POTTING UP PLANTS

Yay! We’ve had our first two half days of real warm summery weather. Yesterday the temperatures rose from about lunchtime. I beetled off to a garden centre to find some interesting outdoor plant pots.  Two that took my fancy were really meant for hanging on a wall. I had other plans  One was quite like a Roman amphora.

Flowers very late this year, weeds and grass growing vigorously

The pots were planted up and left to adjust to their new surroundings overnight. These plants looked quite settled and hopefully,  are raring to grow.

This morning I was busy and  also for a large part of this afternoon.  By mid afternoon clouds obscured summer skies, but, it remained warm though very, very windy. It’s sods law isn’t it. The neighbour’s sheep were sheared today, when the shearers had finished the temperature dropped. Then it rained!
 
I nipped out to snap pictures quickly in a bit of a rain lull. This container appears to lean forward, which, perhaps is what it might do anyway, if it were attached to a wall. The raindrops show up well  :)



Westerly winds are really blowing the ‘Million Bells’ plant to one side. I hope it will take firm root, spread and trail over the sides of the pot, if the weather gives it half a chance.  Should the winds persist, I might have to think about moving the plant pot to a more protected spot.  At present the pot is quite high up and resting against a wall. 

BRIGHTNESS IN SHORT BURSTS

By three forty five this afternoon it was pitch black. I was glad of the little town's seasonal decorative lights twinkling and spitting out their sparkles. Nevertheless, it was hard not to feel the deep gloom of a dark Winter, the very short days and the long dark nights.

When the Arctic snows came, (I hear we're due to have more very soon, not that I wish it) the sky gleamed with sunshine on many clear frosted days. The sharp glittering whiteness of the snowy reflections also added additional light to our very few hours of day. There are very many dis-benefits to the snowy weather patterns we experienced. Exceptionally, because of our Northern latitude with its low-light short days, we benefit from increased levels of brightness because of the snow. The raised light levels improve moods, people who have seasonal affective disorders can be great beneficiaries while the snow brightness lasts. 

The little bit of repartee this afternoon with another customer in the bakery, had more than a grain of truth in it. We were of one mind, that if it wasn't time for a good cup of coffee, we'd resort to a nip of Whisky to liven us up a bit.

DECEMBER DOINGS

The very best way to post about my December, thus far,is in Pictures.

The snow fell and fell in quantity. The garden remained pristine and the Leyandii were adorned in a thick white coat.




This bird became a regular visitor, with others, to the feeding post we provided.



Our other neighbour, the farmer took feed to his livestock as the snow prevented the sheep from being able to feed on grass. The feed was grown on the farm, then baled by the farmer just a couple of months ago. (It has been a difficult growing year because of low temperatures).



Last Friday the 3rd December 2010, There was a buzz around the town.



we were 'invaded' by marauding Vikings who appeared out of the misty swirl of lights.


The fire torches suddenly lit up the dark night.


The fire torch light procession stopped at the Viking Boat which was to be 'sacrificed' to the flames.



The next day, the 4th December was the town's annual fun day, when many local shops put on a bit of a show and/or offer a small discount on purchases for the day. 

A local pharmacy was 'boarded' and led by a pirate in full dress who did throw me a dastardly glare while I collected my photographic evidence of his take-over.


However, out at the front of house, a more genteel customer service was being offered by Minnie Mouse and Dorothy (from The Wizard of Oz).



Meantime, in the menswear shop could it have been Drusilla I espied?



In the Gift wares/Do-It-Yourself store, Robin Hood and his merry men were busy. I was served by a buxom Friar Tuck, in the gift department, who was keeping the rest of Robin's band under surveillance. In the DIY department, I discovered Maid Marian, Robin's amour, all on her own. 


She was very obliging.


The story of Robin Hood and his 'merrinesses' will never be the same again!