Green Bottle on Mexican Orange Blossom

While the cleaners were in the house, I popped up the road and parked at Tesco’s. It’s virtually impossible for me to go anywhere in Tiptree and not bump into someone for a chat (it is still just about a village). Today it was Elizabeth and John and, after a chat about my renovation project, Elizabeth gave me the number of a reliable decorator they used last year. He’s in his 60’s, so may or may not still be working, but it’s worth a try. I think my friend Linda also has one she can recommend when I next see her. Gossip etc caught up on, I headed up to the jewellers to collect the three brass memorial plaques I’d ordered. They look good, and I hope the families will be pleased with them. After that I sat in The Exchange for half an hour or so with a latte and toasted teacake. The decorator who’s doing the main bedroom (my hairdresser’s husband) texted and asked if next Thursday would be convenient. I have to be at church earlier that morning to set up the altar, but he will start work at 8.30am so it should all work out fine. I’ll give him a key in case he needs one while I’m out.

After lunch, I drove over to Maldon where the carpet showroom is for the small local company I want to use. After a discussion with Julie, who co-owns the business with her husband Ian, she made a note of the colours and types of carpet and vinyl I’m looking for, and booked Harry in to come and show me samples at home on Wednesday afternoon and measure up all the rooms for a quote. For one room at a time, which I will be doing, they have a lead time of about two weeks. So I should be able to contact Wren next week and firm up a date for the fitted wardrobes to be installed which could be in 6 weeks’ time. I really can’t wait ‘til it’s all done!!

I caught a green bottle fly helping itself to some nectar from the Mexican Orange Blossom (Choisya ternata) in my garden. Having been too busy to take any other pictures, the green bottle will have to be my blip for today.