Apologies for my absence…

Sorry that I’ve been away from the forum for a number of months.

it’s been rather hectic here. Trying to cope with a new puppy, who had lots of initial problems; a bout of bronchitis that laid me low for over a month; caring for a mother who is 500 miles away in a different country, during a pandemic that prevented me from travelling for much of the time…

But we are still here. The puppy is now an adolescent; still a handful, but improving in adolescence, rather than getting worse! Mum is now safely settled in a care home, and my brother has accepted that this is the best place for her (i still visit her more often than he does, although he is much closer, but there you go…). At last I no longer have to have multiple PCR tests to travel.

The garden? Still here, still proving to be a lot of work. I can’t manage cutting the hedges on my own. Hubby not willing to pay for professionals to do it, or help more than a few hours a year, so I muddle through as best I can.
The delinquent puppy likes to pull up plants, and eat plant pots, so the shed is full of all the pots I rescue from him!
Last year we let the lawn grow into a meadow. I failed to get it cut in time (again, minimal help), so now have last year’s grass lying on top of the new growth. Hopefully it won’t be too much of a problem - we’ve a lot of couch-grass, so that’s just doing “its Thing”!
The pond is looking good. The liner edges are not as disguised as they were, because of various paws standing on the edge to drink, but the amphibious visitors are starting to arrive

(“Puppy” photo added for tax - although at over 10 months, he’s getting to be a big lad!)

 

Pleased to see you back Sian and that some things are settling down for you.

Puppy is stunning.

I empathise with the mimimal (and even less) help in the garden and I despair at times, but I do pay for a professional to come in 3/4 times a year to do the heavy work. However, I have a small patch compared to your large plot.

Keep your chin up and I look forward to reading your posts.

 

Hi Sian, good to hear from you again Join the club of ladies who thought that the garden would be a joint project, only to discover that sisters are doin' it for themselves Lovely dog! xx

 

Welcome back Sian no apologies needed, you've certainly had a lot to deal with. Bronchitis in itself knocks the stuffing out of you, glad that you're over that now and that you have peace of mind over your Mum now that she's settled into a care home.

The adolescent is looking very handsome indeed.

My hubs does do things in the garden , but as he ages it just takes him a bit longer to get around to it....he says I nagg!! He tends to have more important or interesting ( to him) projects that require his attention ...so it seems.

Like your hubs he won't hear of paying for help ..when he can...eventually do it.

I can't deal with our hedging either, but thankfully hubs hates an untidy looking one so that does get done promptly.

 

@Sian in Belgium it is nice to hear from you again. I think we all get those times when a convergence of stressful and time consuming family matters push the forum into the background. And rightfully so. The forum is a great place but certainly would never take a priority over family.

Your puppy looks like he'd be lovely to pet.

 

Great to see you posting here again @Sian in Belgium, a warm welcome back!

Nick

 

Welcome back Sian. There are times when one thing after another seems to hit us, but we get through it and things eventually settle down. Glad to hear that's how it is for you now.

That's one good looking pup you have. He has a lovely shiny coat too.

 

Men will get round to a job eventually. No need to keep reminding them every six months.

 

Nice to see you here again @Sian in Belgium