Watty's Awakening

Suffolk_lass · 19 June at 7:56AM

I just wanted to chip in on the border thing and suggest some additions/alternatives. You could sprinkle some Echium blue bedder seeds in that border (grows about a foot high and self seeds), and some Nigella (Love in a mist) - the post pale blue flower seed heads are glorious. For a bit of height, a few Sicilian Honey Garlic bulbs (Nectaroscordum - it's the flower that a bumblebee is feeding on in the June picture of the Countryfile calendar 2025) and some of the thin stem purple (Japanese) iris will add late spring height and interest and are completely maintenance free (and will increase slowly, over time) - all consistent with the colour scheme and adding longer season interest. I use cow parsley too for a drift of white umbellifer (umbrella like) flowers that just help make the purples pop.

Watty1 · 19 June at 11:21AM

greenbee said:

I use unscented detergent and bung a bit of lavender oil in the vinegar in the rinse aid. Mostly to deter moths.

And I really don't understand strongly scented detergent if you wear expensive perfume, as all anyone can smell is the detergent! When I stay with friends on US work trips it can take weeks to get the smell out of my clothes.

oh that is a bit of a plan, I'd never thought of a bit of lavender oil in the vinegar. I don't understand strongly scented detergents, body sprays, chemical air fresheners or any of that stuff and a particular hate is those things that hang in cars. VNM has been educated on these matters

(I actually threw away some washing powder stuff he bought in as I hated the smell of it in the cupboard, I care not that it was "cheaper" that my usual brand, I tried it and threw it. Who wants to smell like that?)

Talking of smells, kitten is in disgrace for pooping on the bed. Bedding in wash with suitable non smelling detergent.

Watty1 · 19 June at 11:23AM

Suffolk_lass said:

I just wanted to chip in on the border thing and suggest some additions/alternatives. You could sprinkle some Echium blue bedder seeds in that border (grows about a foot high and self seeds), and some Nigella (Love in a mist) - the post pale blue flower seed heads are glorious. For a bit of height, a few Sicilian Honey Garlic bulbs (Nectaroscordum - it's the flower that a bumblebee is feeding on in the June picture of the Countryfile calendar 2025) and some of the thin stem purple (Japanese) iris will add late spring height and interest and are completely maintenance free (and will increase slowly, over time) - all consistent with the colour scheme and adding longer season interest. I use cow parsley too for a drift of white umbellifer (umbrella like) flowers that just help make the purples pop.

Love the suggestions thank you.

The lawn has been moved in preparation for the wild flower meadow planning/starting and now I have had to return to my office for work although I would so much rather be outside enjoying the sun, I have so much I want to do outside in the fields and garden now.

Cherryfudge · 19 June at 12:02PM

Watty1 said:

I think it was @Cherryfudge thread that made me investigate railcards and my 3 year railcard has arrived. My business paid for it as I do use the train for work sometimes. I worked out it would have paid for itself if I had had it in January and, it comes out of pre-tax income as the business bought it.

Win win I think.

Pleased to be of service!

I have just read about someone using one of the 'special offers' that come by email once you've got a railcard, and it looks like a case of 'buyer beware' as the 'special offer' was actually more expensive than they could have had the same product directly. (I've no personal experience of that as they keep trying to sell me wine or days out that don't appeal).

We do find we get our money's worth from even one or two rail trips a year, as we use the train if going to London from Yorkshire.

LadyWithAPlan · 19 June at 11:59PM

Watty1 said:
I think this will all work out in the end just as it is meant to. VNM said this morning why don't you get a horse just for side saddle when we move. I have no idea what the future will hold so I shall just put this dream on the back burner for now.

I like this idea!

That border looks fabulous! Yes to universal energy - I do believe it is a thing

Great win on the rail card

Watty1 · 20 June at 8:42AM

Yesterday after work went to VNM's mothers for evening. I am not exaggerating when I say I dread going there, the house makes me feel almost ill. Her part of the house still smells strongly (her perfume even after all these months is so heavy and the clutter is still mostly there). I emptied another big drawer of jewellery that his daughter had missed, so that is in a bag in the boot of my car. Also took apart a table that will be ideal for his sister.

Today the clearance people start removing her stuff and the rubbish accumulated there. Every time I go there I come away determined to continue my declutter and clear campaign here. I know I will move, but it will be with only what I need, want or love.

On the way home, I bought a bottle of wine and a sandwich and had that for my evening meal because I felt so frayed and exhausted. I sat on the yard and watched the swifts and horses and enjoyed what remained of the evening. My peace was restored but the wine and the sandwich were not ideal (and to be honest I have a headache this morning).

Cherryfudge · 20 June at 9:05AM

What a difficult evening. If the clearance people are coming in, surely that will help you feel better about it from now on? And a whole drawer of jewellery in addition to what's already been found?! Wow, she must have loved her jewellery. I hope what you found can soon go to its new owner and that'll be one fewer things to deal with.

A timely reminder for me too - I have far too much stuff and it won't clear itself.

I hope your headache lifts. Keep hydrated, it's going to be hot.

themadvix · 20 June at 4:32PM

Another who can’t stand strong perfumes/scented washing powder/air ‘fresheners’. With the latter, if there are powered ones in a house I’m cat sitting for, I’m afraid I turn them off. Why do people want to inhale potential carcinogens that smell so unbelievably strongly artificial. It’s so good to know I’m not alone in my dislike of them!