Tuesday 21 April 2009

Impressions


I have been feeling rather unwell this afternoon, and managed just half an hour's sporadic five minute wanders into the garden to move a few primulas and home-grown plants around to colour up a corner by the wildlife pond. I am going to sit down this evening with a good book.

We had to g to St Clears today, to go to the wonderful butcher there (Eynon's) for steak for our son's 18th birthday tomorrow - how the years have flown by. I can still remember him, very blonde and very angry, in a green and white striped baby-gro, grizzling then yelling blue murder in nearly the same spot as I was gardening today, when it looked very much different with a trellis and some shrubs. Anyway, I digress. Sometimes there is an image which you capture and which will stay with you a long time. By the traffic lights was a big old rendered house with a high-walled garden. All you could see were the tops of a long-abandoned shrubbery, a Magnolia the size of a prefab and the most amazing Rhododendron the size of a caravan, the palest nearly-white pink with baby pink buds - just absolutely stunning. It took me back years, when I was still living in Southampton, and I took my mum to Exbury gardens for a treat. We had chosen our visit well, for all the Azaleas, Camelias and Rhododendrons were in bloom and walking through such a riot of colour was sensual overload.



We walked through a little gateway and found ourselves near the river, and a Stoat ran across our path, stopping to look at us a minute before going unhurriedly on his way. I've just sought out a photograph of Exbury from Creative Commons. I even found the bit where we saw the Stoat (see above). I feel a sudden urge to get in the car and start driving, to drink it all in again, but of course, I won't. I shall just polish the memories.

9 comments:

Morning's Minion said...

I think that were I to accomplish all the gardening and traveling you have done lately that I would also be a bit unwell. Curling up with a book, a cat and a mug of tea is the best medicine for over-doing.

Elizabeth Rhiannon said...

Ahhh *long sigh* Your pictures are beautiful as well as your descriptions. Thank you so very much :) ~ER~

Willow said...

Sorry you're feeling under the weather BB - yes, curling up with a good book sounds just the job!

Isn't it amazing how we can recall memories in such a vivid, picture-like way, after years and years have gone by. I must admit to a fair bit of reminiscing about various things, places, people etc. I know some people say it's not good to look back all the time, but to be honest, I like it and find these memories very comforting when every day life gets too hectic!

Willow x

Bovey Belle said...

I had to take to my bed today, so guess I am Proper Poorly. My head feels like mush now, so guess the birthday treat bottle of wine may be on hold tonight . . . (Our son's 18th birthday today).

The photos of Exbury are, I must confess, balm to the soul . . .

Willow said...

Hope you're feeling a bit better today BB? Maybe a couple of days real rest is just what you need. Take care,

Willow x

Anonymous said...

Hope you feel better! Our younger daughter just turned 18 in December, and that does feel momentous. It's odd how we vividly remember many moments from their childhoods when they remember very little from being small. Lovely pictures!

Bovey Belle said...

Kate - His birthday went off quietly - one sister even forgot to phone as she is up to her ears in Dissertation and essays. He and his friends are going out in about 10 days to celebrate properly.

Willow & Kate & Sharon - thanks, am feeling better now - not 100% but able to do a bit more in the garden.

Elizabeth Rhiannon- glad you enjoyed the photos. Are you Welsh, with such a pretty name?

Bovey Belle said...

ER - just been to your blog - if you've been to Brecon Jazz Festival you were only 40 miles or so from us here! We regularly visit Brecon. Hope you get to move to Britain as you long for!

nancy said...

I hope the birthday was a happy one. I'm so sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. It must be that wet Wales thing?
Nancy