Thursday 2nd July, More Rain, Getting Plastered.

We must have had some serious rain overnight as everything was sodden this morning. The water butt was full again (the builders use it to mix with) and the grass has grown an inch over night I swear! Today it's been mostly dry but dull, with the odd light shower. My 'rounder rounder' washing line has collapsed. It was a bit dodgy this morning but I hung out my washing but when I collected it in tonight the line sort of flopped over to one side and landed on the ground! The problem is that my creel has been taken down from the kitchen when the builders did the ceiling so I have nowhere to hang my clothes if the weather's not fine. Or if my rotary dryer breaks!

I had another lovely surprise from the postman this morning. My friend Nikki sent me a holder for my ATCs as a 'belated 60th birthday present'. How thoughtful of her. I have already put my alphabet ATCs (artist trading cards) in it and as there are 30 pockets, will fill it up as I receive the other letter. I'm sure I'll be able to find something to go in the 4 spare pockets. Here it is:






This is the top section containing the letters A to F from other members of the ABC/ATC group. It'll look fabulous all full up.















This is the whole thing, it'll look great on the wall of my new studio.















I put my two 'inchies' from Soulbrush in the bottom pocket. Aren't they cute?










This is the excellent card that accompanied the holder. Nikki said it was inspired by Buster relaxing on the bench outside. It does look a bit like him.












I spent today cleaning up again around Joe and Martin. They finished the final coat of plaster in my room today. It looks like a proper room now and has developed an echo too. I asked Joe whether I could move in yet.....

I had 2 very ripe bananas so made some banana bread to use them up. It's probably the best one I've made. Our calor gas oven is a bit temperamental but it worked ok this time. Jim was impressed.

I did get out into the garden and finished weeding the fruit plot as a surprise for Jim tomorrow. He came home about midnight and was pretty shattered. It's been a busy few days for him. I also picked a large bowl of strawberries and a few raspberries too. I didn't go inside until 10.30 and it was still light, but the bugs were biting a bit. I ate the raspberries with cream on - delicious. Then realised I hadn't had any dinner. As it was late I then had a ham and cheese sandwich. Followed by a piece (or two) of banana bread.

It was the ladies semi finals at Wimbledon this afternoon and the first match, won by Serena Williams, was excellent and exciting, going all the way to 3 sets. The second, with Venus Williams, was very poor as she wiped the floor with her opponent. So, it's Williams v Williams in the final again. They really are amazing. An all American final on the 4th of July. How appropriate.

Tomorrow it's the mens' semis and we'll be cheering on our Mr Andy Murray.

I did manage a few garden photos today, not many as it was a bit dull:




the buds on this clematis Rouge Cardinal have now come out. It's such a striking colour.




















These beautiful pink flowers are from an ornamental strawberry, given to me by an old school friend of mine who lives quite near Jason in Suffolk.














the first sweet pea is just about to flower. There are loads to come. I love them.
















I was just about to photograph the antirrhinum when I noticed this cute little green bug on it. He even turned around so I could get a better shot.













The cistus just goes on and on flowering














This little chap is a miniature hebe. It's so cute.













Jim grew these cosmos from seed. They are lovely and tall and so colourful.
















This shrub looked dead a month ago, now it's covered in these delicate pink flowers.
















Finally the hanging basket, made up of 'left overs' by Jim, is beginning to look better. I love the different colours of lobelia flowers.











Jim's off to bed and I'm not going to be far behind. I'm hoping the builders will finish the doorway into the snug tomorrow as that should be the last of the bad dust. We shall see.
xxx