The postman was a frequent visitor over the past month, bringing birthday pressies;
Above: I received this book from my long time blogging buddy, *Annie * which is just what I would have chosen for myself. Full of sustainable home making ideas: making your own cleaning products and delicious recipes too. I'm really enjoying it
Below: I've been painting: Hubby insisted the paintwork was fine but it does look a lot better with the ceiling and coving refreshed and the walls are now a deeper shade of the same greeny grey, so I'm happy - I really enjoy decorating and it only took 2 x 3 hour sessions over 2 days.
The allotment is weed free and dug ready for planting. I emptied out my compost bin, which was full of gloriously rich black compost with lots of worms, I spread it over 25% of my plot and intend to plant sweetcorn into it soon. - I am currently chitting potatoes at home but today I just had to get cracking and I hope it isn't a tad early as re-planted the gladiolis I lifted last year. I still have flower bulbs to go in from a recent deal on Thompsons website for a bulk buy of mixed flower bulbs.
I have also signed up for the annual potato growing competition - we compete for the biggest and heaviest crop. Mine was lucky 13 and it went into the tub on the plot this morning - you arent allowed to take your potato off site - it had already been chitted for me, so hopefully is off to a good start.
My birthday bouquet from hubby is still going strong, I have only removed the giant lilys as he's allergic to them (the pollen is also dangerous to cats). After well over 3 weeks they are still looking beautiful - kept in the unheated conservatory.
This is my first month of retirement and I have been busy all the time and can find plenty to fill my days. Youngest son moved out today (again) and in with his girlfriends family. I have a spare room with a table! Although I fully expect one of my sons to come back at any time and claim it!
On Thursday I went on the monthly walk with the allotment holder group, it ended at a pub, a nice walk across fields, saw a few snowdrops, was bitterly cold. Some folk went on for a pub lunch, I might do that next time.
On another walk, with hubby, through the woods behind our house we disturbed what looked to be a white owl, unlikely, it was most probably a barn owl. It was swooping low about 10 feet from us and circled many times. We also saw young deer peeking from the trees!
I tidied out some cupboards and found some of my art supplies - maybe next week there will be time for a little painting?
We're off on a day trip tomorrow, will try not to forget to take photos!
Betty
Lovely to hear about the beginnings of your retirenment!
ReplyDeleteIt's a whole new world! don't think I will ever be bored, so much to do!
DeleteOff to a flying start! Love the recipes in the book.Good luck to T on his move. If you cut the systems out of the lillies, they last longer and saves any staining on walls and furniture too. We had a very sharp frost last night so not much gardening here yet!Enjoy your day trip.xxx
ReplyDeleteI had some lillies that opened later and so cut the stamens and enjoyed their huge blooms, thank you :)
DeleteAnnie's book was a brilliant choice, it looks just up my street, too.
ReplyDeleteThe greenish grey of your walls would be a brilliant backdrop for a cluster of gilt, bronze, copper and brass mirrors - they'd match that cool looking lamp, too. I love mirrors, not to look in but for how they reflect the light and give the impression of a window.
Your allotment plans sound very exciting and I bet you've enjoyed today's walk if you've had the same sunshine as us. Can't wait for the photos. x
I like the mirrors idea, thank you Vix :)
DeleteHa Ha on the sterile unit. I love the look! I look forward to more about the allotment. We do not plant until the middle of next month. I am a bit envious of your compost.
ReplyDeleteNever thought i would value compost and red worms so highly! but it's an achievement Im proud of :)
DeleteI am inspired how you took on your free time after retirement dear Betty 👌
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the glimpse of your home after you painted it 🥰 soothing and elegant colours indeed 👍♥️
How wonderful and to have the bouquet your hubby brought you on your birthday 😍 can’t even think of having bouquet here for longer than one or two days hardly due to heat.
Your friend gifted you wisely,now I can use it to cherish more activities.
Best of luck for potato competition 👍🙂🤗
I too am about to start yearly deep cleaning as Eid is one week away now.
I would love to see your beautiful art 🥰😍♥️
Thank you Baili, hope the Eid Spring clean goes well, I really enjoy a big clean up!
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