Mothering Sunday

Today it is Mothering Sunday in the UK which occurs on the fourth Sunday in Lent. Although it's often called Mothers' Day it has no connection with the American festival of that name. Traditionally, it was a day when children, mainly daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother and family. Centuries ago it was considered important for people to return to their home or 'mother' church once a year. So each year in the middle of Lent, everyone would visit their 'mother' church - the main church or cathedral of the area.

Most historians think that it was the return to the 'Mother' church which led to the tradition of children, particularly those working as domestic servants, or as apprentices, being given the day off to visit their mother and family. As they walked along the country lanes, children would pick wild flowers or violets to take to church or give to their mother as a small gift.

My Mothering Sunday started with a short run, followed by a walk with Xena in the woods. I received some lovely flowers from Luke which arrived today, and when Gavin went to the local shop to buy the newspapers they had a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the florist over the road that was a cancelled order, so they were selling them on behalf of the florist for a knock down price, which Gavin could not resist. I got lovely cards from all the boys and from Xena!

We had a delicious lunch from the catering company who we have used before. It was delivered yesterday with a list of instructions of how to finish preparing the meal. Devonshire crab starters, breast of guinea fowl with a fricassee of wild mushrooms, pancetta potato terrine and baby courgettes for the main course and the pudding was quite amazing, a white chocolate flower pot filled with dark chocolate mousse over a berry compote on a 'brownie' soil. Better than eating out I think!

A photo of Tommy and me - I find I don't like photos of myself anymore, particularly with hideous lockdown hair - it is so long I cannot wait to get to the hairdresser (another 5 weeks before I am able to do that). I note that hairdressers in Wales are allowed to open from Monday whereas in England they only open from 12 April.