It's Still Life

I. Thankful that the old Apostle Trees agree that spring has arrived. It’s beginning to unfurl its leaves. The oaks will be next.

II. Fixed the slow-draining shower drain, all because is this silly piece of plastic. Thankful that it is fixed. Plumbing. Pah!

III. Perfect words, like this one: Drizzerable.

Drizzle + Miserable = Drizzerable. 

IV. The grapevine is setting leaves, and it had its ‘winter-wash’ a few weeks ago. Thankful that I didn’t delay doing it because you can’t spray it after the leaves start appearing.

V. Ladybirds (ladybugs in the USA). Thankful for their voracious appetite for aphids. Not particular thankful that they over-winter in the window frames though.

VI. Thankful, always, for a little bit of luck. A little four leaf clover.

VII. The hostas are just starting to open, those beautifully cylindrical leaves that obey the law of Fibonacci and the golden ratio. 

VIII. Thankful that the delivery man set the bags of slate chips, 180 kilos, behind the gate for me. Garden project under the kitchen window. 

IX. Thankful for everyone who bought a copy of ST(R)AY and are now, or will soon, enjoy Nick’s beautiful photographs. ST(R)AY has even found its way to Colombia!

X. Humour. Thankful for its relief from the daily onslaught of insanity around the world right now.