The Big '70'

Well, I've reached yet another milestone in my life this week and don't feel any different.  OK, maybe the joints are creaking a bit, but I'm fairing quite well for what, I suppose, is classed as an 'elderly' person.  I didn't want a big fuss, but enjoyed the company of my family on the day. Yesterday  I had a surprise visit from a good friend, and a day out in Birmingham with another, and there is more to come..........but it's all a big secret, arranged by my family.    I don't know what happened to the weather on the day, as it really let me down this year.  I've spent quite a few birthdays, enjoying the sunshine, in the garden, this time it was pretty dreadful.  Yesterday wasn't too bad at all, and my friend and I were able to wander around the rooftop garden (lots of grasses, sedums, salvias etc) of the new library in Birmingham - a superb building.  We were even lucky enough to meet her son-in-law who is a curator there, and was 'in charge' for the day, so he showed us round.

I've advertised my caravan in the local papers, so if any of my fellow plotters are interested, please get in touch.  It's 20 years old, but in excellent condition and has only had 3 owners (including me and Mike).  At the moment, with the 'For Sale' notice in its window, it seems to be attracting all the passing opportunist types (generally in unmarked white vans or trucks) who are hoping I'll be a soft touch and will let them have it for silly money, but I send them packing.  Unfortunately it's not the best time of the year to try selling it, but it's worth a try.  I may have to give up and start again in the Spring. 

I'm hoping it might brighten up a bit this weekend.  I've made a start on the plot, clearing away the bean wigwams, and weeding.  As I haven't visited it for a week or so, I'm wondering if I've seen the last of the courgettes, or if there are any more, lurking under the leaves.  This week I gave away what I think may be the last of the giant ones.  The jam factory has been in operation again and, fortunately, I've managed to give away some of the finished product, as it looks like I'll have to make even more.  This time it was more raspberry (releasing a bit more room in the freezer) and some grape jelly.  It wasn't a lot of fun, standing on a chair, outside my back door, collecting the ripe grapes in the pouring rain - and there are loads of them still left.  We used to make wine with them, but I really can't be bothered trying to keep it 'going', as there's nowhere I can keep it in a constant temperature.  Grape juice is much easier, and that has been pretty successful.  I can freeze it for future use too.

Must check out the tulip bulbs I dug up earlier in the year, so that I could replenish their permanent flower bed. I'm hoping they are still in a good, dry condition, in the shed.   At the moment it is full of white cosmos, still flowering well, but that will have to come out soon, so I can replant the bulbs.   Then, once again, it's time to clear out the greenhouse, give it a good clean, and fill it up with the tender plants from the garden.  I must say, I've never had such a prolific tomato and chilli crop.