20 Years

 

20 Very Happy Years today.

It was a very hot today like today and we had a lovely day with our families and friends.. 

Chrisxx

TAX

 A new Prime Minister and new Chancellor of the Exchequer could mean a loss of income for people like me, an Old Age Pensioner.

Our pensions have a so called guarantee of the Triple Lock so that state pensions stay with or abreast of the cost of living. A new broom could mean we'd lose this, but even worse for me, if it is risen,  take my pension above the tax thresh hold. I already pay tax on one of my pensions, which I paid into voluntarily. 

It grieves me to think I thought ahead and prepared for my old age and yet  people, who made no provision get relief.. I'm not saying they shouldn't have anything, but I don't want to pay tax on my own paid into pension nor any more tax on money I have saved. 

Am I being mean or just protecting my own income. I have never claimed anything from the State.. even when my son was desperately ill, and his prescription costs were above my income. I did some private teaching to pay. So I suppose you could say I was earning without paying tax. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do!

The new PM has all sorts of ideas, but where is the money coming from? Yes the ordinary everyday people through tax!  Are you a tax payer, is it fair?

Chrisxx

10 Facts every woman should know.

 1.Everyone has rolls when they bend over.

2.When someone tells you you're beautiful, believe them, they ain't lying.

3.Sometimes we all wake up with breathe that could kill a goat.

4.Some women complain about their stretch marks, and there are others who wish they had them.

5.You should definitely have more confidence , and if you saw the way others see you, you would.

6. Don't look for a man to save you, be able to save yourself.

7. Its ok not to love every part of your body, but you should.

8.We all know that woman who appears to have it altogether, that woman with the seemingly perfect life. Well, you might be that woman to someone else.

9.You should be a priority, not an option, nor a last resort, or a backup plan.

10. You're a woman and that alone makes you pretty damn remarkable. 

Which of these facts do you agree with the most?

Chrisxx

All true

 

Chrisxx

Hot, hot, hot!

The curtains are closed, the windows are closed, it's like the black hole of Calcutta!  We haven't been out, even to the garden. Its just so hot, our Trail Cam registered 30C on our SW facing patio!

When we said we were moving here to Wales, our neighbours in Suffolk, said, 'it rains a lot there'.. but actually in SE Wales there is less rain. But this heat wave is bad, I am not liking it at all.  My son, who still lives in Suffolk says there has been a sprinkling of rain and its been cooler the last few days.

We are watering our pots, but by evening the plants are drooping, and our herbs are suffering too. The only plants liking it are the lavenders! And my little self seeded California poppy in the front garden, and where did it come from, as we had none in the front? 

We do a little bit of cleaning in short spurts. I set out today to sort out some drawers, filled a carrier bag for a charity shop, and that was it! I sat in my cane chair while I sorted out my sock drawer. My favourite chair, free from my son when he had his furniture shop. He used to take away a bed, when a customer bought a new one and he was asked would he take the chair as well.

It's a big joke between Dh and myself, as I always say its my favourite chair and the most comfortable, even more comfortable than my reclining one!

I can't wait for some rain, our shrubs are showing signs of lack of water, and the grass is like dry straw, but it will all green up as soon as we have rain. 

How are you faring?

Chrisxx

Nature wins!!

It has be the right soil, not too sandy, not too heavy, not stony, doesn't flood and drains well. Rich in organic matter to support a healthy root system. Fertilization may be necessary to supply essential nutrients.

It has to be the right position, not too shady, not too open or hot and not to exposed to wind. Some plants may require 6 hours of sunlight while shade loving plants thrive best away from direct sunlight.

The temperature has to be right, Antirrhinums like a cool temperature to germinate, while Zinnias, Petunias prefer a warmer temperature. Daily temperatures also affect growth. In spring time gardeners will protect certain plants at night if a dip in temperature is forecast.

Water is essential, and it has to be consistent and adequate, as it acts as a solvent for nutrients and supports photosynthesis. But over watering can cause root rot, while under watering stresses the plants and reduces flowering.

So if your gardening isn't flowering, you got it wrong!

But ............ this California Poppy, arrived while the daffodils were dying down and despite the fact, it hasn't  been watered, is in a scrappy bit of soil at the edge of the grass, faces south, so in the heat of the day in these searing temperatures, it has survived and not only continued to flower, but the blooms have increased from 4 originally to these, 20 plus!.

I guess nature will always win! Isn't it extraordinary?

Chrisxx

Lazy days...

 I have posted about this rose before, but Tony in radio programme The Archers,' was proudly saying in an episode this last week that he was planting a 'Trotting by Gently'  rose. And ours is looking glorious, in spite of the heat. And its been 38C on our SW facing patio! 

Dh has been watering the pots each evening, but even with that some plants are drooping. 

But our cucumber plant we had from the Garden Group swap, is producing abundantly and they taste really good.

We've not done a lot, its been so hot, while it was early Saturday and a bit cooler,  we had a quick clean through, I did my share in my nightie and then showered, when we had finished.. then we put on the TV and watched the tennis. We've loved Arthur Fery, and was thrilled that he got through to the semis. Next to Sverev he looked tiny, but he really played well. We're looking forward to seeing more of him in years to come.

I 've started a crochet throw, to keep me occupied and not think of food!

How are you faring in this heat? However this morning there is a cool breeze!

Chrisxx

A hot sunny day

In a seaside town.

Chrisxx

A great life

 

There is probably many people who disagreed with Ann Widdecombe, but she was a great orator and wasn't slow in voicing her opinions.

I greatly admired her and like the way she spoke out and was not afraid to..

I was very sad to learn she had died, but then to learn she was murdered I was horrified. 

What a shock, I hope the police find the person responsible.

I feel so sad.

Chrisxx

Ups and Downs of Life.

 Another hot day, but we have sat outside underneath our big umbrella and with the gentle drift of a cool breeze it was very pleasant.

Having written about the loss of a friend in my previous post, the comments were so sad to read, all about lost friendships. It actually made me feel better, to know I'm not the only one, but sad as well, because I know how you all feel let down, hurt and betrayed.  Would you take that person back as a friend if they came to you? 

But then for reasons only known to my own hormones, that didn't give me knowledge of why!!! I was in such a rotten mood this morning!! I had to shrug it off and just get on with things and pull up my socks as it were!

Evidently that saying it originated from early 19 century, when athletes were advised to make sure their socks were snug and tight, so they were ready for action to make a better effort!  

Anyway all turned out ok in my day. I've had my hair cut and it is nearly like I wanted it, and in two or three weeks time it will be perfect! 

I've tried really hard this week with the food plan, and for the first time ever, when  I've been tempted I've stopped and thought, do I really want this or do I want to lose weight?? But the hot weather returning was saying..... ice cream! But none has passed my lips, even though I really, really wanted some!

For all our ups and downs in life and women seem to get it harder, at least we haven't just been stung with the hefty cost of a lost court case and no where in a Palace to lay our weary heads.

Poor little rich Prince Harry. 

What say you?

Chrisxx