Winter Garden Solves Summer Mystery

Image: OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay

It’s worth visiting those desolate corners of the garden at this time of year. Winter will have left areas exposed that were impenetrable jungles in summer, and this holds an advantage.

Not only have we already unearthed some interesting artefacts, we have also solved the Ice Cream Mystery that caused strife and consternation amongst a visiting group of under-5s. Accusations were thrown, tears were shed, but the disappearance of the last Cornetto remained a mystery.

Until now!

No wilful larceny — it had just been lost in the long grass. We found it unexpectedly intact, but past its best. Unwilling to risk re-opening the feud, we kicked it back into the long grass — figuratively speaking — by binning it.

Case closed.

***

Originally published in The Daily Cuppa.

A Week Of Hot, Cold, Birds & Fungi

The week started with sudden torrential downpours. They would arrive out of nowhere, soak everything through, then vanish as quickly as they had arrived. This is not normal weather for us. Apparently, the jet stream is staying stubbornly further south than it should be at this time of year.

The sudden rain has had us all — animal and human — scurrying for cover. During one cloudburst, this little chap hurried into the side porch ahead of me and ducked under the plants. I followed warily, assuming he hadn’t seen me, and not wanting to frighten him into a panic (or into the house). He didn’t seem bothered when I went past. Expecting that he would have flown right off out again, I thought it was probably a waste of time to get my camera, but he was still there and sat unconcerned while I took this shot.

For the rest of the story, CLICK HERE.

Dealing With Old-Fashioned Harassment

It might feel like an old-fashioned form of harassment, but dodgy phone calls are horrible. I’ve been on the receiving end. At best, they’re unsettling; at worst sinister.

So I was concerned to learn that a friend had become a victim.

"I get this call every day. It’s awful…"

I fear the worst, but it’s not quite what I think.

"… I can’t make out what they’re saying. I’m not sure if I recognise the voice…"

She feels ill-mannered saying she can’t understand and asks them to email but thankfully doesn't give out the address.

At last, the call comes when her husband is in. He grabs the phone, verbal artillery primed.

It’s not needed.

Turns out it was the pharmacy doggedly trying to tell her that her new hearing aids are ready for collection.

***

Originally published in The Daily Cuppa.

Want Things To Look Up? Then Look Up.

As a very busy week draws to a close, I came across an article about Looking Up. As it pointed out, the concept of looking up can be interpreted in many ways. However, my busy week inclines me to take it literally.

For me, as for many others, being busy means looking at a screen for much of the time. Looking up — at sky, clouds, trees — is something I do to get away from too much screentime.

For the rest of the story, CLICK HERE.

A Psychic Moment Reveals What I’ve Forgotten

Image by JoAnn Mangione from Pixabay

Sitting in the waiting room, I know I’ve forgotten something. My 6th sense is clamouring but I’m only having blood tests — and both arms are present and correct.

Idly listening to a father and small daughter, also waiting, checking out their magazine.

"Dad, can I open the free gift?"

"Not here."

I can see it emblazoned on the cover. Free Tarot Cards with every issue. He’s telling her you have to be careful with them, he’ll show her what to do when they get home.

I’m not sure I approve. She only looks about six.

They’re called in, and go past me. The magazine cover floats by at close range.

Ah… Free Carrot Seeds.

I know what I forgot — my glasses.

***

Originally published in The Daily Cuppa.

A Bit of a Calamity - And goodness me, can’t broken glass spread!

Today was scheduled for writing. Not any more.

The other day I broke the cafetière. I carelessly set it down in the wrong place and it took a dive.

I should have known better. I’ve studied Physics. I know about centres of gravity and balance. I also know that our kitchen floor doesn’t take prisoners. Glass everywhere.

Can’t broken glass spread! It would be impressive if it wasn't so annoying.

I sent for a new one at once and today it arrived, ready smashed. I swear the kitchen floor smirked when I opened the box.

What shall I do with my time today? Continue to find glass in unlikely corners of the kitchen, I suppose. I don’t know what else I can do. I can’t write without coffee.

***

Originally published in The Daily Cuppa.

A Week In Waves

Our nearest coastline is famously fast eroding, though we’re not in any danger of inundation as long as the climate scientists are heeded. Up until relatively recently, it was a given that they would be; the issue was whether or not they had workable solutions. Now they have workable solutions, but who knows?

For us, this has been a week of beach walks.

For the rest of the story, CLICK HERE.