Surfacing.....

......and exhale.....

The children went back to school today, after a lovely couple of weeks at home for Easter.

Moogdad is still dealing with the after-effects of his accident but we are both coming to terms with the fact that his weirdness is what you would expect with a minor brain injury - although it's felt far from minor to him.

Thanks to Jane's recommendation, we have both read Richard Hammond's book about his recovery from brain injury. This book has been so enlightening and has answered many questions - thanks Jane :-)

Also, thanks to Emma I have done a bit of research on the Headway website. My husband is very much a logical man, so the unexplained, mysterious nature of his head injury was causing him an enormous amount of stress and anxiety. Now that he's read the facts for himself and realised he's not imagining it, he seems to have relaxed a little.

I have offered to teach him to knit as a form of therapy but so far he has declined my kind offer. Therefore, I've indulged myself with a little bit of therapy.

I also received some gorgeous therapy in the post this week. Thanks to my virtual twin WMK - who shares exactly the same birthday (same day, same year!) as me - I was thrilled to open this beautiful bundle of goodies.

The lovely mini-quilt has such a beautiful sentiment. The fab pirate stickers barely lasted for the photo before being nabbed by Monster and it would seem Minx has plans for the ribbon....pesky kids!

Perfect timing too, as they were waiting for me after a particularly trying and tiring day visiting my Dad in hospital, up in Birmingham last Tuesday.

Dad is still in hospital, in a lovely rehabilitation ward, being helped to get fit enough to go home. He's having a trial run on Friday so that he can be assessed for his care needs. Poor man is desperate to be at home.

We did manage one day out as a family this holiday. Helped by the fact that Moogsdad was doing some motorbike research (i.e. dragging us all round Hampshire looking for the perfect one of these) we ended up at Staunton Country Park, in Havant.

The kids had the best time feeding the vast array of farm animals. Minx fell in love with the goats and a very soft donkey, while I rather liked the alpacas and the fabulous sheep (goats?)with dreadlocks - haven't a clue what breed they are! However,we all agreed that the mahoosive, rather self-important looking, cockerel was the most impressive of all.

I'm glad to say, Moogsdad didn't have it all his own way. Take it from me - a bit of research always pays off. When I realised we'd (I'd) be bored half to death looking at bikes I found myself a little reward.

So, if you're ever in need of the best sort of retail therapy and happen to be in the Liss area....you really really need to go to Liss Wools......it's gorgeous and I will be going back....soon!

There's even a park just up the road, where you can leave the family while you shop!

I've got a busy week ahead at work, which will take my mind off the fact that my baby boy is going away tomorrow - until Friday. He's on an outdoor adventure week with school. It's going to be mighty quiet without him but at least I'll have whole load of washing to look forward to on his return ;-)

I'm even hoping I get chance to read a blog or two.

Missed you! xxx

p.s. Moogsdad found a suitable bike. We're picking it up on Wednesday. Shame really....I'd got several more wool shops I was hoping to visit....