Misty Monday

Yes, it is actually quite misty here this morning although the sun is trying to burn it off. But there is a coolness and a freshness to the morning that we have not had for some time.

Mike had to take a tree down on Saturday.  I was very sad. I hate to see trees die, it is almost like a physical pain to me. However, there was nothing we could do to save this one.  It was in our front garden in a small circular bed, a beautifully shaped conifer.  It had been our companion for ten years.  It was the first thing we saw when we drew back the curtains in the morning, standing like a sentinel guarding our home.  I had watched it grow from a six inch sapling.  I had seen it covered with snow.  It really came into its own each Christmas when it was hung with festive lights.  Firstly it developed brown patches, then the brown patches spread until in the end there was more brown than green, the branches were brittle and without sap.  I could not watch Mike take it down.

Now it is gone.  I have a better view of the street, I can see more of the people passing by but I miss our woody friend.  We can only put it down to the climate.  This is the second tree we have lost in a year.  We are having unusually dry winters and much hotter summers.  I think many more trees will disappear across the country if this trend continues.  We have decided not to replace it.  Instead we have placed a large flower-filled tub out there.

Yesterday we did a lot of pruning.  At least I did some but Mike did the majority.  Considering the lack of rain it is amazing how things have gone berserk with growth this year. We already tidied things in the spring but we had to severely prune about four shrubs and a couple of trees.

Mike has just gone to the local tip with fifteen very large bugs of cuttings.  Yes, fifteen bags which will give you some idea of the work involved.

Both evenings I have sat by the pool, the t.v. has not even been switched on.  Early last evening I watched a dragonfly make endless circles above the water and spotted several more butterflies. We have our pool lit at night so I was out there until quite late.  Here are a couple of shots taken just as it was getting dark.

When it gets too damp to stay outside or I decide to come back in, we can still see it as it is directly outside our lounge.  We often have the lounge lights out and just sit by the light of the pool.  Very relaxing.

We are having Nathan for the afternoon today, again tomorrow morning and then Wednesday afternoon so I am going to be quite busy this week.  It gives Becky a much needed break.  She is suffering so badly from back pain this time and what with Nathan and the builders, she is very tired and looks very pale.  We will be happy for her when baby arrives and she no longer suffers this endless pain.  Obviously, she is not allowed to take anything for it.

Well, much as I love sitting here writing and reading, I had better get on and get the place tidy before our little man arrives.  Hope you all have a good week.