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.

A Hectic Few Days.

Last weekend I slowed a down somewhat, took timeout, chilled out and managed to finish my book on Lady Jane Grey and also a novel by Kathy Riechs “Cross Bones” a good read, she is one of my favourite writers. I like to be surprised and with lots of twist and turns in her books she certainly keeps me on the edge.
It was Show and Tell at Speakers Club Monday night so I took my crochet along to show and tell.. Thursday I gave a talk to a local Women’s Institute on my “24years as a Midwife”. A very enjoyable evening, we had so much in common. Later in the week I attended my own WI Group Meeting that we hosted for 120 members from four WI`s in our area. Each year one of the group, provides supper and entertainment in turn. We always enjoy being together it’s a great evening, entertainment was provided by A Children Theatre Project singing and dancing. 15 rather excitable children and some loud music, but non the less wonderful to see the children enjoying themselves and we gave them a good reception. That was followed by an amusing talk on Visiting Alaska I feel I want to go there now it sounds so interesting.
The weather has been very cold all week but yesterday and today we have had warm sunshine and it makes such a difference. I am tempted to change some of my wardrobe, the winter has been a long one and I get so tired of wearing the same heavy clothes and boots. Started sorting out clothes for this weekend and have been buying for my New England trip on the 6th June it wont be long now.
Sunday night was WriteOutLoud Open Mic Poetry at the Howcroft, 31 poets crowded into the room all eager to share their poems, another brilliant night. There is so much talent around the North West.
This week along with other members of our Speaking Club, I have been helping to finish 220 menus for the ASC National Conference Dinner that is to be held this weekend at the Hilton Hotel in Blackpool.We are noted for our menu designs and these menus are excellent featuring, saucy seaside postcards. I will be there Friday Saturday and Sunday to represent our club.
Tonight I am going to the Theatre to see South Pacific and tomorrow I will be joining about 500 plus members of the WI on a Inter Federation Walk on Carmel Fell in the Lake District. And on Thursday night I will presenting my B6 Speech Vocabulary and Word Pictures on “My Childhood Home” to Burnley and District Speakers Club in their Evaluation Contest .My speech will be evaluated by four members who will then be judged. I hope they are kind to me! then I will need a rest.