Blooms & Mugs
George has been very impressed with the progress of his blooms… A little bit of sunshine and a foot or two of rain have surely brought those blooms out.
Here is an update in pictures… I should of course link to the last entry I did, entitled An Oasis For George (I think) but I just have no bother about me lately. I’ve been ill with lots of bugs in my tummy. I know it’s bugs in my tummy for definite although there are those that would say it may have a lot to do with the two bags of pork scratchings I ate on Sunday but I can’t see it.
as you can see, the yellow flowers are growing well.
The pink strippy guys in the baskets are blooming lovely.
Finally! One a know, pity I can’t spell! Clematis?
Oooooh! I like these loofa looking tubey type thingy’s.
Lastly we have these yellowy/orangey flowers. I’m joking, I think they are Harlequins…. I think… they might be… memory is not so good due to the bugs in my tummy.
I think if you double click on these they should get bigger.
Right, what have I not told you?
Did I mention I had been ill…. bugs…lots of them. I think I may have lost a stone or two… or perhaps a pound or two but beggers can’t be choosers. Any weight loss I have now before I adorn that Croatian beech in a bikini will be easier on the eyes of innocent bystanders…
If I’m no better tomorrow I’ll go to the doctors. (All sympathy will be greatly received)
Update 1.
My boy is on driving lesson number three. He has a feeling that Dave may put him in for his test by the end of the week. 
)
Update 2.
Awaiting quotes for car repairs but I think the insurance is all ok. I hope I get a nice courtesy car… something sexy, small, and speedy. Just like me….. What? ;o)
Update 3.
My daughter is doing really well with her brace. She hardly realises she has it in and neither do we. I do a regular spot check although she just thinks I’m being friendly and asking her to smile. )
Right… what else did I have to do?
Oh Yes… I don’t know how interested you will be in this but my lovely friend, Chrisb who I think is super-lovely did not tag me to do this. )
Show ‘us your mugs!
Like I mentioned, I am unsure of how interested you are in seeing my coffee mugs but I’ll do it anyway. I am a professional coffee drinker so my equipment is the best!
1. 
This is actually Georges cup when he comes to my house… I don’t like him to miss his favourite tipple too much!
2. 
Dylan the Dolphin! The only problem I have with this mug is if I don’t hold it by the handle I get a dolphin nose (do dolphins have noses?) in my chin which can be uncomfortable!
3. 
Howay the lads!
4. 
This is bone china I’ll have you know… it’s our Scottish coat of arms. (My hubby’s family are on the tight side…. I mean Scottish.)
5. 
My favourite! Piglet. Perfect for my morning wake up call it holds almost a pint. So three of these has me wide awake and ready to go!
6. 
These are the two hardest working mugs… the work station mugs! I have two going so I don’t have to wash my mug too often… going to the kitchen wastes valuable drinking working time.
Lastly! Did I mention that I haven’t been too well?
June 3, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Every time I read your blog, I get an urge to have my own garden. I will resist! Go ahead and put up pictures of your beautiful flowers and gorgeous yard. I DON’T CARE.
P.S. I like the loofah one.
June 3, 2008 at 2:12 pm
do you have extra hours in your days over there? how do you get so much done? i love your pictures–i have some flowers too and have no clue what they are. i told my mom they were purple ones. she laughed.
i wish i could lose a stone or two–kidney stones, that is.
feel better and tell your son to keep his seatbelt fastened.
xoxo
June 3, 2008 at 2:13 pm
hehe you spell it better than I do! Loofah!
) Got it.
)
It’s my dads little paradise….
Erm excuse me lady… *taps PI on the shoulder..*
Have you forgotten something?
Sympathy for the bugs in my tummy…
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I’ve just been to your place and I’m pondering on a comment. I’ve wrote a note on my pad, ‘Stinky Sex’ to remind me. I hope no one reads it!
June 3, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Yo Curly! Thank you for the sympathy… *nudges PI*
)
)
I didn’t get so much done last night when I was piled on the sofa like a lump of self pity.
Ahhh the purple ones are nice flowers. *nods head*
You can’t tell my boy anything now! He’s had three lessons don’t you know… EXPERT… (not!)
June 3, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I had planned to take some flower pics today (for my photo blog), but it has been raining, although I think it has stopped now.
You have a great mug collection~ although I don’t like Guinness I love that mug, my granddaughter would love the piglet mug she is still a big fan of all these characters.
My mum loves butterflies so that one would appeal to her and of course the bear is similar to mine!!
Sorry you are still under the weather as they say, maybe a trip to the docs would be a good idea. Take care I’m off to prepare witty wed post when what I should be doing is a bit more vacuuming!!
June 3, 2008 at 2:51 pm
That’s ok Chris because I am normally preparing any old blog post instead of ironing! I think it’s allowed.
)
)
The butterfly one is really lovely but not big enough for a coffee-aholic like myself. Would better suit someone a little more dainty!
Dads flowers are looking good I must say, the colour in that back yard is amazing. The rose cutting was doing ok but I’ve been informed that it has ’suckers’ on it… not sure if that is good or bad…
June 3, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Daffy Dear, I wonder if I inadvertently gave you my tummy bugs! I wasn’t feeling too well yesterday, but am better now, just in time for a big all-day-birthday-feast here at the office for a co-worker. Your Dad’s flowers are lovely. What a nice thing to see after all that RAIN! The last photo of flowers are sparaxis which are supposed to do very well here, but I can’t convince them of the fact. And by the way, rose suckers are good if the rose is a cutting (not good if it’s been grafted as those usually refer to the root stock suckering). Hugs!
June 3, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Well if they are your bugs I don’t mind.
)
I haven’t eaten since yesterday when I had a couple of crackers with spready cheese on. I think I’m ready for a little something now.
Thanks for info on the roses… I’ll tell dad but I have a feeling he knows.
Sparaxis! What a great name. His flowers are lovely Nikki, I must agree! They brighten up the place.
Enjoy the birthday treat with your co-worker.
(thanks for the hugs!)
June 3, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Lovely flowers.
Sorry you were not feeling well and hope your better soon. Looking forward to seeing photos from your holiday in Croatia. I’d love to go there one day:-)
Isn’t it scarey that your baby is having driving leasons?!
June 3, 2008 at 6:31 pm
My sympathies, with hugs, for you feeling as you do.
It’s lovely to see that your dad’s garden is is doing so well, and your descriptions the flowers are delightful!
That’s a fine looking assortment of mugs you have there! I always say a cup of tea but I must admit it’s a plain, white mug! I drink coffee from from any of the others I’ve got.
Take care and I hope that you feel better soon! More hugs. xx
June 3, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Amanda it is so scarey! I can’t believe it… 17 years! I don’t know where they go. I wished I’d known about blogging when they were very young… or was that before blogging?
)
I’m feeling a little better today, the best day since Sunday… maybe it was just something I ate. (or lots that I ate… I eat on Sundays, it’s my thing to do.
June 3, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Nearly missed you there Flighty, I think we were commenting at the same time. Thank you so much for the lovely e-card, now that did make me feel better. yes, as I’ve mentions to Amanda, I’m a lot better today thanks. I;ve had some boiled potatoes and some cheese and tomatoes for tea so it seems better now.
I have way too many mugs. I did have one with an elephant handle that cost me £1 but my big lad dropped it and we haven’t been able to replace it.
I knew you’d appreciate the flowers, they are looking fine aren’t they! Thanks again Flighty, much appreciated. xxx
June 3, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Aw, feel better soon! While weight loss is pretty groovy, that way wouldn’t be anyone’s first choice
I love all your pretty photos in this post of flowers and mugs. Both are such photogenic subjects!
June 3, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Laura, my subjects never gave me any trouble.. no attitude. Having said that the loofah flowers were a little wayward and off in their own direction at times.
)
)
You are so right about the weight loss! I know… I am not so bothered about my weight. I am when I know I am gaining quickly but I’m ok with my weight at the moment. I’m way past any insecurities of my body… my husband loves my bumps and wobbly bits and he is the only other person I want to please.
When you get time Laura I would be pleased if you could show me your mugs.
June 3, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Our experience of young Croatian people is of tall willowy good-looking human beings. So keep losing the weight!
June 4, 2008 at 1:15 am
Sorry you’ve been under the weather Trace – sit hope the bugs have all flown out the window by now. Stomach flu is the WORST. Ugh. I love your stained glass mug (the workhorse in the bottom pic), but my favorite of course would be George’s Guinness mug. NOTHING could top that. Except a Guinness. Love ya babe – I’ll post soon! xoxox
June 4, 2008 at 2:56 am
Flowers and mugs… a fun and creative combination! Does your dad charge for gardening consultations???
I hope that your tummy is getting better. I’d rather have my nose running all over the place than have stomach ick.
June 4, 2008 at 3:56 am
I forgive you for not being able to name all your flowers BECAUSE You feel ill:)
I hope you are feeling better soon.
June 4, 2008 at 5:45 am
Philip I’m sorry but that is not the reason for my not naming the flowers.
) The reason for not naming the flowers is because I am as thick as two short (why short?) planks when it comes to gardening! I rely on all of you lovely folk to tell me what they are. Failing that I name them myself. I’m picking up lovely know Philip thank you. 
)
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Carol I think we have the offical medical name for what has been wrong with me. Bugs and Ick.
I hadn’t thought of the combination you know…I just knew had them both to do but I agree, they go together rather well.:o)
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Hello Christy. No parcel yet? I must have chosen the slow carrier pigeon.
) I’m fighting fit now and ready to take on the world, or at least the day. Let’s not run before we can walk. 
)
)
The Guiness mug was a special edition and as much as Ilove elephants, George loves Guiness. Take care. xxxxx
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Harry – they are very beautiful people aren’t they. I feel no need to compete though. At almost 40 (have I mentioned that before?) I’m pretty happy but if a couple of bumps get de-bumped with tummy bugs well I’ll not complain.
June 4, 2008 at 5:49 am
So sorry to hear you have been feeling crummy in the tummy, and hope the bugs have buggered off (that’s not really swearing when it’s used like that) Nothing to do with McDingolds, I don’t suppose…You still sound chirpy, even when you’re feeling poorly, which shows what a good natured soul you are
Your dad’s flowers are coming along wonderfully well and the Loofah looking tubey type things seem to be lupins! We have wild purple lupins growing on the banks here. Perhaps I’ll try and get a photo ~ they grow beside all the broom that someone from Scotland imported years ago, and now has taken over! We have broom busters that go and tear it out, but it looks to me like a lesson in futility…here’s a quote from a gorse and broom website :
“Originally from Europe, gorse and broom were brought to our country by settlers in the 1800s for use as hedge plants. They soon spread from these original plantings and began invading the landscape.”
Now, how the heck did I get from Blooms and Mugs to Broom and Gorse…. enough rambling…
btw, my regular mugs are white, and I have a few others as well. I love your butterfly one…
June 4, 2008 at 7:36 am
Awww Daffy, hope you feel better soon, and that you have a fantastic Holiday!! *hugs*
June 4, 2008 at 12:14 pm
I hope that you are fully recovered, Ms. Daffy!
Does George eat blooms? Alex does, which is the reason I no longer keep house plants.
June 4, 2008 at 3:10 pm
George has some strange habits but I have never seen him eating his blooms… I think that would cause me deep concern.
)
)
(I wonder if I have not made it clear that George is my dad) *big grin*
Hope you are well Nick! I’ve sent you a couple of mails this week, some funnies did you get ‘em ok?
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Happy Birthday J – My you must be knocking on a bit now eh? You are catching up to me!
All the best mate, have a great day. x
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Hi Glo…
Lupins! Well that is very similar to Loofah, tubey looking things… isn’t it?
I’m still feeling a bit iffy today, thought I was over the worst but I may be having a little relapse. I think the chicken buttie at lunch time was a step too far. My tender disposition needs nurturing not murdering.
Come on then GLo, lets see your mugs! My butterfly one was one of a set of six. It’s lost it’s siblings in the harsh reality of my washing up skills… so sad.
June 4, 2008 at 5:43 pm
I might too late to send get-better-hugs but I’ll still give them anyway
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Wow, your dads garden is really starting to flourish. My potted plants are almost dead
….
Driving lessons!! I can’t even imagine that day yet with either of my boys. How are you? lol.
June 4, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Hi nice to hear George’s flower garden is doing well.I’ll tell you what though a friend of mine told me not to eat too many Pork Scratchings because, if your not careful they can even cause tummy bugs, so don’t say I didn’t warn you.
June 4, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Gee Bob, thanks for the warning. *takes a not ‘Bob is good for late warnings…’*
) I do think that they have messed my belly up…. I’ve drank so much water to flush me through it can’t be much longer…. 
)
) That’s why I think your entries for the boys, letters, your feelings of loss and sadness and the joy the boys bring are so important, those things will be priceless to the boys when they are older.
Yes it’s looking lovely isn’t it. It’s amazing what you can do with the smallest of spaces when you put your mind to it.
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B&T – Before you know it you’ll think you just blinked and they are up! Wooooosh!
Hugs are NEVER too late. xx
June 5, 2008 at 8:00 am
Just back to say there is something for you at my place if you have time to drop by!
BTW suckers get pruned~ I think!!
June 5, 2008 at 10:37 am
Have you not been well? I hope you are feeling a bit better today. Remember our trip to Middle Farm, they do the best pork scratchings and we ate the bag in half an hour of getting home! We didn’t feel ill after ours, so doubt yours were the culprit. Just keep drinking the coffee to feel better, or maybe treat yourself to another mug? x
June 5, 2008 at 11:09 am
Louise I can see the sarcasm dripping off that comment and I love it!
)
) x
)
Yeah! Now you mention it Louise, I have been a little off colour but I didn’t like to mention it too much…. you know me, I never chase sympathy! hehe
Coffee & Pork scratchings sounds like a healthy lifestyle to me… must have been the apple I ate….
You take care Mrs!
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Chris – *squeezes her til she turns purple*
June 5, 2008 at 2:16 pm
No parcel yet – just got back from mailing Curly her “winning necklace” and our box was empty.. Oh well – something to keep looking forward to. You should be getting yours sometimes soon (fingers crossed!)
June 5, 2008 at 2:27 pm
It annoys me the speed of the post from UK to USA… the other way around is quite good but everything I have ever sent always takes forever. (slight exageration there…) I’ll cross mine too and hope it comes soon. It was packed pretty well for my standards so it should get there in one piece.
Haha! Curly finally got around to giving her addy! The temptation was too much after seeing mine! xx
June 5, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Pork scratchings are one of my guilty little pleasures I have to say; although I never go passed the single bag… For some reason I’ve the idea that they have a bunch of rules associated with then; something about sunlight, getting them wet and never feeding after midnight… or was that mogwai ? (It should be concerning that I get the two confused, although my eyesight is maybe not what it used to be (don’t ask what it used to be – I’ve not thought that far ahead yet!)
I hope that you are feeling better now – I’ve been thinking “send hugs to daffy, send hugs to daffy” (whilst clicking the heels of my ruby slippers together…) so hopefully you’ve been “well hugged” (which is like being kissed better, only with hugs instead of kisses)
btw “Blooms and mugs” – sounds like the name of an eccentric little antiquities store; either that or the oddest florist I’ve had the pleasure to visit …
(I like the idea of there being bugs in your tummy; a different era ago it could well have been naughty little bugs Messrs Worm du Tape and Spider (who would wriggle and jiggle and tickle inside-ya (but, on a positive note, it would catch the fly (I don’t know why you swallowed a fly, perhaps you’ll dye (your hair? clothes? )))))
George … um… I feel uncomfortable calling him that… can I say “daffy’s dad” (it’s something back from when I was a child – I would never feel comfortable calling friend’s parents by their name; would much rather (is it a respect thing?) call them “friend’s name” dad etc… I’ll start again)
Daffy’s dad’s oasis (there – that feels right) is coming along wonderfully! It’s inspired me to be brave and plant some flowers instead of just planting up vegetables in my little… well… I’m not sure it could be an oasis (yet) but I have high hopes (like the ant and his rubber-tree-plant) You’ve captured his yellow, stripy, loofah, harlequins and unspellable Clematis (oh, you did spell it right) friend really well. They’re looking beautiful – sunshine, rain, love and attention … is that all it takes? It makes for a wonderful result. Beautiful. (have you gotten the impression I’m impressed yet?
)
I found last time I was ill I lost a lot of weight; I wouldn’t advocate it as a dietary method or plan though. I think most of it was the fact that I lost my appetite so much that when it finally came back it took a lot less to fill me up (it’s like I went to the garage and the mechanics (doctors) fitted me with a smaller fuel tank or something; although I’ve no recollection of being up in the air and having my bottom prodded (standard garage practice I’m told… although, writing it down makes me think maybe I shouldn’t have been quite so accepting of their “standard practice” explanation?) … although I could well have been suffering from limited short-term amnesia (how would I know?)
hmm… innocent bystanders… they never talk about the guilty ones do they? I’m sure you’d look great in a bikini and always be easy on the eyes though… or did you mean you were going to make the beach wear a bikini ? I’m not at all sure where my mind is going, I think the sun makes it all cereal (more cornflakes than wheatabix I’m afraid (but if I stroke my comforter blanket I find I relax))
I really should get back to having driving lessons (don’t worry, I’ll let everyone know when they need to be wary on the roads); your boy sounds like he’s doing wonderfully well. Good luck to him.. even if it’s not until next week that he’s put in for his test
smiling at your “car description” and nodding – the other day I saw a bizarre car combination. I’d just walked out of Tescos and ahead of me, clad in leather, biggest mohawk you’ve ever seen, studs and attitude – was the meanest looking punk rocker I’d seen in years… who then crossed the road and got into the driving seat of a tiny, silver Renault Clio… I was expecting him to straddle some menacing motor bike… it just seemed wrong… it couldn’t have been a worse match if he opened the door and a toy poodle jumped out to greet him – I walked on up the street going “it must be his girlfriend’s car” (denial? yeah, probably; I’d've taken a photo but… thought it best not to risk it)
Smiles – I’m glad the lil’fisher is doing well with her brace; I had thought/hoped it would go that way and it would become “just a part of her” and not be obvious and draw negativity. Glad she’s coping so well (and I like that she thinks you’re being friendly (and not checking all the time) when you get her to smile)
I love your mugs! They’re so cool – and dylan is adorable ! (even if he tries kissing your chin from time to time)
I’d share my mugs with the world… but my mugs um… they tend to be “this one when all the mugs are washed up, then this one, then this one… etc. etc. etc. until it gets to ‘no more mugs – I should wash them’ and then it repeats” … although… saying that… I do have a couple of special(to me) ones, and a couple of favourites (don’t tell them though, they’ll get jealous, and really I love them all – they’re like little china children
or… um… something)
If you’re still unwell – have plenty of fluids – drown the bugs!
Oh… lupines – I picked up a packed of them (in seed form, like everything I grow) and can I find where I left them? Of course I can’t – I’m sure I left them somewhere safe… I feel a big tidy-up coming on…)
Take care of yourself there
many gentle hugs – just in case you’re still feeling a little gingerly (ginger beer is a good antidote for sickness if you didn’t already know that)
Mx
(sorry it’s taken so long to get around to commenting – I hope it was worth the wait; if not, feel free to poke me in the ribs with a poking device of some description)
June 5, 2008 at 5:16 pm
I must echo the comments entered in earlier – how do you get time to do the things you do? You must sleep just 2 hours a day, or something.
Good to see your mugs! ;¬D
June 6, 2008 at 7:45 am
Laughing at the comments by Mas. Very entertaining
That’ll make you all better, Daffy 
June 6, 2008 at 8:41 am
CCL – Hello there! It does get a bit busy! Last night was no exeption with work, then a shopping trip for holiday clothes for my daughter, (not for 6 weeks the hol but just preparing early) then it was home for late tea and then a quick rescue mission for my dad… it was his birthday yesterday and after he sent me 11 blank texts I thought I had better respond!
)
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Yes you have guessed it! He was three sheets to the wind and extremely happy! hehe. Bless him. (I bet he has a hang-over to day!)
Hope things are ok with you… the weather has been ok for the past couple of days so I hope that has cheered you up.. the sunshine is a smile inducer!
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Mas that was a humdinger of a response! I think that this is the Daddy of all comments! It’s humungus, (Now I am neither sure of the spelling or the fact that it is even a word but it seems to fit!)
First things first…. what size are those Ruby slippers Dor, err Mas? Just in case I need to borrow them
Blooms and Mugs has a certain something doesn’t it? I tried ‘Flowers and Cups’ then I tried ‘Flora & Drinking Receptacles’ and thought ‘No!’ lets keep it simple.
Haha I love the rambling about bikinis! You could have just missed that bit out you know. The guilty bystanders are too busy trying to be inconspicuous, they are just happy for the diversion. A fat girl in a two piece will just about do it! ;o)
Everything else is going fine, the boys driving, the girls brace wearing, despite her dad being a constant irritation.
I’m feeling lots better now, well it’s Friday innit and I’m off to see an Abba tribute band tonight with my daughter, Aunt, cousin and great Neice. (That’s not to say my daughter, Aunt and cousin aren’t great. Great as in, once removed but she is pretty great too!)
I’m feeding up on crackers with an array of toppings to keep the tummy bugless. There was a suggestion from my son about having chilli on his crackers but it all got too confusing and the boys eyes were watering so I stuck with spready cheese!
Have a great day/weekend/walk along canal/chat with girls.
Thanks again for the cheery comment.
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Glo It seems that Mas entertained more than myself.
June 12, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Excuse me, BELATED BEST WISHES FOR YOUR TUMMY.
June 12, 2008 at 8:16 pm
teehee thank you Hayden… it’s all better now!
) *rubs tummy* 
)