Monday 8 June 2020

A Study In Scarlet

Thank you for all your get well wishes for my dad and Jasmine on my last post. I'm happy to say that Jasmine is recovering well and her coronavirus test came back negative, so that's one less thing to worry about.

Unfortunately, things aren't so good for my dad. We were called into the hospital on Friday to speak to the consultant. My dad's kidney function is now at just 9% and they've been treating him for a severe kidney infection since his admission over a week ago. Although he doesn't seem to be getting any worse at the moment, he isn't getting better either and reading between the lines, I don't think they expect him to. Because of this prognosis, he's allowed one visitor each day for a period of half an hour, so at least both my brother and I have got to see him over the weekend. He really is very poorly and there's nothing at all we can do now but wait and see what the outcome will be.

My first poppies opened on the 28th of May. There's been a continual supply since then, with at least one or two new flowers opening daily, which is good as the blooms don't last long at all, especially in the rain we've had over the weekend. The plant is heaving with buds, still lots more colour to come. They're such a happy, blousy plant, the show-off of the border. I can't resist getting my camera out, though the colour is never really replicated in a photograph. Nevertheless, here's a few I took when those first buds opened.






This is poppy Brilliant. I love the purple coloured poppies, Patty's Plum and Plum Pudding, I'd love one of those next.

28 comments:

  1. Poppies are such a beautiful plant, every part is stunning, you have loads of buds, so you are in for a treat. I am sending you warm wishes at such a sad time for you and your family, not being able to visit your dad daily and being limited to such a short time must be very hard.

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  2. I'm sorry to read your dad is so unwell. It's difficult enough at any time but especially just now with the restrictions on visiting. X

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  3. I love poppies but can't get them to grow in my garden, I have scattered so much poppy seed but not one single bloom. I'm glad Jasmine is on the mend but so sorry to hear your Dad isn't improving it must be such a worry for you, thank goodness you can at least visit him even if it is for just half an hour. Sending hugs xx

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  4. I am so sorry your Dad is so unwell. I am thinking of you.

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  5. Sending more prayers for your dad, Jo. Your poppies are spectacular! A real treat! :o)

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  6. I just love poppies, so delicate and beautiful.
    So sorry to hear about Dad, its a difficult time when you have your parents and children to cope with at the same time, I know, I've been there. My kids are having it now with Tom not well and their own problems.
    Hugs
    Briony
    x

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  7. Those poppies are gorgeous. They look so vibrant in color but so delicate. I am so sorry your Dad is doing so poorly, I am sending you all the positive thoughts I can. Stay safe and take care of yourself.

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  8. Lovely poppy. So sorry that the news about your dad is not what you would want but it’s good that he is being allowed visitors. I know from experience that times like this are really tough so take care of yourself.

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  9. Sorry to hear about your Dad.Do you have to don PPE when you visit?We have one clump of red poppies but it always seem to rain when they come out.Earlier we had orange and yellow wild Welsh poppies which self seed everywhere but are loved by the bees.

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    1. We have to wear a mask when we visit my dad. He was originally taken to a Covid query ward, they tested him and it came back negative so they moved him to a different ward which is clear of Covid.

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  10. So glad you are able to visit your Dad, it will be comforting to him and you of course. Sending love to you through the airwaves.
    xxxxx

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  11. Heartfelt thoughts i'm sending to you Jo. I'm sure dad is so pleased to know his family are with him even for sucb a short time each day as he travels onwards to find his much missed love again. Xx

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  12. I'm so sorry to read your Dad is very unwell. It'll be a comfort that you and your bother are allowed to spend some time with him. Thinking of you xx
    Your poppies are beautiful.

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  13. So sorry your dad is not improving, such a worrying time for all of you. Good new about Jasmine.
    Love the poppies, shame they don't last long, although they give a good show while they are out.

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  14. My sympathies re your dad. Oriental poppies are wonderful plants with lovely flowers. xx

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  15. Loving thoughts sent your way. This is so hard. Your blog community is thinking of you Jo!!! !All the way from Wisconsin. LOVE LOVELACE

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  16. I am really sorry to hear that your Dad is so unwell. I am glad to hear that you are able to visit him and spend some time with him. It must be so hard for you, thinking of you at this difficult time.

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  17. Thank you for sharing photographs of your poppies, they are lovely to see.

    I am so sorry that the news about your dad is not too good. Thankfully I'm pleased to read that you and your brother are allowed short visits to see him.
    My thoughts are with you.

    All the best Jan

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  18. I’ve not been keeping up to date with blogs Jo, and I am so sorry to come back and find the awful news about your Dad’s health.

    Sending my love and prayers to you all (and the poppies are a delight)

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  19. I'm so sorry to hear about your father, I hope they can help him feel better. Poppies are a really beautiful flower.

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  20. Jo, our thoughts with you for your Dad's wellbeing. As for those poppies, they are beautiful. I first saw the Pattie's Plum ones on holiday in UK & then sought them out here, but to no avail. I might get them now all these years later if I have another look. Take care, stay safe & huggles.

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  21. Praying for your father. I love poppies. I just never plant them . I shoulD!!! I plant other pereniells by seed and wait a year or two. I could do poppies!

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  22. I'm glad to hear you are now able to visit your Dad, I'm sure that will help you all. What fabulous poppies!

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  23. Hi loving the pics of my fav flowers.So very sorry about your dad,similar happenings to my mum.Thinking of you.x

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  24. It's so hard to watch a loved one steadily decline and feel so helpless. Your presence at his bedside must mean the world to him. Praying that God will give you all a portion of HIS peace and courage to sustain you at this difficult time.💖

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  25. It is a very worrying time for you. Best wishes.
    Poppies are such fun plants. They are interesting all the way through - right to their very special seed heads.

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  26. Such beautiful poppies...those blooms are good for the soul, something you need right now. I'm glad that Jasmine is doing better. You and your family are in my thoughts - I'll be praying for a good outcome your dad XOXO

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  27. Ahhh, sorry to hear about your dad. I just love these pictures,such a beautiful oriental poopy.xxx

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