Shrinking Violet

What's the weather like in your area?

The rain was lashing down so hard at 5am that it woke me up.  Rained solidly all morning - but then dried out a bit.  Raining again now, though!

We've been lucky in West Somerset - other parts of the county have fared a lot worse.  More to come, it would seem.

Wartime Farm

It must be irksome to see the "wrong" machinery - but, being charitable to the production team, I guess they're trying to get the flavour of the time across. 

OH is very much "in" to steam trains - and is highly critical of the wrong engine/livery etc in films.  To the uninitiated, it doesn't make any difference (as I feel constrained to point out to him each time he complains )

I'm enjoying the series, though, but the thing that does irritate is the very poor editing:  one shot shows trees in full leaf, and yet the next minute, it seems, we are being told that Christmas is approaching, and the background changes.  I know things are put together after a lot of filming - but the "filler" shots are unnecessary imo and the swiftly changing seasons irritates me.  (But I am still enjoying it!)

What's the weather like in your area?

Pouring down in West Somerset.  The hills are hidden by low cloud, and the dampness makes everything feel cold and clammy.  And the weather box says it will be the same tomorrow and Tuesday. 

Wartime Farm

Frank - break that promise of "no more".  Please.  We want to hear your input.  And for the record - you are not "Uncle Albert" of the boards!  Honest!

Wartime Farm

David - don't feel guilty!  Banter is one thing - Frank knows only too well the poster(s) to whom I refer.  And that's not you! 

Frank - if you're out there (and I bet you are) you are a valued poster, whose messages are relished by many.  Mind you, the mental image of Uncle Albert from David may be confusing me . . . . .

Talkback: Growing runner beans

I tried "Moonlight" this year - a cross between runners and climbing French beans - which are supposed to be foolproof against a poor summer.

Well - a poor summer it has really been, but I have been unimpressed by the performance.  Reasonable (just) harvesting, but flavour not particularly good, and I think I'll revert to "proper" runners int he future!

What's the weather like in your area?

What  a beautiful day!  It's just how we all remember (or hope!) that autumn will be - blue skies, clear sunshine and the smell of woodsmoke in the air.

Oh, well - that's probably it!  Forecast for rain, and judging by the watery sun late afternoon, they're probably right. 

Olive tree advice needed

Hi Josh - where are you in Somerset?  I am in West Somerset in Porlock Vale, so benefit from a fairly benign climate.  But the olive tree that I bought a few years ago (from the Eden Centre as it happens) does very well in a large pot and is left outside to fend for itself.

If you are more exposed, without the benefit of the sea's influence, then perhaps you need to think about a bit more protection over winter.  But I just leave mine outside, and it is very happy.  (That said, I am still waiting for olives.  My martinis are just not right --- yet!)

deleting gardeners world account

I ignore ads that are of no interest to me.  I don't see that as a problem.

(Please tell me that this thread isn't a wind-up, Grid style!)

Wartime Farm

Dear Frank - you have brought genuine tears to my eyes.  I cannot begin to imagine the pain and problems you had to face.  And then there are some, of an unforgiving disposition, who have, in the past (old Beeb days), railed against any mention of the war.  Shame on them - and hats off to you for being so stoic and refusing to be cowed!

Your memories ought to be in a book.  You ought to flesh out the stories that you have told us (for which I am grateful).  When "the last bugle sounds" the memories will be filtered through other people's interpretations.  We need people like you to make it real for us.

I was born in 1949 so the war was close, but very much second hand.  Your experiences are so poignant.  I cannot begin to imagine the feelings of being abandoned - and at the same time, my heart goes out to your parents who were trying to do the best for you, and were probably in pieces as they drove away. 

War is more than battles and bravery at the front.  It affects so many in so many different ways.  We would all do well to be reminded of that from time to time - glorious it isn't.  Imo. 

Fungus on peas

Weather Lore - and more

The wrong kind of birds

Community Orchard