Stories

Adventure, Arctic Circle Sweden, Armed Forces, Cabin Living, Camping, Cloud Formations & Beautiful Skies, Cross Country Skiing, Forest Life, Respectful of Nature & the Animals, Scandinavian, Shot On An iPhone, Survival & Bushcraft, Swedish Traditions; Sauna

Please accept my sincere apologies that I haven’t managed to post any blogs for you for two weeks now. I have been extremely preoccupied, first with illness in the family and various other commitments and responsibilites . As I’m not able at this time to write very much for you, I’m leaving you with a […]

This is one of my most favourite photographs ever! I just love how my little son is trying to colour while struggling to see past the oversized dressing up costume hat that’s covering his eyes! Burghley House in Peterborough Stamford, is a superb stately home worth a visit if you’re ever down there. I’d even […]

I’m thanking God this evening for another blessed Lord’s Day of ministry and fellowship albeit distanced with fellow believers. This verse is a comforting one for any Christians discouraged at this time. From the book in the Bible called Philippians (as in from the country Philippi) chapter 1 & v.6 . “Being confident of this […]

I ate Bruschetta today. Not the one shown in the picture made magnificently by my son, but in an Italian restaurant in Manchester; also splendidly made and presented. I also ate chicken wrapped in pancetta served kebab style with peppers and red onions, peas and bacon in a creamy sauce and truffle Parmesan fries. It […]

In April this year, I was privileged to be able to visit China and Hong Kong on business with my husband.  For a variety of reasons, not least that I love Chinese people, and their delicious cuisine, and that I am very hungry for opportunity to travel, I was pretty certain I was going to […]

Having six children means one of two things: bunker-in and try to survive by covering all the bases and keeping things simple; or go crazy, break the mould and have fun by being a bit bonkers. We’ve chosen the latter. So, at the end of another tiring day of boating, ball games and other frantic […]

Do you know who Osbert Sitwell is?! No, neither do I, but I found a good few of his books sitting on a shelf in one of the hallways in Sizergh Castle in Kendal Cumbria. I’m curious to find out more about him now.  If Sizergh’s bookshelves are anything to go by, at the very […]

I had the privilege of being treated to lunch at Harvey Nichols today by a beloved friend. Like myself, Eve is a pastor’s wife and has spent many years homeschooling. In the community she is known as a gifted veteran homeschooler because she & her husband homeschooled successfully for more than twenty years, and their […]

I don’t think there are many of us who feel as carefree as my daughter running down this hill in the picture right now! It’s very easy to become discouraged at the moment with so many normal avenues of release and true relaxation closed off to us.  It’s easy to feel trapped in your circumstances […]

I have to make confession. This is one of my most favourite drinks in the whole world. In fact I love it so much, I would have it instead of dessert almost any day. Don’t worry, I’m not going to make you have it for dessert, but despite it’s rather sanguine appearance, I would love […]

This year in August the British Parachute Regiment celebrated 80 years since it was founded during the Second World War. The story of how it was founded and the positive difference it made to the war effort is both a thrilling and exciting one as well as showing how determination comes into play and courage […]

View all posts by Alison Allmand-Smith

Almost exactly one month ago, on Tuesday 6th October, I was delighted to be able to attend a recital of music and poetry for the Harvest of the Sea at St Mary-At-Hill church in London. My brother Charles MacDougall, who is a tenor, professional choral animateur & vocal coach, was singing in the choir, so […]