I have found mine. It's in the form of a tiny quarter plot of an allotment in Birmingham where I live. I have wanted an allotment for a while and was offered one four or five years ago but turned it down. I had to be realistic about my time commitments.

A few years on I reapplied and was offered one last August. With one child almost flown the nest and the other being in his late teens, now was the time!!  I was offered a half plot or a quarter plot. With working four days a week plus other commitments, such as being a school governor, I opted for a quarter plot. I'm incredibly grateful to the lovely Cyril, who at 89, graciously gave up his plot and shed with many tools to me. I had a beautifully looked after plot and didn't face the challenges of clearing a pile of brambles that many people face.

Like dog walking, allotments offer a community. If you're feeling a bit down, you can say hello but work quietly. But often, if you are feeling in a good mood, people are willing to talk and share their experience.

The allotment is in a lovely area of Birmingham. Surrounded by a playing field, park and primary School there are literally no buildings and looking over the plot you would never know you're in a big city.

There is a tame family of foxes, who potter about,  quite unfazed by humans. I sometimes walk up in my lunchtime to take my vegetable scraps for compost and just walking through the gates gives me a wonderful feeling. 

I have potatoes, Onions, Garlic, Broad beans and strawberries all in already. I have Butternut Squash, Globe artichokes, Beetroot and the rather magnificent trombocino on my windowsills Ready to plant out in a bit. 

I guess you can sense my enthusiasm. The point is, it makes me happy and it feels a safe place to potter, To work and to enjoy a sense of freedom from responsibility.

I hope you can all find a happy place.

BrumMum

A Moodscope member