Monday 10 August 2015

Foxgloves shining out from the woodland.   The blooms did not last long this year.    I enjoyed them ............for they are a firm favourite.
 A cold dry Spring, and a dry hot summer has taken its toll on the garden.
 Taking care of the Grandchildren during the summer break is fun but very tiring.   Four weeks and they will return to school.
 My mothers health has not been good.    Skin problems and lack of appetite has left her unwell at times.      Slowly things are improving. 
 Bees are a plenty.....and this brings much joy to the gardeners heart.     Butterflies also abound.    Goldfinch have fledged.   One morning while walking the garden, I found myself looking straight into the eyes of the young, sitting in the nest waiting to be fed.
 A hedgehog family have spent most of the summer here.   Sadly one morning I found both parents had been attacked during the night.   I would imagine a badger was the culprit.
Nella found the hoglets hiding under a bush.    I took them to the local vet........she will take care of them and release them back to the wild when the time is right.
I have not been around for a while due to exhaustion.     I am sure it is nothing to worry about, just doing too much.
I love this garden with a passion.    I have worked hard to keep it going through this period of drought.   
When the Grandchildren return to school in September, Mr P and I will take a much deserved break, until then I will not be blogging.
Thank you for your kind comments and email enquiring if I was ok.
Thanks especially to Amanda, Snowbird and Jan...........I do appreciate your kindness.

25 comments:

  1. So good to hear that you are well. I was beginning to worry. I too have been so busy this summer. The weather has not been a friend to my garden either. Big hugs.

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    1. Hi Lisa,

      I have been watering the garden, something I do not resort to easily. Also mulching beds to try and keep the moisture in.............I realise it is an impossible task really but I do so hate to see plants and trees struggling. Wildlife has the pond for water and I have been feeding many as worms and the like are just not available......the ground is solid. I cannot even get my spade in!!

      I expect once it rains it just will not stop :))

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  2. So good to hear from you again, Cheryl. I was worried about you, too, and hoped that nothing was wrong. I can certainly understand how family obligations can take up so much of one's time. I thought the picture of the soccer ball was cute, and then I realized how big those hydrangea blossoms are--wow! I hope your garden gets some much-needed rain, and I hope you are able to relax on your break and that it restores your energy. Take care. Rose

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    1. Hi Rose,
      The hydrangea have been amazing.....of course, I have had to water them. Something I am loathe to do. Water is a precious commodity ....needs must I suppose.

      Thank you rose.....I could do with the holiday now to be truthful but I very much needed here so it will have to wait until September.

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  3. Take care of yourself and take that rest. Taking care of grandchildren can really drain you.

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  4. Enjoy the grandchildren and your garden, both can give so much joy.

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  5. So, there you are - you had me wondering if anything was wrong, then I thought oh she's probably just on holiday. Sorry to hear you are suffering from exhaustion and hope a good holiday will bring you back to normal. I have missed you my friend I always look forward to your posts but I realise how looking after your grandchildren takes up all of your time. Thanks for sharing summer pictures of your beloved garden which you take such good care of.
    Lots of best wishes yo you and take care of yourself - 'til next time.
    Elaine

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    1. Hi Elaine,

      I have been abnormally tired. I just feel exhausted, most unusual.
      If it continues I shall pop along to the doctors but hopefully it just the rushing around and trying to keep on top of everything :)

      I hope you are well.......will try and pop along to read your blog when I have a moment.
      Enjoy the rest of the summer :)

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    2. P.s. Sorry to hear your Mum hasn't been well - more stress for you. Hope she is on the mend now.

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  6. Sending positive thoughts and energy to your mom. Slow down and take it easy and enjoy your break.

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    1. Positive thoughts are good, I thank you for those.

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  7. Oh Cheryl I thought you were on holidays....... I know all about taking care of the grandchildren, I had them two weeks, they are really exhausting me despite I love them. Then my parents are 95 and 94 and need lots of attention, I go there twice a week. Sometimes I am so tired......
    Hope you can take a good rest when the children go to school again, enjoy your break and take care of yourself.

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    1. We are indeed kindred spirits Janneke,
      You must be so very tired............yes, of course, we love our grandchildren dearly but it is tiring taking care of them as we age.

      Thank you for your kind comment.....I hope you are well. Will visit your blog at some point just to say hello..............

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  8. I hope that you have a really relaxing holiday once the school holidays finish. It's true that the things you took in your stride when your own children were young become exhausting when you are older especially if you are looking after them on a regular basis. Both my daughters-in-law are stay at home mothers so I only have occasional days to do for which I am very grateful. Hope your mum's health improves too.

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    1. Unfortunately Rowan our daughter has to work, so I try and help as much as I can.
      It is exhausting...........I love them dearly and they are such fun, bless them.

      Thank for your well wishes for my mother.

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  9. Cheryl ... so lovely to see your post. To some, 'blogland' is a strange place, but to me I have met some lovely folks and you are one of them. I did get concerned when I had not seen you posting, so I was so pleased to read this post.

    I do agree with you (and I think most grand-parents would to) we do all love our grand-children, they are an absolute joy ... but it is only natural to feel more tired than we did as parents ... our age and nature does take it's course.

    If your feeling of exhaustion does continue it may be worth a visit to your GP ... just to be careful.

    I hope the rest of summer passes well for you and you can enjoy your much looked forward to break.

    Do please take care of yourself.

    Sincere Wishes

    All the best Jan

    PS Your garden still has a lot of colour and variety, and you have worked hard for us to enjoy your photo's too. Sending good wishes for your mum - hope she feels better soon.

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    1. Thank you Jan for such kind words. I to have made much treasured blogging friends over the years.

      I am looking forward to a break..............it seems a long way ahead at the moment but time does fly, doesn't it?

      I am having a health check at the end of the month.....hopefully all will be well and I am just very tired.

      Thank you once again for such kindness.

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  10. Your garden looks lovely, and all your hard work is evident! Looking after grandchildren is fantastic, but it can be hard work. Bet you are looking forward to your break! The house will suddenly seem very quiet!

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    1. Indeed it will.........this old house needs to have children in it :)))

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  11. I was so pleased to see you have posted, sorry you are feeling so tired the smallest things can be very hard when you are feeling this way, you are right you do need a holiday to re-charge. Take care.
    Amanda xx

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  12. How GOOD to hear from you! I'm not at all surprised to hear you have been feeling exhausted, what with kids to care for and your mum being unwell and a garden to sort amongst other things....you sound like superwoman to me. You look after you here too! I'm glad your mum is recovering and GOSH....four more weeks eh???? Maybe buy in a shedload of videos for the kiddies!
    The white flowers are gorgeous, I am a huge fan of cosmos and foxgloves too, but as you say the weather seems to be awful for everyone this year!
    So glad you rescued the hoglets and what a mighty fine frog!
    So glad you are well...look after yourself Mrs! Huge hug!xxx

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  13. The white flowers are lovely Cheryl and your photography is stunning as always. :)
    I hope you have a lovely break and chance to rest and nourish yourself and regain your energy.
    Thinking of you. x

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  14. Cheryl - hope all is well with you this September and that you are having a restful break.
    Just wanted to say thinking of you ...

    All the best Jan

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