Author: Sarah

No time to lose. No, time to lose. Make time to stand and stare.... Did you see that?

Lush

Lush is one of those words that puts a pout in your mouth. Apparently the photographers ask the models to say ‘lush’ when posing for a photograph. But for me the word equates to now: this marvellous month of May in England.

We have reached that point in Springtime when everything is so lush around the countryside. The hedgerows are green and lanes are lined with Cow Parsley (anthriscus sylvestris) and Ox Eye Daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare) which I think are early this year, among the tall grass seed heads and many other flowers; the honeysuckle is rampant, the elderflower is out, the dog roses are coming out and all the trees are so full leafed, with fresh growth. It is a fantastic time to get out and walk or cycle.

Cow parsley Continue reading “Lush”

Learning on the job

I had been told that there will be no more money for me to go on a particular course I wish to attend, at least until September. Not wishing to let that deter me I asked if I could visit the clinic where this particular aspect of care is carried out by a nurse-led specialist unit. Of course I could. In my own time. Continue reading “Learning on the job”

Inside and outside

Geoffrey Hill, Professor of Poetry gives a public lecture three times a year and yesterday was the last of this academic year.  So, after work yesterday I drove into Oxford and parked the car in St Giles, then walked across town to  the Examination Schools. Timing was tight: the lecture started at 5:30pm. Continue reading “Inside and outside”

All over bar the grouting

Yesterday I went on my long awaited mosaic course… a ‘one day taster’- which I had originally booked in October 2010 to do in March 2011. The March course was cancelled and I was offered 7th May. This meant I had to cancel something else – it’s no good planning too far ahead I find.

On Friday night I printed off my list of instructions and packed my bag. A pencil, ruler, eraser,  a notebook, old clothes and an apron, proof of identity, and lunch. With hindsight I would have added to that list an old tea towel and a small dustpan and brush, plus a pack of plasters. Continue reading “All over bar the grouting”

Reading group

We have been together now for some years, my friends and I in a book group started by me when Scout (now nearly 15) was about 3. I was fed up of reading the backs of cereal packets and not much else.I invited a few friends to see if anyone else was interested. Nearly everyone I asked was!

The group list comprises about 15 people – but fewer than 6 usually attend each meeting.There are various excuses and reasons. Many of us are going through the teenage years with our children. Some have moved away, but want to remain on the invite list, coming only for 3 or 4 meetings a year. Some have very busy jobs and find it very difficult to fit in reading time.

Every now and then a new member joins. Four meetings ago one such new member joined us. She hasn’t missed a meeting and has always read the book, and is just what we need… an injection of new enthusiasm. Continue reading “Reading group”

Blustery day diversion

At this time of year I rarely go into the garden except to work on it. Even if I intend just to visit the veg plot to pull rhubarb or deposit vegetable peelings in the compost bin, I invariably end up passing a weed or two that needs easing out, or a plant that needs staking. Continue reading “Blustery day diversion”

Memories

Nearly 24 years ago we married in front of about 100 friends and family. My father had saved specifically for both of his daughters’ weddings and really did us proud. (My sister married a couple of years later).

The Church was beautifully decorated with flowers and the reception was in an old castle with superb caterers. It rained before the ceremony and we – that is my two candy-striped bridesmaids and I, with my Dad, walked up the drive of the church under umbrellas, which amused me and stressed Dad! But then the day turned out fine and we have a traditional set of photographs which recorded the whole event. In addition an old family friend took some lovely dis-inhibited photographs in black and white which caught the spirit of the day fantastically – including the hat balancing and the silly imitation Australian hat during the speeches. I learned afterwards that it was only after the speeches that Cycloman really could start to  enjoy himself! Continue reading “Memories”