Inspired by the many wonderful mud pie kitchens I've seen on others blogs, I decided to make one of our own. About 20 minutes later, a brand new mud pie kitchen, made from all the junk we have hanging around - it does come in handy sometimes! I was most excited about the toys in the hanging baskets, easy to put away and free draining.
Middle one said - "but how do you make mud pies". I gasped in shock. What have I been depriving my children of? It didn't take him long to catch on, and they all took to it with gusto. Think this might be a favourite outdoor summer hangout.
Linking up with Play Ideas Word for Wednesday "Outdoors".
We are overrun with aphids. All over the roses, which you would expect, but they're not stopping there. Surprisingly, the Japanese Maple is covered in them. I've never noticed this happen before, but perhaps it has and I just hadn't observed it. I spied a maple tree a whole town away under siege as well.
Fortunately there is someone to the rescue.
In her red and black cape. Sipping nectar.
Making friends.
Munching
and multiplying. Leaving her eggs behind all over the place. I spied many young ladybirds gathered in groups today. Planning there attack I dare say.
The little ones are loving the appearance of these pretty critters. We might try keeping a few to watch their freaky life cycle.
On keeping ladybugs in your garden
We already have a critter we're keeping a close eye on, but that's for another post.
We love Miniscule, beware if you look up lady bird on You Tube you can be entertained for hours!
For more on my love of lady birds checkout this post on Alexander Beetle.
We're linking up with 1000 Homes of Happiness 'Nature' theme this week. I'm a nature nut. All the best stuff happens out there.
This huntsman has taken up residency at our place. He lives between the window and fly screen and creeps out scaring the little one.
Tissue paper lanterns - they were a bit thick and not so transparent so we gave them pumpkin faces. To see the beginning of these creations: http://landcare.blogspot.com/2011/10/making-mess-balloons.html
More visits from the ravens
And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door; And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming, And the lamplight o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted - nevermore!
Just because she's cute, which lets me forgive her for this.
Our little bowerbird mouse is forever eating - and leaving bits behind. The fruit bowl is in her reach and she looves fruit, but it's not always a good thing.
The most delicious eggs from our neighbours chickens - pumpkin eggs for Halloween.
A murder of crows (well Australian Ravens actually) hanging around our house stealing our neighbours eggs and our strawberries. Just in time for Halloween.
More craft and creations to come. Have you been getting into the spooky spirit? Of course it's all back to front here, being Spring, but I love spooky stuff and can't resist getting involved.
