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Monday 20 June 2011

Midsummer's Eve

Well, believe it or not, tomorrow will be Midsummer's Day here in England.  That is a joke - right?!  Midsummer?? Summer hasn't even started yet in my little corner of the world.  It is still really chilly (people have actually got their central heating turned on in the evening!) and it's raining heavily as I look through the window to the rather soggy garden outside :(

Of course, we had twelve wonderful days back in April, when it really was beach weather every single day and, fortunately, the family were staying with us from France, so we took full advantage.  But was that it - was that our summer for the year?!  I shall live in hope that things will brighten very soon.

Also tomorrow is my Midsummer Cream Tea, which I am holding on behalf of Children's Hospice South West.  I don't think many people will be walking round the garden, unless another little miracle happens, as it did on the day of my daughter's wedding.  (We are still counting our blessings for the weather that day!).

Yesterday was number 1 daughter's birthday, and today would have been my dear mum's birthday.  She was actually born 100 years ago today! Happy birthday mum - we all still love and miss you every day.







42 comments:

LindyLouMac said...

A lovely tribute to your Mum which of course made me not surprisingly a little sad as I pack for our UK trip tomorrow. I hope summer arrives with us :)

Pearson Report said...

What a warm and passionate feeling your post has.

To the weather...it seems we, on this side of the world, are mirroring your weather and have also had our heat up and our scarfs still wrapped around our necks.

Yesterday, when my daughter and I went out and about we both commented on how cold we were!

Odd, isn't it? Seems the whole world is experience very strange and irregular weather!

I hope your tea is a success - I would love to stroll through your beautiful garden, rain or shine - it looks beautiful from all your photos.

Happy warm thought,
Jenny

Sally Wessely said...

I do hope the warmth of summer visits you soon. I live in sunny and hot Southern Colorado, but I am visiting my daughter in cool and rainy Utah. I am freezing.

I do hope the sun shines brightly on your event tomorrow.

I love the photo of your darling mum. I'm sure you must miss her.

Southhamsdarling said...

LindyLouMac on Italy = oh, I am so sorry to make you sad my dear friend. It must still be so raw for you, and I really do feel for you. Have a safe trip and I hope that things go as well as they can under these circumstances.

Pearson Report - lovely to see you here today Jenny, and, yes, it is rather strange how the weather seems to be out of kilter all over the world. Thank you for your good wishes for my cream tea tomorrow!

Southhamsdarling said...

Retired English Teacher - Hi! Oh for some of that lovely hot Southern Colorado sunshine to shine on us here in Devon!! Obviously, Utah is not such a good place to be! Isn't it awful to feel so cold at this time of the year. My poor old bones could do with some warmth!!

Desiree said...

Oh, I do hope you get another taste of summer before the season ends! Your midsummer is naturally our midwinter and so from now on we can look forward to lengthening days. I hope we'll be getting plenty more rain though, as our dams are still only just a tad above 50% full, the lowest they've been in 4 years!

Your Mum was such an attractive woman! We saw her youthful bridal picture and now this lovely picture of her in her golden years. As is true of you, she remained beautiful throughout her life...like Mother, like daughter :)

I was thinking yesterday about your garden party (you'd mentioned it was to be a week after the wedding)...I hope you have a WONDERFUL day and that the weather will be kind! Looking forward to seeing more pictures :)

Southhamsdarling said...

Desiree - you really are a dear to leave such a sweet comment about my dear mum, and you remembered the wedding photo AND my cream tea! I will probably be too busy to take any photos tomorrow! It's funny to think that as our days our shortening, yours are starting to lengthen. I hope you get the rains you need. Please take some of ours!!!

Shady Del Knight said...

God bless your mum, Thisisme. She was a fine looking woman and I can sense the emotions running through you on the 100 year anniversary of her birth. My father was born in 1913 and I will soon be engaged in a similar observance. I simply cannot believe how rainy and cool your weather has been. It is so hot and dry here that I could scream. The earth seems out of balance, doesn't it? Have a wonderful evening, dear Thisisme!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Best wishes with your Midsummer Cream Tea. Oh my goodness, but that sounds like a delicious happening! :-)

Pictures???? Please???

Belated Happy Birthday to your daughter. And thank you for sharing the sweet picture of your mother, with us. I'm sure she was a sweetheart.

Happy Midsummer's Eve
~♥~

Unknown said...

More often than not I arrive here 'out of sorts' as I wrote in my last post, only to visit you and find myself supremely comforted by your philosophy of life and how much love and sunshine you spread. Here's to daughters and grandmothers and moms, and to you for celebrating them.

Sush said...

Long line of beautiful ladies in your family! There is a special bond between Mothers and Daughters and it helps carry us through the years.

Here's to hoping the weather dawns delightful for your tea, and no dreams of the Puckish type are yours this eve! Either way you will be the 'Hostess with the Mostess'!

Hugs~

Southhamsdarling said...

Shady - yes, as you say, quite an emotional day really, thinking of my mum. Seems incredible that it was 100 years ago today that she was born. I can imagine that too much heat is probably just as uncomfortable as too much rain and chill! Hope you have a good week my friend.

Aunt Amelia's Attic - Yes, the cream tea (with musical accompaniment) should be very nice, and the forecast is for it to be dry! YAY! Unfortunately though, this time I don't think there'll be any photos.

Southhamsdarling said...

kneesandpaws - that's a very nice comment that you have left today, and made me feel happy. Grandmas, mums and daughters are all so precious. We must make sure that we treasure them. Hugs my friend.

Sush - I so agree with you about the bond between mothers and daughters, right down through the line. A real blessing! Fingers crossed, but I think it might actually be dry tomorrow! :)

Teresa said...

here's to hoping that summer was not a fleeting moment there! your mom's picture is so sweet. what a lovely lady she must have been.

have a great "tea" and hope you all can get out and enjoy your garden.

Bethe77 said...

Praying for your little miracle of Summer to come and stay especailly for the tea!
It really isnt Summer here in PNW yet either. It has been raining and I have had heat on as well. Though I did put the portable heat away just this day.
Happy Birthday to daughter.
!00 years for mom.
(HUGS) Im sure she is smiling down upon you all.
Blessings

Anonymous said...

Midsummers eve ?! Hard to believe eh?
The weather is really cold, isn't it?! Same over here in Ireland...was sunny this morning but it changed during the day to rain :(
Hope your tea will be appreciated tomorrow!
Nice photo of your mum - I understand if you miss her.
Have a nice evening

Southhamsdarling said...

Teresa -Yes, I do hope that summer hasn't been and gone already!! My mum really was a special lady in our lives. Thank you for your good wishes for our cream tea! Whisper it softly, but I think it might be dry!!!

Bethe - yes, I really do believe that mum looks down on us all. Hope you're pleased with your hair now!! It seems that this poor weather is not just confined to where I live, judging by all the other comments. Let's hope it improves for all of us very soon.

Southhamsdarling said...

EvaMarie - yes, it is totally unbelievable that it is mid-Summer! So dreary out there at the moment. Yes, I do miss my mum very much, even though it's been 15 years now since she's been gone. Thanks for always popping over to see me!

SkippyMom said...

Your Mom has such a beautiful smile - and a twinkle in her eye. I bet she was such fun to be around. Happy Birthday to her.

I hope the weather clears up for your tea - it would be such a shame if everyone couldn't enjoy your luscious gardens.

Hugs my friend

Rebecca said...

You are right about the weather, its been cold and raining here in Milton Keynes too. I would love to be going to your cream tea, sounds delightful. That is a lovely photo of your mum x

Glenda said...

Wish we could send a little of our hot weather in Southeast USA your way. It's 97 this afternoon and oh so humid. Your mom and mine almost shared birthdays! Last Thursday would have been my mom's 105th birthday. Hope your weather improves for your tea. Such a special and worthwhile event!

Lyndylou said...

I know what you mean about the weather! Good luck with your cream tea and happy birthday to your daughter and your I can't believe your mum would have been a 100!

Unknown said...

I would take cool weather any day over hot heat. Goodness, me - I guess it's a good thing we are going back to Colorado - haha. This is such a sweet tribute to your mum! She was beautiful! I hope your tea is lovely!

Unknown said...

A very lovely tribute to your mom. I miss mine as well. She died in 2002 and was 81. Hope your weather gets better for you.

Chatty Crone said...

If I could I would send you some summer from here - I have had plenty! teehee

Happy birthday to your beautiful mum in Heaven.

Denise said...

Hello from so far away.I'm your new follower.So nice to visit with you,you have a lovely blog.Please visit with me any time.Sit,relax, and enjoy if you please.

BB said...

Love the picture of your Mom. She looks as sweet as you are so now I know where you get it from. Hope the weather is good for your tea but even if it isn't, it will be a lovely tea I'm sure. Nice of you to do these things. Hugs my awesome friend!

LV said...

That is a great post and tribute to your late mother. I lost my mother very young, but my grandmother on her side lived to be 98. She wanted so badly to live to a 100 and be on TV.

orchid0324 said...

Wow, your mother sure looks GORGEOUS and LOVELY in the pictures. Mine died in the year 2000, and I still am her daughter♪♪♪

We are having many drizzly days here. Some days rained a lot. Typical rainy reason. But the temperature is kind of comfortable yet. Oh, still chilly? Take Care.
I've heard the phrase that England has four seasons a day.
Well, I feel down a bit thinking muggy summer here. Oh, how can I save energy? I can't servive without Air Conditioner ^^:)

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

I see the word midsummer and I think Midsomer Murders I really like that show......ok nothing to do with this post but hey my mind wonders here and there and everywhere........we are in winter here so often the days are nice and warm................

Your mum was a nice looking woman and I am sure you still miss her everyday.

rainbow said...

Just stopped by for a visit and will be back often. Love your blog and your views on life. If I could I would trade some of our hot weather (107) yesterday and no rain since October or November (the weeds will not even grow) for some of your COOL and WET. Even our rainy season is over with NO RAIN. Oh well so much for life in Texas.

We just found out last month my youngest son, his dear wife and one very precious GRANDson will be moving to London the end of next month. Guess it will be a lot different there. I'll have to check in with you on points of how to adjust. Any help will be appreciated.

Gawgus things... said...

Love this photo of Grandma with her cup of tea!

Belle said...

It is even surprisingly cool here in Nevada. I expected it to be 90-100 degrees in June, but it is just nicely warm. That is a beautiful photo of your mother. How lucky we can be to have a good mom.

Southhamsdarling said...

SkippyMom - I woke up this morning, and I've got all these comments! Everyone is so sweet! It just gives you a lift, doesn't it?! I know, it's a shame they won't be able to go out in the garden. Means they will be crawling all over the house!! My mum really was lovely. She was pretty poorly for the last few years, but never, ever moaned.

dubgirl - I'd love to have you at my cream tea! This weather is getting beyond a joke now!!

Glenda - that was funny about our mums almost sharing birthdays my friend. Gosh, that is seriously hot where you are, and I don't think I could cope with the humidity!

lyndylou - thank you! I appreciate how you always come by to leave a comment my friend. Hope all is well with Jack and Holly and that the sun will come back sometime SOON!!

Odie - thank you my friend. I don't think we ever get over losing our mums really. They are such special people.

Chatty - oh very funny! Well, as long as YOU'RE alright then and are having a lovely summer! Hee Hee!!

Kristina - hi dear friend. Yes, I guess I wouldn't cope very well if we had too much heat all the time either. Mind you, a little tiny bit would be nice! LOL!

Denise - hello! Lovely to see you here, and thank you so much for becoming my latest Follower. I will be a bit busy today with the cream tea, but I will certainly pop over to see you this evening! Welcome.

Bouncin'Barb - there you are my dear friend! I've been missing you over here. My mum really was a very sweet lady, and we all still miss her very much. Thank you for the good wishes for my cream tea. Big hugs to you, my most awesome friend!

LV - thank you for popping by today! I am sorry that you lost your mum so young, and what a shame that your grandma didn't get to be 100. She was almost there! Bless.

Orchid - hallo my Japanese friend! I love your comment that you are still your mother's daughter. Yes, that is very true, that England can have four seasons in one day! I guess we should be used to it by now. Lovely of you to always pop by.

Jo-Anne Rambling - that's really funny, because as I was typing midsummer, I too was thinking about Midsummer Murders!! It really is one of my very favourite programmes and I love to watch it!

Rainbow - thank you so much for popping over to my blog today. It is so lovely to see you here. Yes, I guess it's a whole lot different weather-wise from Texas to Devon here in England. Perhaps we could have a little of your heat, and we could have a little bit of our rain! Oh my goodness, you will miss your family and precious grandson when they move to London :( I'm sorry to hear that they will be moving away from you.

Gawgus things - yes, that is just grandma, isn't it, with her cup of tea!! Bless.

Belle - thank you for taking the trouble to pop by whilst you're on vacation! Hope it's all going well. Yes, the weather seems to be out of kilter all over the world at the moment. Yes, we are blessed indeed to have lovely mums.

Anonymous said...

A lovely tribute to your mother. Hope your Midsummer Event goes well today ... :0)

Claudia Moser said...

Lovely tribute to your mom! And I can understand your thoughts about summer, same here in Germany, missing the sun!

Southhamsdarling said...

Shirl - hi there. Nice to see you here today. Thankfully, after a wet start, it cleared up and kept dry for the cream tea! :)

Claudia - thank you. Seems as if quite a lot of us are still waiting for summer to appear! Hope you're feeling okay after your little accident :(

Empty Nester said...

What a sweetheart your mom was--I can just tell from that lovely photo!

Let's work a trade---I'll send you some of our oppressive heat and you send us some of your cool temps and rain! Deal? LOL

Rebecca said...

what i lovely tribute to your mom. hope everything goes well at your tea and hope the weather is nice.

Everyday Life

Southhamsdarling said...

EmptyNester - yes, my mum really was a very dear lady. Okay, you've got a deal with the trade in with the weather!!

Becca - thank you. The cream tea went very well, and the weather was kind to us!

Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan blogger said...

Oh the English weather! I've kind of forgotten how it feels to be cold and wet and chilly. The closest we get to cold here in Malaysia is walking into a highly air-conditioned shopping mall!

Duncan In Kuantan

Southhamsdarling said...

Duncan - thank you for that!! Thanks for always popping over. I do appreciate it, and I hope that your new little daughter is progressing well.