1st August 2025 Mailer

Bee-utiful Blooms by Janice McFarlane

Ive mentioned many times before in my weekly ramblings how much my husband and I are both passionate about bees. We dont have a garden at the back of where we live as our small bungalow is part of a retirement complex, so out the back is a large communal lawned area. Out the front is raised flower beds which were already planted with shrubs and lavender. In the eight years we have lived in our bungalow we have watched the lavender grow and bloom year in and out. Every year it gets cut right back and every year it grows significantly. The fragrance is wonderful and fills our tiny abode if we leave the front door open. What brings us a lot of pleasure is when the bees arrive, we watch them as they fly from stem to stem collecting the pollen. This year we have had more bees which is a relief as last year not so many. Weve also grown out own bee friendly flowers out front too and it has been a joy to watch them grow from seeds in bee-utiful blooms.

cup1390097_905 by Janice McFarlane

cup1390545_905 by Janice McFarlane

My … by Carol Clarke

…. Youngest grandchildren, Olivia and Austin, were competing in a Mini League competition last weekend. They both run for Mansfield Harriers, as does their Dad, my youngest son! Austin was just doing the 100 meters, and despite being behind for most of the race he got 3rd! Olivia was doing the 800 metres and the relay and she (and for the relay her 3 teammates) she came 1st!

cup388214_359 by Carol Clarke

cup388222_359 by Carol Clarke

Dog Wash by Sue Way

There is a family-run pet shop near us. And it recently had a new dog wash installed. As its so difficult to lift two Golden Retrievers into the bath, we decided to give it a try. It is under a shelter, so it can be used in all weathers and is so quick and easy to use. You pay with your card, then select how many minutes you want. You can add more as you go if you need to. Then you press rinse and use the shower hose to get your dog wet, then you select your chosen shampoo, which comes out of the hose with water. Once you have washed them, you choose rinse again. After that, we gave a quick towel dry before using the blow dryer. Sam, who is in the picture, was very calm and good throughout. I was surprised Billy didnt bark all the way through, but he was great until we turned the dryer on, he really didnt like it. So we had to take him home a bit soggy.

cup1211589_38 by Sue Way

cup1277991_38 by Sue Way