Today I've been.....

A big thunderstorm this afternoon and it's still rumbling in the distance. We have had tropical rain which has hugely raised the level of the brook, now a torrent where it was a mere trickle this morning. In the height of the storm, my neighbour's son was out with heavy duty hedge cutters dealing with my overgrown privet hedges. He needs a bit of extra cash to go surfing next week and I'm pleased to get the job done.

It has been a total deluge hasn't it Annobel ?
I just managed to pot up some plants and rush inside! At least they don't need watering!

We've had the same. A tremendous clap of thunder which made me jump.

It's raining here now, too. Very steadily! My middle granddaughter is 21 today, and I met up with her and some of the family for lunch - before she hits the town tonight!

We need some steady rain. It has drizzled on and off, but not enough for the garden. I have been to market and made damson jelly and muesli biscuits, but not a lot else.

A glorious day in Kintyre. Sun still shining. Air has a lovely freshness about it. Rory lollinglounging in my canvas chair.

I managed to get out the door and then it came down again before I had crossed the yard to the car. I had to pick up a prescription from the chemist which will be closed on Monday. I pulled the car keys out of my pocket and dropped a £10 note in the biggest, deepest puddle in town. Waitrose lady was very nice about it.

I was all ready to go into town minus coat this morning, then came our first thunderstorm, hellish rain, so on went the hooded coat, on the way to town the rain stopped, out came the sun, and I was sweltered! And I seemed to be the only person wearing a coat.

I've had my baby gd overnight while ds and dil went to a wedding reception.
She has been as good as gold,slept well, had bottles and food no problem and has played, jigged about to songs, napped and generally been adorable.
Me... I haven't had a shower or washed my face, brushed my teeth or eaten anything worth mentioning, and it's 5o'clock!
I'm kna****ed!

Ella - I think that's what I'd call a near perfect day!

Today I have been coming down to earth after a heavenly wedding and reception. Our DD looked so young and fragile (she is 30 but is forever being ID's in pubs and supermarkets!) but we were just the proudest and happiest parents imaginable. DH was fine throughout the ceremony although had to have a sit down after photographs and while we were waiting for cars outside, and through most of the reception - the speech went very well raising a laugh and a little tear - but we baled out a little after 11 which was a shame as I getting into my stride!
After breakfast with the new Mr and Mrs, our fellow parents of the happy couple and our eldest DD and SIL, we went back to the reception venue - an art gallery /studio in Hackney to help with the clearing up and DH sat quietly in a corner. Unfortunately he did not feel well enough to stay on in London where the others were planning on going to lunch in Isington with all the bridesmaids, partners, helpers etc, so we drove home with a huge bouquet for me from DD and SIL with the same flowers she had in her bouquet - so the car smelled wonderful.
I know I am biased, but it was all absolutely beautiful - very stylish (boxes of mixed herbs on the tables instead of flowers- lavender, hyssop, mint, curry plant, rosemary - grown specially by a friend) wonderful natural arrangements of roses and eucalyptus leaves and hydrangeas, again all done by a friend and the studio ceiling and walls festooned with our 200+ m of gingham bunting!!Just a lovely mix of informal with an arty edge, if you know what I mean!
Isn't it a let down afterwards? You will all know how I feel, but such happy memories and huge relief that NOTHING (not even the weather) went wrong!

I'm so glad. Now both of you just relax

gracesmum FANTASTIC! I'm so pleased for you after all that angst!
Well done, you can now have the rest of the weekend off!

I told you it would all go well!

So glad it all went well, gracesmum - it sounds as though everyone had a wonderful day!

Fab.

gracesmum So happy for you and DH that all went well.

So pleased that it all went so well.

Wonderful. Glad your man was Ok on the day too. Well earned feet up moment.

Great news, gracesmum. What a happy day for all of you - the stress just falls away, doesn't it! You deserved that bouquet.

Sounds lovely, gracesmum.

I have popped a pic of SIL and DD on my profile - I am totally rubbish at taking pictures so hope other guests/family can supply me with some more!!

It's lovely, and honest and not posed! Joy to the new couple!

gracesmum, very happy for you. A wee tear in my eye! Why do happy weddings do that?