Dargen Dig!

We spent most of today outside; Mouse got muddier and happier and more and more enthused by the whole proceedings. He has the most cunning little watering can and a set of tools of his own, but of course mummy’s are more fun. He went up and down the path with bamboo canes, and to and fro with pieces of wood that D was cutting to size to make Mouse a raised bed to grub in. When I asked him what he was doing, he said ‘Helpun!’ and I suppose he was!

Slighty spoiled things by getting frustrated that I couldn’t get on with digging. Gardening is some of the only peace and quiet I ever get, and I’m rabid about protecting it. But of course there’s always a nose to be wiped, nappy to change, or a small child to extricate from brambles, piles of wood, encounters with ladybirds (cue screams of Arghh!! Mummeeeee!), always fresh demands for cake, a drink, more water in the can.

 I chucked a skitz and disappeared off indoors at high speed, only to be asked by D who threw bigger tantrums, me or the Mouse. I of course said, ‘Me!’ but I see his point. Where’s the harm in being mad and just being mad, rather than making it have consequences all the time? That would be a good trick. I’m just no good at bottling it all up, worst luck to the people who get caught in the fallout!

No great harm done; Mouse now flat out after being scrubbed from stem to stern to remove the mud; he went into the bath like a warty grinning potato and came out dripping like a starfish and angelically cherubic once again. I can’t help but think that garden grubbing is the very best exercise, entertainment and education for a young fella - constant learning, constant play and constant effort.

I’ve planted some squash seeds today - that will be our next project. I’m going to show him how things grow, if I can save any of them fron the slugs long enough!