Sunday 5 July 2020

The Distancing Diaries - Day 106 &107


I was astounded to look over at the alarm clock on Saturday (day 106) and discover that it was after 8am, no wonder the cats were pacing up and down the bed like caged tigers. I blame Huey Morgan for keeping us up late - we spent three weeks in the northeastern state of Bahia in Brazil back in 2001 and it was wonderful to revisit some of the places we hung out in the state capital, Salvador, in his BBC4 series Latin Music Adventures.

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By way of a change Jon got up first, fed the lads and brought mugs of tea back to bed where we lay reading until after 9am.


Jon went downstairs to start breakfast while I stripped and changed the bed. I loaded the machine and joined Jon at the kitchen table for veggie sausage sandwiches. After we'd eaten I put back the plants I'd left soaking in the utility room sink and bath overnight and pegged out the laundry.


Once dressed I stained the floorboards at the top of the stairs (the stairs I'd done yesterday were putting them to shame) then swept the patio as, once again, it was covered in debris from the lime tree. Ebbie was also covered in the stuff so Jon washed her, moved her away from the offending tree and covered her over. With the area of drive on which she'd been parked empty I raked the gravel and deposited the sweepings into the compost bin.


The dreaded lime tree, all one hundred foot of it. Okay to look at, not so much fun to live with!

WEARING: Vintage Indian cotton blouse & 1970s Ayesha Davar block print midi skirt (both Ebay)

Finally, the crocosmia has burst open! It's almost as tall as me.


This pair can't let Jon out of their sight.


Here's a resident of our garden you haven't met before, our tail-less magpie. I'm not sure what happened to him but we did find a pile of feathers at the bottom of the garden a couple of weeks ago so I can only assume he escaped Stephen's evil clutches. He can fly - but in a very ungainly fashion!


The postman arrived with two gorgeous books from Lynn & Philip, they'd been donated by a neighbour for the book pile they have outside their house but thought we'd appreciate them more - we do. There's some very tasty veggie-friendly recipes I might try out this week.


Saturday seems to be breadmaking day lately and Jon decided to make one of his Roman spelt loaves. HERE'S the recipe he uses (neither of us has ever watched the TV show, we avoid cookery programmes like the plague). Although it says to use white spelt flour he prefers the wholemeal variety and it works just as well.


You might have noticed that I've finally got round to creating a list of blogs I follow in my sidebar. These are written by fabulous women who comment regularly and keep me entertained with their own blogs, keeping the sense of community - which I've always loved about blogging - alive and well. 


Tea was freshly baked bread with salad, cheese and the largest gherkins known to man (they're a Turkish brand called Bodrum, bought from Johal's). We spent the evening - on Annie's recommendation - glued to Scotland's Home of the Year watching six episodes back-to-back on the I-player. As it was Saturday night rum and cola was consumed. Who needs the pub?

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This morning I woke at 7am, let the lads out and brought tea back to bed where we lay reading until 8.30 and I finished the Fred Vargas I started last week (what a wonderful writer, her characterisation is utterly fabulous). We watched The Andrew Marr Show, ate toast and I painted my nails.

Lockdown nails, week 16 - Barry M's Passion Fruit
When I went upstairs to clean my teeth I discovered with horror that we were almost out of toothpaste. I thought I'd bought three tubes back from India but it turned out that it was only two, one more squeeze and it would all be gone.


For most of last year we'd used a plastic free product from &Keep called Truthpaste but an order would take a few days to arrive so Jon went down to Johal's as he'd remembered seeing our favourite ayuervedic brand, Dabur, on the toiletry self. We usually use Red, I'm excited to try Basil.


Before I got dressed I cleaned our bedroom, which once again was covered in a layer of  dust. 


With the blustery conditions the UK is currently experiencing, the debris from next door's lime tree is a complete nightmare. With my daily sweeping up, I'm starting to feel like King Canute and his battle to stop the tide.

WEARING: Vintage Indian handloom kaftan (eBay, 2019), 1970s Indian silk screen print scarf by Sears (charity shop bargain bin)

While I swept, Jon and the lads headed to the shed to dig out the front of the cupboard that used to be in the third bedroom before we turned it into a bathroom. It had been in the shed for over a decade and involved a lot of huffing, puffing and choice language to get it out.


Glued together and held into place with clamps, Jon's got a cunning plan....


While the shed was open I spotted the vintage metal camping table we'd bought from a car boot sale years ago. Normally it forms part of our camp kitchen at festivals and, rather than leave it gathering dust in the shed, I've decided to use it as a potting table. I've moved the terracotta pots every day this week to sweep underneath them so it was hardship to do it again to squeeze in the table. The antique earthenware pot had been festering under a bush for years, I dug it out and filled it with the broken crocks which we use for drainage in our potted plants. While I was moving the pots I found a few chipped ones and had a lovely time smashing them to bits with a hammer. Such a satisfying job!


Also in the shed I found an envelope addressed to our old house and postmarked 2003. I must have bought these old colour plates from eBay and promptly stashed them away, forgetting all about them. The picture entitled The Death of Shah Jahan has him surrounded by exotic princesses, staring wistfully out from his prison cell within Agra Fort to the Taj Mahal across the water. We stood on the same spot in January, 2019.

Read about our visit HERE
 Although the forecast was for a miserable, wet weekend other than the blustery wind, the weekend hasn't been bad at all. There was no rain and, when the sun came out from behinds the clouds it's been deliciously warm - when they've not been stalking mice or, in Stephen's case, chasing birds, the lads have been basking on the lawn.




Jon gave the veg plants a liquid seaweed feed whilst I grappled with the hosepipe and gave the patio plants a thorough soaking.


The agapanthus have finally started to unfurl, four are out and I've counted another seven buds. The passionflower has made an appearance, such a weird looking thing.


The sea holly is on its way, the hydrangeas are looking gorgeous, the nastursiums fill me with joy every time I catch sight of them, as do the geraniums.


Tonight we're having jacket potatoes with baked beans and grated cheese, a proper old school tea. We'll be watching more of Scotland's Home of the Year before the mesmerising The Lumineries at 9pm.

Stay safe, stay fabulous, stay in touch!

57 comments:

  1. Happy Sunday, Vix! I also watched Scotland's Home of the Year on Annie's recommendation which I read on your blog. Some truly gorgeous homes. It's rained off and on all day here - mostly on, I'm afraid, so it was a day of indoor chores. Love the new potting bench. I recommissioned an old garden table for the job and, even though it's a bit low, it really does make the job easier. I'm sure you'll get great use from it. Very envious of the earthenware pot, what a beauty! You keep us guessing by giving us glimpses of future home improvements. I'll keep tuning in!!!

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    1. Hello, Catmac! What a lovely day it's been although I think we've got your rain for the rest of the week. I'm loving Scotland's Home of the Year. What a lovely mix of homes but what a lot of grey! Some of those modern houses look like office blocks with their grey sofas and glass balconies.
      Having a proper table to pot up up makes such a difference, doesn't it?
      I've no idea where that earthenware pot came from, it's been collecting rainwater for years. It's the perfect thing to store my crocks in.
      Have a lovely evening. xxx

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  2. I’m glad the books arrived safely, at least you can have a dreaming session of Greece. But I do hope you get there.
    I’m recording the Scottish house’s programme. I was going to catch up this afternoon but watched the true story “Marvellous” instead. I’m sticking with The Luminaries even though I keep losing the story. I’ve got football to get through first- yuck.
    Your talk of sausage sandwiches led to us having the Linda Mccartney Red Onion & Rosemary ones on freshly granary bread for tea. It was delicious with brown sauce.
    Your weather seems a lot milder than ours, it’s been torrential rain and wind here gain. Even the horses in the fields across have run for cover.
    Omg there’s a lot of shouting going on here now with the bloody football. Think I’ll get out of the way.
    Have a nice evening xxx

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    1. We're thrilled with the books, what with them and Bettany Hughes' Greek Odyssey we're getting our Greek fix at the moment. Thank you!
      The Scottish house programme is lovely, we've caught up with all the houses now, just to final to watch tomorrow night. I'm mad about The Lumineries, Jon still keeps asking me who everyone is.
      You can't beat a veggie sausage sandwich but it's got to be mustard!
      Jon's got F1 on until 9pm - it's worse than watching paint dry! xxx

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  3. Spelt bread could be next on my list of things to try. I've just this afternoon set off a sourdough starter - wish me luck.
    Baked potato with beans and cheese is my all time favourite. Delicious. X

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    1. Let me know how you get on with the sour dough, we've never tried making it and love to eat it!
      Spelt is lovely, really light and tasty. I'm considering trying savoury scones with it at some point. xxx

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  4. Reading until after 9 am, oh my :-) I'm hearing you on the sweeping. We did have two hollies in our garden and I was forever sweeping up those leaves and picking the prickly things out of the borders. Now that they're gone, we only have to sweep once in a while. Your Crocosmia is magnificent. I might get one when we've cleared another piece of border. Oh that poor magpie! How sweet of Lynn & Philip to send you those books. And how lovely to be in your sidebar! I love the sense of community about blogging too. I've never had any other toothpaste but the minty variety, it would be interesting to try something like basil. I love your potting table. Mine, incidentally, is the table we usually use for our flea market. Imagine finding those old colour plates in the shed! Can't wait to hear about Jon's idea with the front of that cupboard. Loving all the flower close-ups. What a wonderful variety you have in your garden! xxx

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    1. I know! It's unheard of, such lazy bahaviour! The look Frank gave us was priceless!
      It starts to become a bit of a challenge, doesn't it? I could leave the sweeping for a few days but I feel better for keeping on top of the leaves.
      Those crocosmia are fabulous, we've got a smaller orange variety as well, I don't think we planted them they just arrived by accident along with the tail-less magpie, poor thing. Jon keeps feeding him mealworms as he feels sorry for him. xxx

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    2. The orange variety is known as "Montbretia". Think they are the same plant but montbretia is native and crocosmia cultivated.

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    3. I think you're right - we didn't plant either, they just popped up one year and more and more keeps appearing, I'm happy with that! xxx

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  5. Hi there Vix, we will be settling down to the Lumenaries later too. That is a good idea to use the camping table as a potting table. That is one impressive collection of terracotta pots!! I thought I had a lot. I have loads of veg scrap things to plant tomorrow ie spring onion I love putting the scraps in water on our sunny dining room sill and see what happens they must go in the ground though I was not very motivated today so just cut back a load more wild geranium. I learn so much from your blog including what some of my flowers are! That new ebay blouse goes so well with your skirt and love the kaftan too rocking two different hairstyles I see. Hmm wonder what Jon's cunning plan is?? We will have to wait and see. The lads look so content. Speaking of contentment I had a dear mate phone yesterday (we were on the phone for an houR!) and she was saying she had an uneasy feeling yesterday that she should be doing something like going out but I she liked spending time at home and wasn't ready to swan off down the pub I told her to go at her own pace and I am going to try and take my own advice. How did the "Super Sat. thing affect your mood if at all?xx Shazx

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    1. Hi Shaz! I'm looking forward to the Lumineries, really loving it so far. Eva Green's wardrobe is particularly fabulous.
      I saw a post on Facebook the other day where somone had quarted the stalk of an Iceberg lettuce and left it in water, it looked incredible. I used to love growing veg scraps as a child, you've inspired me to have another go.
      On the phone for an hour? You must have had a lot to catch up on! I love the pub because I really enjoy striking up conversations with strangers so having to sit apart and socially distance really doesn't appeal, I'd rather sit in the lounge at home but it's been lovely in the sunshine at times this weekend and I'm kind of thinking that it would be rather pleasant to sit in a beer garden with an ice cold lager at some point. Maybe when the craziness has worn off a bit? xxx

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  6. Lop a branch off that lime and keep it a few years. It's great wood for carving and you could get Jon to make you a lovely garden sculpture ... or make one yourself. The lime blossom makes a very fragrant addition to tea. Those Terracotta plant pots are flipping gorgeous... Far nicer than ginger plastic ones.

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    1. That lime tree has a preservation order slapped on it, we're not allowed to touch it without permission from the council, we've pleaded with them to let us give it a trim but they keep saying no! Bah!
      I do love the old terracotta pots, they look like an art instalation even when they're empty! xxx

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  7. I know, most out of character for me, I felt so naughty!
    Spelt bread is lovely, it's got a really nice light consistency, not stodgy or filling like traditional bread although, like you, we limit our intake as well.
    You'll love Scotland's Home of the Year, there's some absolute beauties on there and the judges are lovely! xxx

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  8. Oh, now that I see the sweepings, we definitely have lime trees here - I recognize the leaves and those little round seeds (they make a satisfying POP when you step on them on the sidewalks).

    Lovely outfits, great nail colour. Basil toothpaste? I don't know...

    Thank you for adding me on the blogroll list! Very kind of you. Looks like your weekend was nice and chill, with the lads and the garden. Very calm. All the best to you, Vix.

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    1. We used to call those seeds "heliocopters" when we were kids, I love the way they twizzle down from the tree and they do make a satisfying pop when you squash them.
      My favourite toothpaste flavour is "meswak" which has a woody, liquorice taste. I've never liked traditional mint toothpaste, it's too sweet. I'll let you know what basil is like!
      Isn't it funny? We don't work during the week so really every day should feel the same but there's always a weekendish vibe even if we do the same stuff! xxx

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  9. The boys looked like they enjoyed their nap in the sun! I'm glad that your putting the broken pots into use! We don't have as much of a collection like you, but I wish we had more.

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    1. They had a lovely time dozing in the sunshine. It needed to be a bit warmer for me to join them! xxx

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  10. I watched Latin Adventures and thoroughly enjoyed it too.I have bought sea holly and eccinops??and other similar plants which I love but for some reason they don't seem to survive here.Great bread-Jon is a master baker isn't he x

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    1. Hello Flis! thank you for introducing me to echinopps, that looks eaxactly the kind of plant I like, architectural and interesting.
      Loved that Huey Morgan show, he's got such great taste in music and a really engaging way about him.
      Jon's surname is Baker so he's a Mister Baker! xxx

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  11. What a beautiful magpie, tail or not. Sometimes they just lose them to molt and will grow a new one. I suspect if it had tangled with one of your cats you'd know it as they aren't the sort of birds to go down without a fight.

    Glad to see you haven't succumbed to purchasing a leaf blower to send the debris back over to the source. I would be tempted.

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    1. I did wonder if it was nature, another bird or a cat. There's been a few incidents this week where he's narrowly escaped Stephen's evil clutches. There's something rather dapper about magpies even without the tail.
      I'll leave the leaf blowers to the local council, I'm actually coming round to the daily sweeping and raking routine, it's good for the arms! xxx

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  12. I love your outfits you gorgeous girl.

    The boys look super content snoozing on the warm grass and their happiness oozes out in these photos.

    Am so enjoying travel shows too. Here it is Joanna Lumley travelling the Silk road again (I watched it years ago), The Greek Islands with Julia somebody and The Persians.

    Julie

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    1. Thanks, lovely lady! The lads do love a bit of summer sunshine, even more so if they've got the company of Jon in the garden!
      Julia Bradbury! That series was wonderful. I haven't seen the Joanna Lumley Silk Road series, I'm not sure why, she's a national treasure! xxx

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  13. I avoid cookery shows too. For someone like me who has to watch their weight: food shows are food porn (to me). And honestly, I am never ever going to cook anything from those shows. I was so engrossed by your post that it took me a while to realize that I am on your "liked blogs". Wow, what an honour. Thank you xx Am seeing a grand daughter tomorrow who is going to do some computer sorting out for me and I rather fancy having a decent blog list, too.

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    1. Cookery shows are definitely best avoided if you're watching your weight! As I trained as a chef and worked in the industry for years they're a bit of a busman's holiday, I don't see them as a pleasant way to spend an hour.
      Your thoughtful comments have been most appreciated during lockdown, you write so well and it's lovely to get an insight into life in New Zealand, too. I used to follow a few NZ bloggers but they've all abandoned writing for the easy appeal of IG! xxx

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  14. "...pacing up and down the bed like caged tigers"? Given the lateness of the hour, one can well imagine the lads' impatience for breakfast to be served so that they could get on with their program for the day involving mice in the rocks and magpies in the shrubs. My two toms would have been pacing (and yowling) this morning, but last night's fireworks kept us all awake into the early hours. The neighbors were firing reloadable mortars, which *BOOM* rather than *bang*. By common agreement I did not draw the drapes on the eastern window until *ahem* much later.

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    1. I felt like such a bad cat parents, interrupting the lads' routine by sleeping in, I can tell you!
      I bet your boys loathed the 4th July fireworks. Frank's not bothered by our Guy Fawkes Night but Stephen is a quivering wreck. xxx

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  15. Milo barks at 11 am for his Serrano ham bone if sir doesn’t get it, he will keep barking untill he gets it. We went to pets paradise, which is an ultra posh pet shop , I hate going in there as the kids make me buy all sorts of tat for him, he only wears a sodding dickie bow! But the Japanese like to dress their pets up like they are humans!
    And I can only get his bones from there. So the kids saw a Pokemon top for him, they hounded me all the way around. £12.00 !! For a doggie t shirt !!! I think not. I managed to fob them off with the dickie bow instead!
    Milo has a thing for chasing birds. Then looks all incocent when you tell him off. The bread looks awesome, Paul made a nice banana loaf , so that is going to work as they don’t know what that is. One of the Younguns look scared!!! Anyway keep safe .

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    1. Morning, Allie! Milo sounds like a naughty boy! Mind you, being forced to wear a bow tie and a Pokemon teeshirt, he deserves some kind of compensation!
      I haven't had a banana loaf in years, we've never got any left over, they are delicious though.
      Have a lovely day! xxx

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  16. lime trees or "linden" are very very useful for bees! and you can collect the flowers (if you can get at them) for tea - it helps with coughing and fever and tastes heavenly. as does the honey made by bees from linden flowers. and such a huge fruiting tree is a whole own universe for insects, small furries and birds. but yes - the falling seeds can be annoying :-)
    the silber striped blouse and that skirt are a pair made in heaven - gorgeous outfit!
    i´m very courious what jon will made with that doors....... and thank you for wonderful flower pics!
    thankfully the tailfeathers will grow back on that poor bird - cats eh´?!
    we had a splitted weekend - the BW was very busy and i rather lazy......lounging in a deckchair in the shade mostly. somewhat needed it.
    xxxxx

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    1. I didn't know linden and lime trees were one and the same. One of my friends, you enjoys foraging, said the same about the flowers (and Cherie, who commented yesterday did, too). I'm not sure how we'd get to it though, it's a huge beast of a tree and it's in next door's garden, it's the overhanging branches and all the mess we get to share!
      That metallic blouse - like my white one - seems to go with so many things. I love how it breathes new life into clothes I already own.
      Our cats are such bad boys.
      I like the sound of lazing in a deckchair, I wish it was warm enough to do the same here! xxx

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  17. wowww, your garden is such a joyful and colorful feast for the eyes, these blooming flowers are fabulous!, even the lime tree looks magnificent (despite being such a nightmare to clean all its stuff). I love these trees, they provide a nice shade and their smell is lovely, we enjoy many of them in our city parks.
    Love your cotton blouse and midi skirt ensemble, so delightfully matchy!, and love your kaftan too. You Totally Rock in this, your accessorizing and style are always Fab!
    Thanks for commenting on some interesting tv programmes, you're providing us with lots of fun!.
    And the bread that Jon has baked looks Amazing!
    besos

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    1. Thank you! The garden making me really happy now the agapanthus and crocosmia plants are out, proper summer stuff! Our trees are beautiful but wild and unruly, I wish we were allowed to cut them back just a bit but the man from the council says no so it looks like years more of daily sweeping. xxx

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  18. The handloom kaftan you're wearing is absolutely beautiful, teal and chocolate are one of my favourite colour combinations and it looks stunning.
    I'm curious to see what the cupboard front will become, I love a creative project!
    I can see why you curse the mammoth lime tree, ours are all pollarded ( by Philip), they still produce sticky stuff but are much more manageable. They're a lovely green but not a tree I would choose to plant. You look like you have your work cut out, a pain that it's next door's tree and you can't have it cut back a bit.
    I'm feeling increasingly guilty. You give your plants so much tlc and they look so healthy for it. I should be doing that too, all the wind lately has made me a wuss, I hate the wind.
    Sending love to you all in your peaceful oasis. xxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Sally! I wasn't sure about the fit of the kaftan and had relegated it to the Kinky Shed but decided to try it belted and now it's back in the wardrobe.
      Our neighbour has pleaded with the council to let him trim a bit of that lime tree back but they just say no just like they do when we ask if we can touch any of our trees. It's daft really as we can only use an approved tree surgeon anyway so it's not like we'd go mad and scalp it!
      I hate high winds, too - staying inside is the best option! xxx

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  19. Your crocosmia is stunning, I love that colour.
    Thank you for adding me to your blog list. I love the blogging community too, it’s that that keeps me posting, albeit sporadically at times.
    Jon’s spelt loaves look delicious, and I’m intrigued to see what plan you have for the cupboard front.
    I enjoy the smashing up broken crockery for drainage, a great form of stress relief.
    xx

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    1. Isn't it fab? I love an architectural looking plant, that's probably why I've never been a fan of roses, too floppy and blousy!
      It's a pleasure to add you to the list, your blog is always a pleasure to read, however infrequently you post. xxx

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  20. Your recently acquired blouse is earning it's keep, it's so pretty - goes beautifully with today's outfit. I am loving my BarryM nail colours too, still haven't used every colour in the box yet! was so sad to see the news today that so many Covid19 deaths in India have prompted Taj Mahal to be closed to visitors, I am so grateful we made it last year as we may not get another chance. Yes, I thought when we visited how unbearable it must have been for the Shah to be within sight of all that beauty he had created, yet imprisoned for so long, very cruel.

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    1. Thanks, Betty! I love those light-as-air tops, they feel like you're wearing nothing and this one really does seem to go with every.
      Get those Barry M's worn! Mind you, there's a couple of colours in my collection that I haven't tried yet so I'm a fine one to speak.
      There's a real spike in the cases in India, I think the numbers we're hearing are just the tip of the iceberg, I dread to think what the situation is like in the more remote villages after the workers left the cities to go home. xxx

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  21. It was a pretty good weekend - nice surprise!

    We have lime trees where our residents parking is; across the street and they leave a sticky residue on the car but at least I don't have one in the garden!

    Lovely skirt and I just love that kaftan. The scarf is lovely; great bargain! The Barry M is such a good colour; you always pick such fabulous colours; my toenails need to be painted I might have to get the daughter to do it for me....

    I am so envious of all those terracotta pots - we are trying slowly to replace the plastic ones but the terracottas are so expensive. I'm so sorry when the 1.00 shop was doing them I didn't buy more. What a good idea to use the camping table as potting table.

    I am so intrigued by the cunning plan and cupboard - I'm just really nosy!

    As for your tailless Magpie; the poor little thing; hopefully they'll grow back?

    Take care and stay safe
    xxxx

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    1. Wasn't the weekend weather a nice surprise? Yesterday was lovely in the end, too.
      Jon is driven mad by that sticky residue the lime trees deposit, I can think of much lovelier trees more deserving of a preservation order.
      Do you struggle with painting your toenails? It look me almost a year to be able to do mine comfortable after my hip replacement, I feel your pain. I can't bear to see my feet with bare nails!
      Those terracotta pots seem to sell for a fortune on eBay, I've always prefered the look of them to plastic, even empty they're like a work of art.
      Jon keeps telling me that I've got to be patient with that cupborad door project, it's an intricate task tht requires much consideration so it may be a while before it can be revealed!
      Look after yourself, Vronni! xxx

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  22. Late here too, both to your latest blog and getting up. It’s been a strange week - a few people I know are also feeling a bit discombubolated, perhaps it is all the unlocking ? 🤔

    thank you for including Bag End on your list of blogs; crocosmia is just starting to bloom here but no sign of the agapanthus.

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    1. Morning, Jayne! I reckon you could be right. I'm going into town for the first time in 109 days today, I'm a bit jittery! xxx

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  23. Well done you on your visit to the hairdressers. I bet it feels lovely now. My turn tomorrow. Angela is coming here to sort us both out.
    Philips Saturday drinking buddy rang to see if he was going for a pint but he’s not ready for that yet.
    So proud of my mum, her face was a picture of happiness when she got home from her first time out on the bus in 12 weeks. She was exhausted after though. Rochdale has opened a whole new shopping centre while she’s be in lockdown. Her and auntie jill had a coffee in the new M&S before trundling back home on the bus.
    Have a lovely day out today and can you send some sunshine up here please xxxx

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    1. I've just seen your blog has popped up in my sidebar so o'm looking forward to seeing your new hair.
      Well done to your Mum, the longer we've been locked down, the more daunting it feels to venture out into the real world. I bet her trip has done wonders for her confidence.
      I think we've got your wet weather now, it's hard to stay motivated when it's so gloomy! xxx

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  24. I've been out of blog commission a few days, but so lovely to see your blog log, and I will check all them out. Thanks for the post to Jon's recipe ta the has been using. With my bread maker shot, I am not replacing but would like to get back to eating homemade bread for some meals. The poor magpie-he at least found the right yard to stay put in, and hope the kitties leave him be. What a nice read fro my Wednesday morning.

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    1. I hope you're feeling better now, Sam!
      Jon uses one of those handheld mixers with dough hook attachments, we've had it for at least 20 years and it does the job just fine - the best thing about it is that it's small so can be put in a drawer after use. One of my bugbears about kitchen gadgets is that most have to live on the work surfaces! xxx

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  25. I'm laughing trying to imagine your 'caged tigers'. I imagine you getting after 8am upset their routine somewhat. Your lads are adorable. Baking day always sounds good. Jon is really good at baking. Always good to see what he is up to bake wise. I see you're keeping busy as well. Crocosmia looks great and how funny it is almost as tall as you. It matches your outfit as well with its red flowers. Great outfits! I love the red (embroidery?) detail on that (burgundy?) vintage Indian cotton blouse. It matches beautifully with the 1970s Ayesha Davar block print midi skirt. I also love your maxi handloom kaftan and the silk scarf you wore in your hair. You look great.

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    1. Our cats are so pampered and love their routines.
      Jon really enjoys baking bread, he used to do it regularly a few years ago but it was one of those things that fell by the wayside when business got busier.
      The blouse is dip-dyed (I think it's back in fashion!) with a metallic thread running through it, it seems to go with everything or maybe its just that I love wearing it. xxx

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  26. The poor magpie! It's a good thing all he lost was his tailfeathers. Jon has become quite the bread baker - it's interesting to see what we have learned to do in lockdown Speaking of which, thank you so much for your comment on my blog post by the way, and thank you for keeping me on your blogroll even though my posts are few and far between.

    You have such a wonderful variety of colours and types of flowers in your garden. Someone in our neighbourhood has passion flowers (although they are purple) and they are odd looking things. The lime tree droppings would annoy me too. Earlier in the spring our maple tree in the front yard dropped all its keys (we called them helicopters when I was a kid too) on our tiny lawn and there were hundreds of them.

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    1. Isn't it shame for the magpie? We've got a soft spot for them, they're really raucous and cheeky, a bit like the crows in India.I expect his curiousity must have got the better of him to lose his tail!
      I knew you'd start blogging again and I'm so glad you did. You've got great style and a wide variety of interests, even if you don't feel like you're doing a lot.
      Passionflowers are really weird, aren't they? Trees can be so messy! On Tuesday we had six visits by the council's sucky-up machine - not sure of the technical term - in a vain attempt to unblock the drains clogged up by the lime tree debris. It would save them so much money if they just gave our neighbour permission to trim it! xxx

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  27. I like the look of fallen leaves, Vix, but the image of you going mad about having to constantly sweep them up gave me a chuckle!

    Well done to Jon for his weekly bread making routine. Yum!

    Basil toothpaste? That sounds unusual. What is the flavour of the red toothpaste? X

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    1. Gah! They drive me mad, they make everything look scruffy and unloved.
      Basil toothpaste is lovely, it's hard to describe the red one, it smells a bit like Germolene (a medicated skin cream) and has a really strong taste that numbs your mouth - weirdly addictive! xxx

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  28. Phwoar, look at that yummy bread!!! Your toothpaste sounds interesting. I am afraid, I have reverted back to regular toothpaste, I just wasn't getting on with the toothpaste in a jar. I still have toothytabs to use though so I should use those up!
    I like the combo of colours on that handloomed kaftan- really striking. Your flowers are looking marvellous- I love the Sea Holly and Nasturtiums! Are you going to eat the Nasturtiums? Passion flowers ARE so bizarre!!!! I look at mine incredulously every time!

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    1. I do like the Truthpaste but I love the Indian toothpaste flavours and if we run out we can get more from the corner shop rather than waiting for a delivery.
      I did nibble a nastursium but I couldn't taste anything, there was just a bitter aftertaste. xxx

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Lots of love, Vix