A Garden Centre Visit

I'm so grateful that we have a garden and I'm mobile enough to be able to be out in the fresh air, appreciate the plants that are still flowering and in a small way prepare for the Springtime by planting up some pots of bulbs.  A visit to the local garden centre and the high street was this week's plan of action.  I was also looking forward to meeting my friend for a coffee and a chat.  You may recall that I didn't get to meet up with her a few weeks back because of the extremely hot weather at the time.  We also changed the venue to a café on the high street so that my friend didn't have to walk far from the bus stop and we certainly enjoyed our time together.  

The day before Mr P and I went to the local garden centre - a five minute drive along the Loxley Valley.  It was also an opportunity to take in the beauty of the countryside.  Again it was a break from our domestic routine and television watching of national and international news events.  

The garden centre is a big one and I always enjoy seeing the seasonal flower displays, this time with an autumnal theme.

Retail centres and individual shops are displaying photos of Queen Elizabeth II as a sign of respect at this time and the garden centre was no exception.  I was touched by the photo of the Queen and Prince Philip. 

Mr P and I had a leisurely walk around the garden centre site and we even sat down and had a coffee and a chocolate brownie cake. 

Before going back home we stopped in the lane in a safe place as I had spotted a newly engraved stone that had been placed in a parking place by Bradfield Parish Council.  Robin of Loxley, that is the mythical Robin Hood based on a real person, is said to have been born in Loxley.  Whether true or not it's an interesting story.  There are so many paths to walk around our neighbourhood.  This one is next to Loxley House and one that I hope to walk along another day.  The leaves on the trees are beginning to change colour especially the horse chestnuts demonstrating Autumn is with us.  

A 'conker' (the glossy brown seed of the horse chestnut tree) 

lay on the ground among the fallen dry leaves of the tree.

Back at home the bulbs and seeds are ready to be planted in pots or in the flower beds.  

Once more thank you for coming by.  Have a good day.  

A Quiet Time of Reflection

As you know the mourning for Queen Elizabeth II continues. We watch on our television screens and feel the loss especially as one moment we saw photos in the newspapers or on the television news that Her Majesty, although looking frail, had appointed our new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, during an audience at the Queen's residence, Balmoral Castle in Scotland and then we heard that the Queen had been taken ill.  Later her death was announced.  We cherish the memories we have of our Queen whilst accepting that we have a new monarch, King Charles III.  

Now as a 77 year old I well remember the day in 1952 when it was announced on the radio that King George VI had died and a year later I recall participating in the school celebrations with a special Coronation theme during Queen Elizabeth's Coronation year. 

It was a different world back then in comparison to the events that are being televised around the world today.  Today every move that members of the Royal Family make is being recorded on camera.  I remember them and pray that they'll receive God's strength at this difficult time and in future days. 

************

It was an honour to be invited to Sheffield Anglican Cathedral on Maundy Thursday in 2015 to watch individuals from communities around the city receive the Easter Maundy Money and the following year in June 2016 (the occasion of the Queen's 90th official birthday - her actual birthday being the 21st April) Mr P and I joined others there for a banquet in her honour. The gift of a book given by the clergy describing how the Queen's Christian faith sustained her as a young girl and during her reign will be treasured. 

Rest in Peace Your Majesty

************

Thank you for your visit.  Wherever you are and whatever you're doing have a good day.  

(Comments are off).