Laced Flowering Cherry

It was raining earlier but despite the dull weather I thought I could see a glimpse of sunshine breaking through the clouds. With a bit of luck, we will be able to drink our iced lemon tea on the table under the parasol. "Hi, Virginia, so lovely to see you!  Hope you found your way - without much trouble.  I thought we might have iced lemon tea at the table with the parasol. Is that all right with you? Do help yourself to some home-made fresh cream scones and the cookies in the jar. Feel free to have a wander, I'll be with you in a short while." 

Later...

"I am so pleased you phoned to say you would come. You look wonderful in your long floating dress, it's very pretty. Silk is it?"..." I thought so! Pink suits you so well. Your sandals are very smart, such an unusual colour but Virginia they look fabulous with your dress! I hope you will excuse me in my casuals but when it is hot and I'm at home, I prefer shorts, vest and sand-shoes. "How is your iced lemon tea?"..."It is so refreshing on a day like today."... "I beg your pardon?"..." Oh, of course, I will take you for a walk around the garden. (I do hope she has something flat to put on her feet. I wouldn't like her to spoil those beautiful sandals.) ... "Sorry, you were saying?"..."  Oh, you thought you could hear music!"

The rustle of leaves, blow so gently in the breeze,

The sun shines down, from high above,
It sends its dappled rays, between the branches and the haze, 

As the limbs sway to and fro,
 And the water from the fountain sprays below.

"I often sit and listen to the sound of my garden.  It is amazing what one hears when one’s mind is

calm. Would you like another biscuit before we go?  They're quite yummy, Please help yourself! I believe you entered the secret garden from the south entrance, last time.  I thought perhaps we could walk by the North Gate from the court-yard. Then we would go immediately into herb garden and later into the rose garden.  Both gardens are quite unique in their own way but the herb garden is full of colour and delights! Would you like to take a look?"..." Good!!

"I'm so glad you have brought some flat shoes with you, I thought you might fall and twist your ankle." Now let me see, cast your eyes to the right and along the walls, we have the most delicious Espalier Pears and Victoria Plums." Apparently, it is a little early for the fruit but there is plenty blossom so hopefully the bees will be busy. Along the borders edge we have the traditional Buxus sempervirens hedging. Can you smell curry? That is Helichrysum Italicum, it has a strong aroma but I love its foliage! In the centre of the garden surrounded by the small hedging we have the usual herbs Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Fennel, Basil and other herbs.  I planted Rocket and Sorrel on the edge here. Don't you just love the radish taste of the Rocket and the lemon taste of the Sorrel? I believe the citrus flavour of the Sorrel improves the taste of the salad. Well I think so!  You will see fennel in other areas of our herbaceous borders too, it blends nicely among other flowers. 

This gate on the right leads to the main garden but I would like you to see this garden first and then the rose garden. If we have time I'll take you into the main area."..."  Yes! As you say, there are indeed, so many different textures and colours. Let us continue round to the other side and you will smell the fragrance of mixed herbs."..." Yes, that is honeysuckle over the arch seat."..." Oh, thank you your so kind,... I do love my garden.  Let us go through this gateway covered with the Hops and continue into the rose garden."... "Yes, they can be made into beer but I doubt if we'll manage to get enough to make our own!"  

"There are some very old roses here, some of which range back to well before we arrived. They were in a poor condition and it is only in the last two years that we have cultivated them to standard  they are today. This one is Gertrude Jekyll, it's small buds look like scrolls which open into large pink rosette shaped flowers and have the sweetest fragrance. It is a climber and a lovely colour cerise pink. You will come across some rose shrubs like it throughout the garden.  The one on your right is Rosa Albertine, This climber like Gertrude Jekyll is much paler pink in comparison with a strong perfume. We have Felipe Kiftsgate which is a very robust rambler and a very prickly rose. Due to its prolific growth the one we have is growing through an old established Japanese Prunus serrulata (Flowering Cherry). It is a spectacular sight to see with its trusses of creamy white flowers cascading down through the branches and a delicate perfume filling the air on a summers evening.. It also means we have flowers from the tree twice a year instead of once in the springtime. The small roses in the centre are Hybrid Tea roses with standard roses in between which are also very pretty. I much prefer the Old English varieties but it is always good to keep up-to-date with the roses on the market."

"I am afraid I have run out of time. I am so sorry!  Perhaps you would  like to come by another time? When we can have a glass of Elderflower water and I'll show you a little more of the garden!"

KREATIV BLOGGER AWARDS

                     Designed by KATIE O'SULLIVAN

I know I have completed my post for random facts regarding both  My Lovely Blogger Award and Kreativ Blogger but it wasn't until now that I realised they are actually separate. So I have decided to give this Kreativ Blogger Award by Kate O'Sullivan the credit it is due together with seven random facts  also.

So here they are albeit a little shorter than before.

• Although I'm blonde in the profile picture my hair is now actually dark with highlights which is my natural colour.
• My eyes are hazel and my skin is quite brown due to being out in the elements.
• I wear contact lenses but when writing I sometimes wear plus twos as well.
• I enjoy reading and -writing my blog and would like to write my own book at some point. I I'm working hard to become a good blogger. I  enjoy reading but the book must have me gripping my seat with a twist in it. I have recently read Jim Browns latest Novel BOOM!! Which was awesome.
• I was a bit over weight about nine months ago but now I'm slim to medium build Which I do prefer.
• My favourite colours are green, pink, deep blues, Creams and greys except yellow and browns sadly - I don't suit yellows and browns.
• I am a great one despite all my efforts for arriving late, I don't like to be late for anything

Well these are my seven random facts which give you a little information about me. To be honest, I feel this post is perhaps the way I should  go and avoid getting to intense. Well thank you for popping by and reading my post. The people I have nominated for this Lovely Kreative Award are as follows:-

Denise Mitchell http://www.cupcakesandcadenzas.com/
Bob Scotney - Bob Scotney
Shannon King - Shannon King
Mooderino - http://moodywriting.blogspot.co.uk/
Mama Diaries -http://sherryellis.blogspot.co.uk/
L Diane Wolfe - L Diane Wolfe

Keith's Pride

"Alfie"

Isn't it strange when one particular situation can turn your life and everyone else's lives upside down.

Let me explain. Since moving south, I brought my daughters horse with me which has involved keeping him at livery. The yard where he stays is absolutely perfect. The horses all get on well together and it is a beautifully run yard with lots of good amenities. The owners Glenda and Keith are the ideal animal lovers and treat each horse with a calm relaxing attitude. Glenda is a keen horse woman, whilst Keith is a little wary of them but is a keener boatman.  Although Keith had a fear of horses when I first met them, I was pleased to learn that he and Alf gelled completely. Alf would head-butt Keith and Keith would punch him back. It grew into a regular game between them and over time Keith grew braver and  no-one else was allowed to do him.. Keith told me on a few occasions that Alf was his pride and joy. Well you can imagine his surprise look when I told him Alf's registered racing name - can't you, "Keith's Pride" Over the past four years Alf has become so chilled and has put on loads of condition. He had everyone bar one person wrapped around his hoof and everyone loved his character - who wouldn't have!

A few days ago I received a phone call from Glenda advising me that Alf was in great form, unfortunately however we have some bad news. Your thoughts of course are, "well if my horse is okay, then what on earth could be bad." Then she told me,  apparently the Equestrian Centre had been sold. They buyer wants it  as a private yard. The Equestrian Centre has been on the market for a number of years and since the recession, very few people were buying. I guess it was at the back of our minds but one tends to over look these things after awhile - don't we?. Suddenly everyone is in a mad panic to re-home their horses.

Alf won't be so easy to re-home, sadly. He is terribly insecure and worries when he is with no-one he knows. Some people would think he was crazy for he can't bear hanging around to be cleaned up and expects everything to be done ten minutes ago. However he is lovely to ride once you get him tacked up and your on top, then he is in his element.. One Christmas we did dressage to music, the run up to the big day was great fun and he absolutely loved it. His biggest problem is that he hates change and wants everyone to love him. He was twenty-one this year but he was a leap year foaly, so does that actually make him  just over five? He has the mentality of a five years old. One person  who wasn't so keen on him reckoned if he was human he would be on Valium. Alfie is a typical thoroughbred but we love him and I like everyone else  am now looking for the perfect home.

If you have any comments or have your own erotic horse I'd love to hear your views. Until then Thanks for stopping by. 

Baskets and Troughs

Today I am planting up my baskets and planters. I know your probably all saying I'm late but today is the first chance I have had since I have returned to Natural Twigs n Spices.

Just the other day, I came across two extra containers and baskets. I myself, prefer wrought iron containers as I like to fill them with lots of moss. I recalled seeing moss which was left over from Christmas, so I thought I would use it. I set to work and in no time at all the baskets and planters were lined.  


Next was a layer of cellophane or polythene to help contain the moisture therefore avoiding the container or basket from drying out. I snip the polythene to allow excess water to escape. I then filled each basket with a compost mixture. This year I have cheated and purchased  a 60 litre bag of compost. Previously I have always made my own.








I then covered the baskets to retain the moisture until I am ready to add the plants.
Having left over night to settle, I prepare my planting material.

Today the sun was shining so I pushed on with the planting. A few weeks ago I purchased a number of basket and container plants which included Fuchsia upright and trailing, Verbena,  Bacopa, Nepeta, trailing Lobelia and Suffinias of various colours and I have mixed them through.

I hope they will look as pretty as my other baskets which I have done in the past. I have some plants left over which I shall find homes in and around the garden alternatively I may give them to a friend. 

It is beginning to warm up outside, they are hanging in the greenhouse waiting for the weather to settle and frost to subside.

Seven Random Facts About Me

I would like to say thanks to Siv Maria. for this  Lovely and Kreative award and I love it. However I must continue circulating it throughout the land of blog which of course means I must share Seven random facts about myself and then pass these awards onto other blogger's. The awards were designed by two lovely ladies, with beautiful personalities. I  hope I can do the award justice and to include any random facts that may make you smile. So here's "looking at you all!" 

• Well I'm not sure if I'm very random these days, although perhaps I should leave it for you to decide. Some years ago I decided to do things for me instead of everyone else. I have a desire to cure my tremor. This is not perhaps the medicinal way of curing the problem but it's my theory and I shall leave it for you to ponder on whether you think it's a good one or not! 

• For my 50th birthday, I decided I would try everything I had never done, at least once. I have always been interested in living on the edge and I am very competitive once I have the hang of it. The first experience was to fly a glider which I did and loved. The second was to zip-wire off the Tyne Bridge, this one I have yet to carry though. Most of all I have a desire to para-glide on my own.. I just cant wait for the thrill. My friends and family think I'm bonkers!

• As I love being outdoors, I'm at my happiest when out visiting friends, riding my beautiful thoroughbred grey horse Alfie. Neither of us are spring chickens but we both enjoy a good power stroll through the forestry. Once a year we parade fully plaited and turned out looking frightfully smart for our five minute jaunt at Christmas time where  show everyone how stiff we both are to the melody of "Here Comes Santa Claus," its Alf's high light of the year and if he is happy then I am too!

• I look after my father, as well as taking orders, making bouquets and delivering them. Writing my blog post, keeping my website up-to-date.  Riding, teaching, healing, and  the usual chores. However, when the"sun his hat on," I'm off with the work clothes and on with the shorts, jump into the car, shades on and head to the beach". To the wide open spaces, the ocean and golden sand and me. At that time of the day either, "No-one will have surfaced or they will have all gone! That's my idea of peace and most importantly "freedom" together with Cream and the music;  Dance floor is like the sea, Ceiling is the sky. You're the sun and as you shine on me,  I feel free, I feel free, I feel free.                                  Lyrics by Jack Bruce

• When I was younger I loved my job and ended up giving every minute I had to it, eventually becoming its slave. I worked long unsociable hours and the years passed me by. I had my family I miscarried my first, a little sadness on my part there. Later my daughter arrived. My marriage dissolved so I ended  struggling to bring her up on my own. Now I look at my daughter and I'm so proud of her, she has accomplished all the things I'd want her to. It would be lovely if she met a nice man to give me some grandchildren.

• I love socialising, going out for meals with friends and occasionally a handsome gent but that doesn't happen very often. I'm not a red meat fan. I love fish which is my main diet. I love all fruit and vegetables and can eat fish raw or cooked, I'm easy. I like All types of food provided its not swimming in grease, Hot and spicy, Cantonese, Chinese, Italian and Indian is good too.  I love good full bodied red wine Merlot which is my favourite but white is okay on occasion too. Champagne is delicious but I'm not rich enough to drink that very often - sadly!

• I love all types of music, "Smooth" music, BBC 3 Classical FM and radio BBC 4, Where would we all be with out them. and still do but I have found I'm becoming more fond of Radio four. Is that a sign I'm getting old, do you think. I love listening to a good story on radio four. If all else fails I read a book. Although recently I tend to live sleep and drink on the Internet and in that order.

Thank you funny and beautiful  Siv Maria for these lovely awards. Please make sure to check out Siv's blogs post, with her interesting fairy stories from Norway and visit Judy Garland with her magic red shoes.  Also the  LOVELY MELYNDA and CREATIVE KATIE O'SULLIVAN  together with their great blogs. Here are my picks for random exposure, no pressure feel free to use them as you wish.

These are the blogs I think are creative.

Denise Mitchell - Cupcakes and Cadenzas
Tracy Jo - http://www.366randomacts.org/

Bob Scotney - Bob Scotney
Shannon King - Shannon King
Mooderino - http://moodywriting.blogspot.co.uk/
Mama Diaries -http://sherryellis.blogspot.co.uk/
L Diane Wolfe - L Diane Wolfe

My Reflections!

April 30 2012, the April Blog Challenge came to an end.

My theme was Cambodia although I wont say it was an easy theme. I am happy to say that it was both enjoyable and it took me back down memory lane. Due to the different themes which were chosen not everyone would have managed to complete every letter  but we all gave it our best shot. Cambodia seemed to be the one thought that sprung to mind when I first signed up to the Challenge. Not sure what I was getting into I went along with the theme.

I enjoyed the researching of each letter, it certainly gave me something to get my head into and I met some of the most  delightful people at the same time. Which made it so much more worthwhile. Since the start I have covered everything from flying experiences to travelling in junks, visiting temples, finding information on birds, animal, fish and reptiles most of which turned out to be endangered or red listed.

I appreciate that Cambodia is not everyone's cup of tea. This has been a first time I have ever applied myself to writing regularly every day since I was at college. It has been very good for me, as like many of you, I am inclined to procrastinate. Whilst on the challenge I have worked my way through so much more than I would have done in a normal day. From here on in, I am hoping to write and post each day with new topics and planning each of my days as though the challenge is still running. I would certainly pick a theme again for 2013 if I am still around. There were some interesting story posts. which I thoroughly enjoyed reading

So let us all pop open a bottle of Champagne, Wine or Sparkling water and whatever your tipple and pour ourselves a glass of whatever appeals and let us raise our glasses.;-

To our Hosts
Thank them for making the April 2012 Blog Challenge so enjoyable, and thank them for all their hard work.
Let us also raise our glasses and thank every one who joined in for all of their support and guidance and Last but not least

"3 Cheers" to everyone including ourselves and a big pat on the back for all our hard work. 

" HIP, HIP, HOORAY! HIP, HIP, HOORAY! HIP, HIP, HOORAY!!! " 

Oh and before I go. 

Sorry I'm four days late but doc say's I will be in bed for at least another five days!! 

Sorry!!!

Sick Bay

Hi everybody, sorry I haven't been around since Monday to read all your posts but I was mowed over by a virus. I have managed to switch on the laptop today, first time this week and I'm looking forward to reading your posts on Monday when I return.  Congratulations to everybody on making it through your A-Z.See you Monday! 




 Jenni   x