UK elections

Feeling very tired today. One of the dogs kept me awake whining, there was nothing wrong with her I think that she just wanted attention. We still have a lot to do in the garden and today Colin plans to cut the large hedge. This requires him balancing on ladders which I need to hold for him. We hate doing that hedge because it makes a lot of mess with the cuttings which need gathering which is back breaking.
I've noted that my flower seeds are sprouting which is really good because in the past I've not been that successful with flowers. Also the lupin seeds that I took from my brothers garden in England is beginning to sprout. I love lupins and if these few grow then I can take more seeds from them in the autumn.
Listening to the UK news I hear that the new  UKIP political party have done well in the local elections. I don't really know much about them but I do know that they have firm policies on immigration which is probably attracting people. Whenever I have been back to the UK people I talk to seem to feel that there are far to many immigrants moving to the UK taking benefits and jobs.  I'm not sure how true this is but it is a usual complaint in times of recession. People previously saw the lib dems as the forward thinking political party but I suspect their coalition with the conservatives has damaged their reputation. The labour party were always seen as the working  peoples party but I think people no longer see them in this way. It will be interesting to see how the main election goes.

Busy Day

Today we have been very busy in the garden

Colin started his day by trimming this tree. He balanced on ladders whilst I held them for him. Unfortunately he couldnt reach the top.

He also trimmed this tree which is a really lovely shape

I cut the grass, its really hard work

We cleaned the pool. Really hope it warms up soon so I can go for a swim

Our ever increasing garden rubbish pile

The nispero tree is ladened this year

The Mulberry tree is very green and already showing fruit

Colin building a little wall

Lovely clear day

And now we are going to have a shower and a well deserved glass of wine

How to make a jewelry box from stained glass

How to make a jewellery box from stained glass

http://www.helium.com/items/2314867-stained-glass-making

Is Amanda Knox guilty of murder?

Is Amanda Knox guilty of murder? Read my article about her story.

http://www.helium.com/items/2238745-amanda-knox-and-raffaele-sollecito-released-by-italian-court-of-appeal

The execution

Read my short story about a dreadful act and a man's execution.


http://www.helium.com/items/2221795-lethal-injection

Johannesburg, South Africa

Five places to visit in Johannesburg, South Africa

http://www.helium.com/items/2272399-five-places-to-visit-in-johannesburg-south-africa

The sun is back

Hooray the sun is back today. This morning my back was aching so I didn't think that I would get much done in the garden today. However I thought if I avoid bending then I should be okay. My first job was to hold the ladders for Colin who  was cutting the tree on the top terrace. Its a type of fir tree that has been shaped, Although we have an electric saw it is not easy and my stomach turns as Colin balances on the top of the steps. He has managed to get to most of the tree but the very top is impossible to reach.
Once that job was completed I decided to cut the grass. I love this job because the grass always look so neat and tidy. I had a wander around the veg plots and everything seems to be okay although my cabbage seed have not sprouted yet and I cant remember where I have planted the aubergines seeds.  I wonder if the ants have taken the cabbage seed, Perhaps I will plant some more and also aubergine seeds. One veg plot is completely covered in ants which is really annoying. Whilst I was standing still the little buggers got inside my trousers leg and started to bite me. Although the ant powder works in the short term the ants just seem to re route. I have tried many things to kill the ants but I think the only way to really get rid of the is to find the nest and pour boiling water in it.. The nest tend to be quite deep in the soil so its not easy.