Ams' Outbox

There have been some royal battles with the blackbirds and starlings especially during this extra cold spell, I dont think many people feed the birds in my village.

Wagger, you remind me of Arkwrights broom - he boasted he only ever owned one broom but it had 10 replacement brushes and 5 broom handles.

LOL.....did you read what our friends from over the pond had to say about our plight TT, making light of our suffering indeed. ;-)

Brave little thing.

Don't give up on them yet, they will try to save themselves by dying back, hopefully they may recover next year with tlc.

Cooltrimmer,
Buy the best quality Bypass Secateurs you can afford, I wish I did instead of wasting my money on several cheaper ones. Good luck with your gardening.

Des Res.

Warning to vegetarians, don’t look at this, it may be bordering on cannibalism. :-(

Oh no....mine is only 4 years old and I thought I was hard done by.

Throw a snow ball at Mummy when she is not looking, she will never believe it was you. ;-)

It is covered in snow this morning - fingers crossed for it.

I agree Gillian, they are in a shady position and survive the winter without fleecing.

Please try Gillian, this plant has an image problem. Remember to force in no light as above.

Got ya....does the word 'hick' apply? A Texan man I worked with taught me this word ;-) I do like this cultural exchange on GOY.

Brilliant PF, I am not sure if the top or botton photo is your altered ego ;-) love the dogs.

PF, you are getting us all going on fond childhood memories of lovely treats. I think it is a sad reflection on society that we have changed our eating habits due to modern trends – seldom eating together as a family; access to junk food every where you go; microwave meals….. I still have my Mothers china Tea Service but never use it as no one wants a ’ tea party’ any more. Cream Scones are my holiday favourite.
Have a look at 'Organictomato's' photo of an English Tea scene (it is in my favourit photos if you cannot find him).

"Well I'll go to the foot of our stairs" I never knew it was a dead lion with bees abound.

Happy New Year Eckie, this photo is only slighty cruel for us northerners ;-)

Wonderful memories to share with us, I hope you can find happiness in Norfolk.

Vilai, In Thailand do they have to fumigate the gardens in summer to kill the mosquito larvae like they do in Singapore.

I think I am going all dreamy now.

Very exotic.

oh PF, you have burst my bubble ;-)

That is great news K, we belong to a very exclusive club by all accounts.
Hints for us in the colder countries...
Cut back stems to 4" in May, replace tired soil, when new growth shows fertilise every 2 weeks. Can enjoy good light up to Sept. Never allow soil to dry out but do not leave standing in water. Keep away from draughts and cold temperatures. Summer it enjoys north light, pinch stems back to 3/4 leaves on each shoot. From October keep in NO light from dusk to dawn to encourage the red leaves. See ya next Christmas ;-)

Perfect Christmas image.

I always dampen bread with warm water and drizzle oil on for the birds.

Meg, you look very nonchalant with your legs crossed.

I can feel the warmth radiating through my monitor.

Tall dark and handsome man first footing - sadly not. I have to bring the lump of coal in myself as people think I am mad. It is interesting that the dark stranger visit is an ancient hangover from our Saxon/Viking invasion days.
Happy New Year Xela.

Hello Katie, you may be fitter than me but please be careful digging out an old lawn, I managed to injure my back last autumn just digging out 8 sq m area. I am now on light duties and spending a fortune on bibs and bobs for my back :-(