Sara HjelmLooks nice when the sky cleared up, but still very cold. Time to take the campanula inside as the temperature drops …
#sarasspringcount23
It’s “Valborgsmässoafton”, (Valborg in the Swedish almanac) a day for celebration & bonfires, speeches to spring & coir singing around the 🔥
It’s 51 days until the summer solstice & I spend the day cleaning & sorting indoors: things to go up, down or out…
#sarasspringcount23
It’s 51 days until the summer solstice & I spend the day cleaning & sorting indoors: things to go up, down or out…
#sarasspringcount23
I’ve also composed a new todo list for next week
Hopefully I’ll get help with some of the heavier carrying & moving around as my 2 sons will visit. The elder is due today for dinner & to fill in as the local church coir lacks a tenor
#sarasspringcount23
Hopefully I’ll get help with some of the heavier carrying & moving around as my 2 sons will visit. The elder is due today for dinner & to fill in as the local church coir lacks a tenor
#sarasspringcount23
The squirrels are very discontent today, nagging me for food
I’ve hardly been outside at all, it’s booth cold & windy, so no nuts & no seeds, fruit or breadcrumbs under the rhododendron
Those in charge of the bonfire have to be careful tonight- so dry…
#sarasspringcount23
I’ve hardly been outside at all, it’s booth cold & windy, so no nuts & no seeds, fruit or breadcrumbs under the rhododendron
Those in charge of the bonfire have to be careful tonight- so dry…
#sarasspringcount23
May 1, bank holiday & anyone demonstrating & listening to speeches will be very wet. It’s raining…
It is now 50 days until the summer solstice & finally the air is clean after that dry week. No pollen. You can open widows & breath.
#sarasspringcount23
It is now 50 days until the summer solstice & finally the air is clean after that dry week. No pollen. You can open widows & breath.
#sarasspringcount23
Outside it’s very green. I’ve ordered new soil to arrive tomorrow, but most of the time I’ve sorted things up & down stairs. Cleaning the room with my desk, gathering a huge pile of papers to sort/get rid of, dusting the piano, etc.
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
Ready for window cleaning!
And the gigantic Princess of the night - usually in front of the left side - is waiting on the floor, pruned & ready for a shower & the annual boast to produce its enormous flowers in June…
#sarasspringcount23
And the gigantic Princess of the night - usually in front of the left side - is waiting on the floor, pruned & ready for a shower & the annual boast to produce its enormous flowers in June…
#sarasspringcount23
Still really happy about those plastic chairs. This is the one first oiled 2 weeks ago - the rain has no chance. A bit like new waxed cars…
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
50 days, 1 hour until the summer solstice June 21 & a day of heavy rain has really made wonders. Look at those birches! Seems all rain predicted for Mon/Tues came in one day
Days are long already. That second photo was 3.45 this morning, already dawn…
#sarasspringcount23
I’ll be super busy today, receiving both delivery of soil, more plastic containers for the garage & guests.
Not as nice and warm as it looks though …
First things first. Prepared the pallets where the sacks of soil will go.
#sarasspringcount23
Not as nice and warm as it looks though …
First things first. Prepared the pallets where the sacks of soil will go.
#sarasspringcount23
The pioneers are sticking up by now. Time to find some support for them
I will get some boxes of kale plants as well, but those can wait
And there’s the plastic boxes (boxes in boxes😂)
No, I have some “serious” cooking to do = visiting the downstairs freezer…
#sarasspringcount23
It’s 48 days 18 hrs until the summer solstice & this has been a super busy day. Loads of things on my to-do list accomplished…
I’ll see if I can find time to post later. At least I hurried out to get some photos
Waiting for the Persian rice to be ready.
#sarasspringcount23
I’ll see if I can find time to post later. At least I hurried out to get some photos
Waiting for the Persian rice to be ready.
#sarasspringcount23
That window was finally cleaned & the ginger plants replanted in their forever home - one of the new boxes. Beside them are the boxes of kale to be replanted in individual pots as soon as possible.
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
Roof of the hammock is out of the garage, mended & waiting for new screws to arrive in a few days. These proved really hard to find. In the end I had to search the net by image. Also the cushion for the seat is in place, waiting for a roof in a plastic bag
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
Not only plants of kale arrived, but also new sacks of soil and manure … Neatly stacked they will have to be covered tomorrow.
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
The stone table was cleaned from moss (see what it looked like before … ). Perhaps a thin layer of concrete will make it almost presentable.
#sarasspringcount23 j
#sarasspringcount23 j
Finally the Japanese cherry burst out in bloom …
Time to call it a day & fill the dishwasher
Although a massive amount the Persian lamb stew ended with no leftovers👍🏻 My guests not only carried up & down/in & out. They also have an appetite. Most grateful…
#sarasspringcount22
And they are gone after coffee & new baked scones. Off to lead a live in Gothenburg
It’s still x days to the summer solstice, but less hrs by now, no need for a jacket.
My to do list is reduced by 1 whole page as I tick off & consider my day on the patio…
#sarasspringcount23
Not much got done- I suppose I needed a day to take it easy
I did pick up the hammock screws. 10 years more for that old thing 👍🏻
(in a box inside a box & finally in a sealed plastic bag!
No wonder they were incredibly expensive with all that handling)
#sarasspringcount23
47 days until the summer solstice & the house across the small bay is disappearing in greenery & look at that grass. It’s grown at least a dm in the last days
Still cold outside 8 am & I have floors to clean after all that sorting/moving of things
+more widows
#sarasspringcount23
Still cold outside 8 am & I have floors to clean after all that sorting/moving of things
+more widows
#sarasspringcount23
Last night I sadly reached the 83 pages of notes (+82 of ref) in my book
This 2nd, very slow, read I’ve checked notes on & off
End notes suck, but you can understand why not incorporated in the text as you see the 1st one
Strangely actual these days …
#sarasspringcount23
This 2nd, very slow, read I’ve checked notes on & off
End notes suck, but you can understand why not incorporated in the text as you see the 1st one
Strangely actual these days …
#sarasspringcount23
Drinking coffee, considering the day…
I’ve slept some 11 hrs altogether, interrupted by boasts of asthma medicine, so I must have been really tired
All that pollen, a price for this most precious time of year
Next are the birches, already light green
#sarasspringcount23
Goal is that before evening I’ll TRY to
Sort paint stuff in purpose bags (still cold nights ahead)
Move all tools & planting stuff away from the patio to the garage
Place water hoses + do some serious watering
Fill yet another washing machine
1:st more ☕️…
#sarasspringcount23
It is now 46 days until the summer solstice
Lovely day, but still a couple of cold nights ahead
I’m making coffee, watching @dylanwiliam on link in the live stream from #rEDScand23
https://www.youtube.com/live/6tkXYLgPbyo?feature=share
This thread will probably grow very sparsely today…
#sarasspringcount23
@edutooters #education #school #rEDScand23
Lovely day, but still a couple of cold nights ahead
I’m making coffee, watching @dylanwiliam on link in the live stream from #rEDScand23
https://www.youtube.com/live/6tkXYLgPbyo?feature=share
This thread will probably grow very sparsely today…
#sarasspringcount23
@edutooters #education #school #rEDScand23
ResearchED 2023 - Fredrika Bremergymnaset, Haninge
Next up is @PaulKirschner https://www.youtube.com/live/6tkXYLgPbyo?feature=share
Warm enough to sit outside watching this … in between sorting the garage and the patio… nearly finished 1st stage.
Can you see the woodpecker in the lilacs?
#sarassprincount23
ResearchED 2023 - Fredrika Bremergymnaset, Haninge
#sundaymorning morning & it’s 45 days until the summer solstice
1 more cold night ahead & no rain before possibly Thursday
Cat Alice sure knows how to spend a day like this … as inactive as possible
#sarasspringcount23
#caturday #springweather #springtime
1 more cold night ahead & no rain before possibly Thursday
Cat Alice sure knows how to spend a day like this … as inactive as possible
#sarasspringcount23
#caturday #springweather #springtime
My patio is more or less cleaned… any planting stuff or seeds can go to the garage. I also have to replant those kales today. They’ve grown out of their boxes.
Can you see the wren? Flying back and forth to its nests in the ivy, so happy that I’ve been inside so far
#sarasspringcount23
#nestingbirds
At 5 pm my north facing kitchen window thermometer says +16°, but on the other side, on the patio is quite another matter…
So far I’ve watered new trees, sloe plants & blueberries & moved the bird feeder with some trouble steading it, but now I have to retreat inside…
I pray that those trees in the back of the garden get their leaves real soon to give some shady area …
I’ll replant those kale plants when it cools down
Time for siesta…
At 10 pm it’s still very light, but way colder. The campanula on the stairs has to move inside again.
I really hope it will keep above 0° as both currents, gooseberries & blueberries now have flowers…
These are the 1st replanted tulips to flower
#sarasspringcount23
7.30 am May 8 & another sunny day
No rain in sight as can be seen in the forecast …
I’ve decided to start early today Afternoons are just not possible
It’s now 44 days until the summer solstice June 21 & it’s 16 hrs, 10 min between sunrise & sunset…
#sarasspringcount23
It’s 43 days until the summer solstice & lovely weather- +13° already at 8.30 am. I’d better bring my coffee outside…
Can you see the fluffy cat out on a morning walk?
#sarasspringcount23
Can you see the fluffy cat out on a morning walk?
#sarasspringcount23
It’s 42 days until the summer solstice & yet a sunny day
Not that I’ve done nothing outside, but stupid things take my time
I’ve spent the morning trying to renew medicine prescriptions online via app…🤬
Ended calling the nurse at the local health center
#sarasspringcount23
#onlineservice
Not that I’ve done nothing outside, but stupid things take my time
I’ve spent the morning trying to renew medicine prescriptions online via app…🤬
Ended calling the nurse at the local health center
#sarasspringcount23
#onlineservice
The hammock’s roof is in place
My garage sorting is proceeding
I’ve ordered thorough cleaning of kitchen walls & ceiling before painting + some help with digging
All present branches were raked together & mulched
Etc…
Only details that not really show
#sarasspringcount23
#springtime #gardening
My garage sorting is proceeding
I’ve ordered thorough cleaning of kitchen walls & ceiling before painting + some help with digging
All present branches were raked together & mulched
Etc…
Only details that not really show
#sarasspringcount23
#springtime #gardening
Planned to place the sprinkler hose behind the logs along the fence & then spotted these on the other side … not optimal.
All berry bushes are alive & kicking, but lots of the blackberry branches froze in Nov. Only to cut back😥
#sarasspringcount23
#invasiveweeds
All berry bushes are alive & kicking, but lots of the blackberry branches froze in Nov. Only to cut back😥
#sarasspringcount23
#invasiveweeds
Today I’ll fill all pots for bedding flowers & drill holes in these boxes + fill them with soil for planting seeds. I’ve arranged my small station for cultivation (the magnolia above now has huge buds)
Hopefully I get the kale planted before too hot
More ☕️…
#sarasspringcount23
#gardeningchallenges #GardenPlanning #hotweather ##dryweather
Hopefully I get the kale planted before too hot
More ☕️…
#sarasspringcount23
#gardeningchallenges #GardenPlanning #hotweather ##dryweather
The amount of pollen is now massive. Luckely I’m well stocked for all kinds of asthma medicines, but every time the wind dies down it’s still hard to breath. My car is completly yellow by now and as for trees that flower early & spread seeds with the wind the air is filled with every gust.
It’s VERY dry.
#sarassprincount23
#pollen #allergies
It’s VERY dry.
#sarassprincount23
#pollen #allergies
It is now 41 days until the #summersolstice - warm, no wind, but gratefully cloudy👍🏻
So far I’ve received 1 box of kitchen stuff, sorted all #paint & am now waiting for groceries, including #frozenfood that has to be taken care of immediately
#sarasspringcount23
#sorting
#weather means I can do things outside in the afternoon
Yesterday that was impossible
#paint inventory/sorting:
Kitchen
Outdoor brown & black
Windows & patio bench
Brushes
Sanding & pasting
Etc…
I’ve reduced my paint #shoppinglist to a minimum
#sarasspringcount23
Yesterday that was impossible
#paint inventory/sorting:
Kitchen
Outdoor brown & black
Windows & patio bench
Brushes
Sanding & pasting
Etc…
I’ve reduced my paint #shoppinglist to a minimum
#sarasspringcount23
Spent time being creative using my hand mixer…
The large bucket of eggshell, acrylic wall paint had a jelly bottom layer, about 4 inches
Removed all dry paint on the sides and lid, cut it up in cubes (think cheese making), added water & mixed until smooth👍🏻
#sarasspringcount23
Today I’m super pleased with myself - finally managed to fix my best spade & give it a new handle … Top priority on my list
It is now 40 days until the summer solstice
All paint is purpose-sorted in bags
All tools from the living room are outside
#sarasspringcount23
Also 2 additional copies to give away of this book has arrived. I’m already halfway through my own copy https://tankesmedjanbalans.se/de-granslosa/
Seems time to take a break för reading. I’ve been up since 6.30. Cat Alice has been nagging me to accompany her in bed for cuddling
#sarasspringcount23
Seems time to take a break för reading. I’ve been up since 6.30. Cat Alice has been nagging me to accompany her in bed for cuddling
#sarasspringcount23
It’s very still. And so dry.
At sunset 9.30 pm I’ve watered around the patio. Rest will be tomorrow
As one magnolia drops the petals it’s time for next one
Beaches and maple now have leaves
Bird cherry flowers will burst tomorrow
We’re promised rain Monday…
#sarasspringcount23
Since it’s past 3 pm it’s now 38 days, 20 hrs until the summer solstice
A strange day that started with a delivery at 7 am 😱
Luckily I was awake
Spent some trial/error hrs on use of my new vacuum sealer, crammed the freezer with chicken & went out at 10
#sarasspringcount23
A strange day that started with a delivery at 7 am 😱
Luckily I was awake
Spent some trial/error hrs on use of my new vacuum sealer, crammed the freezer with chicken & went out at 10
#sarasspringcount23
Sure enough the bird cherry tree is in full bloom, the magnolia has way more flowers & the neighbor houses disappear behind beaches & maples
Now I watch the magpies hunt off jackdaws while the blackbirds sing…
It’s still too hot for cooking or eating
#sarasspringcount23
Now I watch the magpies hunt off jackdaws while the blackbirds sing…
It’s still too hot for cooking or eating
#sarasspringcount23
4 hrs in the garden was quite enough
I prepared my potting tables in the garage & pruned black berries
It’s hard to see what’s alive or just lacking water of the branches
Sturdy plants like Hosta have grown at least 5cm over night, ready for dividing
#sarasspringcount23
I prepared my potting tables in the garage & pruned black berries
It’s hard to see what’s alive or just lacking water of the branches
Sturdy plants like Hosta have grown at least 5cm over night, ready for dividing
#sarasspringcount23
Time to call it a day
That promised rain … I’ll believe it when I see it.
#sarasspringcount23
It’s still 38 days until the summer solstice, but not so many hours, & believe it or not, it’s actually raining … 😊
Never thought I’d be so grateful for rain …
Started cloudy & now showers
#sarasspringcount23
Never thought I’d be so grateful for rain …
Started cloudy & now showers
#sarasspringcount23
So far I’ve spent about 2 hours outside, covering the soil sacks, gathering branches in the wheelbarrow & finally blowing together all the birch pods that filled the patio. More to come, but this is probably the main part this year
Now ☕️ & watering indoors
#sarasspringcount23
Now ☕️ & watering indoors
#sarasspringcount23
I’m making mini #pies for deep frying with salsicca #mincedmeet (some of what had to leave place for all that chicken yesterday)
A flaky dough is done & resting
Very comforting…
I had plans for grass mowing today - so nice not to have bad #concise about that
#sarasspringcount23
Today it’s 37 days until the summer solstice & this afternoon we expect some rain again at 3 pm
I circle the house & consider the day - def mowing edges & under the sallow before pods drop
It’s already +15° on the patio, but clouds promise change of weather
#sarasspringcount23
I circle the house & consider the day - def mowing edges & under the sallow before pods drop
It’s already +15° on the patio, but clouds promise change of weather
#sarasspringcount23
So far I’ve not experienced one single tick 👍🏻🎉
It took 3 yrs of blocking the deer in different ways & that fence really has helped (& perhaps also the crow birds)
Plus any flowers like roses, tulips, begonias in pots, etc are left to flower
#sarasspringcount23
It took 3 yrs of blocking the deer in different ways & that fence really has helped (& perhaps also the crow birds)
Plus any flowers like roses, tulips, begonias in pots, etc are left to flower
#sarasspringcount23
Yesterday I noted that, at lest here, the time “between bird cherry & lilacs” would give that shoemaker a reasonable time off this year here. I understand both flower together in Gothenburg right now, so situated 135 m above sea level & 2 weeks later helps
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
Not all insects are gone, some have survived birds, bats & climate/chemicals. I hoped to get flycatchers in one of the birdhouses, but no sign. This little night guy just took a rest on my knee, attracted by my dark tunic.
Name anyone?
#sarasspringcount23
Name anyone?
#sarasspringcount23
I’ve gathered the support for peonies, high time, passing the magnolia on my way. Time to get going, but very tempting to just sit and enjoy …
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
It’s 8.30 am & 36 days until the summer solstice
Already +13° as I sit on the patio waiting for the help I’ve ordered today: dig up & replant bushes, moving heavy stuff around, etc (& those dandelions outside the fence before they spread their seeds)
#sarasspringcount23
Already +13° as I sit on the patio waiting for the help I’ve ordered today: dig up & replant bushes, moving heavy stuff around, etc (& those dandelions outside the fence before they spread their seeds)
#sarasspringcount23
Rereading my long priority list … not all will be done, but a lot. Most are things that take little time, but the transitions take a lot… hear his car now
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
10 am & already grass is mowed & leaves blow away in crucial places, for ex around the mahonia, now ready for pruning low & creeping branches. Next are the dandelions…
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
Ready for gravel with all leaves gone… my tiny leaf blower is just not strong enough for all that debris
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
And all dandelions gone … not a single one left along the fence. Both inside & outside. They filled a whole empty soil sack.
Plus the sprinkling hose in place 👍🏻
Comparison before & after:
#sarasspringcount23
That was a super intense day, ended at 5.30 pm & my #garden tick off list is more or less empty … All replanting done, rose, rhubarbs & sloe. The lose stone in the stairs cemented, top of the small stone table fixated + the old table got a thin clean surface
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
