We scuttled off to Corfu at the end of September in hope of sun. It was a different side of the island this time, just across from Albania, and we arrived to blue cloudless skies and a dazzling display of bougainvillea in the hotel gardens. I had no idea there were so many colour optionsContinue reading “From the sublime…….”
Category Archives: country life
Into the woods
We’ve had a well nigh perfect few weeks. Mostly it’s been lovely and sunny, but with enough dreary/wet days that I’ve actually managed to get a few indoors things done as well. A couple of damson deliveries from Judy have been turned to jam and curd (and in Keith’s case, vodka). The colour was soContinue reading “Into the woods”
Nature dudettes at large
When Lachlan was a small boy, much addicted to natural history programmes he declared that when he growed up he was doing to be a nature dude on the telly. With a late change of heart toward caring for the human species, a family vacancy for nature dudes has emerged. Over the last few weeksContinue reading “Nature dudettes at large”
Dropping season
It is the season for gravity to flex its muscles. Round by the lake this morning I walked Lyra under a barrage of surprisingly hard, little green acorns. All around there were mysterious cracks, groans and thunks in the undergrowth and Lyra darted here and there, ever alert for squirrel attacks. Down in the woodsContinue reading “Dropping season”
The fruits of our labour
Productivity (of a non gardening variety) has been restored – somewhat – on the old homestead. Keith went off a couple of weeks ago to enjoy a lads’ weekend with Lachlan, pruning and tying up the rose around his door (and visiting the pub next door every hour or so as far as I canContinue reading “The fruits of our labour”
Sizzle
Since my last gardening confession it has, in the main, been even hotter. Things are getting distinctly crispy in places and the ground is baked rock hard. All plans for planting, digging and splitting have been put on hold for the time being and the weeds have been allowed to cling on for a littleContinue reading “Sizzle”
Strange fruit
Last Saturday it was, finally, my turn to take Lyra to the groomers. Lachlan had to work and Keith has declared himself permanently traumatised by the last experience and unwilling to risk further mental collapse. Lyra is not enthusiastic about this trip and, despite being blind, seems to know exactly where she is going. SheContinue reading “Strange fruit”
Harvest Season
The harvesters are out at last. I can hear the faint thrum of the combines from two fields away and had to pull smartly onto the verge to let a huge beast of a machine get past a couple of days ago. In the way of farmers, I can get no consensus on whether itContinue reading “Harvest Season”
High Summer
A quick post for the gardeners out there. With the steamy weather, it’s almost too hot to do anything. I mustered a little weeding this afternoon and after an hour I was completely lathered. I am more inclined to wafting round looking critically at “things in the wrong place” and making mental lists. Lovely asContinue reading “High Summer”
An air of raspberries
It is a week of alternating sunny days and soaking days, with the occasional mashup of sunny downpours to add spice. The humidity on the hot days is punishing and so we try to keep Lyra’s walks to the woods or the river, where at least she can jump in to cool down. A plannedContinue reading “An air of raspberries”