Happy Birthday Val.

My back garden Jan 09

Had a sudden burst of Spring Fever last Monday when we had a mild dry day. I planted my Petunias and decided to clear out the Greenhouse and sweep the patio. This led to much more work but I was enjoying being outside. Tuesday I took my car back to the garage on Recall. It appears Fiat Puntos are developing problems with their Bluetooth and Cooling System. Enjoyed the Fiat Panda experience for a few hours as I continued my day driving this courtesy car . It’s a nippy little car very responsive and easy to drive but too small for me, I like a bit of weight under me and more room behind the wheel.
Spring fever continued for a few days, I had got the bug now we are having more daylight hours I feel energised.. Dusting polishing, emptying drawers and cupboards sorting and actually throwing stuff out, its very painful but I have to make room for new “Stuff” dont I.
Lunch with the WI at the local Catering College Restaurant. Excellent food and service but we had to vacate the building during the meal due to a fire in the kitchen. Some delay on returning but the food was soon replaced .
Saturday was my Birthday. I am not hot on Birthdays anymore they seem to drag me down. Valentines day is always in your face for weeks prior to the event. It’s a constant reminder, my birthday can never just sneak up and surprise me. I had lots of cards and phone calls. Cathy rang from Australia it is always good to catch up with them. Amy starts University on the 23rd we are all very proud of her and Ben is still enjoying his Rugby playing for Joondalup Brothers Perth. Stuart and Andy called both working and being Valentines day preferring to be with there significant others,you can`t blame them. I had a ride out, mooched around the furniture stores looking for a dressing table, but no one makes a decent sized dressing table any more they are all miniscule. I am going to have to compromise but not a recycled one. I felt much better by Monday but still object to adding another year to my life. “You are as old as you feel Val “ YAH
Passed on the Poetry Sunday just didn’t have it in me to read. Speakers Club last night cheered me though, they are such an uplifting group we had a very enjoyable evening. Everyone had prepared a three minute speech to a photograph or picture of their choice, that was varied and well done. I am looking forward to U3A Philosophy this afternoon we are discussing `God` that should be interesting.

Bolton Speaking Clubs A.G.M

I have tried to grow Lupins for a few years ,but the slugs and snails eat them. I remember Lupins from my childhood, our garden was full of them. So last year I decided to have another go and I planted them in a pot and just look how they have grown,I will have to get a bigger pot.

I am so proud of my Rhododendrons,behind on the fence is honeysuckle and Iris.

The view through the Conservatory

I felt so energised at the beginning of last week that I cleaned all my windows inside and at the back of the house. Then I was on a role and continued washing down the greenhouse, patio and conservatory. Quite a feat really as the sun blazed down and it was hot. But I was so pleased with myself my back garden looks so much better for the effort.. Monday 12th was Bolton Speaking Clubs AGM where I passed my Presidential chain of office over to Heather. I will be continuing on the Committee as the Educational Director which should keep me on my toes for a few months till I become familiar with the role. Looking forward to September when we start our meetings again. Most of that week was spent reading, writing and getting ready for my holiday in a few weeks. I need to check on luggage allowance and any specific arrangements needed. Leaving and returning to this country has become a complicated issue. We are flying into Heathrow Terminal 5 from Manchester . Then on to Boston New England in the States. Yes its the New British Airways Billion Pound Terminal that has caused so much trouble when it opened a few months ago, thousands of bags where lost never to be seen again. It is a constant worry that it could happen to me. I took heaps of clothing to the charity shop and have enjoyed shopping for new summer stuff. Even took to sewing again something I really enjoy but have little time for these days. I am pleased to say I altered some favourite blouses, shortened sleeves and added new detail to give them a fresh look. And took in some trousers that where too baggy and didn’t suit me at all. Sunday was another successful evening of poetry at the Howcroft always look forward to going and sharing my poems with others. Nothing new at the moment but I have plenty to draw on.
Sam rang me so excited, he has had a poem accepted for publication by the Writers Youth Guild. He has every right to feel proud, it’s a good feeling to have your work recognised and published especially when your only 15years old..

Sunshine and Snow on Easter Sunday

Woke yesterday to snow and sunshine as promised So I was out early to capture the event before it melted and by midday it was nearly gone. I usually go to the gym on Sunday mornings but gave it a miss as the roads had not been gritted, even though snow had been predicted all week. And I don’t think I will be going to the Middleton poetry evening as it’s a fair distance on the motorway and it may snow again . Being a lone female, its not the going it’s the coming home that worries me . We have had some wonderful blue skies last week which can really lift the spirit. I was able to peg out some washing Saturday and it felt good to be out in the garden again so I took the opportunity to tidy up the patio and the greenhouse. Next weekend British Summer time starts when we put the clocks forward an hour to increase our daylight hours. Winter is so depressing with the long dark days and the unremitting rain I am so relieved to see the Spring. Lots of colour returning to the gardens and the trees are in bud, the Forsythia is always the first to show its bright yellow flowers just before my daffs show their face. Made my wonderful delicious vegetable soup as I need to detox for a few days, I have eaten so much chocolate and hot cross buns over the weekend, I feel quite yucky.