Our short stay with my mom-in-law in England was so enjoyable. The weather was much better than I was expecting, and there were definite signs of Spring.
Her garden is so tranquil and even in winter, looks really lovely.
A couple of weeks previous, there had been storms and gale-force winds, which had almost uprooted this poor tree.
On the Sunday, it was righted again with the aid of a rope and a strong stake in the ground. It was given lots of water, and we’re holding thumbs that it will recover from its ordeal. The old Magnolia tree in the front garden was bursting with buds, and I would love to be there when they all start to blossom.
The lady of the house was delighted to have ten members of her family around the table for Sunday lunch, and was positively sparkling.
I showed you a Florida sunset a few days ago, but England also has some really beautiful ones, and this was definitely worth a photograph.
I’m sorry I haven’t visited you much lately, but I’m just getting my life back on track, after being away from here for seven months. I went with my sister to visit my dear mom yesterday. She has become really frail after suffering a bad bout of pneumonia late last year, and is now living in a care home. It was wonderful to see her face light up with joy to see me again. We took her out for lunch to her favourite restaurant, and she managed quite well with her walker. I was so proud of her, and you will of course be hearing more about her whilst I’m over here.
Look how green! Wonderful. Your Mom-in-law is a beautiful woman with such a kind face. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Yes, she is very kind, John. I love her to bits. 🙂
Sorry to hear of your Mum’s illness Sylvia but it sounds like she’s coping very well under the circumstances. Always lovely to visit with family! 🙂
Thanks, Adrian. She is doing really well now, and even climbed up a flight of steps at my sister’s house, because she wanted to see the avocado tree which is now full of avos. 🙂
Sorry, to read about your mum – glad that she has got a bit better … with us elderly people we can never be too sure. *smile – great news that she is on her way back.
Thanks, Viveka. Yes, she is much better than she was a few weeks ago. 🙂
Wonderful news …. when our parents are getting old … it’s always worrying. Love news .. so glad for her and for you.
So you have been back in UK – same as over here .. maybe a bit wetter. What a beautiful lady, your mother-in-law. And I love that little “cottage” back in the garden, so cute. Welcome home!
Thanks, Viveka. Yes, she is beautiful and so fit and well. The little “cottage” is actually the garden shed where the lawn mower and tools are stored. 🙂
I thought it was a garden shed, far too pretty for it .. but why not. Lovely little cottage … so cute. *smile – She has a stunning garden too … who looks after it ??? Loads of work.
A fantastic sunset Sylvia. Hope Mom is feeling better already.
Thanks, Madhu. Seeing Mom again today. I hope she’s as with it as she was on Thursday. 🙂
Sorry to hear about your mom AD! I’m so glad spring is showing her face in the UK as we leave for our trip in 6 weeks 🙂
Thanks so much, Tandy. The pneumonia and lengthy hospital stay has left mom really frail. How exciting for you to be going overseas again. 🙂 Lovely time of year for a trip to Europe.
What a magnificent English garden, Sylvia. It looks like something out of a story book 😀
I’m glad your mom was able to go out to lunch with you, she must have been thrilled that you have returned 😉
Thanks so much, Dianne. Seeing mom again today. 🙂
I was moved by your post, a tale of two Moms, or Mums as it were. It was heartening to hear how your own mother responded in happiness at your visit with her, and I hope that you and she will have many more happy visits together now that you are back from Florida. Best, Babsje
Thanks so much, Babsje. We’re taking mom for a family lunch at my sister’s house today. I hope she’s well enough to enjoy it. Thursday day was a good day for her. 🙂
You’re welcome. I hope lunch was a good outing for her. I’m sure she appreciates the present of your presence.
MIL does look rosy glowed how wonderful .
Glad to see the little fairies are still dancing at the bottom of the garden 😉
I’m sure your Mum will have been perked up by your arrival by home Sylvia enjoy your family times … no one is going away this end 🙂
Nothing changes there Poppy. I swear that MiL is now going backwards in time. 🙂
I have always loved what I’ve seen of your MIL’s home, AD! She is so very lucky and gifted too – the garden is such a delight!
Yes, she is a very lucky lady indeed, and so positive about life. I think she could go on for ever. 🙂
so happy to hear you are settling in safe and sound. Goodness that tree was lucky to survive. I can imagine how happy your mother was to see you…mothers are like that
Thanks so much, Jo. My MiL was so happy to see her son, so that he could do something about the tree. 😀
sono i momenti più dolci e più belli quelli passati con la tua eccezionale madre! è guisto che ti sia preso tutto il tuo tempo, trovando ugualmente un modo per salutarci con le tue sempre splendide foto
happy dau, cara Sylvia
are the sweetest moments and most beautiful ones passed with your great mother! It is right that you took all your time, finding a way to greet us with your always great pictures
Thanks so much, Ventis. Sometimes spare time is very scarce. I do my best. 🙂
Looks like you had a fantastic time and glad the weather cooperated!
Yes, it was a really enjoyable few days. 🙂
What a lovely post! The garden is so nice. The portrait of your mom-in-law is beautiful! She looks very happy.
Thanks so much, Jackie. 🙂
happy to read that all is well. lovely pictures as always… and am so jealous of your mom-in-laws garden. there’s still a lot of snow here although we should have a bit of thaw today. good to see you blogging again!
Thanks, Lola. Hope you weather soon perks up. 🙂
There must be times when you can’t quite remember where you are when you wake up, Ad! Enjoy your family time. Dina and Klaus have it right with their slow blogging, don’t you think? 🙂
This is very true, Jo. Sometimes when I open my eyes in the morning, I get a big surprise. 🙂
Lovely!
Thanks, Cindy. 🙂
Hi AD, seem to remember it snowed whilst you were there this time last year. Much better this time around 🙂
Oh yes, very much better, Chris. 🙂
Take your time, Sylvia. Your time with your mom and getting settled in are more important right now. I know she was thrilled to see you. 🙂 Are those primroses in the round planter? Lovely. Beautiful English sunset.
Thanks, Lynne. Yes, we’re going to have lots of family times whilst we’re here. Unfortunately it’s too far to see her every day, but we’ll definitely make it twice a week. We’re all going to my sister’s for Sunday lunch, and I’m making her favourite chocolate pie. I’m sure she’ll really enjoy that. 🙂 The flowers in the pot are Primulas.
What a beautiful little English cottage. No wonder the lady of the house is beaming. Glad to hear your mom is doing well. I really enjoyed all the pictures.
Thanks, Linda. It’s actually not a little cottage, but quite a large three bedroomed double storey house where she lives alone, even at 100 years old. 🙂 The little ‘cottage’ is the garden shed. 😀
You are really showing us a beautiful garden. Captured delightfully in your photos. It does look like very much England. Welcome back!
Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Otto. 🙂
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your days, visits and beautiful photos. *hugs*
Thanks, Marion. Glad you enjoyed the pics. 🙂 xx
What a beautiful garden. I can imagine what it would look like in the height of summer.
Thanks, Colline. Yes, in summer, it’s really spectacular. 🙂
We do indeed have some lovely gardens and sunsets here in the UK Sylvia and you captured them beautifully! So glad that you got to see your own mum too 🙂
Thanks so much, Sherri. Glad you liked my pics. 🙂
What a lovely couple of days you had before continuing your journey home. The garden is indeed tranquil and must be beautiful in the spring when everything is in bloom.
Thanks so much, Karen. Yes it is lovely when all the daffodils and crocuses are in flower. 🙂
Sounds like lots of happy moments!
Thanks, Nancy. Yes we all had a great reunion. 🙂
oh wow now there’s a sight you’d never see about a tree :O lol!
Haha. Yes, it looks a bit drunk. 🙂
Welcome back to home,sweet home even with the load-shedding 😦
Sorry to hear your mom has had to leave her home, but understandable.
Thanks, Pussycat. Yes, I feel so sad about my mom, but she’s gradually getting used to the change in her circumstances.
I just adore signs of Spring 🙂
Me too, Amy. England was just bursting with Spring promises. 🙂
That’s so great, we are lurching that way as well 🙂
The sunset in UK looks fantastic…
Thanks, YC. 🙂
Your mum in law has a lovely garden. I hope the tree is ok.
We had similar rains in Joeys a few years back and one of the trees in Ems garden fell over!
I must post pics.
Yes, you must. 🙂 Was it a very big tree?
Oops…sorry, Elaine that comment was meant for Sylvia. 😉
Joey’s – Johannesburg.
Ems….my kid.
🙂
Thanks, Elaine. Yes, we did our best to give the tree a good chance of survival. 🙂
Wonderful set of photos. I love the last photo very much.
Thank you so much for your visit and comment. 🙂
What a lovely home, garden and post!
Beautiful garden,And nice sunset, Sylvia.I wish you all the best with love maxima
Thanks so much, Stefan. 🙂
Beautiful garden. Very English 😀 I like magnolia too, a lovely tree with perfect blossom. I’m sure your visit would have made your mum’s day, and hopefully with your return and more visits from you, her health will improve.
Yes, I really am hopeful that mom’s health is improving with every day that passes.
That’s a nice sunset, Sylvia. My wishes for your mom’s recovery.
Thank you so much, Paula. I’m hoping to bring my mom to stay with us for a few days, but I’m not sure she would manage the stairs. We’ll just have to hope that she gets stronger. 🙂
Hi Sylvia, really enjoyed looking at you photos. Mom-in-law looks fantastic for 100.
Thanks so much, Iris. Yes, she looks amazing. 🙂
Hi Sylvia,
Lovely to have you back again! your mom-in-law certainly looks wonderful for her age and sorry to hear that your mom has not been well, I wish her well.
Enjoyed the photo’s and your post as always.
Take care!
GAIL
Thanks for the good wishes for my mom, Gail. She just needs to get her strength back, but it will take a while. 🙂
I’m so glad to hear you’ve made it to the other side of the planet again. Your mother-in-law is simply amazing and a true inspiration. I bet it was a real treat to get to see your mum, too. I would imagine you were rather worried about her. It’s good to see you back to blogging again!
Thanks, Gunta. Yes, I have been very concerned about mom’s health, but she seems to be on the mend now. 🙂