2nd January. I was trying to keep my spirits up this morning by assessing what is looking good in my garden. I have variegated golden and green shrubs which always look sunny even when its dull. Some red cornus stems though they need some light to bring out the colour.
Several plants are still holding their coloured autumn leaves. A container has two very lush clumps of diascia foliage. Cant believe it has survived the frosts.
Primroses are in flower in a few places and the winter heathers are beginning to colour up. Outside my front door is a variegated holly with lots of berries, surprised the birds haven't taken those.
But no blue sky - there was a glimpse earlier but it's gone now. I have two nice winter gardens near me at Mottisfont and Hilliers Arboretum which have influenced my choice of plants over the years. Used to be favourite visits to cheer me up this time of year but both seem too daunting to attempt now.
Tessa
Hi
I saw a little of it last night, just a few minutes. I like to go to the Mournes, drive through them and I'm always fascinated by the stone walls that are the boundaries of fields. So much work by hundreds of workers. Similar possibly to the Yorkshire Dales. I heard that there is a pathway through a large area of the Dales that is suitable for wheelchair users. I'd like to see that but not in the current climate.
If we have visitors I will always take them to the Mournes. There is one spot near the Silent Valley reservoir that if you stop the car and ask which way the car will.roll and everyone says forward but I take my foot off the brakes and of course it rolls back!
The views are superb, probably as good as other regions in the UK. Who wants to go abroad for warm seas, nice beaches and wall to wall sunshine 
? Me for one lol.
Take care and stay safe
Tvman
Thanks Ruth 
Tvman xx
Well looks like i found a way...so get ready more to come soon. And i hope i get the very fast hopping kangaroo's too. Pet
I know that daloni started this brilliant idea so I wanted to carry it on for her and dizzie-wh as the forum has become a little gloomy recently as we face loosing them both soon.
So
1. daloni and dizzie outlasted their prognosis by years and I am sure proved that you can have quality of life despite doctors best guesses and we all benefited from knowing them on here.
2. I just got back from a fabulous holiday in Galicia, northern Spain. I walked more than I have for months (chemo pushed me into a wheelchair) the food and wine was fab and I met old friends and laughed a lot.
3. Macmillan have admitted that their upgrade has been a bit sh*t and are working on improving it. Hurrah for Macmillan who have admitted it didn't go well. How many organisations actually come out and say that.
I don't like to think that newbies think that we are a miserable lot, what struck me on here when I came was how much joy, laughter and living went on despite cancer.
Nicky
I know that daloni started this brilliant idea so I wanted to carry it on for her and dizzie-wh as the forum has become a little gloomy recently as we face loosing them both soon.
So
1. daloni and dizzie outlasted their prognosis by years and I am sure proved that you can have quality of life despite doctors best guesses and we all benefited from knowing them on here.
2. I just got back from a fabulous holiday in Galicia, northern Spain. I walked more than I have for months (chemo pushed me into a wheelchair) the food and wine was fab and I met old friends and laughed a lot.
3. Macmillan have admitted that their upgrade has been a bit sh*t and are working on improving it. Hurrah for Macmillan who have admitted it didn't go well. How many organisations actually come out and say that.
I don't like to think that newbies think that we are a miserable lot, what struck me on here when I came was how much joy, laughter and living went on despite cancer.
Nicky
