Firstly, thank you so much for the lovely and thoughtful comments on my last post. This is exactly what the internet is brilliant for – connecting people across the world and facilitating a conversation. How our worlds have grown in the past 20 years; our minds expanded, our eyes opened.Tempting as it is to batten down the hatches and stick firmly within one’s comfort zone, it is reassuring and heartening to know that you’re all there and we’re all persevering in our own ways.
It was a day off work for me today. The combination of a stiff breeze and sunshine meant a good drying day, so I ploughed through the laundry – always satisfying to wash and dry several loads in one day – made a cake for my parents who came over for coffee, sat in the garden and read my book, ate lunch outside (on my own – bliss) and pottered, feeding the plants and weeding the veg patch. Dinner is currently being prepared by middle child. Not a bad day at all.
I don’t usually cut the hollyhocks – they’re too wonderful growing where they put themselves – but this one was lying flat across the path, so I snipped it off and popped it in a jug so I could join Cathy and her weekly gathering of Monday vases. It’s a simple offering but I don’t think she’ll mind 🙂 Do click on the link to see her vase and links to many other lovely floral creations.
Hope you are keeping well and have a good week. Until next time x
PS That book is very good, by the way. I bought it because I identified with the title and because it’s about suffragettes. My daughter and I have been having lots of conversations about womanhood but that’s a whole other blog post…
acoastalplot 
Sounds like a worthwhile day off, and I am pleased you were able to rescue the hollyhock and find the time to share it with – I am glad you mentioned the book, as I was curious when I saw the title!
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What a wonderful day you had! I’m glad that all the elements came together for you to enjoy on your day off, including the hollyhock stem.
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I loved this book and also Crooked Heart by the same author. It is good to take time to relax and simply be on a gorgeous June day.
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I love hollyhocks, especially the old fashioned single blooms. It’s been years since I’ve had them in my garden. You’ve made me realize I must go on a hunt for some, or see if any seeds are still to be found.
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How gorgeous it looks in your garden. Glad you had a good day off, it was very well deserved I think. Literally no news at all here. I am envying you your cooking children, I dream of the day one of mine will prepare dinner. CJ xx
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Glad you enjoyed your day off. Look after yourself and speak soon xx
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Your day off sounds wonderful, just what you needed I think. I’ll look this book up, I need something new to read. I wonder if hollyhock would grow in the West of Scotland, I really love the tall spires full of flowers x
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Compared to the fancier vases, this one really looks like some relaxing time off from obligations.
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I planted some Hollyhocks this spring and I’m still waiting for them to throw up their stalks.
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Can only admire your hollyhock from afar, as I don’t have enough shelter planted yet to think about growing them. My garden currently gets every wind that blows in the Spey valley. Hollyhocks are such a happy flower for me as they remind me of France, growing in the gaps between the pavement and houses in Bordeaux. Love the French name too – rose trémière.
Long conversations with young adults have been one of the boons of lockdown.
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The hollyhock stem was looking beautiful. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your day.Thanks for sharing!
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