Ever the optimist it is always wonderful when an epic failure can be a win. Here at Southampton Sight, we are always excited about trying new things or running activities that mean our members have an enriching experience when they come to our centre for the Laughter and Lunch Clubs. In mid-May when we all were anticipating the onset of summer and the appearance of the sun, our Monday group spent time with some second year OT students from Southampton University. The group of students brought in a variety of herbs and using texture and smell our members were able to talk about what memories they evoked – sage and roast chicken, rosemary, and roast lamb etc. At the end of the session the members with help of the OT students planted sunflower seeds. The plant pots were put outside and lovingly tendered to, but nothing happened – much discussion, scratching of heads, alternative views aired and looking at the sky. Well 4 weeks later not one seed has sprouted and our little huddle of pots represented the dire start to the summer we have all been experiencing BUT there is always a bright side – this week we discovered that the seeds may not have germinated at all as we have 3 little interlopers – baby squirrels (Huey, Dewey and Louie) – who have been visiting our pots as a learning experience – they have nibbled the seeds and may have even had a sunflower microgreen or two as a tasty snack – this can be measured as healthy living outcome. I know we have said it before but it can’t get better than that can it!
When a win isn’t the win you were expecting!
