2020: Week 5 and 6...

29th January:

As always, can't concentrate on one project at a time! Found this pattern whilst hunting for something else so decided to give it a go. Have never crocheted anything to wear other than scarves and gloves. First few rows, my impression is that it makes up quite quickly but not sure it has the softness of knitted fabric. Going to keep going though, we'll see!

30th January:

Another photo gap. This is harder than it should be! Some days I look around and just don't feel that inspired by anything I see.

31st January:

Beautiful skies as I arrive at work today. 

1st February:

Pretty little iris in my courtyard garden. I have crocuses and snowdrops and these tiny splashes of blue. Little injections of colour into dreary winter days.

2nd-4th February:

Oops. These passed by me in a blur...

5th February:

A quiet space in our department for patients and their families who need time to talk, think or just take a breath before heading back out to the world. Functional but long overdue and so badly needed.

6th February:

Oh dear. Not doing very well this week.

7th February:

After having a bit of a moan about a string of meeting invitations without a clear purpose (I hate meetings for meetings sake!) a friend sent me this...which made me chuckle.

8th February:

Nope - no photos today either...

9th February:

On the day the storm hit, I can't help wondering what on earth is going on with the climate. I have spring bulbs in flower, there is blossom coming on the tree outside my window and the geranium and lobelia in this pot have flowered all winter...

I am resolving to do even more of my bit for the environment.

Week 7, I need to try harder with the photos - there must be something each day that interests, amuses  or pleases me!

S x 

Thinking of Mum...

Today the sun shone, at least for some of the day. It was the sort of day my Mum would have pottered in the garden saying 'there's always something to do!'. I am struggling to see her beautiful garden beginning to fade. I know this time of year every garden looks a bit drab but the last 6 months have seen the weeds creeping across the borders and made me realise just how hard Mum worked to keep it all in check, even just a few weeks before she died. So today I headed over there and spent a few hours tackling the worst of the grass and dandelions that were choking the perennials and rose bushes. 

Several hours later...

There are crocuses and snowdrops in swathes. Make the few scattered flowers in my little patch of courtyard look paltry!

Mum always wanted a pond. I think she had the idea she would be able to relax beside it and watch a range of wildlife. It was a sort of work in progress for years and then last year it finally got almost to the way she wanted it. The edging never got finished and this winter we didn't get around to netting it but the water is clear and last summer we had newts and lots of water bugs. Cleared as much of the leaves and weed from it as I could and hope the plants all grow again this year. Just wish she could see it. 

One last look back at the sun sending ling shadows before heading home...

I miss Mum more than I thought was possible. Make the most of those moments with your loved ones. Laugh together and encourage the generation above to tell stories. There is so much more I wish I knew that I didn't know to ask about. I have lots of good memories but the sadness at times is overwhelming. This garden is just not the same without her presence in it.

Sx