Death & new life

On Friday the sad news arrived that my cousin Alma had died. It was not unexpected. She’d been suffering from lung cancer for the last 18 months. She was told at the start that it was terminal so the only real surprise is that she lasted so long. She did try chemo & radiotherapy but to no improvement. Maybe that is what kept her going as long as she did.

We still haven’t heard about the funeral. Whether we go will depend upon where it is to be held. It may be in Essex, where she lived – rather far for us to travel, especially when we’re so stressed with the garden alterations – or in Stoke, where her family is, in which case we will go.

Meanwhile the garden is moving on apace. It’s beginning to look more impressive. A stone-clad raised bed is nearly completed. One pergola is up, the second is started. The paths & beds are being drawn out. We’re already loving their sinuous curves. The courtyard garden is almost levelled. Drainage has been going in everywhere. It’s beginning to look good.

Today the digger should finally be going. Some of the plants should be arriving tomorrow. The end is coming into sight. Our spirits are rising as each time we look out of the kitchen window & see what progress has been made.