February Musings

Medie Mayıs 22, 2022

I have a theory that the speed of time passing is directly linked to wind speed. Definitely this last week in question. Speeds in excess of 50 mph for the last few days and goodness haven’t the days flown by too.

Typical February days for a retiree. So glad I haven’t got to get up for the trek into work anymore. The guilty feeling of staying in bed to finish a chapter or two before facing another windswept morning. Sadly little time spent in the garden; just time mulling on seed catalogues and decision making on new things to grow. Hurry up sunshine so that I can get busy sewing some seeds. Maybe next week.

Yesterday saw an earlier than normal start. We joined members of the family on a protest march for basic cost of living wage increases for the public sector. Wages in Jersey for the last few years, like many places, have been cut to the bone and people have become militant. Even nurses for the first time anywhere in the British isles have said they will strike. How sad is that in a relatively well off island. Luckily we only had one shower throughout the morning, nevertheless we were glad to be home to warm up again.

The afternoon had a change to routine. An open day at a nearby orchid farm gave us the opportunity to enjoy many locally bred orchids. Such a colourful sight on a grey gloomy day.

On the reading front I’ve just finished C.J.Sanson’s latest ‘Tombland’. Set during the Kett rebellion of 1549 it follows lawyer Matthew Shardlake’s exploits trying to solve a murder case in the Norwich area. Every one of the nearly 900 pages was a delight to read. Many characters coming from earlier novels. If you’ve never read the Shardlake series and love history and detective novels give them a go. You won’t be disappointed.

Previously I read Sarah Water’s ‘Little Stranger’. Set in a Warwickshire grand house in the late 1940’s, the period details started well. I usually love Water’s style of writing but this one seemed overlong and tedious in places. A crumbly mansion is inhabited by once wealthy owners now struggling with massive debts. There is a ghostly element thrown in to the mix which never quite sits right with the novel. Narrated by the local doctor who is infatuated by the daughter of the house I spent much of the time wanting to give him a good shake. I’ll be intrigued to know what others feel about this book. Definitely not one I would recommend.

Now I’m enjoying one by Philippa Gregory called ‘Earthly Pleasures’. Set in the early seventeenth century, it tells the story of gardener John Tradescant. His association with William Cecil and then the Duke of Buckingham. The making of various royal palace gardens and voyages to discover new plants. A very easy read.

On the creative front I’m three quarters of the way through my double bed sized blanket. It’s certainly helping to keep me warm in the evenings. Another pair of socks have come off my circular needles and some new ones cast on. So much more portable than my blanket when I’m out and about. I regularly knit in the car these days ( as a passenger of course) although I do get told off when my wool rolls to the wrong side and gets under the drivers pedals. Oops!

Nearly five o’clock and still light outside despite the rain clouds. It won’t be long till longer evenings spent outside. Meanwhile the fire has been lit and time for a little more crafting.