Unbelievably, it’s 9 months since a Garden Party was held to mark the official opening of the new front garden in the grounds of the big old house I, and my housemates call ‘home’. 

A monumental effort between local businesses, hundreds of volunteers, Beechwood Residents, and staff, it’s continued to be tended by all the above groups since. Especially volunteer groups on ‘team days’…. Out from behind a desk, to knee deep in the pond in some cases!

The beautiful unseasonably warm weather this weekend, especially yesterday, and sunny spring days in the week has allowed half a dozen of us ample time to enjoy it. For my friends unable to manoeuvre their wheelchairs it’s much trickier. The doors at the back of our dining room have been open for hours at a time, allowing fresh air to flow through and add colour to everyone’s faces.

Speaking personally, seeing the sunshine from my bedroom window motivates me to get up as soon as possible to enjoy it to the full instead of languishing in bed. Even on a bad day, I’d rather doze in the sunshine than stay in bed. Doctors and therapists have always encouraged me to get sunshine on my skin, allowing my body to make vitamin D. This particular vitamin has been thought to help combat fatigue. 

Health issues aside, spring is my favourite season. I love tulips, daffodils and crocuses. Crisp air ‘blows the  cobwebs away’. I often overheat due to side effects from medication so sitting outside, helps me regulate my temperature and have one or two less headaches. 

I love being outside in nature nowadays. In years gone by I was far less keen to be outside when there was a dog to walk! 

I’m hopeful that if we have a proper summer this year, we might finally have a barbecue in the garden. Have to wait and see what the next few weeks and months bring. In the meantime, here’s a selection of recent snapshots from my smartphone.. Enjoy! 

Let’s hope the sunshine continues! 

Until next week…