hanging out
Yesterday, in amongst many hours of Bikkie baking for a twilight market tonight, Tilly asked whether she could hang out with me.
I said, yes of course, and continued doing what I was doing. She said: no Mum, I mean just you and me. You always say yes and then we never do anything. Ne-ver.
I stopped what I was doing.
It was a critical blow.
We had an emergency family meeting to figure out who was going where and with whom and Tilly and I went and got icecream.
We sat on the bench at our favourite spot in the cemetery.
It happens to overlook our family farm.
I've always loved seeing it from way over here.
We say hello to the family. They're pretty much all here, the ones no longer here. You know. If you're lucky and you happen to be in the cemetary with my Dad he'll tend to lie down in "his" plot just to remind you where it is in case you can't find the paperwork when the time comes. He's very helpful. Yes, thank you Dad.
It was windy and we were getting our heads blown off so we went to a park we've never been to (in this tiny town, how is that possible?!)
We had it to ourselves. (In the summer holidays. No one else knows it's there either.)
That's gorgeous, baby. It's called lantana and if you see it on the farm you go get Dad and the tractor and you rip it all out, ok? But thanks, that's lovely.
And you know, taking the time off didn't really hurt the market stall. At all. We still got it all done. It was such a joy hanging out with my suddenly five year old. And the market was a sell out. Hooray! I got to meet a totally lovely person called Susan who introduced herself as a blog reader and who I wish I could have talked to for longer (ideally with a cup of tea!) I love meeting friends in unexpected places.
I got home and discovered I had my dress on inside out.
All day. Inside out.
I am the coolest.
Here's to five year olds who want to hang out with their disasterous mothers. I'm hanging onto it.
xxx
Yvette
January 12, 2012 at 10:44 pmthat’s lovely! I read the post the other day about Tilly turning 5 and I was reminded of seeing you at uni when you told me you were pregnant with no 2.
she is the dearest sweetest girl, you are very lucky!
Sarahb
January 12, 2012 at 10:46 pmTotally love this post Fi. Need to do more of that with my nearly 5 year old. What a perfect way to spend the afternoon x
Melissa
January 12, 2012 at 10:47 pmAh Tilly, a girl after my own heart! I also loved Lantana as a little girl. Perhaps you’ll become a bush regenerator too!
lily boot
January 12, 2012 at 10:48 pmso sweet – she is such a cutie! And I love that you sit in the cemetery to eat your icecreams! Old ones are always in the most magical spots – isn’t it funny (in a nice way) how folks wanted the dearly departed to have a lovely outlook 🙂 Glad the market was a success – you deserve it!
Leah King
January 12, 2012 at 10:55 pmFi, your post came at exactly the right time. I have just had the second day of going to get Miss 18mo from her lunchtime sleep to discover she has spread poo ALL over herself, the cot, mattress, mosquito net, floor, stuffed toys, etc. Bring on the good times! Only have 3.5 years to go ….
Anny
January 12, 2012 at 11:52 pmSounds like a magic day including the dress…things like this keep us grounded!! My Mum used to love taking us to old cemeteries to read the headstones and I remember this 50 years on. I’m sure Tilly will remember these sort of days too.
dora
January 13, 2012 at 12:05 amI’d love to visit New Zealand. Landscapes seem so wonderfull! and swimming in the New Year, oh my…I’ll keep dreaming! I live in Portugal which is just a little bit far from there. Keep on the farming. I’ve already made the passionfruit slices from your receipt. Wow! it’s soo good!
Dora
Cassandra
January 13, 2012 at 7:40 amI loved reading this. You are tops, really, inside out and all.
SB
January 13, 2012 at 8:29 amhee hee hee… so did no one else actually notice the inside out dress? not Hen? not Ad? not the many visitors you get through your door each day?
The ice cream date with Tilly sounds divine 🙂
innerpickle
January 13, 2012 at 9:36 amAs much as I love New Zealand, almost as much as I love New Zealanders, I should tell you, Im in Australia!
innerpickle
January 13, 2012 at 9:37 amBack at ya, lady xx
innerpickle
January 13, 2012 at 9:38 amThe many visitors NO and WHAT ABOUT THE 500 FRIENDS AT THE MARKETS?!?! Shudder.
alison@thisbloominglife
January 13, 2012 at 10:18 amI’m impressed you were wearing a dress, regardless of the innovative fashion twist! This year I swear I am going to find my inner fashion goddess (if only the farm gear wasn’t so comfy).
rakster
January 13, 2012 at 2:53 pmlovely.
🙂 I like lantana flowers too… 🙂
here’s a toast to hanging out with one’s own kids. I am looking forward to it one day!
innerpickle
January 13, 2012 at 3:05 pmDont be too impressed, it is approximately the shape of a potato sack and I wear it over jeans. Just so you know. xx
Julie
January 14, 2012 at 2:17 pmThanks for making me laugh out loud! I once had the same pair of shoes in black and navy blue. In my hurry I wore one of each color. Unfortunately, it was noticed my many and they all pointed it out to me! Looks like you came through it unscathed! Or, perhaps you are just too cool and setting a new fashion trend?
Good for you making Tilly your top priority! She is such a precious chid! They grow up way too fast. Looks like you both had a wonderful time!
xxx
Susan.
January 16, 2012 at 11:55 am🙂
Loved the biscuits!
Greenie
January 16, 2012 at 6:28 pmWhat a great post! I got to hang out with my grand-daughter Charlie on the weekend while her mummy and daddy got to hang out together. Talk about a win win win! but I would love to just hang out now and then with my little girl too – even though she’s 33! EEk! Where does that time go?!?!?!
Bek
February 9, 2012 at 9:17 pmInside out! I didn’t even notice. You really are the coolest Fi! X