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It's lovely to be spending time with the family in Somerset, a place where rules about joining the rat race or worshipping new-fangled monotheistic religions or not marrying your sister do not apply.
Yesterday when walking around the village we're staying in, we saw a couple walking a sheep on a lead. You don't get that in that there London.
Obviously I wouldn't want to stay here for more than a week because you can't get a latte for miles around and everyone is married to their sister, but it's nice to visit.
And the family seems to be enjoying each other's company with no fights (except between my children, but some things even Christmas can't cure) and lots of fun and games.
We dragged a reluctant Phoebe and Ernie on a walk around the grounds of the property that everyone else is staying in this afternoon. It was cold and muddy and they didn't want to be out of the house and away from their devices. I remembered feeling the same back in the 70s and 80s when I was forced to go on walks on the Mendips. Walking in the countryside is undeniably more boring than ipads and even 1970s children's TV.
I remembered times when a muddy puddle was the greatest thing that my children could see and jump in, but they were more reluctant to get involved this time (though quickly remembered what was great about them). We then took a turn into the woods where there was a "natural playground" with various things to climb on and swing on placed at intervals around the path, plus suggestions of ways to commune with nature. All the stuff was a bit wet and slippery and there was a bit of snark from the 10 year old, but they actually both really got into the fun of it and Ernie was even reluctant to head back into the warmth. I liked running around on top of the Gorge once we got up there too. Why are children such fucking idiots?
If you've failed to get anyone a Christmas present or want to give yourself a great gift, David Mitchell is returning to RHLSTP on 16th March at the Leicester Sq Theatre and as I write there are still some £17.50 tickets left.
So BOOK NOW.
