A sunny day in July

It’s a lovely sunny day here in Eastbourne. I think June and the early part of July were a bit disappointing in terms of weather, so it’s important to make the most of the lovely days. I enjoy watching the highlights of the cricket test matches, so was very happy to see the England side win the 2nd test, making it 1-all with 1 to play (starting on Friday). Both the 2nd test and the final one are being played at Old Trafford in Manchester, so I’ve been comparing the weather here and there. Let’s just say, I’m very pleased to live on the Costa del Sol of South East England.

You may be fed up with my dahlias, or not, but I think I’ll make this my final reference to them.

I’ve no idea why the slugs haven’t caused devastation, but after my initial efforts to protect the plants in the early stages, there has been almost no evidence of slugs or snails in that bed. Robin has lots of ‘beer traps’ in other places, and they seem to have kept the slug/snail damage well down this year. Good job I don’t like Fosters – the cheapest beer currently available in Sainsbury’s.

I’ve got three varieties. This is my favourite:

and I like this pom-pom one too:

I’ve just been out to take photos of a few other things as well:

Summer reading matter

The library in Eastbourne has re-opened, but you’re encouraged to order things online before collecting them. I tried, but I found it virtually impossible to navigate my way round the online booking system. Fine if you want a particular book, but impossibly time consuming if you want to browse. But on the way to returning the pile of books I had borrowed (including War and Peace of course) we passed by Camilla’s Bookshop on Grove Road in Eastbourne. It’s the most amazing second hand bookshop ever. Floor to ceiling books, piled up all over the place. Sadly, at the very beginning of lockdown, some idiot thought it would be fun to start a fire in there (some incendiary device shoved through the letterbox I think). But I’m very pleased to say that they’ve repaired the place, and I couldn’t see any evidence of the fire. I picked up a few paperbacks, but also Trollope’s Doctor Thorne – a hard bound, Folio Society copy (£7.50) which is very nice to handle. That’s what I’m reading currently.

Tales of Ancient Greece

Actually, I’m also reading Enid Blyton’s Tales of Ancient Greece. It was given to Robin by a school mate in 1968. It’s a really good way to remind me of some of the characters and stories that crop up again and again in operas etc. This is a page from The story of Orpheus and Eurydice. 

Estuary by Rachel Lichtenstein

I’ve just really enjoyed this book, written over 5 or so years up to 2016. It’s about the Thames estuary, right from Tower Bridge out past the Thames barrier, past Southend, through the dangerous ever-shifting sand banks out into the North Sea (or at least that bit just north of the Channel). She tells of history; the ship wrecks; the newly built London Gateway Port – and lots more. I can recommend it.

I’m sorry I missed a week last week. There didn’t seem to be much to tell you about, so if you’ve read this far – please accept my apologies. Have a good week!

Nick

 

 

1 Comment

  1. Lovely dahlias – well done!
    I think you might enjoy Mythos (The Greek Myths Retold) by Stephen Fry.

Leave a Reply