I enjoyed this book, lots of twists, book 30 of this year.
Another new author to me, another crime detective book, this is the first of three books with the same DCI, there are loads of other books with different DCI's. I have already started the second book.
It was my turn to bake, this Victoria Sandwich with buttercream and jam filling has far too many calories per slice, but it taste great. When I moan I have not lost any weight, please refer me back to this post.
We went for a walk last night, along the water front, but to another different spot, I have been taking loads of photo's, I have a new phone with a stunning camera, this photo is brilliant with the details captured. Looking towards Portsmouth naval base, with HMS Queen Elizabeth and The Spinnaker Tower behind.
All the pots from this area has been sorted, cleaned and packed away until later this year, when I will get spring bulbs and replant. The compost bag has used compost in, soon I will have more bags and a trip to the tip will be required. No signs of growth on my gooseberry plant, large black pot, which is a shame, I need to decide if I get another plant, hubby does love them, but I'm not successful in growing them. The garden waste bag lives in this area
I have not knitted or done any crochet, I am enjoying reading, I am in the garden more, I have moved more soil from the bed in the greenhouse, I have added loads to the outside raised bed, the photo above shows the bed before I added soil. When we built the inside bed, we got loads of local topsoil, so I am re-using as much as I can, I have filled a couple of tubs to mix with manure and pop on my side beds, I am sifting it all to remove any of the bigger stones and any roots, the vine weed roots are huge and everywhere, but I am careful and ensuring I get them all out.
I have been off par for the duration of lock down, I think we all are, I did one post 'Bored at home', but the more I think about it, I'm not bored I'm sad, being at home with hubby, is not enough, to have a balanced happy life we need family and friends and not on video calls, we need to be together, touching, laughing and relaxing.
Daughter drove to our house with Will and George on Monday, they did not get out of the car, and with the windows opened only a tiny bit we were able to chat and see the boys, they have both changed so much, it was the best 30 minutes for ages.
We are walking every day, some days twice, looking for different places to mix up the views, I have no desire to go shopping, it's been years since I was on the consumer round about, I'm not interested in owning the latest 'thing'. These days we do get things off the internet, delivered to our door, often because they are the best price, if you don't mind waiting for delivery, we do use the local shops in our village, if we want them to survive we have to spend our money there.
The only place I like to visit is a garden center, well a nursery, some place where they love and care for plants, we have a couple places local, plus a modern one which sells everything you could need with a small plant section on the side, these 3 places I have missed as April and May is garden planning time, looking for plants to fill that empty gap.
So whilst we all take steps to return to our own normal world, I like millions of others wait until the time I can mix with family and friends, it's the simple things in life which truly make us happy.
I truly hope we learn from this experience and have never to repeat it, but sadly the history of the human race shows differently.
It's mental health awareness week, not something I have thought about much, growing up with a mum who words were, 'pull your socks up and get on with it' that's what I have always done and luckily this is the 1st time in my life I feel any wobble, so I am listening to all the 'be kind to yourself' messages.
I got rid of my gooseberry bush as I got fed up with the sawfly stripping the leaves every year, it was just so much trouble watching out for them and trying to deal with them before they became a nuisance, we were never successful. The thing which is annoying me through the lockdown is that people are flouting the rules. We're not seeing our loved ones and sticking to social distancing guidelines but so many are not. Our 70+ year old neighbours have family round all the time, more often than when we're not in lockdown. We went to Temple Newsam for a walk yesterday and it was packed. There were members of different families out together and people weren't bothering to even try to step out of the way as they passed by. Needless to say, we didn't stay long. We've got another bank holiday coming up with fine weather forecast, I can't see the rules being adhered to then.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading more books off my shelves this year, although i'm not reading anymore at this time than I usually would. I think this lockdown is making everyone a little down, I haven't been shopping in about 3 weeks but will have to go at some point in the next few days, I'm dreading it as i know there will be more people out and about, but I need to go and get things for my mum too so no choice. We are still seeing our grandchildren, albeit only in the garden, we are not coming into contact with them or picking them up and we stay a safe distance, It's so hard though isn't it when you can't kiss or hug them, I do wonder what it's doing to their little minds living like this. I was rather shocked when I saw the other day that my sister in law was still picking her grandchildren up, made me just a little bit angry actually, I had to bite my tongue. We have to believe we are doing the right thing though, fingers crossed there are enough of us doing the right thing to make a difference. Take care
ReplyDeleteIt is really hard not having physical contact with our nearest and dearest. NZ has relaxed its rules enough now, that we can visit with each other if we keep our groups small. I visited family yesterday but everyone was asking if I "hugged" before welcoming me. I guess some people still don't want (or are to scared to have) that actual contact with another person.
ReplyDeleteI have been feeling down the last 6 days. Cabin fever has set in and in missing family now. I know everything they've been up too but it's still not the same as actually being with them.
ReplyDeleteWow what a cake, ummmm yes calories but worth it? Loved your choice of books too.
ReplyDeleteFully understand what you are saying Marlene about being sad. I'm feeling that way so much this past week. I am getting angry too, everyone is out and they seem to be not taking care, and i'm still shielding at home, no outings at all, 69 days and counting. A walk round the garden is just not good enough but I know I have to do it ... doesn't help! My granddaughter and daughter stood at the top of the driveway this afternoon and even though we laughed and chatted for a very short time, she floored me when she shouted 'nanny I am missing you so much' and then proceeded to tell me she would come again next Tuesday with some cake for us as it is her birthday the first time since I was there at her birth that I wont be able to hug her on her special day. You are right that facetime calls even though valuable are not reaching the heart like a {hug} does. Be strong, I keep telling myself and like you am listening to mental awareness things this week to try and jump out of the flump.
ReplyDeleteSending a {hug} to you x
Your cake looks scrumptious. I love a Victoria sandwich! I’ve got to top up one of my raised beds with soil and compost. I was planning to do it yesterday, but it was so windy!
ReplyDeleteI think there are so many of us who are feeling a bit sad now. I must admit my spirits raised last Saturday when I sat on a very quiet beach. But my feelings have now changed to feeling a bit angry with some people. In Devon and Cornwall now, due to the fantastic weather, there are stacks and stacks of camper vans that have descended on us. There are no public toilets available for them, so they’re ‘making do’ elsewhere! The Police are telling some to go back where they came from, but they are overwhelmed by the number they’re having to deal with. We have a Nightingale hospital being built in Exeter and everyone has been saying what a waste, as our numbers have been low in the South West...........perhaps it will ending up being needed.
My family home is in Somerset and my family too are worried about the number of people heading their way, the beaches are already much busier than they should be. They are all avoiding all the beauty spots, trying to stay in their own village.
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