Would you believe it, this blog post has been three weeks in the making. I was in the process of putting together an update on how I was taking things easy recovering from my recent hospital admission for a chest infection picked up mid/late January. All complicated by my scoliosis (curvature of the spine) I occupied myself with some crochet and tv - ridiculous really but that was my limit. The days flipped between tiredness, recovery, tiredness, recovery. Two weeks home and the recovery element ebbed away to total tiredness and breathing problems again - and so it was I found myself back in hospital, this time just for a week. But that was a week ago and I am home again and with each day I am feeling a little better, and hoping not to tempt fate with those words. I am focusing on some positives - what you can enjoy whilst trying to do nothing and appreciate the little things in life.Nature on my doorstepI may have totally missed the wonderful display of Snowdrops in the nearby parks and gardens but I have been able to enjoy the sight of the birds in my garden. They have been very active searching out nests. The day I came out of hospital I was greeted by a pair of Blackcaps on the bird feeder, birds not seen in the garden for a few years. But the Robins, Blue Tits, Great Tits and Wrens are still my favourites. From the comfort and warmth of my garden room I have been able to capture some lovely photographs of the birds, the little Wrens are very timid though and require a little more patience than I can give at the moment.
Blue Tit on the garage roof
Restorative Power of CakeI can happily enjoy the benefits of eating cake, even though I am not able to bake it which I equally enjoy. A delicious slice of my favorite piece of cake contains many restorative powers, I am sure no one is going to disagree with me on that!
A Little Good Luck and a WinI received this lovely book of 200 Fun Things to Crochet whilst in hospital, won in a giveaway on the Search Press Art and Craft Books Facebook page. If you are UK based they have giveaways on a Wednesday and on free books for review on a Friday, which is how I won. It was a lovely surprise as I had forgotten all about it. Now as you can see I have picked up my crochet hook this week and created some pretty flowers. Not without faults, I made one or two small mistakes something I will learn from. But the book is full of lots of creative small projects for varying skill levels. A book I will not be easily parted with, read my review or find out more about 200 Fun Things to Crochet.
Family and FriendsNever to be underestimated or taken for granted, it is during times of illness that you truly appreciate the support and care shown by family and friends. From my sister who has basically been doing just about everything for me during the last month, to those who call by or send kind thoughts. It is all so very much appreciated and I hope that soon I will be able to somehow repay that kindness. To my lovely blogging friends, particularly my Instagram followers it has been a real pick me up to read your lovely messages of support. I hope soon to be up to sharing more photos with you soon.Armchair GardeningWith the garden bursting into life before my eyes, pots planted with bulbs in Autumn have started to grow and are close to flowering. I have a greenhouse that is calling out to me... I long to be seed sowing. But in the meanwhile I can be doing some garden planning, such as looking through seed catalogues. This year the Sarah Raven catalog has been a favourite, since I completed my online FlowerStart flower arranging course last year its my wish to grow more cut flowers grown in the garden. I have ordered a selection seeds including the Opal Sweet Pea mix - oh how I love growing and enjoy picking Sweet Peas. Currently you can get an extra 10% of any orders from Sarah Raven using the code SRKGSP17. I can recommend the Inspire Me section of the website if you are looking for some inspiration or need to narrow down or increase :) your choices for your garden this year.
Great Tit perched on the Apple Tree
Meanwhile I will leave you with these words of wisdom...A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.
