MOTIVATION AND GOOD VIBRATIONS

 Well, I did not need much to motivate me to get rid of a pile of ironing. It is wet, really wet outside. What makes it bearable is, the Meteorological map showed that most of us in the U.K have got the same, though not as cold :

Excess Of Rainfall

but .......yesterday we had an unexpected break in weather scene, it was dry with bright skies. We thought we were in for a full week of rain in its various forms. I made the most of the sunshine and afternoon warmth. So much so, I forgot an appointment with our very good local podiatrist.  Two hours later, abjectly apologetic, I paid the amount required for the missed appointment. She made me feel better by thanking me for being so prompt.  A little bit of me feels guilty, but, if I am honest, enjoying the sunshine and warmth was worth it.

Yesterday's Garden Visitor

Sun and warmth are irregular events where I live, they have therefore, become  precious commodities. In my other life, I would never have viewed either as any kind of commodity because sun and warmth went together like a horse and carriage. There were stable seasons. I could turn off the heating for about four months.

 Blue Cockerel Trafalgar Square - London

There was warm spring weather; hot summers and pleasant autumns, also, Indian summers. I really liked that seasonal close. The air was balmy with pleasant temperatures, there was a slowing down of nature. Most people had a last gasp for the year wearing their bright lightweight clothes.  In all those months of the year, there was always the assurance of some enjoyable weather when  you had time off, to either potter in a garden, potter on a balcony, or, with pots on windowsills.  You could walk in open spaces, like parks. It was possible to flop into deckchairs, buy an ice-cream, be decadent with a candy floss. People stood or sat outside cafes and bars.  It is and was another world.

In my present life, the seasons merge; there is a long winter, which merges with a kind of spring. You dress warmly for it. Then maybe a summer/autumn arrives. It is difficult to know when to wear many layers, or, just a couple. Wind chill can catch you out.  Do I wear a cardigan or a lightweight jacket, or, a warm coat? Like the farmers, I study the weather forecasts and check them daily, sometimes, several times a day. 

It is late May now and the weather has not  significantly warmed up, (8 degrees Celsius if we're lucky today). Earlier this month I bought some pert and pretty coloured pansies and planted them in garden pots, just to introduce a bit of colour. I'm not sure they'll thrive, they have signs of wind burn.

Kelpie

With the unexpected warm weather day yesterday, I unpacked my new pink gardening hand tools, ( a gift). I did not want to waste time looking for rakes and spades. I got on with some gardening. It might be my only suitable gardening day for some time. I attacked the clumps of grass growing where they were not meant to be, pulled up all sorts of weeds while trying to avoid self-seeded seedlings;  that was a bit of a fiddle. I discovered some new plants growing, my Primulas are increasing in number. I think the groups of pointed, purple tinged leaves might be the Alliums that did not show last year.  Bluebells will flower soon, the Euphorbia planted last year has doubled its branches at the end of which, are fabulous fiery flowers.  My Lupins have prolifically reproduced and the Crocosomia leaves look strong. Yay!
  

Primula Candelabra Developing