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Hello, Elle!
No, "kempt" is my word.
Miss O's phrase was "well tricked up".
I think it is complimentary!
There may be a link to "redd" and "ready", perhaps.
Also, a "redd" is a nest which salmon create, and then deposit their eggs in.
I thought daffodils proliferated on their own?
Maybe next year the new bulbs will flourish?

Hi, Rusty!
I haven't heard the phrase "well tricked up" but I'd say you were being praised......
Well done!
Yes, I rather think that the daffodil bulbs split up...but there are all sorts of reasons why the bulb might not produce a flower.
I shall need to do some research.......but our (elder) daughter has nicked all our gardening books!
She walked out carrying an armful of books, saying that she was "just borrowing" them.....
That was about five years ago.
And nary a one seen again since!
I am not a very proficient gardener .
But my fuchsias are my pride and joy!
Do you do much gardening?

Hello, Elle!
You do not need gardening books.
There is a wealth of knowledge on YouTube.
There will be hundreds of videos on growing daffodils.
A good tip is to make sure you "deadhead" the daffs as they are dying off.
That will ensure the energy is going to the bulbs for the following season.
No, I do little gardening.
I get a lad to spruce it up several times a year, but I cut the grass!

Hi, Rusty!
Now I didn't know that one should cut off the heads of the dead flowers?
So thank you for that info.
I do know, though, that after the flower has died, one must not tie down/ cut off the leaves until they have turned yellow......
But that is the extent of my (hitherto existing) daffodil knowledge!
I guess I must consult YouTube, as you suggest........
I prefer looking in books though!
I am afraid that if plants survive they do so despite my negligence!
Yes, cutting the grass is one of the nicer parts of gardening.
We used to have a fantastic electric mower that had a roller....
The lawn looked great then - I loved the stripes!

Good evening, Elle!
Still foggy here!
Daffs should be deadheaded.
Just pull the head of the dying flower off as you are passing.
This stops the plant sending energy to the flower and it stays in the bulb and the following season you should have more flowers.
I do not know about other flowers.

Good evening, Rusty!
I have spent the better part of the evening talking on the phone!
Firstly, an old school friend rang up.
We are in regular contact in that we email each other often ......and also speak on the phone about once a fortnight.
It is nice to have a news update by voice, if not in person......
She now lives in Devon.
Then it was time to ring my cousin!
All are fit up there...and enjoying the sunshine!
I think I deserve a coffee now.....

Hello, Elle!
Yes, it is good to keep in touch with friends.
I have been writing down my viewing schedule for next weekend!
The Track Cycling World Championships are this week in Poland, from Wednesday until Sunday.
The European Indoor Athletics Championships are next weekend, in Glasgow.
And there is a big one day bike race in Belgium on Saturday.
Going to be hectic!
Is Upminster anywhere near you?
There was an osprey sighted there yesterday flying North.
And a report of one sighted this morning at Boat of Garten.
Seems very, very, early, in the year, to me.
I am a tad dubious.
Though there are a few verified sightings in France.
We shall see!

Hi, Rusty!
You are indeed going to be busy!
It's rather like buses... none for ages, then two or three come along together!
It will be exciting though, so many events to watch.
I am very much looking forward to the European Indoor Athletics Championships.
I think it is a three day event? Starting on Friday?
I do not have next week's TV guide yet, so cannot check it out.
I must endeavour to keep other activities to a minimum!!
I am unsure where Upminster is?
I have a feeling that it is one of these relocated places - used to be in Essex? but now is probably classed as being in London?
It must be thirty or forty miles from here.
And an osprey has been seen there?
It will be good when "our" ospreys , Lassie and Laddie, are - hopefully - back again.
It is interesting following their progress., and that of their offspring.
When abouts do they usually arrive?

Hello, Elle!
Yes, the athletics start on Friday.
BBC appear to be covering it, and EuroSport.
I think Upminster is to the East of London.
An osprey flew over there heading North.
Seems very early to me, though.
I think the Lowes ospreys come via Wales and then North.
Last year Lassie arrived on the 20th March, and Laddie landed on 29th March.
The flight from Africa takes less time than the flight South.
They think that's because of the birds breeding instinct.
Seems plausible?
I'll keep an eye on the "sightings" site to see what's going on.

A Very Good morning to you, Rusty!
Cold (2C) and frosty, but beautiful.
An enjoyable walk.
Only one remaining gosling seen this morning.
I am just about to have breakfast....
I got up a tad later than usual, so went out without eating.
I shall have egg and bacon, I think!