Sunday 16 February 2020

Photo diary: week 7, project 366

I'm so fed up with the incessant rain. Last weekend we had the Storm Ciara, this weekend we're being kicked by the storm Dennis. We're wondering what's the next storm going to be called? Edgar perhaps?
And the rain has hardly stopped all week. Our old house needs to be heated daily, or it will be damp and cold.

Last Sunday we were running home, and I had to stop for a second to snap this beautiful window of the lighting shop in the rain.

window in the rain, Witney, Chez Maximka

We were supposed to visit one of the possible places for Sasha's respite once he turns 18, but they cancelled on us at the last minute. Rather aggravating, as we have to re-arrange the trip. The place is in a different town, and with my husband's work commitments, we have to wait now for another couple of weeks until we could visit the place together.

The spring is definitely not far away. The snowdrops are carpeting our garden. What a glorious sight. No wonder their nickname is the flower of hope. I read that there are over 1000 different varieties of snowdrops. I think we have about four varieties that I can find in our garden, or maybe I should go down on my knees and examine them closely.

February flowers, Chez Maximka

We used to have an interior design shop in town, which was a family business for over 100 years. We have bought a few pieces of furniture and fabrics there through the years, and I was sad when the business collapsed, thanks to an incompetent new owner.
The building stood empty for over a year, but last month the shop has been re-opened under a new name - Derwent House. It is another interior design shop, with an emphasis on the local artists' work.
There are some beautiful pieces. I love this ornamental tree, though we certainly don't have room for it. I imagine that would work in a big hall of a mansion, or in some fancy spacious office.

interior design, Chez Maximka

A quick coffee at UE Roasters, with only a snap of the beautiful sticky toffee cake, as I am not keen on having a slice of cake in the morning. Their banana bread is delicious, served with a thick Greek yogurt and honey. And if you're in Witney, they also make the best coffee in town as well.

cafes in Witney, best coffee in Witney, Chez Maximka

Hurrying home from school, Eddie commented that it was sunny and rainy at the same time, and maybe we could even see a rainbow. He was spot on. I had a quick look out of our garden, and there it was, a double rainbow.

Chez Maximka, Witney

Friday was a Valentine's day. It's true we never really celebrate it. I guess we're too old for that, but a card would have been nice. Nope, according to my darling husband, it's an American import, and so we shouldn't celebrate it. Check your facts, Professor! It's not an American import.
As I was walking home, I saw these doves kissing each other, oblivious to anything around them.

Valentine's day, Chez Maximka

The rain was driving me nuts yesterday. Eddie and I often play Wizards Unite on my iPhone, when we're in town at the weekends. I couldn't get the iPhone out to play, as it was bucketing.
We went to the library, and saw Sasha and his father sitting by the window in Café Nero.

Chez Maximka


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Click here to enter

18 comments:

  1. That picture of Sasha and his father is beautiful. It's great the shop has a new owner and its doors are open once again. The tree looks really gorgeous.
    We didn't celebrate Valentine's Day annually before moving to UK, as it really was something imported (back in Romania I mean), but now we do. Never in the red-roses&chocolate kind of way, because that is not us, but in all sorts of different ways. Why don't you make something special now, for no reason, if you are annoyed you did not celebrate it a few days ago. This way he will not be able to say it is an imported celebration. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Anca! Yes, we didn't celebrate the Valentine's day either, though it was popular before the revolution in Russia. I don't think I'll have a chance to do any special evening until the end of month, when we might go out for dinner, to celebrate my birthday. Eddie thinks we should go to Frankie & Benny's so that they would play to me "Congratulations and celebrations". I told him it would be more of Commiserations and celebrations. :)

      Delete
  2. I am sick of this weather too. We have had all the weathers this past week.
    That shop window looks so pretty, even in the rain and the snowdrops in your garden x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kim, we're hoping there will be some dry days during the midterm break.

      Delete
  3. That cake looks really good, I'll think of that cafe when I'm next in Witney. Always nice when a nice shop 'returns'. Can't beat looking round a nice interiors place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We have two UE Roasters cafes in town, one just opposite the lighting shop in High St, the other one is in the very centre, in the Market sq. My DH and I prefer the one in High St. If you pass our way during the school week, maybe I could meet up with you for a coffee?

      Delete
  4. The first picture reminds me of a Christmas card - all it needs is some glitter ! Love the snowdrops and the double rainbow - wow ! The doves are very cute - unlike your husband. What a moanyguts ! lol. I think he should get you a nice little romantic surprise, even if he doesn't believe in Valentine's Day *sigh* !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Cheryl, to be fair, my DH has never been one for romantic gestures, so it's kind of unreasonable to expect any from him now. At the same time he's generous with money, and we never run out of chocolate, as he buys it often, without any occasion.

      Delete
  5. That picture of Sasha and his father is wonderful. The tree looks lovely too. We don't really celebrate valentines day, just a card. Snowdrops are really a sign of spring x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Susan! Snowdrops always gladden my heart.

      Delete
  6. The weather really has been horrible lately. I love that photo of the lights through the window though. How frustrating your appointment at the respite place had to be cancelled. The photo of the doves is so cute and the snowdrops are stunning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sarah, hopefully we'll be able to visit that place next Monday, if they don't cancel on us again.

      Delete
  7. It certainly has been very stormy the last two weekends hasn’t it? I’ll be glad when the wet and windy weather is at an end too. Sorry to hear about your planned visit to one of Sasha’s possible respite places was cancelled. How lovely the snowdrops in your garden are. I had no idea there were so many different varieties of them. Love the photo of the rainbow and the doves kissing. What a brilliant shot to capture on Valentines Day. #project366

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love that first shot, it would make a good painting I think. That cake needs to be taste tested. What a nightmare about Sasha's respite option for the future, I hope they don't cancel on you again #366

    ReplyDelete
  9. That's a beautiful picture of the window. All the pictures are very lovely, especially the snow drops and the ornamental tree. OoO double rainbow.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Cafe Nero is my favourite coffee shop. I didn't know snowdrops were known as flowers of hope. lovely window light display. Sorry to hear Sasha's visit was cancelled, so frustrating, I'm assuming he wasn't going on this visit with you

    ReplyDelete
  11. It is very strange having the signs of spring in contrast to the terrible wather we've been having! The lighting shop has a beautiful display, love the effect of the rain #project366

    ReplyDelete
  12. The rain has been depressing but that is a stunning photo of the lighting!

    Love snowdrops...we don't have any in our garden...should really plant some!

    Such a sweet photo of the doves

    ReplyDelete