a heavy burden of guilt

[David R]

I hav'nt been down the lotty for at least 3 weeks, i just dont seem to have enough hours in the day to fit everything in (just moved home/new dad etc etc excuses excuses). 

how do i stop feeling guilty!

[David R]

[lancelotment]

By thinking that one day, that new little bundle you have just brought home, will be finishing university and starting out on their own path through life's great journey.  My daughters is 17, going on 18 and will soon be heading off on her own way.  Enjoy the time you have with them.  The lottie will still be there no matter what!  Lance

[Mrs Ava]

I agree, the allotment isn't going anywhere.  When you do find you have time, you will do a bit, and plant a bit, and all will be well, but spending quality time with your urchins is more important...and just think, in a couple of years time, urchin will be at your side, carefully digging up the peas that you have carefully sown, or eating the strawberries up long before you get a taste, or picking all of you toms for you..................whilst they are still green!  ;D Plenty of time.....plenty of time.

[Mothy]

David,

I agree with all that's been said by Lance & EJ.

I too have little enough time for the allotment, just 3 short years ago our little girl Mia was born and last year Thomas joined the family. I can see by how quickly they are growing up, it will seem like the blink of an eye before they're grown up and gone. Until then I'll content myself with the knowledge that I intend to spend as much time with them as I can, maintain the plot as best I can, and when they don't need me anymore  :'( grow veggies to my hearts content.  ;D

Just kidding, it gets easier as they get older and Mia loves to help already!!

[Meg]

I think your problem is that you are very well blessed, wish you lots and lots of enjoyment with your life. You know you will have plenty of years to go down to  the lottie so enjoy your family. Believe me from one who is definetly suffering from empty nest syndrome and was only just thinking of those days when I had a little pudgy hand in mine and pushing another baby in a pram it doesn't last for ever!!!!

[Mothy]

Nearly forgot.......many congratulations on being a new dad......girl or boy?

[amphibian]

I agree, the allotment isn't going anywhere.  When you do find you have time, you will do a bit, and plant a bit, and all will be well, but spending quality time with your urchins is more important...and just think, in a couple of years time, urchin will be at your side, carefully digging up the peas that you have carefully sown, or eating the strawberries up long before you get a taste, or picking all of you toms for you..................whilst they are still green!  ;D Plenty of time.....plenty of time.

My urchin constantly wants to water the plants on my patio, no matter how much I explain that the rain shower has watered them, or that we can't water them in full sun.

[grawrc]

Allotments and guilt really don't go together. Just do what you can and enjoy what you can manage.

If you really feel you can't cope why not get a friend to share with you till you have more free time? Is there anyone else on the site who'd share till you have a bit more leisure?

I agree with all the previous comments: enjoy your little one while you can. It's a very brief phase and far more important then the state of your allotment. Soon the summer months will be with us and you can all spend time at the allotment.

[pakaba]

hi
Congratulations on  your new arrival.


I have 3 little ones running around and also don't get down the plot very often.  I am constantly having to remind myself that with all the time in the world it can't all be done at once.  As others have said just do a little at a time, i's early days yet.
But also the days are getting longer and warmer and soon you'll be able to get down there later in the evening and maybe at times  take your little one with you for some fresh air........ 

Paula

[kitty]

it will seem like the blink of an eye before they're grown up

too right! ;)
i was FAR too young when i had our sprog and really didnt appreciate the time i had with him :-[....hes 26 now-long since gone from home..
o well....perhaps i'll make a better granny!

[MrsKP]

argggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh don't mention the G word Kitty, it brings me out in a rash.

i never thought i'd see the day when my girl would leave home, but she did at 19, 4 years ago  :o (gosh is it that long already).  i was devastated at the time and miss her dreadfully but i'm still not ready to be a "G" (especially as she's 400 mile away and i'd not get to see the wee cherub very often).

Congrats David and stop worrying and start enjoying.  We can't all be super human no matter what the "experts" would have us believe.  Baby steps, just take baby steps, and your little one will be taking them sooner than you think.

[:D]

[Emagggie]

And it gets even better when they are in their 20s and see you as an eccentric old dear!!!!!!! Mine seem to mother me now, but they would do and have done most anything I ask.
I agree about the pudgy little hand to hold,etc. Ah well, bring on the grandchildren quicksmart. I've loads of rude rhymes up my sleeve.
Congratulations and ENJOY.

[MrsKP]

And it gets even better when they are in their 20s and see you as an eccentric old dear!!!!!!! Mine seem to mother me now, but they would do and have done most anything I ask.
I agree about the pudgy little hand to hold,etc. Ah well, bring on the grandchildren quicksmart. I've loads of rude rhymes up my sleeve.
Congratulations and ENJOY.

Emaggie have you ever read "When I am an old woman I shall wear purple" by Jenny Joseph, I have it laminated on the wall in front of my computer and use it as my mantra.

;D

[busy_lizzie]

Agree with everyone else.  You have so much to be thankful for and you have to prioritise your time and do what is most important to you at the moment.  Can you get someone to share half of your plot just to keep it going until things become easier for you?  If you have an allotment committee who inspect your plot, write the secretary a letter explaining your circumstances, so they can be understanding if your plot is a bit overgrown.  Anyway congrats with your new little one and  good luck in your new job.    :) busy_lizzie

[Emagggie]

Mrs kp, I do remember it vaguely. Please remind me.I like purple alot......!! ;D

[rosebud]

David, don`t feel guilty just enjoy your family and new house. Plenty of time for the lottie. if you cannot stop feeling guilty throw some spuds in and then go home and enjoy the baby.  let us have a look at the newcomer please.  Cheers Rosebud. ;D

[Amazin]

Don't forget all the 'firsts' -

first word, first steps, first set of gardening tools....

;D

[David R]

Thanks for the encouragement, I will begin by training little one to dig before he can walk - hows that for compromise!

i promise to post a pic if i can work out how to reduce the size.
???

[David R]

The allotmenteer to be

[MrsKP]

Emaggie - purple and anything in its spectrum is my fave colour.

I've stuck the poem in The Shed rather than hi-jack David thread.

David - have you got one of the Photoshop/Paintshop type programmes ?  There's usually a resize application in there somewhere.  My pics are quite pic and I resize them to about 30% for use on the forums.   

Your little one is absolutely gorjus  ;D