The weekend

 I woke this morning at 7:15 well rested and greeted by a grinning daughter, who could not keep a secret. Today was Mothering Sunday in Britain. She whispered into my ear don't look, we are going to sneak out and make you breakfast in bed. That was followed by my dress worn last night, lying on the floor, being thrown onto my face to keep me from seeing!

I stayed that way until I heard surprise. There in front of me was a large tray with waffles, juice, fruit and coffee. All three of us sat in bed and ate a lovely breakfast chosen and prepared by Zelda. After eating I was presented with gifts and cards. I received a  crocheted pillow in the shape of a heart that said LOVE on it, a lovely magical wooden music box for jewelry. It is the kind that when you open it the fairy inside spins around until you close it or the music ends. Zelda made me a perfect card with butterflies on it and lovely writing saying she loved me inside.

After breakfast, Zelda left, only to return dressed in a princess outfit, donned with fairy wings, a crown, a wand and holding an apple. She put the music box on the bed opened it up and moved in time to the music and in circles to the fairy in the box! A scene to behold...who writes this stuff???? Where does she get it???

We got dressed and ate a bit more and then went to Crook Hall. This is one of my favorite places in Durham City. It is an old mansion with large gardens. We took a family membership for one year so now we  can go whenever we like. It will open for the season in two weeks. Today was just for Mothering Sunday.

Upon entering you are faced with a large hedge maze. Zelda led us through it and out again. We walked through all the secret places and then settled down to have an afternoon tea with scones, ginger cake, flapjacks, cheese sandwiches and of course ea. The sun shone, it rained, it shone and it was all in all great weather.

The grey clouds rolled in around 2:30 and we went home. We found a classic childrens film, Amazons and Swallows and all three of us went up up to watch it.  It was super sunny and bright outside! I can't wait until we can all go camping on the island in the Lake District, like in this film.

Saturday was library day. We took it easy and just relaxed. I read my book The Room and got to bed early.

Friday we got a baby sitter for Zelda and her two cousins H and E. The four adults went out to the pub for dinner and drinks. We got home by 11:30. The evening was gloriously warm. It is great that one can walk to town and back, never having to use the car.

Right now it is a fantastic evening. The sun is setting and the cherry blossom trees out the window are glowing in the evening light. The birds are singing otherwise it is very quiet. Zelda is in bed with her dad who is reading to her and snuggling her to sleep.

I feel loved, happy, grateful, giddy and ready for what ever tomorrow brings!