Parasols.

Parasols.

Not the big beachy ones, but the beautiful lacy, frilly ones that were 

co ordinated with a lady's outfit, becoming such a fashion accessory.

This is one of the most well known parasol paintings, by Monet.

And this one, by Albert Edelfelt, a Finnish painter.

Isn't it just the perfect colour to go with her shawl?

Look at the way the tree blossoms are silhouetted on the fabric.

There is a purpose to these Parasol paintings, and that is to show you my very own Victorian style parasol.

Bought for me by my daughter around fifteen years ago, it has rather languished in a box since we returned from France.

But yesterday the sun spent the day with us, hotter than any other day, I think, and Parasol made its reappearance in my English garden.

 I lay in my lounger chair , gazed at  the blue blue sky, and relaxed...just for a wee while.

The parasol was a perfect sunblock.

Then again.... a little quilty Sunbonnet Sue parasol!

Maybe I should be sewing.

The weekend here is known as August Bank Holiday, and is a favourite time for tourists to take their last holiday in Cornwall.

Roads are gridlocked, beaches are full.

But the weather is amazing.

End of Summer roses.

Just wanted to share two of my roses, all of which are having a wonderful second flush of flowers.

This is the Alnwick rose, with soft perfume.

Mixed with a couple of sprays of Ammi Majus, it graces my kitchen table.

This is Graham Thomas,whom I thought had put himself to bed for the Autumn.

All of a sudden there is new growth combined with beautiful flowers.

Very little perfume though.

A little of my favourite Alchemilla Mollis added.

So thankful for my garden.

'The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.'

Isaiah 35, v 1

Tomato time.

Bowls of tomatoes from the greenhouse.

Warm and scented, shiny red , so eatable straight from the stem!

I remember picking them from my Grandpa's greenhouse and loving the feel, the smell...and the taste.

But, processing is a must, and mine are prepared for the freezer rather than canned.

 Peeling is easy when dipped into boiling water for a minute.

Then, diced shallots, a little garlic, salt and pepper go in with the tomatoes.
 Fresh Basil is sprinkled on top. A little tomato puree added.
Simmered slowly, the kitchen scented with goodness.

And the first of the plastic boxes are ready for the freezer.
On a cold Autumn day I will be using this tomato sauce for pasta or soup.

So lovely to be eating Summer produce through the Winter.

A new chair.

Yesterday we went to the Mobility Centre and bought a new wheelchair.

This may not seem like the most exciting news, but it is going to make a big difference to me.

The one my husband has is a very good one supplied by our Occupational therapist via Social services. It is also the heaviest thing to pick up.

As I keep it in the back of my car to use when we go out, I have to load and unload it, and my back was beginning to suffer. I discovered that it weighed

15.2 kilos.

We did  a lot of research, discussed it with another wheelchair user and went off to the Centre. Where we were shown a lightweight chair, coming in at 10 kilos. I couldn't believe the difference in handling it. Not only is it so much easier to get in and out of the car, it is much more comfortable to push and manoeuvre around.

(Not a photo of my husband!)

So, wheelchair Olympics next?

Birthday.

A lovely birthday, spent with old friends from France who now live in North Cornwall. They came down for the day and it was so good to catch up.

My sun room has been blessed by Sunflowers, roses and lavender.

Two more beautiful bouquets arrived from family members in Australia and England.

A bottle of pink champagne!

Cards and e-cards from all over the world have made me wonder how I should be so fortunate to have so many lovely friends.

It has been the happiest of birthdays.