My Sunday Photo... Sunset

It's that time once again, when spring brings beautiful sunsets.

It's been quite a busy week... so to take a few minutes to stop and appreciate an amazing sunset was perfect. 

I thought I'd also include the obligatory blossom photo for this time of year too.

Have a fantastic Bank Holiday weekend.

Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you again soon... when I'm not so busy hopefully!

I'm linking up once again to Photalife with My Sunday Photo.

Country Girl

When I was only eight years old, I told everyone that I was saving my pocket money for a house in the country. 

We lived in a town and it seemed really strange that someone so young should have such an idea. 

I had a piggy bank and later I progressed to a little pink bank book.

I don't remember if I ever saved very much, but I actually managed to make that purchase, although it was many, many years later.

After years of travelling across the globe, I now have my house in the country and I adore it.

It seems comforting to know that I obtained my childhood goal. 

I really am more of a country girl than a townie, but I have no idea where that idea came from.

I did find out when tracing my family tree, that my Great Grandmother was the daughter of a farmer in Scotland, so maybe it's where it comes from. 

Also my Grandmother was a great lover of nature too... so it must be in my genes. 

With that in mind, I thought I show you some country photo's today.

The following were taken whilst I was visiting some of my family down in Cheshire. 

I walked the country lanes with Muffin gazing out across the Cheshire plains to the Welsh hills.

Apparently, there was a Badger set nearby, but we never found it... which was probably a good thing.

The sky became heavy at times and we did experience bouts of thunder rain, but thankfully they disappeared quickly, leaving the ground grateful for a much needed drink.

Everything seems to have burst into life over the last week or so, now that the temperatures have started to rise.

This view is taken from across the cottage garden, where we were staying. 

It was the neighbours garden. 

I think they are into the wild nature reserve style, leaving it doing it's own thing for the local birds, bees and wildlife.

Here's a view of the cottage as the sun rose to warm us, whilst having an alfresco breakfast. 

The clematis is spectacular and reminded me of home and my own clematis, which is presently covering a fence with beautiful pink blooms.

Finally, some blossom because May is blossom month and it will fade away soon for this year.

Especially if we have a wind whistles through. 

I'm linking up today with Mersad over at Through my lens

Why not take a visit to see some wonderful photography.

Thanks for visiting my place and I hope you have a wonderful week ahead.

Have fun! 

My Sunday Photo... Bursting Blossoms

My Sunday photo sums up the month of May to me... even though as I look out of the window we're enshouded with cloud and drizzle.

I had thought I might have been able to post photographs of the magnificent fox that has been prowling around the nearby field, or the Mallard ducks that landed on the impromptu lake that has formed in the centre of our back field after so much rain during last week. Or the deer that have been elegantly leaping and running in what appears to be slow motion near to our house.  

But alas, I didn't manage to get any decent shots of them... but thankfully I did manage to watch and appreciate their visit. 

As the garden bursts into life and there's a danger of it running away without me...

(I know realise that I'm a fair weather gardener) 

I'll let you see some of the new arrivals that have surprised me. 

One minute they are just leaves, then you turn your back for a minute and 'POP'

 ... the blooms burst!

(Can you believe that this one is a tulip!)
Just one more thing before I go...

If you are celebrating Mother's Day today as I know Australia, America and Canada are... 

then I hope you have a great day with your loved ones. 

If you'd like to visit more fantastic photo's then why not hop over to see more My Sunday Photo

 Have a super Sunday and thanks for stopping by.
I'm always thrilled to see you and even more so if you take the time to leave me a comment.
I'm off to tackle some weeding before Sunday lunch.

Toodleloo for now xoxo

My Sunday Photo... Spring sprouting and snow

Before I go I couldn't resist letting you see our latest reno! 

In the woodshed an old swallow's nest wasn't used last year, but someone's got their eye on it for this year's new arrivals.

We're thinking it might be a robin... we have four in and around our garden

What do you think?

(Apologies for the bad photo but it's quite dull in there and I didn't want to disturb the squatters)

 We've had such a great week... weather wise, but as I type this post it's actually snowing! 

Honestly... I kid you not... SNOWING!

See...

 I don't think I've ever posted so late to the My Sunday Photo linky... let's hope I'm not too late.

 

I hope you have a great week ahead.

Busy Bee from Sunrise until Sunset

I hope you had a lovely Easter break. 

I didn't intend to leave you for nearly a week, but it just sort of happened. 

I was too engrossed in eating chocolate!
No not really, but it has to be said that there was some serious commitment on my part to appreciating the Easter Bunny's work. 

There's never an Easter that passes that I don't remember making an Easter bonnet with my daughter when she was about 4 years old. We spent hours enjoying cutting, licking and sticking to produce a stunning Easter bonnet... even if I say so myself. 

I was so pleased with the result and obviously wanted to take a photo.

But that's where it all started to go wrong!
My daughter produced a spectacular strop...virtual meltdown and with a pout, she flatly refused point blank that not under any circumstance and any amount of bribes would she would put it on her head!
More effort went into trying to get her to conform and just pop the thing on for a matter of seconds than went into creating the whole thing. Instead the meltdown built to a crescendo.

I think in the end, I just got the camera and plonked it on whilst clicking at the same time. Oh boy...you should see that photo. In fact if I ever find it in the box (yep...back to the days of boxes full of photos) I'll show you. 

She remembers the incident well... maybe I've scared her... who knows?

She'll probably have her answer to this question so I'll move on quickly.

I think a rainbow is a special sight especially when you are able to see both ends in view at the same time. Does this mean that there's double the chance of a pot of gold perhaps? One end landed in the nearby field and the other into the woods.

I always rush to grab my camera when there's a rainbow, as they tend to be fleeting, but this rainbow stayed a while. If you look carefully there is actually a second rainbow above.

It appeared earlier in the week and perhaps it was a good omen for the forthcoming Easter weekend weather. Normally bank holidays come with inclement weather and traffic jams, but this last weekend was perfect. The weather pulled out all the stops and we were able to enjoy it. Although we're still busy there was time to stop and smell the roses (although they aren't out yet). I've even got evidence of the thermometer reaching 31 degrees. Don't laugh... but it is situated in full sun. 

I'm okay with that... I'll get the best reading I can... however I can. 

It just does me good to see it climb to lofty heights, even if it's had a helping hand. 

I've not been back in this house during spring time for quite a few years, so I'm reacquainting myself with everything. Some old friends and favourites have disappeared, leaving gaps and spaces in the borders, whilst I've introduced a few new additions to take their place. We will wait to hopefully see good results. 

It's exciting times...

A busy bee came to check out the rhododendron whilst I was weeding nearby.  

He was oblivious to me... intent on making the most of the day. 

I'd completely forgotten that I had a blossom tree too... I think it's a cherry blossom but please correct me if I'm wrong. 

And here's a little something from my rockery in the front garden. I'm not sure what it is... so if you know once again... I'd love to hear from you. 

I was going to include it in Blue Monday but never got to post before the deadline to link up. Hey... just call me 'Tail-end Charlie' 

After enjoying the holiday weekend, nature decided to put on a spectacular show last night. We watched as the sun went down and clinked our glasses to a lovely Easter. I hope you enjoyed yours too?

Once again... I'll try to nip over to see what you're up to but it may take me some time.

Toodleloo for now

 

xoxo

Spring Watch at my place

Yoohoo...I'm here!
I've been missing and I'm hoping that you've been devastated missed me because I certainly missed you.
Quite a few things just took over last week and I couldn't fit blogging in (gasp) 
I know, it shocked me too because I normally can manage that no matter what, but I now realise that I'm not superhuman and can't do everything which has come as a blow. 
But I won't give in...I'm hoping I can catch up in the next few days. 

(I stopped by the roadside to take this blossom photo...it just made me smile) 
There was a little trip to Glasgow for a few days and last weekend McMuffy became ill. She's okay now thankfully but I was really quite worried about her at the time. 
She's normally so healthy it came as a surprise and not one I'd like to repeat. 
We haven't had any positive diagnosis other than a possible stomach upset, but it was really quite scary to see her so unwell. 

(Twisted/Corkscrew Hazel Tree in our garden...looking beautiful at any time of year)
So where are we? 
Well I'm pleased to report that we seem to be getting a little of the house back as each day passes. The amount of dust sheets covering everything has diminished, although I have to say some of them were as useful as a teabag...the dust just seemed to go right through. 

(I've kept this photo deliberately small...basically because it's such a mess) 

Who would have guessed that choosing a new external front door could take up so much time and cause so much anxiety. I wanted our new door to make a statement and for me to instantly fall in love with it, like I have done with the new windows, but unfortunately that hasn't happened.  

I'm pleased with the windows, in fact I couldn't be more pleased...but the front door is another story and has been a real challenge...one I haven't won...yet. 

I'm so nervous of making a mistake in my choice...for the second time! 

Yes, I've already picked one, had it made, paid for it and had it installed but I hate don't like it. 

The poor builders face when he enthusiastically asked with a beaming smile..."well what do you think?" suddenly took a downward turn when I just crinkled my nose and shrugged my shoulders. I tried to like it, honestly I did, but it just wasn't meant to be. 

I couldn't put my finger on what was wrong initially other than the colour stain of the wood, but if you're like me you know what you like and what you don't - instantly. 
We've now worked it out that the dimensions weren't correct. 
Glass to wood ratio wasn't what I wanted. 
It's unfortunate that I didn't see the door before we made the final choice and I know that sounds crazy but we didn't. Don't ask me how this happened because even on reflection I really don't know. Maybe it was the sales rep and builders enthusiasm that swept me away. Statements like "it'll be stunning" etc may have persuaded me but I should have insisted on seeing the stain and a photo or at least a drawing of the door first...and so back to the drawing board to choose another. 
I think I'm getting there...fingers crossed.
I've certainly learnt from this experience though. 

(Hellebore...a sure sign spring is here)
Yesterday I escaped for a few hours into the garden.
 I'm a little worried that its going to burst into life and leave me behind. 
There is so much to do so if/when the sun shines...I'm out there! 
I planted some new plants into a border which was delightful until the sun dipped down and I felt that chilly wind blow. I then decided enough was enough and it was time to call it a day. I enjoyed a much needed cuppa whilst looking back and assessing my handy work. Don't you just love that? Enjoying a much needed cuppa and looking back over your work. The border is still not finished so I'll not show it to you just yet. 
I also put some potatoes into a sack to grow. I've done this before and been surprised how successful this method can be (see here). 
I'd have liked to put them into an allocated raised bed but unfortunately we are way off starting the veg plot. There's talk of a little digger coming (the mechanical kind) to help so we may get to it but there again...who knows? 

(Blue Anemone)
Have you seen this feather before? 

I can't remember if I've mentioned or shown it to you before. 
It's amazing because I noticed it when we first arrived back here in July. It was clinging to a branch of the rust tree. Can you believe that it's still clinging on seven months later? 
It's managed to stay there even with all the elements throwing everything at it. 
I'm wondering just how long it will stay?
Now that's staying power through all forms of adversity. 
Maybe there's a lesson there for us all. 

Just to let you know that I'm trying to visit everyone and I know I haven't replied to all the lovely emails and comments that I've received but I hopefully will.
Enjoy your week and like the feather if its tough for whatever reason...hang on in there...I'm sure it'll get better.

psst....still no lambs 

Confused...you will be?

So how did your holiday weekend go? I could tell you all about mine, but because I was so busy enjoying myself I didn't get around to taking any photos of all the goodies, meals, friends, and company so you'll just have to believe me. My visitor arrived safely and we're having fun so my posts may be sporadic for a time.
But I'm so confused at the moment but then I'm not alone....nature seems to be completely topsy tervy. Because I'm originally from the UK I have preconceived notions of what month depicts what kind of weather you can expect....not any more though. When arriving in Australia I obviously had to completely flip all my ideas over....spring came in September and not April, Christmas is during summer months, day was night on the other side of the world when calculating phone calls....so you get the idea, but all of that seems to be changing...at least in relation to the weather.
Last week we had temperatures up to nearly 30 degrees Celsius (for autumn) and this week the temperature has dropped...but last night we even had hail stones!
Is it any wonder that nature is confused....
On our walk last week I came across this tree which is obviously completely confused! Is it spring or autumn?

 

 I must dash...things to do...places to go...people to see....

Have a great day and whatever the weather in your part of the world I hope it's smiling :D