Monday 13 May 2019

A Stroll In The Garden

What a busy week I have had, although I must admit I did take my time with everything.  Taking time for reflection and to take in the beauty that surrounds me.  Gerard and our lovely daughter had done an amazing job clearing up after the workmen downstairs.  Sadly my little craft empire was in a sorry state.  The men had done a great job cleaning and left no mess at all but the sheer volume of things made it very difficult for them to put everything back in the right place.  I have found the process of looking through it all very therapeutic.  The memories of when and where some of the things were bought or given to me was just the therapy I needed.  I decided it wasn't the right time to get rid of things instead taking delight in the clutter and enjoyed getting to know it all again.  Thankfully, the boiler and indeed the whole system pipework and radiators have been replaced so we no longer have the worry or the expense of its disrepair. 

We are expecting more workmen next week as we have the outer doors replaced.  It does sadden me to lose those beautiful old wooden doors, but the draughts they create are not conducive to keeping this old cottage warm.  We have now had two Winters here and despite many attempts to stop the draughts we have had no success.  Once the doors have been replaced we can then get on with replacing the floor in both the kitchen and the outer vestibule that we use as a utility room.  There is also a big gap where the boiler was situated as we have had the new one placed outside.  Shelving may provide the answer, time will tell.

Mickey has had a good grooming and looks quite handsome, sadly it doesn't last long.


We have bought some solar lights for the garden.  Although not needed at this time of year we are hoping that it will help in the Winter months to light the paths.  Let me take you on a little tour of the front garden.  The pots are starting to take on some colour and are a delight.







There is still a little morning dew on them which gives them added beauty.  We are still working on the back, although we have now quite an established herb garden.  The mint is prolific, spreading from the tyre all around.  Its strength knows no bounds, so I am going to let it spread for a little while.




The little lanterns make me smile, though some hidden weeds that I can now see in the photographs do not.  Just when you think one area is done it all starts all over again.  The never ending task of keeping the weeds and the garden under control.

Time once again is rushing by so I must finish and get ready for my aerobics class.  I do thank you for your continued support, your emails and cards despite my lack of posts please know that you are in my heart.



See you soon.

30 comments:

  1. I hate having workmen in to do any large jobs, it always seems ages until I'm back to normal again. Still, one less worry about things breaking down again now and that's always a bonus. Mickey looks very dapper with his new haircut, Archie's going to the groomer's this afternoon, he won't be happy about that!

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  2. Continuing being a busy bee ;)
    Have a cool week !
    Hug
    Anna

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  3. Sounds like lots of work still going on at your house! Your garden is lovely and I really like the lanterns!

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  4. That's the way to do it! "I decided it wasn't the right time to get rid of things instead taking delight in the clutter and enjoyed getting to know it all again." What a lovely sentence.

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  5. Lovely garden. Sounds like you are pretty busy. Have a great week

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  6. You have the best attitude about the upset created by replacing the boiler! Perhaps, creative you, will find a wonderful way to use those two wooden doors. So many possibilities. Gardening, indeed all of life, is a never-ending exercise. Things are looking beautiful there!

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  7. Your garden is lovely!
    You continue to inspire me, sweet friend.
    I hope you have a cozy week ahead.
    Chilly here today, and quite rainy.

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  8. You have big jobs, being done. Not necessarily fun, but they will make living there, so much more comfortable.

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  9. Lovely garden. I am a fan of solar powered lights. I festoon them in the trees and on the apex verandah of the shedudio. I wish I could weed but I cant.

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  10. My goodness your life has been full and hectic hasn't it? You have accomplished so much in your little cottage. And in the midst of all of the decluttering and throwing out posts and articles I read, your sentence regarding "getting to know everything again" was absolutely wonderful to me.
    I am on a mission today to find some solar lights for the lake. I should have bought them months ago but I just didn't have the ambition to do anything.
    I'm SO glad to see you back blogging Lorraine. You've been missed. You and Gerard are in my daily prayers my friend.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  11. Your garden is beautiful. Hope all your work gets done soon.

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  12. So glad to hear your boiler is now all complete and even a new space for a shelf was created. I'm sure the new doors will help to keep your cottage cozy. We have replaced all of our windows in our home and it's made such a difference. Have a happy week! ♥

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  13. Arh Mickey does look very smart with his trim. I enjoyed your garden tour, your lanterns are very sweet, on duty to light your way. Enjoy reacquainting yourself with all your crafty treasures. Cx

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  14. Replacing the old boiler must have caused a lot of upset. Sorry you had all the additional bother to cope with. You have been getting a lot of things done on your cottage and the new doors, although not old and beautiful, will no doubt be more weatherproof.
    Your containers of flowers are looking lovely!

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  15. I like those solar lights. They look nice at your walk.
    I would hate to get rid of vintage doors but we have to pay the bills and keeping out drafts is important. I am so tired of seeing weeds here and the biggest weed is a flower my mom loves - oxalis. It's a weed and it's growing every where. I am so trying to get rid of it. Along with the honeysuckle, I hope to never see another.
    Happy week ahead
    betsy
    Betsy

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  16. Taking your time is a good thing, especially after you have been away from home, it's so easy to rush around without considering things properly. Those solar lights are very sweet. x

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  17. Oh dear, what a lot you've had to deal with. A turned upside-down craft room must be the worst.

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  18. Lots of hard work sorting out after all the work you have had done to make you home really cosy during the winter months. It will take time sorting out your craft room. Mickey looks so smart with his new trim:)

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  19. You were again very busy ! It's sad to replace such old beautiful doors, but it is necessary otherwise you heat your garden !

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  20. So many changes! And why do changes always make such a mess?!
    Mickey is such a handsome boy, especially with his new haircut, and your spring flowers are really coming along. I’m sure you wont feel all settled again until you get everything back in place, but don’t work too hard and miss all the joys of spring.

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  21. I'm sure you're appreciating your surroundings now that you're back home as well as the company of your dear husband and handsome Mickey. When we moved to our present house we did some work, but one project at a time with the kitchen, bathroom, new downstairs cloakroom and, of course, rearranging the garden. We have slowed down now so thankfully no big jobs. The Italian house is waiting, but we're being philosophical as we're unable to go there at the moment. I think husband and grandson will travel there when grandson finishes the school term. Enjoy pottering, your church groups and other activities as well as home and garden. Hope all goes well with the outer doors renovation work.

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  22. Love that photograph of Mickey and also so nice to see the photographs of your garden - it's looking good.
    I've always liked solar lights and I'm sure you will be pleased with yours.

    Hope the week goes well for you.

    All the best Jan

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  23. Mickey is adorable and dare I say a bit regal! Glad you are home and exploring your lands.

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  24. Oh, Mickey! You look so handsome. Every lady doggie on the island will be hoping you'll phone her.

    Your plants look as if they're ready to make a comeback for summer.

    Take your time, and you'll be back up to speed before you know it.

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  25. It's hard to believe you have been there through two winters already. Time sure flies. Mickey looks so good! He is a beautiful dog. Your flowers are looking good too. Blooms always cheer me up.

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  26. Everything looks good. I'm glad to hear you are settling back in and getting things in order after the repairs. You have a nice garden going there. Phil

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  27. Busy life, indoors and outdoors! Pretty flowers and lanterns. I put up the rest of a new bird bath late Sunday evening. Hopefully this one won't be toppled like the last one. Phil inserted a PVC into the ground where a clothesline used to be. Drilled a hole in bottom of bird bath. I filled rest of it up with river pebbles, we got from hardware store awhile back. Screwed in the top bowl. Filled with water, birds are drinking from it. we had rain today and more coming, which is good as it's been dry for awhile. Glad you are getting things done. Hope all goes well with your new doors being installed! Take care my friend!

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  28. Time really flies, so fast its been 2 years you have been through 2 winters. Good that everything is in place and even the garden is doing well. I like gardening but weeding is an endless struggle.

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  29. Thanks for the garden tour, Lorraine, and I know what you mean about thise pesky weeds that keep returning.

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  30. Your garden looks so healthy and vibrant! I love the effect of the dew. It's always feels like money well spent to fix up the home. You can enjoy it every day, and admire the improvements.

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