Well, how’s it going out there? Are you guys coping with this virus mess? It’s been reasonably gloomy around here, even though I’m a homebody and I have lots of projects to keep me busy. We’ve had the usual slate of activities — a little cooking, sewing, knitting, jigsaw puzzles, walking, and a whole-lot-a Netflix binge watching. I laughed when I saw the meme going around that said “Today, I finished Netflix” — that’s sort of how I feel. TheSecondChild was here for awhile and we took a few long walks. One really long walk, just to see if we could do it. We walked 5 miles to TheFirstChild’s house and then walked back. It was fun, but it took three hours, so that was a bit much.
We’ve finally had a break in our grisly, cloudy weather and the last two days have been beautiful — making me think spring is finally around the corner. I sat out on the patio for lunch today and surveyed the yard — we definitely have some winter clean up work to do. Starting with our patio furniture. If you’re a long time reader, you might remember our squirrel problem. The squirrels have been stealing the stuffing from our patio chairs for many years now — this is my third set of cushions in about 10 years, and I’m finally giving up on them. I’ve left them out for spring nests this year. We need to figure out what to do for squirrel-proof patio furniture — replacing cushions isn’t going to do it anymore. Last year they discovered that the chairs and table are made from aluminum and they’ve been happily sharpening their teeth on them. Not sure where we’ll go from here, but if you have any suggestions, please share them!
We do have a few signs of spring. My little chive patch is growing. I don’t have much of a green thumb, but you can’t really kill chives. Plus, I love not having to buy chives except in January and February.
Our sad little tulip patch is coming up too. TheManoftheHouse loves tulips so I thought I’d plant a few for him this year, even though I know they’re never very successful here, due to our rodent problem. It’s hard to tell in this picture, but the first two little plants that are blurry in the photo below have been nibbled — probably by bunnies. >:o
Oh well, it was so nice to be out in the beautiful weather. Hopefully, we’ll have a few more pretty days mixed in with typical chilly, wet April days. In the meantime, I’ve had lots of projects to keep me busy inside. Easter will be here SOON, so I’ve been knitting. I also finished a winter sweater, but I’ve been too lazy to take pictures. ;-)
On the quilting front, I have a big-stitch quilt on the frame, but I work on it about 30 minutes a month, so it’s going to be there for awhile. I’ve also been making some star blocks for a quilt — this will be a long term project but I’m having fun with it.
I hope you’re all managing to keep safe and sane. The worst part about this whole isolation thing is missing the grandbabies. I just want to make cupcakes and rough house like we usually do. I can’t wait until it’s all over. In the meantime, I’m going to let you in on my little trick that keeps me from going over the edge. Don’t tell. It will be our little secret. It starts with the view out our kitchen window. This is my view every night at dinner. Except MeMum sits in that chair there. So, I sit and talk to her and TheManoftheHouse while we eat — all the while, staring over her right shoulder. It’s there. Do you see it? Perfectly framed by the window muttons, bird feeder and giant tree in the background.
I stare off at that beautiful little view and pretend I’m in England, walking through the forest and glimpsing a beautiful English Manor house. Every night, just me and my little secret. How fortunate I am to have such a view.
Hang in there — I hope you have a little secret that’s getting you through too!
XOXO,
Anna
we had a horrible time with squirrels a couple years ago – we trapped them and located them to a forest about 10 miles from us as we caught them – here is a link – it doesn’t kill them.
https://smile.amazon.com/Havahart-Professional-One-Door-Animal-Squirrel/dp/B000IHDRXM/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=squirrel+traps&qid=1585949262&sr=8-13
we also have a large cedar wood box that we have on the porch that we store out cushions in when we are not using them – the top can be used as a table and the UPS man uses it to put out purchases on – this link is not true wood but it is basically the same
https://smile.amazon.com/Keter-Westwood-Plastic-Container-Furniture/dp/B01HDPY7RG/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=outside+furniture+cushion+storage+boxes&qid=1585949375&sr=8-2
No secret. We drove to the Stone House today. Got out and checked on it. Got back in the car and came home. The ride was nice. I finally settled enough to knit yesterday. Almost through with a mouse. Now to assemble it. My view out my window is just a messy garden and snow. Oh to be in the UK again with a good friend?
Haha 30 minutes a month heee heee I thought you were going to say 30 min per day!
Thanks for checking in! You do have a lovely view.
No secrets here – just trying to keep busy. I think your view is not of the manor house but of the lodge house which means *you* are in the manor house. Not sure, to be honest, if that’s better or worse! Still pretty cool, though! :oD
hello friend
i love your “cotswold” view. I try to imagine I’m living in colonial days here in NE where you just “lived” and there were no movie theaters, stores, ets.
Squirrels are the worst~ they chewed through my wicker furniture and now we have to take in the house. My outdoor stuff looks bad and chipped, but I’m going to embrace it’s reality this year and just use it, but it doesn’t make me super happy.
sweet little knitted dolly legs. I suspect they will become bunny dolls?
stay well!
xo
All well here. Love the views of someplace different from what’s outside our windows. Um. No disrespect intended but if you have a garage can you keep your cushions in the garage over winter? We put ours inside for relief from mice looking for bedding.
We’re having beautiful sunny weather, makes it all the more difficult to stay home.
Amalia
xo
Oh, you have such a beautiful view! And you complain that it’s boring round where you live! I shall never believe you again… But what in the world is a window mutton??? Sheepies again?
It’s fine here apart from that severe lack of grandchildren, and that’s DIRE!
We’re homebodies too, though 3+ weeks in and this is getting kinda dull. I’m reading, quilting, but haven’t finished Netflix yet, lol. I’m not much of a gardener but I’d like to plant some mint for mojitos.
We are in strange times indeed Anna but I like your little ‘English’ view. Like you the worst bit is not seeing the grandchildren… I have a new baby boy now almost six weeks old and i’m Desperate for a cuddle!