The month went fast, 2nd month of retirement and not counting. I spent all my spare time at the allotment breaking up clay soil and planted potatoes and the sweetcorn that I had raised on my windowsill. I also planted beetroot and carrot. It's turned really cold so I doubt much will germinate just now and have therefore planted bean, squash and pumpkin seeds for window propagation to be on the safe side. Tonight is the weekly gathering of likeminded plot holders, we rarely discuss the obvious topic and drink plenty of alcohol.
I reorganised my wardrobe (again due to OCD I do it often) other half did too. We found our clothes are too tight and we need to get out more, use our rowing machine and eat less. Should be straightforward. A clear sign that we are now thinking comfort before fashion is that we both now have Crocs (shoes). I have so far resisted elasticated trousers though. I bought a weighted hula hoop and returned it - it says on the box causes bruising - it certainly does -- that can't be a good thing? Back it goes.
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| Crocs (Amazon) great for home, garden and ...holidays? |
Over Easter both sons plus girlfriend were here and I went mad and made cakes, chocolate chip muffins, carrot cakes, rhubarb crumble (allotment crop) and roast dinner followed by a fiddly curry the following day. Everyone ate well but I exhausted myself, think I really must stop thinking the way to a mans heart is through his stomach - something my grandmother swore by - my husband and sons will still love me if I don't feed them to excess.
I have been on several walks to see bluebells around here, there are plenty - my favourite wildflower I think. Wood anemone grow in the same places and the combination of both has been spectacular in the nearby woods.
We have been watching Feud on Channel 5 (UK) it was very good, but the ending was rushed. We also tuned in for the new series of Race Across the World Series 5 (BBC1 UK). This is epic, travelling across China, Nepal and India. I want the young Welsh kids to win, they remind me of hubby and me at that age, full of eagerness for travel and adventure, a whole World to explore .... and to be fair we have explored a lot of it, and still going...
Our neighbours are having a feud over a kitchen extention and a tree that is in the way. It's an elderberry and, of course, I am fond of them so you know what side I am on. There are a surprising number of closet pagans in our road and so we have been furtively sending vibes and circles of protection for the tree.
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| Cicily Mary Barker, Flower Fairies of the Trees, 1961: source: Google |
Thats all my news for April, what's yours? feel free to fill this blank space with your news...
It sounds like you’re making the most of your retirement with all the gardening and family activities! The allotment work seems so rewarding, and I admire how you’ve adapted to the cold weather with your indoor propagation plans. I can relate to the wardrobe reorganizing; it’s always a sign that we’re evolving with age and comfort, though I’m sure you’ll hold off on the elasticated trousers for a while longer! The baking spree sounds wonderful, though I do agree – sometimes less is more. As for the bluebells, there’s nothing quite like walking in nature to lift the spirit. Keep enjoying these little moments!
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely post Betty. Yes I swear by my crocs & usually have 2 pair at the back door. They are such great slip on & go shoes. I must admit though, I don't wear mine to town or out as such unless I am going out to feed hens for neighbors. Mine are far too battered to be worn out. As soon as the bottom starts to wear thin I buy myself a new pair. Always black for some reason - I have not gone in for the flouro coloured ones that grandsons wear.
ReplyDeleteYour baking looks & sounds wonderful - I find baking days are often followed by over eating days so I try to limit this too. I did laugh at your comment about all the "closet pagans" in your street. Have a lovely weekend Betty. xx (sorry for the length croc waffle)
Hello Betty! You have been busy in your allotment, what a wonderful thing to have now you're retired, fresh produce, good company and free exercise!
ReplyDeleteJon's a Crocs fan and when he injured his foot a few years ago he wore them all the time, much to our mates disgust but comfort comes first! The in-thing at festivals a couple of years ago is wearing odd ones with knee high socks, maybe a look to try with your beautiful block printed clothes when you travel (not!)
You will get the fitness thing nailed. I don't like the sound of the weighted hula hoop.
My brother wears a weighted 10kg vest when he walks anywhere. He's super fit already but finds it really useful for turning every task into a work out.
Your cooking looks fantastic but like you say you don't need to feed people to prove your love.
I like all the contestants in RATR. The brothers made us laugh when they were giggling in that run-down hotel accommodation, it reminded us of some of the £3 a night places we used to stay at travelling around India heaving, if you didn't laugh, you'd cry! xxx
This is such fun news! I absolutely love spring and being able to finally get back outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather. I'm so jealous that you are able to start planting. It's still just a touch too cold for me to feel confident that anything I plant will survive quite yet, but according to the weather app, it's supposed to keep warming up. Those flowers are so pretty! I think bluebells might be some of my favorite wildflowers as well. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're retired now. Was a long time coming! Took a pic of the bluebells at work for you but they've nearly gone over already! But like mtself! Retirement you say??!! xx
ReplyDeleteHello! Thanks for coming by my blog today. I hope you and the other closet pagans manage to save the elderberry tree!
ReplyDeleteCrocs I love em
ReplyDeleteDear Betty despite I don’t have a career to get retired still I can understand your enthusiasm for doing in spare time things you love to do 😊
ReplyDeleteSpending time in gardening is considered healing for soul by doctors and scientists so I believe you are on right track 👍🤗
This inspires me how you think about your clothing. I need to learn this skill honestly 😅
I think soon we will be seeing you in some different fashion and avatar 🥰
The series you mentioned sounds interesting. We have Netflix only so we have to wait for something of liking. I like watching Korean shows as well.
I absolutely love travel shows 🥰♥️ they are my favourite because I just love travelling although it’s rare luxury for me.
Sending you love and hugs with prayers my friend ♥️
Thank goodness the old saying about the way to a man's heart isn't really true or I'd be in trouble because I'm not a dedicated cook and only do it because I (and my sons when they were growing up) need to eat. If I had to get to a man's heart through his stomach, I wouldn't want him anyway! That said, I do appreciate anyone who likes to cook, and even more so if they clean up after themselves too. Your baking has made my mouth water and since we are finally getting the hoped-for rain the farmers need, you've inspired me to make, today, the doughnuts I meant to make yesterday and didn't. I pulled weeds from a perennial bed instead when it warmed up in the afternoon. The retired life is pretty darn good, isn't it!
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