Christmas dinner!

 10 am Sunday morning,

🎄

It is never too early to plan Christmas lunch.  We always push the boat out and this year Mr D said he would like to have a go at Greek Kleftiko.  We thought a trial run would be a good idea and so armed with a leg of lamb from the butcher in Polis (the butcher from Argaka disappeared) and all the suitable ingredients from a fairly straightforward recipe which we found on the Paprika app today is the day.

Into marinade overnight, prep this morning and into the slow cooker for seven to eight hours with various veggies.

Fingers crossed.  We are going to have enough to feed an army, so it looks like a fair amount will be for the freezer.

We are also some decent decorations this year, which will be a first.  Maybe just fill the house up with poinsettias which would be VERY colourful.

I was a brave girl on Friday and went for my annual flu vaccination, I now have a sore arm, ouch.  I now have to wait to get my Covid-19 booster.  

Infection is still rife in Cyprus, just watch what happens at the local supermarket where safe passes are supposed to get checked, not happening!

The annoying thing is that it put the rest at risk.  Does anyone care?

We are still enjoying sunny weather during the day, but chilly at night.  Waiting for chimney sweep, cosy.

Good luck to every one and we can but hope this dreadful curse will go away.

Never let it be said

 Monday 11 October

That I am always after a reason to get big, bright and colourful plants for the garden.

These two are just the job for an early autumn lift.

We have decided the project before the next planting season will be to get the raised bed finished and utilise pots and troughs to the best advantage.

Meanwhile, sit back and enjoy!

(Looking forward to the end of stoptober!) yamas.

A good way to reflect

 Sunday 10 October

Yesterday, being our ninth anniversary in Cyprus, and with Mr D feeling much better, we were feeling very happy with our lot.

After a bit of a false start when we first arrived with the house we rented (well, the dreadful landlady really) we moved in to a bungalow which we could see from our house and have been there ever since.

With no immediate neighbours and views to die for what’s not to love? 

Since we have been here there have been extensive works to cure the damp problem, which was having an effect on both our breathing.  First time around was a bodge job so the work had to be done again!  But well  worth the wait.

Daisy the dog got on really well with the man doing most of the hard graft outside and she learnt her supervising skills on him.  He didn’t speak doggy English and, as far as we know, Daisy doesn’t speak human Greek, but they got on fine.

For those of you who read this blog you get the idea I rather love the garden.  It has been a journey of learning over the years with this year being the best result.

The raised bed was never really finished off to spec and we are talking about getting our log store man to come and finish it.  Maybe even add a couple more raised beds and relocate the tubs and troughs.

Firstly we have to prepare for chillier times with logs and getting chimney swept.

So the anniversary not only looked back nine years but also forward to the future.

One more wish is that the virus becomes weaker and let’s us get on with living again and seeing family members who have been split and kept apart during this time.

Footnote - I see from today’s newspapers it doesn’t stop Doris the Boris and his unelected companion from “jetting off” (again) on holiday.  What did he do during the summer recess of Parliament?

Here’s to the coming years.

Wow, all done and dusted ….

 Friday 8 October 

Can’t wait for the first load of wood to be delivered, which should be about mid November.

Fantastic job, next one list will probably be something garden orientated. 

Honey looking to make a new bedroom!

Exciting news at Douglas Towers

 Wednesday 6th October, and lots happening here today.

Mr D made a visitor the doctor as he has been unwell again for the last few days.  Doctor reassured him and has put him back on the straight and narrow.

We took delivery of loads of pallets which will be used to make a log store, which we have wanted for a couple of years.  Sometimes you just have to wait!

Yesterday was Daisy’s grooming day, she always looks so great (don’t she just know it) when it has been done.  May be just one more to be fitted in this side of winter.

Next week is pretty fully booked as well, but have managed to put to Paphos appointments into one day.

I resurrected on of my knitting projects which has been tucked away for all of the summer, and now want to finish ready for autumn .

Just completed day two of ‘stoptober’.  We were a bit late starting but better late than never,  I am hoping it will change the habit of drinking, just have to wait and see.

I am going to get some sleep now and hope to sleep right through.

Will post soon, and take some pictures of log store progress tomorrow.

Sleep tight.

New month - Happy October and Cyprus Independence Day

 We are still enjoying summer weather but no denying the fact it will come to an end eventually.  With that in mind I spent some time making a gentle start on sorting out some of raised veg bed and managed to get the last of the baby peppers and they are now ready for freezing.

They will join the green lemons given to us recently by the picker in the grove behind our house.  I am sure he does not understand a word of English but must get the idea of what I am saying from the smile.

I have always loved the way things are shared here.

This morning Mr D came back from the dog walk with two beautiful avocados, they will go into the fruit bowl - must get some fresh bananas to aid the process of ripening them.

I recently planted seeds for sweet peas, they are taking their time but are now joined by radishes -

Having had what seems like an age with arms in plaster it is great to get back into things.

The main thing to lift spirits was an amazing call from my daughter last weekend, but sorry to hear that she had some annual leave but was in bed with a stinking cold.  So unfair as her work is all consuming.

We decided we are both really looking forward to when she can visit and have a real holiday!

We have lived in this house for eight years now, the longest time we have stayed anywhere and still loving it!  Glad to say we now pay rent direct into landlord’s bank account so have distanced a bit more.

We are hoping to get a store built to keep the logs in - the magic man will come next week.

Will keep you informed, hope you are all well.

Friday September 17th

 

Things here are fine and I have been attacking my ever growing ‘to do’ list with some success and lots of things ticked off (faster than the next thing arrives).

Good news after the eye op.  I have had two check ups and the doc is pleased with the progress.  Funny thing is I will probably need glasses as well, but the difference is amazing .

We knew summer was over a couple of days ago when the bee eater birds congregated on the wires to have a chat before they set off back to North Africa.  The next day the temperature had dropped slightly and we don’t have to use air con now, thank goodness.

I

We have found this amazing man who does all sorts of odd jobs, and bigger stuff. He sorted the kitchen island and as if by magic sourced and fitted herb racks in our kitchen.  No more going through 20 odd jars to find the right one.

Garden continues to flourish, pampas grass being pampas, lavender flowering, roses blooming and we are loving it.  Have learnt a lot this year as what to grow and what not to.  The irrigation water has been a god send.

Bumped into some people we know recently, not having seen them for ages and ages.  I really do not have the time of day for her, is all she wants to do is talk at you about all her ailments.  Sorry mate, we have enough of our own.

Daisy and the cats are fine and Honey and Daisy pretend to fight every day.  The jealousy between them is so funny.

Jazz just potters around in her own world, happy and without a care.

Getting the house sorted for autumn and planning chimney sweep and log supplies.  Best to have these things in hand.

Saturday 11th September

 Today is the 20th anniversary of the attack on the twin towers and other key points in America by terrorists - for those of us who were not alive during the World War it was a day when the world froze.

On a par with the assassination of Kennedy when people know where they were, I think the twin towers will burn in our minds.

My thoughts go to the families of the people murdered that day.

 It is not appropriate to chat about garden so will leave it till another day.

Oh, she of little patience

 Saturday 4th September 

At last, we are the proud owners of a kitchen island thanks to our dog sitter recommended Mike, (not the mechanic for those of you who remember) but the maintenance man. No sooner had he made contact than the job was done and dusted complete with lockable castors!

From this ……

To this …..

Calling for a celebration of trying a new recipe of pork sausage and chestnut pasts. Delist.

We have said we will not use the flat surface as a dumping ground for junk, I wonder how long that will last.

Sweetpeas

 Thursday 2 Sept.

Day one.

Kitchen island and other things

 Wednesday 1st September 

Another busy,  busy week. But in a good way with a lot of things achieved.

A bone scan showed that the osteoporosis is still alive and well, and we need serious consideration as to the don’t do that list.  After several weeks with plasters on it should be easier to split what I can and can’t do for safety reasons.

But after taking a decision to move on and get a couple of things done there has been good progress on the kitchen island which has been waiting endlessly to be made safe and have castors fitted.  With the help of the wonderful Anne, who is a bit of a font of  knowledge , we were put in touch with someone who contacted us, arrived about four hours later, looked at what we want, quoted a price and is going to return in three/four days to carry out the job.  Now, that’s what I call moving.  And, presumably if we need anything else doing he will be our man.

A couple of hours was spent working in the garden yesterday  and started making some progress on one area.  I am back to little and often to get it back up to the mark.

I was pleased to get some sweet pea seeds the other day and look forward in getting them in a couple of the hanging baskets.  They remind me of the wonderful colours and perfumes of years ago.

Mr D has been suffering from a sore throat for a few days, of course the virus crossed our minds but his doctor assured him that antibiotics and some paracetamols would do the job.  

Our cleaner did a wonderful job for us yesterday and is looking forward to a day off next week as it ties in with my second eye operation and probably I would be best left in the quiet.

Looking forward (ha ha) to having real eye sight again after quite some time.

So, all in all, everything is going well.

Wedding anniversary number 15!

 Friday 27th August 2021

15 years ago we tied the knot.  Well, what a journey through the years, ups and downs as in all cases but still standing together.

Having come through the worst of it I would like to think we could now settle into a comfortable old age, yes, no, maybe?

Having had a really nice day with nothing particular on the calendar.  Couple of bits to do in Polis this morning then pick up some final bits for our meal and chill out with fillet steak, trimmings and decent red wine.

As I woke up at 4.45 this morning I am feeling the pinch, won’t be long till bed time.

Not thrilled with the garden at the moment so need to take things in hand, but that can wait till tomorrow or Sunday.  All that hard work seems to have gone by the wayside.

Had a lovely mail from daughter today, it is always so comforting to hear from her.  We had a bit of a hick up in our relationship a few years ago, which tore me apart but we are now back on track and I am thrilled.  The next step will be her and her partner being able to come out,

So I will raise a glass to you tonight and wish you everything you wish yourself.

Dedicated to you sweetheart, love mum. Xxx

My plasters are OFF

 Oh, what a joy.  My shower this morning was bliss.

I am still wearing a splint on my right hand for the next week but I don’t care.

Fish and chips next Wednesday.

Yummy.

A memorial for Sue

 Wednesday 18th August

It has been in my mind for some while to create a small memorial in the garden for Sue (my sister) and it finally came to fruition this week.

With the help of a recommendation we went to an amazing place which makes and paints a whole variety of statues, when I saw this I just knew it was perfect.

Next it was off to the garden centre for the gravel.  Yesterday morning, before the sun was up we get to work and this is the result.

Sue would, I think, have loved it.

We don’t need material things to remind us of Sue but considering she was cremated in Scotland (not giving some of us enough time to get there),  and ashes scattered from Hastings pier I felt there should be something in Cyprus where Sue managed to have two short holidays before she left us.

She ‘visits’ me often and I hope she is now at peace.

With love. x

Sue 1957 - 2018

 

Where did the letter ‘T’ go?

 Sunday 15*h Augus*

I became aware a few mon*hs ago *ha* *he le**er ‘T’ was missing when people were *alking.

Now, there can be one of a few reasons for this in my view, laziness, unable to spell so being unaware the word contains a T, a new form of slang ( maybe not that as even radio presenters miss out this precious member of the alphabet family.)

Although I was born in London I spent most of my teen years living on the south coast. As a result I picked up the local dialect where most words are pronounced with ‘ing’ at the end.  Absolutely nothing I can do about but to develop this casting aside of a letter seems to be a shame.

Minor matters in comparison to the most dreadful news from Plymouth this week with the cold blooded slaughter of five humans,  one being a small child just starting  out on her life, and the cowardly ‘suicide’ of the murderer.

The media certainly have enough copy to fill their lust for every detail and feed the frenzy of mourning.  Where on earth could one go for solace, prayer? with other people? by the vast sea? (I have done that myself on more than one occasion).  

All the words in the world are not going to bring people back or heal wounds so deep.

My heart breaks for one and all who have the reality of it all to face at sometime.

And we are told it is people’s right to have social media, really?

On a personal note I am facing a difficult week when we will be celebrating my sister’s life on the third anniversary of her passing.  Sleep tight Sue, we miss you. xxxx

Too early

 Never mind about “not tonight sweetheart “,  it was a case of “not today”.  Another week to go to be on the the safe side. ,

See you next Thursday at 5,00.

Today is the day!

 Thursday 12 August

I so hope my plasters come off today and give me a rest from the awkwardness they have created, and that the fractures have mended.  I suspect it will be either an X-ray or CT scan. The X-ray would be better and save a trip to Paphos,

My list of to-do’s grows ever longer.

Will let you know how I get on.

See you later.

Counting down the

 Six days to go!  God it has been a struggle some days, not helped by temperature nearing 40 degrees.

The first thing i am going to do is undress myself, and have a super shower, then sit down to a lovely meal which I can cut up and eat!

The little things one takes so much for granted.

Obviously not much has been going on, really missed my garden, and cooking.  Thank goodness for Jo’s Pies. A local lady who produces the most wonderful pies, salads and a variety of other dishes.  It has been a chance for Mr D to take a break from the kitchen.

The garden crew turned up yesterday and a cloud hung over the garden apart from Gardener Junior, who always is happy to help and keep a smile on his face.  I must ask him one day if he sees himself with his own clients?  He would probably make a fortune.

We are on the look out for a dining table and some comfy chairs.

The one we have comes with the house and is definitely seen better days.  We also want something smaller for us to use.

We usually find something eventually which is just the job.  It just takes time.

Small celebration of Daisy joining us four years ago this month.  My goodness what a nervous little wreck she was at first.  But with patience and understanding she has come on in leaps and bounds.

Here’s to the next four years.

See you all soon and as they say on ‘Strictly’ - keep reading!😉

Every cloud …..

 Friday 23rd July

can have a silver lining.

Oh, my word, (in the words of the great Jamie Oliver) day five of the plasters and verging on the suicidal, except it would be such an insult to my husband who has worked his socks off to look after my needs, even giggling like a couple of teens while he showered me!

We have now acquired some waterproof sleeves to wear in the shower.  Such freedom.

Yesterday was gardeners day and they have, once again, made a superb job of planting up the new grasses, which are apparently Pampas grass, according to senior gardener. No wonder they are growing so fast.

Wednesday 28 July

Well, I blinked and then it was Wednesday!  I must be having so much fun I didn’t notice the time.

The grasses and new climbers are going great guns.  One thing that is so lovely to watch is the water being caught by the sun.

Made it to the hairdresser yesterday and feel a lot better, as always she is worth her weight in gold.

Our landlord has pulled a fast one on us regarding our/his air con.  The unit in the bedroom broke down about  two weeks ago.  After 10 days of chasing him up he said if we wanted it replaced with a new one (which has been recommended to us by a professional) then we would have to pay half.  This is after he increased our rent by almost 10 percent a couple of months age.

The scrap of paper he refers to as our lease quotes he will maintain equipments which breaks down due to wear and tear.

Him and his wife are one and the same and always have been.

Needless to say we are not very happy. You rent a house with air-con, it breaks down so tough luck.

I have been unable to bring myself to even speak to him in a cvil manner.

But he will not rain on my parade.

End of rant.  Will be back soon with update on arms and kitchen island (at last).

Well, I wasn’t expecting that!

 

Three weeks ago today was my nasty fall in Paphos,  after various x-rays, splints,  bandages and god knows what else those magnificent doctors in the Evangalismos hospital together with Dr George of The Hippocratic Clinic had me all tied up for five weeks.  

I could have had an operation but with various factors to consider decided to go for the plaster look.

Now comes the ‘fun’ bit, Mr D will help with most things but sometimes a girl has just got to get on with it.

Wish me/us luck.

Wow ….. wot a scorcher

 Saturday 17 July

We haven’t got to the hottest month yet but here we are, about the fourth week of  about 32 degrees during the day with humidity at 74% today, 

Ouch.

And I have not been able to go in the pool to cool off with on wrist in a Velcro splint and the other in a bandages support.  BUT it could have been worse with plaster casts, so thank my blessings.

Cyprus government managed to make a bit of an effort (at last) to get things under control.  I think they may have saved their breath.  But we did see something  really interesting in the English language paper this week.

When we moved to Argaka in 2012 the coast road was pretty rustic and the beach, as we quickly learnt,was home to the Loggerhead turtle as their breading ground and where they would build their nests.

The turtles are a protected species.

Since then several of the pop up bars, local bars, taverns, ice cream kiosks have all slowly moved onto the beach not only making it look a mess but also upsetting the turtles and stopping the enjoyment of visitors and residents of what should be a bit of a Cypriot showpiece.

Well, according to the newspaper all of these constructions and seating areas which have been erected without the appropriate permission are to be removed.  But, we must not jump the gun on this, let’s wait and see.  Siga siga as they say.

I have finally given up on the housework front.  We had a very good Mrs Moo who was with us for about 15 months but, unfortunately, when the virus arrived we had to let  her go from the point that she also cleaned holiday villas and other houses, and to avoid infection we just could not risk it.

Our new lady starts this week and we are keeping our fingers crossed.  

Having been out of action for over two weeks, and the garden crew unable to come one week the garden was looking a bit shabby.  But, they arrived last Thursday and as if by magic the garden was transformed into its paradise.  Irrigation is now tweaked and everything is coming along splendidly.  I have roses which I never thought would bloom again.  Mr D got our first lot of spring onions yesterday, the herb garden is in full flow and chilli3s are to be harvested this week end.

Daisy Dog has her groomer coming on Tuesday, much to her relief, even though her dog sitter brushed her out about 10 days ago.  Poor thing.

All my bumps and bruises have healed, just the wrists to get scanned now and should be good to go.  Really not a good thing to do at my age. Must try harder.

See you all soon and thanks to those who read my musings,

Battered and bruised - Part two

 Hi folks

Here we are touching on nearly a week since my fall. Some bruises going, going some gone and new ones appearing.  Good old witch hazel.

My fall fades into insignificance after the most almighty fire on Cyprus over the weekend where people’s houses have been damaged and destroyed and the tragic loss of life of the four young men in what must have been unthinkably terrifying for them in the last moments of their lives.

Communities have donated an outstanding amount of everything for people and this is now being sorted and, I believe, distributed.  Having lost belongings in a fire some years ago you can never replace those things, but I found that by taking a deep breath I could carry on.  I so hope these people will find the strength from some where.

I try not to be controversial on my blog but under the circumstances it would be good for everyone if a moment was taken before that firework was let off, that lit cigarette was thrown out of a moving car window, great care was taken with the must have BBQ to name but a few.

We were disappointed by the announcement from the government at the beginning of the weekend that after what they said they were going to do in our eyes it really amounted to not a lot and we still feel very vulnerable regarding being infected by COVID, even though we have both been vaccinated.  What is the point?

On a more positive note I found out with the help of some local residents about a new(ish) shop in Polis, which is a rather smart home furnishing shop.  Having looked at their website I think I would need to save my pennies before visiting, but have seen a super wall clock which I have been keeping my eyes open for years.  Wedding anniversary in a couple of months, maybe we could treat ourselves.

Here’s hoping.

x

Potential hazard

 Wednesday 30 June

Sometimes things just don’t turn out the way you expect!

That is what is happening to us a lot lately .  Last week I had to have a blood test for the cardiologist to look at.  Due to circumstances brought about, once again, by the language barrier we some times come up against it was all to late.

Never mind, I will phone the cardiologist and explain and see if I could change my appointment to save a wasted journey to Paphos.

No problem, got my new date.  What I didn’t realise was it was a day before Mr D had his appointment, again in Paphos.  Ok, why don’t you ring him and see if we can change it to the same day.

No reply on the phone so an email was duly sent.  No reply received so we carried on with plan B, which included taking one of our garden parasols back for a a replacement and, once again, plan a trip to the butcher.

On the day of my appointment Mr D received a reply agreeing to changing his appointment  to 5.30 on the same date as my appointment. A bit inconvenient but we would work it out.

At the  12th hour I contacted our dog sitter to see if by chance she was free.  No, I’m not surprised.  She is a gem and has to run a tight ship.

Ok, Daisy dog was duly walked and with fresh water and food in her house was quite comfy.

We set off for my appointment and arrived in plenty of time.  All good news from the doctor and at the same time she was able to issue a new repeat prescription for me for another matter.  I am in the middle of changing one of my doctors and can’t get to see the new one until December 1st.

This is all going very well, I thought.

We came out of the clinic and had loads of time before the next appointment, even with our trip to parasols shop and butchers, so we decided to get some lunch and a cold drink at a cafe we know near the immigration office.

We drove off and I was dropped off around the corner to the coffee shop and Mr D went off to park the car.

This is when the day got really bad.  I realised I had left my mask in the car and started to walk along to see if I could find where it was parked.  Mr D had said did I want to take my walking stick and I said no - big mistake.

I caught my toe on a cracked pavement and went FLYING flat on my face.  What a mess, having screamed for Martin a young man jumped out of his car to help and another man appeared from a house.  Martin thought I had been hit by the car.

Blood, lost a tooth (which had been loose for ages) could not get up, even with help, the mans wife arrived with water and kitchen roll to mop up.  I managed to turn to a sitting position and burnt my bum in the pavement.  Eventually they managed to get me to a standing position.  

The lady wanted to phone an ambulance but Mr D said it was ok he would drive me to the hospital.  We walked/staggering back to the car.  Thank god we decided not to go to Paphos hospital, which is on a par to a butchers shop, but phoned our doctor and they said go there and they would sort me out.

Also there was the sorting out of the other appointment which was done in a flash.  Sometimes I bless the health system here.

We got to our doctors clinic where the nurse cleaned and patched me up.  Not a pretty site. Above  right eye, under chin where my chain had stabbed me, lip where tooth had stuck in, two wrists which I hoped to god I had not broken them since I have osteoporosis , nose, check, big toe.  I think that about covers it.

The nurse was not happy about the chin in case it needed stitches so said she wanted us to return later to see the doctors.  We went backabout 8.30 and the doctor look. Four X rays later he decided knees were ok but i did have a hairline fracture on the left wrist.

I was bandaged up and sent home with instructions on dos and don’t s.

I woke up this morning having had a fairly good nights sleep, but a bit wobbly and sore.

Mr D had been awake much of the night so is having a well earned snooze.

Everything is on hold for the moment and look forward to feeling more like myself.

Oh, and the next Mr D says do you want to take your stick, the correct answer is YES!

Shopping trip and other things

 Sunday 27th June

Summer solstice has been and gone in a flash with the usual hooha over entry to Stonehenge.  I don’t really understand what it is about but would imagine it is similar to being locked out of church at Easter in Cyprus.

Summer arrived in our garden this week which called for me to take a dip (or two) in our pool.  Absolutely wonderful.  Got myself a new noodle and fit to go.

Speaking of new things I did get my long promised trip to a clothes shop in the village along the coast to us.  Latchi (Latsi) has a small harbour where men leave their toys, variety of small to quite substantial.  Also pleasure boats run tours but without holiday makers must have been hit hard .

Anyway, back to my shopping.  Kiki s has everything.  After a pleasant half an hour or so I came away with four outfits, a new purse and a super new leather belt for Mr D, who had been looking for one for ages.

This is the same shop where I bought my walking stick a couple of years ago, so it just goes to show I don’t have to rush down to Paphos for anything.

The dresses/outfits are just up my street. Cool, loose fitting, long line.  I am thrilled.

We had the opportunity of stopping off twice this week for the “cheeky  pint” in old haunts.  One place had moved premises and we were impressed with the ambiance of the new place.  Lots of space and a sea view.  Our waitress was friendly, happy to serve us and obviously enjoyed her job.  They also sell real ale, which Mr D is particularly partial to.  I can see another visit soon, but I don’t think either of us  want to go back to how we were prior to lock down with going out five days out of seven.  We actually enjoy being at home!

I managed to get Daisy dog booked in with her groomer, but she has to wait until July 20th!  Meanwhile we will have to keep going at home.  She is shedding her coat and will be much cooler after a proper groom.

Things are going well on the health front which makes life so much easier.

I continue to get odds and ends for the garden with grasses being the latest addition.  I have decided they need larger pots and will collect them in the next day or so.

Not quite sure what is happening with our local butcher, who was a big hit when he first opened.  Now there seems to be very little stock, no deli counter or any of the goodies he had before.  Even the mince beef does not look as dark and rich as before.  As a result we are going to revert to Kolios in Paphos for a really good range and the stay with the local supermarket for chicken and sausages.  

Meanwhile, the bakery next door to the butcher is expanding their business and virtually rebuilding the shop.  All very strange.  Time will tell.

I am very pleased with last month’s/this months viewing figures, which led me to thinking where do viewers come from and what do they think.  There is an option to leave a comment by going to the end of the blog and click on the no comment button. That will open up the space for you to leave your thoughts, or maybe just the town where you live.  All just for fun. 

And the next project will be ……

 Hi everyone,  it has been a little over a month since I blogged since May was fairly full on and jumps and downs,  but we are out of the woods now and staying positive about everything.

The garden now has a working irrigation system which has made a terrific difference and just in time for the hot weather.  The plants are already looking better but the cats can’t work out why they keep getting wet!

Well, I started this blog a few days ago when I was interrupted by runty cat - Jaz - who came hobling home crying and a front leg about twice its normal size!  Poor Jaz,  we got our rather old cat carrier but she did not want to get in it.  Finally wrapped her in a towel and got her secure, much to her loud complaining .  We got to the vet who said it was a fairly bad snake bite (the third one she has had).  After a couple of injections and armed with some antibiotics we made the journey home.

We decided we had to get a new carrier that we could be sure was secure.  

After a long, long sleep she was quite perky the next morning so no need for a return to vet.

So what with Daisy the dog having grass up her nose and ear infection, Mr D being poorly and recently being in hospital I think we have had our fair share of excitement.  Thank goodness Honey cat is ok and I just carry on as if it is all in a days work.

Plans for the next project in the garden are under way, which will be a small water feature as a memorial to my sister who passed away in 2018.

Irrigation now in place and working great, just adding and tweaking bits and bobs and sit back to enjoy.

The weather has been quite blowing the last week and it has delayed my first dip this year but Mr D has enjoyed several swims, much to the pets amusement.

My daughter recently moved into a larger flat and seems very happy with life, which is all any mum can ask for.  So hope she will be able to get out this year, if Johnson and his cronies can get their act together.

We ventured out for a fabulous lunch last week, first time in getting on for 18 months.  We went to a place called The Farmyard at Kathikas, where we were looked after by the lovely Valentina. So relaxing, good service, brilliant food.  Yummy.

Just going to get some fresh photos and hope you enjoyed the blog

Update on state of plants and flowers

 Hi everyone,  it has been a while but for good reason!  Eye op, all went well.  And, 70th birthday.  Not so brilliant as Mr D was very unwell.  But on the upside my daughter is going to try and make it and has promised me a 70th take two when she gets here.

In the meanwhile here are some pics to show off how far the garden is coming. 

 Irrigation should be next!

Our fab upcycled garden table, mosaic by a very clever lady….

Overloaded raised bed… brimming with all sorts. Beetroots, spring onion, carrots, red peppers…

Garden peas and runner beans.  A bit battered by the wind but coming along…

More squashes and tomatoes.  I have found some interesting recipes for the squashes…

Oh, and a pre-birthday drink. Cheers.

Some of the herbs. A work in progress.

Norman the Gnome keeping watch.

Over spill, maybe another raised bed next year!

Jaz being coy…

Daisy, who had her claws clipped this morning, next will be shampoo and groom..

Lastly, chilliest… not my favourite but a must have…

See you all soon. Thanks for dropping by.