Blog-a-long April 2007, Three Wishes

I really don't think I can do this...... three wishes........ that there were no genetic terminal illnesses (in other words that children wouldn't be born with a terminal illness before they've even had a chance to live), that everyone who wanted a child could have one, that everyone always gets to say goodbye to the ones they love...... the list could be endless.....

But it's not going to happen, and at the risk of being an almighty spoilsport, it just makes me maudlin to think of it.

You can't change what life is, so I just have one wish, that everyone makes the best of every day. That someone somewhere will make each one of you smile every day, and that smile will come from your heart and warm your soul.

Friends again...

Well you can't stay cross with something this cute can you???

And she even let me brush her teeth!

Yesterday we had lots of cuddles whilst laying out in the sun together - I was reading the 6th Harry Potter book (in readiness for the new one because I couldn't remember what happened) and Spot was dreaming of chicken casserole. When I came in (some 4 hours later) I had lovely sunburnt arms and a t-shirt mark!! - Who'd have thought it was the middle of April, it's normally snowing! It must be said that I am still a little sore and bruised from the tumble (had to laugh at the comments - Yes Jacquie I'm really pleased no-one saw, which was undoubtedly my main concern...... and Terri, tripping over a Spaniel is one thing.. tripping over a Great Dane would be a whole different ball game!), but hope to be supple enough by tomorrow to carry on with the training, as I'm finding it hard to get past 10 minutes, and think if I miss a couple more days I'll end up going backwards!

In the greenhouse things are also aware of the warm weather. The runner beans and sweetcorn are both really growing well and will really have to be put outside soon as they're too big for their pots already. I know we may yet have some frost, but if we do, then I'll just have to start more - I've got plenty of seeds, so it won't be too much of a catastrophe.

The chickens are generally laying an egg each a day, with the odd day off for resting! So all is well in that part of my garden too.

A question for any gardeners out there - Does anyone know of a way to erradicate ants? They have nested in the middle of my new raised veg plot (grr) so I don't want to use powder or chemicals..... anyone got any bright ideas, 'cos last year I lost most of my runner beans to the little blighters (they don't half eat a lot!!)

Well have a lovely Sunday all....

Spot is in the doghouse!!!

We have just returned from our walk/jog, and Spot has been relegated to another room! - She tripped me up!!!! - while I was running!!!! - and I landed in brambles and have a grazed knee (I haven't had a grazed knee since I was about 12!!) Grrrrrr , bloomin' dogs!! (and No it's not funny!!!! - well OK probably if you had seen it it would have been!!!!!)

Some Knitting.....

Just in case you think I've forgotten how..... and also in the hope that acknowledging it will spur me on a bit..... here is the almost finished Sahara. The photo isn't doing any justice to the colour at all, which is a dusty pink chenille, I'll try to get one in daylight in the next day or two.

and here is a little something else I've been having fun with - but I've worked out that my eyesight isn't what it used to be!!!!!

**Newsflash**

Piglottie's wonderful handmade cards have gone on sale today (see post dated 16th April as I don't seem to be able to link to it individually), all proceeds to go to the Rainbow Trust Childrens' Charity care of the Purple Princess!! - They are only on sale until 22 April, and are limited to 50, so get your skates on and go have a look!!!!!

***UPDATE**** Now staying on sale to keep raising funds for this amazing charity.

The Culprit!!!

Thought he'd be bigger the amount he's eating out of the greenhouse!!!! - But maybe he's feeding a family of 257!!!!!! - Brazen little thing! - I was sitting not 3 ft away knitting, having spent this morning cutting the grass. Thought I could hear a little rustling, and lo and behold a visitor! - Spot didn't even notice!!!! - I came in and got my camera, and still he was there, checking out the new grass cutting to see if he could find any tit bits! - Still might keep him out the greenhouse for a night or two!

With thanks to Ruth and Mick

I started reading 3 of Ruth's blogs at the end of last year. Me, My Life, My Garden is a blog about Ruth and Mick's garden, Ruth's Shoots which is a blog of gardening tips and There are a Million Stories in the Naked City which is a "no holds barred" blog/diary of Ruth's life as a wife, carer, mother and grandmother through Mick's illness.

I believe the greatest gift I can give to you and Mick this weekend, Ruth, is a photo of a greenhouse, which you have inspired me to fill with seedlings of flowers and veggies.

You are an inspiration to me, and I only hope and pray that I can tackle life with a fraction of your humour, strength, energy and love. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

If anyone wants to support Ruth through this weekend, take a look at her Easter Egg Hunt....... there are only 4 days left, but you can join in any time. Ruth is one of three contributers to the hunt..... but there are also recipes, jokes, and Easter fun and frolics. The reason they are doing it is that they hope you will have so much fun there that you will donate just £2 for the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre..... just £2 - better for the waistline than a chocolate egg and cheaper too!

Spot Says.....

"It's a bit big for a new bed Mum....."














".......And, where's the comfy fluffy bit for my chin??????"

You clever lot!

Anyone who said a raised veggie bed was right! - Although the chicken gymasium and stilts did sounds like great fun.

Here is the first - 10ft across by 6ft front to back. - I need to fill it in a bit more! This will be for the longer staying veg, the onions, carrots, leeks, swede, cabbage and purple broccoli (and anything else I've forgotten! or have room for!). There will be another bed further up the garden soon which will be 8ft x 5 (ish) and will hold the three sisters planting of sweetcorn, beans and squash. I still need to find room for tomatoes and courgette. hmmmmmm!!!!!

Knitting is on hold pending return of some enthusiasm! - I have one sleeve left to do on Sahara, and STILL the armholes to finish on the sleeveless rogue!!! (I know i've had them since Christmas - please don't anyone comment!) I haven't even knitted any socks this month :( Still I'm enjoying the garden, and you can't do all of it all of the time! (needless to say housework is still bottom of the list! and consequently not being done at all!!!!)