Non bucket list

In my recent post I mentioned my bucket list, I don't really have one, I have done  brave, stupid, fun things in 2014 doing a treetop go ape challenge with a double zipwire over a lake. 

Here in 2017 I did a stadium tour with a difference, we went up onto the roof of Croke park, Dublin, I was not aware when we agreed to go with hubby's son how high we would go, we followed the path used by workmen to keep the roof intact, it was scary and brilliant. I'm not sure I would have agreed if I had know the details.

Helicopter ride in 2013

I have visited the Spinnaker Tower many times, scary walking on the glass floor and then in 2014 I abseiled down the outside, raising money for local hospital.

Here in Tenerife being above the clouds, such a fantastic feeling, I almost wanted to try and lay on them.

At this point I should say I was for years not very good with heights, hubby and I started working towards me getting better, also I can't swim so I'm not good with deep bodies of water, I really dislike being in or on the sea. In 2013 I went on a inflatable rib in Portsmouth harbour, I worked at the area office of Sea Cadets, where I failed to say I was afraid of water, my boss was successful in helping me with that fear. This crazy behaviour started when I reached 50, before that age I was a feet on the ground woman.

In 2009 I got over my fear of motorbikes and for a couple of years I was pillion with husband, not everything is thrill seeking. I have seen in 2024 the Trooping of the Colours, and in 2015 have been to a garden party at Windsor Castle, The Queen was present, a beautiful memory.

I can add the chimney lift, Battersea power station and Tower bridge to my mad list which I did on my recent trip to London, I don't have anymore mad things to do, I'm sure if the opportunity arises I will consider doing more stupid stuff as well as nice things, the only no-no would be anything underwater, not ready for that experience. 

Nanna duties

Look at the smile on Wills face, he wanted to go camping, so we built a tent in our sitting room on Monday morning, later it was moved outside. He does not camp simply, he had games, his tiger and lion for company with loads of cushions and even a fake candle next to his snack pot.

We did get to watch Bob the Builder Christmas special again, I do have other Bob the Builder DVD's and loads of others, but he loves this story. 

With George it's all about texture, so we were showing him plants in the garden, lovely photo of George, terrible angle for me. Like any baby, he loves music and lights, but we are encouraged to let him feel things, and limit plastic, as it always feels the same, so I am building a sensory box for him.

I have so many items we can explore together, he does love this Welsh love spoon. 

It's been a busy week, George had an early eye appointment on Monday morning, so we had Will sleep over on Sunday, giving mummy time to devote to George, his results are good, he has no issues with his eyes, no need for glasses and his next checkup in 1 year. We were not surprised at this as with his hearing we can see he does not have any huge issues, he is also vocal which is good, but only time will tell if he has speech, so we are already using sign, Makaton.

We had George on Tuesday whilst mummy had her hair done and again on Wednesday whilst Will had his swimming lesson, both times only for a couple of hours, both times ensuring we played with him. He is really getting quick at moving around our floor to get to anything he wants, I keep saying he is a very determined little man, he watches his brother and wants to join in with his fun, Will is really good ensuring George has toys to play with. George loves Purdy our black and white cat, she comes close to George to allow him to touch her fur, Purdy is the gentlest of cats, so it's a good match, when she has had enough she goes into her basket, so we will teach George the same as we taught Will and other grand children, when our cats are in their baskets they don't want to play.

Thursday Will had a video call with Great Ormond Street, they have added him to the surgical list for the removal of his birthmark on his lip, no idea of a date, but hopefully done before he goes to school next September, it was hoped it would shrink, they should have visited but it was decided a video call would work saving a long trip to London. 

Friday we again had George, whilst mummy and daddy had a day out with Will, they went to look at military tanks in a local venue, and had lunch together. We normally only see the boys a couple times a week and other than Wednesday  morning always with mummy. It's been a tiring week, but loads of fun, George is at an interesting stage of discovery, plus he has naps so we get coffee breaks. 

All our older boys are now back to school, very different for them, but they will adapt and enjoy time with friends, school is an important part of growing up and our children are making unique memories of this strange time.

Late August garden

I love these 2 chimney pots, they are in the garden in front of the greenhouse, I swapped the right hand side one earlier this year, both now have begonia's flowering, it's a colourful use of these tall pots. I have also popped in some cyclamen for the cooler months once the begonia's die back.  

My clematis by our side door is in flower again, the plant dies back every year and the flowers only bloom at the top of the plant, so the base always looks bare. I do have a pot close to the base with my eucalyptus in. 

This bed created last year by our back door is again looking great, these begonia's are bedding plants and should have died last winter, but they are huge. I did plant a couple of coleus behind, they are still there but have not grown much. The geranium in the middle I cut back this spring, once the colder weather comes I have a cover for it.  

Storm Francis, did little damage in the garden, I did move the pots off the tables and we moved the olive trees along side the garage to shield from the wind. The old fence post nearer the house has been damaged, these fence panels have been here for over 11 years (our time in the house), so this winter I expect them to break. 

Rest of the garden is still looking good. 

 George had his 1st hair cut, daughter took him to the barbers in our village, he did Will's 1st haircut, she always uses him, he is so kind and gental with the boys. Will loves the man and always waves to him when we walk by. It's not the best cut but George wriggled all the way through. 

We spent time in the garden this week, just cutting back, picking soft fruit and tomatoes, on Saturday afternoon we had a small BBQ, it was SIL birthday, so he came with daughter, Will and George, plus his parents, my brother was here, we stayed outside as the sun shone, and kept distance from adults. It was great to have a normal gathering, just 7 adults, all of us have not been out much all of us feeling well. I keep saying normal life, simple things are the best, and they are, it was nice to keep our BBQ small, no friends or neighbours. 

I have done a bit of crafting, but most nights I have been tired, I did more to the second sock, but started making mistakes, so I packed it away. August is crochet Granny Square month? So it seamed a good point to start another blanket, I have a few large balls of Debbie Bliss 4ply cakes, which I got for my loom, I will crib them all into a bigger blanket, something simple in my hands at night. 

My brother is driving home today, hubby is out on his motorbike with mates, so I am going to get the sewing machine out, a nice day on my own, well both cats are curled up asleep, I can hear Purdy snoring. 

Sleepover and birthdays

Nothing beats a Will sleepover, he is so full of energy and fun, here loving a new reading book. 

Making home made pizza with Grancha, licking the plastic spatula and feeling pleased with himself. 

Sunday the house looked like a toy shop, we watched Bob the builder Christmas special and had loads if fun. It was wet outside so no visit to the park. 

Loving his new toy, it's a car which transforms into a T Rex, he played with it loads, he played with a neighbours son in the week and loved his transformers, he was very careful and gave them back when asked, so Nanna thought he should have one of his own. 

Monday our oldest grandson Josh turned 15, how quickly the years pass, we met up with Josh, his younger brother Sam, and eldest daughter, plus younger daughter, Will and George for lunch at local cafe along the shoreline. 

 Sadly George was fast asleep, but I love this photo with 3 of my grandsons, Will loves being with his older cousins. 

Saturday was perfect for us, Will is such a good boy, not perfect, he can choose his moments, it's been 6 months since his last sleepover, we spent time in the garden, he does love to help me, all the soft fruit was picked and loads eaten, we looked in the greenhouse and watered plants, he also helped to fill the bird feeders a job he loves doing He was brilliant at bath time and bed time, he does go to bed a bit later, so both hubby and I were tired. We had a lazy evening, knowing it would be an early start on Sunday. 

Sunday was a very lazy day which started at 6.30am, and ended with an early night, it was a dull breezy day, with a few showers.Will stayed with us all morning but wanted lunch at home, so I got cuddles with George and time with daughter and SIL. Later I did manage to start my second sock, but did not touch the baby dress. 

Monday was a lazy morning, nothing much to do, sat on internet looking at a few knitting patterns, not purchased any, but gathering ideas. Did a bit of work keeping the garden tidy. I met my daughters for lunch at a local beach cafe, because it was a birthday we all had cake, Will sat between Josh and Sam, they all interact so well together. The sun came out so we could walk along the beach, the younger boys played on a wrecked boat for a while, it was pure heaven. Peaceful evening at home together, started a new book which  is already gripping.

Woke up the the expected very wet morning, it's so dark here we have lights on, so day inside, housework to be done. 

Under glass

My forget-me-nots are doing well, I hope these will fill the garden with loads of tiny floating blue flowers next spring. 

My passion fruit plants and salvia hotlips are all growing well, I hope to get a couple salvia into the garden next month so they can settle in and regrow next summer. The passion fruits will all be given away. 

Violets and Violas starting to grow, 

these will fill my pots with winter colour.  

I have 5 pineapple plants around my home, this one in the greenhouse is the best looking, I have another one growing well in my office, the last 3 are all much smaller.

Succulents, some I have had for years and loads with tiny new growth. I do love my pots, the brown 'chamber pot' I have had since the 70's, I no longer own the onion pot which matched.

My hydrangea cuttings did well in the Perlite, and had lovely roots, so I planted them, but left them were the rain could water them, they have gotten too wet, so I am hoping they come back, if not, I will have to start again.  

 I also have a tomato and cucumber plant in the greenhouse, both are producing fruits, but not as many tomatoes as the outside plants and the cucumbers have stalled, there are a few starting to grow again, I think for a week it was just too hot in the greenhouse. My nasties and succulents both loved the hot days, every plant is looking good. 

My 1st task everyday is to walk down my tiny garden and check the greenhouse, open the door and ensure everything is as it should be. 

We have been having rain most nights, not storms, no thunder and lightening - very very frightening (sorry, sing along), and the days are now cloudy and dull, but it's perfect weather for the garden.

Yesterday Will and George came with mummy, for a couple of hours I also had a neighbour's children, so 3 of them ran around the garden playing, Will was the youngest, but he happily shared the toys we had. Later we popped to our neighbour's to see their new puppy, both of their children were so happy and excited. 

Mixed feelings in a Pandemic

It's been a good week, I've been mixing at a distance with family and friends, and boy do I need the interaction, as much as I love my hubby, it's great to see other people.

Monday, I spend a couple of hours in daughters garden, watching Will play, at one point he made this little greenhouse and planted some seeds. 

Wednesday daughter, Will and George came to our garden, we had homemade cake and lots of fun, Will helped me do some spadeing ( that's digging to the rest of us), we planted a couple of larger snapdragon in the side garden, George rolled around on a blanket on the decking, it's getting really hard not to cuddle any of them, but it was a happy family time.

Tuesday I met with some of the sign class ladies, we met in a garden, sat distant from each other, and enjoyed a catch up, we shared nothing and stayed within all the guidelines. 

Thursday was a stay at home day, some housework and plenty of reading time, just hubby and I, the heavy rain has filled all our water butts and the garden is looking good. I had some me time, painted my nails, I have been wearing a bit of eye makeup this week.

Today, if the weather clears I am visiting daughter at home, her new garden furniture arrived, it's the final part of their garden makeover, so we can sit in comfort in the sun or sit at their table in the shade, watching Will enjoy his new level garden. 

Its been a perfect week, seeing family and friends is such a simple thing, I hope to see Josh, Sam and eldest daughter this weekend. I know they are all fine, we are in contact all the time, but nothing beats seeing everyone healthy and happy.

We have only stayed local the rest of the time, still mainly shopping for food, we have in the village 2 wonderful shops, one a hardware store, the other a cheap store, both independent,  both useful to pick up needed items. It feels safe in our village. 

I did start this post differently but I deleted it, it just became a long moaning rant, as with loads of others I have yo-yo my way through the last 3 months, seeing so many people (neighbours, local and reported on TV) breaking the rules, all the negative reporting on TV news and in the papers. South American countries now have horrendous numbers and Asia and Africa struggle, it is also scary as outbreaks, the second wave is appearing in China. Some people are acting as if it's all over, getting on with their lives, but we are are not relaxing, not yet.

Victoria Park.

I love parks, and this one in the heart of Portsmouth, is a favourite of mine. The main dual carriage runs past one side, and when you look up, the city buildings are everywhere. It's near the bottom of Portsmouth so there are lovely old red brick buildings everywhere, even on a wet winters day, I love it. 

I used the park and ride again to go into Portsmouth, its so much cheaper, and it has lovely big parking spaces. I had lunch out with some more old work friends, we normally eat in a cafe in the corner of the park, but on Tuesday they had a private function, so we walked to the waters edge (The Hard)  and had lunch in a good old fashioned pub, it was wonderful food, loads of laughs and loads of gossip. A perfect way to spend a dull wet afternoon, it was too wet to go to the big shopping area at Gun Wharf Quays, I have nothing I need.
Monday we spent at daughters house looking after Will and George, mummy had a hair appointment, we enjoyed cuddles and loads of laughter.
This afternoon I am meeting eldest daughter for coffee, it will be good to catch up with her. Tomorrow I'm having my hair cut, but before I will add some highlights at home, I have had the colour for ages, once used, I don't think I will get anymore and turn grey over time.

Some of the things not growing in our garden.

I love signs in our garden, metal birds and loads of other stuff. As a woman of a certain age, I have lights along the back fence which twinkle at me most evenings. My garden is always about growing things, but I do like to see a few (humm, OK alot of other bits). 

At this moment I love the 1st 3 photo's, the shelf along the wall, it holds most of my birds. 

Yesterday I purchased the large slate 'things to do in the garden', I got it for £5 off a local Facebook page, 2nd hand and no attached plastic.
As yet we do not have a water feature, we had one when we moved in, but used the space for my water butt, as yet we have not seen anything we can agree on. I would like a reflection pool, but with young grandsons, who all love water, I might have to wait for it a bit longer. We have loads of water in the garden for wild birds.
I have done a post on this subject before, many of the things are the same, I have just moved them around, I still have loads which I did not include in these photo's.

D Day commemorations

We had a distant view of The Spinnaker tower and the area near Southsea, we were sat in Porchester wreck along the shore line. 

 The flyby was very distant and my camera would not capture much as it flew over the Spinnaker tower. 

 The picnic was enjoyed by everyone, Will loves these southern fried chicken bites, I did cheat and get 3 meal deals from our local Co-op.

 Plenty of time for finding bugs and walking along the water's edge.

 Under instruction

 I can do it. 

The morning was cloudy but dry, we chose this location so Will could run around and not get bored, a picnic was more fun than sitting in a busy cafe. There were a few people out to watch this flyby, it was a bit distant, hubby got some good photo's using his big lens. This area is just 10 minutes drive from our home, we often cycle up to the local sailing club cafe, where we always have a great meal.
We only stayed about 2 hours, plenty enough time for Will to have loads of fun, we also took a football and a frisbee, such simple pleasures.
According to Will, Trump went over twice in a helicopter and the queen three times, he shouted hi each time one flew over.
How quickly and easy to cheer up, simple family days are so important.