Aggravations of Weather

Sweet Autumn Clematis in the sunshine of last Thursday afternoon.

Several nights just below freezing have shriveled the leaves somewhat.

I suppose it was a given that our unnaturally warm winter would slide into a 'cold spell' that threatens premature growth.

In town many of the pink-flowered shrubs and small trees that might be expected to bloom late in March burst into glorious color nearly three weeks ago.  The glory was short-lived, as frosty nights turned blossoms to brown mush.

The is Clematis Candida transplanted from a seedling brought from our first Kentucky home.

It had only one blossom last spring, but that one identified the plant for me.

Nellie Moser and Candida had grown together for years, clambering over a make-shift trellis of chicken wire.  When I carefully potted up a small plant dug from the starts at the bottom of the new trellis which I installed there, I didn't know which variety I had.

The stems of my three clematis plants seem very fragile, almost brittle.

Candida has started to trail along the rough boards of the garden fence.

This was the largest of several buds discovered on Thursday.

The cold may have seared them enough to prevent opening.

I went out before dark this evening and tucked an old tablecloth and a bath towel over the trellises.

It may be 'too little, too late.'

Lady's Mantle emerging from a tangle of dead stems--hopefully it survives the cold weather.

These 'girls' are within a few days of being a year old.

They have enjoyed the sunshine and fresh green grass in spite of the blustery winds of 

the past few days.

As for me, I have somehow put my back 'out'--rather painful and with the added distress of vertigo.

I am annoyed with this unexpected down time, although the cats are delighted that I am spending hours tucked up in one rocking chair or the other.

I rarely watch TV, but Jim discovered the BBC series 'Escape to the Country' which we have been binge-watching for several evenings.

I have always hoped to see England and Scotland in person---something that I can safely say at this point in our lives is not going to happen.

We are enjoying the virtual tours of various English locations familiar from reading; having had some experience in buying and selling houses it is interesting to see what has been on the market in another setting.  Interior spaces seem smaller, especially the bedrooms, but there have been some lovely kitchens on display.

The gardens are so lush and beautiful, even when the outdoor property is very small.

Several more chilly days and frosty nights are in our forecast.

I've no wish to be outside in cold weather, but hoping that my back won't prevent me much longer from puttering at my usual projects. 

We are out of sorts with the time change--does anyone really like setting the clocks ahead?