Hello, how has your week been?
Like many others I have been gratefully soaking up the sunshine and warmth that this week has brought, the last of the tomatoes are ripening and I have been apricating at every opportunity!
One morning this week my Mum and I did a favourite walk up on the hills that she has been longing to do; poor Mum has had several back surgeries which while they have been successful as far as surgeons are concerned, they have failed to solve her pain so it’s been many years since we enjoyed walking together. But, in the sunshine of the morning we made it to Long Rock on Burrington Ham, a family favourite and regular post Sunday lunch walk of my childhood. It was warm enough to sit and enjoy the sunshine perched on a rock as Gertie pottered around us, it was interesting actually as Gertie usually hares off into the bushes when I’m walking her, but with Mum along she stuck right by our sides - almost to the point of obstruction! I’m happily convincing myself that she knew she needed to be close by to ensure Mum was fine.
I seem to have spent a great deal of time at home over the past few months, and I was grateful for an excuse to join Mike for his birthday one evening this week (he works away from home), an early evening drive in the sunshine over Salisbury plain with the radio for company is a pleasure and we enjoyed a non domestic evening together. I made the most of my excursion by meeting a friend for coffee and even a spot of shopping the next morning, not only was it lovely to see her, but I really noticed how much I enjoyed being in a town and reminded myself that I need to get out more often! The journey back was not quite as serene as the thunder storm I left in seemed to hover over me all the way home, the incessant rain making The Archers quite difficult to hear!
In The Garden
I remind myself daily that I really must get on and order some bulbs, yet I haven’t thus far managed to even open a browser window (or twenty!) to begin my search. It’s fair to say that I’m inclined to leave everything until the last minute, but without wanting to wish time away I am already looking forward to the joyful optimism of early spring bulbs. Narcissi are on the list (some Pheasant eye ones in particular), more alliums to hover above the hydrangeas, some tulips for the big border, something to perk up the area beneath the yew hedges and perhaps something delicate for the grassy/verbena/gaura border around the pool. Should you have any favourites that I absolutely shouldn’t miss do please let me know.
My fan dangled apple peeler/slicer/corer has been back in action as I try not to let the abundant crop go to waste; a large pan of stewed apple is cooling on the stove as I type and will need to find a space in the freezer - the blackcurrants may have to vacate their icy spot and be dealt with over the weekend in order to make room. While it’s wonderful to have so many apples it can feel a little daunting, trying to clear them off the ground to stop them rotting (and encouraging rats) seems endless and no sooner have you cleared an area than the gentle thud of falling fruit sounds around you!
In The Studio
Last week’s enthusiasm for the rhubarb leaf I shared here and on Instagram has had me busily making a few more before the leaves disappear until Spring. It’s quite a physical process rolling out large slabs of clay and I’m clearly somewhat out of shape after all the loafing around on the sofa in recent weeks which my abs and shoulders let me know about in no uncertain terms! The leaves themselves take quite a lot of space in the studio and need a certain amount of time to dry before they can be bisque fired to ensure that there are no unwelcome kiln explosions, so I’ve been juggling them around and making space in order to try and make a few more.
To my horror and disappointment a couple of them have cracked as they’ve dried, so I’m rather hoping the recent combination of sunshine and showers will see one or two of the better looking remaining leaves grow just a little larger, otherwise there may be just a few smaller dishes on the way. I vaguely thought about making a mould of a leaf so I could use it repeatedly, but one of the nicest things about making from a leaf is its uniqueness I think, so I’ll just let nature dictate the pace. Just as soon as I have all the rhubarb leaves fired and glazed I’ll let those of you who have expressed interest know, and then it’ll be a case of waiting until the spring until I can make more.
I’m itching to get the smoker going again too and have a couple of recently thrown bowls with deeper foot rings that will head that direction once they’re bisque fired. The smoker is, needless to say, smokey, which brings me to bonfires… I personally love a bonfire, I know they’re not environmentally friendly but just occasionally (about once a year) they are the best way to get rid of some of the accumulated waste from the garden - the stuff that can’t be shredded, composted or burned in the stove, and which would otherwise have to be transported to the tip. We have one particular neighbour who is deeply offended by bonfires and is quite vociferous about it on the village WhatsApp, I absolutely respect the politesse required around smoke (nobody enjoys smokey bedsheets), but I am hoping that early November will be dry with winds in the right direction thus giving us the perfect opportunity to light our pile and enjoy a sparkler as we watch it burn. Don’t worry, I always ensure we move the pile before lighting to ensure no wildlife is sacrificed.
Right, it’s Saturday evening and I’m off to enjoy a quick soak in the bath with a glass of wine before anyone else gets home for the weekend, so I will wish you an excellent week to come and sign off.
With love,
Vx
ps. A big thank you to all of who who kindly like my posts, each click on the ♥️ honestly makes me smile and reassures me that it’s worthwhile writing :) x
♥️ Please write a book, I never want these posts to end xx
Hi Vanessa, what a beautiful photo of your mum!
Snowdrops, it's too late this year but you have to have snowdrops, if you haven't already of course.. I don't believe there is a more hopeful flower in existence during those long slow days that never seem to end in January and February. IMHO of course...
That looks like a well made apple peeler, most houses have them here but finding a good one is another matter! what a time saver they are though...
I hope the week is being kind xx