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.

Friday, 22-05-26 - just a quick one . . .

 . . . to say I haven't started uploading the many photos I took yesterday.  I'll get them done after Slimming World and post a proper thing later.  Just to say it was a lovely day yesterday - and I got a fridge magnet!!  😁

See you later.  xx

Thursday, 21-05-26

 Good morning (just) everyone.  Better late than never as the saying goes.

Yesterday was busy but I got plenty done.  I went to Personal Training, went on to Longacres and B&Q and found some bedding plants and some rhubarb but the tomatoes looked newly pricked out, minute and no way plus there weren't any cucumbers.  

So later on I drove out the Grenville's which is a proper nursery, rather than a garden centre.  They had some excellent tomatoes plus some cucumbers, four for a fiver so I came home with a tenner's worth.

I spend the rest of the afternoon in the back garden and things look a lot more organised now.

Two cucumbers.  One should produce minis and the other should give me the usual sized ones.  Fingers crossed.  I took off the top half of the soil in the pot and replaced it with some chicken manure pellets (phew) and good stuff from the bottom of the compost bin so they have no excuses.

There's eighteen tomatoes, all in the blankety bed around the edge so the cane supports look quite Heath Robinson-ish at the moment but in four to six weeks' time, it should look good and productive.
I've got Shirley, Gardener's Delight, Honeycomb, Sungold, Roma, Alicante, Rapunzel, Red Plum and Sweet Millions.  No fancy pants types this year and, in fact, I don't remember seeing any 'heritage' types.  I've had them all before and I know they are tasty and prolific.
I've always had them in pots before so it will be interesting to see how well they do with deeper roots - the few I had in the bed last year did really well so fingers crossed.

As for the rhubarb, I need to get myself a big, big pot and some good soil - I think the RHS suggested John Innes no 3 (does that sound right?) and I will also add chicken manure and some compost soil.  I've never grown rhubarb before but I gather I just leave it this year for the roots to establish and cut the stems back at the end of the fruiting season.
More fingers crossed!

Today I have had a good old chat with Chris and now I'm off on a coach trip.  A tour of the Poppy Factory followed by a boat trip from Richmond to Westminster where the coach will pick us up and bring us home again.  It should be very interesting and the weather forecast is OK
the poppy factory

Have a lovely day, all, and see you tomorrow.  xx

Wednesday, 20-05-26

Morning, everyone!  How are you all?

I was super chuffed with myself yesterday.  As you may know, if you are a customer, Virgin Media has a new router that they are distributing and mine arrived yesterday (I ordered it last week while on holiday and was getting a bit concerned as there was a five day window to get things all set up).
Simple, it said, very easy.  Ha!

Now, I have skills.  I make a mean loaf of bread.  I can knock up blankets galore.  I can read music.  However - technology is not a skill I own.  It terrifies me when they say insert the doofah into the whotsit and press the thiggumybob button for 3.258 seconds precisely . . .

(it feels like that anyway)

I looked at the back of the current router and aarrgghh!  I turned into a Corporal Jones for a few moments before calming down, tracking back all the many wires connected to the back - only to find that most of them were things I no longer use.  My 'land line', a storage thingy, the old PC that no longer works - that sort of stuff.  

After dealing with all that, it WAS easy.  There's even a button you can press to connect without having to put in a long and random password and also a QR code to get the password if needed.

However - my TV box wouldn't connect so I had another 'don't panic, don't panic' moment before Steve reminded me about settings for the TV box.  So when Thermione wouldn't connect, I knew what to do.  
He also told me there would have been an easier way and that was just to change the new router password to the old one online.  Why didn't the instructions just say that, eh?

My blood pressure is back to normal again now.  Just!

Then I worked off some of my aaarrrggghhh on the garden - moved some pots around, got the tomatoes in and did some weeding and tidying up.
So that was good.

Today is a day of changes.
Lindsey asked me could I change the time of P T to either the morning or later.  As I had a meeting in the morning, I chose the later option.  Then I had an email telling me that the person I was meeting with couldn't make it so I was able to change the P T time to the morning which suits me so much better.

So after P T I think I will go on to a garden centre and seek out some more tomatoes because why not?

Phew!  xx

Tuesday, 19-05-26

Morning, everyone.  As seems to the the way with the weather, yesterday started sunny but clouded over by midday and come the evening it was raining.  At least today is different - it's already raining!!

I got my first lot of tomato plants (I never have any luck growing from seed and anyway I like a variety) yesterday.  I headed straight for Abercorn's as they were the only place that did sungolds last year and, yes, they had some so that was good.
I left them sitting out overnight intending to plant them today as soon as I have worked out how I will arrange them.  They're going in the blankety bed this year although I am sure some will go in pots too.

I want to move some of the containers around - that's the joy of containers, they can give a new look just by being in different places.

The herb/foliage  bed has gone a bit rampant!  I need to cut things back somewhat.  That sage was nearly dead a year ago and it only stayed in because I couldn't be bothered - and now look at it.  As for the oregano behind, it's quietly taking over the whole bed!

And, finally, the foxgloves Val gave me are doing really nicely.  I pulled up a whole load of babies earlier in the season and can see I will have to be ruthless.  There's one I want to move to the centre.  It's come up at the edge in totally the wrong place.  You'd think it would know better!

Oh, well.

(photos taken in the rain, apologies for the dull colour!)

I really do want to get those tomatoes planted out so, rain or no rain, that's on the list today.  I'd also like to look for a few more tomato plants and I also want some bedding stuff as there's quite a lot of gaps.

It's Groove first though but not the walk.  We are fine weather walkers!

Better get ready and start the day.  Have a great time, whatever you have planned.  How's your gardens coming along?  I know some of you are very experienced gardeners with wonderful gardens.

See you tomorrow.  xx

Monday, 18-05-26

Hi, everyone!  Hoping you are all doing well.  The sun is shining again after overnight rain and I suspect Lindsey will have circuits outside today.  I hope so anyway.

Yesterday was a bit of a lazy day.  I did some clearing out, some tidying up and got up to date with my finances.  April and May have been spendy months because of holidays but I did anticipate that and saved so that's good.  I would like the rest of May and all of June to be more frugal as long as nothing goes wrong, needs replacing, etc.

I didn't get that online training done and I didn't get my tomato plants so that's on the list for today/tomorrow.

Today starts with circuits, as already mentioned, and then it is a Kay-day so by lunch time I should have a shiny home.  While Kay is here, I'd like to take advantage of the sunshine and do some gardening.  It shouldn't take long, it just needs doing.

So that is me!  How about you?  Do you have a good day planned for today?

Stay safe and well.  xx

Sunday, 17-05-26

Good morning to you all.  Hoping you are all well and enjoying the weekend.  Yesterday started really sunny and that lasted while three loads of washing dried on the line.  Sadly, it then clouded over and started raining later on but good for the garden, I guess.  Today has started the same but maybe it will last.  It would be nice if things warmed up a bit too - I had the heating on again.  

I got a fair bit done yesterday.  All the washing, drying and ironing, started the sourdough, tried a new recipe for wraps (lovely, will use from now on, more below) and did some clearing up, etc.  The holiday is now just a memory! 

My fortnightly Oddbox arrived overnight - now I have lots of lovely produce to work my way through over the next few weeks.  I doubt I will need to do much shopping, if any, for a while although you never know with fresh stuff and, thinking about it, I'm a bit low on carrots.

Because it was rather chilly, I left the sourdough out overnight for its bulk ferment.  I won't be able to do that for much longer; it almost over-fermented although it's OK as I use loaf tins rather then free form as Lindsey prefers it.

They're now shaped and in the tins for the last bit.

I found the wrap recipe on a vlog I follow closely.  I am sure some of you know Ali from Ali Lives Well on Less.  She used to have a blog - still does, I think - but has mostly moved over to vlogging on YouTube and I really enjoy her posts.
For her Foodie Friday post she demo-ed making simple wraps and I had a go, cutting the amounts right down.  The process was so easy and the results were so tasty that I'm making more today, using other kinds of flour and trying oil instead of butter.  I wonder if I will ever buy another pack of wraps.

Well, it is almost nine and I ought to get myself bathed and dressed ready for the day.  Have a great Sunday, everyone.  xx

Saturday, 16-05-26

Good morning, everyone.  Welcome to the second half of May!  The sun is shining and, while it's none too warm right now, it should be lovely later on, I hope.  The washing line is out and the first load is just finishing!

I did rather disappear for the last few days - I think the thing about Center Parcs is that we have been so often now, you've heard it all.  However, here's some photos from the week, some mine and some from Beth.

The pathway to our lodge - you can just see a bit of Beth's blue car at the bottom of the path to the right.  Because it is an adapted lodge, we didn't need to take the car back to the big car park, the adapted lodges have their own designated slot .
It makes a bit difference at the beginning and end of the holiday.

The kitchen area.  (I think I've already posted this, but not to worry).

A fairly typical photo of our evenings.  We ate out twice and ate in twice and always finished with a log on the fire and a glass of wine.
THAT has to stop!!  :-)

Spot the muntjacs!

This made us laugh.

There were loads of water birds and the ducks and geese passed the back regularly, wandering onto our patio and looking expectantly through the window.  We didn't feed them - you're not supposed to - but it was evident that they are accustomed to getting tasty bits and bobs.
I never had my camera to hand when they appeared!

Spring at Center Parcs is so lovely and green.

We went on the electric boats . . .

. . . and bowling is always fun.
I came a very poor third!

The swims were lovely!  Paddling about, the wave machine, the lazy river and the spa pool - bliss!!

And the journey home was very trouble free.  It was so nice to be driven rather than doing the driving - most relaxing.  
Here's to next year now.

When I got home, I had a wander around my estate - er - little garden!

The clematis is looking its best right now.

One of three (I think) surviving pears.  Fingers crossed!

And the hanging baskets are looking very promising, thanks to Tracy next door watering them.
At a penny under a fiver each, they were great Home Bargains value.

So pretty.

I do need to get the rest of the garden sorted.  I will probably be off to the garden centres tomorrow to get my tomatoes and then I can bore you with photos all summer.  

So, the annual Center Parcs holiday is over and normal life resumes.

In the coming week, I have

three fitness classes

a Kay-day (yay)

a meeting in school

the usual social things

Slimming World (oh, dear!)

a get together with Beth and Jen (SO looking forward to this

and . . .

the next coach trip with is a visit to the factory that makes the poppies and then a river cruise.  That should be nice and restful.

As for today - I have washing, drying and ironing, a morning online thing, a governors' training thing (which is a recording so I could do it tomorrow), finishing the unpacking, sorting out the garden and working out some meal plans.   I need to get right back on it again because I have gained far too much weight recently - that's the flip side of lovely holidays!
I almost forgot; one of the first things I did yesterday was get Bubbles out of the fridge.  I need to feed her and start Lindsey's sourdough.  Beth doesn't need bread this weekend so that's crossed off the list.

Have a lovely Saturday, everyone.  See you tomorrow.  xx