Flying solo

*Robin*

dorothy52 wrote: »

Ah, I understand your decision now not to 'rock the boat', and you will be pleased to know that if I were in your position I would have done EXACTLY the same. Thank you for taking the time to explain this, as to be honest it has been praying on my mind for a couple of days, I felt it was almost like robbing the dead lol.

Oh dear, I'm sorry that you were concerned on my behalf, Dot!

dorothy52 wrote: »

Well, you sound as if you have been busy and you definately sound more upbeat that you have of late, which I am so pleased to hear.

Seeing much-needed change happen is indeed cheering.
There are so many tasks I cannot accomplish myself any more; it was depressing, listening to the old roof groaning, banging and flapping in the wind.. We're probably fortunate that it didn't collapse and hurt someone.
So you're right, I do feel more cheerful - keep going outside and standing on the patio, just enjoying the new feeling of the space. It really is a room with a view now.

dorothy52 wrote: »

I did indeed enjoy my day with my family yesterday, apart from when I was carrying DGD into the restaurant and didn't see the step and promptly fell over it! The fact that I was wearing platform wedged heeled boots no doubt intended for ladies several decades younger than me contributed to the debacle. I was so anxious not to drop or fall on her that I simply dropped to my knees (on a tiled floor) - I must have looked as if I was praying. My pride, and knees, are very sore today - oh well, this is the price I must pay for being a Glammy Granny I suppose.

Ouch - your poor knees! Very well done for not dropping DGD though! :T


Well, I've decided today will be another NSD; Monday is soon enough to go looking for kitchen appliances. Can't think why, but the prospect of potting up the last strawberry plants and half dozen little almond trees is much more appealing! :rotfl:
..And there are three huge red strawberries waiting to be picked for pudding; yummy!

NewLeaf_2

3 gorgeous strawberries sounds amazing. I love hearing you upbeat x

*Robin*

NewLeaf wrote: »

Dot I like the thought of you being a glammy granny.

Yes, forgot to say; Fair Play to you, Dot! :T

NewLeaf wrote: »

Robin can you download a free calendar? x

Hmm, I think trying to do that is what finished off 'my' lappy.. Six hours later this free prog was still trying to download when everything froze, not to re-awaken. It's awaiting the attention of local expert DS2.

Not to worry, a calender usually turns up from somewhere, sometime before Easter. :rotfl:

*Robin*

NewLeaf wrote: »

3 gorgeous strawberries sounds amazing. I love hearing you upbeat x

..Wish I could share 'em with you (uploading 'photos is another skill awaiting some tuition from DS2). :cool:

*Robin*

Hello Diary and MSE Friends, :hello:

The wind is back; blowing gustily from the chilly north, pushing ominous snow clouds across the firmament.
It's the first test for my new patio roof; holding firm thus far, though the bamboo screens are rustling as the wind tries to force them aside (they're doing their job of breaking the force of the gusts but may need reinforcing - bit experimental).

It's snug and warm inside as the stove decided to "stay in" overnight. Daft Dogs have all been to have a look outside then returned to curl up near said stove. Even CD only flicked an ear when asked if she'd like a run on the b.e.a.c.h. She's right; it will be bitter in the wind there too.

My strawberries were delicious - they became dinner rather than pudding as yesterday turned into a fast day.

Not sure what to do today. Nasty Neighbour is prowling around (on his land, as he has every right to do). Am inclined to stay out of the way until he's gone as talking to him always precedes a headache.

The unexpected windfall has been sent to a LTSB a/c which no longer exists. Am somewhat relieved that it's not my responsibility to chase and retrieve it (the solicitor acknowledges they were informed of the updated a/c details - so their fault). Will be interesting to see how long it takes to sort out - wonder if I can demand payment from the solicitors' own account, or charge 'em interest? :rotfl:

*Robin*

Hello Diary, :hello:

It was my turn to greet a bright gold and pink dawn this morning, woken by a noise that sounded like pan pipes - turned out to be a playful breeze tugging at the bamboo screens on the patio.
..Might have to rethink that idea; maybe canvas panels would be better? Don't worry, will give the current arrangement a fair trial before replacing it (all materials were from 'stock' so didn't increase the bill ).

Had a good ol' search around beneath Almond One yesterday, finding enough seedlings to fill my pots. If they all survive I'll have thirty two new trees to plant out next winter.
CD and I made a careful review of progress in the garden in lieu of going for a walk; am pleased to report tiny broccoli heads in each of the plants, about a dozen aubergine fruits fattening up nicely, and all the broad beans covered in flowers (and bees). The first batch of lettuces are ready to eat - they'll help with the diet; prawn salad on the menu this evening. Followed by another three plump red strawberries.
The first potatoes are just starting to peep above the ground - today I want to plant another batch as there's still plenty of room in the bed (if you've tasted new potatoes that arrive on the plate within an hour of being dug up, you'll understand my enthusiasm for growing my own ).
It's also time to clear a space for some tomatoes; would like to plant a range of different varieties but the only seeds I've found so far are the two local commercially grown ones; may be forced to step through the door of the international supermarket and buy a gourmet variety pack, then harvest the seeds (which might work or may not ).

A less appealing task on today's list is filing - need to extract PC's papers in readiness for an interview with the gentleman who I hope will sort out Death Duties and transfer of titles. This expert was recommended by a trusted mate, but I've discovered that he works for a very high-powered firm with offices in central London as well as the local city. So am expecting a hefty bill for assistance - hope his advice is worth it! :cool:

Meanwhile the Old Dogs are plodding on. PCD had one bad day last week - later discovered that she hadn't eaten her medicated sausage, so poor darling must have been uncomfortable and stiff until the next dose took effect; no wonder she looked sad. Since then I've had to alter the balance of meds anyway as one of the pills was having an unfortunate effect on both BD and PC's bowels. I think Dear Vet is coming to expect weekly consultations by 'phone; her latest suggestion seems to have helped the Old 'Uns significantly, as they're both a fair bit more active (and guts are fine, thank goodness ).

NewLeaf_2

Robin I have loads of tomato seeds if you want I can send you some x

*Robin*

NewLeaf wrote: »

Robin I have loads of tomato seeds if you want I can send you some x

NewLeaf you are full of surprises! Do you have an inner-city garden where you too can grow your own tomatoes?
Any idea what variety your seeds are?

I'm looking for the yellow and plum cherry tomatoes, and there's an orange variety - they all taste much better than the standard reds.

We have a gale blowing here again - I've just had to tie down the bamboo screens to stop them being bashed to pieces in the gusting wind. They're doing their job; it's fairly calm on the patio - but don't think the screens will last long without reinforcement.

'Ello, here's Fat Dog - barking because I'm late with her lunch [again]. What would I do without my furry alarm clock, setting me right in the middle of each day?

NewLeaf_2

I have a garden of 30 ft wide by 70 ft long. We grow everything you can imagine sometimes with success sometimes not. I have loads of tomato seeds, beefsteak, yellows, piccolinos, probably about 15 varieties. Pm me an address and I will get posting.

This year our zucchini didn't turn out which was a real bummer for me because I love it. X

dorothy52

Oooooooh Robin and NL aren't you clever - growing your own fruit and veg! Mr Dot bought me a greenhouse for my 50th birthday - I was bemused to say the least as I had hitherto never shown any interest at all in gardening, yet it has become my best friend over the ensuing years. I have gradually dug borders around all the lawns (I too have a big garden) and have spent many happy an hour tending my seedlings and planting them out. There really is no excuse for me not growing vegetables, particularly as supermarket bought ones taste so bland and I do love me veg. Methinks you ladies will have to mentor me. I have a 'hidden' garden next to the green house and compost area which can easily be turned into a vegetable garden and the sound of your new potatoes, Robin, is literally making my mouth water. I am so pleased to hear that the Old Dogs are still with us and enjoying life, we are not ready to say goodbye to them yet, are we love?

Re the nice young man who is going to sort out PC's death duties. We msers are so keen to save money where we can, and we are so resourceful, yet we must acknowledge that some things are worth spending money on to provide us with peace of mind, In this instance, I feel that it will be money well spent. I am heading over to see NL now, as I have neglected her this last week or so.

Take care

Dotxx