Yes, I'm so Happy! 2012

[Anthony Darby]

Saw the eclipse from school this morning. Cairns was the place to be, but we had 87% cover.

[Paul T]

Anthony,

We had 100% cover.... of cloud that is.   Impressive pictures on the morning shows of the view from Cairns.  Really was amazing to see the coronal ring come into view almost by magic.

[Anthony Darby]

[Darren]

I had a lovely surprise on monday evening. At the end of my talk to the North East England AGS group I was somewhat astonished to be presented with an AGS gold medal (for 50 firsts in AGS shows) AND an SRGC bronze medal (for 10 firsts in SRGC shows, section 1).

Both were a complete surprise. I had no idea I was approaching either milestone (I don't keep track), nor had I been told by either shows department, and I am touched that someone organised the presentation as I did not attend either AGM.

It has taken me 17 years to get there but not bad considering I only do 2 shows most years!

Besides this, Susan and I had a great evening in Ponteland, we know so many of the group from shows and from the SRGC discussion weekends that we felt right at home. We also got gifts of plants from ChrisB and also from a Scottish friend who passed them on to Sue Gill at the Ponteland show and Sue delivered them safely on monday after taking care of them for a month. Aren't gardeners great?

[Maggi Young]

What fun, Darren - always so nice to get a pleasant surprise - and well deserved rewards for your lovely show plants and support of the shows. 

[ranunculus]

Hearty congratulations, Darren ... and I (for one) wasn't aware that you gave lectures ... we will have to be having words. 

[Darren]

Hearty congratulations, Darren ... and I (for one) wasn't aware that you gave lectures ... we will have to be having words. 

Suggest hearing the reviews first....

I've done quite a few but keep it low key and don't advertise - working full time, plus my relying on Susan for driving much of the time, prevents long distance ones as a rule but the Ponteland one was a good excuse to talk on a favourite subject (Cape Bulbs). Monday was my first digital one and I'm doing the same one at our own group in Lancaster in Feb.

Susan, bless her, spent a total of 6 hours driving, without complaint. I did offer to drive but obviously this was too scary a prospect .. for both of us... ( I can drive but I hate it and it only happens in emergencies!).

[brianw]

We went to a large group Garden Centre today, supposedly to visit Edinburgh Wool shop. Had to check out the plants of course. All bulbs 50% off. Loose crocus being crammed into the bags labelled £4.00 for 20. Asked for the Crocus sieberi 'Tricolor', which they managed to sqeeze into 2 bags. Just counted them.
200 crocus for £2.00 after discounts and the odd coupon I had. Maybe I will go back tomorrow.

Congratulations Darren. A great way to receive the recognition.

[chasw]

Congratulations Darren,and a very well done to Susan as well for doing all the driving

[jandals]

Had a very enjoyable evening yesterday listening to Ian Rankin ( from the Kingdom of Fife ) relating how he wrote a book . I like the part where , just like us , he doesn't know who did it  with 20 pages to go . Waited in the queue and he signed Mandy's wedding anniversary present . 

[Paul T]

Well done, Darren.  Congratulations.

[Paul T]

I'm so happy again..... Tired but happy.... Down in Victoria visiting Otto and co.  Spent the day at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne yesterday.  What a place!!  Amazing.  Hundreds of pics taken, and not just by me.  I was like a kid in a candy store,and you should have seen John Grimshaw!   . Looking forward to his talk this afternoon, if I can stay awake.  This visiting friends gig is tiring.

Anyway, there'll be lots of pics posted when I get back.  Otto will lynch me if I don't. . Sorry for typos etc.  This is being typed on my smartphone so not as quick or easy as usual.

[angie]

Suggest hearing the reviews first....

I've done quite a few but keep it low key and don't advertise - working full time, plus my relying on Susan for driving much of the time, prevents long distance ones as a rule but the Ponteland one was a good excuse to talk on a favourite subject (Cape Bulbs). Monday was my first digital one and I'm doing the same one at our own group in Lancaster in Feb.

Susan, bless her, spent a total of 6 hours driving, without complaint. I did offer to drive but obviously this was too scary a prospect .. for both of us... ( I can drive but I hate it and it only happens in emergencies!).

Well done Darren on your award. I to never knew that you did talks, wonder if Aberdeen is to far for Susan to drive 

Angie 

[Maggi Young]

Perfectly good rail service to Aberdeen..... 

Ian and I are happy, we are in Ireland at the Dublin AGS Termonfeckin weekend  - lots of good friends here and the sun is shining!

[angie]

Hi Maggi, enjoy yourselves and please, please lots of pictures.

Angie