Blowing and snowing on the Clent Hills

Just returned from a day walking on the Clent Hills. My face feels as though it has been sand-blasted.

Arriving at the car park, we knew we were in for some weather, and by the time our boots, waterproofs, gloves, hats were on, and hoods up, our fingers were already numb, but a steep uphill climb soon raised our temperatures. Not for long though as there was a fierce, snow laden wind at the top. I'm amazed that this photo was actually successful as I struggled to keep the camera as steady as possible. On a fine day we could have been enjoying some wonderful views, but the elements were against us today. We also had to contend with some very slippery and muddy conditions underfoot. So, how come one of our walkers managed to keep his light coloured trousers and boots so clean? Just look at the state of the other three!

There were other equally mad people out and about on the hills, riding horses, walking dogs and we even encountered another walking group along the way.

Nearing the end of the walk I spotted these two garden gnomes sitting on a stile. Don't they look sad!

Many thanks to those who planned and led the walk. What's a bit of bad weather between friends?

Talking of garden gnomes, I've always been convinced that there are such things as 'house gnomes' who steal and hide all manner of items around the home. Just after I'd arrived back from the walk, Mike said "Guess what I've just found?" A few years ago I had borrowed The White Stripes 'White Blood Cells' from our youngest son, but it was stolen by the house gnome, seemingly never to be found again - until today. Funny, isn't it, that it was hidden inside one of Mike's CD covers! I say no more.

Elspeth Thompson

This morning, instead of enjoying a some moments with a coffee and a few pages of a book, whilst glancing, from time to time, down the garden to watch the birds and to imagine how things will look in a few days, weeks, months time, I feel I should write something about Elspeth Thompson. In an earlier blog I mentioned her book 'A Tale of Two Gardens', the very book I am enjoying at the moment. It 's a beautifully written, well-observed and delightful account of her progress with both a city and a coastal garden, and also an allotment - flowers, vegetables, successes and failures. Since 1996 Elspeth Thompon has been writing her columns for the Daily Telegraph. Last Thursday, aged 48, she took her own life. The Telegraph heads her obituary by stating that she 'had a particular talent for bringing beauty to the places where she lived, no matter how uncompromising those places first appeared' and that 'she always worked with great imagination and enthusiasm, and conveyed as much to her devoted readers.' She leaves a husband and young daughter. Her writing is a great inspiration to me and I only wish I had a fraction of her talent. Copies of the above mentioned book are for sale in the remainder bookshop in Sutton for £1. I've bought a couple of extra copies - one for my sister and one for my friend - I know that both of them will enjoy it as much as I do.

The weather is teasing us. Yesterday was dark and wet, and even snow is forecast for some areas. I had a very pleasant day on the plot, on sunny Sunday. I was rather late arriving there, in the morning, and chatting to my fellow plot-holders delayed me even longer, but I don't mind as it's all part of the community spirit. I began by covering the new arch with a strong plastic trellis, so that my heavily laden (hopefully) squash plants will have something substantial to clamber up. My friend Brian gave me two metal posts to knock in, in order to strengthen the uprights. John and Mike had been busy during the week, and laid all the remaining flagstones. Now I have a smooth path right down to the shed. Also, some little 'fairy' had planted up the front of my plot with wallflowers. I wonder who that could be! Then Peter and Jane arrived. Peter had brought me some strong wooden stakes, as promised. These will also help to support the arch(es) - a belt and braces approach. Haven't seen Jane for some time, and what lovely news. It won't just be the vegetable plots bursting with life this year! After returning home for lunch and a quick glance at the paper, I was back on the plot for the afternoon to finish off the arch, and to put up my bean wigwams - perhaps a bit early, but I need to finally establish where I will be growing certain things. This time I was on my own - just me and my music (playing softly, so that I could hear the birds). Higher up the hill there seemed plenty of activity. When I arrived home, Mike seemed very amused by something. Had I really walked home like that - my face was filthy!

A few short notes

Perhaps a seasoned blogger could enlighten me as to the reason why, after carefully positioning my photos, then previewing my blog (where the photos seem to have been re-positioned),when I eventually publish the post they appear in yet a different position. Also, however many times I check the preview, I frequently find a glaring error once I've published. But this is my own fault, due to the fact that I make so many alterations along the way. The latest was to miss off 'Good Golly' before 'Miss Molly'. Still, I'm only human.

Yesterday I downloaded Laura Marling's latest album, and how good it is. It's now on my i-pod so I can enjoy listening to it when I'm down on the plot. Talking of 'Only Human', I also have that particular, track by the Killers on it too, along with a really eclectic mix of recordings including Balkan gypsy music, Portuguese fado, Greek rebetica, American blues, British folk, Early English, quite a bit of pop, and quite a few classical pieces. It's funny how some music reminds you of certain events and places in your life. For instance, Band on the Run to family journeys to Scotland, Duran Duran played on our frequent visits to Sheffield, when our sons were young, Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' crossing over Brevik Bridge in Norway, Bjork playing in a taverna in Chania on Crete, Mariza (wonderful fado singer) whilst enjoying freshly made orange juice by the harbour in Fiskardo Kefalonia, Anya as we drove away from Howarth in Yorkshire and the pure voice of soprano Emma Kirkby drifting across Kalogria beach on a warm, hazy morning in the Peloponnese. I enjoyed listening to Radio 6 around Mothering Sunday, when there was plenty of discussion about the musical tastes of listeners' mothers, and the influence both they and their offspring have had on each other, in this respect. Couldn't live without music in my life - and on that note, I'll sign off!

First picnic of the year

If the weather permits, when Mike is at Church on a Sunday morning, I am on the allotment. Last Sunday the weather was perfect and I had a thoroughly enjoyable morning on the plot, planting a freebie fragrant rose near the shed and erecting a second (very cheap from Wilkinsons) arch. I had reached that stage where another pair of hands was needed when, as if by magic, when Mike appeared, and together we were able to complete the job. I am hoping, if all goes well, that I will be able to train some Hooligan squashes up the arch along with a few flowers and/or climbing French beans. Mike set off back home, promising to return with some lunch for me. In fact he returned with a picnic for both of us, and some of the Sunday paper and, for the first time this year we enjoyed an al fresco meal on the patio (as our granddaughter once referred to it) outside the shed.

I returned to the plot at the beginning of the week in order to burn a rather small heap of uncompostable bits and pieces, as the bonfire ban starts at the end of this month. My neighbour John was in the process of doing the same thing, and his flame-gun came in very handy. I'm not really a great fan of nasty, smokey (which mine was) bonfires. For many years we lived next door to a compulsive pyromaniac who insisted on smoking us(and all in the vicinity) out, particularly on fine days when windows and doors were open, and washing hanging in the sun. Occasionally she even set fire to her nasty pile of wet weeds when my babies were outside in their prams. Come to think of it, there never was a 'fire'. It was just acrid, grey smoke. So, sorry Haydn, for engulfing you in the same, when you came down to talk to John!

After seeing Julie's tidy and well organised greenhouse, full of trays and pots of seedlings, I thought it was time I re-organised my own (again) and set more seeds. I do have a few seedlings doing OK, but still feel a bit hesitant about setting too many too early. Once again, as usual, we will be away on holiday at a rather vital time in the plant growing season. Although I have a self-watering system in and around the greenhouse (at home) I always feel rather guilty about asking my family and friends to keep an eye on things. Still, experience has proved that later sowings usually catch up quite successfully, if not better.

At the bottom of the garden, the snowdrops are almost over, but in their place the hellebores are gradually opening their buds (here's a photo of a few I brought into the house to enjoy). There are crocuses, cyclamen and daffs beginning to flower and pots of tulips to look forward to, as well as my favourite yellow ones that come up in the front garden every year.

Yesterday the walk was at Hopton and Middleton Top, near Carsington in Derbyshire, and what an excellent walk it was, led by Molly. The wonderful snowdrops were still in flower at Hopton Hall as we passed by. Then on up the hillside, winding our way between the humps and bumps of the old lead mine workings towards Middleton Top Engine House, built in 1829 and housing a Butterley Engine, used to haul wagons the 1 in 8.5 incline. Fortunately, we were on our way down the incline, passing quarries and rusting railway relics. The weather was kind to us - pleasantly mild, but rather overcast with just the occasional drizzly spots of rain. After climbing up some reasonably steep hillsides, the rewards were the panoramic views from the top. The day was fairly eventful, with two of our walkers incurring minor (hopefully) injuries, Let's hope they aren't feeling too sore today, and making a speedy recovery! Arriving at Carsington Meadows, there was a good view of the reservoir far below. We then had to negotiate the steep and rather treacherous path downhill and onto Miners Lane. Lots of concentration

was required, as we zig-zagged our way down with great care. Couldn't resist this photo of Frank and the 'one careful owner' car. Perhaps he could make an offer for it. If the ladders were thrown in he could start a window cleaning round.

During the walk, Ray informed us that the walking club have made an appearance on Google Maps Street View. We remember the Google van passing us, as we walked near Drayton Basset church some time ago. At the time we did wonder if we had been caught on film. Checked it out this morning and sure enough, there we are!

Well done 'Miss Molly - you sure like to walk' (and your trusty reccy companion Ray) for a super day.

Good News!

At the QE yesterday for Mike's latest results. Good news! All his tumours have shrunk, and hopefully may continue to do so. He will continue on his present medication as it seems to be working OK. So........... as a result, we have just booked a fortnight on Thassos! Couldn't resist including these two photos to show what we are looking forward to.

Ode to the Long Walkers

Some fairer weather for our Wednesday walk

It's mild, and Spring is in the air at last

All booted up, and off across the fields

We start, with Roy up front, the pace is fast

The spires of Lichfield disappear beyond the trees

Skylarks sing and friendly chatter fills the air

We walk and talk, and switch and swap with others on the way

There's always lots of catching up, and news to share

Audrey sports new, shiny leather boots

Jill with fairy earrings, low-fat Frank,

Less cake Ray, Cheery Chris V and Molly too

We lunch together on a sunny bank

Roy may angle for a complement

When sizing up the one that got away

But did he underestimate the miles

When working out the route, for today

So was it eight, or was it ten, who cares?

And what about the twenty (thirty?) stiles
Or does it really matter, if we all enjoyed our day

That in the end we knew we'd walked, not eight but ten good miles?

Grand pretensions

Managed to get to the plot on Friday. A cheery 'hello' welcomed the arrival of my neighbour Boula, on her bike. She has recently moved from her previous plot, under the shade of the tall trees (soon to be felled) to join the happy group at the bottom of the hill. Talk about a hard worker! She also tends a plot at Hampton Court - but I doubt if even she travels between the two by bike! We had some fun sharing my old glasses (kept in my shed) as she sent a text to her friend. "Is this how you spell ......?" she asked. "Pass the glasses back. I can't see" I answered. And so on. Eventually the text was sent and the reply received and read (with the aid of my glasses). Now she knows where I keep them, so they could come in useful in the future. I think we are going to get on very well, and have some fun too.

Quite an eventful weekend. It was Father C's 50th anniversary as a priest, and on Saturday the church was packed to capacity for a celebratory Mass, followed by a festive feast in the church hall. The tables, down the centre of the hall, were laden to capacity with an amazing variety of delicious concoctions, and the queue for food seemed to stretch for ever. Along with the ladies of the parish I worked flat out to serve the waiting line as quickly as possible. What a lovely event.

I was thoroughly spoilt on Mothering Sunday. There were flowers and a card from our youngest son A, who also prepared a very tasty lunch, and more flowers, a card, and a little scarecrow for the allotment from R, S, A & W, who called round later, and finally E joined us (she'd been at work all day) before she and A set off back to her house. The snowdrops at the bottom of our garden couldn't look better, but they wont last much longer, so I made up three little posies of them for the girls and for E's mum.

Yesterday Mike went for a scan at Selly Oak. Hopefully the results will show that the recent radiotherapy has done its work. We should find out when he returns to the QE on Thursday. I was hoping for some quality time in the garden but by the time I decided to get out there, the clouds had come over and there was a biting wind, so I missed my slot.

We've been taking advantage of our recently built conservatory during the sunny spells. It's lovely to sit in there, feet up, reading. This morning I began reading 'A Tale of Two Gardens' by Elspeth Thompson (the Sunday Telegraph Urban Gardener), and although I've only managed a few pages, I know how much I'm going to enjoy this book, which I bought for £1 at the new remainder bookshop in Sutton. If any of my 'followers' enjoy a good read, I'd recommend they get down there asap and buy a copy.

The 'Grand Pretensions' of the title of this blog refer to our conservatory. Little did I know, when I came to live in the Midlands, that this type of structure (a lean-to glass construction without gables or any fancy curlicues) was referred to as a 'verandah'. In fact our first glass 'lean-to' was sold to us as a 'garden room', which I did think sounded rather pretentious. However, I couldn't help but notice the raised eyebrows when I called it a 'conservatory'. To me (from Lancashire) and Mike (from Yorkshire), a verandah was an entirely different thing. I looked it up on Wikipedia this morning - 'a roofed, open, gallery or porch', and 'often partly enclosed by a railing and frequently extending across the front and sides of the structure'. The word 'verandah' comes from the Indian word(and possibly Portuguese/Spanish) referring to 'a railing, balustrade or balcony'. I'm sorry - I can't get to grips with the verandah thingy. However posh it sounds, our lean-to is a conservatory! At least Mike and I agree on that. We've had some fun, over the years, with the Lancashire v Yorkshire differences in pronunciation and meanings of words. Viva la difference!

Liverpool

Returned last night from two brilliant days in Liverpool. For me, as a Scouser, it turned out to be the perfect homecoming - good hotel with amazing views along the Mersey, bright and sunny days (if a little chilly at time) and friendly folk with a good sense of humour (I know it is a bit cliched, but it was true). Our first port of call was the Records Office in an attempt to find any information on my maternal great grandfather, who lost his life when his ship went down at Cape Horn. However, as I don't know the name of the ship, or the shipping line, I was out of luck. Perhaps Lloyds may be able to help. We did find the burial records for my grandfather though. A late lunch in The Crown, an ornately decorated pub near Lime Street Station, turned out to be quite a sociable occasion. The place was buzzing, and the three young men on the next table included us in their conversation. After wandering around, admiring the grand buildings near the Pier Head, and enjoying a good meal in a nearby gastro-pub, we retired to our 'room with a view' overlooking the river.

Next morning, fortified with a full English breakfast, it was time for a spot of grave hunting in Toxteth cemetery. This turned out to be more difficult than we imagined, despite knowing the section we needed. A phone call to the Register Office (thanks Steve!) enlightened me to the fact that some graves are numbered on the back, and by deduction we found the family burial plot (with no headstone). Next a trip to see my first home, now fully modernised, as could be expected, and on down to nearby Otterspool Prom on the banks of the Mersey, rekindling happy family memories. C & D were back from their holiday so then we headed off to Crosby for a reunion with them. I couldn't resist a visit to D's allotment plot. D won't mind me saying that these allotments bear no resemblance at all to our 'Best in Birmingham' site at The Hill. They were a real delight. Talk about recycling! Each plot had its own quirky character with sheds and shelters, fences and gates built from all types of materials, & old baths for water storage. There were neat stacks of wood, bricks & metal - things that should not and could not be thrown away, just waiting for their moment. It had a lovely, homely and friendly atmosphere and I know now how much D enjoys his 'den' (and the results of his labours there). I'd love to return at the height of the growing season. Finished our visit to C & D's in their favourite tapas bar.

Next morning, couldn't resist a short trip across the Mersey and back on the Royal Iris. A real nostalgia fix, and all under a clear blue sky. Looked around St Nicholas's (the sailors') Church where some of my ancestors were baptised and married, and reluctantly left Liverpool via the Mersey Tunnel for Birkenhead, for more grave hunting. This time it was at Flaybrick cemetery. We found the general area, but as my g.grandmother and three of her children were buried in a public grave, there was again no headstone to be found. Although the cemetery visits had not been exactly fruitful, I was pleased to find the last resting places of my ancestors were well tended, and even the bright, sunny weather and the birdsong made the whole experience quite pleasant.

On to Wallasey to visit my elderley aunt who, despite ill health, looks remarkably young and is as bright as a button for her (nearly) 90 years. And, how good too to meet up with my cousin, who I haven't seen since we were teenagers!

Came home via Cheshire Oaks Retail village, where I was overwhelmed by all the shops (and understandably rather tired after a busy two days). Missed out on the chance to spend lots of money on all sorts of fashionable things, and just plumped for a pair of walking trousers. Mike chose a sharp knife for the kitchen.

Pleased to find, on our return, that my veg seedlings continue to thrive, on the bedroom window ledge. Now I'm eager to set some more.

Making a real start

Due to some pleasant, spring-like days during the past week, like me, the plotters at the Hill are gradually emerging from their hibernation. At last I have enjoyed some quality time preparing my plot for the coming year and now feel as though I'm up and running. My neighbour, John, told me off after my first session. 'Pace yourself Chris' he advised. Makes a change as it's usually me that hands out this sort of advice, when he's done too much. Still, I returned home after a rewarding afternoon, under a blue sky (I even abandoned my jacket), and suffered no ill-effects for my hard work. Little did he know that I was back on the Thursday to complete the digging and forking. The photo shows the garlic (coming on well) with a few winter cabbages in the background. The last remnants of the broad bean plants, with their blackened and collapsed stems, had to be removed, eventually to be replaced by the new plants (in loo-roll middles) and some sown directly into the ground. On window ledges and in the greenhouse, small shoots are sprouting in pots and trays - tomatoes, chillies etc. Every day they become a little taller and stronger. Isn't nature wonderful!

The bottom of the garden is carpeted in white. The snowdrops couldn't look better. Now the daffodils, in their Greek bowl, are in full flower too. Mike carried the bowl back from Thassos one year, well wrapped in a towel (the bowl, not Mike!) in his hand luggage. The piece of olive branch was found on a beach on Lesbos.

Will have to get myself some new gardening boots for the coming year. My old ones have fallen apart. Wellies will have to do for now, but they'll be too hot once the weather warms up (for ever the optimist).

Our friend D is due back from his survival course on a Scottish island tomorrow. Obviously he's not been able to contact anyone whilst there, so we (and especially his wife and family) are anxious to know how he got on.

For a couple of days, next week, we are off to Liverpool to do some family history research. I'm also looking forward to meeting an elderly aunt in Wallasey. Haven't been back to my birthplace for years, and really looking forward to it.

Hopton Hall, Derbyshire

The first day of March and St David's Day was one to be enjoyed out of doors. The sun was shining in a clear blue sky and the temperature had risen a degree or two. This was a good opportunity to visit a 'snowdrop' garden. We packed a few sandwiches and a flask and headed off to Hopton Hall, near Carsington Water in Derbyshire, where their snowdrop opening season had been extended until 14 March, due to the late flowering. After eating our picnic in the car, we set off around the snowdrop trail, cameras in hand. Swathes of white spread between the trees, only broken here and there by groups of golden aconites, and species crocus (not quite open yet).

Whilst can't admit to being a fully dedicated galanthophile (well, not yet anyway), I did spot this rather beautiful variety

and wondered what it was. I'd be grateful if anyone could enlighten me. The bells were quite large, with beautiful markings.

This was our first visit to Hopton Hall, and I am looking forward to returning in the summer, when the roses in the walled garden (with its crinkle-crankle wall) will be in flower.

As for St David's Day, whilst the snowdrops are at their best, there were no daffodils in evidence,due to the cold weather. However, the Tete-a-tete planted up in my Greek pot from Thassos are about to flower (hopefully today) in the conservatory. There were no March hares to be seen yesterday either, unlike another memorable First Day of March, when Mike and I were making our way up the hill towards Minninglow ancient burial site (also in Derbyshire). On this day, too, the sky was blue and the sun shone, but there were flurries of snow in the air, and snowy hilltops on the horizon. Then, as if by magic, two March hares raced across the field in front of us!

We are blessed with another beautiful morning and once the sun has melted the frost, I hope to get outside to do some work in the garden and possibly on the plot.

To finish on the St David's Day theme - our neighbours brought us some Welsh cakes back from their weekend visit to Wales. Looking forward to breaking the diet as we are now on the last day!