Anns a' garradh

We finally saw some rain last night with more today and more to come. It was a welcome sight and very much needed. 

I loved rhododendrons since a child - we had one in our house in Giffnock when I was at primary school and I was really taken by the blooms. When I finally got a garden of my own in Edinburgh I tried growing one but it was entirely successful. I was delighted to find that there was a well established one here when we got the house and this has since been added to. They bloom at different times but today all five were in bloom, albeit some having passed peak bloom and others still to reach it. 

I spent a good part of the morning making rhubarb and ginger jam. It never ceases to amaze how much the rhubarb reduces in size when you make jam - 750g resulted in two large jars. I used rhubarb from a friend's garden as mine is still developing/establishing itself. I may pick one or two stalks this year but will the rest. 

The rest of the afternoon was spent going over the feedback for my one of my assessment - a two minute speech we had to record. I am really impressed by the quality of the feedback -  as well as general comments about the structure,  all grammar mistakes are pointed out and corrected,  more natural ways of saying some things are also pointed out as our pronunciation errors.  Written and spoken versions  made by the tutor are also provided. Really, really helpful (and time consuming). 

A meeting about the town's Twinning relationship beckons which will involve cheese and wine.  It is the 25th anniversary and we will be hosting a visit in September.