Gold

A lovely resident of one of our properties recently came out to show us an award. We have known both her and her husband for many years, lovely people. Her husband always there with a mug of tea for each of us on a cold day (I think a piccie was posted years ago of me sat exhausted on the lawn holding a mug). She came out to let us know that the garden had won a gold in the Poole in Bloom competition for best communal garden....Wow!!

We have always looked on this particular garden as somewhere quite special, both in terms of how it looks, but mainly on it's influence on us personally. It's appearance around us, it's effect on us, and the contact with those that live here. Always have been special people.

It's called 'The Orchard', based on the fact that there has been kept a small apple orchard at the lower end of the garden. Sadly, due to the age of the trees and recent storm damage, many of the trees are now gone. But, new trees have, and will be planted. The 'gardening baton' as I've mentioned ages ago has to be handed down to new growth.

It's one of our 'Good Gardens' A place where we feel better having been there.

 

It's getter colder. Sunsets are lower, but even more beautiful. 

We head down to Branksome Chine most mornings at about 6am to share the moment with many others. Swimmers mostly, joggers, cyclists, dog walkers. We have even met some residents from places we look after, who come for the experience each day. A swim, walk, refection, warm drink.

Recently we came at sunrise with our daughters to grab a freezing cold early swim. For once the first ones there. It was soooo cold, but amazing. Laughter, screams, connection.

A cooked breakfast at the local cafe afterwards warmed us up. 

The conversation I have at such times with Amanda, Claire and Rebecca ALWAYS makes me feel better. Doing it all again in a few weeks. Before that taking them on a hike across Dartmoor, More bonding with dad....haha