Return of the sun

Yesterday saw the return of the sunshine.

After I had my hair cut, I toodled along the promenade to the fish shop. Usually, as I go along on the Mean Machine, my electric scooter, I pass, or am passed by, various people as they walk their dogs, go jogging or cycling. Most call a cheery hello. There’s something more relaxed & informal about going along a seaside promenade rather than a city street. All are on the move.

Yesterday was different. For once the numerous seats were occupied. It was warm enough for people to sit & stare, enjoying the wonderful views across Morecambe Bay. On the sands whole families played with their dogs.

As I came to the fountains at one end, a couple of young girls played. On their scooters they tried to dart between the spurts of water without getting wet. The older child was quite successful; the younger one was sodden.

I bought some tuna for our dinner. I find this a strange fish. The tinned stuff, which I tend to think of as the real thing, we love. It’s good & fishy. The fresh tuna always seems almost meaty, somewhere between chicken & pork. I also think it’s very easy to overcook fresh tuna & end up with something dry & rather tough – impossible with the tinned stuff. Yesterday we had it with a creamy mushroom sauce, which helped keep it moist.

I got back from the shops just in time for Al, our gardener, to arrive. He was eager to look at the designs. He thought the drainage scheme was inspired, though in need of some amendment so there was a drain for the water from the shed roof too.  He went on to discuss what he saw as the pros & cons of the various schemes we’d been given. We don’t entirely see eye-to-eye on this. Al is essentially a veg grower & wants orderly straight lines; we want the swoop of curves & a more natural look. Still he does agree our variation for the patio area should be feasible.

We still find our minds wandering towards the garden plans. We’ve even got a book out of the library on garden design in the hope it helps clarify what we’re really seeking. Once we can decide on the hard landscaping our thoughts can move more towards the planting, at least the qualities of the planting we want, if not the specific variety. The idea of a pergola of some sort, draped with an easy going, slow growing, climber, possibly sweetly scented, does appeal. But where to put it? We’ll think on.