Relaxing

 This stitching is still keeping me busy, I am enjoying every moment, the lower pattern has been done across to the middle, like the first side it crashes into the centre stars. I have not touched my knitted blanket in ages, it's too warm to knit blankets, maybe I should start my socks.

Whilst in town we picked up daughters pottery items, including my plaque, this has a back and a glass piece for the heart, it should be a photo frame, I kind of like it as it is, it's on my shelf in the sunroom.

A new author to me, hubby had popped it on my Kindle last month, it was a fantastic read, brilliant storyline, I'm not giving any details, I could not put it down, a proper page turner, a fascinating tale. Book 40 read this year.

Hubby relaxes in the kitchen, he cooked a brisket of beef in the slow cooker on Monday, we had homegrown new potatoes and carrots with it. Tuesday, he added veg to the shredded beef and made 5 huge pasties, and a double portion of beef and veg frozen for more pasties or shepherd's pie, loads added to the freezer. The pasties were great, we shared one for tea with a salad.

We did not stay in town long on Tuesday, there are so few shops about, recently I purchased a cheap pair of knee length shorts from Poundland, just £9, hoping they would be OK to wear in garden, the shorts are great, so I got a second pair, also got Molly a pink football shirt, both boys have football shirts, she will be so happy. Rest of day was spent in the sunroom, it was a breezy warm day.

Wednesday was a busy day, I had blood test first thing, then later my 2nd shingles jab, hubby had a hospital appointment, he went on his own, just routine, with his heart and kidney issues, they keep a good eye on his. Rest of the time was a bit of gardening, moved a couple plants filling gaps in flower bed, I rescued a sturdy tomato plant growing in the peanut bag, now planted with other two outside and then my time inside. 

Most evenings we sit and watch a hedgehog run around our garden, he/she can't get to the raised veg beds, which have nets on to keep Lilly out, hopefully it's having a good feed on any slugs or snails, it's safe in my organic garden, just another level of delight. We are not watching the football, not our sport and the matches start far too late.

Water

 I cleaned my pond, it was full of green slimy weed, I also redid the pebbles, I had seen a pond on Instagram and loved what they had designed. I collected my big pebbles from around my garden for the front of the pond and added tiny smooth pea shingle, I did purchase just two tiny plants and the yellow poppy.

It now looks more natural, I can't wait for the flowers to grow, I had been given too many silly bits which I thought I should use, I now only have the fake waterlily and a couple of resin fish, much nicer, I won't put real fish in here as they eat all smaller bugs and flies.

I am loving these pebbles rising out of the water and over the edge of the pond, I have tried to mix the stones to make it interesting, the only thing I'm not liking is being able to see the front edge of the container, hopefully the plants will spread and grow and soften the look. 

I have had this rain chain for years, I ensure it is full of water everyday, we love to see the small birds swoop down for a drink, often seeing birds at different levels at the same time, it hangs in the magnolia tree.

This pot was purchased second hand with the intention of filling it with daisies, that did not work, so again we created another water spot for birds, the bigger birds often drink here, it's in the shade under the acer.

All of these features are along the same fence, it's the sunny side of the garden, along with a huge bird feeder full of sunflower hearts, behind our fence is our neighbours overgrown jungle, which is a perfect place for the birds to perch, swoop and retreat. Hubbies water barrel is nearest the house, we do like to see and hear the water splashing, the birds do not use this one very often. 

We do love to encourage birds into the garden, I have been watching them eat the bugs on my climbing rose, we have seen more bugs, bees as well, not many butterflies. We do feed the birds and ensure there is water all the year round, now is an important time as many have young in their nest, we just ensure if they come to our feeders there is always food, our neighbour puts out seeds but often her table is empty.

I don't cut plants back at the end of the season, for years I did, I was given a tip to purchase plants all year round and not just in the spring and summer months, this advice allows interest through out 12 months, I have earlier flowering plants to prolong the nectar season and have an open all year space. All these measures will help wildlife of all sizes thrive in our garden.

We have the time to sit and watch the wild visitors who visit our garden, Lilly will chase flies but nothing bigger, we do have mice in the back corner, I often see them as I am working, these we do not mind at all, we have not seen any recent rat activity, which is pleasing, the foxes who live in a nearby garden and visit next door, have left no trace of coming into our garden. 

We had rain last night, I am overjoyed, it's dull and cloudy with the risk of more rain today, I have everything crossed. 

Additions

 I got a few bits on our recent trip to Wales, I saw these lovely plant supports, which are just pushed into the ground, I have never seen these before, hubby picked up 2 for me. I have added the cost to my stash, which make my spend this month huge. We got them from Caerphilly garden Centre, which was a great place for good plants, and a nice café, I also got some plants which were superb quality.

Hubby's sister works in the local museum, she was working on Thursday, so we walked around to see loads of local history, we also got a tour of the overspill area, her role to to document all gifts, she was telling me about the items which they had far too many of, one being this shoe makers anvil, I remember seeing them being used as a child. It's quirky, just the thing I love, so I was given one, I could have had more or even an number of flat irons, but one will do, hubby has cleared the rust and painted it black, I will find a spot in the garden for it. The museum does has a policy of only keeping what they can use, this is always stated when accepting donations. 

I got this book whilst away, we read most evenings, again an author I have enjoyed before. From the first paragraph I was hooked, the style of writing was exactly what I love. The lady is a high class escort and sex worker, not normally someone I would be reading about, she is honest and amusing, she is telling you her story, dropping in her backstory along the way. The ending was good and sad as well, and totally unexpected. I really could not put this book down, book 24 read this year. 

I was very surprised on Monday afternoon,  home alone, sat drinking my coffee, watching the garden as I often do, when something different landed on our fence, I grabbed my phone and got just one photo before it flew off. It's not the best photo, taken through glass, I've pulled the image bigger, I have never seen a Hawk in our garden, it was very interested in something in nextdoors garden, we are a built-up area, a bit of excitement on a dull afternoon. 

This is Albuca bracteata pregnant onion, I saw it on another blog, I love an unusual plant and had a look online, I can't praise Mint plants enough, the plant was very well wrapped, in quality packing, the parcel arrived without damage. This plant is bigger than I expected, but that's OK, now I need to get it to grow it's babies. 

I want to start hardening off plants, some are big enough to go into the ground, but this cold wet spell is delaying everything, I'm not going to risk the plants, I have been growing them on for weeks, it is warm in the greenhouse, the window has automatically opened a few afternoons those days I also open the door. After a couple of dry days it's back to rain, the forecast have been slightly out, most mornings instead of waking to continuous rain, it arrives a few hours later, often the rain misses us completely, the winds change the direction of the clouds, but for now it keeps falling.

Tuesday the heavy rain arrived, we popped to Asda to get everything for the weekend, I may have purchased a small white jasmine for the garden, not sure where I can put it. I also got a small pot of sweet peas, I have a pot for them, I hope to get some blooms this summer, I chose the smallest pot, which I very carefully separated and potted them into tall root planters. 

I also remove the decorative stones and added good compost and popped back the stones in my pomegranate plant pot, it's full of buds, I don't think I will ever get any fruits, but it's a pretty plant and has earnt it's place in our garden. 

I am crafting this week, knitting, using my sewing machine and needle felting, photos soon, at this time of year I would rather be outside, but alas rain stopped play other than a short while where I can sort a few things, everything now is about new plants and seeds/seedlings.

Midweek break.

We stayed just outside of Coventry, in the beautiful old house, Brandon House Hall, we had a room in the back of the house, they had build accommodation for huge numbers, our room was big, modern and comfortable, but it lacked any of the style of a grand old house. We had a brilliant few days, we caught a bus into Coventry from the local village.

We wanted to visit the cathedral, I love these old buildings, so full of interest, I love a photo with the old looking out on the new, the big arched windows are just so beautiful. 

This blue jacket was everywhere I went, 

he kept purchasing me coffee and cakes.

This wildlife centre was close to the hotel, we had a walk for a couple of hours around, and saw so much wildlife. 

The wood management was brilliant, everywhere there were piles of logs left to rot, and loads of beautiful carvings. 

Just a few of the signs, this is a wonderful family location, there were paths throughout the location, it was so big as we walked around we felt alone most of the time. 

This blue jacket had as much fun as I did, we both love our camera's, and love taking photo's, our styles are very different, so as we look through our photo's back home, we rarely take the same view at the same angle. 

We both feel recharged, the break was just what we needed, time together away from home is very different from time at home, we both relaxed. In Coventry we also went into the motor museum, I didn't take any photo's hubby took loads, it was an interesting afternoon, I enjoyed the displays, not as much as hubby, but it was worth the entrance fee.

Back home all is well, cats were fine, our neighbour and their children care for them, most of the day they both sleep, we have a camera set up in our sitting room, so we can check up on them whilst we are away. My water butts are looking much fuller, and the ground has had a good drink. we are fore caste thunder storms later and over night, they should fill the water butts. 

The laundry is on the line, we did our shopping yesterday at Lidl's, I had a £5 off a £40 spend, which had to be used , our fridge is again full. Hubby is out most of today, I have a few things to do and then I hope to get a couple hours in the garden, working on my project. 

Slow days

I loved this book, the story line was so clever and good, The plot was around 4 people their work lives, but the sub plot was their personal lives, It was always going to have a tidy ending as I have read this author before, and I guessed it early on, but it did not spoil the story, it's a huge read, 495 pages, this is my 28th book read this year. I gave up on the other book.

This is the book I am now reading, I got it at Tesco for £4, I don't like to purchase too many new books, but I do love this private investigator, with 1073 pages to read. I am loving this storyline as it builds, it helps the prime characters have been in previous books and dramatized on TV.  

I managed to clean out my bird bath, it was horrible here, I have now popped some pre 1982 copper 2 pence coins in the water, only time will tell if it works, sadly the biggest problem is it is in a sunny spot. I still need more larger pebbles, the pebbles were staring to go green, so I have popped one of my copper rings into the bottom.

 This raised bed area is looking much better, the path is staying clear, the big grass is in a pot and fills the corner, my daisies, cornflowers and poppies are growing, not to many but the hope is they grow self seed and fill this area, together I love them. I keep my passion flower cut right back it can be a thug, but I don't want it going behind the greenhouse where it can grow wild, I love the flowers, I have a small winter jasmine growing beside it, I have a rose cutting growing which I might pop here, I would like hubby to put up a trellis in front of the fence. This bed is bigger that shown here, it does run alongside my composter. 

I have been spending time with daughter her due date is early next week, ensuring I am happy with routines and getting Will to pre-school, which now has so many rules (which are needed), it's a lovely happy family so a joy to be part of, 🤞🤞🤞we get to meet our newest grandchild soon. 

Nothing to do in the garden other than dead head and look after a few cuttings, this time of year, it's a case of sit and enjoy it, it's full of colourful flowers, I think I have finally found the right balance. We are picking strawberries, raspberries, the blackcurrants are almost ready, the blueberries and blackberries are swelling and forming. I have cucumbers and tomatoes, plus some salad items growing in greenhouse, so I am getting the satisfaction of home grown fruit and veg, only small amounts, but enough to feel good. 

I just hope the weather will be kinder, this really heavy rain does flatten plants, it's not cold just so many wet days, on the plus side my water butts are now full again, and I only have to water the greenhouse and a few pots. 

The house is staying tidy so I have plenty of reading time, hubby is away for the weekend, so Saturday I will pop to daughters and stay the night, being so close to the boys is delightful, I am hoping I can get to see more of our grandsons this summer. 

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.

The Solent

 Closer view of fort and shipping

 Delivery at second fort

Vessels heading for Southampton in the background,
Portsmouth in front and Isle of Wright

 Cross channel ferry going into port

 Local birds

Hubby and I went back to Southsea, this time I took my big camera with the longer lens. I wanted better shots of the two forts (there is a 3rd further along the coast).
The Solent, which is the water between Isle of Wight and the mainland, fascinates me, the water is always busy, all the large vessels have to pass in-front of the Isle of Wight, to get into the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth. Watching the huge vessels as they all sailed past was interesting, two cross channel ferries as well as freight.
We had another lovely walk, not as far as the previous day, but we stayed dry, had a later fish and chip lunch, we must remember to do this more often.

Book worm

Hubby finished this book, so I read it before sending it back to our library, I enjoy this book, it had two stories running through the plot, both were good, as always everything is sorted by the end of the book. 

 Recommended to me, the plot looked really good, just walk away from your family and make a new life, but always looking over your shoulder. I did not enjoy this book, I think it was the style of writing, firstly I could not work out the date when the book was set, it gave references to 90's, but the style used made it feel as if it should be in 50's, this kept me confused. The author wrote The Accidental Tourist, which was another book I did not enjoy.  

 Last in the series, I am loving this, it's a much bigger book than her others, but I will be sorry once it is finished, I love the light easy reading of this series. 

After a lazy start on Sunday, I popped out, just for a while, went to The Range, managed to get the craft item I required for my Christmas card design this year. Popped into town, just a wonder around, I did buy two books, Sue Grafton Y is just out in paperback, and also got Anne Tyler at half price. I don't often but new books anymore, but I did want Sue Graftons last book, I have her first and will keep both in my small collection. Rest of the day on Sunday was reading and drinking coffee.
Monday we drove to South Wales, hubby had arranged a meal for his family in their home town, as a family of 7 siblings it's hard to get them all together, they have all spread out around England, as it was one brother was unwell and did not make it. We had our evening meal with oldest brother and wife, it was great to listen to the brothers chatting about their childhood.
Tuesday we spent hours over lunch in a local pub, who gave us their function room, so we could be all together. Later hubby and I went for a drive around the beautiful area, we ended up at an Owl Sanctuary, where they had bird of prey as well as owls, loads were outside of the cages, it was good to see so many children so close to these birds. Both hubby and I were happy as it was a dull day, and we both expressed how lovely it was to not have the hot sun for a day. 
Yesterday we drove home, we drove through light rain most of the trip, but it was dry when we got home, another lazy afternoon and evening.  I caught up on the second series of The Handmaidens Tale, I find it compelling to watch, but also very uncomfortable at some of the actions of those in charge, another scenario of suppression of woman. plus Unforgotten another good crime series, Sunday evenings on TV is a bit dark at the moment. 
Today it's raining, so finally we have our normal summer, the gardens are looking much better for this rain, we have few plans for today, we are due a parcel, so will make no plans until it arrives.

My weekend

I have placed all the squares for Will's quilt

 Shopping for bargains again

 All planted up

 Down by the shed, hedgehog winter sleeping pad

Tidy blackberry vine. 

It's been a quiet weekend at home, my brother Martin has been with us and is now driving the 100+ miles home to Somerset.
We had a great meal out on Friday night, the burgers were good, the service not so good. Will enjoyed himself and tried some of everyone's food. I think we would go again, but in a couple of months to allow the service to settle.
Saturday we popped to B&Q, we required a new remote controlled extension lead for behind our TV,  we are unable to reach the sockets, so we like to use the remote control to turn everything off, our existing one was beginning to stick and not work every time. 
I got the yellow pot mums (6 plants) and the Sweet Williams (9 plants), in the sale for £5, both have been over watered, but will survive. Plus some more spring bulbs for a pot I am creating. £17 has been added to my stash list. 
We also popped to Home Bargains as there in not one in near to Martin, we did not require much, and did walk past all their Christmas stuff.
This morning I have spent an hour in the garden and greenhouse after watching Monty on the TV, I have cut back my blackberry and fanned the top branches.
I had stopped opening my greenhouse door, but on Monty's advice I am now opening the door again, I have covered a few of my cutting and delicate plants to ensure any cold does not get to them.
All the plants have been put into the garden, I am pleased with my bed in front of the greenhouse, it's full of colour.
I have also been building a hedgehog house, I won't know if it is used as I now won't disturb that section.
I want to stitch Will's quilt this week, so I have l;aid all the squares and now have them ready to stitch together. As I have said before I am not very good at random, so I prefer to laid the design out before stitching.