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Lovely to be home for my one day off in this 12 day run of gigs. Phoebe was non-plussed to see me home until I mentioned that I’d brought her a present. I don’t mind. I remember the rare occasions dad went away for a week, I’d be more excited about potential presents. I wish he’d gone away a bit more. Think of all the toys I’d have got.
I'd bought Phoebe a old fashioned bubble gun from Tebay services. Initially I thought it was going to be a bit of a damp squib as nothing seemed to happen, but once we got outside and I got the hang of it we had a lot of fun making bubbles of all different sizes and in Phoebe’s case gleefully popping them. Like her father and Satan only in destroying finds she ease.
We took it fairly easy today, which was a relief for me, but in the afternoon we went up the hill to one of our neighbours’ houses/mini farm to show Phoebe some new born lambs. Phoebe was not that impressed and said she wanted to see pigs, but they didn’t have any of those at the moment. I loved it though. It’s quite freaky seeing farm animals up so close. Sheep are pretty freaky. No wonder Phoebe wasn’t keen to see them We were just inside having a cup of tea when one lamb was born, so we headed down the field to have a look. The lamb was unsteadily standing and then falling and then looking for milk as its mum furiously ate some grass. She didn’t seem too perturbed about having this massive animal fall out her clackerlackerdackdack. It was certainly one in the eye for my wife, who continually makes a big fuss about how tough childbirth is.
We are a long way from Shepherd’s Bush. Phoebe was more interested in the chickens and the horse, unaware of both they miracle of birth and where it is that lamb chops come from. Our garden is not big enough to accommodate any animals, but our kids will be growing up understanding about nature. The kids on the farm are fully aware that the animals the own will become food later (indeed had Phoebe been here a year ago there would have been some pigs and I didn't think it was a good idea to show them to her in the freezer just yet), though have been allowed to have one chicken who will not end up on the table.
It was just the afternoon distraction we needed to feel like the day hadn't been frittered away. But I loved frittering it. Nothing to make you appreciate your kids like being away from home. Nothing to make you want to spend time away from home like being with your kids!
