Wednesday 4 May 2022

Early May


The weather has been mixed here this last week. Unlike these photographs suggest, it has been mainly mizzly and dreich but the air is beginning to feel much warmer now. After the long spell of dry weather, the gardens will certainly welcome it. The scent of blossom hangs heavy in the air, while tiny pink petals lay scattered on the ground. I caught a lovely moment during the week as Lily, in complete joy, exclaimed 'It's snowing!' while blossom rained down on her, like confetti, as she stood beneath a tree. On my way to work this morning I noticed the grass verges have suddenly sprung to life once again, with  Buttercups, Cow Parsley and Cuckoo Flower edging the path. Tiny elderflower buds cover the trees and the wild raspberry bushes have woken from their long winter rest. It's so wonderful to see, and with the temperatures set to rise over the coming weeks, the month ahead looks promising.
 
This week, I have re-potted my two apple trees and I've finally been able to move the lemon trees outdoors, all of which appear to be growing really well. Who would have thought it when I planted those tiny seeds just a few years back. At the weekend I managed to mow the lawn just before it began to rain, and I sowed grass seeds on the large patches of bare earth - possibly a result of the additional time we've spent in the garden during the last two years. I dug up some of the tulip bulbs that didn't flower, as next year I will plant them in a container instead. I suspect they need to be much deeper in the soil. I have also planted a few sunflower seeds. 🌻



Last weekend we made a last minute decision to go to the lake. It was a beautiful afternoon, and after enjoying a short walk we made our way down to the water's edge where it was surprisingly quiet, as by the time we got there it appeared most visitors had already left for the day. Even though during the morning the weather had been cool and breezy, down by the lake shore, in the afternoon sun the air felt lovely and still. Feeling warm, Lily dipped her toes into the water. Hopefully, we won't be waiting too much longer before we can look forward to a swim instead. 

This weekend was quiet, although a rest was much needed, as I had been feeling a little under the weather. I have made further progress with my decluttering and made the decision to get rid of the small table which, as suspected, has not been missed. I also have another bag to take to the charity shop in the morning. 


I also baked a batch of delicious these Carrot and Ginger Buns, which had been recommended by Cathy. 

Back soon.
J. X


40 comments:

  1. Your last photo reminds me a bit of the Welsh bara brith which I absolutely love but it's only available in Wales - if you ever get down there you must try some :) Your photos are lovely as always, I particularly like the first one :)

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    1. Thank you, Eunice. Bara brith is definitely one to try. Maybe next year ;)

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  2. Spring is truly beautiful, in your lovely Country....

    Hooray for continuing de-cluttering. It feels good, but it never stops. -smile- "Stuff" is always *creeping* into our homes. >,-) And we always have to keep, dealing with it.

    I posted a question, today...
    🌸 💗 🌸 💗 🌸 💗 🌸 💗 🌸 💗 🌸

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    1. Yes, it does have a habit of creeping in. Although, I finally feel like I am making some headway now :)

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  3. Hello! Such lovely photos of spring in your world. I love the shot of the lake! Our spring has been strange here in Pennsylvania. Snow one day, hot and sunny the next! Today is cloudy and mild, but I am inside cozy on the couch, a bit tired. I hope you have a lovely afternoon!

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    1. Thank you, Billie Jo. That part of the lake is usually very busy, so it was lovely to enjoy it almost all to ourselves. It is beginning to warm up here now. Summer is on the way. X

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  4. That carrot aand ginger bun looks delicious.

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    1. They were delicious, Pat. The cake tin is empty once more. X

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  5. The carrot and ginger buns look delicious. As always I so enjoy your photos of such a beautiful part of the world. Isn’t it lovely to see all the wild flowers growing. Roll on summer. B x

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    1. Yes, roll on summer! I've just been in the garden to put some food out for the birds, and it is already lovely and warm. X

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  6. Your photos look lovely, as always, and I really enjoy looking at them and reading what you've written. You have a gift for writing. :) I have two teeny tiny apple seedlings, grown from seeds! I am hoping that, one day, they will grow to be big apple trees! Those carrot and ginger buns look delicious! I am off to look for the recipe!

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    1. Thank you, Bless. We will have to compare our apple trees in a couple of years :)

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  7. It has been cool and dreich around here hasn't it. I don't think the warmer weather has quite got back to us yet though, the bank holiday weekend was decidedly cool in these parts. We went canoeing on Sunday and it was definitely a day to be well wrapped up, we had wanted to swim but it was far too cold.

    I hope you are feeling a little better now. Those carrot and ginger buns sound delicious, thank you for sharing a link to the recipe.

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    1. I am feeling much better now, thank you. Canoeing sounds fun. We've not been out on the water yet this year. X

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  8. May can be such a wonderful month can't it.
    Lovely photographs and those buns look delicious.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you, Jan. It feels like the weather is warming up already. X

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  9. We sowed some grass seed too, it's beginning to grow now after the rain we've had these last few days. Unlike you I didn't get round to mowing the grass when the weather was nice, sigh. Love the photos of that amazing sky

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    1. Mine hasn't started growing just yet. There was a huge trench under the swing, so I've had to add a lot of top soil :)

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  10. We've had rain too and everything looks so much brighter again. It saves me from watering can duties too. xx

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    1. Everything is looking very green here at the moment. X

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  11. Those buns look and sound fantastic, I might have to get my apron on! xxx

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    1. They are delicious. They taste best served slightly warm. X

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  12. I don't think the weather quite knows what to do just yet, it's been cold and wet with some warm sunny days thrown in for good measure but it's good to see the garden springing into life again. Your carrot and ginger buns look delicious.

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    1. It looks like it will be warm and sunny next week. I can't wait. X

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  13. Absolutely lovely photos...and a restful, quiet weekend is always good for the soul.

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    1. Thank you, Mary. The rest was much needed and appreciated.. X

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  14. What a lovely memory for Lily to be bathed in spring 'snow' :)

    With love from,
    Kelly (Mrs. Kiwi)

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    1. It was lovely to watch her. Precious memories. X

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  15. I may have to make some of those buns they look yummy. Yes it's lovely to see things coming back to life and at last there is a bit of warmth in the air here instead of the cold sea breeze we usually have. The lake looks beautiful so peaceful, I hope you are feeling better now and well done on the decluttering I must start too. Have a lovely weekend. x

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    1. It was lovely and peaceful there by the lake. That area is usually quite busy (and had been that morning, apparently), so it was a nice surprise to see it looking so quiet. X

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  16. The lake photos are beautiful, I'm glad you enjoyed the carrot and ginger buns and thanks for the mention. I need to bake some more too. Cx

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    1. Thank you for the recipe, Cathy. The buns didn't last very long! X

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  17. Many moons ago we had a lemon tree…eventually lost to the ravages of scaley mite…no matter what I did they just kept attacking. Jackie, Wintersendrambler x

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    1. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, Jackie. It would be great seeing them continue to grow. X

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  18. Always a joy to visit and look at those stunning views. The carrot and ginger buns look delicious.

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  19. Those carrot and ginger bubs look delicious.
    I'm sorry that you have been feeling a little unwell and hope you are better soon. Being outside definately helps me when I'm like that.
    What a delightful comment from Lily about the 'snow blossom'
    Have a good week x

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    1. Thank you, Beverley. It was a little concerning but my symptoms turned out to be mild in the end. Xx

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  20. Magical snow blossom and yummy buns! :) You are brave to contemplate swimming Jules x

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    1. I'm only contemplating at the moment, Lulu. The water needs to warm up first :)

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