Friday, 12-06-26

 Morning!  Sorry about yesterday but I've not been well.  I'm still not 100% but getting better and should be fine by tomorrow.  Just some sort of 'summer virus' that knocked me flat and the cold weather hasn't helped.

I'll be back properly tomorrow morning!  Have a lovely day.  xx

Tuesday evening, 09-06-26

Good evening.  I'm sending this early because tomorrow morning is a bit loaded with stuff.

Today, Groove was good.  New block, new play list and new movement sequences, nothing too heavy but challenging in places.  The sun shone and we walked which was nice.

Once home, I went straight to the garage, got the mower out and - flat battery!!   I gave it an hour on charge and that was enough power to mow my tiny little patch of mostly weed leaves with a bit of grass. It started clouding over and I just got finished before the rain started, getting slightly damp taking it back to the garage.  So THAT'S off my mind for a few days now!

I did some washing too and, after the rain cleared, got it onto the line where it dried nicely.  It is now all ironed/folded and ready to put away.

As a start-in for the AYWMC, there's a thing called something like thirty days of photos.  There's thirty headings like 'things in threes' and 'reflection'.

I popped into the garden to see what I could catch . . .

I am assuming 'snail's eye view' means something like this - camera on the ground and click.

Weather?

Abstract?

Taken at midday?

I just like this one.  Might make it my next header banner.

Just two colours?  

Botanical?

Abstract?  Maybe not . . .

Another Just two colours?

Snail's eye view - although any snail eyeing up my rhubarb had better think again!!

And another . . .

On to tomorrow and the reason why the early morning is busy is because I have personal training at 7:15 - that is am, not pm.  
Then I'm in school for a governor's visit - the focus is phonics and it is phonics screen week.

And the reason why personal training is so early is because at the usual time I have another online training, this time a heavy one on exclusions.  The only alternative time Lindsey could offer was early morning.  It's lucky I am an early riser, isn't it?

I'll send this now.  I know I could have scheduled it but I do get in a muddle with tenses when writing one day for sending another and this is easier.
Have a lovely Wednesday, everyone.   Stay safe and well.  xx

Tuesday, 09-06-26

Good morning, all.  Welcome to my Tuesday blog.

Already this morning we have had sunshine, rain and then sunshine again it's not half past seven yet.  Very unpredictable weather.  It also felt quite chilly when I popped out to take a few photos.

Here they are.

The lavender smells gorgeous.  I will be harvesting it in due course.

It's getting a bit big - I think it needs a good old cut back come the autumn.

A four cm cucumber.  :-)

The first baby tomato (that I can find).  The others won't be far behind.

A few golden raspberries.  Any fruit is a bonus this year after the poor things got so dehydrated in April.

The first video I have taken on the new camera.  Just a panoramic thing from the back door.  Apologies for the traffic and the wind and for any heavy breathing - I'm very hay-fever wheezy at the moment.  

I'll be off to Groove with Chris in about an hour and a half.  We're planning to walk so fingers crossed.  After that, the day is my own and I'm not sure what I will do - maybe pop out somewhere, just to cheer me up.  I'll Have a lovely day, one and all.  xx

Monday, 08-06-26

Morning, all.  Guess what - it's raining.  Just for a change, you know!!  😃

It might brighten up though.  The clouds look quite high.  Fingers crossed.

A few garden photos first because why not.

Messy bits I don't usually show.  I'm not using those pots for tomatoes this year so they really need a proper clean and putting away.

More messy bits.  The water butt and I also prop the broom and the washing line up against it.

They're all useful though.

Happy rhubarb!

And a couple of pretties in the middle bed.

After yesterday's little moan (sorry for that), I DID get a bit of decluttering done.  You don't notice the difference but I know I've done it.  I have another little bit listed for today which should make a bit of a visible difference.

In the afternoon, I popped over to Beth with her bread and sat outside with a nice cuppa to chat.  
I came home feeling cheerful and started sorting out the very messy front patch which is now not an utter disgrace to a decent cul de sac!  Well, the border isn't, we won't talk about the grass which I didn't cut yesterday because it was damp and won't be cutting today unless the weather improves dramatically.

I was getting really concerned that I had seen no signs of my dahlias coming up neither round the back or at the front.  While the back ones were very young and started as bedding plants which maybe were engineered to not keep going (I don't know, just maybe), the front one, the confused dahlia is much older and established and I would miss it no end if it wasn't there.
So you can imagine my delight when I saw signs of growth on Saturday and yesterday it looked like this.  They do grow fast once they get going.

I'll keep looking round the back and if there's nothing in a week's time, I will see if there's any bedding plants remaining in a garden centre.  If not, no worries, there's always next year.

Something that really cheered me up - my lovely neighbour went strawberry picking and brought round a pot with eight beauties in it for me.  Wasn't that kind?  They were lovely.

The one downer yesterday was the hay fever.  I truly thought I was growing out of it at last as symptoms have been so mild for ages now but this year - oh, my word.  Yesterday was awful, despite medication, and this morning isn't great either.  Ears, eyes, nose, sore throat, itchy skin.  Yuck.  I wish I could do a Paddington with a couple of toothbrushes.  In case you don't know, here's the link to a YouTube clip.  It makes me laugh every time.

I mut do some washing today so I've already got one load in and a couple more lines up.  I'll be off to Circuits in a while and then, when I come back, it is Monday so downstairs housework day.  If it doesn't rain again, I might give the 'lawn' a high cut, just to sort out the worst.

It feels nice to have a list!  😏
Have a lovely Monday, everyone.  Stay dry and be happy.  xx

Sunday, 07-06-26

Good morning, everyone.  Welcome to Sunday.

It's another of those days where the sun doesn't know if it's coming or going and the rain clouds can't make up their minds either.  It's all a bit dismal really.  What's it like your way?

Yesterday happened.  
I baked bread, roasted chicken, stripped the bones and made stock and I made a batch of Roy's white bean Alfredo sauce that I use to top lasagnes, etc.
I managed to break off the top of one of the tomato plants as I was tying it up which I was cross with myself for but this morning a little side shoot is forming just below the break so fingers crossed.
I didn't declutter anything.  < sigh >

Oh, and I got my old, defunct PC over to Steve who is very kindly going to make it secure (remove something or other) and take the rest to the dump along with some of his stuff.

Today - well, no idea but maybe I will manage to declutter just one drawer . . . make it manageable.  And I will be taking the loaves over to Beth this afternoon.

Things are a bit depressing round here right now because - well, I'm not going to get into politics, either with a capital letter or now so just let's say I am saddened and worried . . . and I'm saying no more.

Goodness, what a miserable post.  Sorry, all, I will cheer up, I promise.  Take care, enjoy your Sunday and see you tomorrow.  xx

Saturday, 06-06-26

Good morning, all.  Happy Saturday, even if it has been raining and looks as if it will start again soon.

Starting with some photos - the blueberries are blueing nicely . . .

. . . but the last pear has dropped.  RIP little pear!

A nice splash of colour.

My home is smelling very fragrant at 07:30-ish as I'm roasting a chicken crown that will feed me for much of the week in various ways.  I've also started off some sourdough, for Beth this time, not Lindsey, as she still has some to use from previous bakings.

Yesterday's weather was so much nicer.  It wasn't hot but we had plenty of sunshine.  Cheering.

SW group was good (I lost a bit, yay) and how can a small shop amount to so much?  Sign of the times, isn't it?

Today is a homey day, I think.  There's nothing in the diary and plenty to be getting on with inside.  There's the declutter of my bedroom, for a start, and I want to make another batch of a bean-based white sauce for the freezer as I used the last portion yesterday.

Right, time for some stretch and folds and I need to check the chicken so I will love you and leave you.  Have a really lovely Saturday, however you spend it.  All the best.  xx

Friday, 05-06-26

Morning, everyone.  Today has started nice and sunny again but it did yesterday and ooops!  Not a great day weather wise although, to be fair, we did get some sunshine.

I had a nice chat with Chris before finishing off the OFSTED Training and then, later on, attending one entitled Handling Complaints in School.  It really was very good indeed - very informative and helpful.
I've got two more coming up in the next month - next week's one should be heavy, all about exclusions, both short term and permanent.  We ought to know about that as it is wrapped around with statutory stuff.
And the other should be much more positive - Supporting Your Head Teacher.
I will be all trained out by the end of term!

Today, as usual, starts with Slimming World followed by a weekly shop in Morrisons.  I have a very short list this week which is great.

And then . . . ?  Maybe bedroom, maybe garden - probably not both though!

One of the hanging baskets, taken between showers yesterday.

And I have six cucumbers coming along, still very small; the biggest one is 2cms long but it's a mini one so that's not bad.  Once they really get going they grow very quickly so guess what I will be taking for the SW hamper once that happens!  :-)

Happy Friday, everyone.  Wishing you a lovely, happy, satisfying day.  xx

Thursday, 04-06-26

Morning, everyone, and hasn't it turned cold!!!  I have my snuggle hood on (the long one) and last night I had my electric blanket on to warm the bed.  Brrrr.

The heating hasn't quite clicked on but it is close to doing so!
Come back, summer!

I planned to blitz my bedroom yesterday, didn't I?  Famous Last Words!  I was asked a question about some of the Governors' training and answering that pushed me into a rabbit hole, so to speak, and I spent much of the day catching up on training I should have done last week.
It was good, it was worth doing, but I still have a cluttered bedroom!

Oh, well . . . and I did manage to bake some bread in between PowerPoint slides!

By the time I left for personal training, my brain was aching and some exercise was just what I needed to clear it.

And I slept like a log - once I had warmed up.

It's Thursday which means Coffee and Chat with Chris.  I'm at hers this week and it's safe to bet that we won't be sitting out in the warm sunshine this week!
Then I want to finish one lot of training before the next one goes live late afternoon.  Another brain-ache day but it will be good to get it done and my Governors' training record looks quite impressive.  It doesn't mean I REMEMBER it, of course, just that I've DONE it!  :-)

So that's today and maybe it is just as well the there's no enticement to sit out in the sun (or shade) and read today!

And having just written that last, the sun seems to be coming out to play.
That's life!

Have a great day, everyone.  See you tomorrow!  xx

Wednesday, 03-06-26

Good morning, everyone.  I've woken up to sunshine which is nice, and it was cool overnight - it's lovely to be able to snuggle under my duvet and I sleep so much better than lying on top.  Just a sheet to cover doesn't do it for me, not at all.

Let's get the boring garden photos over and done with, shall we?

A bit small and a bit sparse but, given that I thought I'd killed them for this year (lack of water while I was away), I will take whatever I get with gratitude.  The autumn raspberries seem to be recovering too so fingers crossed

The very sad news is that another baby pear has dropped.  Just one remaining and I have no real hopes.

Yay.  Growing slowly!

And the newly planted rhubarb seems very happy and is growing fast.  I'm so, so tempted but no . . . not this year. 

No baby tomatoes yet but I live in hopes!  :-)

Chris came over for a pre-recorded Groove session yesterday morning.  It was a real blast from the past when she was still in her old house and had a fringe!  😊

It was much more fun doing it with someone else than just on my own.

The sun came out later on, which was nice, and I did this and that around the house in between catching up on my sleep - I wasn't in bed until after midnight on Monday (because of the show) and woke at my usual time of just before five so a bit of a catch up kip was very welcome.

Today, there's nothing in the diary until personal training so I am taking bin bags up to my bedroom and starting a good old clear out.  It gets so, so cluttered and, while I do tidy, things need sorting out properly so that's what I am going to do.  Then it is PT so I will get a good old stretch and tone.  Perfect.

Have a lovely Wednesday, everyone.  Stay safe!  xx

Tuesday, 02-06-26

Morning, everyone, and for the first time in what seems like ages, I have woken up to rain.  It's quite steady, the ground is soaked and the garden seems to breathing a sigh of relief.  One can water regularly but it's just not the same as a period of steady rain that soaks down into the soil.

I think it might be a staying in and catching up with stuff kind of day.

So, yesterday I was off to London for Paddington the Musical.  I know the show was a sell-out but there was no-one beside me on the coach which means someone couldn't come at the last minute which was a real shame for them.  Nice for me though to have a bit more room to spread on the coach.
The journey both ways was easy, trouble free and, in the case of going into London at the start of the rush hour, surprisingly easy.  We were dropped about fifty metres from the theatre entrance and there was plenty of time to wander up and down.  It was very much theatreland so no posh shops, just plenty of eateries.
After a walk around, I went into Pret (my default for this sort of thing) and made a bottle of water and a bag of crisps last until it was time to go into the show.

I've never been to the Savoy before.  It was the site of the Savoy Palace in Plantagenet times, eventually the property of John of Gaunt (through his wife, Blanche) until it was burnt down by Wat Tyler's army during the Peasant's Revolt.

The site was used for other properties in the centuries that followed before burning down (again!!) in 1864, leaving only the stone walls and the chapel.

Richard D'Oyly Carte, he of Gilbert and Sullivan fame, bought the site and the Savoy Theatre opened in 1881 to showcase the works of the internationally famous pair.  It was a very modern place, the first public building in the world to be lit by that new fangled invention (discovery?), electricity.  

On February 12th, 1990, guests at the Savoy Hotel next door noticed smoke on the roof and gave the alarm.  Yes - fire again!  Is it beginning to look like carelessness or even an ancient curse?  😁
The safety curtain protected the stage and dressing rooms but the beautifully decorative auditorium was pretty much gutted.

As the designs were very well documented, the place was rebuilt as accurately as possible and opened again in July, 1993, with a performance of Wayne Sleep's specially commissioned ballet, The Savoy Suite.

Since then it has housed many award winning productions such as Legally Blonde, Cabaret, Fiddler on the Rood and now, Paddington the Musical.
(I got most of this from the programme - not cheap but well worth the money)

This was my view.  We were in the dress circle and I doubt I could have had a much better one.  It was fab.  There were opera glasses available but I didn't bother.
Can you see Paddington's hat through the window of Mr Gruber's shop?

As for the actual show itself, what can I say?

It was just a magical experience from start to finish.  Costume, lighting, staging, scenery - all amazing.  Fab acting, wonderful songs, dancing . . . the lot!
It was just a magical experience from start to finish and Paddington was just - totally Paddington.

For me, the knock out performance was Bonnie Langford as Mrs Bird.  Oh, she was so funny and what personality!  Mr Curry was very good too, really funny!  But they were all good.

You're not getting an informed review here, I know very little about musical theatre, but I'd go again like a shot.

If you get the opportunity, grab it.  You won't be disappointed!

 Just one down - there was plenty of merch including fridge magnets but, my goodness, the price!  I decided not to in the end but now I rather wish I had.  Oh, well . . .

Life must go on though, so today should be Groove but isn't because Lindsey can't do the class.  She has sent a pre-record and Chris is coming over to mine so we can do it together.

After that, I don't know - I will probably snooze at some point because I have slept well but not that long, waking at my usual time.  There's always some sort of clearing, sorting out, etc, to be doing and I'd like to dig out a few more recipes to try at some point.

Have a lovely day, everyone.  Have you got the rain today?  Take care, stay well, be happy!  :-)  xx

Monday, 01-06-26

Morning.  More sunshine, comfortable night, June has begun and I can only see two pears on the tree.  I'm sure there were three yesterday.  Do you think it was waiting for June before dropping?  :-)

Yesterday was one of those days where stuff just happened really.  I did a load of washing from start to finish, Lindsey's bread came out well, I took Beth's frozen loaves over to her and had a nice chat outside the back.  It was that sort of day.

Today is exciting.

Circuits first, of course, and I bet Lindsey takes us outside for it.  Then it is my Kay-day so by lunch time I will have a shiny gleaming downstairs.  But the highlight is this afternoon/evening because I'm off on the Broomfield coach into London to see Paddington, the Musical.  BBC Weather indicates that it might be a bit showery this evening so I will pack my fold up mac in my bag and hope for the best.  We don't have to be outside for long anyway and the shops will still be open.
The show has such good reviews so it should be a great evening.  

I'll let you know  :-)

Sunday, 31-05-26

Morning, everyone.  It's Sunday and we say farewell to May today and look forward to the start of meteorological summer  tomorrow.  I find it hard to believe that in just three weeks it will be the longest day and then, incredibly, the nights start closing in again - not that it is really noticeable until September but even so . . . 

Let's start with a garden photo/update.  

I think my pear tree is confused; it is sending out more blossom.  Admittedly, it is only a few flowers, not the huge clusters of early spring, but even so, odd.
There are just three pears left growing on the tree and I am hoping I don't lose any to the June drop.  Fingers crossed, please.  

All of the tomatoes have flowers now and are side shooting madly.  It is just so easy to miss one and then next thing you know, it's taking over.  Constant vigilance, as Professor Moody was so fond of saying!

And the rhubarb is happy - no drooping or anything like that.

I had a very pleasant time helping out with the community garden yesterday.  There were just the three of us - my friend, J, R who is in charge and tells us what to do, and me.  I meant to take some photos but R kept us busy and I didn't.  I can't take any on Tuesday because there's no Groove there this week so maybe I will remember the following Tuesday.

As well as Saturdays, there's also sessions on Thursdays but Thursdays is already busy for me so I won't necessarily be able to go.  It's every other week; that's not a major commitment and it is one I'm glad to make.  It's nice to just be told what to do - I could see R watching me carefully to make sure I was at least semi-competent and it seems I made the grade because I will be welcome back.

Most of the produce is distributed locally but J says that the helpers can take some, should they wish and if there's enough.  I'm just wondering if there is any room for a little herb patch but I'm keeping quiet for now.  I do have a couple of little lavender plants that are going in pots for now but which I would be happy to donate, if they can be used.

It was another hot afternoon so after my morning exertions I stayed in the shade and chilled.  The pollen count must be high because, despite my medication, I'm a bit sneezy and a bit itchy - not very nice but it's not that bad and the weather is predicted to moderate considerably anyway so that's fine.

This morning started well with my Oddbox delivery waiting on the doorstep.  The produce is lovely and I can see that I will be eating extremely healthily to use it all up - I think I will start today by making a pot of ratatouille type vegetable stew that I can freeze in portions and go from there.

I meant to start the sourdough loaves yesterday but Bubbles wasn't playing ball.  I gave her another feed late afternoon and she was beautiful today so I have made the dough and it's almost time for the first stretch and folds.  It's warm already so I expect I will be able to bake late afternoon which is just perfect.

It's not quite June yet but I will do the usual start of the month stuff - read the gas meter, sharpen the knives and check the boiler pressure.   And I will be popping round to Beth's with her loaves.

Apart from that, it is a lazy day and I will make the most of it because tomorrow is busier - but it will be very pleasant indeed.

Time to say goodbye and do some stretch and folds (on the dough, not on me!).  Wishing you a lovely day with plenty of happy moments.  xx

Saturday, 30-05-26

Morning again, everyone.  Welcome to the last weekend in May and it promises to be a very pleasant weekend indeed, even if tomorrow is rather more cloudy.

Yesterday was good.  I was pleased with the weigh in results at SW and I won the raffle - strawberries and meringues; I passed the meringues on as I don't want them at present.  The strawberries were - still are - delicious.

After a Morrisons shop where I was very well behaved and then dealing with the aftermath (putting stuff away), the plan pot wheels arrived and ooops - I had made a very silly mistake and they were way too small as the pot is very broad based.  I did try but it was just too unstable.  So I just went ahead  and filled the pot anyway and will just have to drag it slowly, if needed.  I'm sure I will find a use for the castors at some point.

At least the rhubarb should be comfortable enough and now I am looking forward to next year.

The tomatoes are looking happy - most of them have started their first truss of flowers now and it's very exciting.
I say the same every year but it really is.  😊

While on the subject, can we just admire my baby cucumbers for a moment or two.   Cute, aren't they.
And the other one, the one that should produce full sized cucumbers, looks as if its first offering is female too.  I need to do a Google, I think . . .  

no, it does produce both male and female so maybe it's just pot luck that the first one is female.

And a final, rather poor, show off photo for today - while I won't get as many blueberries as I did last year, there's still plenty coming on so no grumbles.  And to think that a few years ago (three or four, maybe) the plant was given its Last Warning.

I will be gardening again this morning but not at home.  Our local Anglican church has a community garden, just a small one, and I'm popping along to help out.  It may be something I would like to commit to longer term, we will see.

I need to feed Bubbles so I can start Lindsey's loaves off this evening.  Half term week is over and things will be back to normal on Monday.  It has been a nice week and I'm glad I didn't have classes in the heat but it is always nice to resume routines again.

Have a lovely day, wherever you are and whatever you have planned.  See you again tomorrow.  xx

Friday, 29-05-26

Good morning, everyone.  Happy Friday to you.

Just a quick one today.

I had lovely times with Chris and then with Val yesterday.  So much catching up and Val enjoyed lunch - she said she always feels she has had a feast when she comes round to mine - such a lovely thing to say.

My last monthly payment went out yesterday so I was able to finish off May's finances and open June's.  I need to go shopping today but I've moved the bit of leftover to June's spreadsheet so June has financially started now - right here it has anyway!

Today it's Slimming World first, then shopping, and then I will wait in for the pot wheels and get the rhubarb in its forever home, fingers crossed.

I'm still feeling very thankful that I can take things easy and hopeful that it will be very comfortable and summery today.  The forecast for next week says some rain is expected.  That will be a blessing too - the garden could do with a good soaking.

Take care, everyone, and have a lovely day.  xx

Thursday, 28-05-26

Morning, all.  How are you today?  The sun is shining and, after a somewhat more moderate day yesterday, I gather the temperatures are due to rise again today.  More excuse not to do all that much - as if I need one nowadays!!

I've been playing with my new toy, still just on automatic.  It seems to do better close ups that the other one.  The first lesson in the YWMC course lands today which, of course, is a busier day so it might have to wait until tomorrow.

Here's some garden photos, lightly disguised as 'playing with my camera'.

First of all, several of the tomatoes now have flowers which is exciting.  I need to side shoot them and take of the lowest leaves, the seed leaves.  They all seem to have taken well and look pretty happy so that's great.

Close up of the basket (yesterday morning, before the sun hit, bit dark, I should learn how to deal with that)

A dahlia I haven't found a place for yet - it might go in a pot this year.  Isn't it pretty.

Finally, very exciting, a baby cucumber.  This is from the mini cucumber which only produces female flowers (quite right too!) so unless this shrivels and drops, this may be my first cucumber of the year.  Yay!!
(I've just noticed there's another at the top of the photo too)

Finally, the yarn did arrive yesterday after all and this is what I got.  I think I have found and sorted the few glitches in the pattern so off we go!  I'm happy to have a project again, even if it is a mini one.

Today, being Thursday, is a Chris and Joy Coffee and Chat Day.  It's here this week and I have the garden room doors wide open to freshen the air and it looks very welcoming.  It's the first time it's felt warm enough to sit out there for our chats and it keeps us in the shade which is good.  

Then I have about an hour to prepare for Val coming over for lunch.  We meet up pretty much once a month and always have loads to catch up on.

I will be all talked out by tea time, won't I?

Have a lovely day, everyone.  Stay cool, drink plenty of water and remember that sun block.  Be safe . . .  xx

Wednesday, 27-05-26

Good morning, everyone.
After a scorcher again yesterday, today has started very much fresher and temperatures are expected to nosedive by around ten degrees (Celsius) into a pleasant, summer day.  Hope so, the sunshine was lovely but it was maybe just a bit too much heat for comfort.  No complaints though, just saying.

My various deliveries arrived all at the same time so I had a fun afternoon unpacking and trying out.

The very nice delivery chap very kindly carried to two bags of soil around to the garden for me which I really appreciated.  He managed them both together where I would struggle with one.
They are now unboxed and stacked against the wall.

I was going to plant the rhubarb straight away but decided to order a couple of plant pot roller thingies.  This will be a heavy pot by the time it is filled and I am not 100% sure where it will eventually go so having it on castors seems to be a good idea - thanks, Sharon.
They're due to arrive on Friday.

However, the rhubarb doesn't seem to mind - it has grown considerably in the last week and it is proving very difficult to do the Right Thing and leave it this first year.
One thing though - those two old yellow leaves - do I just leave them or do I cut them off?  Anyone know?

I've started getting to know the camera.  Now, it really is pretty basic - I'd call it a beginners bridge camera. I didn't want one with too many bells and whistles and think that learning how to use the manual stuff will be more than enough of a challenge.
I said to Eileen that I read good reviews - now, of course, I've seen some not so good ones too but swings and roundabouts, I am no pro so my expectations are lower and I am sure I will learn what I need to learn with it.

I've found the A Year With Your Camera workbook and will find the website again - the link was on my old, dead PC.

The only thing that didn't arrive was some yarn.  Before you shout at me, hear me out.  Chris is expecting to become a granny for the second time in the next little while and I want to make something for the new arrival.  I found a free pattern for a simple cardigan/jacket but, having experience of free patterns, I made it up with some stash yarn and I think I have ironed out all the glitches, one of which was that it makes up way bigger than new born so I've ordered some nice four ply.  
Maybe it will arrive today.  Fingers crossed.

I suspect I will have no excuse to avoid sorting out the front today.  It shouldn't be too hot and it is brown bit collection tomorrow.  And I've neglected the housework these last three days so that also needs sorting out.

So definitely a busier day today but I'm looking forward to it - being idle is nice but can get a bit boring really.  Do you find this too?

Have a great day, everyone.  Stay safe and well.  xx

Tuesday, 26-05-26

Morning, everyone.  I'm a bit late with this but not to worry.  It's gloriously sunny again and it is already pretty hot outside although inside feels cooler with windows open and binds closed.

I am smalling very herby at the moment after pruning back the rosemary and the sage.  I have no idea if it is the right time but there's so much a bit of pruning shouldn't hurt at all.  I need to tackle the oregano too but that also requires some digging up.

I didn't go round to Beth's yesterday, nor did I do any front garden stuff.  And I got a message from Beth to not worry about the bread today either.  So I will slice and freeze it and get it to her as and when.

I have to stay in today as I have some deliveries, including the soil for the rhubarb.  It won't be too tricky to get it then planted out but I need to decide where I want it first because it will end up quite heavy.  I can drag but I'd rather not.
Now I am pondering about getting some of those coaster thingies that large pots can go on . . . does anyone know if they are worth it?

The other think I am expecting today is . . . if you remember, I've been pondering getting a bridge camera, just a basic one, for quite a while now.  I chose the one I fancied that had plenty of good reviews in various places not just Amazon, took a deep breath and ordered.  It is expected to arrive today so I will have fun starting to learn how to use it.  I expect YouTube will be very helpful here and I am sure I still have the 'A Year With My Camera' book somewhere.  I gave up last time because there was so much I couldn't do without a bridge camera; I found it so confusing.

So that's me for today.  Nothing energetic, nice and chilled, and tomorrow is supposed to turn into just a nice, warm UK summer day.  Fingers crossed.  xx

Bank Holiday Monday, 25-05-26

Good morning, everyone!  Welcome to a beautiful Bank Holiday Monday.  The sun is shining, the bees are buzzing, there's butterflies enjoying the flowers and I have nothing, absolutely nothing, in the diary.  That doesn't mean I'm doing nothing, of course, but I'm not going out anywhere, I'm staying home and enjoying life (apart from one thing)

First, yesterday.
Beth drove me over to a holiday house that our friend, J, has taken for the week, not far outside Kelveden.  I honestly meant to take some photos but it was hot so we stayed in front of a fan and talked and talked and talked . . . and I forgot the photos.  Ooops.
However, it was a really lovely day, one of those times one remembers.

On to today and Beth's loaves are just finishing off in the oven.  Obviously, I couldn't make her bread yesterday.  I will be popping over to hers this afternoon, just to drop them off.

I didn't intend to bore you with garden photos today but . . . 

Eeeeek . . . these were hiding so I hadn't seen them before but I turned the pot round this morning and there they were.  The early  raspberries are starting to ripen.

I've picked three and will have them as part of breakfast.
The first fruits (literally in this case) are always exciting.

And I just had to take a snap of one of the hanging baskets - they're doing very nicely now and at £4.99 each, such a bargain.

After taking Beth's bread round this afternoon, I plan to work on the little front strip.  It will be hot but the front is in shade by then so it really won't be all that bad, I hope.  If it is, the front will just have to wait.

The garden room doors are wide open, the egg chair is ready to use and it all feels so nice and relaxed . . .

And, best of all, NO SCHOOL REPORTS TO WRITE!!  I know I say it every year and this is the tenth time, but it still fills me with joy.

Have a great day - see you tomorrow.  xx

Sunday, 24-05-26

Morning, all.  

It's a lovely, bright, fresh morning at the moment after quite a hot day yesterday; I gather today is going to be more of the same so three cheers!

As mentioned yesterday, I put a bit of early time in the garden and now, while it's not amazing, things look pretty respectable.  It's just a case of keeping on top of it now.  All the new stuff has taken well, I've had to tie up the cucumbers a bit more although I'm still concerned that they will collapse like last year's did.  I don't think it was any problem with the soil because the replacement plants did fine but anyway, fingers crossed.  I've just done my first side shooting with the tomatoes - they're growing fast after only a few days really.  That's encouraging.

It was a good drying day - three loads washed, dried and folded or ironed by mid afternoon.  They're still sitting on the chair so I must get them up and away after I've finished this.

What else did I do?  Nothing else very much so I think it was just the usual, mundane, daily stuff that anyone does.

Today will be nice.  A dear friend of Beth and mine is staying in the area and we're going to spend the day with her.  She's a crafter too - knitting, crochet, sewing, etc - so I'm talking something to do and I believe Beth is too and we can sit in her garden and chat as we craft.  Sounds perfect!

That's about it.  A nice, gentle Sunday for me.  How about you?  xx

Saturday, 23-05-26

Good morning, everyone.  Welcome to a warm and sunny start to the Bank Holiday weekend after a hot day yesterday when it was so very nice to have warm fingers and toes.

After SW group yesterday morning, I went to Morrisons and stocked up on healthy fruit, veg, lean protein, whole grains - all that Good Stuff - before getting it all away and doing a bit of garden stuff until it felt a bit too hot.
I dug out my fans for the first time this year, had a minor panic over where I put the controls, found them just where they ought to be, and now the fans are set up, one in the bedroom and one downstairs, ready for when needed.

This morning, it looks as if it is going to be another lovely day.  I've got a load of washing on the line already and I've moved a few things around in the garden.

I just wanted another foxglove photo - they are going to be so lovely this year!  As I took the photo, I thought the background wasn't as lovely - that egg chair does really impact, so I moved some stuff around.  I've also taken off the cover (about time) and need to give the cushion a good old scrub so that's in the list this morning.

So now, along the side, there's the egg chair and then my mini fruit trees ending with the blueberry and a couple of foliage pots in front.  It looks nicer in reality that it does in the photo.

No tomatoes in pots this year!!

I've moved the pot of bamboo in front of the garden room and the grey one to the right holds dead bamboo so I need to deal with that and then I think that pot is where I will plant the olive tree, when I get it - it is certainly heavy enough!.

The egg chair was hiding the mirror 'window'; I think it looks nicer when it shows, even when it needs a good clean!

I can't remember if I told you about the rhubarb pot but I don't think I did.  Chris and I have been talking for weeks about getting some rhubarb and we have both just done it.  Chris and Steve ordered a large pot (it says it needs plenty of depth) and then it came they had sent two!  They were told to just keep it so I have bought it off them for half what they paid so we each have a good pot at half price.  Excellent!

Another thing I did this morning was look up the price of John Innes no 3 compost which is recommended and have ordered some to arrive Tuesday.  So Mr Rhubarb will just have to stay in his smaller pot until then!

I won't get any benefit this season, of course.  All the advice says give it a year so the roots can establish.  But next year and subsequent years . . .

Anyway, it has just turned nine, the day started early and, when it gets really hot later, I can rest up in front of the fan, if necessary.  Or sit out in the egg chair.  Or in the garden room.

I have to admit, I rather miss the dappled shade that next door's birch used to cast in my garden but on the other hand, the light is so much better.  Can't have it all and our gardens are really far too small for such a big tree.

I've rambled on enough, haven't I  Time for what one of my favourite vloggers calls 'The best meal of the day', i.e. coffee.  Have a lovely day, everyone.  xx

A Trip to the Poppy Factory and a Boat Trip down the Thames

Hi, everyone.  Yesterday I went on another Broomfield Coach trip, this one to the factory that makes all the Remembrance Day poppies and wreaths, employing veterans from the armed forces who would otherwise not be able to find employment for various reasons, mostly linked to disability they incurred while serving.
(There's also a factory in Edinburgh that makes for Scotland - the poppies are different)

The factory is based on Richmond upon Thames so that's where the coach took us.
It was first founded in 1922 on the Old Kent Road to offer employment opportunities to wounded soldiers from WWI but the whole poppy idea began in Flanders.  It seems that poppy seeds can remain dormant in the ground for a long time and will spring into life if the soil is disturbed.  Trench warfare meant that large areas were churned up and turned over and in 1915, up they came. vivid and red.  Soldiers pressed the petals in their service book and some sent those pressed petals home in letters.  So poppies became associated with battle, death, injury and disability in the minds of families at home, helped by a short poem written by a soldier in the field, John McCrae which I think you will all recognise.

In Flanders Fields

By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

    That mark our place; and in the sky

    The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

    Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

        In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

    The torch; be yours to hold it high.

    If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

        In Flanders fields.

We had a very interesting talk before enjoying a hot drink and piece of cake (delicious).  We were encouraged to explore the Visitor's Centre, read all the info on the walls and have a go at making poppies.  

The long stemmed poppies, slightly more fancy, are used for the thousands of wreaths made for groups and organisations all over the country.  We had a go if we wanted but were not allowed to take them home.  All these will be used this year.  It feels good to be a little part of it.

The poppies we all know and wear are made using a very simple shaped block of wood that enables anyone with dexterity issues to be successful.  We tried using our non-dominant hand - just one hand needed - and it really was easy.  I came home with two!!

We didn't go into the actual production areas - some of the people there are mentally unwell and lacking in any confidence and it would be cruel and distressing for them.

There was a shop by the entrance and, guess what - I got my fridge magnet!!  I also bought a poppy pen, a poppy plate and a poppy mug, both in bone china and a great way to support the work as well as a souvenir.

Here's a link to a YouTube video (there's quite a number on YouTube if you want to explore further.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1H54dnxCf8&t=40s

And a few photos I took.

This is King Charles' wreath.  I thought the wreaths were discarded after use but, no, after a time they are collected up and sent back to be repaired as necessary and re-used.  There was also the Prince of Wales' wreath and the wreath used used by the late Queen Elisabeth.

Wreathes used by some of the armed forces - all reused as much as possible.

Finally, posted with their permission, here's Ray and Jan Spiller, the lovely couple that started and continue to run the Broomfield coach trips, supported now by the coach company they use, Kevendys.

They truly are the loveliest, most generous and caring people I know.

When time was up, we set off down to the Thames (literally one road and some gardens away) to wait for the boat ride.  That's when people ate the sandwiches they had brought with them.

There's not  lot of info about the boat trip.  The Thames is the Thames, it is tidal for quite a distance and we had to wait for the tides to be right.  I had a great seat, right at the front, and clicked away merrily.

Here's just some photos, a few with comments but, really, they speak for themselves.

The view from where we were waiting.

Really wouldn't mind living in one of those - except for the low flying planes every five minutes or less!

I had a cheeky glass of wine on the boat - as did quite a lot of us!  It felt very luxurious!

The Albert Bridge

Been there on another Broomfield trip.

I wouldn't like to even begin to guess how much these apartments cost!

The old ILEA County Hall in the Olden Days.  I came here for my first ever job interview - not that you could really call it an interview.  You had to be stunningly bad to not get taken on by ILEA in them there days!

And the Eye. of course or, as one little reception pupil wrote, 'i went to the lun dun I' - such a brave attempt.

And the end of the journey.

The coach was waiting close by for us and home we went.

It was a really lovely trip.  We were so, so lucky with the weather.  It was warm, even on the water, but not hot and the whole day was very restful.

The next one is a week on Monday and it's back to London to see Paddington.  I am SO looking forward to that!

Living the best life right now and feeling so very blessed.