I forgot to tell you something a few weeks ago. When we went to the Yorkshire Coast on our day trip we saw a lot of valerian growing (Centranthus ruber). The red and white forms were happily growing next to each other. When I looked up the Latin name I found that the white one is also Centranthus ruber, despite being white, though they do sometimes call it C. alba and Red Valerian (White form). It’s all very confusing. I was surprised to see them growing next to each other and staying red and white, after my experience with alyssum I was half expecting that they would just cross- breed to become light pink. They don’t. When you have white and blue alyssum in the garden a lot of it comes up white with blue edges next year. Or it did with us. Then it dies. All our remaining alyssum is pure white again. I wonder if I am young enough to start learning more about plants?
Having spent most of the day listing gum cards of 1970s footballers, I have learned a lot more about 1970s footballers than I intended, including the splendidly named Len Badger. Those were the days when footballers had simple names – Len, Ron and Harry being among the favourites. One of the cards features a fresh-faced youth called Harry Redknapp. I know he’ll be completely unknown to anyone outside the UK, but I thought I’d mention it as I get to use the link to Eastenders.
It has been one of my most soul-destroying adys ever in the shop. No customers, a few phone calls and the grind of listing and photographing and editing the photos of around 100 gum cards. It’s not like proper work, and I’ve had much harder days, but I’ve rarely had a day which made me question my career choices so harshly. Still, you have to count your blessings. I sat down most of the day in reach of a kettle and there were no flies or manure involved. I’ve had worse days.
One is never too old to learn more about plants I love that red valerian!
If you had it, you’d probably find it was listed as an invasive species. That’s why I like it, of course . . . 🙂
An engaging post.
Thank you Derrick. 🙂
Hope your next work day is better. Gum cards will only take you so far.
Today it was postcards. but not before eBay manged to lsoe 45 photos which I had taken, loaded and edited . . .
A lot of work down the drain.
A day without flies and manure is possibly not the worst day even if gum cards are a bit dispiriting. You make interesting points about plants cross breeding.
I really must learn more about plants. It is a great lack in my life.
I used to know nothing but now I know next to nothing which is an improvement.
I percentage terms that is quite a large improvement. You have done well.
I think so.