My Christmas

I'm having a lazy day at home after three lovely days.  I did wonder how things would be, as it is my first Christmas since Mike died.  Fortunately it has been a happy one, although we all really missed him - he loved Christmas - but we felt he was around us.

Christmas Eve afternoon my son A, called for me and took me back to join R at their new home.  Then we drove over to Inkberrow to join R's family for mulled wine and nibbles before setting out to join the other villagers for 'carols on the green'.  However, due to the wet conditions, this year the medical centre car park was substituted for the green.  It was lovely to see  the people streaming from all directions to form a large crowd for the singing, accompanied by a band.  Torches, head torches, mobile phone torches and lanterns lit our carol list and apart from a little drizzle, the weather stayed fine for us.  Then back to the family home for a lovely spread and some happy chatter.  A & R brought me back and stayed the night with me.

Christmas morning we opened presents, had smoked salmon and scrambled eggs for breakfast, spoke to other family members on the phone, and enjoyed a walk around the muddy fields, calling in on my friends D & D and their family, for a glass of wine and a chat.  I quickly changed out of my muddy trousers etc and blinged myself up, then we drove round to my eldest son's home for more present swapping.  A & R left to drive back to Inkberrow to join R's family, once again for Christmas Day, leaving me with R & S and our grandchildren, and S's family.  We had a lovely day all together, enjoying a long and delicious meal.  I'd made the butternut squash soup (unfortunately I had no squashes this year, due to the bad weather and all my other problems)  and home made bread rolls.  The very wicked puddings (a lot of them) were made by other family members, and it would have been rude not to have tested each one!  The main course was perfect too, thanks to R & S.  Of course, most of the entertainment was provided by the four children.

I was delighted to see that the weather was in my favour the following morning, for my annual walk to Shenstone.  Due to the flooded fields and mud I had to miss out some of the footpaths and stick to the lanes, but I arrived at the Fox and Hounds in time for the start of the Morris dancing, joining a large crowd, including some of my friends who were there for the first time.  Everyone seemed pleased I had made it this year, especially as Mike would normally have taken part in the dancing and the Mummers play.  This year we had a 'new' doctor, in his place, and he did very well.  I received lots of hugs and kisses from the dancers and their wives, and from the other friends that I meet there every year.  We then moved on to the Railway, and where it was buzzing with conversation and lovely and warm, and we were reluctant to move outside to see the dancing - especially when the rain started.  So we stayed put.  My friend I, and myself had been invited back to another friend's house for a meal afterwards, and the three of us finished off  what had been a really good afternoon, with a lovely meal and lots of chatting, before I was brought home.

I'm having a lazy day today, then I'll be off for the candle-lit carol service at Mike's church later.

I'm hoping to continue with my regular blog from now on (and some pictures, when I am more organised).  Before I sign off, can I please plead with as many people as possible to send in your objections to the proposed development of our Green Belt asap.  That is - before 14 January!  It's fine to add your signatures to any petitions but, if you aren't already aware, a petition only counts as one objection.  We need individual objections.  I've already attended two meetings, received a letter from Andrew Mitchell and replied to the same with my objections and suggestions on the proposals, and also sent off my objection form to Birmingham City Council.  I feel so strongly about this (especially as the field opposite my home and next to our allotments is one of the proposed sites) that I have been hi-jacking people I meet during my local walks, to find out what they think.  I've been horrified that most of them either know nothing or have 'heard something or other'.  Very few of my neighbours have appeared at the two meetings that I attended.  Please, please support our objections.

John Badger

 

 

 

 

Just found this photo of John, sitting outside his shed, busy on one of his many projects.  This is how I will remember him.  I'll miss our chats, and the mugs of tea.  God bless you John - you were a rare individual!

 

So much to catch up with

No pictures with this blog, unless I manage to get round to transferring all my photos to an external hard drive, as I am having problems downloading the current ones from my camera to my laptop at the moment, due to lack of space.  Otherwise, when this is sorted I will have some reasonably decent shots to include with my next post.

I've managed to get out with the walking club over the past few weeks, although I have missed the last two walks, as I went off on my first solo adventure since Mike's death.  Yesterday I returned from a week with my sister and husband, in County Durham, travelling there and back by train (using my newly acquired Senior Railcard).  It was lovely to spend some quality time with them both, and we were fortunate to have some good weather, apart from the last couple of days.  K & A are looking forward to seeing their son and wife, who will be returning to the UK at the weekend, after successfully completing the Pacific Crest Trail.  A wonderful achievement.  Well Done to A & S!

We all enjoyed a walk in Hamsterley Forest - misty at first, but then the sun broke through the trees, lighting up the reds, yellows and golds of autumn.  One highlight was an evening visit to the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle to attend the opening of an art exhibition.  My sister attends art classes run by Linda Birch who has illustrated, amongst other things, Bagpuss and The Clangers.  Before the official opening we assembled in a large gallery filled with some wonderful paintings (in fact we sipped our wine, standing in front of a large Canaletto), then filed into a smaller gallery filled with Linda's artwork - such a wide variety of techniques and subjects.  Thoroughly enjoyable evening.  My sister, herself, is a talented artist.  I am quite in awe of her work, some of which graces the walls of their home.  I felt quite inspired after all this.  I have done a bit of sketching over the years, but not much recently, due to circumstances.  Perhaps I can take up my pencils and pens again.

Sis and I had a great day out, walking on the moors above Teesdale, then down to the river.  Good walking day, and plenty of jaw exercising too!  It was the first time we had spent such a long time entirely on our own - just walking, talking and taking in the scenery.The weather was kind too, and we were able to sit on a bank, high above a valley, eating our lunch.  Then down, past the old lead workings, to the River Tees, where we climbed about on the rocks, looking at the fossils.

Another trip took us to Paddy's Hole, a fascinating little harbour near Redcar, surrounded by fishermen's huts, on a rather bleak estuary, with steel works pumping out various colours of smoke, and steam, in the background. Then over some low dunes, and what appeared to be mounds of slag, lay a vast, sandy beach, stretching away into the distance, with occasional family groups, dog walkers, and horse riders.  To the left we could just see Hartlepool, home of my paternal ancestors. The day was warm and very calm, and even the North Sea looked quite benign for a change.

On our last evening together we drove high over Stang forest and moors in a very thick mist, down to Reeth for a meal at The Bridge at Grinton.  Great food, good atmosphere, and friendly people.  Altogether a good week, and the train journeys went perfectly.  So I will be using my railcard again asap. 

Back at home I have a long list of 'to do's'.  On approaching my house, the first thing I noticed was the dreadful state of the caravan - the front is covered in mossy green and bird droppings (the overhanging rowan tree has now been stripped of all its berries by the birds) so I must do something about that soon.  The greenhouse needs clearing out of grow-bags etc, thoroughly cleaning, and re-filling with the tender plants, with fleece to the ready for the frosty nights.  Outside the greenhouse I have already started assembling pots to be emptied, and already emptied, so that looks a mess.  There is so much in the garden needs cutting down, and generally clearing.  The grape vines (I think the grape harvest is a write-off) which have put on a huge amount of growth, despite a number of pruning sessions during the year) need attention.  The window box needs emptying, and refilling with pots of small daffs (yet to be planted), and.....................Oh, I could go on and on.  Then there's my plot.  Most of it has been cleared, but there is still plenty to keep me busy.  I want to get my garlic in, and to start of some broad beans in the greenhouse.  And, honestly, I have already scraped quite a lot of moss from the roadway fronting my plot, as requested, but it just keeps coming back. 

There are loads of home jobs to catch up with too, but the lousy weather has put a stop to my plans.  I had hoped to give the garage, front and back doors a coat of paint before the winter.  It will have to wait until the spring now.  Just as well.  I've already got enough to catch up with!  I'll publish this and fill my next post with photos (hopefully - if I get all that sorted).

Picking up the pieces

Camomile in the potato field

 

I now feel ready to resume blogging.  It's now seven weeks since Mike's death and, in some ways, it is just really hitting me.  All of a sudden I'm feeling quite redundant and on some days, such as today, at a loss as to what to do.  It's not that I haven't anything to do - quite the opposite - but I now realise how much time Mike and I spent travelling to and from hospital, and attending various appointments.  Since he had to give up driving we used public transport, which was fine, but took so much longer to get there and back.  It was just second nature for me to put Mike's needs first and now I am noticing there is no real focus to my days, so hence the redundant feeling.  I miss him so much, but am comforted by knowing that he is at peace and no longer suffering.  The ways and means of how I am dealing with my loss is for me and my family only, and not blogging material.  However, the contents of my blogs should, from now on, include details of how I am adapting to my new life as a widow.

Blackberries, down the lane

 

Let's start with the title 'Picking up the Pieces' which covers the above, but also includes a trio of accidents I have experienced over the past two months or so.  During Mike's last few days in the QE I managed to slip on the bedroom floor one night(I think some polish or similar had fallen onto the laminate)  and  went a cropper - full length along the bottom of the bed, winding myself and, for a moment, thinking I had broken a rib.  However, from an earlier experience, I realised in the end that I had just badly bruised my rib (and shoulder and leg).  It took a good week or so to recover from that incident.  Then at the Canwell Show I walked over to admire some cattle and put my foot down a rabbit hole, twisting my ankle quite badly.  That's OK now, but still swells up a bit at night.  Last Tuesday I had been down the fields collecting blackberries.  On my way back, despite the fact I had a large container full, I just had to have those last few I spotted up a little bank.  Coming back down, a hidden bramble acted as a trip wire, and I ended up face first on the path, and fearing I had broken my nose due to a cracking sound.  Well, that really winded me too, and I'm only just getting over it really.  The nose appears to be healing well and doesn't appear broken, the bitten lip is healing, and the knee has almost recovered.  The most maddening thing was that I was due to resume walking with the club the following day, after a long absence, and my kit was all ready in the spare bedroom.  So, I had to ring my friend and cry off. Just that  morning I'd bought myself some new boots and walking poles.  I know these were not age-related accidents, but if I continue in this vein my family will be putting me into a home!

 

So what positive things have happened?  Well, I've gone back to Mere Green Ladies Club, after years away from it, and it was lovely to see all the same people there. I was made very welcome and am looking forward to attending the future meetings. Last Saturday I spent the afternoon/evening at Brumfest with A & R and some of their friends, watching bands in the squares and in the pubs, and finishing off with an excellent curry at Saffron.   If I don't have any more accidents I will be off walking again with St Mary's Rambling Club.  I've bought a rail card and hope to visit one or two friends, and to stay with my sister and husband in County Durham.  The family history research will take off again once the dark nights set in and the gardening and plotting come to a standstill.  In fact I was recently  invited to join Mike's cousin and her husband on a trip to Kilkenny in Ireland, to attend the launch of a book called 'Peter's Key' written by Declan Dunne.  'Peter' (an ancestor of Mike and his cousin, as well as Declan, the author) was in fact Peter Deloughry,  Irish patriot and politician, who masterminded the escape of De Valera from Lincoln Jail in 1919, by making the key which got him out.  Unfortunately the visit clashes with my birthday and, at the moment, I would prefer to spend it with my family.  However, I'm looking forward to hearing about the book launch and to reading the book, a copy of which they are bringing back for me. 

 

At last I'm getting to grips with the garden a little at a time (between recoving from the accidents).  It doesn't look to bad considering the strange weather conditions, and having been neglected more than usual.  Thank goodness for my plot too.  It really is a special place, and has kept my spirits up during some difficult times.  OK, like other plots, it isn't at it's best, but we have all struggled this year.  I'm managing to collect enough veg for myself, and an abundance of raspberries too.  The freezer is rather full of soft fruit.  However, for the first year I can remember my runner and French beans have not been a success, but the Borlottis look as if they will be OK.  This lunch time I enjoyed cheese and biscuits with my first beetroot (there won't be many this year) and toms from the greenhouse.  The parsnips (all half a dozen out of three sowings) look a bit pathetic, but the leeks and salsify appear to be OK.  I'm pleased I put in strong defences over the cabbages and caulis having seen how the caterpillars had devastated Pat and Nick's brassicas, but despite using slug pellets there still is some slug damage to the lower leaves on mine.  Yesterday I was down on the plot collecting even more raspberries, and doing a bit of weeding, so I spread a few more pellets under the defences. I will be lucky to get three apples off my tree this year - but no plums and no cherries.  My seed grown sweetpeas are coming to an end, but those grown from bought plants are continuing to produce good, long stemmed flowers.  When they first flowered the perfume was very slight but, for some reason it seems much stronger now.  At the garden centre yesterday I took advantage of the 50p seed sale and with great control on my part, came away with only 13 packets, including 3 of sweet peas to sow this winter.  I dare say I might have to return for a longer spell of sorting through all the containers for even more packets!

 



Michael

Early on Sunday morning, my lovely husband Mike passed away peacefully, and without pain, at St Giles Hospice, where he had spent the previous nine days, after over six weeks in Queen Elizabeth Hospital.  It had been six and a half years since his kidney cancer was first diagnosed, and during those years he had astounded us all by his strength (physically, mentally and spiritually) and endurance. He was determined to live as full a life as possible despite the various operations and procedures, and his daily cocktail of drugs with their unpleasant side-effects.  He never complained, kept his sense of humour, and just carried on as normal. He will be sadly missed by our family, his many friends and associates, but no one more than me. My husband, best friend, and inspiration is now at peace.

Michael's funeral will take place at 11am on Monday 6 August, at Sacred Heart RC Church, Lichfield Rd.  The family and I would like this to be a celebration of his life rather than the mourning of his death, and I am sure he would approve of our plans for a good send-off (including the Morris dancers!).
Any of my allotment friends would be very welcome to join us on the day.

My haven

Hardy geraniums and campanulas in the garden

Even on some of the wetter days I can be found pottering about on the plot.  It's somewhere to escape to before or after my visits to the hospital.  At the moment I am enjoying the first of the new potatoes and broad beans in particular.  Yesterday I was joined by Boula who is making a very good job of John's plot.  Gosh, she doesn't half work hard.  We talked for a bit, then carried on with our jobs, taking advantage of a break in the rain.  I have been collecting a few tayberries at a time, and open freezing them so, by now, I've quite a large bagful.  I also managed to collect a fair number of blackcurrants, which are now also in the freezer.  At the next opportunity it will be the turn of the redcurrants.  My garlic is pretty good, with fat, juicy cloves, but the bulbs are beginning to split apart.  The sooner I get them all out of the ground and as dry as possible, the better.  I did take the opportunity, a few days ago, to plant out some cabbage and cauli plants, protected (I hope) by a few slug pellets and the covered with fine mesh, held down as tightly as possible, to keep off the pigeons and any other pests.  However, I have noticed that something has already had a go at some of the leaves.  I think I can write off peas, parsnips and beetroot this year.  I had made a real effort at erecting two, good, strong wigwams which, between them, are barely supporting one sad plant.  What went wrong here?  I have to avert my eyes from Hazel's amazing climbing peas as I walk past her plot.  Am I jealous or what!

I even managed to get a bit of weeding done in the front garden the other day.  Weeding the drive that is!  I just need one more short session and it will be done, then I'll need to do the same on the patio.  The tomato plants in the greenhouse are looking pretty healthy, with quite a few toms forming, but we will need some sunshine (ha ha) and warm days if they are to be successful.  The chilli plants are a bit slow, but there are a few flowers forming now.  The next job is to find a bit of space on the plot (which could be easy, now that I've given up on quite a few of the hoped-for veg) for the courgette and squash plants which are ready to plant out now.

I'm afraid things are not good regarding Mike.  He is becoming increasingly weaker, sleeps most of the time, and needs assistance with eating and drinking.  Occasionally he does join in some of the conversations, and responds to questions, but it's very hard to see my lovely husband declining day by day.  The staff on the ward continue to care for him with a great deal of attention and compassion, and treat me and the family equally.  The plan is now to move Mike to a hospice as soon as possible.  Both me and our family are getting a lot of support from other family members, friends and neighbours, which is keeping us going during this very difficult time. 

In the meantime, I will continue to visit my plot, which has become a bit of a haven for me.  

  

More rail journeys

I managed to get outside yesterday, for some serious weeding, pruning back the rampant growth and trying to restore some order to the jungle that was once my front garden.  Foxgloves, grown from seed a couple of years ago grown so tall that they are bending over under the weight of flowers, but I am reluctant to do too much to support them, as I rather like the more natural look.  The flowers are a variety of shades, from cream through to deep pinks, and the bees love them.  I had thought about continuing in the garden this morning, but the sky is becoming ever darker, the atmosphere more humid and I am getting the pre-thunder headache, so it looks as if I will have to do some housework instead (ugh!).  Looking out at the back garden now, the perennials are continuing to reach skyward - taller than I have ever seen them, mostly greenery at the moment, with just a hint of colour, from the cranesbills and phlomis, and still plenty of white from the valerian and philadelphus, and a few remaining flowers on the hesperis.  I would say the most successful plant at the moment, in my garden, through the hedges across the road, and on the allotments is the dreaded goosegrass.  Pulling it out only encourages the sticky seeds to adhere to my clothing and gloves, its very means of success.  Next year it will appear in even more corners of my garden.  Gosh - it's become so dark I will have to put the lights on, and here is the rain - again.

Due to circumstances, I have only managed the occasional trip to the plot, but slowly I am getting it back into shape, tackling the weeds, tying up the sweetpeas and beans, and re-sowing the seeds (some for the third time) that had not germinated.  There are some good strawberrries to enjoy now, and the first pickings of broad beans are almost ready.  The fruit trees will not be supplying me with anything this year - perhaps one or two apples, a dozen plums and maybe two cherries. If all goes well, it will just be currants, strawberries (if they don't all rot or the slugs get them) and, to my surprise, tayberries.  I wasn't expecting much from them, but they are looking pretty good. 

Now it's absolutely hammering down.  I rushed upstairs to close the windows and  just spotted a fellow plotter walking past my house with his  dog.  They'll be drenched by the time they reach home. The sky is now battleship grey, the rain even heavier, and here comes the thunder.  I expect there will be flash floods.  Yesterday was just a teaser - to make us think summer had arrived.  The foxgloves will be bowing down even further. 

Back to the plot, if the spuds look pretty good above ground, and if they haven't actually rotted away below, I have reminded our grandchildren that it is almost time for them to dig a few up, as they had helped me to plant them.  I've two bags of potatoes growing by my greenhouse, at home, and they look quite healthy - better than in past years.  Does this mean a decent crop, possibly due to all the rain?  Or will the slugs have got to them first?

Well, the deluge continues, and the road is beginning to flood.  It's just streaming down my neighbour's block-paved drive.  I'm pleased we still have a garden at the front, so we don't add to the run-off problems.

Mike is still in the QE and we are awaiting the decisions of the doctors as to his prognosis and future treatment.  He's usually asleep when I visit.  I visit every day, at different times, but he is rarely awake enough to have a chat, and when he is awake he is confused about the day and time, and events that have happened.  He's beginning to eat more, and the physios are trying to get him to walk, but he is very frail.  Fortunately he is not in pain, and is well cared for.  I don't half miss him - the family miss him - and so do all his friends.  I expect, if he is awake at all, he is now looking out of his window at the helipad above the car park, as the thunder rumbles overhead and the rain pours down.  Let's hope it has stopped by the time I set off.

After the long train journeys to and from Spain, I am now spending every day travelling by train to and from the hospital.  It's an opportunity to zap out a bit, and to catch up with texting bulletins about Mike's health to our close relatives.  I look forward to different parts of the journey, especially passing the allotments, but the best part are the cuttings, where the foxgloves are in flower down the steep banks, with plenty of white ones this year.  Then, Aston and Duddeston, there are large swathes of wild flowers, with lots of white moonpennies.  I love white flowers.

 Just remembered - the walking club will be out in it  - it's Walking Wednesday.

To finish on a happy note - here's a clematis on my plot.  Can't remember its name at the moment, but isn't it beautiful - and it's white!

So much catching up

Where do I begin?  Well, let's start with the good news.  Mike and I spent a wonderful week at Rosas in Spain travelling, not by plane, but all the way by train.   In fact, we went with 'Treyn' holidays, and I can only say good things about the whole experience.  We had seats booked on a Virgin train to London, where we spent the night, before meeting up with our tour leader, and the rest of the party, at St Pancras.  Then we travelled by Eurostar to Paris, were transferred from the Gare du Nord to the Gare du Lyon, where we boarded the TGV (upper deck with lots big windows), travelling at high speed through the French countryside, including the Camargue with its marshes, lakes, black bulls, white horses, pink flamingoes and white egrets until, after leaving France (through a tunnel) we reached Figueres in Spain.  A short coach journey took us to our hotel with time to freshen up before the evening meal.  The hotel ticked all the boxes for a relaxing week, and we had a spacious, modern room, with a glimpse of the sea, a couple of blocks away.

The following day we cruised from Rosas to Cadeques and sat outside a bar for lunch, watching the world go by.  As a rock geek I was in heaven during the cruise.  There was plenty of good geology to take in and I've taken far too many photos to prove it.  The following day was 'free' so we just relaxed on the beach and in the hotel garden.  Mike was quite tired, so we opted out of the second (included in the price) trip to Barcelona.  During the week, though, we did go on the third trip, to the Salvador Dali Foundation in Figueres (amazing - could have spent a week there) followed by a visit to the ancient walled town of Besalu.  I left Mike sitting in the shade (it was very hot and sunny all week - sorry!) and went off on my own to explore and take photos.  I seemed to be naturally drawn towards some allotments, and managed to have a sort of conversation with a Catalan plotter, as he sowed bean seeds on his very neat patch.

Brilliant holiday.  Even the tour leader (who spent the whole time with us and was very friendly, helpful and efficient at organising us all) said it was the best tour she'd been on.  We journeyed home the same way, to London, where we spent another night before travelling home - by train.

During the holiday Mike occasionally seemed out of sorts and not quite himself, and on our return took a turn for the worst.  As it was the Jubilee holiday weekend, I found it very difficult to contact the necessary people - the GP's surgery was closed, the team who deal with him at the QE were on holiday, the clinics closed etc.  After getting him to the Badger Clinic at GH, he was admitted there for two days, but after discharge, he became rather ill at home.  Eventually he was admitted to the Oncology Ward at the new QE, where he has undergone surgery to insert a stent, as he had water on the brain.  He's been making a good recovery, but wasn't too good at all yesterday.  What a fighter he is.   I'll leave it at that, for now.  Things are very difficult at the moment. 

You may catch me, from time to time, on my plot.  It does me good to potter around there, amongst the flourishing weeds, and the empty spaces where the seeds haven't germinated (same as many of my fellow plotters).  Still, the rhubarb is doing well, and the clematis looks beautiful.

What's Mr Blackbird got to sing about?

I was up before 7.30am, and a quick glance out of the landing window as I descended the stairs revealed yet another miserable and wet day.  With a mug of coffee in my hand, I surveyed the back garden, which is becoming increasingly like a mini jungle - all lush and green, and just waiting for some warmth and sun to encourage the flower buds to open up and bring some colour to the scene.  On the very top of a tall tree in a neighbour's garden, Mr Blackbird was already singing his heart out, and continued to do so for the next three hours.  I can't confirm if he had a break or not after this, as I took myself off to Sutton for a bit of retail therapy, but since I sat at my laptop, nearly two hours ago (and it's now nearly 5pm) he has been seranading away.  I hope he's got a Mrs Blackbird who is appreciating his efforts as much as I am. 

My sister and husband spent a couple of days with us, en route back home from camping in Norfolk.  Guess what the weather was like there too?  Yes - wet and muddy!  I took my sis down to the plot to look at the progress, but there's not much to see really, as quite a few of my seeds haven't even germinated.  Good job I've got some back ups for the peas and beans, coming on in the greenhouse.  But it looks like I will have to resow the parsnips and beetroot.  Even the well hardened off sweet pea plants looked rather miserable.  For a few minutes the sun came out and we sat on the bench, listening to the birds.  At least the rhubarb is flourishing, so we are enjoying plenty of crumbles.

K & A were anxious to catch up on the progress of their son and wife, who are now about 300 miles into their mammoth trek along the Pacific Crest Trail, so we all crowded round my lap top to read their latest report.  They are finding it tough (to be expected), and suffering from blisters and the unwanted attentions of beas, who seem to lie in wait along the paths, ready to sting anyone who disturbs them (such as A & S).

Yesterday I spent some time potting up tomato seedlings in the greenhouse.  There was plenty of good root growth, but the plants are still quite small.  Then there was the job of trying to fit in all the newly potted up plants into the space they had originally occupied, now that they were in larger pots.  This entailed moving everything round without having to move out of the greenhouse (as it was drizzling).    It's much more fun when the weather is fine enough to be able to spread everything outside the greenhouse, before re-filling.

Mr Blackbird is taking a break.  So will I.

Oh good! It's raining.

I don't wish to upset anyone stuck at home with bored or boisterous children, but it is a Bank Holiday, after all.  Yesterday wasn't such a bad day, after all, and I did get out in the garden for a bit, to tackle the rampant weeds, but I also spread some feed and weed on the front 'lawn' (from which I had recently removed masses of moss, and also aerated with a fork) and, after checking the weather forecast, I was looking forward to rain today, so that I wouldn't have to water it in.  So that's the only reason I was pleased to see the rain again. 

Yesterday I visited my plot, along with our grandchildren, so they could see how the potatoes that they had planted, were coming on.  Can't say I'm surprised that there are no signs of the recently sown veg seeds, as it hasn't been particularly warm, and I am, by now, rather worried that my climbing peas have not yet appeared above ground.  Fortunately, I have some more coming along in the greenhouse as replacements.  The borlotti, runners and French beans are doing OK in the greenhouse, but I'll hang on a bit before transfaring them to the plot.  We have been enjoying the rhubarb, and there is now enough to give some of it away to friends and family.  I showed my grandchildren how to use diving rods, so if anyone is looking for a water supply, you'll know who to contact.  All I can say is that all my water butts, both at home and on the plot, are full to capacity!

The back garden is taking on quite a jungle-like look, with lots of foliage and healthy looking clumps of perennials almost ready to flower.  We've had a wonderful display from our 'Donation' camellia, and not a bad show from the others too (including a new one which I could have sworn was white!), especially the old one we inherited when we moved in about 34 years ago.  Then it was a tiny, and rather sad specimen outside the front door, and  since I moved it to the back, it has gradually become stronger and produced more and more flowers.  This year is no exception, with lots of tiny, beautifully formed, red flowers.  The yellow tulips in the front are now on their last legs, having had a battering from all the rain, but they never fail to put on a show.  I'm very pleased with the lovely firey orange ones that I planted in a large pot, next to the dogwoods.  The colours have turned out, just as I planned.

Yesterday our son A took me to the garden centre, so I could stock up on compost and grow bags.  I'm having another go at peat-free, as I believe it has improved considerably.  My first experience with it, some years ago, was not at all successful.  This time I've gone for New Horizon.  The compost comes with a Which recommendation as 'Best Buy' so I'll be reporting on my results later. I do feel quite strongly about environmental issues, and felt it was time to give the peat-free another go.  I also needed more bark chippings, some to replenish the little path through my woodland section at the bottom of the garden, and the rest for the plot.

Being confined to the house, due to the rain, I've been catching up on some family history.  With the help of yet another Australian contact, I've added even more seafaring ancestors to my mother's side of the tree, including a Commander in the Royal Navy, who took part in the Battle of Trafalgar.  I now have details of the sale, at auction, of his sword (including photo).  This was, apparently, taken from a French ship which struck my ancestor's ship, and later burnt it.  So I'm busy exchanging details and scanned Wills etc, and updating my trees etc.  Something interesting to do whilst the rain continues and the feed and weed is working in the front garden.

Rain

A week ago I was walking at Osmaston, with the club. The sky threatened rain, but we were lucky to get to be able to enjoy our lunch, sitting under the trees at the edge of a wood, before the dark clouds overhead sneaked up on us from behind, the temperature dropped by a few degrees, the wind got up and the rain started. Setting off again, all protected against the wet, the shower was soon over, and we were soon too warm in our waterproofs. The trees were just bursting into fresh, new foliage, and the field boundaries a froth of white blossom. Marsh marigolds brought a splash of gold to the marshy edges of a brook.

Potato planting has continued across the road from our house. Just look at that clear blue sky - just a couple of days ago.

Today it's grey and wet, but the water butts are full and the veg seeds on my plot are getting a good watering. As I write, it's becoming lighter and the sun is trying to come out. After all, it is April.

Yesterday was our youngest son's birthday. As he is gradually recovering from a sports related injury he has now just sustained a finger injury whilst disposing of rubbish down at his local tip, and is looking a little like ET with his digit supported by a splint. At this early stage, the jokes must already be wearing a bit thin, as I know he is rather p.....d off. Still, last night we celebrated at home, with the meal of his choice, prepared by mum. This included rhubarb and plum crumble - made with the new season's rhubarb from the plot, and plums that I'd bottled last year. Actually, when I opened this jar of plums, they rose to the top and the liquid suddenly began to flood out everywhere. Luckily I was working near the sink, where I'd just placed a handy pyrex bowl. The plums tasted fine, but it looks like the liquid was beginning to ferment. Perhaps, if left until the weather had warmed up, the jar could possibly have exploded in my pantry. I can't bear to think what a mess it would have made. A quick check revealed that it was the last of the bottled fruit. I think I'll freeze all of it this year.

Tomorrow my nephew Ali and his wife Sarah are flying to the USA, and the following week, on their first wedding anniversary, start out on an awfully big adventure. Starting in Southern California at the Mexican border, they will spend six months walking 2,650 miles along the Pacific Trail Crest, until they reach the Canadian border. We wish them all the very best, as they tackle everything from high mountains, snow and ice, to hot and dry deserts, plus all types of wildlife from bears to snakes. Their progress can be followed on Ali's website afowler.co.uk (Alasdair Fowler Photography). Stay safe Ali and Sarah and we are expecting some even more amazing photos from you.

Now it's grey and pouring down.

A right royal treat

It's been potato planting time around here. The field across from us is deeply ridged, and looking like chunky corduroy.

On Saturday, Mike spent four hours at the QE having a blood transfusion, so our youngest son and I enjoyed some quality time together, visiting the Barber Institute, and wandering around the University campus, and along the canal towpath, before returning to the hospital.

The following day our grandchildren arrived, to spend a couple of days with us, while R & S were down in London, attending the very last Hamster gig (a band we have followed for many years). So, on Sunday, as it was fine, I took A & W to the allotments, where they helped me plant our potatoes. There are quite a few chitted potatoes left over - enough to go in some potato bags, and a few more to cram in somewhere on the plot. I was pleased to see the new cherry tree bursting into blossom, and the plum tree is already covered in flowers.

Monday was a very busy day. We made and decorated cakes, baked bread, set some seeds in the greenhouse, and A & W constructed hot-air balloons from strips of coloured card, with cake cases as baskets. Later, after our evening meal, the travellers returned. I don't know who was the most tired - them or us! But we had all enjoyed our day.

Tuesday morning our friend Dave arrived from Leeds, to take us by car to Norfolk, where we were to stay for two nights at the Neptune Restaurant (Michelin Star) in Hunstanton, run by his son Kevin and wife Jacki. What a lovely couple. What a comfortable room. And what superb food and service. To be highly recommended. On our way to Hunstanton we stopped off at the church in the village of Harpley, where Mike's ancestors once lived, and left some flowers on the grave of the last one to have lived in the village, and who we had met briefly before she died. There is quite a story connected with all this as, after her death, we had ended up having to arrange this lady's funeral and eventually the erection of her headstone. Otherwise, she would never had been buried along with the rest of her family, in the village, but would have had to have a pauper's burial, which could have been anywhere in Norfolk. It was only as the result of my family history research that this all came about. After driving through another village, with ancestral connections, we called on our friends John & Von, who moved from Shipley some time ago, to live in Norfolk. What a gathering - Dave had never med J & V before, but it appeared that they had all lived in the same area once and knew lots of the same places and people, so there was a lot of reminiscing.

The weather wasn't kind to us (although we didn't have snow!) so Dave's plans to take us to some interesting places didn't quite work out, as we were reluctant to get out of the car, due to the icy wind and rain. Still, we did visit Sandringham, and took the opportunity to look around the house, which we thoroughly enjoyed, and as it wasn't too busy we had plenty of time to chat to the guides. Both Dave and Mike had family members who had worked at Sandringham in the past. We even found a bronze sculpture of a horse with our surname! Must do more research when I have the time. When our sons were younger, we spent a number of holidays in Norfolk and, despite the grim weather, it still looked as good as ever. I love the architecture - the flint walled cottages with their red, tiled roofs. The villages look so neat and tidy.

On Thursday morning, after thanking Kevin and Jacki for their wonderful hospitality, and leaving the Neptune, we met up once again with J & V, at the cafe on the Sandringham estate, and for the men there was more catching up and chatting about their mutual friends, places they knew and college days (they were all at the same college in Durham). In the meantime, we girls caught up on family news and, naturally, things to do with plants and gardening.

As we headed home, we didn't envy all those caravanners heading towards the Norfolk coast. We passed one caravan, on its side, and blocking three lanes on the opposite carriageway, with miles of tail-back. When we arrived home, the first thing I noticed were the daffodils - no longer looking their best, but bent double, as a result of the cold, snowy weather.

We can't thank Dave (and K & J) enough for treating us to such a super two days, during which we really did feel like royalty. It's just a pity he won't be reading all this on his computer - unless we show him how to use it!

Springing into action

It's good to see everyone emerging from their winter hibernation and enjoying this rather unseasonable, but very welcome, warm and sunny weather. We must remember, though, that in past years we have experienced some heavy snowfalls over Easter. In the meantime, we gardeners and plotters have had plenty of opportunity to mow lawns, weed flower beds and prepare our land for the coming season. The daffodils are at their best - the wonderful display of wild daffodils in St James's churchyard are just beginning to go over, but it's a delight to walk past them, on my way to the shops. In our back garden, Camellia 'Donation', now twenty years old (a 50th birthday present to Mike from our friends) is better than ever - a mass of pink flowers. I know what Monty Don meant (last week's 'Gardeners' World') when he admitted that he wasn't keen on Camellias, then added that it was probably their 'pinkness' and there is something very Barbara Cartland, and over the top about this particular variety, but there is no denying it is quite a spectacular show-stopper.

On Saturday, Derbyshire looked pretty spectacular too, once we had emerged from the heavy mist. Over the past few months I've been attending geology lectures at the U3A, and this was the annual field trip - this time, to the Peak District. Although, as ex-Sheffielders, when this wonderful area was on our doorstep, this time we were to view it in a different light, with David, our expert lecturer taking us millions of years back in time. He's also very keen on clouds, but there were none to see all day, apart from the mist, so he couldn't test us. After visiting Tideswell church (I dashed into the bakers for some Derbyshire oatcakes), we drove up towards Mam Tor and Winnats Pass to look at the land slip, then back to Hope for lunch at the Poachers Arm (nice food and friendly service) and back towards Hathersage for a sight of the ridges, lit up by the afternoon sun, and looking stunning. Then we spent some time being guided (v.good guide) around the Stone Centre at Wirksworth, where I took far too many photos of stones, stone sculptures, stone walls, lichens on stones, and fossils in stones. Limestone and gritstone country, lambs in the fields, daffs in the gardens and buds bursting on the trees (and pussy willow, as in the photo). A good day.

The plot is all prepared for action. It will be potato planting next, so I'm hoping for a decent weekend to come, as our grandson is looking forward to being my assistant. I'll prepare the trenches in advance, then give him a measuring stick so he can place the spuds at the correct distance. As I write, there is a lot of activity in the field across the road. Potato planting has begun. I don't think we've seen so much preparation for a long time - ploughing, harrowing, liming, fertilizing (pretty awful smell), more harrowing, trenching, and now planting. Must be quite an expensive operation.

There is plenty of frogspawn in our little pond this year. The other evening, when I was sitting in the conservatory, I saw some bats swooping between the trees - it's usually later in the year that they are about. How good too, to hear the birdsong. Unfortunately, we have magpies nesting in the top of a tall spruce. They are nearly as bad a pest as the grey squirrels. Nesting blackbirds can keep up that shrill warning sound for most of the day, if there are magpies about and, in the past, I've resorted to throwing pebbles into the trees to frighten them off (the magpies, not the blackbirds).

Must get out into the sun!

Wild Wednesday Walk, Thursday fund raising

It was a bit wild, up on the hilltops near Parwich, Derbyshire, on Wednesday. A strong wind blew cold, stinging rain into our faces, as we negotiated some slippery slopes, and ankle-deep mud around farm gates. Still, it held off a bit during our lunch break as we sat, backs to a stone wall to shelter us from the wind. I love this part of Derbyshire - it's not far from one of my very favourite spots - Minninglow - which we could see in the distance. I'm afraid my mud covered boots and over trousers are still languishing in the greenhouse, where I flung them on my return.

Yesterday I held a cakes and coffee morning to raise money for International Women's Day. A dozen of my friends and neighbours attended, and together we raised £80 for the cause. I was overwhelmed by the amount of raffle prizes the ladies had donated. Even some of my neighbours who weren't able to attend donated prizes, and one young lady, Charlotte, who lives nearby made some wonderful cup cakes to sell, plus earrings she had made. Mike (the only man) ran the raffle, and I also had a sweepstake poster stuck up on the kitchen door, so people could chose a photo for £1, with a prize of £5 for the winning photo (chosen in secret by Mike, last week). I'd spent the previous week or so busy baking, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the results. It was not only a successful fund raising event, but so good to have a friendly get-together with all the ladies.

Ready for action

What a boring photo! No - not really. Because, to me, it's one of my plot, dug over and ready for a year of sowing, planting and producing, and I can't wait to get going. Like some of my fellow plotters (who I've met up with again after a long break) I am, once again, out of hibernation. We've been enjoying some good, spring-like weather, and it's been a pleasure to get out in the garden and on the plot, with plenty of birdsong to accompany us. I'm still digging up some good parsnips, but imagine my surprise when 'Octoparsnip' surfaced on the end of my fork. For a few seconds I thought it was one of those ood-like celeriacs but, no, it is definitely a very odd parsnip, and growing in a row of perfectly formed, single-rooted parsnips. There was a scattering of white feathers on John's plot - something (probably an ex-pigeon) had met its fate by sparrow hawk. Perhaps the hawk would like to frighten off any future pigeons from our vegetables over the coming year. Yesterday, as we returned home in a friend's car, Mike spotted a hawk (possibly the same one) finishing off another pigeon on the pavement, not far from the allotments.

Wednesday, walking at Weddington, 22 of us enjoyed a good, if overcast day. Thanks to Molly and Frank who led us. Before setting out from our house, we listened to the skylarks above the field across the road, and during the day they were in full song, all along our route. Back at the car park near the church, we celebrated Jill's 70th birthday with champagne and cake, dispensed from the back of Jill and Brian's car, much to the amusement of some tanker drivers, who were dispensing something much less delicate on the neighbouring field. We finished with round of 'Happy Birthday to you', and after a lot of noisy laughter and chatter, eventually left the village in peace.

By now, our eldest son and family are back from a holiday at Disneyworld, and our youngest from working in Nigeria. He will soon be off to Vietnam and Thailand. Perhaps he'll have a little spare time, between working, to sample some of the local food. Watching 'Masterchef' last night, I was amazed by the complexities of Thai cooking. Must talk to Boula ( my neighbouring plot-holder) about it, when she next appears. As for the holiday-makers, they had a wonderful time, by the sound of it.

Next Thursday, 8 March, I will be holding a coffee and cakes morning, to raise money for Oxfam's International Women's Day, so if any plot-holders from the Hill would like to turn up at my house at 11am they will be very welcome. The money raised will go towards education, health care and, for example, the purchase of sewing machines etc so they can set up their own businesses. I've sent out invitations to women, but I wouldn't turn away any men who would like to contribute towards some cake and tea/coffee - besides, Mike would appreciate some male company, I'm sure.

In between various social events, and baking cakes, I'm hoping (weather permitting) to get more gardening and plotting in, over the next few days.

Snowdrops and Sunshine

They are at their best at the moment - the snowdrops in my garden, of course. What else would I be writing about at this time of the year? And yesterday was just the day to enjoy them as we experienced a taster of a warm and sunny day. So warm and sunny, in fact, that not far away from us in Coleshill the temperature peaked at 18.7, which is quite a contrast to the previous day, when the wind was decidedly icy and there were still a few remnants of snow around the garden when I took the above photo. It seems, though, that every time the sun comes out, Mike and I are destined to spend the day at the QE, attending his various appointments. At least this time, as the appointment was in the morning, there was a little time to get out into the garden for a short while, once we had arrived back home. So I opened up the greenhouse, trimmed back some of the plants in there, watered the sweet peas and lettuce seedlings, and out in the garden, I cut down the miscanthus (I took this shot of the miscanthus seed head first) and sedum stems. If the weather stays OK, there's plenty of tidying up to do - clearing leaves away from the emerging spring bulbs etc. There were splashes of colour too, as in the front garden the crocus were fully opened in the warm sunshine. As well as the snowdrops, in the back garden the hellebores are continuing to produce their first flowers and the camellia 'Donation' is now in bloom, with lots of buds still to open.

Last week I brought back more of my parsnips from the allotment (and there's still another row to dig up). They were almost perfect, not too big and woody, with few marks, and so tasty. We'll be enjoying more of them this evening, when our son's in-laws join us for a meal. Down on the plot, I had time to inspect things and re-fill the bird feeders etc. There are fat buds on the fruit bushes now, so I'm hoping we'll have an equally fruitful year as the previous one. We are still enjoying last year's harvest although there is, by now, some spare room in the freezer, and empty spaces in the pantry, as the jam, bottled and frozen fruit is used up. My favourite has been the raspberry jam - enjoyed on toast, in Victoria sandwich cakes, on home made scones (with cream, of course) and sometimes as a sauce on ice cream. Yummy!

It was grey and cloudy when I woke this morning, but the sun has broken through occasionally as I sit tapping away at my lap-top. Across the road, the farmer is inspecting his recently ploughed field and I'm wondering what the crop will be this year. There would usually be some indication by now, but he seems to have left it quite late this year. I did think it might be potatoes, but as it's been manured but not limed, I doubt it. In the meantime, my 'Lady Crystal' potatoes, sitting in their egg boxes in the conservatory, are sending out good, strong shoots.

Realising that 'outdoor time' was almost upon me, I spent quite some time last week, updating my family history - a job I'd been putting off for too long. Procrastination is the thief of time. And so it is! I had all winter to do this job, and having left it for so long it was all the more difficult as I tried to work my way through various documents, certificates, photos and e-mails and letters. Still, I've made a start.

The 70th Birthday Party

We listened to the weather forecasts and, eventually, watched the snow begin to fall. Then we began to receive the phone calls. Quite a few of our guests were due to travel from some distance away, so we were not surprised to receive their apologies for not being able to attend Mike's party. Like us, they were very disappointed, but it was quite understandable, under the the circumstances. During Saturday, we called down at the church hall to inspect the progress, and to add the finishing touches, such as the pots of primroses and cyclamen for the tables. The previous evening my granddaughter and myself had covered the pots with two layers of contrasting and brightly coloured tissue paper, tied on with coloured string.

Eventually, everything was ready, and we were back down at the hall to welcome those guests who had actually made it. Apart from those who had sent their apologies, some had set out and had to turn back, and others had experienced rather difficult journeys. Still, Mike had sent out over 80 invitations, and 65 people turned up, and very pleased we were to see them. After the meeting and greeting, we settled down to enjoy the excellent food that our caterers (and old friends of ours) had prepared. Well done Pauline, Phil and John of Parties2Please. I was so relieved that Mike had persuaded me not to do all the catering myself. They'd worked so hard during the day, setting up all the tables, bar etc, and the food couldn't have been better (with lots of compliments). When everyone was sitting down, our grandchildren took around raffle tickets, to be drawn later - the prizes being the decorated pot plants. That went down well too. Then the Green Man's Morris entertained us, and managed to encourage quite a few of the party goers to join in 'Bean Setting' (after a bit of instruction), which was very entertaining. Lovely to see our two sons, the grandchildren, my brother-in-law and Mike joining in. The cake (made by another friend) was cut, after our grandson assisted Mike to blow out the candle.

Despite hours of planning the music, no one actually got up to dance but perhaps I was expecting too much for a 70th party. In any case, quite a few of the guests left fairly early, as they were worried about getting home. Eventually it was just the extended family group and our caterers left, all helping with the clearing up, and eventually (when the taxis eventually came for those staying at nearby hotels etc) we arrived home about 1am. A very successful (despite the weather) night and, most importantly, enjoyed very much by Mike.

The following morning I had two sittings for a full English breakfast, and a full house for a while. After opening all his cards and presents, Mike and I settled down with the Sunday papers, and did a bit of snoozing and recovering, in between answering the phone - more apologies and plenty of thanks.

To all the friends and family who attended - thanks so much for making it such a memorable evening.

And, after all that, it isn't actually his birthday until next Sunday! We just held it early to fit in with family arrangements. So, there'll be another (quieter) celebration then.

Clent

Just returned from a day walking in the Clent Hills. The ground was like iron (apart from one or two muddy and slippery slopes), the sky clear and blue, and the air crisp and decidedly cold. It's not often there's complete silence, as we all enjoy chattering to each other, but there were one or two long and steep hills that proved a little too much for holding long conversations. What wonderful views from the tops though. It was good to be out with the walkers again. Unfortunately I've not made it every week due to various things, including visits to the QE with Mike.

Last year, after my snowdrops had finished flowering, I'd dug up a couple of large clumps and split them into sections, to hand out to some of the walkers. I was pleased to hear that they were now flowering well in their new homes. I must take some 2012 photos of my own snowdrops at the bottom of the garden. I should have done it when I returned home, when it was still sunny and bright, as the weather forecast sounds a bit grim, and they could soon be covered in frost, or snow.

On our way back to the car park, we passed St Kenelm's Church at Romsley, where I managed to get these two photos of carvings, one over the doorway, and the other (is it of St Kenelm?) high up on the exterior wall of the church. St Kenelm was, according to the story, an Anglo Saxon boy king and martyr, who was murdered by a close relative at the age of seven, but it appears that he actually died in his twenties.

Update

No photos this time. Things are improving regards Mike. We seem to have spent hours travelling to the QE and back on the train, and attending various clinics. Fortunately his brain scan showed nothing untoward, but he is now in the process of changing over to a different drug to prevent any further siezures and, at the moment, until this drug takes over completely, he is also still on the first one too. We returned to the Oncology clinic only to find that his body scan results were not yet available so lets hope all is OK regarding his secondary tumours. By now we are feeling much less anxious and life is returning (more or less) to normal - again.

We even made an extra train journey - this time to Birmingham to see the Da Vinci exhibition at the Gas Hall. Although there are only a few exhibits it was well worth the visit. We queued for a short while (indoors), but once inside the gallery we were able to get up really close to the drawings of this genius, and to spend plenty of time taking in the fine, and sometimes minute, details. In some respects I prefer to see the rough (!) sketches of the artists, rather than the heavily worked and perfect end results. As the Staffordshire Hoard exhibition was in a neighbouring gallery, we spent some time in there too. Although here, too, there are just a few items from the huge haul, this time we could spend some quality time inspecting each one, as there were just a handful of people there, unlike our first visit, when we queued for over three hours. It was quite a bonus that there was, unknown to us at the time, a programme about the hoard on the TV the following evening. I live in hopes that, during one of my walks, I might come across something of archaeological interest. To date it's only been flint tools, bits of clay pipe, and the contents of bottle dumps.

I was hoping to make another visit to the plot, but I've been a bit busy preparing for Mike's forthcoming 70th birthday party. He has invited 80 guests, so I am relieved that, this time, I am not doing the catering! Fortunately, too, some of our long-distance visitors will be staying at local hotels, so I won't have any overnight guests at the house. I'm really looking forward to a 'do'. We've had some pretty tough times over the past six years, but we try to make the best of the good times, - and we still know how to party. So, I'm hoping to get some really good photos for my next blog.

All going well - until........

Things were off to a good start for 2012. I managed to get out with the walking club, at the beginning of the month. On a rather raw day, and led by David, we started off at Baddesly Clinton, stopping for lunch at the picnic benches near Packwood House. It was cold and the air was damp, but my new wide-mouthed flask (Christmas present from A) full of venison and veg soup (watered down and chopped up remains of a casserole) was very welcome. It was purely that, unknown to me, I was coming down with a cold, that I found the second half of the walk rather a struggle, and unusually for me, was relieved to get back to the car park. Once home, the sneezing started, soon to be followed by the coughing. As Mike is best kept away from infections, I did my best to keep out of his way as much as possible from then on. I haven't quite thrown it off, as I still feel quite groggy and snuffly, but the worst of it is over and, thankfully, this time hasn't got any worse than a head cold.

Once I felt fit enough to brave the outdoors, I made a quick visit to the allotments, to plant the last of my garlic, inspect progress and to collect the last of the leeks, a few parsnips, and to pinch a bit of Eric's parsley. Boula, my neighbouring plotholder, seems to have a field of garlic, and her coriander (self-seeded) appears to be just as prolific. Haven't seen her since before Christmas, so is she here, on her plot at Hampton Court, or in Thailand. I always look forward to her cheery 'hello' as she arrives on her bike, to work hard for an hour or so. We have a short chat, catch up on things, then get on with our jobs. There are still quite a few flowers around on the plots. These marigolds, under my little apple tree, were a real splash of sunshine. I noticed that the chrysanths that I'd planted alongside the path, were sprouting new growth. Do I leave them, or should I remove the plants? I was so disappointed to find that all the chrysanths I had ordered from Sarah Raven were infected with chrysanthemum rust, and that included the cuttings I had taken from the original plants. Looking around, there don't appear to be any other plotholders growing chrysanths very close to mine, so maybe I should risk leaving them and treating the infection (although I will probably move them to another area of the plot).

I've been keeping my eye on the snowdrops down the garden, too. They are on their way up, with little white buds making their appearance, as are the hellebore flower buds. Something to look forward to. Our 'Donation' camellia is covered in fat buds, with some already showing a bit of pink.

All seemed to be going so well. But not for long! I had slept in (unusual for me) on Saturday morning, and thinking Mike was having a nightmare due to his violent movements and the strange sounds, I turned over to realise he was actually having a fit. After a second or two to try to take in what was happening I was straight away on the phone, dialling 999, and explaining the situtation, whilst taking all the necessary precautions for his safety, and eventually getting him into the recovery position, before the ambulance arrived to take him to Good Hope, where we arrived about 9.30am. I'd managed to ring son R, who met up with us at the hospital, and stayed with us nearly all day. From the phone call onwards, I can only praise everyone concerned, and in particular all the doctors and nurses at the hospital, who could not be faulted in their treatment. Fortunately, Mike made a good recovery, and after about 12 hours at the hospital, it was decided to send him home. R brought us back, before calling in at his house, to pick up a tray of hot dinner for me, as I hadn't eaten much all day. Much appreciated - thanks to my d-in-law. Mike is now 'back to normal' as far as I can tell, but aching all over and suffering with a stiff back, probably due to the muscle spasms during the fit.

Yesterday we attended the QE for his already planned brain scan. I had contacted the hospital in advance to inform the necessary people about the fit, and we were met by the specialist clinical nurse from the neurosurgery department, who sat with A (back from Taiwan the day before) and me and listened to my account, and was very kind and reassuring to us. Mike will be returning (as planned) on Wednesday for the results of his scan and, hopefully, some explanation as to why he had the tonic clonic (grand mal) fit. We will be back on Friday for a body scan at the Oncology clinic, and return for the results next week. At the moment I am loathe to leave Mike for any length of time. I hang about upstairs, dusting things I never usually bother with, rearranging bedding, tidying shelves (rarely done) whilst he is in the shower. I sneaked off to the hairdressers yesterday, leaving strict instructions that he must ring my friend every half hour, and came back to find him perfectly OK. Looking out of the window at the beautiful, bright and frosty day, I left him for another short spell, for a walk around the perimeter of the field opposite our house, calling him from my mobile, mid-way, knowing that I could be straight back over the field in case of an emergency. But all was OK again. I've included a couple of frosty photos, taken during my walk. Once we've seen the neurosurgeon I might back off a bit, but at the moment I am taking lots of precautions to make sure he is safe.

And to finish on a lighter note - here are some paperwhites, in flower (they have been, for ages) in our conservatory, filling it with a beautiful perfume.

A Happy New Year!

After some much needed post Christmas/New Year clearing up, and a stroll down to the shops and back, I set off for a walk up Hillwood before the sun went down. The sky was a clear blue, apart from a few pretty clouds, and above Dead Man's Wood a buzzard soared above the trees, and a bright moon hung over the lane. What a lovely day, if a little 'parky' as they say up North.


It was good to see so many people out and about. At the top of the hill I just had to take yet another tree photo, before heading back towards home, and a very welcome cuppa.

The Christmas celebrations continued when my sister and husband stayed with us for a couple of days. There were more get-togethers, present swopping and, of course, more eating and drinking. It was good that K & A were able to see the New Year in with us before they returned home, but they will be back next month, when Mike celebrates his 70th birthday.

So, all in all, it was a good Christmas, and let's hope it will be a very good year - for everyone!