Making silk purses

People who live in the hinterlands are usually comfortable also living on the periphery of society; they enjoy their own company, have no yearnings for the high life and have forsaken all interest in fashion and style.  But every so often an occasion demands that these reclusive types step out of their rural comfort zones.  For example when a daughter elects to have a posh city wedding and creates a temporary vacant position for an elegant mother-of-the-bride.  A position that you win without having to apply. 

The feeling of being in unfamiliar territory begins with mild feelings of discomfort stepping into the first dress salon, progresses to some truly excruciating experiences in a beauty parlour and leads on to the horrors of being the oldest chook at a noisy hens' gathering of preening young urban pullets. To keep some perspective you need to watch out for some unexpected highs along the way.  Hearing the manicurist's awesome life story was one of them.  Meeting some very down-to-earth future in-laws, another.

Needless to say, this sow's ear isn't planning to be hoggin' any limelight on the big day!

Comments

[Tjilpi]

Jude, I have noticed a weird phenomenon here. Temperatures have dropped and autumn/winter begins - yet some plants are behaving as if it is spring. There is a new spurt of growth on quite a few of the bushes in my front and back yard. We have had no rain to speak of since May 2004, yet growth spurts are occurring. I know this has nothing to do with wedding plans; but it was prompted by your previous post. Tj

[Jude]

I've never lived anywhere where there have been clear-cut seasons, so have no expectations for different times of the year. We have an eclectic range of plants in the garden so always seem to have something in flower. Right now it's hibiscus and tibouchina, plus ixora, euphorbia, cat's whiskers and carnations and a range of pelargoniums and herbs. Today it is a delightful 26 deg and we have had a few showers, so can't complain about that.