It rained, at last.

August has been hot and dry. Record temperatures and virtually no rainfall. That is, until a couple of days ago, when at long last the temperature dropped, low pressure took over, and some welcome rain arrived. Not enough, yet, but some rain is better than none.

My DiL ST has grown some massive courgettes, and gave one to me, I now have enough courgette in the freezer to last several months, as GM is not a huge fan so I guess I'll eat most of it.

 She's also got some massive corn plants growing

 

The Surrey family, FO, CH, GDs 2 & 4, were travelling down to Cornwall, and suggested we meet them en route for lunch, so we made our way down to The Lamb at Hindon, where we enjoyed a very nice lunch. The only downside was that we were seated in front of the window, and as it was a hot day, it was slightly uncomfortable for GD2, which is why she has a cushion behind her head. GM took the photo with my phone, and sadly it's a bit blurry.

 I made a fairy for GD6, and sent it off. She loves it, and has named it after me.

 

Another herbword came to light (GM has started to question why we have so many new jars of herbs!)

 On a recent visit to GO and family I spotted an old car abandoned in the bushes. I wondered if it might be material for the TV series "Bangers and Cash". What do you think?

 I've been to Bowood a couple of times this month, to make good use of my season ticket, once with GD5 and then again with GD7

 

I have no idea who the family were who were able to produce these magnificent bubbles, but GD7 certainly had fun chasing and bursting them.

Only 10 days left of summer for this year. Doesn't time fly when you're having fun. 

Ten on the 10th, August

I needed Eileen and Bless to remind me of this meme this month, otherwise I would have completely forgotten. So here are my ten photos, taken in the yarden, just a couple of days late.

 

 

August, part 1

Thank goodness the temperatures have dropped a little, to about the seasonal average, the heatwave was not pleasant at all, although I guess we're going to have to get used to it, since those in charge are more interested in lining their own pockets than they are caring for the rest of us.

It's the school holidays, so GDs have featured this week, 5, 7 & 8

 

Wondering what sort of world my generation will leave for these young women to grow up in, makes me very sad. Can we turn Global Warming round in time? Is the will there? I think it's up to us to keep on reminding those in charge that they are there to serve us, and not the other way round.

July Photographic Challenge : Black and White

Thank you Eileen for offering me the subject choice for July, I've had some fun seeking out black and white objects.

Two black and white minis in Tesco carpark, plus the zebra crossing and the poles in the first photo. 

The timber roof-end of the cricket pavilion 

The sign outside the Civic Centre 

Me, wearing a black vest and white crops

 Yarn from my stash

 One of my (many) notebooks

 My lightweight summer dressing gown

 My spotted winter fleece hoodie

 Puzzle page

 Blank page

 Thanks again Eileen. What's our subject for next month? 

July round-up

It's been hot. Too hot for comfort at times. But we survive.

 Two of my blankets and my first Dream-Catcher went off to their new homes this month

 My first fairy is finished, but I'm not totally happy with it, so an alternative is being made for my "customer", GD6

 The book cover blanket progresses

 

Fortunately, extremely fortunately, although we've had very little rain this month, we here in the Wildshire are not yet on a hosepipe ban, so the yarden is at least looking pretty green and the veg are coming along nicely. Figs and carrots have been enjoyed.

 

 

My little car, Natalya, had a significant event this month, she's 12 years old now, so this isn't too bad, and she'll last me a deal longer yet.

 

My lovely new Lumix camera is just as good as its forebears, and given it's only really a point & shoot camera, it takes a mean shot of the full moon

 GM and I enjoyed a picnic lunch out at Chalfield Manor, not far from us, we sat people-watching, and although we didn't see very many, these riders passed us by.

 School's out for the summer, and GD5 will be spending a few odd days with me before she goes off to Scout Camp, and then on holiday with her family. 

 My tree is looking quite resplendent, and doesn't (yet) seem to be suffering from the shortage of water.

 I missed a couple of days of Woodoku this month, no excuses.

 If you have reached this far, thanks for sticking with it. How was your month?