The calm AFTER the perfect storm.

Yes, things have returned to their dull normal routine here today, second son has been farewelled, granddaughters delivered back to their parents and it is time to catch up on a bit of etegami-ing.
Last week, knowing that I was struggling a bit and worried that I would not make it through the weekend, my good friend Jan (remember Jan?, she bakes) gave me a bunch of gorgeous roses to cheer me up.
I did so want to send her a card but roses are the most difficult flowers to draw, never mind, it's the thought that counts and as Debbie always reminds her disciples,"clumsy is okay"'

And an RSVP. The person asked for an email but that is so boring isn't it? Good old snail mail!!!

Very fond of this snail I am Precious. Hope it reaches her in time.
By the way, a couple of these etegami are sporting my new stamp, "St Cicada" patron saint of tinnitus sufferers, ah you have to laugh or you would go nuts!

Mon préféré le Français M. Pierre de Ronsard

Ah oui! My favourite Frenchman Monsieur Pierre de Ronsard.

The view from my back door.

This rose reminds me of a candy we have here called cocoanut ice, always homemade and sickly sweet but redolent of warm kitchens and motherly love. Before we became so clever  and aware, mothers would make this to be sold on 'sweet stalls' to raise money for their child's school along with the toffee that has pulled many a six year old tooth from it's roots! Now I prefer to have my sweets as 'eye candy' so I fill the garden with shamelessly romantic plants. Not for me the rigid lines and clumps of decorative grasses beloved of garden designers nowadays, our garden is high maintenance all the way and I love it.

This huge Hippeastrum is currently taking pride of place on our verandah where I can admire it as I eat 'al fresco'.