Yawn Yawn Wakey Wakey 2024

Volunteer day today at Capel Manor, unfortunately the dear old M25 was gridlocked again so not a good journey. Grey damp day, more Acer pruning.

 

Yoga this evening and lots pf stretching and breathing before some tricky balance and stretch positions. Mostly fine but some things my knees just can't do.

I posted all my UK and Belgian cards today and some local ones to a couple of British friends here. Very organised for me. OH does his family and I do friends.

@Liriodendron OH might have to forego mince pies too unless I find a jar in my pantry. I'm not bothered either way and Possum has jam tarts as she doesn't do dried fruits.

@Allotment Boy were your pruning for size or removing dead bits? I only prune my acers if there's frost damage after winter which could be quite a bit after a Belgian winter - lots of grey ends on Sango Kaku but not so much on Bloodgood. All the others were in pots and sheltered in the barn so OK.

 

@Obelix-Vendée , the Acer pruning is a bit of both. First we remove any dead, then any long wayward growth back to two buds. Then we look at overall shape and size. Some have limited space that they need to be kept confined, but done in such a way that they look relatively natural, and don't end up looking like a lollipop on a stick.

 

A very good morning one and all. I feel a little bit better today but my voice still doesn't sound like it belongs to me. My cough that i've had often over the years and only showed its symptoms from the neck upwards is different in that it has become very chesty. I will need to get out to buy some more cough medicine and Lemsips. Will finish my card writing today then I can take all my post to the box in Tesco tomorrow morning. Another day inside is probably best for me. Thank you @Allotment Boy for your hints on tidying up Acers as my Ozakasuki needs a bit of a tidy and I'm never sure when is the best time. When I feel even more 'better' I will tackle that task.

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Just remembered something I forgot! Thank you for the GCHQ Quiz link @AuntyRach! That should keep my brain active!

 

Morning all.

I’ve done most of the puzzles already @Ladybird4! They are excellent! Stuck on the number wheel one though…

Office day today as it’s time to book everyone’s annual leave for 2025! Now that’s a logic puzzle in itself!

Have a good day everyone - good luck with all the cards, baking, shopping and preparing!

 

Morning all. Not only is it Friday, but it's the 13th!
I have the chiropodist this morning and my hub is coming with me (there's an excellent iron monger where I park and he can get lost for hours!) then we are hitting Aldiddledee. Always a bad move when he comes with me!
But we're feeling super happy today as he had the 'all clear' from his latest scan yesterday.
Happy pruning @Allotment Boy
Keep nice and warm today @Ladybird4

 

Good morning all!!

I had an early start but have been faffing around. It is raining cats and Fizzes!! I have been waiting for it to ease off to walk (no riding today - too slippery) but it is still pouring.

I hope you are feeling bit better @Ladybird but in and out in the cold can't help.
Your photos are lovely @Ante1 You live in an amazing spot.
It must be overwhelming at times @Ergates for your OH. Large families catching up on news and children happy to see their cousins!!
Sounds like the Garden Club party was enjoyable for both of you @Busy-Lizzie

I had a nice young man around for lunch yesterday. His wife has gone to the southern hemisphere for Christmas and he is to follow in a week. She has organised food in the freezer for him but I was glad to have him for some company. Nice conversation from a younger person's point of view for a change. So no gardening or anything much in the afternoon!!

I wish you all a pleasant Friday. Stay safe. Stay warm.

 

Morning all.

Great news from you @Penny_Forthem! That must be a big relief.

The forecast has changed, was sunny, now is cloudy. Chilly but I hope to get some mulching done today on the weeded parts.

I have parcels to collect from the hardware shop in town, from the big river company, presents for grandchildren. It's market day for the morning so parking nearby will be difficult. Think I'll try this afternoon.

 

Lovely to hear your news @Penny_Forthem

 

That sounds like a plan @Busy-Lizzie Hunting out parking spaces and then lugging parcels is not good fun.

I hope your cough gets better soon @Ladybird4. I find them very wearing.

It's very cold and grey here with a heavy frost this morning but is supposed to get sunny later. Definitely not gardening weather. I hope your rain dries up soon @Tui34.

Wonderful news @Penny_Forthem. We have an ALDI in Luçon now but it seems to have very few customers judging by the car park. I keep meaning too go and check out the wines but forget. The only time I did go in was because they were advertising spring bulbs on sale but had none at all so I wasn't impressed.

Good luck with your scheduling puzzle @AuntyRach.

Indoors day for me then but thanks for the acer pruning info @Allotment Boy. I shall give all mine the once over on a day when frosts are not forecast so any wounds can heal.

Stay warm, safe and well everyone.

 

Lovely to hear your news @Penny_Forthem

 

Good morning ladies & gentlemen.

I trust you have all been keeping well.

Apologies for my absence. Last month I was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery, due to a life-threatening condition which arose out of the blue. I was admitted in the morning and had the surgery that afternoon. When they brought round the consent form for me to sign I asked what would happen if I didn't have the surgery and the surgeon told me I'd die within 24 hours. Having the surgery was thus a very easy choice. It was major surgery, and it will be months before I fully recover, but at least I'm still here.

While I was in hospital, my Father's condition deteriorated and he passed away on the day of my discharge. My Mother was by his side holding his hand.

In memory of my Father I will say the following (well worn) words:

A Athair ionúin,
Go n-eireadh an bóthar suas chun bualadh leat,
Go mbéadh an ghaoth i gcónaí ar do dhroim,
'S go gcoinní Dia i gcroí a láimhe thú.
Go dtí go bhriseann an lá, agus na scáileanna teitheadh ar shiúl.

Best wishes to all as always.

 

I was very sad to read your news @Badly_Maintained . I offer you my condolences for your father but he wasn’t alone which may offer you some comfort. I can’t imagine how you must have felt with such life threatening news for yourself either but pleased to read you got through the surgery and are still with us. You and your mum will need each other this Christmas. Please take good care of each other and don’t overdo anything.

 

I'm very pleased you're still with us @Badly_Maintained but am sorry for your loss and wish you and your mum all the best as you comfort each other. Take care of yourself and heed the advice to rest and recuperate fully.