Spinney Lane

I was picking up wrapping paper from the grass, trying to clean up a bit after Kieran's 1st birthday party, when my mom called. We still had a few guests and Kieran was trying to do a backflip off the rocking chair, and normally I would have asked if I could call back later, but I immediately knew that she needed to tell me something. I braced myself, expecting news of someone's poor health, or worse, the death of a friend or family member. It was neither, thank goodness, but it was still sad news; my dear aunt June and Uncle Des have finally sold their house, their beloved Sea Urchin on Spinney Lane, in Southern England. A house that was too large for an elderly couple battling MS, with stairs and the burden of a garden, and too great a distance from family and much needed help.

We should feel happy and relieved for them, their new home will be in the same village as their daughter, it is smaller, has a manageable garden. And yet...my mother and I will cry. Perhaps my father. June and Des certainly. For this is the garden my parents ate home-made bread crumb ice-cream in to celebrate their marriage. This is the house my grandmother Lalla bought shortly after the second world war. This is where her grandchildren grew up. It is the house down Spinney Lane, past the churchyard where Lalla and her beloved Philip rest, under the old oak tree, smelling of the sea. It is where the family gathered at Christmas to play cherades and grimace at Brussel Sprouts. It is the house I wanted to bring Maia to, and did, where she ran through the grass and picked daisies and then sat on my uncle's lap at breakfast to read the paper. It is just bricks and mortar and wood and a roof, but it has been the only constant in all of our busy, ever-changing lives. I wonder if the new owners realize just how many spirits will wander in that home and garden once we start passing on. I will miss it terribly.

Kieran shares his birthday with his great-aunt June. She was delighted when my father called to tell her the news of his birth. I will be thinking of her this coming Tuesday as I celebrate my son's 1st year with us. Oh how time flies, and how quickly we grow old. And may we take joy in what we have, and never take anything for granted.

Cannon Beach

Just got home from a relaxing week with the family at Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast. We stayed in a funky little 30's cottage two houses from the beach and one block from 'downtown' Cannon Beach. We are sporting rosy cheeks and freckles due to walks on endless beaches, a wind that reminded me of England, and yes, even some sun. Grandma came along, and it was wonderful to get my husband to myself sans kiddos. I even managed to gain some weight (for those of you who don't know my crazy metabolism, this is indeed remarkable!) and convinced Lonny to get a dog (for those of you who don't know how rational and head-strong my husband is, THIS is even more remarkable)!

We were sad to leave, but happy to find our little house again and relieve the brimming mailbox, give some love to our love-starved cats, and mow the meadow that had become our front yard. I am amazed at how much our garden grew in one week! My chard and lettuce were just sprouting when we left and now my raised bed is actually looking like a proper veggy garden with everything starting to get nice and plump. So exciting.

Can't wait to get painting...my head is full of sky and silver waves and red lady-bug boots running through lemon sand. Yum.

Easter Weekend

Every year the Deggan clan gathers for Easter on Gaviola Island. We decorate Easter eggs, eat far too much, and discuss modern art. The latter ought to require ear plugs for safety.

The last time we were able to make it was when Maïa was a wee babe, and so we were very excited to be able to join the family this year. My sister-in-law, who is currently in Germany with her boys for a few weeks, kindly gave us the key to her house on Gabriola, and we enjoyed the luxuries of hot showers and real beds rather than the tent or tiny cabin we usually stay in. We made it out to Gaviola on Saturday. The weather forecast, which had predicted rain with great confidence, was once again proved wrong and we were blessed with a gorgeous warm spring sun. We walked around the island and both Lonny and I went a little camera happy (see photos below!).

On Sunday we had an egg hunt in the rain (the forecast had predicted sun on that day). Maïa didn't seem to notice, however, and was delighted with her soggy chocolate eggs. And speaking of eggs...on our way home to Seattle, after stopping for a quick visit with Grandma in White Rock, we drove to the border and were delighted to find that there was no lineup. I was especially delighted mostly because I had to pee and was looking forward to stopping in Blaine at the gas station to fill up, and, well, empty.

The border guard asked us the usual questions, to which we replied: " Bellevue, and just an Easter basket." He raised his eyebrows, and asked if we had any Kinder Eggs. Lonny was telling him no when I looked around to check Maïa's basket, only to find a Kinder Egg sitting atop it, in plain view. I immediately notified Lonny, who notified the guard, who actually went a bit pink and said it would be seized and destroyed but we wouldn't be fined this time. At this point we were still both thinking that this was some sort of a joke, although were well aware that border guards don't usually have a sense of humour. We did our utmost not to laugh as we were asked to pull over, leave the vehicle and enter a building while they searched the car for drugs, weapons, and, I suppose, more eggs.

Once inside, no less than five guards, all at least six foot four and twice as wide, confiscated our contraband and began the paperwork. We were notified that the egg was a choking hazard, and would be destroyed by fire. At this point Lonny and I were no longer able to control our giggles. This was not helping my situation, and my bladder was protesting. I searched for the restrooms, only to discover that I had been sitting next to a large sign which read: No cell phones, No restrooms. And the guard was making his fifth attempt at spelling Bellevue, with the assistance of the other four guards who were taking turns hitting the delete key.

I can say I was extremely relieved to be released, despite the fact that Maïa's little basket was short one egg. I hope they at least ate the damn thing, that's some pretty tasty chocolate. Perhaps they were planning a chocolate fondue?

Weekend of play

A happy day! The sun came out, and we spent the afternoon working in the front yard. I got my raised bed finished, and am now ready to plant my lettuce and chard. I think the kids would rather keep it as a playpen!

my first sprouts!

We took a break from our yard work to check out a garage sale two streets away...and came home with the most darling chest of drawers for Maïa's room. In the family for three generations, solid oak with a gorgeous mirror, needs a little tlc but nothing major. Am thinking from the 1920's. I love old pieces. Also bought some wooden kitting needles and some yarn for the kids. Their Papa will get to teach them how to use them! One of the benefits of being married to an ex-Waldorfian.

test drive