The Littlest grows up (just a little bit) and walking to school returns

The end of an era, or the beginning of another? The latter I think, but the first day of nursery school is definitely a milestone. I was filling in the nursery’s ‘questionnaire’ about the Littlest’s likes etc over breakfast this morning and we all roared with laughter when I asked her what her favourite rhyme or song was. ‘Let it go’ (from Frozen) was her answer, followed by Katie Perry’s ‘Roar’ – spot the child with older siblings. Her favourite animal is quite obviously a camel (she’d never seen a real live cow or sheep until about 6 months ago) and a tiger. The rest of the Tribe were almost as excited as she was about the prospect of starting nursery. Our Boy wanted to go in late so he could see her going into school!

Father of the Tribe thought that I would be a little tearful (which I have to admit to being with the others!), however, I have been so lucky to spend so much time with her (and we did have so many beach adventures in Dubai!), while the rest of the Tribe have been at school that I will enjoy the time for myself. Hence I’m actually able to put ‘pen to paper’ now!

First day at Nursery School (spot the Khaleej Family Happyland lunchbox!)
First day at Nursery School (spot the Khaleej Family Happyland lunchbox!)

As she is at our lovely village nursery we can also return to ‘walking to school’ – the original title of my parish magazine column. And what a beautiful walk it is.

The first thing that the Littlest spotted this morning was a snail happily munching on the sticky green plant, goosegrass. We’ve noticed a lot of snails about at the moment – the damp weather must be perfect for them.

Snail eating goosegrass - two of a gardener's favourite things
Snail eating goosegrass – two of a gardener’s favourite things

Apparently, since we’ve been away the numbers of slugs and snails in the UK has increased sharply; something to do with wet weather. Given that snails are nocturnal, this one shouldn’t really have been out and about in daylight. A study last year, showed that snails can cover 25 metres in a 24 hour period and they often move in convoys to conserve energy by using the slime of other snails; 30% of their energy is used in slime production. The goosegrass, that seems to have sprung up everywhere in the last week or so (it’s almost as tall as parts of the hedgerow!), is also known as stickywilly. Its stalks and leaves are covered with little hooked bristles which stick to absolutely anything and everything that brushes past. In previous summers, the Tribe and friends used to take great delight at throwing great bundles of it at each other. The little brown burrs are an utter nightmare to get off clothes, hair and generally everything! Apparently, the new tops can be used raw in salads or it can be boiled and used like spinach. It can also be used as a poultice on burns and nettle rash – useful to know as I can never find any dock leaves. Maybe I’ll try some in a salad today.

Beautiful wild violets
Beautiful wild violets

As we walked along Church Path, the Littlest spotted delicate wild violets in the verge of the meadow. They seem to be prolific this year. Heart shaped dark green leaves and flowers with 5 petals, 2 above and 3 fanned out below,

White wild violets in our lawn
White wild violets in our lawn

grow close to the ground. The flowers can be eaten and make a salad look rather special; the leaves taste quite peppery.    Part of the garden lawn was covered in a carpet of white violets last month; they looked wonderful.

Our walk to nursery meant that there was little time for nerves (for either of us!) and having hung up jackets and bags in the village hall, it was time for some messy painting and for me to have a rather quieter walk home.


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Author: F.oT.T.

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