying “help, help, h-e-l-p” while flailing her arms has been much fun. The highlight was definitely peering over the top of the bath to say “Charly do you want some ice-cream?”. Weird for your toddler to call you by your actual name.

POD continues to enjoy the imaginative play. This week she’s pretended to be a squid and a turtle hiding in its shell. There’s also been a battle between an octopus, a wolf and a flannel ship. But then the wolf turned into a fairy and the taps got a cuddle. She told the bath toys she was a doctor and also referred to the plug as “a tit”.

Despite the hilarity of bathtime and reading numerous stories, POD still thinks sleeping is for wimps. At 10.30pm the other night, while sitting in the laundry basket, POD asked “Mummy shall we play hide and seek?”.

Bedtime typically consists of shouting and numerous requests to come downstairs “for 5 minutes”. POD’s favourite trick is to entice you upstairs which is when you discover your toddler has in fact been replaced with a cling-on.

We’re linking this post up with Wot So Funee? at Actually Mummy. If you have an amusing post you’d like to share, click on the badge below.

Wot So Funee?

The countdown

It’s that time of year when the countdown to Christmas begins. Everywhere you look there are seasonal gift ideas, recipe choices and shopping guides. Dedicated websites tell you how long you have to wait by day, hour, minute and second. Christmas Day is just 71 days away.

POD’s birthday is also 71 days away, she was born on 25th December 2010. The lead up to the festive period is always especially poignant as a result. Some of the Christmas tree decorations and the Rudolph we have on the door provide fond memories of that time. As does the snow, a lot fell in December that year.

This photograph was taken when POD was one hour old, she was remarkably alert given she’d just endured a 47-hour labour. She arrived to the sound of the Salvation Army singing Good King Wenceslas outside the delivery suite. Surreal yet memorable!

Now a toddler, POD has an incredible character, is fiercely independent and highly entertaining. It’s likely this will be the first birthday she’ll remember. It’s going to be amazing to see the joy on her face and be able to share her cries of excitement.

But the time between now and then will fly past too quickly, it always does. If I had my way the countdown to Christmas would be in slow motion. Especially this year. Just so I can enjoy POD being a two-year-old that little bit longer.

We’re linking this post up with What’s The Story? on PODcast. To see more photographs and read the stories behind them, click on the badge below.


What’s The Story? | 14th October 2013

Welcome to What’s The Story? and thank you to everyone that joined in last week. So many fabulous stories again, all a joy to read.

We particularly enjoyed Remembering my Dylan Days, African Adventure, A birthday trip to London, Rocking our way to France in ’88, Jetta Cowan, The Cart Before The Horse, A Sunday in Nuremberg, Mistaken Identity and My Golden Ticket.

What’s The Story? focuses on sharing the stories behind your photographs. To join in, all you need to do is share a photograph and describe the story behind it. You can say as little or as much as you like.

You can select a photograph taken at ANY time – there are no restrictions on when it must have been taken. You might choose one you took recently or an oldie you need to scan. New posts are always the best but you can link up older ones should you wish. What’s The Story? is open from 6.30am every Monday until the following Sunday. You’ll find the badge below, feel free to display it in your post or sidebar – I will of course share your post in return.

Have a great week everyone.




The sanctuary of Claremont

PODcast IMG_7421We’re really lucky there are so many National Trust properties in Surrey. We’ve discovered six now, including Polesden Lacey and Winkworth Arboretum we’ve visited month. There are several others still to explore and we will of course be back to those we’ve seen already.

Claremont is described as a place where the views always change, the water sparkles and the secret glades wait. Located near Esher, it’s steeped in 300 years of history and was once the playground of real princesses.

The serpentine lake greeted us when we arrived. A wonderful sight made all the more beautiful with surrounding trees showing the signs of Autumn. Across the water was a truly splendid turf amphitheatre.

PODcast IMG_7409Some unexpected sunshine meant we could enjoy an impromptu picnic beside the lake – after investigating the play area! It was such a peaceful place to be, we stayed there for a good half an hour. POD enjoyed chatting to the birds and ducks too.

We had fabulous views of the Island Pavilion as we walked round the lake. Shortly after passing a pretty Grotto, POD got the opportunity to kick some Autumn leaves. She then began collecting acorns, sticks and chestnuts as we walked. We were privileged to see two dragonflies near the waters edge although it was impossible to photograph them and hold a toddler. Especially as she wanted to take the picture!

PODcast IMG_7557On the opposite side of the lake we discovered ancient knobbly trees and the aptly named Ha-Ha. POD spent a lot of time in this hidden ditch. Either running down it and climbing up the other side or just lying on the grass laughing. On our travels we also found wooden stepping stones which she enjoyed jumping off before embarking on the Titanic pose you see in the slideshow.

Despite this high level of activity, POD still found the energy to embark on climbing the turf Amphitheatre when we reached it. Shouting “come on Mummy” as I bumbled behind her with the buggy and all our ‘stuff’, it was clear she was having the best day.

PODcast IMG_7526Not many can say their first hill roll was down a turf Amphitheatre, made all the more special as it’s the only surviving example of its kind in Europe. It took a while for POD to get the hang of lying down and rolling but once she did she loved it. She didn’t even mind when I removed the green animal poo she’d collected out of her hair!

We then headed up a steep hill. POD spotted a tree stump off the path so we took a slight detour while she sat on it and said “hello” to a spider. After passing the Cormelia Terrace we followed the path round to the Bowling Green and the spectacular Belvedere Tower.

PODcast IMG_7626We then checked out the Nine-Pin Alley which took us to the top of the Amphitheatre. Having promised our toddler she could dress up, we ventured to the Thatched Cottage next running past stone animals on the way. The cottage is a 19th Century building with a wonderful collection of toys and games. POD loved the hobby horses and baskets of wooden toys. Having tried on an outfit she decided she’d tidy up!

Finally, after riding a stone bear and getting soaked jumping in muddy puddles, we arrived at the Tearoom. There we sat outside and had a well-deserved lolly before heading home. We spent hours at Claremont and totally exhausted ourselves but it was so worth it.

We’re linking this post up with How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus and Country Kids at Coombe Mill.

Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

Winkworth Arboretum

PODcast IMG_7670Having recently visited Polesden Lacey, we’re exploring another National Trust gem. Located in Godalming in Surrey, Winkworth Arboretum is described as being far more than a walk in the woods. With twisting paths leading to secret glades and hidden views, it’s a dramatic location.

The wooded valley and lakes were purchased by Dr Wilfrid Fox in 1937 and given to the National Trust in 1952. Winkworth now consists of 46 hectares of wonderful colours including massed plantings of species such as Japanese, American and Norway Maples. Each was planted with their Autumnal impact in mind creating a beauty that blends in with the valley.

PODcast IMG_7822Much of the Arboretum is planted on steep slopes but there are ‘access all areas’ paths which enable visitors to make the most of their visit. This was great for us given we had a buggy laden with ‘stuff’ and a toddler.

The peak time to visit the Autumnal display at Winkworth is probably a couple of weeks away. We decided to visit slightly earlier so we could take in the wonder of it all. This had its advantages in that we had the viewing platform all to ourselves. POD found it a hugely exciting experience. It was a fabulous introduction to Winkworth given a few trees had already turned from green to yellow. As you’d expect, the views are incredible.

PODcast IMG_7780The Magnolia Wood was originally planted by Dr Fox. There are some fine specimens to be found including a rare Ginko tree. We spent a fair amount of time there as POD discovered different coloured leaves, acorns and twigs. We also found a wooden owl bench which she absolutely loved. It was a great location for views of the lake and pulling faces!

As we were minus Daddy and we had the buggy, the ornamental Boat House and surrounding lake was the only area we didn’t get to visit. The Azalea steps that connect the lake to the upper arboretum looked incredible as well. They were already ablaze with colour.

PODcast IMG_7922In the Badgers bowl you can see American Sweet Gum, native to the warm temperature areas of eastern North America and tropical montane regions of Mexico and Central America. There is also a splendid display of Sorrell Trees, Maple, Acer and the Katsura tree which is native to Japan and China.

The paths that lead down to Sorbus Hill provided the most stunning views. Not only were the trees displaying reds and oranges but clusters of bright berries were also visible. Such an amazing sight.

Also at Winkworth is a Holly wood which contains numerous kinds of Holly and a Winter garden. We can’t wait until Spring when Winkworth will be a carpet of bluebells although I’m certain we’ll be back before then. It’s a beautiful location whatever the time of year.

We’re linking this post up with How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus. To join in click on the badge below.