Sunshine and soirees

Finally the sun came out and the temperature rose this week, just in time for a glorious Easter weekend. I know it’s only April but we all needed a bit of respite from all the wind and rain especially as Mumo celebrated her birthday on Friday and I threw a surprise soiree for her. I think the last time she had so many friends around her was before Pop died which was before everyone was put on Covid restrictions. Denis and I cleared up the courtyard and repaired the rattan furniture – even if no-one sat on any of it in the end. Too busy chatting by the bar table and oohing over Mumo’s new herb garden. Still, all the tidying and banging in of nails has given the once-neglected part of the house a new lease of life for the summer season ahead. And even though Lionel wasn’t able to come last week, I took it upon myself to carry on regardless with the bloody pool whose deck is now adorned with comfy seating and umbrellas.

With all the courtyard cleansing and getting as much done outside with the wonderful weather on my side, I haven’t done much writing of The Book. Actually, the blue skies haven’t been the only reason. After much discussion, Carmen (the most amazing friend and literary expert) and I agreed that I should find an editor closer to home and one that didn’t know me as well as she does. As much as I love her ‘red pen’ edits, Carmen is busy on her own projects and I need someone full-time if I’m ever going to get past Chapter Three. I have found a few potential victims so watch this space.

Temperature in the mid-twenties and woofers don’t mix well. Being a nice Mum, I have dutifully unpacked Arry’s swimming pool and filled it up. Arry of course, is the only dog who actually uses it to cool off in – the others see it as a giant water bowl but he isn’t alone in his passion. The other day, I noticed several little birds trying to dip in and out of the pool without great success as the water level doesn’t reach the rim. I feel another project coming on, a bird bath. After all, I am currently accommodating 9 woofers, a mouse under my sink and two annoying pigeons in my overhang so why not add to the wildlife here? Let’s hope Arry doesn’t do a repeat of last year and bring a hedgehog home for a sleepover….

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!” (Robin Williams)