I actually am enjoying the English weather, not sure whether that makes me a mad person or that my time in Spain has given me a different outlook on it. I was thinking this morning as I lay in bed and listened to the wind howling and the raining lashing against the window how cosy and safe I felt ( I know I'm lucky, believe me) and decided that I loved the different weather days as long as I don't have to travel anywhere specific. I am quite happy to work 'with' the weather. Yesterday for instance, started off rainy but then the sun came out and I was able to go and take photo's that I couldn't get in dry weather, walked along the river, stopped at my favourite cafe ( by the river) and had a superb slice of lemon polenta cake served with lemon yoghurt accompanied by a glass of dry white wine. I could talk to people, who all seem very friendly here in Ludlow and then continue on, taking photo's of the sluice gates and river plants. I hope this way of looking at the English weather wont wear off too soon and I will appreciate the winter as it closes in on us. I am lucky that I don't need to drive anywhere, and can walk out of my front door and to the shops and market in less than a minute. I enjoy this change in lifestyle just as much as I enjoyed the Spanish mornings, all light and warm. If age has given me anything, it is the power to appreciate all the glorious things that the planet and nature has to offer.
As i sit typing this, the occasional 'swish' sound of car tyres moving through puddles on the road and the chatter of people passing by with their umbrellas on their way to the Friday market, give me a comfortable, content with my lot, feeling.
I feel quite calm and relaxed - maybe it is due to my change of diet and the resuming of the alkalising diet that Alistair and I did for awhile in Spain ( till we ran out of the necessary ingredients) I hope I don't sound 'smug'.
Life has had it stress's ( thought I better mention that, as I feel guilty now for being content) Max has started boarding school, which is taking some adjustment. Not sure who cried most, but I think I might just have the edge. Its still early days but I know as he makes friends an gets involved in all the activities they run he will settle into the life and grow into a well rounded young man. Canoeing last Wednesday, Sailing this Sunday and lots of other stuff besides.
Seeing this is supposed be a gardening blog, I seem to write very little about the subject and hope that the photographs will make up for it. My photography has taken over a lot and I hope to soon have a website dedicated to my new love. Here is something I read the other day which made me stop and appreciate the words.
The greatest pleasure of life is Love
The greatest treasure is Contentment
The greatest possession is Health
The greatest ease is Sleep
and the greatest medicine is a True Friend