Queens Park Bolton

24th February 2012
Another busy couple of weeks again . Finally found someone to take the greenhouse off my hands. I want  a secluded patio  on the back garden and the site where the greenhouse sits is well suited to just that. Gave it  away to a School Project and  they came, dismantled and removed the greenhouse  but for a few damaged panes of glass all was transported ok.  I haven’t really used the greenhouse for a few years. When I first  retired I grew tomatoes and various vegetables, cultivated  bedding plants  from seed and really enjoyed the process.But over time and due to all the travelling I was doing I couldn’t spend as much time as I should and it all became to much for me.  It laid dormant for many years, slowly filling up with  stuff so  I feel good that it will now be useful to the school.

February is my birthday month I am an Aquarian and as many of you know already,  a  Valentine’s Day Baby.  So for a week I was frequently out to lunch  and received some wonderful gifts from my friends.One such gift was an Orchid ( Phalaenopsis ) with specific instructions on how to look after it. Did you know it feeds of air and you only water them once  a month. I hope it survives as I am being tested.!!!
Was taken out to a  local restaurant  The Chinese Buffet  by my eldest son.it was very thoughtful of him and I  enjoyed the meal.   I also attended a lunch at the Student Catering Department at the University Around twenty five ladies from our Women’s .Institute ( W.I.) go there once a year and its usually excellent food and service, but not so this year. Unfortunately they  had numerous problems, much of the menu was off, and we had  exceptionally long periods between courses. I suspect there was a gremlin in the kitchen,thankfully there was a  good atmosphere all round but a few chose to go home with there dessert in containers. I felt sorry for the students as it was their day to shine.

At last my cooker hood is in-situ, and the cupboard  over the cooker is to be re-sited on the opposite wall.  Looks good, I like it, thank you  Andrew and Alan, much appreciated.

We has a couple of sunny days this  week and I am so pleased the evenings are coming light again,its so depressing when its dark by 4pm. Happily bulbs are showing and in some areas blooming, which is remarkable after the horrendous cold weather we have had. Took a walk through Queens Park on Sunday as it was a lovely sunny day to check on the restoration work that has been underway. Looks rather bleak at the moment until the colour come back in the spring. The children’s areas is finished and the duck pond looks much better but its still sad a reflection of the times,no money for its maintenance.   I remember Queens Park being the pride of Bolton with its acres of green grass, neatly trimmed lawns, beautiful floral displays and  a  children‘s  paddling pool. There was enough gardeners to keep it looking good all year round. The outdoor Music Auditorium has gone, no more music in the park, wonderful memories.. When we lived near by as children it was our playground, such happy times, but it has been sadly neglected for many years and it will never be quite the same again..  

Started as a Volunteer at Harwood Library, it will take some getting used to as its rather compact and small. The staff are friendly but I miss Castle Hill.  I will be joining the staff for a farewell dinner this Friday,they have been moved to other  Libraries in the town but non to Harwood...