Spring is hovering just around the corner, and Olga and I found lots of stuff blooming on our walk yesterday, including daffodils, magnolias and this rhododendron on Hampstead Heath. The crocuses and snowdrops are pretty much finished.
I moved the geraniums back out to the patio from their overwintering spot inside the back door. I haven't seen any sign of life from the indoor seed trays, but it's only been a week so it's still early.
I found these channels carved in a dead log on the Heath. I think they're just from wood borers, but they look almost intentional, like pictures of butterflies or flowers, don't they?
I'm finding Barbara Kingsolver's book so much more enjoyable than anything else I've read recently. I've been a lifelong reader, but after some of my recent reading experiences I was beginning to doubt my ability to sit down and concentrate on a novel -- my mind would wander and I'd force myself ahead, but it felt like work. This one, "Unsheltered," doesn't feel that way at all. It's smooth sailing. So refreshing!
Our bin locks arrived! We deployed them on Friday evening -- perfect timing, because the trash was collected that morning -- and here's what they look like. It's completely ridiculous that we have to go this far but I see no other solution to our neighbor's persistent usurpation of our bins. I have to say, they do give me peace of mind. I haven't heard a peep from her. I'll let you know if I do.
Oh, and remember how I mentioned those advertisements on London buses challenging the Michael Jackson documentary "Leaving Neverland"? Well, apparently they were crowdfunded, and now they've been taken down after complaints from a charity supporting survivors of abuse. Sounds like a good call.
Good job getting the bin locks. I hope they put an end to the situation. I've been enjoying your array of photos. I'm still coughing a bit here and except for getting some fresh air by sitting outside my door, I've not been out except to take out the garbage. Everything is blooming and the pollen has been bad. Your garden will be wonderful, I bet.
ReplyDeleteWhen Mrs Kravitz spotted the Yank bin lock, her blood boiled. Slowly, she turned her head and focused upon the Yank window. Her eyeballs were like lasers. Her upper lip curled revealing crocodilian teeth. This was not the end. It was just the beginning.
ReplyDeleteYou'd think those locks would put an end to the rubbish behaviour
ReplyDeleteof Mrs Kravitz.
Alphie
You make me want to read Barbara Kingsolver's novel. I have mostly given up on novels for the very reasons you described the work of getting through them these days. Absolutely love that dead log art. So beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSpring has been a long time coming. It's finally starting to warm up here.
ReplyDeletethe bin locks look very nice actually, Like some one cares about trash being upended or spread out, or Mrs. Kravitz's bad Ju-ju. I like them. Good job!
ReplyDeleteThe log is wonderful.
What a world, when you have to put locks on your trash cans.
ReplyDeletei love the designs in the fallen tree. I hope it was good eating for the bugs, and o my, they really are artists.
I can't wait to read the next chapter of Mr. Pudding's roman a clef.
Roman A-Clef sounds like an excellent pseudonym for the genial host of this blog.
ReplyDeleteI wondered what a bin lock would look like. Thanks for showing us. I bet she was miffed when she saw them. Love the flower in your first photo and I think those wood lines have some photo editing potential. They are beautiful patterns.
ReplyDeleteI just read a book called "The Dry" in a day and a half. It's an Australian mystery. And, I've started to read "The President is Missing" three times now and I keep putting it down. I can't tell you why, it just hasn't grabbed me.
I love the tree channels, wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYes it is silly to have to have bin locks but I guess that's what we've come to. Hope it solves your problem without any trouble with the neighbors.
ReplyDeleteYour rhododendron photo is lovely. We have bin locks around the city, too, (Sydney) to keep out the raiding Egyptian Ibis (aka bin chickens!), and they open just enough to provide room to throw your rubbish in. Yours look much more satisfying as even Mrs Kravitz could shove a bagful through a letterbox opening if she tried!
ReplyDeleteI'm deliciously waiting to start my copy of BK's latest which I received for my last birthday. I'm a delayed gratification sort of person. My voracious reader mother & I both agree the best modern book we've ever read is 'The Poisonwood Bible'. I have high hopes.
Bin locks? GAWD. Well, you need 'em.
ReplyDeleteI liked "Unsheltered" very much although I always feel as if I am getting a gentle sermon from Ms. Kingsolver. Which is fine. They're good sermons but they're always there.
That wood art is very cool! I'm also hooked by YP's tale - it will be the second reason I tune into your blog (the first reason being your actual content).
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Barbara Kingsolver recommendation. I'd love to sink into a book that truly holds my attention. I too seem to have a hard time sticking with books lately, although Educated by Tara Westover certainly drew me right in. And that log with the borer carvings is marvelous. Nature is quite an artist.
ReplyDelete