And like.... Actually be allowed to go on the bouncy castles, instead of just sitting playing on my phone ignoring my children

Thank you Shire Hill and the Story Tree.

*Also thanks @blindboyboatclub.bsky.social

My family were freaking out that I was too high (O reckons 40ft but he's just as terrible at spatial awareness as me). I could have gotten higher (I have in the past) but I didn't want to upset them so came down and retold a PG version of "The Voyage of Bran"* to the kids before hopping down.

Someone has started to make a shelter on the very bottom branches which I was careful not to disturb which did make climbing on and off a little more difficult but I still loved it.

Situated almost at the very top of Shire Hill in a clearing just off from the East footpath, it's thick sprawling branches are perfect to haul yourself up onto, curl up onto a nook and tell a story to those below.

Really enjoyed this tree! 8/10 Would climb again!!!

Got the highest so far (around 20ft, I'm terrible at spacial awareness!) it lost a few points for how difficult it was to get to the base of the tree (in a ditch with lots of brambles & spindley low hanging branches), the challenging reaches but gained points for the cheeky mushrooms growing on it!

Took the scenic route home after dropping the kids at school and found this snowy lovely!

* Every year on 12th night I go and sing at some trees - I usually make the children come with me, they were lucky this year.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/his...

I really want to put a treehouse up the tree but will have to include ladders I think.

So.... It loses points for ease of climbing, and for the tricksy ivy, got a good view of my house and left an offering for the Squirrel God that lives in the tree.

4/10 for climbability.

Got fooled by a bit of dead ivy pretending to be a branch and nearly fell off which, coupled with the slippery snowy branches knocked my confidence so I didn't venture too much higher than 5/6ft (from the base of the tree- the fall down the roof back to my garden would have been much further!!!).

Then I hopped up the Sycamore tree growing out from the back of my outbuilding - which people keep telling me to chop down but that I never will.

Unfortunately, I could only remember the words to No Children by The Mountain Goats so hopefully that will be enough to appease the spirits and ensure a bountiful harvest this year!

Like...I get that this is a predominantly American platform ATM and that you guys are ... Going through some stuff (sending thoughts during this difficult time) but there must be some accounts that are getting you through the day?

This is basically me asking for advice on who to follow