A flowery end to 2022.

There's been quite a gap between my last blog post and this - life through mid-summer and into the winter somewhat overtook my woodworking, and (whilst engendering a very entertaining life for me) has invoked a critical New Year resolution to get turning now 2023 has dawned. The aim is to turn for fun this year, to create some stock for a stall at the pre-Xmas market in our local village. Though building 'stock' as such has proved difficult in the last 18 months as I either sell or give my work away as gifts.

So, what stopped me from turning through the second half of the year? Firstly, the garden and the excellent summer - tending to the 1/3 acre plot, with vegetables and ornamentals, including keeping it well watered throughout the drought in Hampshire and a hosepipe ban, kept me occupied. Thankfully there's a 14ft deep well at the cottage, and by using a small pump I was able to transfer its regularly-refilling contents to the various beds and greenhouse without the need to lug watering cans around.

I was fortunate enough to enjoy some excellent holidays in the year - an exciting week in Amsterdam, time on a Tuscan organic wine estate followed by the history of Firenze, and then the luxury of Mauritius with the family before a family wedding in Singapore just before christmas. Singapore in particular did not disappoint from the viewpoint of my Botanical background - visits to Gardens on the Bay and the Botanical Gardens saw some very special angiosperms....

...as well as trees....

...and not to overlook a few spectacular sculptures in wood.

Much as I love to travel, and enjoy the inspiration it generates for all of my interests and hobbies (photography included), it's always nice to return home to the cottage and fireside, and christmas was peaceful and traditional here. 2023 promises to be another fabulous balance of rural life, hobbies and travel, with much more opportunity as the 'boss' retires to spend more time alongside me at the end of April. Til then I need to work on my squirrel-proof bird feeders.....