Veronika Wild

                  It  looked like the elves had gone out for the day  -Image with thanks from Ina Z.  Dear friends, I have been away for the last couple of months, something I hope to tell you more about later, but among the more positive experiences was an encounter with a Forest Kindergarten. These are really BIG in Germany, but have started to take off in other countries too. I came upon the Forest Kindergarten movement quite by accident when I stumbled upon one in a German wood. Being vacant at the time, it looked like elves lived there. It had a garden with thriving tomatoes, a swing made from a round log and ropes or twine, a well stocked toolshed with diminutive spades, places to eat even when the sun wasn’t shining, lovely mobiles made of twigs and a path decorated with mosaics which led through the garden.  Visual Calendar of Activities -Image with thanks from Ina Z.  Forest Kindergartens or Waldkindergartens are a kind of daycare that takes place outdoors whatever the we

Who would have thought the Peeling Peeling Paint Appreciation Society would have so many fans When I’m feeling flat, there are a number of groups which I turn to for a bit of inspiration. I am for example, a member of a lot of beautiful nature -based groups such as the Cloud Appreciation Society , Waterfalls of Tasmania, the Citizen Scientists, ones about Birds, Fungi, Auroras , Geology, Bees, Birds with Threatening Auras and the Moss Appreciation Society, There are also quite a few community groups and things like the Rail Trails and Abandoned Industrial Sites .  There are also funny ones like the Leunig or The Far -side Collections, or witty, pithy quotes and put -downs by former Prime Minister, Paul Keating and subtly funny ones like Mistranslations, Misheard Lyrics and funny signs, or those like the Grammar Police , to which I just signed up my sister. Oldest son is a member of both the Dull Men’s Club (1.3 M members) and the Canberra Lawn Fanatics. You’d be surprised wh

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND Meanwhile, down South we are thinking about summer. Are you beach ready? I’m not talking about getting your body in shape and getting a fake tan. I’m talking about getting your beach ready for everyone. To feel weightless and experience the total sensory overload of being in the sea is wonderful and healthy for everyone, but especially for those with disabilities . We have already seen for some time how various cities have endeavoured to become more accessible to all. Buildings have better access – ramps and lifts, rather than stairs, wider doorways and toilets that can accommodate wheelchairs. Footpaths have curb cuts for prams and wheelchairs and to make walking easier for those with other mobility problems. I have been very grateful for those myself all too recently.   Now many holiday spots around the world are working hard to make beaches accessible to those who are wheelchair bound. Take a look at some of the