This and That

The days fly and having written “Edward and Amy’s Wedding” on May 22nd in our diaries so long ago, it’s strange to see it marked on the very next page. How did it come around so quickly?

As a result, it’s very much on our minds right now and somehow, even our usual routine activities seem to refocus on the wedding. Perhaps it’s because we are still at home for much of the time and though life is slowly returning to normal, we are not there yet. My WI continues to meet on Zoom every Thursday, for example, usually just for coffee and a chat, though on our usual meeting days we’ve had a speaker. Yesterday was one who had come highly recommended by local friends and the advance package that arrived on my doorstep a week ago increased the anticipation.

At 10.30am we were all sitting at our kitchen tables prepared with the necessary bits and pieces when Aimee joined us to talk us through a Neals Yard Remedies facial using the contents of that beautiful little package we’d all been dying to open.

One by one, we worked our way through each stage following Aimee’s calm and interesting commentary. The products were lovely and everyone agreed, it was a great way to spend a Thursday morning - in my case, to relax after the supermarket shop. Each sachet contained enough product for another facial too - something to look forward to and possibly a calming activity for next Saturday morning?

We’ll be watching the weather minute by minute of course and hoping that the skies don’t look anything like this. We’ve had the most horrendous downpours and though the garden is looking very green, a few hours of sunshine wouldn’t go amiss. We’ve seen a new batch of fox cubs playing in the garden this week too - and thankfully no further sightings of the deer. Maybe the rain means they no longer have to come looking for water?

My main concern recently has been the delivery of my wedding outfit, ordered on the first day that non-essential shopping was permitted. I mentioned my concern in an earlier post - the tailors are in India and though it seemed horribly selfish to worry about my outfit when those people have so many more important things on their minds right now, nevertheless, what would I do if it didn’t arrive? Thankfully, on Tuesday morning a package arrived and there it was…just as I’d imagined and even more beautiful than I’d hoped. I’m looking forward to wearing it - and also the “other” dress that arrived last week, the “standby” outfit which was too good to send back as well. That’s my budget blown for the next few months!

In non-wedding related news, the rainy days have prompted more jigsaw afternoons. I was disappointed to find a corner piece missing from a recent one though - I like Pomegranate puzzles very much indeed and really appreciated their “missing piece” service. The replacement piece arrived the other day, just as I was finishing another of their puzzles.

Would you believe it?

Finally, whilst waiting outside the pool each morning this week, we’ve had a fabulous performance from a small bird which appears to be in one of those two trees, quite some way off in the nearby parkland. Thankfully, one of the regulars recognised it as a Songthrush - as you can imagine, I wouldn’t have a clue. That such a small creature can create such a loud song is amazing and as long as he/she stays over there high in the trees, then I’m very happy!

Here we are then, entering the final stretch. This afternoon it’s making the cake topper - I gave up on the idea of making a couple of sugarpaste figures and will instead, cut a topper using my Silhouette cutter and emboss it. I have cake boards and boxes, the pressed flowers are ready and I hope the ribbon and the card I bought this morning is the right colour when everything is in place (yes, of course I bought a couple of alternatives…) I met my cake guru friend for lunch the other day and she talked me through the schedule for next week, including the stage where “large glass of wine” is involved. I have enough butter, sugar and eggs in the house to sink a battleship and will be pleased to just switch that oven on and get started.

Let’s hope the baking gods are smiling.