A week in January

 Happy New Year!  I had a calendar printed for 2026 with pictures from our holidays.  I really like bright colours and these pictures are very vibrant!  There are a lot of companies online who do these calendars, this one is from Photobox and I am pleased with the quality.  Here's a video of the pages.

Today it is raining and forecast to get heavier as the day goes on.  We should have been doing our monthly walk with our friends from the allotment but are feeling fatigued so staying home.   

View from the kitchen. Wet and grey.

Mollie cat is not her usual self either after catching and eating a mouse.  I think she is probably feeling very sick.  Here's a little video of her playing the other day.

 

She's gone all ferral and, despite the cold weather, wants to be outside from. 7am until 9pm with just an occasional pop in. Then much howling if not let out again immediately.

I have been running errands and at the shops found a 205cm obelisk in the sales (£4) which I hope to use in my garden to grow sweet peas on.   I also got some builders buckets for £1 each which we will drill holes in - these are for hubby to grow his black tomatoes in - we will grow these in the garden but have other tomatos to grow on the allotment.  It's far too early for planting but I like to plan ahead.

I have hurt my back whilst opening the iron gates at the allotments - no idea how as been doing it for years  without issue, but something I must have done has caused a lot of pain so I am not swimming for a few days  -  really annoyed.

Last week I was invited to a spiritualist 'show' locally.   It was interesting, lots of laughter and 10 or so people got messages from loved ones - none for me but I really enjoyed the experience.  

I also went to a panto at our very own tiny town theatre which is under the railway arches and run by volunteers.  It was an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Not hubby's cup of tea, so I went along with a friend from the allotments.

At my allotment hubby helped bring some woodchip to the plot by wheelbarrow from our communal supply (financed by donations)... I have put new membrane down and woodchipped my paths.  I had done a spectacular video then accidentally deleted it!

Looks messy, but there is a plan!  You can see the central herb bed has been removed - I am planning a much bigger herb bed in the Spring as I have freed up more space.

My herbs are over-wintering in the communal polytunnel, Im hoping they will survive the frost this way and took root cuttings of most.

I have been watching vlogs on YouTube by allotment holders like me and later this evening will be watching The Night Manager on tv - a sort of spy thriller.

My 2026 promise is to take better care of myself and family... starting with healthier meals.  Im really enjoying dates and walnuts instead of biscuits with my morning tea and have a thing for avocado on toast for lunches!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year!  Have you been outside much for walks?  I noticed catkins the other day and the morning are beginning to get light earlier, I can't wait for warm sunny mornings with my cuppa outside at 6am!