Your Day (apart from gardening) - what took place? 2023

I saw this wonderful rainbow this morning, from my back patio doors ... and if you look carefully you'll be able to see another feint one above it.

You'll have to excuse my shorts and that old dustsheet on the line (it's from when I had the bathroom painted a few days ago) and the line is only make-shift at the moment as well
You'll have to pretend they'e not there. I had no time to take them in before the rain started.





Home bargains near here is full of Christmas decorations, four isles of the stuff - too soon !!
but in their cafe you can have a nice latte in a big mug and a slice of chocolate-chip sponge for £2.98 I think that's good value.
And I bought some cyclamens in their well-looked-after garden centre at the back (one can't resist a garden centre can one)

 

Just back from the hospital and opened my emails to find a most important piece of information, vital in fact............................................Priorities bookings are now open for a Santas Breakfast at my local Dobbies...................................it's still August for goodness sake...............(and no I haven't booked................................................yet

 

But you know you want to

 

Our departmental social secretary sent round the first email about the Christmas Party, next will be "Secret Santa". Bah Humbug!!

 

Yep...

 

Had a fabulous day out in Lymington today it was beautiful going through the New Forest.

 

Away right now from my home up North. Staying a week in our 2nd home in North Carolina, we airbnb it out, have not been a while, lots of things to sort about with, not just in the house but in the garden. We do have a landscaper that does a great job. Have a new guest coming in Friday, so leaving Friday morning.

 

Started to make my Christmas puddings so that they can mature. I'm making 6 x 1lb puddings. Later I'll make some holes in them so that i can put some sherry in, it preserves them to last through the next year.
When cold I'll put 3 layers of cling film.

 

My mother used to make them early too. Everyone had to stir the mixture and make a wish
She always made a cauldron full of them and gave them away to people, and she'd keep one until Easter.

 

I use the rest through the next year too.

 

Last week this arrived from Littlewoods catalogue, it's 45cm tall and stands by itself.

 

Today as we had more beautiful weather I decided to try and tackle St Catherine's Hill in Winchester. After doing the Keats Walk last week I decided it was best to leave this last bit for another day. I haven't done the climb since my knee surgery last year and have be longing to see if my knee can handle it.



The path up was a challenge for weakened knees and fused feet, very uneven and stoney to say the least. Had several rests,and drinks of water...boy it was hot work !


Done it overlooking the city below.


In the cool of the little wood at the very top.


Following the circular path around the top and loving the fabulous views of the South Downs......and the M3!!

 

Now to tackle the 300+ steps down on the far side of the hill.


Now the walk back into town along the Itchen River and thankfully mostly in the shade.

 

Lovely walk Upsy and well done. Not sure I could have done it before my current issues.

 

Thanks, think I'm suffering a tad now Vicky......think it'll be a quiet day at home tomorrow as we've walked a fair few miles this week.