Hello! Yes, I’m still here and haven’t been
carried away by COVID, yet. I know I’ve been neglecting the blog in favour of
work and gardening (mostly work). But it’s not like there are lots of exciting new
life experiences to write about. Every week consists of us not really going out
and not really seeing people. How much of that can you tolerate, reader?
But, wait, something did happen. I had a birthday. A significant one. One that starts with a 4 and ends with a 0. It’s wonderful to finally have my age catch up to my pre-existing middle-aged lady sensibilities. I mean, I’ve been wearing crocs and ankle wellies and listening to Radio 2 for about a decade, but now I can truly justify it. Other fun things I’m embracing now that I’m 40 include:
- Grey hairs (I keep finding them in my fringe).
- No longer having any sort of ‘hairstyle’. Just one length all over is fine, right?
- Leggings.
- A strong urge to splash out on a really good hoover.
Let’s see, what other recent highlights do I have to report?
- We went to Magazin Mania for the first time in almost six months and it felt so normal to be rummaging around for second-hand clothes. I bought a mad dress. Naturally.
- I had a dream where Arnold Schwarzenegger began identifying as a black man. Which was weird for everyone.
- Er, that’s about it.
So let’s turn to the veg garden, where – thank Christ – things are happening all the time.
 |
| Our new squash patch, located where the compost heap used to be. Looks like the squash is loving the nutritious soil there. |
 |
| I also grow some squash plants up a trellis, where I can prune them regularly (to ensure the plants put all their energy into growing big fruits, rather than long vines). Look at the size of this bad boy! |
 |
| The rest of the veg garden is looking well, too. |
Meanwhile, the flower garden has reached its big, shaggy phase…
And the rustic greenhouse finally has a roof. It’s polycarbonate (because we can’t afford proper toughened glass for the roof), but the front and sides will be made out of lovely old windows and stone. It looks a bit conspicuous right now, but it’ll blend more once the windows are in. Rob is also going to grow some grape vines along the front.
That really is about it. Not that I’m complaining. I’ve absolutely loved indulging my secret introvert fantasies and ignoring the world for months. But, as I enter my fifth decade (fifth! Jesus!), here’s hoping there are some *slightly* more adventurous times ahead.
