Saturday 14 June 2014

Hot!

Well THAT was a tough morning.
The wonderful and sweet elderly couple who get me to cut their hedges two of three times a year had phoned to ask if I could squeeze them in, as everything had gone berserk. It's not surprising, as this has got to be one of the hottest Junes I can remember, and all after so much rain, things are growing like crazy. The week had been really tiring, but they were sounding really fed up with the state of their garden, and that with them being in their 90's, can't do anything in it anymore. I grabbed youngest daughter to give me a hand, and we both started, she trying to get the grass down to something less resembling a hay field, and me reducing the hedges, which are substantial to say the least.  It was unbearably hot, and even our legs were sweating, but after lots of work, two cups of coffee, some very amusing banter between the couple and us, and the gift of four demi-johns, we had finished. I think youngest is heading for a swim in the sea with her significant other. Me, I headed home, to be met by my wonderful wife at the door, a cup of tea ready, and Paul Weller playing throughout the house.
 
 
I couldn't do much at that point other than just flop in a chair in the kitchen, and slowly sip my tea. Legs were buzzing from nettle stings, and hands were still a bit shaky from such exertion in the heat, but it was lovely to just soak up the relaxed atmosphere that Amanda had created.
 
 
I am now officially on holiday for the week, although I still have a couple of quotes to draw up, and a bill to drop off, but that's all simple stuff. A week at home is to be had, with beach walks, garden visits, a little work in our garden and allotment, and maybe the odd pint in a pub thrown in. And boy, am I ready for it.
 
The Himalayan Poppies are still thriving as well.
 
 
TTFN
 


20 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you Adrian, a week of serious R&R coming up.

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  2. Garden work in the heat and humidity is AWFUL! How wonderful that Amanda had a lovely welcome awaiting you when you got home. That is a sweet video/song as tribute to the love you two share. It brings tears to my eyes.

    Enjoy your week off, it sounds like you have some nice plans.

    FlowerLady

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    1. Hello Lorraine,
      I must admit that both of us had to muster up energy that wasn't there today. The cup of tea and Paul Weller helped me to come back to earth though. Amanda is taking us to the Wimborne Festival tomorrow, so some real ale and Morris Dancing is the order of the day.

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  3. Your hands look like mine
    We a t h e r e d

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    1. I will take that as a compliment John.

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  4. Have a good week off.
    I spent the whole day weeding the paths on all four (with a knee pad). However, while you were having typical North American summer weather, we were having a sunny day and about 20 degrees C - a perfect day to work outside so I cannot complain.

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    1. Thanks Alain, going nicely so far. I must admit to liking much cooler weather to garden in, and yours sounds just about right.

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  5. We garden very early in the day. Today at 8:30 am it was 90 and it only gets hotter through out the day.

    I just love the last photo. Beautiful.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Hello Parsnip,
      90 degrees?....yikes, that is too hot, no wonder you choose the cooler morning to work in the garden. Thanks for the nice comment about the picture, it's taken from where I sit for my morning tea and blog catch up.

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  6. I hope you have a good holiday sir! Sounds like it'll be a well-earned one.

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    1. It's all being very restful thanks. That is apart from the van turbo blowing up yesterday. Still, my 'chi' is centred, and I am doing some gardening at home while it's getting fixed. Thanks for dropping by.

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  7. I like that song you posted.....very nice. Hope you have a nice holiday. I can only imagine the demands this time of year. And kudos for enduring the heat on those trim days. I've had a few of them lately as well.....not my favorite:)

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    1. Good evening Chris,
      It seems to be getting even hotter, and so that, coupled with the van in the garage, makes it just as well that I am on holiday this week. I can only imagine how hot it gets in the Arizona desert, now THAT would be tough. Have a good one.

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  8. Hope you enjoyed your week off! Sounds like you got a lot in and heat is just killer. I'm just now catching up on blogs. See you in the garden.

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    1. Good morning Sherlock,
      It's Friday morning, the van is in the garage, and we are taking Celias car for a trip to Montacute House today. It's a good week so far, all considering thanks.

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  9. Glad to see that you all are doing well!! I've been a really terrible blog reader and writer for the last 6 months. .but it's fun to check up. .like looking in on family!! Have a great weekend!

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    1. Good morning Melanie,
      It's nice to see you back in blogland, even if it must be sporadically at the moment.

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