“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Tuesday 25 March 2014

Spring Watch at my place

Yoohoo...I'm here!
I've been missing and I'm hoping that you've been devastated missed me because I certainly missed you.
Quite a few things just took over last week and I couldn't fit blogging in (gasp) 
I know, it shocked me too because I normally can manage that no matter what, but I now realise that I'm not superhuman and can't do everything which has come as a blow. 
But I won't give in...I'm hoping I can catch up in the next few days. 
(I stopped by the roadside to take this blossom photo...it just made me smile) 
There was a little trip to Glasgow for a few days and last weekend McMuffy became ill. She's okay now thankfully but I was really quite worried about her at the time. 
She's normally so healthy it came as a surprise and not one I'd like to repeat. 
We haven't had any positive diagnosis other than a possible stomach upset, but it was really quite scary to see her so unwell. 
(Twisted/Corkscrew Hazel Tree in our garden...looking beautiful at any time of year)
So where are we? 
Well I'm pleased to report that we seem to be getting a little of the house back as each day passes. The amount of dust sheets covering everything has diminished, although I have to say some of them were as useful as a teabag...the dust just seemed to go right through. 


(I've kept this photo deliberately small...basically because it's such a mess) 

Who would have guessed that choosing a new external front door could take up so much time and cause so much anxiety. I wanted our new door to make a statement and for me to instantly fall in love with it, like I have done with the new windows, but unfortunately that hasn't happened.  
I'm pleased with the windows, in fact I couldn't be more pleased...but the front door is another story and has been a real challenge...one I haven't won...yet. 
I'm so nervous of making a mistake in my choice...for the second time! 
Yes, I've already picked one, had it made, paid for it and had it installed but I hate don't like it. 
The poor builders face when he enthusiastically asked with a beaming smile..."well what do you think?" suddenly took a downward turn when I just crinkled my nose and shrugged my shoulders. I tried to like it, honestly I did, but it just wasn't meant to be. 
I couldn't put my finger on what was wrong initially other than the colour stain of the wood, but if you're like me you know what you like and what you don't - instantly. 
We've now worked it out that the dimensions weren't correct. 
Glass to wood ratio wasn't what I wanted. 
It's unfortunate that I didn't see the door before we made the final choice and I know that sounds crazy but we didn't. Don't ask me how this happened because even on reflection I really don't know. Maybe it was the sales rep and builders enthusiasm that swept me away. Statements like "it'll be stunning" etc may have persuaded me but I should have insisted on seeing the stain and a photo or at least a drawing of the door first...and so back to the drawing board to choose another. 
I think I'm getting there...fingers crossed.
I've certainly learnt from this experience though. 


(Hellebore...a sure sign spring is here)
Yesterday I escaped for a few hours into the garden.
 I'm a little worried that its going to burst into life and leave me behind. 
There is so much to do so if/when the sun shines...I'm out there! 
I planted some new plants into a border which was delightful until the sun dipped down and I felt that chilly wind blow. I then decided enough was enough and it was time to call it a day. I enjoyed a much needed cuppa whilst looking back and assessing my handy work. Don't you just love that? Enjoying a much needed cuppa and looking back over your work. The border is still not finished so I'll not show it to you just yet. 
I also put some potatoes into a sack to grow. I've done this before and been surprised how successful this method can be (see here). 
I'd have liked to put them into an allocated raised bed but unfortunately we are way off starting the veg plot. There's talk of a little digger coming (the mechanical kind) to help so we may get to it but there again...who knows? 


(Blue Anemone)
Have you seen this feather before? 
I can't remember if I've mentioned or shown it to you before. 
It's amazing because I noticed it when we first arrived back here in July. It was clinging to a branch of the rust tree. Can you believe that it's still clinging on seven months later? 
It's managed to stay there even with all the elements throwing everything at it. 
I'm wondering just how long it will stay?
Now that's staying power through all forms of adversity. 

Maybe there's a lesson there for us all. 

Just to let you know that I'm trying to visit everyone and I know I haven't replied to all the lovely emails and comments that I've received but I hopefully will.
Enjoy your week and like the feather if its tough for whatever reason...hang on in there...I'm sure it'll get better.
https://secure.quebles.com/content/hotmail/emoticons/1508618.gif
psst....still no lambs 

18 comments:

  1. You know what you like and what you don't instantly....... Yep i'm like that too.... :) And heaven forbid if i don't like it because i probably won't 'learn' to like it..... And yes its wonderful to sit down with a cup of coffee if its cold or a glass of iced tea if its hot and survey all your hard work... Its one of the reasons i love deadheading petunias.... I just love it. It doesn't take long or much brain power and it instantly in a very short time makes everything look beautiful! Hugs! deb

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    1. Oh I love petunias Deb...I can't wait for them to appear. I think it's amazing how they die right back over winter but then suddenly pop up and then the best bit...the flower appears ahhh ;D
      I'm about to head out into the garden again today because it is just a fantastic spring day. Glorious sunshine (as long as I stay in it) and there's plants waiting to be planted.
      Enjoy your day too whatever you have planned. I hope the sun shines for you.

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  2. Hi what a lovely post and thanks so much for sharing your beautiful photos and good luck with all of your renovations. Have a wonderful week.
    Julie at Julie's Lifesyle

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    1. Thanks Julie...there's lots happening today but I console myself with the thought that each day we move nearer to the end of the renovations and will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy what's been done ;D
      Thanks for stopping by...have a great week

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  3. settling into a new home leaves us with so many choices, its over whelming, we could all learn a lesson from that feather, I hope your sweet little pup is never ill again, I know full well the worry of a sick pet, its very difficult!

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    1. I do feel overwhelmed on a regular basis Laurie, but I take a deep breath and carry on...maybe that's why I have an affinity with the feather? ;D
      Muffy is fine today thanks...we've just had a beautiful walk through the woods and she was back to her old self ^..^
      I hope you're settling in well and will be able to enjoy your walks soon.
      Take care xoxo

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  4. Oh my! The Girls and I send warm snugly hugs to McMuffy. And hope she is feeling much better. Not doing any posting and only a bit of visiting myself these days. Life is demanding all of my attention and energy. Love your Spring pics! We have been chilly and wet, so unspring like for us. Once the workmen are gone bet the house will seem empty and you won't know what to do. ;)

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    1. Aww thanks Nan (not forgetting the girls) but thankfully McMuffy is back to her old self once again. It took from Friday until yesterday for her to recover and I was really worried about her. It's at times like that that you realise just how much these little bundles of fluff have taken a huge chunk of your heart! ^..^
      We've just come home from a woodland walk, which both of us enjoyed. The day started with frosticles and fog (-4 degrees) but then it lifted and the sun has shone ever since. Hopefully your weather will improve soon.

      As I'm typing this Nan, I have four workmen sitting around the kitchen table having their lunch break. Let me think....will I miss them? Hmm...?
      Maybe I'd better plead the fifth amendment on the grounds that my answer might incriminate me, especially if they read this ;D
      Have a wonderful week and don't worry about not visiting me...I certainly know how difficult it is to find the time to do all that we'd like to.
      Stay cosy and spring will come to you...I'm sure of it.
      xoxo

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  5. Glad you are back in blogland although with all you have going on in your life right now I'm surprised you have time to blog at all. Happy to know McMuffy is doing well. Scary when our furry friends are ill. Enjoy your bit of spring in the garden and here's hoping the next door is absolutely perfect.

    Darla

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    1. I sometimes wonder how I manage to blog too Darla,
      I have lots of posts that I'd like to write but have to restrict myself in order to juggle the plates and keep a little of everything in the air! ;D
      It was a little scary having McMuffy look so sad and obviously in pain. It's just a thought that we need to appreciate each day to the max that she's with us, so hence our walk through the woods this morning. It was fantastic.
      The birdsong was really quite deafening...plus a deer was peeking at us peeking at him. Just so privileged to indulge in such a day.
      I'm off out into the garden next (onto the next spinning plate) to plant up some more plants that need a new home. It'll be lovely because the sun is shining full onto that border, so I'll be warm too :D

      I'm SURE the next front door will be perfect...it's got to be because it will be staying!
      Have a wonderful week and it's great having you pop by...thanks.
      xoxo

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  6. Fantastic photos!! That feather is amazing. As for the door.... nothing worse than having to look at a door you hate every single day. Keep looking for the perfect one. Give McMuffy a rub for me....glad she is better.

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    1. Glad you like my springiness ;D
      Yep...we're all feeling full of the joys today...MCMuffy too ^..^
      Thankfully I don't have to look at the door very often but I know it's there, so it will have to go and soon.
      I think I'm getting there with my final choice...basically because I want to end this drama.
      Just imagine what fun it'll be once I start on a design for our sun/garden/conservatory room.
      McMuffy says thanks for the tummy rub...she loves that ^..^
      Have a great week and thanks for stopping by.
      xoxo

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  7. I feel your door troubles... Nothing worse than wrong proportions... But I do love the photos of the flowers... Just stunning... Glad spring is emerging and that you are slowly getting your house back... And that muffs is on the mend... Mushu sends a get well snuffle and lick...xx

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    1. Yep...everything is progressing well at the moment Tracey,
      It'll be great to get that front door sorted though.
      Mushu's snuffle and lick did the trick because Muffy is much better now thanks ^..^
      I hope you're enjoying your Sunday
      xoxo

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  8. You can't really totally blame yourself (other than not insisting on seeing what they were talking about) because they picked the door and stain and proportions out--not you. This time it will be what you like. And I do think you will know it when you see it.

    I don't remember seeing the feather, but that is so cool that it is still there!

    So sorry about Muffy!!! I really hope all is well and everything will be fine from now on. It is so awful to see them so sick and miserable. I'm glad things are better now.

    Looks like the windows will be done soon! Hurray!! You can finally feel you have your place and your time back. Except to searching for the "right" door. You'll know it. Don't settle. ;) And did miss you! :)

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    1. Aww bless you for missing me Rita,
      There was so much going on at the time of the crucial decisions on the front door, but I am annoyed that I didn't slow everything down and insist on checking everything through first.
      But we learn from our mistakes (just unfortunate that its an expensive mistake!)

      The feather is still there...it's really incredible what conditions it has endured but stuck in there.
      Muffy is well now...or I'm assuming she is by the amount of chicken that she's demanding. She's working the cute sympathy technique..."I've been ill and I need to build up my strength now" ^..^
      The windows are in and done...whoohoo!
      I'm not sure that the builders will disappear any time soon because there's still lots of jobs on the to-do list!
      I hope you're enjoying your Sunday and I apologise it's taken me so long to reply to you. xoxo

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  9. Beautiful photos Nessie, so professional. I love Gelebores, think it's the way they hide their faces from you and make you get down to see them. Sorry McMuffy has not been well but glad he is OK now. It's is a worry when they are ill, Sorrel was very poorly last year when we were on our way to a holiday. She was sick multiple times overnight and felt very sorry for her. Ended up searching for a vet in mid-Wales who was wonderful and sorted her out. Don't you wish they could talk and tell you how they feel.

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    1. Oops Ann, I'm so late replying to your lovely comment but there's so much football being watched in this house at the moment, that I'm sure to catch up with everyone soon.
      Thanks for your praise of my photos. It's great to get feedback especially when it's so positive.
      I'm not so sure I'd like McMuffy to talk...I dread to think what she'd say!
      But I must admit it would be a help when she's not feeling 100%.
      It is such a worry when they're not well, but thankfully she seems to be okay now.
      I hope you're enjoying your weekend.
      Thanks for visiting my place and I'll pop across to you as soon as I've caught up with my replies ;D
      xoxo

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