It's Life Jim ... But Not As We Know It

You'll find a lot of wildlife in our garden ...

The very rare light-bulb-bummed giant ant ...

Some are rather elegant ...

Some clearly lack elegance ...

Ahem ... more wildlife in the garden ...

Visit This Crazy Woman

Feeling down? Grey skies dampening your mood?

Need a pick-me-up?

GO HERE ...

http://www.redhousegarden.com/2012/01/mission-impossible-squirrel-division.html

Versatile Blogger Award

The lovely Virginia over at Tangent Gardening has clearly been on the ol' sherry again and given me this prestigeous Versatile Blogger award.

In order to accept this award I am obliged to follow strict instructions for fear of ... well ... fear itself.

1. In the same post, add the Versatile Blogger Award.
2. In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.
3. In the same post, share 7 completely random pieces of information about yourself.
4. In the same post, include this set of rules.
5. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs.

I'm also s'pose to forward this award to 15 fellow bloggeroonies, but first my Acceptance Speech ...

Ahem ... (clears throat)

Giggles uncontrollably and unfurls loo-roll-length scroll of those to thank ...

Blushing profusely & gripping tight my award (whislt trying to pin-point George Clooney in the audience)

"I'd like to thank Virginia over at the awesome Tangent Gardening for her kind words about me on her blog (the sherry had well n' truly kicked in at this point)

My husband for constantly putting my gardening tools back on the right hook (sheesh ... thought I was OCD)

My kids for avoiding all the mud in the car that I manage to bring home each day and finally all the lovely people I've met thru' the power of Blogger and in my work.

This award's for you " (... bit too Kate Winslett that last bit?)

Anyway ... 7 random things about myself ...

1. My grandfather was responsible for the 'blue-screen' bits on the original Star Wars films

2. I am the definition of paranoid

3. You thought the film Sleeping with the Enemy was OCD

4. I have a mole formation on my arm in the shape of the Orions Belt

5. I'm married to George Clooney (between the hours of Midnight & 7am)

6. My engagement ring was presented to me in the airing-cupboard

7. I have a deep loathing for Earwigs & Cockroaches

I hereby present this award to ... 

http://theanxiousgardener.com/ - who makes my paranoia seem tame

http://www.redhousegarden.com/ - for being on my wavelegth

http://nittygrittydirtman.wordpress.com/ - for his wit across the pond

http://www.aberdeengardening.co.uk/diary/ - for allowing me to call him Al'

http://chrissyscardland.blogspot.com/ - my ticket to New Zealand

http://stampinfluffnstuff.blogspot.com/ - madder than a mad thing

http://mycraftydesk.blogspot.com/ - puts the 'bar' in 'barking'

http://judie-ijustloveartymess.blogspot.com/ - for keeping my 'chins' up

http://www.blotanical.com/ - the amazing Blotanical community

There you go ... you'll recognise a theme in my choice of peeps, all have the ability to bring a smile to my face and ... yeah ... I know there's only 9 and I should have chosen 15 but I'm a rule breaker.

Can't stop ... cops at the door ....

My Garden Companion

RIP my beautiful friend.

More photos here.

She's Back ...

Yes my friends ... ol' Mother Nature is back from her Caribbean Cruise and turned down the winter thermostat that has been on high so far this season ...

Bikinis back in the drawer and dig out those thermals ...

Fooled yer ... didn't she ...crafty minx.

The Colours of January

Here in the South-East of the UK, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was Spring already.

(Auricula)

There's colour everywhere ...

(Polyanthus - not sure what type)

We should be under a carpet of frost, breathing dragons-breathe and wearing several layers of the warmest of fleeces, gloves, hats and scarves.

(Auricula)

(Gold-Laced Polyanthus)

But it's a balmy 12'C outside, the birds are singing. Mrs Blackbird is teasing Mr Blackbird with her womanly charms (you know the one girls) and the males are bickering & fighting already for their patch.

(Iberis)

It's gorgeous out there ... roll on Spring.

Pretty In Pink

Like something from a scary movie ...

Sneaking up on you ...

Fear not ... it's the simply gorgeous, way under-rated Christmas Cactus

Churned out year in, year out by DIY stores.

But take a closer look ...  a real close look.

This is ours, it actually shares the pot with a white / pale pink version. I neglected it for years, left it in a corner, over-watered it, under-watered it. Never gave it a second glance. It's leaves turned red, I think screaming out in its own silent way for attention.

I heard its pleas, repotted it with fresh soil ... said 'sorry' and waited.

This was my reward.

As dainty, as detailed, as stunning as any expensive orchid.

Happy New Year Everyone

I just love the build up to Christmas & the day itself ... but once it's over I always feel a bit deflated & want to pack away the cards n' decorations and get back outside (I know, what a Bah-Humbug)

I did resist until today and now the cards are down and chopped up into next years gift-tags.

Whilst everyone else seemed to opening up iPads on Christmas Day, much beloved romantically bought me a 'kneePad' ... hmpfh. But the romance didn't end there ... oh no ... I also got a patio / decking wire broom (I can feel your envy) ... and ... wait for it ...... a new garden Dibber.

Who said the romance is gone.

I've just made this acorn leaf birthday card for a friends dad. Now I'm really itching to go out & start pottering in the garden. It's been so mild here, we don't seem to have gone through that dirty &  miserable wintery stage outside yet. In fact, it's looking positively Spring-like and I already have a few blooms.

Anyway, it's a New Year and I hope all your gardening dreams for 2012 come true.