Planting for Butterflies

We have just prepared and planted two packs of wildflower seeds that encourage butterflies and other insects. Not sure what will come of it or even if they will germinate. We did have good intentions of planting them last year but it just seemed to get away from us and when we looked again it was autumn. Hopefully, the seed is still viable and will give us a fine display of wildflowers. Will keep you posted.

Robert is house hunting. He starts his new place of employment on Monday and will need to find a place to live closer to or in London. The tricky part is that accommodation in London is very expensive and if you stay out of London, the train fare will suck up any savings you make on your rent. He does get a living in London allowance but this has not kept up with the cost of accommodation in London. I am sure it will work itself out but an interesting dilemma for him. There is the added disadvantage to this whole dilemma, Robert does not like working or living in London. It is at times like this that I marvel at the genius of the boy, who takes a job in London only for the high salary and sells his soul doing it, I do believe some adjustments will have to be made or it will end in tears.

Wine is becoming a topic of conversation again in the Smiths household. Since to demise of Blossom Hill from California, we are on the hunt for a good, easy-drinking wine that is not too expensive. Angela did offer an Australian wine called Old Fat Unicorn, it is a Sauvignon Blanc and Angela described it as a wine with the pizzazz of a unicorn, but the serious expression of a rhino, it will charge the palate with a surprising blend of bright tropical fruits and zesty citrus. Dazzling not just to the eye but to every sense.

I do fear any wine that is in a bottle will always bring joy to my daughters' palate. Anyway, it is not available in the UK, so a non-starter. You can get the t-shirt, which is a consolation of sorts but does not quite fill the glass.

Getting back to the hunt for an easy-drinking wine, several have been tasted but as of now, we are no nearer replacing Blossom Hill. I did buy a nice looking bottle yesterday but did not get an opportunity to taste it as Michael and Gary decided to drink the whole bottle. It was a Barefoot Merlot and is described; First, the flavours. Merlot Red Wine is rich, dark and full-bodied - drinkers love its taste of black cherry, plum and even gloriously delicate suggestion of chocolate. You might also detect smoky vanilla oak. I will get another and hopefully be able to enjoy a glass or two.

Another wine that I have tried is Jam Shed Shiraz, it is drinkable but does not invite an overindulgence, which is characteristic of any good wine.

Russell, my esteemed brother who lives in Tanzania, sent through a very old photograph of three starving children in Africa. This photograph must have been taken around 1960. Times in Africa were hard then but I can say all of those children survived and thrived and Russell is a testimony to the extraordinary resilience of that time. He, I do believe is the smallest of the three. In all fairness to him, he no longer has knock knees and is a strapping man today.

We had an excellent brunch at Walford Mill today, Michael and Kate are bringing around some suitcases to store in our loft and suggested a meal at the Mill. The mill, a converted historic watermill in the heart of Wimborne, we are going to Happyccino at Walford Mill, described as a family-run coffee & brunch bar with a focus on promoting positive wellbeing and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Robert did say it just means mad people are welcome. Putting aside those who are mentally challenged, the food is tasty and you do get generous portions at reasonable prices. Wimborne is a great little market town, a favourite of Lady Vivienne, but can be quite pricey for the simplest of meals.

Michael and I had the Chicken and Bacon wrap - filled with smashed avocado and mayonnaise. Susan went for the smashed avocado on sourdough toast with bacon and Kate had the Pancake Stack with Biscoff, Banana, Maple syrup and a white chocolate sauce.

All for now guys, keep well and enjoy the Easter weekend.