The Good, The Bad And The Ugly...

In between the rain, sleet and hail I biked out to the allotments. The path was foggy and actually looked quite interesting, but because at the time it was misting, I did not stop to take a pic. Later I was sorry that I didn't, but I just wanted to get to the lotties and back without getting too cold. It was that type of cold that is moist. You know the type--it seems to penetrate any clothing that you have. We call it, "water-cold", translated.

Well, when I got there, the misty-drizzling rain had covered my face with a film of fine water droplets. My wax coat was dripping in the front and just plain cold in the back.
As I biked down the paths of the complex I saw the sad sight of dead and dying plants left and right. Some folks have their ground ploughed and the clods of bare soil were beginning to "melt" with the rain from the past couple of weeks. Oh I tell you, it was a sight filled with dread and woe. I wondered how bad my flower garden would look.
The long stretch leading to my plots.

When I got there, I hopped off my bike and walked it past the gardens, Confused

pulling up one side of my mouth, I just shook my head. It all looked dreadful to me.

A little further, I noticed that the veggie section didn't look much better.

Well, what did I expect anyway, it is November after all. I guess not having seen it for a number of days, I could still remember some freen here and there.
I guess that not all was lost though, there WAS little pinheads of colour here and there.
...and a Knautia macedonica was the last of it's kind.

Near the front thwere were a couple of frostbitten hollyhocks remaining colourful to the end.

As I followed the path to the back, I saw these Heleniums looking quite valient, actually...although their petals were drooping a bit in the cold.

After making the rounds of both allotments, I re-filled the birdseed containers , restrung more peanuts and made myself a cuppa. I just sat down and watched as the little birdies seemed to creep out from under every wee leaf. In no time they were softly chilping and peeping as the flew about and ate.

It was all nice and cozy...but I just couldn't get warm I had not worn a cardi under the wax...a miscalculation.
I finished the tea and washed the cup to put away and realised that there was nothing for it--I had to go back home.
I had spent more than an hour and a half and had done what was necessary, but it was time to head back...I started having fantasies of a big, fat cup full of hot chocolate with whipped-cream...shoes off and pressed up against the heater at home. ...H had a little shivver and pushed-off...

When I got home and changed into the "house clothes" I made the cocoa and once I was installed, my partner inquired, "So, are you going to tell me how it was"?

I cupped the mug in my hands and squinted my eyes as I sort of sniffed at the steam rising out of the whipped cream...I cut my slitted eyes her way and said, "You could sum it up in a few words. You could say that I have seen the Good, the Bad and the Ugly today".

The Good:

The Bad:

...and The Ugly:

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Sjoerd http://www.volkstuindersvereniginghoornenomstreken.nl/Page11.html

Thanks DOOLEY--I will indeed take heart.

BUNKIE--A wax coat is a sort of cotton jacket that has had wax applied to it to make it waterproof. I have had mine sop lonf that the sleeves are shiney and sort of polished-looking...and the seams are beginning to let go here and there. I rue the day that I have to get rid of it. It is the warmest coat that I have.
Here is a link to read a bit about them: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-wax-jacket.htm

EILEEN-- I am sorry to hear that you seem to be saring our weather here. I still have a couple of things that I want to do in the gardens, but this darned rain makes the ground too wet to do anything...and....I have a mole.

I am glad you liked the description, TONI--I can't forget how miserable I felt that day there, underdressed. If I had not been cold, I would have enjoyed it all much more.
I know what you mean about leafless trees having their charm, in fact I like seeing them too...it's just that I was so cold that not much seemed very nice that day. hahaha.

DROOPY--"The Haunted Lottie"...You coined a new phrase, didn't you? It almost felt haunted that day. There wasn't anyone there at all, except the birdies.
Now Droopy, I am surprised that you do not recognize that blooming climber--it's the Clematis "Freckles". It blooms twice a year.

NETTY_-- It sure is nice to have a bit of colour at this time of year. It really is a LITTLE bit in my garden. Smile

Thanks EJ--glad you liked the posting this time. I like the last clean-up berfore the winter sets in too...I just wish it would stop raining so that I could finish. Ah well..there are always the catalogues. Wink

I just recall that I have some crocusses to plant for the bees in the spring. Glad I thought of that.

Petunia, I am really hoping that your first hollyhock will be a success next year. Just don't forget a foto or two...oké?
My fingers ate crossed tightly for you.

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Sjoerd http://www.volkstuindersvereniginghoornenomstreken.nl/Page11.html