20.08.10 - P.H.D. and the pinnacle of gardening

Well, we are getting back into the routine of work and the boys are gently relaxing into being out and out slobs. But we are all still suffering serious doses of  PHD..... Huh? I can see your furrowed brows from here, PHD?

Well, you can firmly rest the credit for this little family phrase on my brother and fav-sis-in-law's dog........

Let me explain.  

The dog in question is a rather enthusiastically friendly girly chocolate labrador.

A couple of summers ago we all went camping to our beloved Northumberland and had the usual brilliant time of sand, sea, surf and castles. For giddy dog and enthusiastic dog there was the added attractions of walkies, sniffies, swimmies and all other doggy -holiday-related-smelly delights. When we returned, enthusiastic dog suddenly realised that all these wondrous things had ended and sunk into the most sad lump of depressed dog. We decided that she was suffering from Post Holiday Depression. Having all giggled at the unfortunately miserable dog, we collectively agreed that yes, we too were suffering the same miserable fate......

Now that I have informed you about this little known affliction called PHD, 

I am willing to bet that sometime in your lives

 that you too

have suffered PHD - 

let me tell you - you are not alone!!

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Any hoo - Holiday musings part 2.

I love gardening and we are lucky enough to have a nice sized patch out the back of our house - although at the moment it is horribly overgrown and looking extremely out of control - this is what happens when you go gadding about on holiday and turn your back on a garden! 

But! - back to the musings, I love gardening and when I am anywhere away from home I look at other people's gardens for inspiration, for ideas and let's face it just for shear nosiness. Some gardens I marvel at their colour, style and others I look upon with envy at their size or design. Then there are those that I admire for the absolute determination of the owner to make a garden out of nothing.....

Perched high, a small shed, a bench and some pots - must have a fantastic view......

Oh... the neighbour has a shed too - 

I fantasise  about being able to put the kettle on in this shed, 

and look over towards the sea...aah bliss.

Wow, a high rise garden!

But, wait..... let me pull the picture out further..........

Amazing isn't it? 

I could not take my eyes off it, the rest of the holiday gang  just wanted to frolic on the sands and all I could do was stand and stare at this monument to the determined nature of gardeners! 

I salute them! 

Ah, now, lets go and find the icecream van and do the proper holiday thing of eating icecream whilst walking on the promenade! Yum....