Friday 27 September 2013

So here's to the summer that went!



My New Year’s resolution was to visit old friends. So far I have managed only one, Richard, living now in Hassleholm. Within weeks of my return I began experiencing breathing difficulties, with the outcome already described. But now I have a backlog of friends presently spared the Keyton visitation, and only three months left before the start of a new year. As John Lennon said ‘Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.’

I enjoy travelling, I love holidays but sometimes I wonder. Why go through the hassle of airport security, recycled air and dodgy cabin air pressure, delayed trains and traffic jams when you can just step out your back door with a bottle of plum wine or a glass of cold beer and listen to birdsong?



 


 Damson trees above and below.



 Trees and sky beyond. It's easy to forget there are neighbours


 And home when the beer is finished, the birds have stopped singing.



It’s been a good summer. The plum harvest was magnificent – largely shared with neighbours and friends while I was otherwise engaged. And my daughter was magnificent, picking, stoning and freezing 12lb of damsons for the damson wine I’ll make when I can. 

So here’s to the Summer that went. And here's to good friends.

6 comments:

Maria Zannini said...

Your home and garden look beautiful. You obviously get more rain than we do. :)

I like to travel too, but it's becoming more of a hassle especially if air travel is involved. If I can drive to my destination, I'm more likely to visit.

Hope your recovery is progressing as promised.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you're feeling better and I'm jealous at how plants grow at your house. They just die here, unless they're poisonous. Those ones seem to thrive. ;)

Mike Keyton said...

We get more rain, but you do far more on your land without rain! (and yes, I know you have more land) but accept the compliment. I'm just happy to harvest damsons, gooseberries and rhubarb and leave the rest to insects and birds.

Ref health - steady as she goes.

Mike Keyton said...

Those ones seem to thrive. ;)

Ah, we have fairies that look after them : )

Author Susan Griscom said...

A lovely post, Mike. And a lovely backyard. If I ever get to England, *sigh* I would love to stop by for a visit. I'm glad you are feeling better. Keep it steady and stay well.

Mike Keyton said...

Susan, thank you - and you'd be welcome