Black Wednesday but at least the sun is shining

Oh dear, more gloom and doom on the news. Thanks goodness I have finished in the house and can escape to the garden. I cannot look at Danny Alexander's face anymore. His patronising tone is too much, I have an urge to slap him. As for the three posh stooges talking about the NHS, help! NHS safe in the ConDems hands, I don't think so.

I did flick the telly this morning while I was doing the ironing and came across the Housewives of Orange County. What a bunch!

More planting to do and then I will read my book in the sunshine.

I am looking forward to the Easter holidays. It is such a luxury only getting myself ready in the morning for work. Anyway, the sunshine calls.

April showers

Rain has stopped play. No work in the garden today. Next week I take delivery of my vegetable plants so I hopefully the rain won't last.

Busy morning getting the boys off to school. I had to make a peasant costume for youngest's Tudor feast at school. It's amazing what you can do with scissors and a pillow slip.

We survived the outing to Southend. No children were lost, only one puked and all slept in the car on the way home.

The decluttering continues. Need to get it finished. I don't want to scare off my new cleaners when they come to see the house next week.

Less stress from 16 year old son but 14 year old's hormones have kicked in with a vengeance. Unfortunately, his brothers enjoy setting off his furious outbursts.

I think I have finally figured out what the 'Big Society'. The government provides money for less and less services. Volunteers are to pick up the slack, but we are all working longer hours and to retire later so this might not work!

Waiting for the sunshine...

In the meantime, I have some baking to do. A cake for youngest son's birthday sleepover and cakes for the school cake stall. Then some ironing and if the weather forecast is correct, then I have some time in the garden.

I am slightly peeved about the amount of charity events at the primary school. It is getting too much. Encouraging the children to raise money is admirable but they seem to have gone overboard. Resisting the temptation to shoot off an email. A deep breath and this peeve will pass.

The big day trip to Southend is tomorrow. I think I am organised. The only thing I can't sort out is the weather. Fingers crossed it is dry. I am not thrilled by the thought of shivering in the rain while the kids zoom around on all the rides.

I have a tortilla (Spanish omelette) going begging. I considered freezing it but can't imagine it would be appealing when defrosted. Might give it a try.

Killed my cucumber plant!

And the aubergine pots were knocked off the window ledge. More sowing of seeds. Third time lucky.

Some good news though. My coleus canina plants have been dispatched. Here's hope they deter the cats. There is always something to do with this gardening lark. My salad leaves look good and I am looking forward to tasting them soon. I think I may well have bought too much compost but better too much than too little.

I am looking forward to filling the beds with plants soon. They look rather barren at the moment. I have been trying to swot up on companion planting. I hope that my little polyculture will thrive.

I now have gardening chats with my neighbour, instead of just a brief hello or comment on the weather, which is nice.

Scarecrow wanted

Work was busy but that's me for the week. I have a busy week planned spring cleaning. The clutter has built up again. We are definitely not a minimalist household.

I need a scarecrow. In view of the bad hair day I am having (think Iggy Pop), I think a photo of me on a stick should do it. I spotted bird prints next to the seed I sowed yesterday. Will have to wait and see if any survived.

Time for the evening madness.

Where is the sun?

I hope this sun comes out again soon. It has gone into hiding. I have an afternoon of pottering and potting planned.

Eldest son is heading off soon for the anti cuts march. I hope there is no trouble and he isn't 'kettled'! Having decided to stay home and do my gardening, I am feeling slightly guilty. I don't think my marching days are behind me, but am I turning Tory! No, that can't happen. But since no-one has convinced me there is an alternative to the cuts, I'll stay home today.

Census form submitted. So many questions.

Spring, glorious Spring!

The clocks spring forward. Farewell dark evenings.

Busy morning cleaning plant pots. I have run out of compost and don't think I can wait until tomorrow to plant more seeds! Might just pop a bag in my trolley on the way home from school to keep me going.

Meeting with Master Gardener went well. I have planted the spuds correctly which is good to know. So far I am doing things ok.

Not much to see but making progress. Youngest son is very pleased to pee on the compost heap for me. Older boys not so keen. At least they can't miss it, unlike the toilet bowl.

My veg and fruit box has arrived. I am perplexed by the beansprouts in the box. Adzuki bean? Mung beans? This is a job for Gillian McKeith. Perhaps I could put them in a vegan cake? Or more likely, on the compost heap.

Fingers crossed this weather last until next weekend. We are taking five 9 year olds to Southend to Adventure Island. Standing in the rain while they go on rides is not appealing.

Still haven't completed the census form. Will get round to it tonight, I think.

Time to go off and enjoy the day.