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