Tiptoe through the tulips

A large part of Saturday was spent weeding the front garden, and in particular between the yellow tulips, which deserved some attention now that they are in flower. This is quite a delicate operation as I have to make sure I don't put my feet in the wrong places. Once I've found somewhere to stand, I then have to lean and stretch in all directions in order to pull out as many of the offending weeds as possible(chickweed and large dandelions) before changing my position. Talk about a workout! Then there was the moss to mow. A friend wished us a happy holiday. I had to put her in the picture. There was a short visit to the plot to review the weed situation after the heavy rain, and I met Wendy and Carl (plot opposite the gate) for the first time. They've really transformed the plot since their arrival and in such a prime position, what a welcome to visitors it is. I should think the Committee are delighted. I particularly like their hand-crafted shed complete with the tin bath outside.

After indulging myself with a soak in the bath, we set off for The Gate at Castle Ring, where Mike had booked us in for a meal, prior to the traditional evening of morris dancing. I must say I was very impressed with the food, the friendly atmosphere and the buzzing atmosphere of the place. The landlady was standing by for the arrival of a couple celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary, as she had to detain them for a few minutes before opening a curtain to reveal their surprise party. The staff and the landlady and family were all so cheerful and friendly, despite being rushed off their feet. The place filled up even more as the Green Man Morris were eventually rained off and had to retreat indoors.

I felt a bit flat yesterday morning. It was very raw and dull. About the time we should have flown to Greece, just to rub it in, a plane flew over the house. Mike went off to church, followed by his daily visit to the hospital and I wandered down to the plot to be welcomed with a cuppa and biscuit from my friendly neighbour John, who has been keeping an eye on things for me. Peter (2b) was busy at work too. I believe the younger plot-holders, like him, are a real asset to the Hill, with their enthusiasm and determination to make a success of things, whilst at the same time picking up tips and sharing their ideas with the older generation. There's a real, friendly atmosphere down at our end - new and old sharing ideas and garden tools. I know I only have to drop a hint that I need something such as a post or board, and within a day or so one of my neighbours will come up trumps. However, this friendly atmosphere can have its down side too, as by the time I'd finished chatting with John I was chilled to the bone. I know I banged on about not feeling the cold, earlier in the year, but on this occasion I hadn't come dressed for standing around in a damp and chilly wind. Back home it took some time before I could feel my hands and feet.

Later in the afternoon Son No 2 arrived with his intended. On their recent holiday to the Lakes, he proposed to E, on her birthday, and she accepted. We are so delighted as she is the most delightful girl. Both of them had been so upset about Mike's health problem and the cancelled holiday, that they had planned a surprise for us, arriving with a delicious home cooked lasagne, salad, wine and pudding. The meal and the company really did cheer us up.

This morning, the sun is shining, so hopefully it will be a better day for all the events that take place on a Bank Holiday Monday. I ventured outside in my dressing gown to take a photo of my pot from Thassos, now planted up with violas, and looking particularly pretty. The second photo is of an unusual pale green primula 'Francesca', originally discovered growing on a traffic island in Hemel Hempstead (I think), and purchased at a Rare Plants Fair at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens.

Son No.2 arriving shortly, to help transport a bench constructed from slices of silver birch trunk (from the allotments) and a board (from Brian, plot 4A) and put together by Son No 1 and his apprentice (our grandson). Must go.