Living willow sculpture

Kept awake last night by what must be a rat hurtling around in the wall by our bed. We are mystified how it has got in but it has been visiting us around 11pm each night for the last few days, running along the wall then going out again. Last night it threw a party, moved the furniture and generally let rip. The same thing happened at exactly the same time of year last year but we blocked up the hole where we thought it was coming in, and resorted to poison. Now someone else has arrived. Mice are ok but rats are not. And we have three cats who are usually pretty expert at this kind of thing.

Busy day in school making volcanoes! Very very satisfying - the old bicarb and vinegar trick plus red food colouring for extra effect!!

Back to the wet and windy weather, so a mad dash out into the garden trying not to get too wet. I quite like this image, it's part of the living willow sculpture we are trying to cultivate. it's a kind of domed arbour with a disco ball inside! These horizontal strands are woven around and support the upright strands which are planted. Now, with all the leaves fallen, it looks a bit forlorn but will burst into luxuriant growth next spring.