Road map diaries May 2021

 Here we are in the third week of May and I am thinking that we had better weather back in March. We have had rain for most of the last week apart from a small window during Wednesday afternoon and evening when it was possible to sit in the garden, enjoy a cup of tea and enjoy the wildlife in the garden. I am hoping that my new wildlife garden will attract more insects, including bees (whose national day it has just been), as well as birds. We now have several resident pheasants, both male and female, as well as a couple of squirrels and the large birds: rooks and jackdaws and pigeons. I think that the poor weather has had an adverse effect on the smaller birds in our garden as there are noticeably less coming to the protected bird feeders than this time last year when we sat in the garden each day and the garden was full of life.

 

We were able to meet up with our daughter, who we hadn't seen for over a year, at an arboretum mid way between our two homes. Of course, she came with her boyfriend and their dachshund, Oscar, who was allowed in. We had debated a National Trust property nearby but dogs were only allowed in the woodland walks. We also pre-ordered a picnic afternoon tea, two vegan versions and two not, which had sandwiches and cakes and a drink. We were very lucky with the weather and we could even take our coats off. 

We also met up with our son Carl and his girlfriend, Beth, for an outside pub meal in the first weekend when it was allowed which was a very nice change. We all had a vegan burger with fries and trimmings and some particular delicious cider. Again we were lucky with a fine day though our table was in a gazebo.

I have been busy in the green house for some weeks planting various seeds and am still planting new ones. I have some radishes coming through, some tomatoes, some dahlias, small basil plants. My husband has made a new raised bed, in which he has planted strawberries and some rhubarb which arrived recently. Although I like to grow from seed, I also like to purchase from organic suppliers, if possible. In this way I have planted an old whisky barrel up with echinacea and sweet williams. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are still getting regular boxes from Abel and Cole every week - we have a regular veggie box but also buy a lot more from them as it is all organic, which can only be good for the planet. I have not done so much cooking as this time last year, as supplies of all foods are more readily available this year, including ready meals. I do make the occasional fruit crumble and date slice, however. To supplement these deliveries we also get less regular deliveries from Ocado, who now stock all M&S food. 

I was lucky to get my second covid jab last week at Cirencester Hospital and, although I was warned that I might get more side effects by the paramedic who did my jab, I don't seem to have suffered too badly. I had a slightly sore arm but only for a few hours and the arthritic shoulder that I had been suffering from for the past few weeks has miraculously recovered. Also my arthritic toe which had been giving me trouble.

I am currently offering a 30% reduction in a seasonal sale off most items in my Etsy shop, MillCottageRetro, as orders have been quite slow recently and I would like to make a bit of room. I am starting to add some new items (not in the sale) as I have now finished writing the latest part of my family history project about the Rigmaiden family. The book is at the printers and I should receive a second copy to proof read soon. Once that is completed and I have sent any orders out (I am only covering printing costs plus postage) I can concentrate on the shops and sorting any new items to add. 

Our son and his girlfriend are coming to visit on Sunday to have a look at some of his things we have stored in the garage, although the weather is grim we can now mix indoors so we'll either be in the garage or in the house. Still we are very lucky to live in such a lovely location and there are some small delights in the garden.

As the wind continues to blow outside I am watching a small squirrel on the wall - he has been defeated by the protected bird feeders and all he can do is pick up the seeds dropped by the blue tits and goldfinches.

I hope that you are all keeping safe, and do have the covid vaccine if you are offered it,

Julie xx