Not Quite as Chilly

Although northernmost parts of the UK were battered by winds and high tides and the threat of snow at the start of the week, here in the Midlands we have seen a fair bit of sunshine and probably quite average December temperatures with only a half-brisk breeze. Focussing on seasonal tasks, I managed to get a wreath made for our front door and my rationale was justified when we opened the door yesterday to a giggling friend.

Every time this friend has visited in recent weeks I have offered her some chillies, the fruits of a number of seedlings given to me by another friend but masquerading as peppers. I had agreed to some mild yellow chillies, but the hot red ones were not part of the bargain and are not on the Golfer’s or my favourites list. Like the yellow chillies and various peppers they have done exceedingly well this year, but I still had a bowlful of them and they were probably destined for the compost heap. However, when I came to pick our variegated holly for the wreath it was virtually devoid of berries – definitely not stripped by birds this time although they have been in the past, so perhaps the consequence of this year’s odd weather patterns? Although the usual ivy foliage and flowers were added to the wire circle along with the holly there was a distinct lack of colour – but having seen articles suggesting the use of chillies in a wreath (and oranges and sprouts, but perhaps not all together..) I risked hot fingers or worse and threaded wire through and tied them in.

The aforementioned Giggling Friend knew exactly why they were there – so hurrah! it’s not as chilli here now!

ps reading about last year’s wreath I note that berries were in short supply then too, but blame then was laid at the door of the Golfer and the loppers…..