As I begin tonight’s post, I look back on what has been another deeply satisfying day on the Homestead. I tended our 8 chickens this morning without incident, checked the vegetable garden was still intact and promised to blow up the children’s paddling pool. I think we’re settling into ‘Lockdown’ life as if everything has been leading up to this. There was a real buzz about our 2.5 acres, particularly in the top meadow as the May wildflowers are at their peak . The air smells cleaner, the birds seem to sing more loudly and there is generally a feeling that our planet is taking a much needed break right now. This is the view from here. The days are never ordinary with so much to get on with- all the while observing these little signs and taking pleasure from them. It is so wonderful to watch the hens enjoy a snoozy sunbathe and to check if any new vegetable seedlings have emerged. My eldest small human planted a broad bean seed just over a week ago in place of one that did not pop up to join the others . There it was today, proudly showing itself strong and promising. I only hope that the small fence made of reclaimed animal hutches, old fence and wire will hold the deer back long enough to get a small harvest later in the summer! It is the first Spring we’ve been here so we’re learning along the way. My aim is to “re-wild” areas of our land to create a haven for mini beasts, children included! I think this is the future. Forming better connections with nature through doing our bit, however large or small. It is amazing how naturally small children seem to take this onboard. They delight in the magic of nature and I intend to enjoy it along with them as they grow. Perhaps in my next post I’ll discuss the ups and downs of washable nappies or discovering that I am capable of scooping up dead rats from the chicken coop or other forms of hilarity. Until then, I hope to wake up in the morning full of excitement for the new day as tomorrow is meant to be very warm. I grew up in America, you see, and the summers felt like they would never end. I’m getting that same old feeling lately as we go day-to-day not knowing how long this time will last. It could turn out to be a very long summer. As long as I can continue to experiment with different wild plants, whether that be eating them, studying them, or using them in the field to soothe nettle stings I’ll be extremely happy with that. That’s my Jam.