Birthday doings

we all 

u

I am thinking ... about the Meditation and prayers around Psalm 42 at this morning's monthly service. Only 4 of attended, but the leader had put in a lot of work around the theme of God being with us always. I think I need to learn to differentiate between literal and actual meanings, especially in the psalms.

Also am thinking about my birthday yesterday and how good it was. Had some special pressies of course, Ian made me a bird table; Martha bought me the DVD of Julie & Julia and the cookery books that inspired the film; my friend MPC bought me a bird nesting box and a present is on its way from son. My sister donated a gift from me to the Cats Protection League, we don't exchange gifts as such any more. 

It was so good that we had tickets to see a recording of GQT.

From the learning rooms ... just Ian and his OU. He is pleased to receive 96% for his CMA.

I am thankful ... that we do not have to work but can enjoy the freedom to choose our own activities, for lovely places on our doorstep like Kew Gardens.

From the kitchen ... Ian has just gone down to prepare our supper.

I am wearing ... M & S black trousers, white short sleeved Laura Ashley blouse and black and white East cardigan.

I am creating ... second sleeve of cardigan I am knitting.

I am going ... to ensure everyone I know listens to Gardeners Question Time on Radio 4 on 17th or 19th  September to hear Ian's question about courgettes. The programme was recorded yesterday at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. We took along our question, photographs of courgettes in pots on patio and a plant itself.

Ian is sitting in the allocated seat for question 5.

Our sad courgette plant can be seen on the table!

I am reading ...still Bill Bryson.

I am hoping ... to sort out all the books that were in crates in the garage. Still haven't found Herb of Grace or other Elizabeth Gouge books, but there are plenty of others that I would like in the house. 

Martha has come to a decision about her back copies of Vogue, she had a susbscription for an number of years but changed it to Marie-Claire but still kept back copies. We have retained a few special editions and plan to put the rest on Freecycle. Maybe art students would like them.

Around the house ... need to tidy as son and his wife are popping in on Thursday, same day as our Treasure comes. Will be busy as Treasure will be cutting my hair and Ian's too. The boiler was to be serviced that day too but we have postponed that. It would have been too much. I plan to make a risotto and an apple pie with custard.

One of my favourite things ... the kindness of Ian. Today he returned from shopping with a birthday cake, just right size for us to share.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...attempting to make a cob loaf as on Great British bake up last week, Voluntary work at Local Studies tomorrow, meeting at friend to see the Grace Kelly exhibition at V & A; more knitting.

Thanks for reading this, will be off now as it is not long before I pay my nightly visit to Ambridge.

Madeleine.
 

F