The joy in simple things

[Toddy]

Sodden wet afternoon, I'm sitting at peace with the world, wish the world was all at peace, and I have a cup of tea, a wee bit of stilton and an apple.

Happiness is often simple things, I find.

Crisp cold night last night, and a huge just on the wane moon in the sky.

Working to repair the greenhouse yesterday afternoon. A cold day, but still and calm, and a Robin kept me company singing his heart out in the Hawthorn just over the fence.

I know the adage/conundrum about wishing folks to live in interesting times, but I'd rather wish you all peace, and the joy in simple things at this end of the year


Mary

 

[Broch]

I think, the way the last three years has gone, we could all do with a bit of simple stability!

Wishing you an enjoyable and peaceful New Year and a hope for a better 2024

 

[crosslandkelly]

I often wonder why my wife is so happy?

 

[Tengu]

Cuddling Blackie.



All the more so because he actually is a feral cat; Its taken many patient years to get him to a handlable stage.

 

[Kadushu]

I cleaned my van inside and out on the first day of my Christmas break and I must admit it's nice sitting here 2 weeks later admiring a clean dashboard while I have lunch.

 

[Toddy]

The woodpeckers are back at the bird feeder, but so is a nuthatch
Most unusual for us to see those here.

 

[Tony]

Glorious sun at the moment, 0 degrees, clean, fresh, blue skies - Uplifting

 

[crosslandkelly]

As one Hibiscus flower fades, another begins to bloom.
Last week.

Today.

 

[Tony]

Just outside the dinning room window... Made me smile

 

[Ozmundo]

Having a load of haylege in the back of the car. The scent lingers for several weeks too.

 

[Pattree]

Out in the frost. I’m waterproofing yet another repair to the crazy quasi tipi. Sun on my back is actually warm. Birds are in twos already.

 

[demented dale]

The woodpeckers are back at the bird feeder, but so is a nuthatch
Most unusual for us to see those here.

nuthatch is my favorite small bird. Always get a gratitude tingle when I see one.

 

[Toddy]

As one Hibiscus flower fades, another begins to bloom.
Last week.
View attachment 84689
Today.
View attachment 84690

I meant to ask about this. Dried Hibiscus flowers make a lovely tea; are your's of a suitable variety ? and how hard are they to grow ?

 

[crosslandkelly]

I meant to ask about this. Dried Hibiscus flowers make a lovely tea; are your's of a suitable variety ? and how hard are they to grow ?

The second blossom of this month has just peaked, and is on the wane now but it doesnt have any more buds on it yet. it seems to bud when it feels like it. I did have it in another room, but it wasn't thriving. When I moved it to the S.W facing kitchen window, it just took off, so that's where it stays. As for ease of growing, all I do is water it and give it some house plant food every now and then.
I have no idea of the variety, or if it's any good for tea. I may experiment though.

 

[crosslandkelly]

I meant to ask about this. Dried Hibiscus flowers make a lovely tea; are your's of a suitable variety ? and how hard are they to grow ?

I just had a quick google and found these Toddy.

Hibiscus Tea: Is It Good for You?

Hibiscus Tea: Learn more about the benefits of hibiscus tea, who should drink it, and its potential health benefits and risks.

www.webmd.com

How to grow and care for hibiscus (Hibiscus)

Hibiscus are very showy plants, producing large trumpet-like flowers in a wide range of colours, depending on the variety grown.

www.lovethegarden.com

Edible hibiscus? How to grow and use Hibiscus sabdariffa

Yes, some hibiscus plants can be used to make wonderful foods and drinks. Find out how to grow and use the best one, Hibiscus sabdariffa!

www.tyrantfarms.com

 

[Toddy]

I buy dried hibiscus flowers to add to my own tea mixtures. It's a beautiful almost fruity colour and taste. For some reason I thought it like the tea camellia that I can only grow here with great care, and hadn't even considered that it might be a house plant.

I don't have much of a sweet tooth, by Easter I'll still have chocolate left from Christmas, so it's become a family thing that I don't want more chocolate at Easter, but buy me something for my garden instead
I think this Easter I might ask for a Hibiscus

 

[Tony]

Waking up to snow, I stood outside at 04:20 looking at a starry sky and white all around, beautiful

 

[Ozmundo]

That is a brilliant feeling.

I remember seeing a Golden Eagle in Scotland like that. I just didn’t have cello with me.

 

[Woody girl]

Saw a hazelbush covered in yellow lambstail catkins today, just had to pick a stem for the house. A joy to look at.

 

[Watch-keeper]

Sitting in the woods just before it gets light as the birds start the dawn chorus.