Back to Basics

A long lie in this morning ... well, a sleep in really, I only fully woke towards the end of The Archers omnibus, slept right through Broadcasting House which is normally my Sunday starter.  I was very struck by the storyline concerning the apparently evil Rob Titchener where it became evident that his father never respected or loved him as a child or subsequently, he was emotionally abused.  It chimed closely with my feelings about the children in Gaza, Ukraine and all war zones.   So sad and also deeply disturbing.

A quiet day at home as planned.  It rained a lot, in a dry slot Meg had a walk.  I fettled a new piece of pottery that I built last night, joining two simple thumb pots.  Jamie came to tea, a homemade chicken pie.  A little admin, some time moving plants around in the greenhouse where some South African bulbs will take the place vacated by autumn crocus, now moved to the back of the plunge.   Tonight I'll pack up some crocus seed exchange seed to send off, listening to an episode from the back catalogue of A Prairie Home Companion.  The Tales from Lake Wobegon, funny, poignant, full of gentle observation of human nature, are some of my favourite writing and great to listen to Garrison Keillour sharing them.

This journal started with an autumn crocus and the genus has probably been the most frequent subject matter over the years.  As the autumn flowering species wind down there are still forms of Crocus laevigatus, such as the one above that will extend the season into December.  Out in the cold frames, there are noses poking through among the spring species.