Love this #91 A Cardboard 'vase'

I’ve not seen these before, but as we wandered around the obligatory shop exit at RHS Wisley I’ll admit to being rather taken with these. Not only for their use of cardboard, but also because of their texture and functionality.

They’re made from recycled cardboard, and are described as a cardboard vase on the packaging. It looks as if they’re French, though so far I’ve failed to find a website for the company, or brand, cache-cache. I’ve found them on websites

They look to be pretty reasonably priced too. The taller necked vase in the background of the photo below is around 28 Euros. When I spotted them at Wisley, I assumed that they’d be readily available and easily findable online, but it seems shopping in person might need to be the approach if you’re interested.

There’s much to be said for the simplicity of this sphere, though I’m sure over time it would become a dust collector. But with such great form and texture, that could be endured, even just for a short while.

Reflecting on my week #118

Going back to work after a few days off is always a bit of a mixed blessing isn’t it? There’s the return to routine, and earlier mornings, but there’s also the emails and catching up. There was a lot of going on at work while I was away and so it felt like more to catch up on than normal, and if I’m honest the whole week has stepped up a gear. But there is also good news, as on top of everything else I’ve been interviewing for some help, who will start on Wednesday, which will hopefully help me get things a bit straighter. The challenge will be finding somewhere for them to sit, but a small thing in the scheme of things.

There was a haircut Thursday evening and I was actually quite shocked that it’s still light at 5pm in the evenings. That just goes to show that I’ve not left work at that time for a while, doesn’t it. It was lovely to walk up to Blackheath and the hairdressers, through Greenwich Park. Along with the daffodils, it really does feel that Spring is on its way.

Not that you’d know by the wind. That’s still here and unsurprisingly blowy! I think it’s hanging around for a little while yet, and no doubt bringing rain with it. Neither are my favourite weather types, but I guess you can’t have it all.

The wind prompted a brief trip into the garden. MOH seemed horrified that I ventured out there to stop the fleece from the agapanthus making a break for it in my PJs and dressing gown. But I’m sure no one even noticed, and so what if they did. Once the fleece had been recaptured I did come in, but being in the garden had sparked my imagination. And once dressed, as the patio table cover was now trying to make a break for it, off I went once more. This time dressed more appropriately according to MOH.

That was soon brought under control and so I thought I’d have a look around. We’ve a few branches down, but nothing major, one of our fence panels seems to have lost the top part of the ‘frame’, which is odd as it’s a panel that I think we’ve replaced several times already, and definitely more times than the rest of the fence put together. I’m curious to know what that neighbour does to our fence, if anything. They will, I’m sure, let us know as soon as the weather warms up, and then expect it replaced immediately, that’s just how they are (and no they don’t have a show garden).

We haven’t gained a trampoline, which is good news, as our neighbour’s one has stayed on their side of the fence. There was though some winter-spring colour. The lime green of the euphorbia, the dusky pink of the hellebores and the egg yolk yellow of what seem to be perpetually flowering primulas.

The weekend did start the right way, and by the right way, I mean in the pub with colleagues. It was much needed, and really does help as people in other parts of the business had had an equally full on week. And it’s good to share, right?

I also got my cooking game on, remembering that I had some venison in the freezer which the butcher said needed a good, long, slow cook. And he was right, after four or so hours in the oven it was gorgeous. Served with mash and kale, it made me look a great cook. And I’m not that bad really, but it’s the type of cooking that looks fancier than it is, though in reality boiling water is the thing that often causes the most mess in our kitchen!

Our first daffodil is out, and while it’s looking a bit windswept it’s great to see it. I’ve been looking at the daffodils in front of the National Maritime Museum from my office window for a good few weeks now, so it’s good that my garden is starting to catch up.

My other culinary success this weekend has been leftover fishcakes. Or rather fishcakes from leftover mashed potato, some herbs I had in the fridge and a tin of tuna, and some breadcrumbs. They made a great lunch, and the fifth one that didn’t have a plate to go to was quickly snaffled by MOH. That definitely makes them a success.

The week ahead at work will bring more of the same I’m sure, but thankfully with a few more people in the office now that half-term here is done and my extra help will be arriving midweek. There’s also a pub visit planned for Thursday to say goodbye to a colleague as they move jobs, and then on Friday I’m off to a public lecture at the university by the founders of Tatty Devine, yes that Tatty Devine. I wasn’t sure if I had any of their jewellery, I’m sure I did at one point, but a quick visit to eBay put that right.

Now I’m hoping that it arrives before Friday. Have a great week!

Floral street art in Lyon

Shortly after I wrote the previous post, I found myself relenting and looking through my recent photos to see which inspired me. I was looking for some flowery posts, and colour is a little few and far between, but then I spotted this floral street art and an idea started to form.

They’re flowers. It’s Friday. Sorted.

I am sure there is much more symbolism than I’m picking up in the photo below, but that isn’t what makes me smile. Look to the lion’s head, just right of the drainpipe. That’s what made me chuckle, even while I was taking the photo.

But this wasn’t the only floral street art we saw on our wanders around the city. The one below again is inventive, and features a series of floral tributes and hearts, looked over by some tiny figures. Who knows? I don’t, but I can admire its quirkiness.

As we wandered around a different part of the town on Valentine’s Day - a part of town that was uphill and full of steps, which I was fed up with. I rerouted MOH around one of the gentler inclines and that’s when we spotted our red roses. The street art carried along the concrete retaining wall, and was quite an improvement.

The rosebuds popped out the other side of the sprawling bushes too, clearly some thought had gone into this piece of art.