Turning point

Right about at this time of the year one notices the seasons starting to melt into one another. I always think summer into autumn is the most noticeable slide, especially in the garden. Plants are losing leaves and the flowering ones have a rather sad display of last fling flower blooms and there are gaps in my borders where there once were annuals. I am thinking pansies. They fill the borders in the back garden well and last longer than most other plants. I feel impatient with the wilt of the Astilbe's and the rather forlorn looking Fuchsias and the lack-lustre of it all.
I wish I had some secateurs to cut back the larger shrubs in the front but I only have scissors so it is not a job I relish!! It takes me ages and doesn't really do the plants much good but one has to work with the tools one has, right?!! I will whisper lovely things to the leaves and hope they forgive me.
This morning I cycled to the shops and back along the cycle paths between the villages here. It was cooler and I didn't need sunglasses but it was still warm enough for no coat or jacket. It is the same with  choosing clothes it is with the garden - the in between phase when the day starts off cool and I layer up, only to find that as the day wears on I am wishing I had less on! Too hot to think about boots and shoes; too cold to not want to wear sandals all day. Hey ho, such is life!
Sue xx

Sweltering!!!

Too hot to stand still for too long right now. I spent the whole weekend on my bike instead and despite certain sore bits I had a great time cycling along the pathways around here. These are taking in Enkhuizen by the way. Sort of a Monet thing. But so peaceful and still. Last night was unbearably hot and sultry and no-one slept well. I am taking it easy today, resting the tender areas somewhat! There was some thunder in the distance during the night but it doesn't seem to have amounted to much. I am going to take a cold shower and start my day off feeling cool and collected! Wonder how long that will last?!
Sue xx

Every picture tells a story!!

Yesterday was glorious weather here so we set off on another marathon around the dijk but heading in the opposite direction just for a change!! As you can see, even the cows were in holiday mood sunning themselves by the sea!!! We made it beyond Hoorn, having set off via Venhuizen so certainly the long way round,  and with the wind with us of course, and these photos are from Hoorn and there a bouts. They don't require any commentary methinks?!!!
Sue xx

Bucket List

Do you have one? I do, always have had one even before the film of the same name came out. Things one aspires to do/see/go/be/have/gain/earn during this lifetime. I crossed one off mine yesterday by going out all day on my bike with Gloria and taking the trip on the ferry from Enkhuizen to Stavoren. I've lived in these parts for several years now, and always wanted to do it; so thank you Glo for making it happen!!!
It was lovely weather, calm waters and relatively little wind. We are rather sunburnt in places but hoping to move into a more tan-like colour soon! We did over 32 miles on our trusty steeds with only one small incident when I toppled to the side on a cobbled road and wobbled into Gloria and she fell towards the pavement. Drama! Luckily she was unscathed and we pedaled onwards. The boat was due to leave again at 14.05 and just as we were reaching the harbour we saw all the people gathering before the boat, so same as those terrific olympians do, we 'lighted our burners' and hit top speed to reach the ferry in time!!! We had only a couple of minutes to spare and there were not so many passengers anyway, luckily for us, so no problem. Once back in Enkhuizen we trundled to an ice cream and iced coffee watering hole, and then home. I tell you, I was in bed before 9pm last night and slept like a log!!!
Needless to say we are venturing forth today again, since sunny, dry days are few and far between this summer, and it looks like being a super weekend!! Enjoy yours what ever you are doing, and be safe.
Sue xx

Gloria looking out towards Stavoren.

Quaint places on our tour.

Back into Enkhuizen.

Its been a while

but I have been here or thereabouts anyway, and just not in the mood for blogging as yet. Perhaps it is the incessant rain and thunder we are experiencing right now. Or maybe it is the tiredness I feel at the end of the day. Or it could be the silence I feel inside that just says nothing needs to be told or relayed or said or shared right now. Or most likely a combination of them all!!
I will be back but maybe just a while longer before I start writing again. Bear with me!
Sue xx