Happenings

Joining in with Annie.

Some happenings from my week.

Celebrating  - Samuel's 18th birthday. It was a very low key affair. He didn't want any fuss or bother. Sam doesn't like the full glare of attention at times like these. We are all a bit like that here. He let Olly open his presents; some clothes, books and chocolate from us. His present proper happens in September, when his Dad and I take him to New York (it's a belated 40th for me too). It was a quiet day, as Sam still revised. But we picked up a chippy tea, drove in Betty to Godrevy and spent the evening there. We wandered over beach and headland, played Frisbee, squabbled a bit (about blowing out candles appropriately), collected beach treasures and laughed. I think that he had a nice time.

Marvelling - This morning as I drew back the blinds in the conservatory, I was greeted by the wonderful sight of my nesting Blackbird pair and their three babies on the grass. The babies are nearly fully grown, but still carry fluff and fat. They were herded under cover of the edges of the garden, and Dad hopped about collecting tasty morsels for his brood. I guess they must nearly be ready to fly the nest. It was quite a privilege to stand there with my cup of tea and observe another family go about their daily business.

Counting - eight different types of butterflies on a recent walk, including a Wall Brown. I've never seen one before, and I had to look it up on my butterfly app. I am happy to be corrected, but I think that I'm right. Apparently they are in decline, and generally only found in coastal areas. He was a lovely thing.

Planting - at least eighty Cosmos seedlings in the garden. The first twenty were eaten over-night by the wretched snail population of my garden. I have resorted to slug pellets. Animal friendly. Snail exterminators. Olly is appalled.

Admiring - the foxgloves in the garden. I have been the lucky recipient of self-seeding loveliness from next door. I've counted over twenty of them growing away. And now I'm being rewarded with spires of bell shaped flowers. Pink on the outside, speckled on the inside. It brings me untold joy.

Eating - too many nice things.Birthday cake, the best ever take-away curry, quiche, potato salad, bacon sandwiches, fish and chips. My lower sized jeans are protesting. I shall makes amends directly. Promise.

Leaving- the housework well alone. I top and tail. No more. Frankly there's no point when everyone are on holiday. Mum was visiting for the weekend, and as usual did all my ironing. I guess I'll have to resume that from tomorrow.

Receiving - a beautiful bowl. Mum and I went for coffee at a gallery and tea room on the back road to Penzance. Not only does it make a great cup of coffee, it also showcases and sells the wares of local craftspeople. I admired this particular bowl, and she bought it for me. I protested of course. But actually I loved being spoiled by my Mum!

Smelling - the vanilla scented Nemesia (edit). I bought it last year.It's doubled in size since then, and every now and again there is a sensuous aroma of vanilla. I would very much like some more of this plant. I'm on the hunt when the boys return to school.


Life here is good. Lots of other happenings. Marc is now the proud owner of a flat in Poole. It means that he has a decent place to come home to when he comes home from a days work. I'm going up soon to prettify it for him (and me. Obvs). It means that we can go up and visit him there and have adventures in another part of this amazing country. And CT, I shall be taking you up on the offer of a meet and greet very soon!

Have a lovely week, my friends,

Leanne xx