Photo Copyright: Maggie May
The Sedum are out again, which means that Autumn is well under way. They really are beautiful plants and these ones derived from one plant that I bought many years ago, Sedum Autumn Joy. They tend to seed themselves around the garden but not in an invasive way and I quite like the way they grow in unexpected places and I usually let them grow where they choose.
Unfortunately the spent heads don't last very long after flowering, so I cut them off to avoid them ending up in a soggy mess when the winter rain and cold make them disintegrate. They don't last long in the house either as I tried that.
Usually on a Friday I go and collect Millie, my youngest granddaughter, from school, bring her back for tea and then the two of us set off for Brownies. I am still managing to help out there and know many of the children and parents. There is usually some form of craft involved as well as a few team games and activities. There are three older girls who are helping out regularly because they are taking their Duke Of Edinburgh Award, so all the energetic activities and moving of tables and chairs is left to them. I settle for helping with the crafts and talking to and encouraging the girls in their various activities.
I quite look forward to Fridays and after Brownies, Millie comes back to our house and stays the night. She is picked up after lunch the next day. This usually involves us helping with homework and letting Millie choose what she'd like to eat.
I asked her if she didn't miss her sister and her two newly acquired siblings and was fairly surprised that she answered *no* she enjoys being the centre of attraction in our house because she says that she is the one who is *left out* in her new position of sharing in her home as a *new* family with Sandy and her children. "I must get a room to myself" she says as I snuggle her up into our large bedroom that is kept purely for visits from family. I believe Sam and Sandy are going to make more rooms in their loft, but that will take time. In the meanwhile Millie enjoys *lying in* the next morning with no other sibling trying to tip her out of bed. She then has a long bubble-bath and hair wash. So she gets a bit spoilt at our house.
I am pleased to say that my friend, Audrey is now coming to our house weekly to do an hours gardening for me. I pay her, as then she can be asked to do specific things without me feeling awkward about it. This has inspired me to do some light work out there too. It is surprising how an hours work can make all the difference to an untidy garden. I find Fridays come round so fast and I really don't know how I used to fit in all the work and activities that I used to do.
21 comments:
We've had some issues here too similar to what you are hearing from Millie about sharing a room. Mandy's boyfriend has two little girls -one is 6, the other is 2. The 6-year-old and Maya get along fair-to-middling -usually, until it is time to go to bed. Normally, Maya sleeps with me in my room but when the two other children are here, she is supposed to sleep in her room with the old girl but that tends to lead to bedtime fights and no one sleeping in Maya's room on those occasions is becoming more the norm those weekends. Maybe this is an omen here?
Beautiful picture! I think your Fridays sound perfect and what a special time Millie will always remember. Have a wonderful weekend !
It sounds like Millie is thoroughly enjoying being the "only child" at your house; every child needs to be the center of attraction now and then, and how wonderful that you can give her this special attention.
I do love sedum this time of year; I leave mine standing all winter long. We probably don't have as much rain as you, so I like the dried seedheads covered in snow. So nice that Audrey is helping in the garden--a perfect arrangement for both of you, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your garden even more. Yes, it's surprising what even a hour or two each week can achieve. I've got so much going on right now, that that's about all the time I can spend in the garden, too.
It's the little things that make all the difference, and that includes a bit of work here and there that needs doing!
I am sure Millie is going to have some wonderful memories of being thoroughly cosseted by you. Extra long time in the bath and a special hair wash does it every time.
Contentment saturates your words as you talk about this time you have with Millie. Made me want to come to your house and spend the night, too :-)
The sedum really does come into its own now and lifts my heart every morning when I draw the curtains. To cut the heads or not, that is the question
I'm glad you and Millie have such a special time together. She will have good memories of it when she grows up. Grandmothers don't know half how important they are but maybe you do.
It's good to have someone do the tidying in your garden. That hout's worth of work can make all the difference. It won't feel like an overwhelming job to you now and you can enjoy it better. I love your sedum. It's very pretty.
xox
Autumn is definitely here. Your Fridays sound good. I wish I had someone to come do our garden.
i am glad you have a friend to help out with the garden...and smiles on her enjoying her time in the spotlight as well....would not mind a bit of lying in...was out chaperoning a dance at school until the wee hours this morning...
My little sedum plant is doing well this year. I rescued it from a pile of YoungerSon's yard waste when it was only 1 inch high and it has lots of flowers on it.... but it's on the north side of the house so probably doesn't get enough sun.
It's fun being a grandma isn't it? Making special time for special people. My 3 year old has 2 new twin siblings in his life and is really jealous, so he came to my house yesterday and helped me prepare a spaghetti dinner for the whole family. he felt so important.
It sounds like your life is getting back on track. That makes me happy. I'm sure it's lovely to have Millie visit - for both of you.
I have some Autum Joy/Sedum also but it's nowhere near as pretty a colour as yours.
What a lovely post, and you sound happy and content. So nice to have some special time with your little granddaughter. She will remember being cared for by her Grandma, your full attention and love.
Sedum is pretty this time of year and yes, we're into autumn already!
Happy gardening.
Glad to see you back here again.
Sad that Millie feels like that - she's lucky to have you though and I can see why you like Fridays :)
I do love sedum, it's one of the few plants I recognise!
Your granddaughter is a very lucky young lady - I still treasure memories of spending special time with my nanna - nothing is quite a wonderful as your nanna (even if you do have like me a wonderful mum, grandmothers have their own place in our hearts)
I have a few varieties of sedum in the garden - I really like them.
I'm glad you are finding a way to get the heavier gardening work done, be involved yourself and have time with a friend all rolled into one!
The Sedum's are just beautiful!! Autumn joy indeed! The fall is my all time favorite season, so much beauty. It is wonderful you are getting help in your beloved garden, it will continue to bring you great joy without extra stress.
I think you are making wonderful, lifelong memories for Millie. What a special bond she has with you and the extra attention must make her feel so very special, growing up in a house with 5 siblings, my Grandmother took me very weekend, for me time. I cherish those special memories to this very day. Words can't say how special those times were.
So very happy, thrilled to hear you are cancer free, i will pray for relief for the back pain. If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact me. I just spent 2 years trying to stabilize my horrific back,neck,leg pain. It is finally manageable, thanks to my doctors at Johns Hopkins and a Pain and Wellness Center. Don't get discouraged, have faith that it will get better.
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And quite rightly so! I think it's nice to spoil them and isn't that what grandparents are for?!!
The sedums are beautiful. I'd love that colour in my garden over the autum/winter months.
CJ x
As you look forward to Fridays, I am sure that Millie does as well.
It sounds like a splendid beginning to the weekend to me.
I love the fact that you are getting out and working in your garden...I love doing that, too.
Hugs and love to you, sweet Maggie.
J.
I love that autumn has come round again.
You and your granddaughter are both fortunate to have this time together. It must be great fun to help out with Brownies.
I'm glad you have help in the garden and that you are getting out there a bit too.
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