In SA this was (in my experience) celebrated more for it's Labour movement associations, whereas in the UK, while still an important element of the Union/Labour movement, the weekend holiday is probably more associated with the long weekend away from work ... trips to the coast (often in the rain), traffic jams on overcrowded motorways ... and DIY home decoration...!
On that basis, I may be slightly ahead of the curve! Because I'm not 'in contract' at the moment, I have time on my hands ... and that fact, combined with a burst of lovely warm weather recently, resulted in a week of intense physical activity sprucing-up the Roof Garden.
I know ... who knew ..!!!
Since we moved into the Apartment, given that we moved in just as Winter was firming-up it's icy grip on the weather, we have had to leave the roof to its own devices.
Some of it's pots were full of dead, waterlogged plant remains; woodwork had been left untreated and was warping from the rain damage; and the seat cushions had been left outdoors for at least two years and, while the 'water-resistant' covers were OK, the insides of the cushions were a rotten mess of sponge and other material.
Not great! And therefore time for Roof Garden Man to make an appearance ...
So, as the Bank Holiday approached and the weather turned, yours truly was off to the DIY store purchasing decking stain, wood treatment, paint brushes, masking-tape, etc .... while also being 'encouraged' to visit the Garden Centre on a few occasions (...!) to provision the new daffodils, rose bushes, shrubs, soil, pebbles, etc, etc ...!
It is worth pointing out that I am not a 'physical labour' kind of guy (I know - shocked right..?).
My normal life involves sitting at a computer, or in meetings with loads of suits and techies, so eight-hour days, bent double over an orbital sander, or stretched-up against a fence with paintbrush in hand ... these are atypical. And boy, did my body let me know ...!
Nonetheless, a flurry of activity followed:
- almost a whole week to dig-out the root-bound mess in the old pots, clean them out, reposition and re-fill with pebbles, soil and plants;
- a few days to repair and renovate the automated sprinkler system;
- two days of sanding-down and a further day painting a `statement backdrop' and staining the wooden fence;
- repairing warped wood and screwing-down loose panels ....
How about the fresh, new look once the fence had been painted ...
Of course, it is still unfinished and is waiting for a nice statue, or Buddha, to liven up the purple backdrop ... and the lovely, sparkling candle lamps that were purchased in Turkey last year (with this in mind) have yet to be hung ... but we have not yet been graced with the family/friends for an evening on the roof (the weather is still a little chilly at night).
Postscript:
As we move forward with the Garden - and start planning the BBQ's and Sundowner sessions in the new Terrace, I take a few moments to pause and reflect. Two of our very dear friends - one in South Africa and one in Australia - are both dealing with the shocking news that they have discovered Cancerous tumours.
Both are being treated and fighting this bastard disease, both have families who are rallying around them (but, I know all too well, are suffering all sorts of torments themselves) and both are facing it with a dignity and positiveness that I admire greatly.
So, to Heather and Anne (and your families) - you are in our thoughts and a little part of our Garden is dedicated to you both. As Nature bursts out in bloom and lightens our little garden, we shall keep you in our hearts and hope that you too will blossom.
With much love........
