We’ve had a houseful, with the American and Indian visitors and it was great, though the weather was miserable. I lit the fire in the evenings and Wink had the central heating on, but wooly hats and thick jackets were called into action. Of course, now they’re gone, it’s been warm and sunny today. They haven’t left the country, they’re all in London at present and flying back next week.
I’m gradually getting some work done. I’ve got a pile of tissue paper and boxes in front of me, having been unwrapping and labelling china for the next auction. I haven’t counted up all the lots booked in, but I haven’t much space left, so hope that more people don’t come forward with their stuff as I don’t like to turn people away. I accepted some, not realising that it’s all in quite poor condition – the owner had inherited it and didn’t notice the damage. I’m going to have to lower the suggested reserves on those, but I’ve got plenty of other lovely pieces.
Wink and I have been comparing diaries. There seems to be a lot happening for the next couple of weeks, but I’m hoping to get down to Pembrokeshire for a few days at the end of the month. I’m taking Ro and the children in August and would like to get it ready first. John G, formerly of Publog, has invited me to stay overnight on the way. He is very pleased to have got a mobility scooter now and a friend walked with him to the pub today. His dad, who died a year and a half ago, used to take him there but he’s claiming more independence now, which is good.
All the people I’d never have met if not for blogging, who have become real friends. It’s wonderful.
Have you had any rain? We’ve not had a drop since a drizzle overnight on the 18th, and before that the same on the 9th. It’s been into the 20s every day for well over two weeks, with the exception of last Thursday,when it was grey and only 14. The lack of rain is a real worry and our 4 cubic metres of stored rain-butt water has already been used.
A few brief showers, not enough to do much good. After February, it was a very dry spring and there had been no winter snow to melt into the ground, so it’s already really dry here. The cold front was all down the south east coast, so the lower left quarter of the country has been cold, with a sharp north-easterly wind. Finally warmed up yesterday. I’ve mulched heavily and put a thick layer of rotted manure in the bottom of the tubs and am not planting much this year.