Scones

I had a sudden need to bake this afternoon.

Not cakes, because we eat them and that is Not a Good Thing.

But just a dozen sultana scones.

Three went to a neighbour on our right side and three went to the neighbour on the left. They are both elderly (says she who is of course very young) and they both live alone.

So a couple of warm fruit scones left on the doorstep was welcomed.

With a little butter and a cup of tea......perfect.

Clapping at 8pm.

The nation was asked to show their appreciation of the work that the hard pressed NHS is doing at this time of crisis.

At 8pm a 'Clap for our Carers' was scheduled.

People were asked to follow the lead of the Italians in stepping out on doorsteps and balconies to say thank you with a clap.

Somehow it was incredibly touching to step outside our door at 8pm and join in with the clapping coming from most of the houses in our little close, most of whose residents are elderly.

I'm sure it was echoed across the nation.

Gardeny bits

Taking joy in the garden today.

The sun is out, albeit fitfully. There are little patches of colour giving hope of Spring.

Rosemary smells sweet when I pick a tiny leaf in passing.

Cyclamen are nearly over but still colourful.

A Cowslip lifts its head to the sun.

There were areas in France  where Cowslips covered the ground like a carpet.

The buds on my Pear tree are looking healthy. I wonder what it will produce this year? Last year it had a good crop, but every pear was shaped like an apple!

It seems that a fairy has alighted amongst the daffodils.

Just a thought, pertaining to these serious times.
I read this, part of an article in the Huffpost (an American paper, I guess?). It was written by Marisa Bate, and to me it makes a lot of sense.
........................................

This might be a test for a generation. If society is calling on us to make the sacrifices for the long haul, we have to find a source of strength and motivation that can keep us going. Learning to look outside ourselves, as well as finding comfort and value in the things we take for granted, recognising the vast privileges the majority of us normally enjoy so thoughtlessly, might be a silver lining to the long, overcast days ahead. 

Cushions of pink and cream primroses are all over the garden, so lovely.
So much to be thankful for.

Letters.

I had a very happy time roaming through my old Blog, Cornish Cream, recently. Mary, of Trundling through life blog, wrote to me to ask about a letter swap I had organised many years ago. She was thinking of doing the same.

First I had to find the post, which turned out to be from 2010!

But of course I had to read on and on, and forward, and backwards, sometimes with surprise at things I'd forgotten, sometimes with pleasure at seeing somewhere lovely.

A typical cottage in Brittany

Most of that blog was written while we lived in France, and letters (in English) were such a joy.

I think it is a good idea of Mary's, especially as we are semi confined to our homes in this virus season.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mary some years ago on one of her holidays. we walked round Trelissick Gardens and had coffee together.

It's rare to have a 'proper' letter nowadays, but still a treat.

Moving on

Let's move on to something more cheerful.

My tulips opened up. They are last year's bulbs and I think they are a little smaller this year, but still a beautiful colour.

I've been rediscovering the magic of Skype, chatting to my daughter this afternoon.

And I've finished a little sewing.

The hearts all came about when one of the Carers asked me to make her a Ring pillow for her cream and gold wedding last year.

Ring pillows weren't around in my time so it was fun to create this using beautiful Dupion silk.

It went on from there.

I made another one to send to a dear friend in America who is getting married in April.

Then someone else saw what I was doing and asked for one.....and so it goes on.

This is a little one , not for rings, but just because one of the Carers fell in love with the pink Dupion!
Now I'm hooked on hearts, and chasing remnants of silk on Ebay!

Strong measures.

It's been confirmed by the W.H.O that we are in a Pandemic situation.

Everyone will deal with it in their own way and there is of course  much advice from the Government and the NHS.

We have taken the step of social distancing (not a term I was familiar with till recently.)

Becaue my 86 yr old husband is very vulnerable in his health, and I have mild Pulmonary Fibrosis, it seems sensible not to be in contact with anyone unless essential.

We have cancelled any appointments.

Cancelled visiting hairdresser, podiatrist etc.

Grocery delivery is left on the doorstep.

Even the 'children' have said that due to their work places , they would be high risk if they came to visit. My daughter works as a lecturer in a University teaching hundreds of students from all over the world. Daughter in law is in much the same profession. Son is a Manager of a large Charity shop and mixing all day with people.

However, a little bit of shopping is left on the doorstep for us now and then!

It is sad to have to do this, but sensible also.

The one thing I can't alter is having Carers for my husband, but we have a rigid system of handwashing as they enter, plus sprays/gel and wipes in each room. Before they leave they wipe down all surfaces with hospital strength wipes.

We can only do what we feel is right for us.

And continue to pray, rather than panic.

Primroses

I drove down the local Bypass, a dual-carriageway, this morning.

Normally it's not a specially beautiful road, but today I was thrilled to see that.........

Wild primroses were carpeting the banks, some bravely clinging onto the kerbs, some shyly peeping out from under cover of the shrubs higher up the bank.

There were pink clumps as well as the usual creamy yellow.

It only takes minutes to traverse that road, but what pleasure there was today to see these lovely wild flowers.

Being sensible, I didnt stop to photograph them, so have to give you some stock photos.

It's a busy road and I wondered if everyone was seeing them and enjoying them as I did or whether they were just fixated on driving.

Moments of beauty, and so appreciated on my drive.

Tulips

My tulips are almost open!

It seems a little early as last year they were open on 13th March, but I'm happy to see them.

There must be Spring on the horizon.

I brought these big terra cotta pots from France and they are lasting well, though one has cracked this year.

I just bind them up with Duct tape and they go on.

This is a joy, a little patch of Daffodils, Primroses and Grape Hyacinths.

How lovely to see them altogether.