Monday, 03-07-23

To think I nearly threw this out, thinking it had died in the bitter cold of last winter.  In fact, a good cut back is obviously just what it needed as it's healthier and stronger than it has been for years.  Something learned for four or five years hence, maybe?
Time to start using it in my cooking again!

Good morning, everyone.  So it is Monday yet again, new week, new adventures (well, little happenings, anyway).  The sun is shining and I have sneezed seven times!

(Beth's photo)
It was a bit of a stressful weekend really.  At some point on Saturday, little Peter, the small cat with the big ears and the even bigger heart, decided it was time to get to know the area a bit more (that's what I am assuming at the moment) so, instead of popping in and out and coming back very regularly, he disappeared.  He's fairly new to going out so still quite naïve about the great outdoors.

Beth hoped he would turn up come Saturday evening, when it got dark and he got hungry but no Peter.  No Peter yesterday either, despite Beth spending hours going round the area, calling and shaking the bag of Dreamies (which normally gets him running back faster than any cat should be able to move!).  I didn't sleep well Saturday or Sunday for worrying so I hate to think how little sleep Beth and Alex managed to get.

Thankfully, as I have just read on Facebook, he turned up early this morning and, at time of Beth writing the message on Facebook, was face down in a bowlful of food so that's good and I am most relieved.  Phew.

A shame about all the comfort eating yesterday but there you go - all's well now.

That's the main news.  A great way to start a new week.

I managed to get three loads of washing done - darks, whites and towels - and dried and ironed too  I love an empty clothes basket!  I didn't get Julia's tomatoes planted on so that is top of the list today, nor did I do the weekly feeding so I can do that  straight afterwards.  The front 'lawn' < cough > also needs a trim.

Apart from those things, Circuits is starting again and Chris is coming along too, which is lovely.  I had been going to leaflet drop missing cat sheets around Beth's area in the afternoon but I don't need to do that now which is great!

I really am feeling so very relieved and happy this morning.

Have a lovely Monday, everyone.  xx

Sunday, 02-07-23

Morning, everyone.  It is stupid o'clock and I'm wide awake and ready to start the day.  A bit annoying but I can't make myself go back to sleep like I could in my youth!  I'm probably have a 'power nap' lated on today.

Afternoon tea at Beth's was lovely.  I was so pleased that my scones turned out light and fluffy (they don't always) and everything was so delicious.  I know it was all the things one shouldn't have very often but, once in a while, it is OK, I think.

Julia had brought some tomato plants with her - she grows them and sells them to raise money for charity.  Now, I don't NEED any more plants but I certainly wanted to support what she does so I bought two and made a donation.  So now, to add to the others, I have  Black Beauty, which is a beefsteak type, and the other is labelled 'on the vine orange' so I will have to wait and
 see how large they are.  I'll get them into larger pots today and find room for them somewhere.

When I got home from Beth's, there was an email waiting that made me very happy.

I think I mentioned that I had contacted a local group that organises coach trips that start from one place so the first hour of travelling is not spent taking a scenic route around Chelmsford picking small numbers of people up. 

When I got back from the Living Museum on Friday, they had put me on their mailing list and sent an email, enclosing all the upcoming trips that still have spaces.

Yesterday morning, I went through the list and there were two things I have wanted to do for ages now.  One I had booked with Lodge's but lockdown stopped any shenanigans of that kind for a while and it was cancelled. 
There weren't many spaces left so I did wonder whether they might have all gone by the time I asked.

But when I got home from Beth's, there was an email telling me that  I had a place booked for the trip to Windsor and a place booked for the Warner Brothers Studio Tour which is the Making of Harry Potter thingy.
They're both in September and I am so pleased.  Really happy!

Today is an easy day.  I might do some washing, it all depends on what the weather does and how I feel.  At the moment, it is too early to tell but the forecast is positive - up to around 21C and sunny intervals. 

I need to feed the tomatoes and to pot on the new ones and there's a bit of weeding to get on with. 

Have a lovely Sunday, everyone.  I hope the weather is good where you are and you can do whatever you have planned.
 xx

Trip to the Weald and Downland Living Museum.

 This one day coach trip was absolutely brilliant.  It was a shame about the rain but it didn't stop us doing anything and we had our fold up raincoats and brollies to hand as needed.  This should have been a lovely view with the framing of the bushes but never mind.

Another view from the top when it wasn't raining, overlooking the Market Square and green with a maypole slap bang in the middle - although it's hard to see it in this photo.

And you can certainly see the rain in this tiny video clip  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDYjrhETOyo

I've lifted this off the site but here's the link in case it doesn't come out clearly enough.
https://www.wealddown.co.uk/plan-your-visit/museum-map/

I'll just post some photos in random order with a few comments.  We managed to see most of what was there - The Tudor farmstead, some of the crafts/industries buildings, the Markey Square area, the rural homes and the stables.  We didn't see the Victorian area this time, nor the working woodyard, the Gridshell area or the the early dwellings.  We didn't do any of the walks.  There wasn't time and it wasn't the weather.  And we didn't disturb the Repair Shop filming areas.

There were several caravans dotted around including one in a hall with olden days games which you could go into - sadly, my photos didn't come out well enough.

It was owned by an eccentric lady who lived in it for many years and left it with the instruction that it was never to be changed inside.  It is all locked up.

The Market Hall and Crawley Hall

https://www.wealddown.co.uk/buildings/market-hall-from-titchfield/

The brickwork was really lovely.

And here's the maypole - for what you can see of it!!

An tiny church, Anglican, very simple inside so it looked more Methodist and Anglican and, because it is made of corrugated metal it is called a 'tin tabernacle'.

There are working horses and this beauty was having his shoes changed.  The farrier was using old methods and, although the tools were not original, they were 'authentic'
He's a Percheron, quite young and just learning his trade, so to speak.

He is gorgeous.  

A school house in the foreground, then a potting shed where herbs and onions were being dried out.

A granary barn, lifted up to keep the dampness away.

A bread oven, only just built but made to an authentic design.  

It will be used:  I think they have a sort of 'Bread through History' day coming up this year.

Now, there was quite a lot of furniture in the homes but one of the guides explained that, as the furniture of the poorest people was used, used, passed down, used, and then repurposed, if possible, none of the furniture there is original.
However, they had a master carpenter on staff who did loads of research and then made the furniture authentically, using the old tools and methods.

Wonderful. 

Ditto for pottery, etc.

The next few photos are some examples.  

One cottage even had an en suite with a door to shut it off from the bedroom.  Must have been most chilly in winter!

This was interesting.  It was originally built as one house but, in the late 18th century it was divided into two.  It has two separate chimneys and flues, one serving one side and the other for the other side and we wondered if it was originally build with separation at some point in mind.

https://www.wealddown.co.uk/buildings/pendean-farmhouse-midhurst/

Close up of the chimneys.

Come the autumn and winter, all the homes have fires burning in the grates when the museum is open.  That must be quite a sight.

There was layered hedging and woven hedging all over the area.  I think it is so attractive.

And, finally, this was a late 17th century treadwheel and house with a door to a well under the bucket.  We guessed a horse was used to turn the wheel.

https://www.wealddown.co.uk/buildings/treadwheel-from-catherington/

I could have spent twice the time wandering around and enjoying everything.  One of Val's daughters lives not too far away and Val said when she and Mike are visiting, she's going to take them to the Museum.
As for me, it's a long way to drive but I will keep my eyes open for another trip next year and book it.  If you ever get the chance, it truly is well worth a visit.

Hope you enjoyed the photos.  

Saturday, 01-07-23 - the normal one

 Morning, one and all.  It is a dull old start to the day and I gather there was some rain here yesterday.  Sadly, it was pretty wet Chichester way but, happily, it didn't spoil anything at all.

Yesterday was totally taken up with the trip to the Weald and Downland Living Museum which is not too far from Chichester so a fair old journey to make from Mid-Essex on one day.  However, the coach was comfortable, I had Val to chat with and it was fine with a stop off around half way for loo and refreshments going and a much shorter one on the way back.

At the moment, I'm interspersing paragraphs in here with editing blocks of photos which have just uploaded.   So I think this will be a 'normal' post and I'll do a photo heavy one separately and put it up as soon as I've finished it.  Look out for a bonus post later on today!

It was nearly eight by the time we got home.  There driver was most skillful at taking detours to avoid the very worst bits but the fact was that we had to do the M25 and the Dartford tunnel and it was a Friday!  Oh, well, I've known it worse.

We were both shattered by the time we got back to mine.  Mike was there with their car to whisk Val straight back home and I knocked up a quick bacon sandwich - totally delish - did a bit of social media and went to bed.
It wasn't a comfortable night - annoyingly, I got toe cramp (don't laugh, it's not nice!) in both feet and it was only after a while I realised I was probably very dehydrated.  Because of the long coach drive, I had restricted liquids - aging female bladder, etc, and at least some of you will know exactly what I mean - and when I got home, I should have sipped water for an hour or so and I didn't.  Very silly.
Anyway, I got up, got some water in my sports bottle, went back to bed, read and sipped and after a while it all eased off and I got some sleep.
All my own fault.

This morning, I am feeling very bleary eyed but coffee is helping and I will perk up.  It's July 1st and, usually, I would be aiming to do an early morning shop but I don't need to so I won't.  I can spend the morning chilling and so on before getting things ready to take over to Beth's for our Girls' Afternoon Tea with Julia and Linda.  So I have to make and bake scones and bake the Delia not-sausage patties and remember to take the jam.
A very pleasant day, I think.  I'm hoping the weather plays ball!

I thought I'd share this photo of one of the cucumber plants.

As you can see, there's two babies.
I thought long and hard about what Cherie said about taking off the early babies to encourage more later on and decided to do a little trial.  I have two plants, both doing well, so I'm taking out the flowers on the other one to see what difference there is.  At very worst, it won't make any difference but it might extend the growing/fruiting period and minimise that glut that one can get mid-summer.
Anyway, we will see and, Cherie, thanks for the advice.

All the best, everyone.  Have a good day, whatever you have planned.  Take care but maybe not too much . . .  xx

Friday, 30-06-23

 Good morning, everyone.

 A courgette update . . .

Looking very happy . . .

. . . and having babies!

Woo hoo!

They may drop off, of course, but time will tell.

I'm really looking forward to today.  It's the day Val and I are off on a coach jolly to the Weald and Downland living museum.  Here's the link to the site:  https://www.wealddown.co.uk/ and this is what it says about it as an overview.

Be part of something historic and discover Sussex rural history through the seasons, in the heart of the picturesque South Downs. See what rural living was like with over a 1,000 years of history to explore, and over 50 relocated historic houses covering the 40 acre site. Whether you are 5 or 95 there is something for everyone!

Definitely my thing and I have the camera charged up.

It will take all day.  I don't know how long the journey is but the nice thing about jollies like this is that it really doesn't matter as someone else is doing all the hard work.

I'm expecting to have a lovely day and I hope you all do too.  xx

Thursday, 29-06-23

 Good morning, everyone.

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.  We have had rain at last and the garden is uttering deep and heartfelt sighs of relief.  I have the French window open to allow all that clean, coolness into the house and it is so lovely!  Just a great relief.
And I haven't sneezed once this morning!
(yet)

Yesterday was a funny old day in parts.  

I got the front sorted out and also attacked some impertinent weeds that were sneaking up on the courgette bed in the back garden.  I talked nicely to the cucumbers and tomatoes and did a bit of side shooting and tying up.  Thanks to the patio clean that Hire-a-Hubby-Ray did last month, there have been no weeds around the back paving but I'm keeping an eye open now we have had some rain.

Then I came in and prepped for a couple of things, one of which was for a Governor's monitoring visit this morning.  I looked at the key objectives in the School Improvement Plan, noted the 'success criteria' and made a few notes, printing off or getting out what I needed.  A governor's visit can be a little disruptive (although we are always made very welcome) and I like to be well prepared.
And then, after school, I had an email from the SENDCo asking would I mind not coming as something urgent and immediate had come up.  Obviously, no details whatsoever in here but it was totally valid and we can reschedule, if necessary.
The prep won't be wasted anyway.

I had arranged with Chris for coffee this afternoon instead of morning so I popped over to consult and we decided it would be nice to go to Lathcoats first thing, do a bit of picking and have coffee in the Bee Shed there.  I know I went on Monday but I'm always up for a few more strawberries and raspberries!  I mean - who isn't?
But it's rained and strawberries are never as nice after rain.  Also, even if PYO is open (it usually isn't in the rain), it will be a very soggy experience.
So it is probably coffee and chat at ten as usual.  There's always next week.  And probably the week after too.

Instead of a busy day, I have a 'same as usual' day now: the usual homey stuff, getting the house cleaner-ready, a bit of cooking, a bit of meal planning - all the usual, happy, familiar, comforting homey things.  And I need to finish watching Sewing Bee - I fell asleep during the Pattern challenge so took myself to bed!  

It is still raining, the clouds are still very low and I am like 'Bring it on, keep going, don't give up yet,' because this rain is so, so needed after weeks of dryness.  It just feels so mentally and physically refreshing at the moment.
And, still, no sneezing.  Yay!

Have you had any rain?  xx

Wednesday, 28-06-23

 Good morning, everyone!  For once, it is a cloudy start to the day, really quite gloomy in fact.  The forecast doesn't show rain until coming up midnight but nor does it indicate any sunshine at all.  As always, we will see but I just hope that if we have rain, it is a decent amount.

I think this is the first year I am really quite happy with my little front strip (apart from the dreadful soil quality).  For ages, I have been intermittently working towards what my Mum achieved with her flower bed (much larger and much better but hey, who is comparing apart from me, eh?) which was to have patches of interest all over, all the way through the growing/flowering season so, as one plant finished, there was another nearby ready to catch the eye.
I seem to have got that in a much smaller way, starting with the bulbs, going through things like the bluebells and lily of the valley . . . and so on

At the moment, there's crocosmia starting to send out flower spires at one end, this lovely campanula in the middle (should be further back really but, as we're talking a matter of nine inches, I am not stressing) and moving sideways to something I don't know the name of (I'll post the photo under this one) and finishing with the confused dahlia on the right, which is still all leaf but the buds should come soon.

And then there's the pots of bedding flowers on both sides.

This is the unknown.  The flower heads are just starting to emerge.
Does anyone know?  I'd be grateful because Google Images wasn't much help.

And this is the newer of the pots, placed to cover the place where even the weeds find it hard going!!

Thanks for bearing with me while I meandered on above!  😉

Diane turned up at around eleven and we had a great time talking about all sorts of things including, of course, the Christmas Adventure.  We decided it would probably be a good idea to do some of our necessary shopping together but actually there's not a lot we need to get really so we'll plan that later in the year.

I didn't get any weeding done but I did make another loaf of bread (I'm trying out different flour combinations) which is now sliced and in the freezer and the downstairs did get a good tidy and clean so that's good.

Tomorrow and Friday are both busy days so today is going to be spent in prepping/planning for that.  Also, I WILL get that weeding and clearing done as it is brown bin collection tomorrow.  It will be much more comfortable to do today as it is so much cooler and no need to worry about sun block, etc.  I am good with that!

Time for coffee so I'll say goodbye and wish you a very happy and satisfying day.  xx