Category: Random Mutterings

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Who is the smart one?

How would you classify smart? I’m not talking appearance. The fine threads and dapper outfits (I love that word – dapper). I am talking about intellect. Why am I asking? Well husband and I were having a conversation the other day and a comment he made got me thinking. As much as it annoyed me he had a valid point. Just don’t tell him. Because that would smart.

I was talking about how someone had said in passing that they were too old and thick to learn new things. There isn’t too many years between us and I don’t think I am too old to learn new things. Not that I am saying I am smart by any stretch but I have had to get to grips with a fair few new things recently. Don’t get me wrong, it might take me longer to pick it up but I will give it a go. If you don’t try, you don’t know.

Is the reluctance to learn lack of self belief? Tiredness from all the other balls you are usually juggling when you are older. Possibly wanting the younger staff to step up and take more responsibility. Simply feeling why should I bother. Older people can be seen as obsolete and irrelevant. I never want to feel that is how I am seen. I’m not ready to be put out to pasture.

That got us to talking about educational achievement and who would be the smartest based on exam results and qualifications. Then he uttered the following ‘yeah but who is smarter, the one who did well at school and their career and is working their butt off or the one who doesn’t work and is living off benefits.’

His comment has some merit sadly. Then I was reminded of the comment ‘work smart not hard.’ That grated. I am not adverse to hard work and keeping current with the requirements that go with my job. I love to try new things and prove that I am still able to improve and expand my knowledge but was husband right? Is there any point in pushing yourself?

From my point of view I suppose it depends on what sits right with you. What allows you to be at peace with yourself and sleep at night. For me that means working hard and striving to be better. To constantly learn. Maybe that doesn’t make me smart. Perhaps some would say it makes me stupid.

Dream on to be smart

I can’t help but ask myself if the person who doesn’t work has a lack of ambition. Fears failure? Thinks they are entitled. Maybe just lazy. It is their choice and the system helps them to live that way. Please do not think that I am referring to people who are unable to work, I’m not.

At the end of the day it will make no difference to me and how I live . I will keep working hard. Perhaps I am not smart wanting to keep learning. To keep working towards the new things I want to achieve. All so I can stand there proudly and say ‘hey I did that. It was all my hard work.’ For me there is no greater feeling than that.

So never feel you are too thick to try something new. You might not ace it but at least you tried and to me that makes you smart. You could have hidden talents then who would be the smart one. You for believing in yourself, for taking that chance. If all it needs is for someone to believe in you. Well that is me. We are smart. We can do anything E x

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Winter Blues

I’ve never really felt like I have suffered from the seasonal effects of the weather, especially the winter blues but this year is different. But is it the weathers fault? A lot of people I have spoken to have all commented about how it seems to be darker for longer in the mornings. I have sure noticed that. Dark mornings never really bothered me but this winter I am certainly wishing them gone. The groan as the alarm sounds, you peer out with one eye open and swear that it can’t be time to get up as it’s still night out.

The rain without a doubt isn’t helping and boy we seem to have had a lot of heavy downpours and constant dull skies. The damp doesn’t help with hubbies arthritis. Nor does it make him want to get over the allotment. The levels of rain have already ruined the newly planted onion sets. The first casualty of the year. Not great for the motivation. Nor is the prospect of muddy footwear and wet clothes when you get caught in that sharp shower!

I seem to remember crisp but bright sunny winter days when I was younger. You would happily wrap up and get outside. Now they seem to be dull, grey and wet more often than not. Is my memory wrong? Have I donned my rose tinted glasses? Is grey going to be our new norm? I sure hope not. It seems to affect so many other parts of your life or perhaps that’s just me.

The chores on the way home from work seem twice as boring. The need to pop out at the weekend such an effort because all you want to do is stay inside with a nice warm drink and a slushy film or a good book. Are we all finding daily life so much more of a burden? The good buried deeper under the higher costs we are all facing. People are grumpier: more short tempered. I can’t say I blame them. Good cheer seems to still be on its winter holiday.

There is a glimmer of hope with the nights drawing out not that you notice that when you are huddled under an umbrella trying to keep dry waiting for the bus that you suspect has been cancelled. Perhaps the driver decided to stay home under the duvet. I know I wish I had. Once that damp and cold gets in you, curling under the duvet seems to be the only place to get warm again.

We shouldn’t be wishing the days away but I for one will be sure happy to see the bright green shoots on the trees, the tips of the bulbs breaking through the sodden soil. That is, as long as they haven’t rotted or been washed away. Even to feel a little heat from the winter sun wouldn’t go amiss. Some brightness to put a spring in your step and a smile on your face.

Husband is looking forward to the sun being out. This winter he has been housebound more than I have ever known him to be. The aches intensified by the weather. The warmth I hope will see him out to the allotment. Replacing the onions to start with. Tackling the weeds that I have no doubt turn it into a bit of a jungle. Preparing the beds ready for this years crops. One thing I can promise without fail that when the summer hits and the temperatures get a little too warm for him he will utter those annoying words that will make me tut ‘roll on winter!’ E x

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My early morning commute.

I’ve had to smile a few times recently when people have commented on my early starts during the working week. My alarm goes off at 4.45am. I bet some of you groaned. I suppose I have always been an early bird when it comes to work. I had a paper round growing up so I was out early for that. When I worked at the shop I was stopping off at my Nan’s to have a cuppa and check in with her before opening up. My alarm in those days was simply my dad stopping outside my bedroom door on his way out to work. A postman leaving to sort and deliver the mail.

Now don’t get me wrong I love a lie in. I could not do early starts everyday but when it is to go to work I prefer it. Why? Well I love the peace of being in the office before everyone else so I can have a cuppa without interruptions. Then I can get myself set up for the day without people distracting me. I think the best thing is the world you see at that time of day. The hour or two before the hustle and bustle of the rush hour, when the world is waking up.

The woman I see most mornings out for a walk. Maybe that is the only time she gets to herself. The man walking his dog who waves as he passes on the other side of the road. The guy from the supermarket who gets the same bus as me who is out on his feet from his night shift. Other people on the bus who are heading towards the train station to miss the packed later trains. Tradesmen on their way to the building sites that open before office hours. It’s quiet. People still not quite awake or just contemplating the day ahead.

The guy that smells like germolene, the woman who’s perfume makes my eyes itch or the lady that constantly looks like she has lost something who is forever searching in her hand bag. People I probably wouldn’t notice once it gets busier. At certain times of the year I get to enjoy the most beautiful sunrises. The fox that is out looking for its breakfast. The birds with their early chorus. And of course the joy of less traffic!

Early rising gets you to see lovely views

Once off the bus on my walk to the office its the postmen on their way to the sorting office with their coffee from the local cafe. Most smile, nod and say morning. The council workers litter picking and emptying the bins that wave and call out a cheery ‘morning darling.’ Eateries setting up the tables and chairs on the pavement outside, ready for the early customers. Market traders unloading their vans and setting up their stalls. There is bustle, not that of rush hour, but of a different kind.

Outside the pub the dray delivering the barrels that sound loud in the early morning hush. On the other side of the road the van delivering fresh fruit and veg to the market shop for their impressive daily display of goodies. Inside the cafe the owner waves if he sees me, he calls out if he is outside ‘how are you? Not seen you in a while.’ He is right I’ve not treated myself to lunch in there for quite a while.

The early world is not as still as you might think. I love it. It feels special in a way as not many people get to see it. Most probably won’t contemplate those early people out setting up the world but to me they are like little worker ants. Without them I wonder how the day would unfold. E x

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New Years resolutions

Happy New Year to you all. So I wish to ask, are you the person who makes resolutions at the start of each new year. If you do, is it a few or is it just the one that you intend to religiously keep to? Then honestly do you manage to keep any of them?

Every year I used to make resolutions, it felt like it was compulsory. Then it dropped to just the one. Lets face it we all have good intentions but life might not have the same idea. Certainly not for me. Along came a curve ball, followed by a spanner in the works all topped off with a generous pile of poop. It’s pretty standard each year. Maybe the size of the poop varies a little.

Now I just have a general list of things I would like to achieve in the year. None of those things are earth shatteringly important. Always is the hope to get through the year without losing the plot. I think I am doing OK on that front: others might disagree. Then there are the little things like taking more time to enjoy the outside, spend a little less time working. Probably all the things we would all like to have, a better work life balance, more time with the ones we love.

So do I have anything special on this list of mock resolutions for this year? Obviously to keep on top of the consultants so my husband is the best he can be. The plan is to get at least one more book published, two is the goal but one has to be realistic about these things. Certainly I want to spend more time with husband on the allotment. It’s his happy place and I love seeing him enjoying it. The simple things I swear can give so much joy.

New years resolutions to get back here

I usually have resolutions regarding my online business, mainly to be more organised and prepare during the summer months for the busy winter months. I promise myself that I will introduce a specific festive line but I never seem to manage it. So like a school report card, I must try harder. That said I won’t beat myself up if I don’t manage it. There is nothing to be gained by doing that.

Sure I would like to hope that we actually get a holiday this year but I am not going to get my hopes up. The last two years haven’t worked out on that front. Apart from that I can really think of anything major I wish to achieve at this moment. I’ll roll with it and maybe if something pops to mind who says I can’t make more resolutions later in the year. Maybe I can start a new trend. Easter resolutions. Do you think it would take off?

They do say that a dog is not just for Christmas so I think we can go with resolutions are not just for the new year. Yeah I like that plan. Any day is a good day to start something you have always wanted to achieve. What ever that may be, just go for it. I proved last year that it is never too late to start chasing that dream.

So as I sign off I will hope that whatever resolutions you have, be them large or small, that you achieve or keep them as best you can. I hope that 2026 is kind, enjoyable and full of positivity. This year we will do good. I believe in you and me and we can do this. I’ll be here to support you along the way. You rock E x

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Being a Carer. Is it for you?

Do you think you could step up and be a carer? To take on the extra roles that the person can no longer manage on their own. Shoulder the extra responsibilities. Be the additional help they need to live life like they used to because the condition they have been diagnosed with is taking away some of their independence. All the while, still juggling everything you used to do. Could you? Would you? Should you?

As a career choice I’ll throw my hands up and say no. Sorry no way. It’s not for me. In family life, when I was younger, I had a little taste of carer duties. I used to check on my Nan daily, grab her shopping. Years later when my Mum was terminally ill I had more things to do for her. The thing with those situations was the responsibility wasn’t wholly on my shoulders. Now, its a different ball game. Tag I’m it.

I don’t think everyone could. Maybe that is more they shouldn’t. Their personality traits are not suited to the carer role. You need empathy, tolerance, patience by the bucket load and a shed load of humour. A screw lose perhaps. I didn’t think I had the traits either. Ok yes I have the loose screw. So is it more the person that I find myself being a carer for? My husband. I chose him or was it he chose me? We made those vows. In sickness and in health.

Honestly I swear there are other members of my family that there is no way on this earth I could look after. In the same vein I wouldn’t want them looking after me. It just wouldn’t work. If that happens make my end quick. Same for friends. I’m not sure my husband is carer material either. He is more, oh just get on with it. Why is that? Generation? Up bringing? His DNA? Probably a mix of all of the above.

Being a carer is not for everyone

How the patient is, I also think, has a massive impact on being a carer. My husband is a pretty good patient. Chilled. He takes everything in his stride. Doesn’t dwell on it too much. Rolls with it I guess you can say. Don’t get me wrong, he can be infuriating. He doesn’t always listen to general advice. He knows best. I question if that is a man of a certain age trait. The cantankerous old git stage.

The thing I worry about is being able to mask what I am feeling. I used to be able to school my face but not so much these day. So when I need to be the pompom waving cheerleader providing the motivation yet inside I am processing, stressing and feeling tearful that is hard. That is the carer duty that sucks. When you are shouldering it all but all you want is for someone to hug you and tell you it will be ok. That you have got it.

That is probably why some people won’t take on the role. The weight of the responsibility. Being a carer can be a fulltime job. Not everyone wants to give up their freedom. I get it, I do. You need to go into the role with your eyes wide open. Not everyone is that lucky. It lands in their lap and they just have to go with it. We don’t always get the choice.

Some carers are only required short term. If you are lucky it is a part time gig. Me. Mine is going to be the long haul. A downwards spiral. At the moment I still have a lot of freedom. I work, have time for my side hustle; the carer role is more supervisory. If fate is kind it will stay that way for a long while.

If you find yourself faced with this path. Don’t feel bad if you say, sorry not for me. If it lands in your lap and you are struggling. Ask for help, don’t try and shoulder it all alone. Never forget you are doing your best and that is all that can be asked of you. I am proud of you. The person you are caring for loves you. That is all that matters. E x

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Being Kinder

I’ve been sat here looking at my screen on and off for a little while waiting for that flash of inspiration. That moment when the brain cells are kinder and the jumble of thoughts in my head finally get themselves in order and fly out of the tips of my fingers. Sometimes the tangle is too great and I start something and I find I’m crossing too many subjects and I have to walk away until I can unpick the mess.

Gosh reading that back makes me sound nuttier than I actually am. Maybe I’m actually that mad and I don’t realise. Please don’t hold it against me. I suppose that is the great thing: how different we all are. How we process and manage situations differently. Some people hold it all in, others over share. Who’s to say what is right or wrong. Pass judgement. I know I’m not that person. I’m far from perfect.

Recently I stumbled across a few social media pages, one in particular, that has had me laughing. The person writing it has a no holds barred style that I love. She covers things that, I guess, people of a certain age encounter but may not have the courage to vocalise to the people closest to them. One post hit the nail on the head for me. She was talking about learning to love all parts of yourself. Being kinder to ourselves and others. That’s something I think we all need to be better at.

Media for years has given us this image of how we should look. Guidelines to how we should behave. We must be trendy. Fit within the masses. I have never been comfortable with that. There is no way I’m buying a brand of clothes because it’s all the rage. Most of all, I’m never going to be a supermodel. This body was made chunky and no amount of exercise when I was younger made much difference. Sure I toned up but stick thin was never in my future.

Are we not more than our physical appearance anyway? The way we treat people. Our morals and manners are just as important right? I’ve read stories of people suffering from Parkinson’s not wanting to go out because their appearance has changed so much and they’re no longer comfortable. That makes me so sad. Why can’t we be kinder? Not stare at the arm tremors? Not make a big thing about the lack of coordination.

It’s not just the staring. I’ll throw my hands up and admit I’m not as fast moving about as I was. Part of that is I don’t want to be rushing at breakneck speed. So when someone is in your way and not moving fast enough, I beg of you, be kinder, as that will be you one day. Maybe not suffering from a debilitating illness but just not able to move as fast. Heck maybe not wanting to. That moment when you realise you have missed so much by rushing and not taking in the environment around you.

I put it to you, if that person in front of you, who isn’t as fast as you, is going to make you late. That is on you not them. Maybe you should’ve left earlier. Made allowances for delays. Set the alarm earlier so you could have a coffee at home rather than having to queue too long at the local coffee shop for a take out.

My husband, I’m sure, is not mingling with people as much for a lot of the above reasons. I won’t let him shy away. He is still a valuable part of society even if some people secretly have other views. Just because he can’t carry you a full pint from the bar that is no reason not to meet him for a beer. Be kinder people. You don’t ask for it but one day it might be you. E x

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Unreliable Transport.

Why is it so hard to get transport? To be able to get from A to B. If your mobility isn’t great why should you be penalised? Have to plan so far in advance and then get let down by companies. Sorry this isn’t meant to be a rant but recently this is becoming a problem which I fear will only get worse as the winter months take hold.

Lets just say you loose access to your car. It’s in for a service. The powers that be get their way and once you reach a certain age; instant revoking of your license. How will you get about? This is no way about politics. Not on this site! You find yourself carless. Maybe you just want a night out and be able to have a drink or two. Have you given this any thought? I have. I have a license but don’t like driving so am used to public transport but trust me I wouldn’t rely on that for appointments.

Our local bus service is very hit and miss. You can’t plan a journey as the information isn’t reliable. Use our app to plan, the company tell you. Please don’t. The bus that is showing as running may not be. The one that is cancelled, could well turn up. It’s a joke. The other app that shows the buses in real time can make the buses vanish in front of your eyes. There could be diversions that you don’t know about. Temporary lights, that I promise you, spend more time on the routes than the buses.

You can get part way to where you need to be but then there is a long walk? You are having a bad day and that distance is just too far. You can’t always rely on family or friends. People have to work. Have other commitments. Trains? Maybe a bit more reliable than our bus service but again you have to get to and from the station. The same the other end.

Recently we had a GP appointment. It’s not a great distance but husband was having a bad day so I booked a taxi from our usual company as the surgery has no parking. I didn’t ring and say I need it now but gave them several hours notice. Made the point of telling them where we were going.

Got the text to say the car had been dispatched, then another. We head downstairs. I track the car as we are cutting it fine to make the appointment. The car isn’t moving so I call the company. Control call the driver. He isn’t coming!!! Well thanks for that. I can only assume the journey wasn’t worth his time. That’s bad form when you knew it was a doctors appointment.

Alternative transport

This weekend we were meeting up with family at the pub by the river as it was a nice day. That was the plan. Call the cab company first thing in the morning for a mid afternoon transport. Nope. All drivers are on airport runs. Sorry Madam. That wound me up. Do not call me madam! Called another company and got the same thing. Too far to walk for husband. No other option but to drive and hope we can park. As it happens the plans got cancelled.

For us local companies are loosing trade. We are not going out as much as it’s too much of a risk that we can’t get home. Locally hubby will walk there but can’t usually manage both ways. What really worries me is how house bound we will be in the winter. Husband doesn’t like driving in the dark. I won’t. We can’t rely on cab companies so what options do we have? Magic carpet? My friend will say my broomstick!

How people survive in more rural areas I have no idea. The local MP promises to address the poor bus service and improve transport but nothing seems to happen. Cab companies who were desperate for us to support them during covid now only want the long runs. If it wasn’t so frustrating I would laugh and buy us matching skateboards. If you see a white haired female, struggling to balance and laughing hysterically…. it’s probably me. Move out the way, I most likely can’t stop. E x

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Finding my Self Belief

My goodness this year has been a whirlwind so far and we haven’t reached the end of it yet. I wanted to update you on the bigger writing project. Oh boy that has had me pondering, soul searching and stepping outside my comfort zone so much. Digging deep for some self belief. Yet I can not believe how far I have come since I pondered the question Should I follow my dream? at the end of 2024.

That question led to many others, some I have shared with you. One or two I have voiced to a few close friends. However during all this time I have been writing: a lot. Wow I fear I have unleashed a beast. Maybe I have just finally allowed that beast out of its cage to grow legs. Am I excited? Hell yeah. Am I nervous? To the point some times I feel sick, (sorry too much information). Yet I am pulling up those big girl pants, accessorising with self belief glitter and rolling with it.

As this blog hits your screens my first book is being edited. Eeek. Its not actually the book I originally thought would be the first one to see the light of day but one inspired by this blog. The idea popped into my head and I ran with it and it came together quite easily. My belief in it was so great that I was happy to hand it over to a friend to read. After a bit of research I found a editor and reserved my slot with her. Sending my draft over early to stop me from making more alterations than I should. Waiting for feed back is horrendous.

I haven’t been sat about chewing my nails. I have to keep the belief that even if there are rewrites to sections required it will still get to be published. So the groundwork has been laid. Websites have been purchased and preparations to those are well underway ready for them to go live once I can add the last details. With a little self teaching I have promotional posts ready for social media. Logos have been designed. Business cards ordered.

The last few stages I want to be ready to attack so that if all goes well the book is out for Christmas. It might be a tall ask but if I can make it happen in a sensible fashion I will. Some people are going to be surprised when the first marketing posts go live. Unless they know about this blog not many people have been told. A while back I would have said I was worried by their reaction but not now. Its simply I don’t want them denting my self belief.

Self belief in the plot

An author of a social media page and a few novels that I messaged recently replied unexpectedly. She wished me luck and said do it for me and no one else. So I am. Its funny, I’ve never really done anything just for me before and it feels good. Its not for book sales. No plans on getting rich. Hell I’m not aiming to be on any best seller list. I just snorted thinking about how ridiculous that would be. All I want is to hold that first copy in my hand and know I’ve done that. It has come from my hard work. My passion. My dream.

So while I wait for the draft to come back I am going to outline the other couple of books that are floating about in my grey cells. The ones that will have a different style to what I have been working on. How many books are in me I have no idea. I will write until the words don’t flow anymore. If they don’t sell… I’ll be disappointed but its ok. I chased my dream and did my best to make it happen. E x

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Who gets to say what is old?

I treated myself to a trip to the hairdressers recently. My one hour to sit, relax and switch off all whilst listening to the goings on of other patrons. Its amazing what people talk about. Anyhow, I usually zone out but in my Mrs Magoo state I actually looked in the mirror. Squinting I asked myself ‘who the heck is that woman?’ Oh my lord when had I got that old?

Not only did that woman look old she looked tired. Some days I will admit I feel shattered. Dragging myself out of bed to the day job is a chore but yet I still don’t consider myself old. Mentally; certainly not. I still snigger at an inappropriate comment. Always find the double entendre in a conversation, all without trying. Will happily pull faces when people wind me up. All very child like.

Can you imagine my consternation a couple of days later when I was walking home from work when a young male made a comment that at the time shocked me but I still found the funny side of it. I was walking into the underpass when this guy shot past on his bike, just missing me. He yells out woman. A few seconds later as I was about to round the corner another guy on a bike shot past even closer than the first cyclist. Sorry he said as he carried on at breakneck speed.

He then yells out ‘Dude, lucky you warned me or that old b*t*h would be dead!’ Should I be offended? Surprised? I’ve been called worse. Mind you he was probably right as he sure would have taken me off my feet. I suppose to them; late teens I would guess, I am old. Would I have dreamt of saying something like that at their age? Not that loudly for sure. Telling my friends they all laughed; for various reasons, but they know me well.

Old knitted humpties

It got me wondering, who gets to define what is old? I know when you are younger the thought of being forty seems ancient but as as you get older and the years tick by you realise it is no age. Society can’t make up its mind. On one hand we are classified as old around early to mid sixties however they want us to work longer. Yet someone dying at that age is not seen as old. I am a good few years off that age group thanks, in case you were wondering.

People say age is just a number and I guess that is true. Also I suppose your health has bearing on how you feel too. Wouldn’t it be nice if people could actually look past that number and value you as the person and knowledge you have gained over the years. I will admit I find myself telling my husband about things that have happened and go to say the person was old, but now I have to consider they may not be that many years older than me and I don’t want that label.

So tonight walking home a group of young teens in the other side of the road and one yells out ‘alright Nan?!’ That stung more than the other comment. I mean I am a step Nan to three and an Aunt and Great Aunt to quite a few but what gives them the right. I wasn’t even wearing my Granny trousers. I gave them my well practised ‘not impressed’ glare to which one sheepishly said sorry.

So this tired looking woman has booked a few days off and we are heading to the coast. Old biddy town obviously. No making use of OAP rates: I don’t qualify. Will we behave inappropriately? Possibly. Will there be childish giggling and sniggering? For sure. I may take some change from the pot and hit the arcade. Ice cream and donuts? Not telling! There will be drinking! Hopefully I won’t make the news…. but I make no promises. E x

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Finding Motivation

Lets talk allotments. I bet some of you groaned, others rolled your eyes and probably a few of you have left the blog already. I get it. Not everyone has green fingers and is interested in growing their own veg. However it was a starting point for me and I am hoping I am going to be able to lead you to the real point I am trying to make: motivation. Keeping going to juggle all the bits that fit the puzzle.

I have spent more time at the allotment this year than I have since my husband took it on. Partly to do the odd jobs he struggles to manage, on the odd occasion to do the watering when he is not able. Netting new frames he has made is now under my domain as husband has decided that netting and staple guns are crafty ergo my job. I am not going to argue with him. Don’t tell him I enjoy it. Other times I go with him so I can sit and be outside for a while and natter to him while he potters.

People have seen photos of hubby’s plot and all have commented on how tidy and organised it looks. He must spend hours there to keep it like that. I don’t have the time, energy or ability to do that they tell me. It gets me smiling. He is there most days but it is not like he is toiling for hours at a time. Simply because he can’t. His mind would love to but his body has other ideas.

Crafting motivation

He will be the first to admit he starts something then gets distracted by something else he meant to get done last time but didn’t. After a little while he will sit and rest, watching the pigeon try and drink from the water trough that hasn’t filled up after he has watered the plot and the bird misjudges the water level and ends up having a bath. Or when it lands on the shed in the neighbouring plot and slides down the roof, scrambling, trying not to fall off.

The key behind it. Doing what you can, when you feel like it and are able and not giving in when you can’t. Don’t get me wrong there are days when he says he can’t make it there. Others he will go just to water the things that will need it. Its a marathon, not a race. Little hurdles to overcome for the bigger picture. It gives him purpose. There are days when he comes back exhausted and sleeps just because he has overdone it as he was having a good day. Sure he might suffer the day after but then he takes it easier.

When we took over the plot it was a mess. He had help from a friend to dismantle some of the structures that were there. Did some planning where the beds should go but he took his time. His motivation isn’t just the fresh produce which tastes so much better then anything you buy from the supermarket. It is having a purpose to leave the flat. Doing a little each day to keep it going. He is already thinking ahead to next year. Adding another raised bed or two to make it easier to tend. Building another frame to stop the birds eating his plants. Bigger jobs that he will take his time with.

I remember years back when I was working with him on a landscaping job, I was so disheartened that despite the days of hard graft the garden still looked a mess. He smiled and said don’t give up. It will come together all of a sudden and it did. One day I stood back and wow it had all come together; it looked good. When things are tough I think of that. The little bit I have done today might not look much but it will make a difference in the big scheme of things.

So when motivation is lacking. When the mojo has taken a vacation. Don’t stress. It will all come together. You might not see it today, or next week but you will get there. I believe in you. You can do this. E x