Gardens. Travel. Life.

Posted on November 16, 2022November 18, 2022 by happyretiredblog · 4 Comments

Travels around Spain ~ Bilbao

We have been planning our trips away , together with various events for the next 6 months. Well you have more time in retirement and after nearly 7 years I might just have it down to a fine art. Although these days there are more doctor, dental and hospital visits to work around.

But Ian has hatched a plan. Instead of travelling direct to Malaga as we normally do we will travel via somewhere else in Spain. He has planned a number of places all meticulously researched and each with a reason to visit. There is so much to see and do in Spain and it gives us a taster for places where we may want to spend a little longer. But. Not longer than 90 days obviously. Don’t get me started on that. Just as I retired freedom of movement gets restricted. For everyone. But as my father said don’t get bogged down in discussion of sex, politics and religion. It’s a bottomless pit.

Sex, politics and religion together you’ll never get back. Not even if you shout ~ I’m a celibate get me out of here.

November is the first new style trip and guess what. There are a few photos and a bit of a blog. Ian likes to get to the airport a week before the flight so early starts are nothing new. Everything looks quiet when you are getting the 5,30am train from Peckham Rye to Gatwick. I’d normally feel like everyone’s grandfather travelling at peak travel time.

The men all have trousers that just don’t quite touch their shoes _ ankle flappers ~ beards., Beanies and headphones. I can’t quite bring myself to wear trousers that short. My mother would say ‘ what’s wrong with those trousers. Best you put some jam on your shoes and invite them down for tea’. Normally the station is a great people watching place. Not today. I’d have to either look at Ian or in the mirror and I didn’t want to start a row with either. Not this early on.

The airport was quiet too. Through security. With the usual body scan. I’m convinced they just don’t believe the body concealed under these baggy clothes is mine. That I’m hiding the cash bags from the great train robbery under my jumper. Less six pack washboard stomach. More washing machine and tumble dryer thrown in for good measure. But stopped I am as usual. Nothing to declare.

Oh. I haven’t mentioned. Bilbao if your interested. If not then best stop now because there will be pictures. A bit of a ramble. A mumble and the obligatory spelling mistake. Why Bilbao? Because Ian wants to and we can fly direct. Plus the added bounds of great food. Fabulous Guggenheim and plenty of walking. No hire cars but great public transport. Two tips. Comfortable shoes. Buy a Barik card for travel.

My first thoughts as we fly over the Baltic Sea into Bilbao? It’s green. Compared to flying into Malaga. It’s lush. I suspect because the rain is torrential. The flight into landing was wobbly. Just as well I woke up 30 mins before landing. I had only slept for most of the flight. Tip. Be prepared. Rain. Wind. Glorious sun. All within an hour.

The bus into the city was. Fast. Very fast. And all for €3. ( you can’t get a Barik until you are at a metro); And a spectacular view of the Guggenheim as the bus hurtled over the bridge Opened in 1997 ( the museum. Not the bridge) it is a stunning piece of work by the Canadian ~ American architect Frank Gehry. I didn’t realise that the building is featured in a James Bond film ~ The world is not enough. But to be fair it’s not a Bond film I remember. Or the theme tune. I’ve also read that Mariah Cary used various locations at the museum for her video Sweetheart. I’ve just had a look. Maybe I’ll just have to copy some of the poses in the video. And mime. I didn’t.

This is a view taken from the summit of Mount Artxanda. Reached by cable car which took longer to find the entrance that getting to Bilbao. I exaggerate. But once you know where it is it’s easy. But it’s worth it. Tip. Don’t walk up!

Back to The Guggenheim. Our first afternoon was spent getting our bearings. That and sheltering from hideous rain which came in from nowhere. We had walked down to the museum and as we arrived the heavens opened. Cats and dogs. But not before I got a photo of the outside and of the giant spider first seen in the turbine hall at Tate Modern. I remember it from back then but I think it’s positioning here is more spectacular. And just a little bit creepy. I don’t know if they were blowing dry ice or whether it was mist coming in. But it looked great. Well the couple ( not us) taking a wet selfie were enjoying themselves. Going back two,days later I can confirm it’s dry Ice. Also best to get a picture in the rain. It’s quieter.

We dragged ourselves back to our Airbnb to dry out ~ be very Spanish and have a siesta and then headed back out for yet another walk. The light of the day had gone and the Museum took on another appearance. I think it’s my favourite one and the photo was taken from the other side of the river. From this angle the building to me looks like a large ocean liner. Very beautiful. Elegant and majestic. And shiny.

I love the riverside walks when the lights are on and there are shadows. The walk there and back was great. And dry. The bridge we had crossed earlier in the day looked spectacular earlier but somehow the lights make it look beautiful. Maybe I’ll adorn myself with lights.

The day looks very different. But there again I suspect I look better in the dark. That’s not a request for people to agree.

The bridge I mentioned coming in from the airport runs along the side of the Guggenheim and again at night the lights make it look pretty spectacular. I hope they have energy saving lights!

The whole walk there and back at night was spectacular. Obviously the locals love the walk as well as every other person was out walking their dogs. Or maybe because the afternoon weather was so hideous.

We had been recommended to eat at the Plaza Nueva which is a short hop skip and a jump from the Airbnb. A beautiful plaza with some fabulous places to eat around it. The small bars and small places to eat are filled with locals. And a few tourists getting quizzical over the choice of pintxos. Not a commercial chain of coffee shops and pizzas to be seen. Thankfully.

I love how these city’s have the fabulous plaza. Madrid. Salamanca are two I like a lot. The Plaza; Neoclassical in style was built in 1821.

Is this what they mean by green energy! Bilbao tram runs over the greenest grass I’ve seen and it’s real. I went back and checked. The trams run around the side Guggenheim through trees and over grass and it’s a pretty cool sight. Although without my glasses on and no sign of a tram I would have walked across the grass not knowing that there were tracks.

We took the metro to get to the funicular railway and this is the carriage. Modern. Clean. Bright and looking great. This line was quiet Norman Foster was commissioned in 1997 to design stations for a new extension and they are awesome. The entrances ~ glass tunnels take you down to the stations. The curved structures are known locally as Fosteritos. The stations are airy. Light and spacious. They are a joy to,use. And whilst I know many people don’t think wearing a face mask makes the slightest bit of difference, in Spain you are obliged to wear a mask whilst on public transport. And people travelling on public transport here are all compliant. Me. I find it comforting.

I am surprised at how many Unesco World Heritage sites there are and how varied they are too. Spain has 49 sites and one is here in the Basque country ~ The Vizcaya bridge. It’s a transporter bridge and the worlds oldest, having been built in 1893. It transports both vehicles and foot passengers across the river. Bilbao was a major exporter of iron and the structure was the first of its kind to use a combination of iron and new steel,cables. The carriage is called a gondola ~ no idea why. ~ no serenading from me in a stripey top and a funny hat _ and carries six cars and a load of pedestrians. There is also a lift to the upper platform where you can walk across. Sadly [not] today was too windy. I think I would have had issues. Major issues.

I don’t remember this one being opened but I do remember the opening of the Severn bridge. The first one. I was still in short trousers and it was a major event. The bridge. Not the trousers. Growing up I remember having to get the ferry across or drive the long way round to get to Bristol or down to the coast. In high season the queues were bonkers. Although years later the naive new driver that was me would panic at breaking down on the bridge. There were signs that said if you broke down there would be charges of £25 min. I thought that it was a charge per minute. Not the minimum charge. I held my breath every time I crossed the bridge. But I did wear my commemorative badge for the opening. I’m not sure if it came from TWW. ~ Television Wales and West where a neighbour worked. Probably along with my Tufty club badge.

It was pretty windy down by the unesco heritage site but we managed a bit of a wander but to be honest after yesterdays marathon all I wanted was to get back toto base and have a cuppa tea & cake. Marathon? 25,000 steps.

There were some interesting buildings. The Town Hall. An old multi coloured train station. All shut up but we didn’t venture up into the side streets.

They like painted houses here. Talk of multi coloured swap shop and it’s not all Farrow and Ball or Little Greene either. Other options are availabl. Well I don’t recognise the colours if they are. I could probably repaint them all,with the sample pots we have in our cellar.

There was the odd bit of black and white along the river which is a stark but welcome contrast to the colourful houses.

Thursday was supposed to be a wet day but it wasn’t we had planned to go to the Guggenheim so we did. It amazes me just how cheap the entry to the museums and places of interest are in Spain. But Ian said it was a bit much for me to have time enter an upstairs window if I got the reduced price for a senior. What bugged me more is that they didn’t seemed surprised,

The structure is fabulous and the inside spaces amazing. Lots of steel; glass and shiny surfaces. But it’s incredibly light and airy and never feels too busy. Like a lot of museums I don’t get all of the art or sculptures but I’m sure I am not alone in that.

I liked these ~ an exhibition called masking identities. An interesting collection. Big. Bright and interesting. Not so the next painting which I just don’t get. No doubt someone will. But it’s not me.

Yep. That’s it. I stood and looked for a while. And looked. And looked. But still I don’t get it. I’m sure one of my artist friends will enlighten me. But I still won’t get it.

Have I said I like tulips? This was a great creation ~ a bouquet of multicolour balloon flowers. 2 metres tall and 5 metres across. These were part of the Jeff Koons celebration series from 1994. I loved them. I think I will put a blog with just photos o many to put here.

I suspect you’ve had enough by now. I have so the rest will be in part 2. Till then it’s an exit from the Guggenheim and a snack.

Posted on October 23, 2021November 11, 2021 by happyretiredblog · 2 Comments

Hola ~ Back again.

We didn’t manage to get back to Casa Verano Eterno for a year. Now we are on trip number two. The flight was busier. Epic fail on our part booking around half term ~ why would we book in school holidays when we don’t have to. Checks diary for future trips.

Temperature taken on arrival and Spanish entry form QR code checked and we were on our way up the mountain. Not before we made a mental note to make sure our passport was stamped when we leave. Those who know know we don’t go into the pueblo Blanco when we arrive but take a right at the donkey and into the campo. But who could get bored with this view. Not us. Have I said before how much I love this place. Well I’ll say it again. I bloody love this place.

I never lose that feeling opening the gate and walking up the path to the house. It’s the same feeling I had when we walked up the garden path in March 2017. There is always a little trepidation as to how the garden will look. What may have died. What has have opened up. We – as in Spain ~ are pretty desperate for a bit of rain. Its been a long old summer in many ways but in terms of the heat and no rain it’s been endless. I’ve said it before but spending time here has made me think even more about the water we waste. Because we aren’t here full time I’m changing some of the planting to more drought tolerant plants. But to be honest. There are drought tolerant. And there drought tolerant. I’ve lost echiums in this heat. This summer has been exceptionally hot and October has been one of the hottest in years.

Talking of water. I drowned this lime tree two years ago. A real schoolboy error and not one I’ve repeated. Well not so far but I planted it in a pot. Watered it. Left it for a while during the rainy season. It drowned. I hadn’t checked that the pot had drainage. Repotted. Water drainage it was do or die. It didn’t die and is now full of limes. with more to come. There was a benefit of me not being here for 12 months. No seriously over watering of a pot with no drainage. I admit to being a serious overwaterer and I promise to change. As well as planting everything I get as soon as I get them and in labelling better and having a planting plan.

There is blossom on the buddhas hand citron. A really weird citron shaped like ~ well the name gives it away. A buddhas hand. Very little juice. No pith. No. I’m not taking the pith. There isn’t any. Nor pulp. Or seeds. A gorgeous smelling citron whose peel is used in drinks and in candied peel. Not in this house though. After the first flush I’ve struggled to get the fruit to form. Maybe this is the year. Masses of blossom. A few citron forming. So fingers crossed.

I’ve been planting. I call it planting but is it really planting when you use a pick axe. I’m not joking. The photo on the left is a new strelitzia Nicolai that I had bought three weeks ago and now planted in the bed outside the kitchen area window. To add to the largest one In the garden. Which is too tall to photograph. The one on the right is the smaller of the two originals. I bought one last year before we left for our 12 month sabbatical in the Uk ( no corona travel). So then there were three. Roll forward 12 months and there are now 5.

Add a new Strelitzia Reginae ( left pic) and two new clivia ( pic 2) and my planting done. Wrong. There are 4 gaura. 4 creeping Rosemary. 2 lavender. And another clivia. I first had clivia as a house plant 25 years ago. My neighbour and friend in Somerset had a fabulous garden shop called The Potting Shed. It was Clare who introduced me to clivia as house plants. To beautiful orchids and to unusual Cornish bulbs for the Spring garden. Clare moved away but the gardening connection continues ~ as well as her animal sanctuary she produces the fabulous Donkey Gloves. Now in the spring as I walk up the garden path I’m reminded of Clare when the clivia are in full bloom. Oh. And when wearing the orange donkey gloves.

These Strelitzia Nicolai are on the coast at Torrie del Mar. I’m not expecting ours to get this big anytime soon. Ian suitably seated for scale. The biggest problem is that the banana like leaves shred like mad in the wind. Remember we are 620m above sea level. Up a mountain. Which gets pretty windy at times.

At this time of year there are spectacular sunsets. I bore the pants off myself to be fair. The gorgeous colour of the fallen pine needles on the bank take on a gorgeous red at sunset. But make the most of them. Ian and I spent three days clearing the bank and filling a skip of pine needles. Now I know that rhey can be a mulch. But they were so thick nothing was getting through. When it rained the water just ran off. Plus being Senor Paranoid I was worried about fire. There’s always something. Next the worry will be processionary caterpillars. Nasty little blighters they are.

We drove down the wiggly road to Torrie del Mar for a walk along the beach. It’s so different in late October to the main summer months. But Spain marked up its beaches so that people could and did socially distance on the beach. Now the beaches are quiet and people social distance of their own accord.. Can I tell you a secret? In four and a half years we haven’t spent a day on the beach. We have walked along the prom. Paddled in the sea. But have never sat in a deck chair eating sandwiches getting pink bits and looking like a lobster.

We have had a wander around the pueblo Blanco. It’s hard to forget it’s hilly with narrow streets. No it’s not. It is. I get embarrassed when people older than me = yes. There are a few ~ who run past you carrying a weeks shopping whilst I gasp for breath. Looking for an oxygen mask.

A few days later just as halloween was approaching the mists came down and made everything look a bit creepy.

When the mist and clouds come down it really comes down. We get it occasionally and whilst it may look great it’s a nervous drive into town, the first time it happened I was driving the boys and their parents from the pueblo Blanco to home. Boy. You could smell the fear.

We had made huge progress back in September in clearing a lot of the overgrown bits in the garden. We had had some help before we arrived and 4 large dumpy bags were waiting to be taken away. We then filled skip no 1. So we were returning to a better position. I’d had a move around of pots and tables on the terrace and we could now see plants in the borders.

Ignore the tiles. They are looking better now. For now anyway and until they are covered in olives.

When we moved in four and a half years ago ( yes time flies) we had a great lavender path. two years ago I replanted it. Which was a disaster. I lost some in the first year and then Corona hit. Not being there fir 12 months took its toll and in a fit of pique I ripped it all out. To be replaced with creeping rosemary. I planted it in September in haste ( story of my life) but it looks good. Rosemary does so well in this garden and my experience with creeping Rosemary has been good.

One thing that makes me smile are the things growing in the garden that my parents had growing indoors. I think they would find it hilarious. The Swiss cheese plant was a staple growing up along with a rubber plant. I never liked either but the cheese plant in the garden is growing on me. Especially after seeing them in the botanical gardens in Malaga where they were monster monsteras. They were huge. The tradescantia planted by the door ~ my mother had one that was always breaking off . The aspidistra in a bucket by the jacaranda tree. The money plant. I will admit to hoping the monstera would die. But not anymore. It has had a reprieve.

There are a few aeonium dotted around along with plenty of agave. We have lost about 4 of the massive agave ~ which is in keeping with friends and neighbours. I’m not sure what’s affecting them but they just rot from the base. I need to look it up and see why.

There is still some colour and shape in the beds. Not a lot. But some. As soon as we get some rain more comes out. I have freesia over a foot tall. A couple of Allium summer drummer starting their way into their tall growth. All early here but the weather has been mild. All it needs now is some more rain. I have had a good old chop back of a number of things whilst we had the skip. The pomegranate trees are now shedding their leaves. They have grown really tall but in the pruning exercise I found a couple of pomegranates. In four years we have had just the one. The year we aren’t here it looks like there have been 5.

The area at the back of the house was cleared around the almonds. There are 5 almond trees which crop reasonably well. I’ve picked them. Dried them and have never used them. Have you tried cracking almonds.

Adjacent to the almonds we have two Nispero. The leaves are fabulous but I’m not a lover of the fruit. A bit messy and doesn’t travel well. But the blossom is nice until the rain gets on it. Then it’s like mush. Scent is good too. But the leaves are big. And beautiful.

The skip is the last for 2021 the next visit is purely pleasure. Famous last words.

But I’ve bulbs to plant. Please remind me never to buy those small alliums. They will be the death of me. I’d bought 100 Allium Sphaerocephalon (Drumstick Allium) and planted half. I hate small bulbs. It’s a patience thing. Not one of my finer points if I was appraising myself. I love them. But as long as someone else plants them.

I have tulips. Ballerina for pots on the terrace. Freesia for pots. Allies ~ big ones for the borders. But first there are the Somerset pots to plant. I’m losing the plot already.

Posted on October 16, 2025October 21, 2025 by happyretiredblog · 2 Comments

Hola Madrid

Another adventure. This time Madrid. We were last there in 2016 and I remember bits.

Like a Harry Potter look a like and a large Spider-Man in the Plaza Mayor.

Before you comment. No. It’s not me in the spider man outfit. But my memory is hazy regarding the galleries or museums.

Madrid terminal 4 is massive. Add in 4S and it’s bloody massive. Add a journey from 4S to terminal 4 by mini train to passport control up and up the escalators and out to meet our pre booked Uber which never arrives. Typical help from them ~ the discussion was like going round in circle’s for days.

A great start for me and the dodgy legs and back but I managed to get to the public taxi rank where they saw my walking stick and pushed us through. Not literally obviously but I wouldn’t have minded if it meant I could get to sit down.

A 20 minute taxi ride to the hotel through a myriad of small one way streets. Which makes me happy I’m not driving.

For this trip it was a hotel stay. A birthday trip for Ian and all booked and planned by him. A man who likes little fuss for any day let alone a birthday. A house party in France in 2005. A trip to Paris in 2015 and it had to be Spain this year. He does have other birthdays as well.

A fabulous reception area to check in and some of the best staff I have encountered in a long time. You don’t get this in our usual Airbnb.

I had heard that the lifts on one side of the hotel were like mini libraries and indeed they didn’t disappoint. Stuffed with books. It was so beautiful, yet I’m not sure if anyone actually managed to prise a book out to actually read.

On the other side of the reception area was a beautiful tiled wall with the lift doors tiled too. The attention to detail was brilliant.

The streets are so narrow in the old town. One way. Prone to traffic jams ~ but easy to hail a taxi, and noisy at night.

A long walk through the city and at one point Ian was saying his usual mantra. Put your camera away. And put your phone in your pocket. Like every city in the world you are only a few streets away from one you don’t really want to walk through. Not the one above but we were quite close.

Before we left we watched the Michael Portillo series on weekends away on Channel 5. He’d visited Madrid and there were a few places he had suggested which caught our eye. Of course as soon as he mentioned the best place for Churro I made a note. I’m a bit partial to them, usually with sugar but when in Madrid ….

The place had a two queques. One for outside. One for inside. I am not a natural queuer but I hadn’t searched this place out not to partake. We did and we over ordered. The first time ever I have left churros on a plate.

The chocolate was thick and dark and coated the churros perfectly. You can see why it’s still going ~ first opened in 1894.

Day 1 was a visit to The Reina Sofía a museum of 20th century and contemporary art.

Where the Goya the Picasso and Dali were plentiful, as were the visitors. But generally you could get to see the paintings without being bruised by the elbows of over enthusiastic visitors vying for the best place to take photos. Unlike the royal palace later in the week.

We were told to go and see the Guernica at this museum and Goya’s black paintings at The Prado. We did both.

The Guernica was obviously the highlight for many people here. There was always a mass of visitors snapping away. Me included.

I have to say I hadn’t heard of Mallo but I liked what I saw. A lot.

I can’t get my head around some of Dali’s paintings. They often intrigue me but the title of this one intrigued me more.

‘The Great Masturbator’

Another one I liked but at first I missed the blood ~ Man with Wounded head.

Woman at the window ~ very simple and understated.

I think I was Dali’d out by the end of the visit. Other artists were available.

We have seen so many palaces on city vacations that often they merge into one.

We visited this in 2015 but I recall very little. Unusually Ian booked a guided tour which you be honest I was grateful for as we often skipped the queues.

Painted years before the old King abdicated.

Apparently not worn on the king’s head but sits on the chair next to him when needed for ceremonial duties. Sensible really ~ imagine the itch you’d get. I do by just wearing a beanie.

Two sides to the stairway – originally reserved for the men to the left and the women to the right. Or the other way around but whatever it was it was separate sides.

For the business of tourists it was up one side and down the other. Unless you were posing for photographs like a fashion model tossing your hair and pouting. And that was just the men. Then getting miffed when people actually wanted to ascend or descend. I am still amazed how many people still only see the views from their camera as they take a selfie.

A bit formal for the cottage but the upright backs may be good for my dodgy back.

Like all great palaces all that glitter is probably gold leaf. Stunning ceilings, and notan cobweb on sight and no broken light bulbs.

Not an Ikea shade to be found. Beautiful huge crystal chandeliers ~ which always make me think of the scene from Only Fools & horses.

They certainly don’t have a moth problem. The stunning silk drapes with covers to keep the tourists from touching the silk look in perfect order. Live in London and you know a thing or two about moths. Trust me.

You won’t find one of these at a French Brocante. Mirrors upon mirrors, beautiful shapes and huge.

I mentioned the elbow dodging earlier. This was a classic photo opportunity for some. It’s a dining table. Not a famous Stradivarius as in the next room. But I was nearly pushed into the next room by the same man who was desperate to get a photo on the stairs

If asked I would have willing obliged. As I made sure I did for the rest of the tour I made sure I was just in view of his shot ~?but just out of elbow reach. Wanted or not.

I remember this one. Especially the boating lake.

From the Welcoms to Madrid website –

Covering over 125 hectares and comprising more than 15,000 trees, El Retiro Park–recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site–is a green oasis in the heart of the city’

Certainly a breath of fresh air and a lovely walk away from the hustle and bustle.

The highlight of the trip other than Ian’s birthday obviously was the visit to the museo de Prado

A highlight as the building is fabulous. The art is stunning. The museum is large light and airy. Groups of well behaved school children of all ages with pencils and notebooks ~ a joy to see art appreciation being encouraged so young.

The disappointment. No photos. I get it but I like to snap and read about the ones I really like later. The Picasso black paintings for example. A bit too dark in content for me but interesting.

You need more than a day and very comfortable shoes < the collection is vast.

I’m now returned all full of the three C’s. Culture. Churros and Covid

Ian is happy he has been able to use his Spanish and he did. His conversations with the taxi drivers were the best and a joy to hear. My Spanglish didn’t compare.

Posted on September 27, 2025 by happyretiredblog · 3 Comments

Hello again. Hola!

Growing up August was family holiday time. In Wales the first two weeks in August was traditionally holiday fortnight. Though it may have been the last week of July and the first week of August ~ also known as miners fortnight when the mines closed down completely and the pit ponies were put out to grass for their summer holidays. Factories closed down as well. Generally growing up that was when we took the family holiday.

Now I’m retired every week is a holiday. Well. A holiday of sorts.

It’s been a funny old summer. We haven’t travelled very far, with both of us recuperating from various health issues.

I haven’t been hugely mobile which has been annoyingly restrictive and has meant no overseas trips. That is until now. To be fair trips have largely been limited to hospital, consultant , physio and chiropractor. Don’t even ask about A&E.

It’s been over 3 months since we were last in Spain. For months I’ve been in pain from a prolapse disc and walking hasn’t been easy. And despite my vanity I succumbed to a walking stick. Of course it had to be a flowery one.

The consultant and the physio said that they were surprised I wasn’t in more pain. Ha. More pain. Whilst the pain has now subsided to an manageable level, I had to tell them that was enough. So it’s been a mad old summer. And one we missed in Spain.

Not that I wouldn’t have been complaining if we had been able to travel. The heat here has been hideous ~ and there have been enough people complaining.

But we are back. It’s September.

As Tom said ‘ the old town looks the same ‘ but it has changed a bit. The roundabout that’s actually a roundabout has had structures and a water feature added and a welcome to Competa sign.

There’s been a fake house put up where I believe the donkey will be placed. Not a real one. The real one is on the other side of the valley. Braying daily. ( the donkey has in fact now returned)

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I bloody love this place. I still get that buzz of excitement when I arrive at the gate. Still grumble ‘ which key is it’ on the set of jail size keychain. Still think that path needs a sweep.

The windey path does need a sweep but the plants look like they have survived remarkably well during the heat wave.

Yes. They do get a bit of water but not from the irrigation system which has been turned off. Friends check the house and water for us amongst a whole raft of other things. We would be lost without them.

Back to the irrigation – A tree rat ~ like a squirel ~ chewed one of the plastic pipes in the garden and bearing in mind the irrigation came on only for a very short time at night it resulted in us having a hideous water bill.

More for one quarter than we pay in 3/4 years ~ total.

The gardener knew we were arriving and had been in and had cut the hedge. Had shaped the olive tree and had cut the roundabout that’s not a roundabout as well as the rear banks. None of which I am safe to do these days. I’d end up rolling down the hill to the main road and beyond. Not a pretty sight. Me. Not the banks as they look great.

Can I just say the gardener isn’t in daily or weekly and does the jobs I can’t. His knowledge is brilliant and he knows the plants that should and will grow well.

When we moved in the path was a stunning lavender path which was coming to the end of its days. I tried hard to keep it but it had had its day. The problem was that it hadn’t been cut back regularly and you can’t cut back into old wood. Though I tried.

I replanted. It didn’t work so I’ve planted grasses along with creeping rosemary which is fantastic. Thanks to seeing posts from Pepperpot herbs who sell it in the Uk and from whom I have bought some for Somerset.

A few years ago I asked for the olive tree to be pruned. When asked whether I wanted it pruned for olives or looks I said both. Which whilst typical for me it was the wrong answer. It could be one or the other.

We did get a decent crop of olives which when black I would pick, prick and dry salt them. That’s if we were here ~ and it’s a tedious job.

Otherwise they would just drop and make a mess. So shape it was.

Am I happy. You bet I am. It’s now really taking shape. Pun intended.

You can now get a strong whiff of curry as you walk up the path past the olive tree. I planted three curry plants under the olive in the raised circular bed and have quickly tidied them up ~ but my attempt at topiary is rough. Just don’t ask me to trim your hair.

There’s obviously been a bit of calima ~ winds and red dust blown over the tables and chairs. Adds ‘ a clean’ to my list.

The agapanthus are over and the seed heads heavy. Some have seed heads. Some don’t. I’m sure someone will tell me why.

Just like the oleander. Some have spectacular long seed heads which when open are fluffy. That’s the correct technical term. Right?

I love the foxtail agave which I’ve mentioned once or twice before. It’s a plant that keeps on giving. Young plants have grown alongside which have been replanted elsewhere in the garden. Once the agave flowers the plant dies. This one is over ten years old and I’m hoping it doesn’t flower.

The plumeria/frangipani has flowered well again, I know I haven’t been here but I get photos of what’s flowering. Both are still in flower. . The yellow has a better scent ~ as long as you stick your nose up close. But the colours zing.

I smile when I look at many of the plants growing in the garden. This is one of them and I have grown it as an indoor plant. The waxy white flowers of the stephanotis. Not enough flowers for a bridal bouquet so Ian fear not. It’s in a large pot, a bit woody but has been flowering for over 8 years. Not continually obviously.

Another plant growing outside is a Swiss cheese plant. In Olden days – my childhood – popular indoor plants included the rubber plant , the Swiss cheese plant and a purple tradescantia. We have the latter two growing in the Mediterranean garden in Cómpeta. I never liked them indoors but they are tolerated in the garden. Unlike the clivia which was an indoor plant in my office which I loved in a pot so I and am happy to have a dozen in the gate bed.

We have 4 different jasmine dotted around the garden. This one is sambac ~ highly scented and one that is used in perfume and tea ~ an evergreen which is grown in a large pot. We also have jasmine azoricum ~ a lemon scented jasmine rambling over some black railings. It is a bit woody but a great scent. There’s a scraggy white one which I’m not sure of its name but it springs up everywhere.

One that’s in so many gardens here and in the uk ~ the star jasmine the one I can’t spell without copying it. Trachelospermum jasminoides which is ok in this garden but not a mad grower.

I’d forgotten the yellow winter jasmine which grows like fury. But it is a harsh yellow with no scent. I know. I want everything. Colour. Shape perpetual flowing and importantly scent. Fickle. Me. Yes.

I have seen a really lovely yellow with much larger flowers growing furiously down a wall in the village. I might borrow a cutting next time I pass.

This aeoniun was a broken limb from one I have in a pot. Shoved in the ground hoping for the best and ignored. It has, along with a few others taken off. It always reminds me of aliens. I have no idea why.

I’d forgotten about this. Planted in what I call mozzie avenue at the side of the house it’s another straggly plant but has such a beautiful flower. I had to recheck it’s name.~ Grewia occidentalis a shrubby plant that can be grown as a shrub or a small tree. Really pretty purple flowers. My friend Google tells me it beats fruits and it’s common name is Cross berry. Who knew? I didn’t. I’m shallow. I just liked its look.

I’d like to say that’s it’s not all been gardening or house stuff. Or paying bills.

But unusually we haven’t been off the mountain the whole time we have been this visit.

Am I complaining. Never. It’s been lovely catching up with our Spanish friends and catching up on the news of the last 3 months. It won’t be as long until the next trip. Dates and Tickets booked.

But first is a visit to Madrid.

Back home to Somerset to a log fire, long trousers and no mozzies.

Posted on July 30, 2025 by happyretiredblog · 5 Comments

Feels like Summer

So July you have had some great highs but some spectacular lows! A month I’ll be glad to see the back of. Great weather for the first two weeks. Poorer the last two. Visits to two very different A&E units. Ian’s sister is a doctor and she once said to him ‘if you want to see all areas of life go sit in A&E. We did. In the heart of London and in the depths of Somerset. Two very different but similar experiences. One me. One ‘im indoors.

But the weather had been glorious until its not. The garden has been looking great which is weather related but also because we have spent more time in one place. We rarely go to Spain in August but this year it’s also been July for various reasons. But we did get a Spanish taste when our local village hall held their summer party with a Spanish theme. I think it was the best yet. Great food with flamenco guitar and dancer.

I had also been asked to do 12 jars of flowers for the tables. Which I was very happy to do. I nearly had a coronary on the day when I realised that the event was starting at 12.30 and not the 3.30 I had thought. So at 10am it was a little frantic in this household ! But we got there and it shows how manic I was in that I didn’t take one photo of the flowers !

Back to the garden.

I planted all annuals except for the 4 pots of salvia Nachvinder which I buy new annually. They are amazing planted either side of the front doors ~ yes plural. I’d like to say one each, but the cottage was originally two and we still have both front doors. His and His.

The plants were I have to admit cheap and cheerful. Bought at a very large outlet where on a bad day you can find plants resembling those you find at a supermarket or DIY chain store. Un loved, unwatered and unbought. We must have had a day when everything had just arrived. Good quality geraniums. Trailing lobelia. Some coleus ~ and yes I know they have a fancy new name but I still call snapdragons snapdragons. Largely because I’d be forever getting spell check to understand me.

The cosmos were part local garden centre and the large plant warehouse. Had I realised how well they would look I’d have planted more. I remember I’d grown yellow ones in London and they were pretty magnificent.

Flowered all summer. As long as you dead headed. Trained by an expert dead header ~ my mother that’s never an issue.

The benefit of the positioning of these pots is that they only get a half days sun. That means we get them flowering for longer and they in theory need less water. Which is good as jacks Shute is on point to dry out. I give it 3 weeks, unless we get a few heavy downpours.

Enough of the pots. I’m already planning tulips. Have I said I like tulips? But I’ve been planning for months. I now have to commit to my orders. Plural.

The back garden has two seasons. Summer and autumn. I don’t plant many bulbs as the ground in winter and spring is too wet. But in summer it’s a riot of colour. Even if I say so myself.

Surprisingly the canna which I heavily mulched have all come back despite the wet winter. Some a bit later than others, and the canna annei and canna Musifolia has spread. Which makes me a happy man ~ hard to believe I know. As well as that look at the new shed in the picture. That’s also a bringer of joy.

This is a new plant bought this year to add to the annei collection. It’s in a pot and is taller than me. I know that it’s not difficult as I’m no giant but it’s over 6ft and the flowers are gorgeous.

A brand new one this year ~ very tall and different shaped flowers. Big dangly red pink purply flowers on long stems. I’m intrigued.

Golden orb is another favourite of mine and I’m glad to see that I have another flower spike coming especially as I knocked one off.

Another favourite and yet another purchase from my friends Mark & Emma at Todd’s Botanics is Canna Panache. I’d foolishly left one behind when we moved so had to replace it. Of course I couldn’t just order this one.

There are more but I need to save something for August!

It’s been rose heaven. I butchered them this year on the basis they do or don’t. If they don’t they are gone. But it’s worked. Not for all. But the majority. Some have been in the ground for decades and need to come out. I have made a note which ones.

One grown in my parents garden. Gorgeous colour. Not a very healthy grower. A bit prone to disease. But it’s one of my favourites, and I’ll tolerate the disease if I can control it as best I can.

New last year it has flowered like crazy and is about to have its second flush.

I have quite a few of these rose ‘Unkown’ in varios shades shapes and sizes. I’m a rubbish labeller and every year I say I will be better. It starts well.

I replanted the border around a small pond this year. It’s been here as long as we have ~ 30 years and I think it’s leaked from day one. It’s on the list of things to do. And has been for decades. Next year. Along with the falling down greenhouse.

The wild carrot has self seeded and is spreading nicely. Salvia hot lips isn’t as hot as in previous years and Royal bumble isn’t as bumbly. Even Amistad is a bit slow to the party this year. I have planted a number of new salvia this year which hopefully will be in full colour in August.

I planted Persicaria polymorpha two years ago next to a clump of red persicaria which was here when we bought the house. Both have gone bonkers. In winter and spring the red looks like it’s totally dead never to recover. But it does. The polymorpha is cut back on a regular basis as it’s overpowering, maybe the wrong plant in the wrong place. I knew it was a grower but ….

There are a few plants I’ve had in the past which I had bought at the old Hadspen House nursery when it was run by Sandra & Nori Pope. The kindest and most generous couple in both their time patience and advice to newbie gardeners. This is a fabulous book and one that I never tire of going back to.

This year I’ve replaced the salvia as I had lost mine. I will get another to add to the bed.

A bit of a weird one. The flower buds are large and a bit spooky. The stems are a bit brittle. But large and such a gorgeous colour. And tall.

There’s also lobelia Hadspen purple which survived the winter but not yet in full flower. It’s a lovely colour and is strong upright plant.

You’ve got to love a flash of pink in the garden.

Bought off a plant stall in castle Cary two years ago this has gone mad. Bit catkin like with big fluffy pink tails wafting about. I had never grown it before but it’s a firm new favourite.

There are a few more sanguisorba dotted around but none as showy.

I planted some chicory at the bottom of the garden just above the river bank and it’s done really well. It’s a great colour boost. Little did I know that the flowers open in the morning and disappear at night. A great purchase from Pepperpot herbs

I’ve also put one in the top bed which has gone a bit wild. Maybe a move for it next year.

Last year I grew a lot of dahlia from tubers. It was a disaster year for me. It was slug city. I lost most even after I’d repotted fresh tubers. So I decided not to bother this year. Which was a mistake as it’s been so dry and slugs so far haven’t been an issue. I have only two of these, bought as large plants. I suspect I may buy a few more encouraged by my partner in purchases Siobhan, whose garden is fabulous and always has some new to grab my attention.

It’s not all been flowers. The falling down greenhouse that I was going to replace when I retired 10 years ago and which is stuck together with sticky back plastic has been saved for another year. Every time I think yes. Now is the time it’s time for something else first. But it will happen.

This year we have a glut of tomatoes and cucumbers. Cucumbers are like buses. You wait for one and then you get three at once.

Ian has taken to growing veg. He’s very proud of his onions ! Exhibition quality they are as well.

The renewal of the old circular table which never really fitted in to an oblong table that sits nicely on the terrace has been a game changer. For us and for Fred the geriatric cat ~ that and a dry summer so far has meant we have spent more time sat in the garden than we have ever done.

The use of an old French stripey bit of fabric to give some mid day shade has made Fred very happy. At 21 he can have whatever he wants. For a few years we have been saying that this maybe his last summer but he continues to amaze both us and the vet.

There is still more summer to come. But it does feel that we are weeks ahead of previous years.

Flowers have bloomed earlier. Yet some vegatables are not as far advanced as last year. We are only now picking our runner beans. It will be an interesting round of Horticultural shows this season.

Apples are almost breaking the trees. The thud of dropping apples is a constant. A new juicer has been bought as the local farmer has been putting out bags of early apple beauty of bath. Sweet and great juiced.

We have had a ready supply of plums from grandad who’s not my grandad. Like the roundabout that’s not a roundabout in Spain which I’m delighted to say has had its summer haircut. The fear of wild fires is real.

So another early morning sat in the garden listening to the rooks morning chorus with Fred the geriatric cat before a trip to Bath ~ the city not the tub later today.

Posted on June 12, 2025June 12, 2025 by happyretiredblog

With a blink of an eye …June

With a blink of an eye we are back from Spain to the Somerset garden. There are obviously lots of differences but the biggest change this time ~ The temperature. It’s a massive 21* difference. I’ll be honest. We lit the fire. Fred the geriatric cat was very happy. I’m not sure if it was because we were back or the fire.

In Spain we had ceiling fans and open windows ~ apparently the last few days in May were the hottest on record for Spain for that time of year. For me it felt like a Mediterranean August. Which for me, August 2,000ft up the mountain is almost impossible. Back in one of the lockdowns I was stranded at Casa Verano. Trust me I’m happy to be stranded there. Just not in August. Early morning coffee in the pueblo blanco. Then home to shut the shutters, put on the aircon and watch Netflix in my pants until late evening when it was cooler to venture into the garden. Avoiding the mozzies.

I digress ~ as usual.

The garden in Spain was better than I’d hoped. We had had plenty of spring rain. The garden was looking great. But with the rain comes growth. So the roundabout that’s not a roundabout had gone bonkers so we have arranged for it to be cut.

The big worry is fire ~ the grass is so tall and so dry and it’s only the beginning of June.

Back to Somerset. Ten days away and the grass has grown. Obviously but like grown a lot. I didn’t mow most of it in May ~ a little bit of no mow ~ but I have mixed feelings about that. Second day back the grass was mown.

The one thing we don’t get in Spain as bad as Somerset are weeds. No ground elder. No bindweed. No major back ache.

Another difference in the gardens is that at this time of year there is plenty of colour in the Somerset garden. In Spain it’s kind of in between colours. The next big flush of colour will be the agapanthus of which there are many and the many oleanders dotted here and there.

In Somerset we are awash with colour. Roses, salvia, poppies, geraniums and geum. Annuals like calendula and lobelia. Coleus and cosmos in the front pots.

This border was full of aster. I’ve wanted to take them all out for ages as they weren’t particularly attractive , but hadn’t got around to it. With more time this last year it happened. Not my decision but Ian’s. He dug them all out and we had a new border to fill. A great opportunity for new purchases, although I don’t need an excuse. Six new climbing roses, 3 new steel obelisks with two on order and salvia and annuals planted.

Another new border

We have a small pond in the garden which was here when Ian bought the first cottage 30 odd years ago. It is due to be replaced but it’s on one of the lists. It has newts and the occasional frog. We’ve sorted the borders at the front and the back of the pond. Last year the front border was great, lots of daucus carota, some grasses and some sweet peas . This year it’s slightly different, but equally lovely

There are odd chairs and things dotted about the garden, which looks a bit odd when the plants are growing but look so much better when largely covered in plant growth

There have been new roses this year. Growing up my parents garden was full of them and I have bought some of the ones I remember from their garden. I also remember a lovely row of pink floribunda at the library opposite where they lived. So I have bought 3 Queen Elizabeth floribunda. They are yet to flower.

The above is Piccadilly which is just opening and is one I bought locally.

I planted this rose decades ago and typically didn’t label or remember its name, but known as the pinky rose with rose hips. It needed a good old tidy up which I did last year ~ but wasn’t sure it would survive. It did and flowers like crazy. I reached out on Instagram to see if anyone could identify it and luckily I was told it was Rosa Bonica. So another was bought and this year has also gone mad. A thank you to Michael Marriott for helping me out. The King of roses to the rescue.

I looked and looked for superstar ~ it was always a favourite in my parents garden. It’s pretty but not a great disease resistant rose. But I love the colour and it reminds me of my parents.

The roses so far have been pretty spectacular this year. A mix of the weather. Hard pruning and a good old feed. I’ve also turned into my mother ~ she was a prolific dead header. Didn’t matter if it wasn’t her garden ~ she couldn’t stop herself. She would walk up any path and deadhead. I’m not that bad. Honest. I won’t do it in your rose garden Siobhan.

The rector is having a good old ramble in an old largely dead apple tree. Another rose hugely cut back hard – and almost all ~ dead wood cut out. It’s certainly a prolific flowerer. Shame it’s not a repeat flowering rose. I’m greedy I know. I want colour. Scent. And repeat flowering. Throw in thornless and I’ll be happy. Hard to please~ me ?

There are a number of roses which are unnamed. Not actually unnamed just not labelled! If I admit to one bad gardening habit it’s labelling. Or the lack of. Siobhan my tulip partner in crime will ask ‘ what’s the name of that Astrantia. That rose’. She really knows what the answer will be. 🤷‍♂️

This year’s new ones will be written in a diary. and will be documented in a blog I’m sure. Ask me next year.

It’s been a good year so far for Geum. Geum Totally Tangerine has been a firm favourite and flower continuously. First seen on my favourite stand at any flower show ~ Hardys plants ~ always beautiful plants and such helpful and informative growers. But whilst deadheading helps ~ on small flowered plants it’s a pain in the butt. Which I can do without as I have a massive flare up of sciatic pain ~ so I need no more pain.

I left most of the canna in the ground over winter. Heavily mulched. Whilst slow to get going this year and sometimes hidden by the wild growth of the other plants they have been fed well and are now on their way.

This is one I brought from London. I now wish I had brought them all. But I have been buying new from my regular supplier Todd’s Botanics.

Ignore the background in the canna annei photograph. It will be sorted. But I love this one. It’s two added to the annei collection It’s one of my favourites and one I grew in pots in London.

This is a new one bought a few weeks ago and is on the terrace. There is one which is a bit behind this in the terrace border.

Some new canna have gone in as well to add to the ones we have ~ and I’m sure that they will be on their way too. I just need to make sure they are well fed.

You know when you plant something and kind of ignore the prospect of how large it may get. This was one of them. We have one clump of a red persicaria in the garden which was here 30 years ago and it has grown huge. Always reliable and also great for a bit of a cut flower to add to whatever is available at the time.

This one I bought 2 or 3 years ago. Its a great structural plant but make sure you have the room. A glorious bit of brightness but can be overwhelming.

Another plant that grows well in this garden are Astrantia. There are a number of them dotted around the borders.

You will notice that they are all called Astrantia. See what I mean about labelling.

The tulips have all gone replaced by summer bedding. Last year I grew dahlia for the pots. It was a nightmare ~ slugs slugs slugs. With this year’s dry weather I’m sure it would have been better. But I have only two dahlia. Both Octopus sparkle. Quite where they go is another question.

The planting is colourful although a bit municipal ~ but it works in the space available and will get even more colourful as it develops.

At long last ~ the new shed is going up. Placed on old railway sleepers to let some of any flood water go under it’s a long overdue addition.

When we first had the cottage there was a bit of a decrepit summer house there which was taken down decades ago. We desperately need storage for garden stuff. There are windows on both sides which will give light through it and I can see the greenhouse still from the house.

Next year’s project will maybe be the new greenhouse. That’s been on the list for the last 10 years. Each year there’s a bit more sticky back plastic holding it up. But every year some other expense crops up.

The veg is coming along nicely. Runner beans and climbing French are doing their thing. Ians planted onions, leeks and kale. The tomatoes and cucumbers are in the greenhouse and Ian’s herb bed is already full of parsley coriander and chives.

So they say we may be in for a dry summer. Which will mean it is likely that Jacks shute the spring at the front of the cottages may dry up. It’s already running slowly, and I have only known it stop once in 30 years. Which is a disaster for me as I use it for watering the plants.

There is still plenty of flowers to come ~ the funky sanguisorbia lilac squirell which I love. The canna, although for now the leaves are interesting enough, gladioli, pink and white phlox, red persicaria with others.

Now it’s time to get back to ordering tulips.

My partner in crime has already shared some of her wants for this year so it’s started !

Have I said I like tulips ?

Posted on May 29, 2025 by happyretiredblog

Buenos Días

Hello again hello. Or. Hola de nuevo, hola! We are back in Spain.

First things first. How did Ian book a flight that arrived in Malaga past midnight. I suspect it was cheap. Thinking it was mid half term week it may not be busy. Fail. It was packed. How come half of the South Sest children weee flying to Malaga mid week of Half term. With two hen parties. Not actually with them but on the flight.

Some of the party trying to stiff a carry on into the Easy jet measuring box and managed only when they tore off the wheels. Two of the party arriving in departures looking like they had their hair in curlers. Ian said they put on a face mask. I’m not sure if that was on the flight or in the departures hall. How did I miss it. Once boarded I put my mask on over my eyes and turned to Spotify.

What you can’t ignore or hide is the double chin.

I won’t mention the fiasco on picking up the hire car , but I was partially happy when they asked if I could drive an automatic. Which meant an upgrade.

We arrived home at 2am. That’s the last time that will happen. I’ve been a zombie most of today.

I didn’t even look at the garden when we arrived. That’s a first. This week 8 years ago we completed on the house. We were at Chelsea flower show when we got the news. I still get the same feeling when I arrive as I did the first time. Utter joy. I have probably mentioned before this place is everything I didn’t want. I wanted a bolt hole in the village. No garden. No pool. Walk to the restaurants. Ian saw this and said you must see it. I didn’t want to. 10 mins drive out of town. A large garden and a bit of useless land. A small pool. One bedroom less than I wanted. But once through the gates and up the curved path to the terrace I was hooked. Ian said then and reminds me often ‘ you don’t even need to see inside do you’

The view to the malaga coast and in autumn winter with the right light to Morocco did it. Along with the garden. So it’s Ian’s fault.

It didn’t take me long to take stock of where we are in the garden. We were last here in March and there have been a lot of changes Things come and go quickly. The freesia which were pretty spectacular this year have gone over. The agapanthus are starting to get fat flower buds. The banksia rose is almost over. The honeysuckle is sending out a delicous scent along with the jasmine azoricum in full flower with its sweet scent. Smaller dainty flowers than most.

The path from the garden past the garage is covered with scented pelargoniums which have grown huge with the autumn and winter rains. The benefit of these is that as you brush past there is that waft of citrus. Which mozzies hate. Whilst they love me. The mozzies. Not the pellies .

Round the corner we have both creeping and upright rosemary lolling over the path. With grasses in the mix.

When we moved in the path was a gorgeous lavender path. But after the first two years we replanted a new one. The old one was rarely pruned so what we had was unruly woody stems. Sad to say the replant failed so we resorted to rosemary instead. More robust. More reliable and I love the creeping variety. thanks to Pepper Pot herbs for the heads up on that one.

Sometimes we are lucky ~ we may see one or the other. This week we have both. I love the black blue and white of Nicolai. Its a really majestic plant.

Such a pretty flower and this year the small tree is covered. Whether they will tun into fruit is another question. A friend staying a few years ago said that she thought the fruit tasted like germolene. I kind of get it. I hate the smell of germolene and don’t even mention TCP.

These two pots were planted up 18 months ago and have been flowering ever since. But this month they are pretty spectacular.

The scented pellies were planted last summer.

We have a number of these dotted around the terrace and outside the garage doors. This one is in direct sunlight at the hottest part of the day. Yet it’s grown massive. A consolation for the tree ferns we left behind in London

A friend of mine said she thought that the bottle brush was common. I like it. A lot. It brings a great splash of colour to the border behind the house and it’s a huge bee magnet. Anything that can attract the bees is good with me. Another plant that could have done with a good prune in earlier years.

We have a number of pine trees on the bank ~ apparently protected ~ not that I’d want to get rid of them. Except for the needle drop! Oh and the processionary caterpillar nests.

Aloe Maculata on the bank as well as in the side borders.

Great to see them en masse in flower this year.

Both of the above need shaping. I’ll wait until the curry plant has finished flowering. The gardener is in charge of the the olive tree. I’m not allowed.

Set around pots of agapanthus, ferns, society garlic and strelitzia the garden seating has been set up. Until there’s a mad rush to bring in the cushions.

One of my favourite plants continues to grow bigger and bigger. The gorgeous foxtail agave.

I’ve taken the baby plants and planted 5 at the rear of the house. Tomorrows another day and I’ll check them then.

Posted on May 28, 2025May 28, 2025 by happyretiredblog · 2 Comments

Guess it’s over

Well here we are heading to the end of May. How did we get here. Only seemed like yesterday I was planting tulip bulbs. Panicking as I didn’t have all the ones I wanted. Wasn’t sure if I was planting them again in London pots. I didn’t. But here we are at the tail end of this year tulip display. Actually. They have all now been pulled.

Was I happy with the result. If you’d asked me early on I would have said no. Why? All a bit too pink for my liking ~ and the only person to blame. Me.

I realise I like hot colours. The oranges. Reds. Purples. But there were some lovely tulips in the first flush. Especially if you liked apricot. And pink.

But as the weeks went by more colours popped. More shapes were shaped and finally I was happy. Very happy. Told by a few it was the best year yet. Loved hearing that but it puts pressure on for next year !

Yet there were disappointments. The Brown sugar weren’t Brown sugar. To avoid the same happening this year I have already put my order in for them. Just so I don’t miss out.

This years brown sugar weren’t from Peter Nyssen. I was too late to order them from them ~ just to be clear! I am a huge fan of Peter Nyssen and in particular the relationship I have built up with Karen over the years.

For me Brown sugar has become a staple tulip. Gorgeous in colour with a light scent and much admired by Grandad who’s not my grandad. Who’s now also a great grandad. Though he’s always been a ‘great grandad, he’s now an actual one. If that makes sense.

A new one this year was World friendship. I’m not a fan of yellow tulips. Spring yellow flowers for me are daffodils. So I usually avoid them. World friendship however is a lovely tulip. Great colour. Great shape and lasted for ever. I’ve learnt that a bit of yellow can lift the palette. The other yellow I use is west Point. A bit more of a lily shape, and a favourite of Ian.

Another one that I like a lot is Go Go Red. A bit of a bonkers tulip but it’s the second year of growing it and it will be back.

This year I included a new white ~ Healthcare. not a great name but a great tulip. A bit like a white Go Go. But a bit more restrained.

Another returning tulip which I love < although the jury is out for 2026 on this one is La Courtine parrot. It’s been in the mix the last two years and it may be time to have a break. I’m not a huge lover of parrots in the pot mix. In London we had some window boxes and they always did well ~ I loved Rasta parrot. But they somehow get lost in the pots for me. except Courtine. .

A quiet start then it gets all big and blowsy.

I’ve said before it all starts again as soon as the tulips are lifted , even before if I’ll admit it. I see tulips at friends. At NGS open gardens. In magazines. Or encouraged by my partner in crime Siobhan. We visit each other at high season to see what we are both growing. Compare notes and plans for next year. That’s done for 2025. We have both started our orders. But I’ll change my mind constantly.

I wasn’t a huge fan of tulips. Yes I know. Unbelievable. But I think my visit to Ulting Wick garden for a NGS open garden swept me away. Philippa Burrough as well as being an awesome gardener is a great influence. First it was her tulips. Then it was her gaura path in the summer beds. I was hooked.

I had grown tulips. But not like the numbers I plant now. A local gardener asked me how I got so many flowers in my pots. The answer ~ it’s not technical. ‘ I stuff as many bulbs in as I can’ yes. They touch each other but they are only in for one season and then I replace.

The front of the cottage is right on the road and can be a bit dull. The tulips brighten it up and let’s be honest there’s a bit of a show off in me. Probably a throw back to the days when my parents never admitted to the competition between them and Den and Blem next door for the display of annuals.

One day I’ll recreate it.

I like the display to look good and I get huge pleasure from the compliments we get from people walking or driving through the village. It makes it worthwhile. So whilst I am able to do it I will! Despite this years back problems with planting and moving pots they will be back.

But it was more restrained back in previous years.

There were fewer smaller pots and fewer bulbs. and definetly less flamboyance!

A bit more adventurous in 2017 but with only two colours. I have been tempted to do one single colour in all the pots. But two things stop me. One is what If I get the wrong tulips. It’s happened this year. Ordered brown sugar which wasn’t delivered. Plus you don’t know until they flower ~ it said brown sugar on the packaging. But it wasn’t. Plus ~ what if it looked pants ? I’d be miserable for April and May. Ian says more miserable. That wouldn’t work !

Some previous year tulip planting

Another restrained year.

This year I ordered the same tulip numbers as in previous years. Not knowing if we would be in London or not. In the end I didn’t plant any. We moved at the beginning of February so my gamble paid off. But I also loved the window boxes and the path pots. I used to experiment with new colours in a few pots there.

I have had varying results with tulips in the Spanish garden. So much so that I no longer even try. They like a bit of a cold spell ~ suggestions have been to put them in a fridge for a month. That doesn’t appeal to Ian !! Plus it’s an effort which also means we may miss them if our schedules mean we won’t be there. ( schedules. What schedules!~ we are retired!)

So it’s all over for another year. Tulips pulled. Bedding plants in. Not so flamboyant but colourful !

Thankful for Jacks Shute opposite the house where we have a constant supply of water. I’ve only known it dry up once in 30 years but it’s already slow already.

Fingers crossed.

Posted on May 9, 2025May 9, 2025 by happyretiredblog · 2 Comments

When blogs are like buses and the Popes Hat.

In My experience you wait ages for a bus and then two or three come and once. Also in my experience I have nothing to say ( don’t !) for a while then I do. Sadly my experience with public transport has changed. I have had to hand back my old f***s pass as we have moved out of London. That hurts. But I have applied for my new bus pass which will just cover buses and but not tubes and local trains.

After an absence of 6 months we returned to Spain. I’ve already mentioned the joy of the return to the house and garden. But the visit wasn’t all garden and village life.

When we first bought Casa Verano every visitor wanted to go to The Alhambra. 1.5 hours away. In the first year I went 6 times and was so familiar with it that it was a standing joke. I could be a tour guide. Except my Spanish would let me down.

Sadly we couldn’t get tickets this trip ~ so instead we had a day out in Granada itself. I always thought that the Costas were all Sand sea and sangria but trust me. There’s more to them than that. Malaga is a very underrated city with plenty of culture and foodie delights.

Granada is the same. The best thing is that we have the parking sussed. Parking in Spanish cities can be trying. Generally the underground car parks aren’t built for larger modern vehicles. I won’t mention the time I parked in Malaga and couldn’t find the car. Thats history. But in Granada we have found a favourite just 5 mins off the motorway. Large. Easy to find and next to a landmark.

The parking is just close to the Monasatario san jeronimo ~ a Román Catholic monastery with an interesting history. A lovely church and two cloisters quietly tucked behind some gates it is a hidden gem, and never busy.

Despite my dodgy back and having to use a walking stick I managed to get around Granada pretty well. With a few coffee and cake stops thrown in obviously.

Walking uphill in the narrow cobbled streets was easier than on the flat which was a bit of a surprise. We had watched an episode of Michael Portillo travelling around Spain earlier in the week and he had visited Granada. In the episode he visited a bakery where they made a cake ~ which was nicknamed the popes hat ~ the pionono.

I had never seen them before but we happened to stop at a modern cafe and there they were! Not the ones he made ~ he’d admit he wasn’t that good or quick. They were delicious.

In Malaga we have seen the farton which I haven’t tried largely because my childish humour stops me asking for them. It’s a long sweet elongated pastry, which I’ll try when we are next in Malaga but I’ve just read it hails from Valancia. One of my favourite places to visit in Spain.

There is so much that is stylish about European cities. Even the street lights. Beats the glow from ours. How I hate the LED’s. We have just one in the hamlet. One too many for me.

A quick visit to the cathedral ~ where like most other cultural sites you exit through the gift shop.

But it’s quite a magnificent cathedral with not one but two identical organs opposite each other. Reminded me of the church in Camberwell which once a month had organ karaoke. The sound from these two would be awesome.

The streets of Granada

So it wasn’t all gardening. We did have a trip or two to Nerja. When we first had the house I didn’t particular like Nerja but times have changed. Especially if I want a pizza. Yes. I also like pineapple on pizza. Don’t judge me !

I’d never heard of Nerja but then again I’d never heard of Competa until March 2017. But speaking to an old colleague at the time I mentioned Nerja ~ ‘oh we went there on our honeymoon’ which was 40 years before. Then to an old neighbour from Somerset ~ ‘oh we have been going there for years’. Last to the party !

A trip to Algarrobo for lunch. Algarrobo is down the wiggly road to the coast approx 15 miles away. A long beach with a long promenade dotted with plenty of places to eat. Down To Lidl and Mercadona and the occasional walk along the long promenade. But last year on the walk we stopped at a chiringuito we had walked past many times ~ and have been back numerous times since. Great food. Awesome service with sea views.

Beach baby

But we needed to be back in Somerset for April and May. It is tulip time after all.

Have I said I like tulips ?

Posted on March 29, 2025March 29, 2025 by happyretiredblog · 4 Comments

Viva España ‘25

It’s been a while. 6 months to be exact. We have had a lot going on which meant planning was pretty impossible for a trip to Spain. But things have settled down now ( sort of ) and we are settled in Somerset. Which shouldn’t be a surprise as it’s not a new place for us. Though after 30 odd years we are still not from down ‘ere. I can say that we do have family there though. Grandad who’s not our grandad ~ pushing it ~ but god children count don’t they ?

Nothing like an early start ~ a 6.15 flight. There’s a first time for everything and this ramp to board the plane was one of them. Thankfully we were so far back we were on the tail wing. And only had the normal stair. The bonus for us is that we can manage with a small bag so we can wait until nearly every one boards. Without the pushing and shoving to squeeze a cabin bag into the overhead lockers.

The other good thing about an early flight is that you have the whole day when you arrive. Well almost- obviously.

I’ve said it before I always have a feeling of joy when I arrive at the house. 8 years later this hasn’t dimmed at all. This time we were greeted with an explosion of colour at the gate. The mimosa that has sprouted from old dead remains has gone bonkers. A piercing acid yellow blob of flowers hanging low by the gate. Buzzing with bees. Heavy in scent and lethal in pollen.

I’ve said it before but I repeat myself. Often. When we completed on the house the gate had no lock. It should have been done before I arrived but me being me got the call at the Chelsea flower show that completion had gone through and two days later I was here. Impatient. Me ?

On my first morning I heard a noise at the gate and went to find that it had been taken off its hinges and was being loaded into the back of a van. My Spanish now isn’t great. But then it was all hola and gracias. In my Spanglish I worked out that they were taking the gate away to fit a lock ~ so I asked how long it would be away. Rudely I got two fingers. Before I said anything , though quite what I could say that they would understand was beyond me it clicked. It would be back in 2 hours. It was. On the dot. Lock fitted and hung.

Before arriving back I’d been told that it had rained for weeks. There had been flash floods. The reservoirs were no longer a concern and that there was still water outing off the mountain. And through a spring in our garden somewhere. I’d been looking at the garden camera anyway watching the torrential rain battering the plants.

To be fair I wittered all the way up the mountain that I was staggered how green the land was. And it was. Greener than I had seen it in 8 years. But oh. The garden. Ignore the creeping weeds. It was looking fabulous.

Things had grown. A lot. Scented pelargoniums along the path planted largely to deter mozzies had gone bonkers. Agapanthus springing up everywhere. Sadly three large yucca had become attacked by the nasty grub like beetle, which have devastated the large agave and are now on the attack on yucca. The grubs ~ All white and horrible. So a week later the yucca have been taken down. Whilst the light on the kitchen window flower bed is welcome the majestic form of the extra large yucca is sad to see go. Ian is planning what goes there next.

The yucca in the above photo are not the ones to have been removed. These are the rather lovely variegated yucca. They may have a year left although I was told that the bugs didn’t seem to be attacking the variegated type. Maybe they don’t taste as good. Who knows? We will see.

When we bought the house the windy path was edged with lavender. A gorgeous sight and scent but over the years the pruning had diminished and we all know that pruning into old wood is a no no. I replanted with new lavender to no success. So I looked for an alternative. Bowled over by a path at Ulting Wick which had gaura ~ I tried that. But that didn’t work here in Spain. I then planted a mix of grasses and creeping and upright rosemary and that has done wonders. Friends who help keep an eye on the house and water the garden call them triffids. The rain and heat has certainly brought them on. The rosemary. Not the friends.

Don’t look at the path. It needs a clean but I’m waiting for the sun to burn off as much as it can before I start.

The olive tree is in the process of being shaped. It will continue < when asked if I wanted it cut for olives or shape I of course said both. Not possible. One or the other. So I chose the other. Now it’s beginning to take shape. I asked today whether the one I have planted in a large pot should be replanted into the ground. Where do you want to live. The campo or in an apartment. Which meant the ground. So it will be planted.

There are a number of foxtail agaves dotted around the garden. Some taken from the mother plant and replanted. Others brought in by the gardener to fill gaps. They are one of my favourite plants but just as long as they don’t throw out the long flower. Then they will die.

I said this was Durante Repens in one of my Instagram posts. I lied. It’s not. It’s Hardenbergia ~ Australian wisteria. which was cut to the ground two years ago and is once again flowering like crazy and enticing the bees to party. Against the yellow of the mimosa and the blue of the sky it’s a beauty.

The topiary of the curry plant ~ I don’t know how it happened but it did. It had grown straggly so I just clipped it and continue to do it. Let’s be honest ; the flowers are insignificant anyway. But in the really hot months you do get the whiff of curry as you walk up the path. Not to everyone’s taste but at least o didn’t do a curry path.

The succulent has sat on this table since September and is a glorious colour. It also looks pretty good. From the front. Look at the back and you see its stuffed in a green pot plonked in the urn. Just don’t look. Don’t judge. !

I have previously planted freesia from Peter Nyssen in both pots and in borders. It’s hit and miss whether I see them of not as many years we are not here when they bloom. But this year they are amazing. The colours of both the single and the doubles look fabulous. An overrated word but one that sums these up.

The scent is gorgeous and they always make me think of the lovely Karen Lynes at PN who has been the best example of customer service ever. Karen and a dear friend Enid who used to come and check the house and always go away with enough for a small vase. Tony, Enid’s husband continues the tradition. I always teased her she was stealing my flowers.

A very underrated plant in this garden is the osteospenmum < with some brutal dead heading you’ll get flowers for months and they spread. It’s a win win situation.

I’ll repeat myself say this again ~ this shouldn’t happen. These ferns are in full sunlight in all winds and weathers but especially the brutal heat of the summer. Fed a little. Watered. Tidied~ they have grown massive. Two at the end of the path and three outside the garage doors. All doing magnificently.

It’s not been all weeding and looking at plants. We have ventured off the mountain. To the coast of Nerja. To Algarrobo costa for lunch.

There will be more gardening. More trips to the coast. Eating out and hopefully the continuing sunshine.

Hopefully it won’t be another 6 months before we are back.

Posted on February 27, 2025May 14, 2025 by happyretiredblog

SIX DOORS DOWN

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged but there has been a lot going on over the last few months.

How is it the end of February already. I know it’s the shortest month but this year it’s be an oddly strange and exciting one.

After 43 years ~ me ~ 37 Ian and 21 Fred the geriatric cat we have left London. It’s been a while coming

I’d forgotten how stressful selling and moving house actually was. We were due do exchange and complete before Xmas, but that never happened. We just sat back and waited. Would it or wouldn’t it happen after the Xmas break. After a hiccup further down the chain – there were only 3 of us it eventually happened.

To be fair the last time we moved was 23 years ago and then it was only 6 doors down the road but that little move meant we changed our post code and had to change our telephone number ! At least this time it’s just the address.

How I hated having potential buyers looking at your house and the feed back. We don’t like the colours. ( excuse me but you can change the colour)~ it’s on 3 floors. Then don’t go up to the third. the gardens small ~ yes and there’s a park at the end of the road.

So we spent more time away whilst it was being viewed. But it’s been sold to a young family who live ~ 6 doors down the road !

But it makes a huge difference having a great team at the Estate Agents and a great removal company, with a particularly efficient and helpful Conveyancing lawyer.

Top tip. If you put things in the attic you don’t need them. So don’t put them there in the first place. Wise words. Which I probably will in part continue to ignore. When Ian’s father died we brought things from Scotland to our flat. They went into the attic. When we moved 6 doors down they came with us. And went into a new attic, and remained there.

The joy of it slowly being emptied. The downside is you find a box of old photos and spend more time looking at them than sorting them out.

Trust me. There’s no wonder some of them went in the attic.

These weren’t the worst.

Some of the things that went in the attic have followed us to Somerset. And have gone into a storage unit to be sorted out at a later date. I’d forgotten that we had a large Rold Harris original print. A fabulous painting of Ayres Rock. Not a cheap purchase but was removed to the attic for all the obvious reasons. It’s unlikely to ever see the light of day again.

A picnic box of my late mother and sisters piano sheet music. Music from the 194o’s for my mother ~ with my mother writing on the front page which were hers and which were her twin sisters.

A sparkly jacket from the 1982 west end show ‘The sound of music’. A memory of a dear friend who was in the show and with whom I shared a flat when I first moved to London. Sadly no longer with us. That has gone into the wardrobe ~ a bit of a Cinderella moment~ it fits it fits. Yes said Ian. . ‘One arm only ~ but some things you just can’t part with. The jacket. And the arm.

Ian has a leather jacket he bought in Kensington market when he first moved to London. He says it fits. Like me. One arm only. That too is in the wardrobe.

The last time the cellar was clear was 23 years ago ! Like the attic if it goes in there it’s likely you don’t need it. Like the boxes of jam jars. Now in the Somerset attic . Which is fine as we have two. One is totally clear. For now < only because it’s all in a storage unit.

The house had changed a lot since we moved in 23 years ago. It has been the longest I have been in one place.

But the way we used London has changed hugely. Particularly after buying the house in Spain and lockdown.

Were we sad. No. Even though I am a creature of habit and don’t really like change. But we will still be back and forth just not as much.

We will keep our dentist. Our hairdresser and we will still be back to see friends.

Out of the loft came decades of theatre programmes and handbills. One in particular reminded me of how I came to live in the street. An old theatre programme of a Nell Dunn comedy. ‘steaming’ which my next door neighbour appeared in.

I have known Cate for around 46 years. We first met when she was in Pantomime in Cardiff and we became friends. In a previous life I lived with a friend who ran ‘theatrical digs’ and Cate came to stay for the panto season. It was a hilarious few years meeting the actors staying for a week or longer.

In 1987/88 I was living in west London but ventured south of the river to take her out for her birthday.

When I dropped her home she said there are two flats for sale next door. So I looked at them, sold my flat in west London and moved in. To one of the them. We then moved 6 doors down in 2003 and were street neighbours until our move in February.

Cate is also responsible for the cottage in Pitcombe. We came to stay with her and her partner in Wookey Hole , where Cate and I would go riding. Ian tried it once and hated it ~ but o continued to ride at Mrs Masseys riding school in South London for a time. Now I would need a brewery dray horse a step ladder and Velcro.

The cottage next door was for sale but was out of our price bracket. We loved the West Country and after a hunt with many not hitting the mark and this cottage being last on the list Ian decided to buy the cottage. So Cate is responsible for where we have lived both in London and Somerset.

The move is a new chapter and one to be enjoyed. It means we can spend more time in the Somerset garden, travelling and in Spain.

Sadly we left the London garden behind. Ian wanted to bring the tree ferns. I wanted the agapanthus and canna. But it was all too difficult. The weather here too problematic for the three ferns even if double wrapped in winter. Everything was in pots and we would have needed another removal van.

The garden when we moved in but after we had unearthed a cooker.

The tulips are in and are just poking through. There are 20 large pots at the front of the house ~ another year of multi coloured planting done.

Just a few of the colours. Ignore pot 12. By the time I got to pot 4 I gave up on my plan. But the pressure is on for another good show this year.

It’s not been all focused on the move. We have settled well into village life. But there again why wouldn’t we. We have had the house for 32 years. Another 40 and we may be accepted as locals. But it’s great having people pop in for coffee. Today we have grandad who’s not our grandad call in. ‘I won’t stop’ he said. Over an hour later he left. We then went to friends for coffee before we went to a farm shop. It’s great to be able to go to the markets, the farm shops , and there is a huge social life here. Jazz at the village hall. Dance class at the village hall, ~ no, we aren’t. Two villages have film screenings in the church or village halls, a great folk duo in the church with drinks and nibbles after. The acoustics for these events are great and gets people to the church who wouldn’t normally go. Like me. One of the vicars once told me I was a festival worshiper. Xmas. Easter. Harvest festival.

Lots of local Restaurants, plenty of NT properties to visit. Closer to my tulip partner in crime who has garden adventures planned for us. The first scheduled for 5 April.

It’s an easy drive to the coast for breakfast. The Hive Beach cafe is right on the beach with a cliff top walk next to it and it’s a big favourite. Just don’t stand too close to the crumbling cliffs.

A drive to Beer where the weather didn’t get any better. When our god children were young they came with their parents to spend New year with us. New Year’s Day was always a visit to Beer to blow away the cobwebs.

The weather hasn’t been great but it’s expected. But. A big but it will get better. It’s the wet country ~ with a silent S.

There hasn’t been too much walking. I have had hideous sciatica which has limited my walking. But I managed the walk to St Leonard’s church and back along the church path with its wonderful snow drops. Beats the one clump we have in the garden.

I won’t mention the fall I had leaving a funeral at the church. The vicar told us all that Biddy’s request was for the congregation to recite a particular version of the Lords Prayer.

When I fell flat on my face on the road after the funeral cutting my head, hands and probably cracking a rib ~ Ians sympathetic comment was. ‘ That’s Biddy pushing you as you didn’t say the right words.’ We laughed as I know that she would have too.

Biddy was part of a group of ladies who knew how to have fun. My vivid recollection of her was at a village hall Christmas party decades ago with two others miming on stage to 3 little maids. They were all in their 70’s then. Sadly she was the last of the surviving 3 little maids.

These appear year in year out. I don’t know where they came from. Not me as I hate planting small bulbs. I don’t have the patience. I have given up on drumstick alliums ~ I love them but too small. Give me 1,000 tulip bulbs and I’ll plant everyone. Eventually. Even the bag I found hiding in the pantry last week.

Fred has settled in. As long as you light the log burner what ever the weather he will be happy. When we left London we left behind Christine and Bruce who looked after Fred when we were away. For 20 years. But he’s very happy with his new carer ~ he should be ~ We’ve been friends for decades and she is my goddaughters mother.

There have been crispy morning walks ~ or me hobbling through the fields < along the footpath obviously. The few really frosty days.

It’s a lovely circular walk. From the house to the church. The church path to fields.

I love the garden when everything is frosted. I have only now cut things back so that the new growth can get a bit of sunlight. When we get the odd day. But things are pushing up. Slowly. A bit more sun and it will be all systems go.

There will be fewer trips along the A303, this was our last drive to London early morning. We have been up since the sale but by train. Not always reliable but an easier way than driving. The last trip with a stay at a premier Inn. It does what it says on the tin. Comfortable bed. Good breakfast. This one a decent view. Other brands are available.

So we come to the end of February. It’s also been a month of tying up the loose ends following the sale. Getting refunds has been interesting. Refunds on overpaid bills , the joys of negotiating the various notice periods, the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing ~ theirs. Not ours. But you need your wits about you. A refund on my parking permit questioned. Oh yes. We’ve missed you parking vouchers. Have another £75. But unlike the overpaid council tax which was paid back to our bank account they will send a cheque. The alarm company. Oh yes. We’ve billed for the whole month. Here’s £50, again payable by cheque which will take 15 days.

Changing addresses. Some are easy. Some are a nightmare. But we are there. Time ro relax and enjoy the changes we have made.

Next stop. Spain. Which has been on hold for 6 months ~ more gardening. Sunshine. And catching up with good friends.

I have just had a message from our friends who check the house and garden. . ‘Will check again on Monday as I am nearby. Rain forecast so garden will be able to host the next Jurassic Park film soon’ .

Posted on October 31, 2024 by happyretiredblog

Tick tok clocks go back

How have we got to the end of October already. The year has come and gone in fits and starts. Some months have dragged. Some have whizzed by. People are already been mentioning the C word.

Joseph doesn’t even know Mary’s pregnant yet.

It’s been a wet month. Our local farmer ~ Grandad who is not my grandad says the ground is like it’s February. So wet. Which isn’t a great start for the coming months.

The beginning of the months started wet so out came my impersonation of ‘Vera’ – I donned my Vera hat.

The month started in London. Colour was drained in the garden after a hot summer. The tree ferns were looking great and had done well with a bit of neglect. I’m an overwaterer at best. But restrictions on Spain have made me think about how much I use.

Views from the kitchen window with the blinds down into the small London garden ~ stripped right back this year.

A start on the tulip plan for London and Somerset began. I’d already made the decision that there would be no tulips for Spain. The timing of planting wouldn’t work this year and to be honest the results for me are patchy at best. I’ll stick to glorious freesia along the path in Spain. They do so well and the scent in the spring heat is fabulous.

I love the process of the planning for the Pitcombe pots. I say I don’t but secretly I do.

What I don’t like is the planting ! I have a plan of sorts. But this year the plan has gone a little haywire. I was told early on that there was a shortage of tulips due to poor crops in Holland. Of course I listened. Not ! So when I came to order, a number of my choices were not available. But I got there in the end. Now it’s planting. I’ve bought more pots again this year. Two to replace smaller ones and two additional. Not that I really needed more. But…….

Being in Somerset more this year has meant we have had time for growing veg. Both growing and eating. Ian has been more visible in the garden and has been instrumental in the veg decisions and has done much more of the heavy work ~ I’ve been suffering with sciatica for months so have been a bit of a wimp in the garden. No. It’s been agony.

The Somerset garden has been fun. Spending more summer time here has enabled us to make changes to the garden. Some new borders ~ some extended borders. Cutting back ~ cutting down. After over 30 years it’s still a work in progress. I have planted a sack of mixed daffodils by the river bank.

I rarely plant daffodils in the garden here. Winter and spring is quite wet and often bulbs will rot.

Dahlias were pretty much a disaster for me this year. I grew new tubers in the falling down greenhouse and they started well. When planted in both pots and the ground they were mostly ravaged. A few of the honka and two lovely octopus sparkle were the stars, and continue to flower, but not for much longer. Will I grow dahlia again next year. My head says no. My heart says yes. Surely it can’t be as bad as this years efforts. Can it?

The canna have done well. They are still in flower waiting for the first heavy frosts I can’t be bothered with the trouble of digging them up so as I did last year I will mulch like a mad man and wish for the best. A shout out to my friends Mark and Emma at Todd’s Botanics for the canna. Especially the canna annei which has been spectacular.

We have been road blockers for sheep ~

owned by grandad who is not our grandad and also for farmer Paul’s cattle. Farmer Paul who is not related to us but is to grandad. Don’t be confused. It’s village life. My goddaughter is granddad who’s not my grandad’s granddaughter.

We would never get a call in London ‘ Jonesy ~ what are you doing ‘ ‘ depends what you want ‘ ~ one day it’s cattle. Another day it’s sheep.

There have been trips to London. Hospital appointments. Hair cuts. Nothing like a message to confirm that your consultant has booked you an appointment at 6pm. On a Friday.

It wasn’t the 500ml of blood that they had taken off that scared me. That had been done. It was the young nurse who came over to check after the process and asked my name. I told her. She replied in a scary excited voice. ‘That’s my father’s name!’ Long lost family flashed past my eyes. ‘ what’s your middle name’ came next. I told her. That’s spooky she told the other nurses. That’s my dad’s name. You aren’t from Wales are you?

Stop !! You are scaring me. It’s like long lost family. She said I’ve been looking for you for ages. Not funny ~ though I have no idea why. There is not even the remotest chance.

The worst part. I was told this year the venesection was a one off. The bad bit is I have to go back next week for another 500ml drain. I hope she’s not on shift.

So back and forth to the temple of doom on a train that ran to time. Or when prices are good the posh line. Castle Cary to Paddington.

We haven’t been devoid of culture. The lovely parish church ~ St Leonard’s Pitcombe often has concerts. This months was a folk group ~ an accordion and cello which was excellent. I love the acoustics in a church and it was something very different to the norm. Plus the wine and nibbles are always a treat. We also get to see people we don’t run into often.

There have been walks around Bruton. Walks through the green lanes ~ as muddy as they are. But lots of stops and sit downs to alleviate pain.

We may or may not have had a few visits to The Kitchen at Kimbers ~ that’s always a given as is shopping in the farm shop. The joy of being here is that there are so many small independents to shop at ~ Kimbers. Lievito bakery ~ the best jam doughnuts. Super bread. ~ Gilcombe farm shop. Bill the butcher ~ who really is Phil. Bill was his father who was here when we arrived 30 years ago.

My goddaughter passed her driving test at her first attempt. It’s not surprising as you can find her behind the wheel of a tractor or a quad bike. We had every confidence in her ~ she may not be speaking to me though. Many years ago she had to spend the day with me ~ and she was in a mood. I took some photos of her which I remind her of often, as I do with her brother.

I included one of them on a congratulatory card. I’ve taken my life in my hands now. She will get her own back.

If you don’t see a blog in a while ~ send help.

The months not been without some sadness as we had to say goodbye to Bob the cat. Bob came to us from Battersea Dogs and cats 19 years ago a year after Fred.

We head into November which means bulb planting ~ some fresh compost. Fleecing the London tree ferns ~ and more trips up and down the A303 past Stonehenge. Guess what. It’s still not finished.