A sudden scary hail-like clattering seemingly about to pierce our bathroom window panes with a virulent volley at 7.10 a.m. this morning ensured that I was fully awake enough to investigate further.
A violent storm had lifted the patio parasol and, leaving the base behind, threaded it through the arms of a chair ripping the canvas top. Three minutes later all was still and silent. Jackie had righted the pot of chrysanthemums on the table before I produced my camera. Later we unthreaded the parasol pole and returned it to the base.
Fortunately the rain kept away while, returning with two reconstituted stone plinths, we transported another fifteen bags of garden refuse to Efford Recycling Centre.
The postman had delivered an admissions letter with a schedule of dates for my BCG vaccination installation procedures, beginning on Wednesday in two days time. This will mean six once weekly trips to Southampton General Hospital and some unpleasant side affects.
I had hoped to put my feet up this afternoon in preparation for some more chopping and bagging up of pruning from the section along the West Bed fence which Martin hadn’t had time for at the end of his recent visit.
Since I will probably be out of garden action for the next two months I
decided to carry out this task today and take a rest tomorrow. It needed five spent compost bags.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s wholesome shepherd’s pie; sliced fried potatoes; firm cauliflower, carrots, and Brussel’s sprouts, with which I drank Patrick Chodot cru du Beaujolais 2023.
I hope your treatments go well for you, Derrick. I am glad that you are not experiencing what many people are here because of Hurricane Helene, and now Milton set to smash Florida two days hence. It’s ridiculous and very sad.
Thank you so much, John
You are welcome , sir. 😊😊
Hope your procedure goes well.
Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
I imagine that could have been a long three minutes. I’m glad there wasn’t any serious damage. Good luck with your treatments!
Thank you very much, Merril
Wow!! Scary stuff.
Thank you very much, Leslie
You have our thoughts and prayers as you begin your treatments. We all care about you, Derrick! We want everything to go smoothly and well for you.
Yikes on the sudden scary clattering. (That wasn’t Santa Claus!)
Great vivid description of what you heard.
“…there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter…” – Clement Clarke Moore
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so very much, Carolyn. Your usual apt quotation, too. XX
The recycling centre at Efford will miss you while you are out of action. They will have a lot of spare time on their hands.
Jackie plans to go alone. Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
What a way to begin the day!
I was wondering about side effects. Seems as though there are always side effects. Sigh.
Thank you so much, Laurie. All about the insertion route
So many things need our attention … and then we find the pause with good food and a warm hearth towards the end of the day.
Thank you very much, Val
Hi, Derrick – That must have been a very long and frightening three minutes.
Sending you heartfelt thoughts for your upcoming procedures.
Thank you so much, Donna
That must have been quite a hail storm. I hope your procedures go well with minimal side effects.
Thank you so much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I couldn’t help myself, I Googled BCG. Fascinating stuff – used for TB, Leprosy and bladder cancer – I never knew that one vaccine could be so useful and widespread in its effects. I hope it all goes well for you.
Thank you so much, Quercus. It was a bit of luck for me
Here’s to you being even luckier in future.
Thanks again my friend
Seems like weather everywhere is filled with surprises. Garden work is never done. Sending best wishes for success with your scheduled BCG vaccination installation procedures. Sorry about the unpleasant side effects 🙁
Thank you so much, Rosaliene
You are both so full of energy re/ caring for your garden, in spite of your recent medical problems. You are both like the Energizer Bunny. Do you know who he is?
The best of luck in your upcoming procedures, Derrick.
Thank you so much, Judy
Yes – we could do with him now. Thanks very much, Judy
That must have been scary. Yesterday night we had heavy rain and thunder and lightning on a large scale. Take care and all the best.
Thank you very much, Lakshmi
Nature is full of such surprises. The parasol was lucky to have found a helping hand in the chair. Wish you the best for your upcoming procedure.
Thank you so much, Uma
Hope it’s not too bad and you fully recover your poise
Thank you so much, Geoff
Good luck with BCG vaccination procedures. Six visits sound a lot.
Thank you so much, Rupali – to be repeated after several months
I’m glad you came back with treasure.
Thank you very much, John. I thought of you when we did.
Unpleasant side effects … as long as good comes from it at the end of the series! I wish you well during the period and hope that you will at least be able to read and enjoy some drives!
I’m sure I will. Thanks very much, Anne
That was a quite a storm, Derrick. Seems 2024 is the year for storms. I hope you don’t have too much discomfort from your procedures.
Thank you so much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Take care.
Please know we have a hurricane coming, so if I disappear from blogging – you’ll know why.
Thank you so much, GP. I believe I have seen a comment from you saying you are 7 miles away from the path. I hope that is far enough
7 miles from the east coast. One map still has us in the “cone of probability” and others have us just getting a tropical storm. So we’re waiting until morning to see if we need to batten-down the hatches.
Thank you for your concern!
May you escape the worst
Thank you.
Sudden wind can be unnerving and destructive! I like those stone plinths – good find. Hoping your treatments go well. Rest well! ~Ed.
Thank you very much, Ed
Derrick, sounds like a terrifying few minutes. Hope your next few weeks are as easy and pain free as post. Good luck!
Thank you so much, Pat
Wind and hail can do a lot of damage in a short time. Those storms can be unnerving!
I am glad to hear the BCG vaccines are working!
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Get well soon Derrick. Go easy on the gardening.
Thanks very much, Arlene. Will do
Don’t overdo things, Derrick, I’m sure Martin can take care of it when he’s next here.
I hope all goes well with your next procedure.
I’m a bit confused on when the treatment starts. You said in two days starting on Wednesday. Do you mean today or next week? 🙂
Thanks very much. It was today, Sue. Details to follow in a blog post.
I am glad that your beautiful garden has not sustained any drastic damage.
Good luck with your vaccination, Derrick. I hope it is as painless as possible and without any serious side effects.
It was as you hoped, Dolly. Thank you very much
You are most welcome, Derrick.
I’m glad no major damages!
Thank you very much, Riba
I’m sure you felt a sense of satisfaction getting those last minutes tasks done before you find yourself “out of commission” for awhile. I pray your days of waiting to return to your garden are fruitful in other ways. <3
Think how many books you’ll be able to read.
Thanks very much, Sheree 🙂
Sending you lots of good vibes!!
Thank you very much, Leslie