Childhood lost

I spent the first 16 years of life having Mother Nature as my back garden. Surrounded by trees and countryside, this was my playground for my childhood. I climbed every tree possible in our village, walked and explored every brook, stream and river. Got muddy, soaked. Fell out of trees, off roofs, snapped rope swings. OK, you get the idea. Sabdens very own Huckleberry Finn!

How much Kier would enjoy us living here was central to our decision to move here. With my work, and the housing we've lived in recently it doesn't lend itself to being a little boy who wants to make friends, run around, and, do all the things I did when I was his age.

It made me aware of generations of children who don't have regular access to countryside and nature, and have to fall on other forms of entertainment. Our back to back house in Birkby with a fast road through it, and volatile neighbours was just an awful place to live, but a horrible place to spend your childhood.

When we arrived at the van it was pretty wet, after a boring hour of catching up and both of us wanting to get outside, the skies turned blue. We went for a walk. I showed K his boundaries, and laid down a few rules. He has so much space to play in. Rivers, trees, fishing, football and the rest. What a playground.

The clouds blew over and we went back in the van. Jodi set off to town, and then the most intense hail storm unfolded. Pink sheet lightening, loud cracks of thunder. Within 5 minutes, the whole place was covered in white. It was beautiful. Being an inch or two away from extreme weather in a little van was amazing!

(As I write a hailstorm has just started)

The storm cleared over and me and K went for another explore.

From nowhere out popped an 8 year old boy on a bike. Fantastic.

Watching these two young boys, speeding around the place on their bikes was amazing. Harry, K's new mate lives here, and more than likely will be here every time K comes to visit.

They bombed through puddles, up and down hills, lots of mud. Got to know each other. Listening and watching them get to know each other was beautiful, and already it was looking like the perfect move for us.

I spent the afternoon sat watching them out of the window, sat in silence, looking at the trees. I could feel myself really starting to relax, away from the stresses of work and the world at large. I was unwinding.

Jodi was off doing her own thing for the day.
I was unwinding on the bed
Kier was skidding through puddles with H

What could possibly go wrong now?...................................................

Hang on a minute 'Where's the cat?'