The writing's on the wall...

I’m back! And have had an eventful couple of weeks resulting in me handing in my notice at work in what can only be described as a moment of whimsy. Given the ‘current climate’ my family are of the opinion that I’ve taken leave of my senses, I on the other hand feel immensely free. Like a spring flower tentatively poking its head above the soil after a long and cold winter. Whatever.

So, in three months’ time I will be unemployed and I’m seriously toying with the idea of committing wholeheartedly to being a freelance writer. The inevitable consequence of this will also mean committing to a life of poverty (at least for the foreseeable future), in which case the garden will begin to play a far more pivotal role in my existence. Self-sufficiency used to be the dream, it may soon be the necessity. That said, you’ll be glad to hear I haven’t neglected the garden quite as woefully as I have neglected this blog. Here’s an update on the latter half of 2008:

1) Acquisitioned an abandoned bath from the builders next door and filled it with two wonderful bushes whose sizes I desperately misjudged when first planting. I would love to tell you what they are but I’m afraid I can’t remember. My mum tells me that one is a Hebe but I remain unconvinced. Sounds odd, looks great.

2) Decided to grow all of the vegetables for Christmas dinner. I unfortunately only decided in October so now five months on I have nine brussels sprout plants and six cauliflowers... all look ostensibly healthy but still no sign of anything edible.

3) When pulling up last year’s bulbs I decided to mix them all together in one bag so I’d be surprised when I replanted them this year. The shoots are up and survived the snow so fingers crossed that it will be a pleasant surprise.

4) Attempted to replant our Christmas tree outside but failed to notice the block of clay smothering its roots. We kept it out there for a good six weeks and took turns convincing ourselves that the needles were supposed to turn brown. Then Mum came to visit bringing a saw with her. I must say, the surprising guilt I felt was not made any easier by having to hack the poor thing into pieces.

Anyway, the potato, parsnip and tomato seeds are all in, the cauliflowers and brussels sprouts will no doubt continue to survive until I run out of pots, and everything is generally starting to look more hopeful as the sky and soil begin to warm up.

I have a good feeling about 2009.

Over and out until next week.

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