Traps and raps

Ventured out in the miserable weather in pursuit of a venus fly trap. Visited the garden centre that yesterday confirmed it had some in stock only to find some rather sick looking specimens, probably suffering from an overdose of tap water. We decided these were not going to be a good buy, insectivorous plants are notoriously hard to keep so it makes good sense to start with healthy stock. On to the next garden centre... we seem to have no shortage of them or perhaps to be more accurate - garden lifestyle centres. It would appear plants are now only of minor importance pushed aside by patio heaters, paving, decking, garden furniture and designer garden clothing. Personally I don't know what's wrong with wellies and old clothes but then I do actually like gardening, getting my hands dirty, and feeling at one with nature, rather than sitting on my deck listening to my ipod surrounded by a minimalist low maintenance garden.

A major downside of this garden centre evolution is the difficulty you have in finding someone who actually knows much about plants. Anyway we did eventually hit lucky and a very helpful chap showed us a great selection of healthy insectivorous plants and gave us a quick lesson on the different types and how to look after them. James and Thea had great fun teasing the venus fly traps, tickling the trigger hairs to make them close. The great sales pitch worked a treat and we left with not only a venus fly trap but a pitcher plant too. Both are now happily installed in the garden, which we were informed was the best place for them until winter comes.

Back home Paper Town is expanding courtesy of the Canon 3D papercraft website. Since yesterday two houses have been built, an allotment site developed (Thea's own design and handy work), and a harbour is under construction.

I have been giving some thought to Professor Winston's theory that you are either a lark (an early riser that works best in the mornings) or an owl (a late riser that works best in the afternoons and evenings). I am definitely the latter as anyone who reads my blog will know. I believe my kids have inherited the owl gene, despite all efforts we have never succeeded in getting them to sleep before nine. In fact they often seem to be at their most creative and active between mid afternoon and late evening (9.30pm). Thea tonight, for example, produced the following rap at around 9.30pm, inspired by a visit to the local RSPCA centre earlier in the day:

Animal Rescue Rap

R..S..P..C..A..
The RSPCA are on the way
Cats, kittens, dogs and all
They will rescue one and all

Rats, mice in the cupboard
Oh dear here comes Mother Hubbard
When she looks through that door
She'll pass out and hit the floor

In a flash through the hall
Here come the one and all
R..S..P..C..A
Here they are to save the day

Guinea pigs and rabbits too
I found them sitting on the loo
No need to worry its OK
The RSPCA are on their way

Gerbils, hamsters the biting crew
I found them nibbling at my shoe
Hedgehogs, reptiles and a tortoise too
What's that noise its a moo

The cow is stuck in the shed
This is going to my head
Help, help, please come quick
The RSPCA is the trick

Puppies, puppies in the pen
Please come and help me again
My dog's gone mental the cats got flu
The kittens have a virus too

R..S..P..C..A
I need your help - TODAY

Who needs school, its rigidly imposed timetable, and one size fits all approach - who indeed.