A Special Time Is Nearly Upon Us



Our tree is up, and yesterday we set off in our finest to Bournemouth to buy some presents. When running your own business, it's never really possible to completely switch off whilst still at home, and to prove this point, just as we were about to set off, a phone call came through from one of the nurseries to inform us that the fully mature Acer Griseum that we had ordered a number of weeks ago, but really didn't expect to materialize until after Christmas, was in fact now ready for us. It had to go in the border that was partly planted a couple of weeks ago.

Although the Paperbark Maple isn't one of my favourite trees, it does have a place in a border if one can view it close up, and we thought that it would compliment the final design when completed. And so we set off, dressed up ready for lunch out and the shops, and headed for the nursery. The tree was duly put in the trailer, taken to the site, planted very carefully so as not to mess up my shoes too much, and NOW, that should be Four Seasons Garden Care done until 2012.

Lunch was lovely, a tapas at our favourite place in Bournemouth, and then on with the shopping. I must admit that when we got back, we just crashed out with Hobie on the sofa for the evening.

Today, a break from the crowds was needed, and so off to Studland for the afternoon.

 And hot chocolate at the beach cafe before setting off along the beach to Fort Henry.

 I used to play here as a child, and back then the whole site was covered in deep undergrowth and hidden.

Then a drive around Poole Harbour to Worth Matravers.

And a stop at the first pub I took Amanda to, on our first 'date'.

The Square and Compass, open fire and low ceilings, coupled with good basic food, really good beers, and killer ciders.

 After sharing some talk and laughter with the honey sellers about Amanda stepping in a deep puddle......

...we headed on in to enjoy a pint of Winter Lightening for me, and a large malt for my lady wife.

All far too snug and comfortable, and far too easy to stay and have a few more, but I have to drive, and so maybe a holiday here next year eh? For now, we have to say goodbye to one of the pubs dogs and head off home.

What a day, and now a very lazy evening in the kitchen. Handel's 'Messiah' playing loudly, Amanda wrapping pressies, and me, well I have been baking jam tarts and am now doing this.

TTFN and blessings to all.