And I’m not (only) talking about the weather, though goodness knows, it hasn’t made life any easier this year. You won’t want to read LONG descriptions of writerly and other woes, so I’ll just make a nice list and then go on to the (all-too-short) better parts of the season. (I won’t be offended if you just scroll down to the pics, promise.)
May/June:
- All the rain in Europe fell on N.E. Switzerland.
- Lake Constance rose. And rose. And rose.
- Ground water appeared at the bottom of our lift shaft.
- The lift went on strike for 5 solid weeks. (I was glad to be only 2 floors up…)
- A friend came to dinner and brought a gorgeous bouquet from her garden.
- Next day, I chopped right into my thumb with my (ancient, dirty and rusty) secateurs while I was shortening a few stems.
- But it’s nice to have my new Tetanus, Diptheria and Whooping Cough vax valid for a whole twenty years from now.
July:
- It was still raining way too much.
- Cue coughs, sniffles and general fed-upness. I had to cancel a trip to the south of Switzerland.
- Brief moment of optimism near the end of the month when the rain went off a bit…
- …and I actually managed a few outings.
August:
- But just as I was thinking more summery thoughts, shingles struck.
- I realised shingles is every bit as bad as everyone tells you, but I’ll spare you the details. You’re welcome. (If you’re eligible, GET VAXED NOW.)
- Another trip and several visits were put off until later.
- Hipster trousers were the only wearable items of clothing due to the rash. (Yes, I know a dress might have been better, but I don’t have a suitable one.)
Which brings us up to today, shingles day 20, and I think I’m starting to get over the worst.
So here are a few pics of the day trips we did manage:
These lovely creatures are all near Gruyère. Photos by Son 1.
The pics below are part of the Bad Ragartz exhibition I went to a week or two ago. It’s on until the end of September, so there’s still time to visit if you’re in the area.
Writing news: Saving the Lakeside Hotel is FREE in Prime Reading UK for a few more weeks, and the final two paperbacks in the series will be out this autumn. You’ll need to watch this space for news about the suspense books – but it’s coming… 🙂
And don’t forget that shingles jab…
linda huber 