A GRINDING HALT

To say that we had a lazy day would be a complete understatement today we did nothing except get up late,and eat a late breakfast of potato cakes after which Pa went back to bed.

My son and I spent the afternoon on our respective computers sorting out files after which I cooked a meal of sausages with caramelised onions and soft bread rolls. In had not the energy to do more.

It appears that the more we rest the more tired we become. My son is finding things particularly difficult after working a night shift for so many years.

In spite of this we are enjoying having more time together,for my however learning to relax again is going to take a while.

P a seems fine at least,he could sleep through the last trump so nothing new there.

Moth has not yet given birth and continues to mooch about in dark corners.

I must try to pull myself together tomorrow and if it is fine I mean to do some more gardening.

Snow is forecast however so I expect I shall end up dong the ironing. I have promised the boys a steamed treacle pudding tomorrow to follow a main course of home made vegetable soup and cheese and tomato soda farl. I might make a batch of cookies in case of weekend callers.

I miss having my sons work mates to bake for.

LOVELY,LOVELY LIFE

                                            LOVELY LOVELY LIFE

Whenever life throws a wobbly in my direction and whenever I begin to despair fate always seems to throws a lifebuoy to save me ,it happens every time.

Often,it is just a small thing which,although it lifts the gloom for just a few seconds shows me that there is light at the tunnels end. Enough to return me to thankfulness for all that is still good in my small world. Today it was a haze of damson blossom against the dark background of evergreens. Sprays of tiny white buds shyly opening to show the delicate stamens filled with rich pollen.

A light breeze stirred the branches and I swear the tree looked as if it was dancing,swirling its dainty white skirts like a ballerina,showering the ground with snowy petals and filling my heart with joy.

My childhood home had a grove of damson trees ,beautiful in early spring and filled in autumn with delicious fruits,my mothers damson crumble is the best in the world. I called her today and she sounded cheerful and upbeat. One thing I know now is what ever happens she is and always will be the best mum in the world, and there will always be happiness for me whenever I think of her.

GETTING ON

None of us slept last night,each of us lay restless,wrapped in their own memories and battling our own fears. I went out in to the orchard in the afternoon , and with my son began the task of preparing the garden for spring. Under the old damson tree the usual carpet of crocus opened wide their petals for the sun and for the bumble bees, out prospecting for likely nest holes and a bit of fresh pollen after the cold dark winter.

A few days before mothers day,when I was a child ,I would borrow a flower pot from Dads greenhouse and go in to the spinney to find the nicest clump of crocus, yellow were my favourite, and plant them in the pot. Next I gathered bun moss from the old dairy and press it on to the top of to pot to cover the earth. I finished the gift with a plaited chain of grass tied around the pot and tucked in to this a small card on which I wrote my love for my mum.

I had not realised that I was crying, it was most unsettling. I am glad that I pulled myself together before my son noticed and have resolved to be on my guard in future.

Friends have been very kind and I have been overwhelmed with their kindness and support.

I must try to remain positive, after all it's early days yet.

Our calico cat ,Moth is showing sings of impending labour,she is restless,off her food and now spends most of her time poking about in corners looking for a place to have her kittens.

We have put a basket under the stillage in the kitchen, a lidded box with a side entrance hole in the downstairs loo and another box in a dim corner of the living room. At the moment the downstairs loo seems to be the favourite......I can't imagine why?

BAD NEWS

We were gleefully preparing to celebrate my sons first real week as a free man when the news came that my darling mother is unwell.

It seems that during a routine blood test cancer markers were found. I must say she sounds pretty chipper considering all things but I know her well enough to realise that she is keeping a brave face on things for my sake.

All my instincts tell me to get the next train home and yet I know this is impossible as my own health will not permit me to make such a journey. Oh how I long to give her a big hug, the thought of losing her makes me crazy.

Her doctor has told her not to worry and that much can be done,my God I hope he is right.

I spoke to a friend about this and she told me that if I was to hurry up North to see her it might make her think that the worse was going to happen. She advised me to look at things in that light, Of course she is right but it is hard to make myself believe it.

I suddenly feel as I did when at five years old I wandered off and became lost ,the shop was full of tall people and all I could see were legs and shoes. I was overwhelmed by the though that I should never see my mother again,and now perhaps I never shall.

LOVE TO ALL FROM AVIE

STEALING A MARCH

While it is known that planning permission has been granted for the building of houses on what is at the moment a lovely old orchard and kitchen garden,it is not known when the work will begin.

I am still at war with my Local authority over the underhanded way in which permission was obtained there is now little that can be done to prevent the work from going ahead. In spite of this have vowed to uncover any irregularities and see to it that the culprits are dealt with by the law,although personally I think that a length of clothesline is all they deserve!!

One thing,however might prevent work from beginning during the early part of the year, birds are already pairing and choosing nest sites,once they begin to build and work must cease until the nesting season is over. Since there are twelve different species nesting in the orchard each year this should gain a stay of execution, and since there are many pairs which breed twice each season, we should be able to tie up the contractor for ages.

With banners and posters, protesters and the press we shall,I hope , gain a stay of execution for other breeding creatures,fox, hedgehog, and several species of vole all use the safety of our enclosed garden to raise their young without hindrance.

We shall do our best at least,I refuse to believe that might is always right yet it will take a miracle now to save the dear old fruit trees and the precious wildlife they have sheltered for so long. So

keep your fingers crossed ,please.

Long Story...

Apologies for this; Avie has been up all night defending the family honour. Normal service to resume tomorrow...

Son of Avie