February Gold

Hello friends.

Again, the rain clouds and dull weather have been hanging around in this small corner for most of the week. Wherever you are, I hope the rain has only been an inconvenience and not a disaster. I know some areas suffer badly with flooding. I am thinking of you all.

After the beautiful colours of the amaryllis last week, I have been looking for more sunny flower colours.

I'm looking forward to seeing the first daffodils in my garden, but they are still hiding underground, having only sent up bright green shoots so far. They are obviously waiting for drier weather before they burst into flower. 

"Daffodil" is the common name for bulbs in the narcissus family. They can flower from mid-February to May, so planting several varieties means enjoying them for longer. Their colours can range from pure white through lemons and yellows to apricots and oranges, with a few pinks in between. They can be early or late flowering, single or several stems and short or tall. Such a choice! 

My favourite is 'February Gold' because it can flower very early. I also like 'Cheerfulness' just for the name, as well as the creamy white double flowers and scent. Do you have a favourite?

While I am waiting for the first of these bulbs to brighten the garden, I have started a small cross stitch to remind me of the sunny colours to come. I am using a random mix of yellows and oranges to make the flower heads and will link them together with some green stems.

Most of the week has again been indoors, where we have started decorating the front half of the living room. We spend a lot of time in this space, and it was impossible to remove all the furniture for the time needed to complete all the work. Instead, we are working on one wall at a time and moving furniture out of the way. So far, the plan is working, and we have a wall completed. On the far right of the photo, you can see the original colours, complete with the dado rail. Next week, we tackle the bay. 

Next week, the weather is looking predictably wet again, but there may yet be a few dry spots in between. Who knows!

Whatever your plans, stay safe and well, and enjoy the week wherever you are.

B x

Which Would You Prefer - Sweet or Savoury?

Hello friends.

Monday started a lot more watery than I would have liked. I had checked the weather forecast, which suggested dry weather until tea time. Trying to stay ahead of the game, I put the washing machine on with the plan of getting it all dry by the afternoon. When I went to check that the cycle had finished, I was greeted by a swimming pool's worth of water all over the floor from a leaking machine. 

Aaah! 

Not what I had in mind. 

I mopped up the mess and checked the filter, which seemed fine. I did a further rinse cycle, and everything was fine. Fortunately, the washing machine is located in the garage, which is lower than the rest of the house; otherwise, it could have been much worse. Must have been the washing machine gremlin at work that day.

Still, the sun was shining and I had super clean washing to peg out. Halfway along the line, the sun vanished, and the heavens opened - mad dash to get everything back inside again. By the end of the day, everything was dry, but I didn't feel the urge to wash clothes for the next few days.

The rest of the week has been very pleasant and chilled out for us. D has been unwinding from the stresses of work and enjoying her freedom, which of course has involved baking. Her first baking of the holidays was triple chocolate muffins. By the time you read this, undoubtedly they will all be gone.

Friday morning, D was again playing in the kitchen, but this time making a savoury delight for our taste buds. There were cheese and bacon muffins, and they were so delicious. I think they may make a return for breakfast on some mornings!

After enjoying all this wonderful baking, my husband and I have started a project that has long been overdue - redecorating our living room. As the space is quite large, we are attempting to do the work in two halves. At the far end of the room, we have stripped the paper from the walls and at least now we can see the bare plaster and anything that needs repairing. I'm sure hubby will enjoy painting walls and laying laminate floors in the early days of his retirement. I will keep you posted on the progress.

D and I both hope you have a great week ahead, whatever your plans may be. Meanwhile, we will be counting down to our holiday together in August.

Take care 

B and D x