Hailstones

        
27th May
Hailstones
Spent sometime in the garden this month lawn renovation . The back lawn is fine, looks good after treating with weed and feed, but the one at the front of the house in full view is just pathetic. After scarifying and following a detailed routine I eventually decided to seed the problem areas. All to often the weather is blamed for the condition of grass but the verges by the roadside not two steps away look ok, so I only hope is recovers. I have really enjoyed the Rocket leaves on my salad, that I planted from seeds many weeks ago, it grew very quickly and I have now planted some lettuce seeds hopefully I will have another good crop. Its just enough for me to cope at the moment,I used to grow tomatoes  but it was like looking after children I was afraid to leave them for any length of time and I had far to many I gave most of them away.    Its done nothing but rain this month, with storms, hailstones and biting winds, after all that wonderful sunshine we enjoyed. I have been rather restless just can’t seem to settle to anything which annoys me. I was so fed up with looking so dishevelled in this wet windy weather , I had my hair cut very short much to the disgust of my hairdresser Max,but I rather like it now and it will grow again if I want a change. Went to the Movies to see my favourite Johnny Depp in the 4th Pirates of the Caribbean . As much as I have enjoyed the previous films this one “ On Stranger Tides” is still filled with exciting and unexpected thrills, but Johnny seems to have lost his “mojo” the sparkle has gone out of his eyes, he didn’t seem to have the sharpness or the witty banter of Cap`n Jack and I am not to keen on Cruz.  Sad, I hope this is the last Pirates so he can move on in his acting career, maybe do more comedy.
I didn’t get up to see Stu due to the horrendous weather but I am hoping this will weekend will be
better.

Himalayan Poppy

Climbing Hydrangea

Himalayan Poppy and Rhododendrons 

The rain is back thankfully as the gardens, rivers and lakes are all desperate for water. Its either a famine or feast with water these days. Lots of birthdays this month so its been a feast for me, dining out almost every other day, I am not complaining my friends are a strong supportive unit that keeps me grounded.

Plus many who are far and wide, accessed by the internet, a close warm group of friends that are always there for me, you know who you are xxx. People ask me, “What do you do on the internet ! ” and its difficult to explain, only that I would be lost without it…. Its an instant source of infinite knowledge, entertainment and contact with people and that’s why I enjoy passing this on every Friday morning to those who want to learn computer skills. I started back on the 6th after the break, two long bank holiday weekends and such wonderful weather, many have been crowding the beaches and taking longer breaks away. Even though we are all suffering with the overall financial cutbacks it hasn’t dampened our spirits and most of us are glad its now raining.

This week I caught up with four of my friends from Bolton Speakers. Gwyneth was speaking to a group about her Aunt Alisa, a very interesting character, almost unknown until Gwyneth started to delve into her past. It makes you very aware of how little we know about our relatives who indirectly may have influenced our lives. I love to watch the TV programme “Who Do You Think You Are” it makes me want to start the journey myself. First I have to finish “ My Mothers” book , its all ready to compile but I keep going back in to it and changing and adding stuff I must stop.. I want to go up to see Stue’s this weekend but there is threat of a petrol shortage, the Tanker drivers are boycotting the Supply Depots at the ports in protest of the price rises. I might have a look into going by train, that would be interesting….

Posting photos of my Himalayan Poppy that my friend Betty gave me last year. It’s a lovely delicate pale blue and sits tall and straight, looking so superior amongst the other wonderful blossoms in the garden.

Bye for now, my love to you all.

Easter and The Royal Wedding

The River Severn at Evesham

The Magnificent Seafood Platter

                                                                   
                         
1st May 2011


The beginning of May, I can now prune the bushes and dig in the bedding pants and not be afraid of frost. Famous last words as it has been a glorious April so sunny and warm the warmest April in 350 years, more like Summer than Spring so it makes me somewhat cautious as to what the weather has in store for us next. Last week I received my postal vote for the local Council Elections with an extra vote For or Against changing the way we choose our government. I have duly posted it, we will see if the Alternative Vote (AV) wins or loses. Over the Easter weekend I drove down to Pershore to spend a few days with my brother and his wife, it was glorious. I had to go in to Worcester to buy a memory card for my camera. I realised after I arrived that I had inadvertently left the card slotted into my computer when I downloaded some photos. Still one can never have enough memory, really could do with a memory card slotted into me at times. I set off early on Friday fearing the usual motorway delays over the Easter holidays and it worked, I was down in Pershore within two hours, no delays and was witness to a glorious sunrise. Saturday morning we took a trip into Evesham, a nearby market town buzzing with life, plenty shops, market stalls and visitors. We walked down to the river and around the town before returning to Pershore for a rather special lunch at the Belle House Restaurant in part celebration of their Ruby wedding. We enjoyed a magnificent Seafood Platter by Sue Ellis, the Chef who is presently on TV competing in the Great British Menu stakes and a personal friend of my sister in law. How great was that!!. http://www.belle-house.co.uk/


Then Friday we had the Royal Wedding what a magnificent event ,everything was perfect. The bride and groom looked fantastic and the 100’s of guests looked amazing in their elegant clothes and amazing hats. The huge crowds that lined the streets where so organised and happy having a wonderful time. Not that I am a dutiful Royalist, but they did us proud, no one can do this kind of grand stand event quite like our Royal Family.
http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/