I haven't blogged much lately. Lots of adjusting going on here not least because the annual round of Civil Service job cuts is back and I'm supposed to be applying for my job (again). It wouldn't be so bad (I know lots of people are going through something similar) if the time frame for this didn't keep moving. Anyway, I've been pondering and churning things over and over and have finally come to a decision. I'm going to throw caution to the winds and not apply. I'm hoping this is a calculated risk and not utterly foolhardy but time will tell. Since then I have felt much calmer and less anguished and more in control of my destiny. How am I in control? This way I don't have to suffer the ignominy of failure - and however its dressed up that is how it feels. I know I might have been successful but I might not. Given this is the third time I've gone through this I fell I have the right to be sceptical. So I will wait. I will take some extra leave to spend time with Niobe and let the future take care of itself.
So I have visited my sister who has moved to Cheshire and got to visit the RHS show in Tatton Park. Come and have a wander round...
Loving all the blues and pinks but particularly liked the garden planted up with Alliums.(Onion family). The next four pictures are all alliums and all are striking in their own way.
They are grown from bulbs so it's very easy to pop a few in in the autmn and wait for them to pop up when you'd almost forgotten about them next Spring.
Of course we all know that all these plants are grown to flower just at the right time for the show, so there is no chance of getting all that fabulus colour in my garden all at the same time.
Still we can but dream. It was nice to find some plants that were within a reasonable price range so I did treat myself to a few, and yes I have come home and planted every one!
I always enjoy looking at the "biggest veg" section and this was no exception. Just marvel at these pictures of nature's bounty...
The show gardens were inspiring and I particularly enjoyed a range of gardens put together by children in primary schools. Each was based on a country and had the same amount of space to fill. I loved this Russian one with the papier mache dolls and the ballet splippers planted up with lobelia. The children loved being involved in this apparently. What a great way to encourage some outdoor activity and awareness of other cultures.
But I'll leave you with a couple of my favourite images - the Mini covered in houseleeks and other sempervivums (or should that be semperviva for the Latin lovers?)
Wend
Sorry to hear about your job. My friend was just going through the same thing but was made redundant and given a 3 month notice for them to pull it and then give her 3 weeks notice. I hope it all works out.
ReplyDeleteI am in love with the ballet pump planters. So cute x
Weel doe you, Wend. it's crazy the way this re-applying for jobs destroys a department's ability to work (or surely it does?). I think you'll reap the rewards of a courageous decision. And the flowers and veg are fantastic! I was trying to explain marrows to a French trainee the other day. They are a very odd idea.
ReplyDeleteWell done, a brave and bold move but you are a clever and gifted woman and you will be fine!
ReplyDeleteI am loving the allium pictures!
Brave move Wend - fingers crossed that something big will happen for you. I am seriously giving a career change some thought myself. I love Tatton show - always so inspirational. By the way, Ive persuaded Lyn from Everyday Life to come along on the 11th Sept too - so it should be a right old bloggy meet up! xxxx
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your job but from you have said i think you did the right thing and life will take care of you i am sure. I to have just taken voluntry redundancy and its a bit scary but its the right time. That show looked amazing i love those flowers that look like fireworks. Have a lovely week and good luck with the future and the job hunting, dee x
ReplyDeleteI think congratulations are due for such a bold, and no doubt, sensible, stand, re:the job. It is appalling how it has been allowed to come into being that places of work are allowed to treat their staff so badly! Theatre/arts was always a bit dicey, but everything seems to be now. It's cr*p!
ReplyDeleteStill...your holiday with Niobe looked and sounded a real good break. And Tatton Park, wow, what inspiration! Thanks for sharing!
Will you be at Market Harborough on the 6th? Hope to see you there! I love MH!
Z xx
What a decision to have had to make! I hope it works out for you.
ReplyDeleteLove those photos of the vegetables. There is something so neat and orderly and tidy about the displays. It always reminds me of how myself and my other half garden: I do the the flowers which just spill everywhere and he does the vegetables all in neat rows..............
Gorgeous display, what you can do with a few vegetables eh. The alliums look like "pretty maids all in a row"!! Lucey x
ReplyDeleteGood luck Wend, I am sure it will all work out well for you, they aren't going to want to lose someone like you. The flower show looks great ,I love the veg pictures. Hopefully I will see you at Southbank, I will be looking our for Vicky of 'Vicky Loves Vintage' who is selling there.
ReplyDeleteAnn x
Sorry to hear about your job. Difficult times I know. Good luck in what you choose to do.
ReplyDeleteFabulous pics. The car is amazing.
Nothing like lovely gardens, beautiful flowers and yummy veggies to lift the spirits...
ReplyDeleteHold fast to your dreams.
Susan
I hate that 'system'. My Niece and her husband are local Government employees and have to do similar to you...the stress it causes is mega!
ReplyDeleteSometimes you have to do what your Soul tells you to do, knowing that with your wealth of experience, whatever the outcome you will be happy. Who was it said, " A change is as good as a rest"? LOL!
I wish the best for you.
Sandie xx
Hope it works out well. A gut feeling like that is for a reason. The flowers and vegetable displays are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has just taken voluntary redundancy because she was tired of waiting to find out when the axe will fall. She's now found out that she would have been made redundant in December so it was a good call - she's going back to Uni to do a Master's course. Sometimes you just have to make a leap of faith - we've done it several times. Hope it all works out well for you.
ReplyDeleteLove the aliums - I never remember to plant them!
Hi Wendy
ReplyDeleteWell done that woman - I take my hat off to you for making a stand and saying enough is enough. I am sure it will all work out well for you, just put your heart and soul into something that gives you joy rather than a headache and you cannot go wrong.
See you at Market Harborough
Great pictures love the mini. All the best on the job front.
ReplyDeleteWell done you being brave. Can see you enjoyed Tatton park, good for the soul. We get results for the youngest next week! Good luck for N's results ;)
ReplyDelete