My Sunday Photo...Autumn Sunlight

We've been living in a cloud over the last three days, so it was such a wonderful sight to see the sun cast it's amazing autumnal light on everything this morning.

All the changing colours of the leaves as they twist and twirl down to the ground on the crisp breeze.

The last of the summer blooms popped with vibrant colours once more...putting one last performance in before they disappear until next year. 

Brave bees and butterflies are busy making the most of the day... as did I. 

I transplanted many tender plants into pots to bring indoors before the chilly night air shocks their delicate leaves.

I worked until my back reminded me that it was time to call it a day.

There's rain forecast for tomorrow so I'm glad I seized the day and made the most of the beautiful warm sunshine.

I'm linking up with My Sunday Photo over at Photalife.com

and Image-in-ing.blogspot.co.uk

Have a great weekend and thanks for popping over to my place.

My Sunday Photo... a last fling

Today was a beautiful day and one for getting outdoors and enjoying it even if it meant raking up fallen leaves. 

I do have a leaf blower, but I thought I'd have the satisfaction of a good workout. 

Two birds with one stone and all that.

But as usual I got distracted... the robin watching with keen interest at my handywork... ready to scoop anything of interest. 

The geese flying overhead... the few clouds drifting across the sky and of course all of the plants putting on the finale. There blooms still bright and catching the sunlight.

I thought I'd just randomly take a few shots to let you see what's still adding a splash of colour.

There were lots more but I was supposed to be doing a job after all.

Maybe I'll snap a few more tomorrow if the weather stays good. 

I hope you liked them...
I'm linking them to the My Sunday Photo over at Photalife
Mersad's through my lens
and Wednesday (On Tuesday at image-in-ing)

Have fun everyone and enjoy those beautiful autumn colours.

Thanks for your visit and I hope to see you again soon.

Autumn... Through my lens.

September has been an exceptional month so far. 

It's reaffirmed to me that it is one of my favourite months.

Here are some autumnal photographs...

This was my view this morning... not all Mondays mornings are bad.

It's certainly crisp and fresh first thing, with temperatures dropping to 0 degrees overnight, but at least the day's are bright and full of sunlight.

Here's Muffy checking out one particular patch in our garden that's been intriguing her all week. 

I suspect that the fox (which we saw in the back field yesterday) has visited us.

You can just see Madame Muffy's back end sticking out of the shrubs, as she tentatively takes up the trail. 

Each year I love to see the Virginia Creeper change colour... I'm never disappointed.

It certainly brightens up the garage wall.

I was going to put out a warning on this next photo, but there's no spider in sight so I thought it would be okay... which makes me wonder where it might be?

This was the sight that greeted me as I opened the back door this morning, but thankfully I'm vertically challenged and wasn't tall enough for it to swipe across my face. Ugh!

(Funny I've never been thankful for being short before) 

Someone's certainly been busy overnight.

I believe September really is the spider month, because it's amazing how many cobwebs can appear even when you've swept through with the hoover nozzle, or feather duster.

(Honest I do make a gesture now and then)

Because the weather has been so brilliant it's obviously affected the plants and wildlife in the garden.

Here's a sample of some of the plants and grasses that I picked for an autumn display.

Anyone that knows me knows that I love to pick flowers from outside and bring them in to fully appreciate their loveliness.

Although having hubby send off for an offer for some spring bulbs took me to the limit this week.

I use the term 'some' bulbs loosely because when the boxes arrived there were a variety amounting to 800 in total. 

I'm still not through planting them all yet. 

I think I've got four more packets still to plant and I'm telling you now that if they don't all appear in spring... you'll hear about it! 

I normally take down my summer hanging baskets by now, but I just can't when they are still flowering so well. 

The winter display will have to wait.

The photo below shows Aberdeen once again, but this time from a different location.

It's still not clear, but I liked it.

If you'd like to see the other photo which was linked to My Sunday Photo... then click here

...and finally because I'm aware that this post is getting rather long and I could go on with autumn photos... 

One sight and sound that confirms that Autumn has definitely arrived, is the departure of the geese flying south for the winter.

Hearing and seeing them makes me slightly melancholy, but I know that they'll be back and what a sight that will be.

I'm going to link up with a few blogs for this post... I'd love you to take a peek at them. 

I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Mersad's Through My Lens

Wordless (on Tuesday at image-in-ing)

Monday Morning Blog Club

I hope you have a brilliant week ahead and I look forward to seeing you again soon

 

Wonderful Workshops

I can't complain that I haven't had time to paint this week because I've seriously indulged not once, but twice! (GASP!)

Well for a start how could I clean the house when it's been so dark? 

At 3.00pm I've had to turn on lamps for goodness sake.

I dread to think what I'll see when the sun eventually does shine, but apparently that's not going to happen until at least next Tuesday... if we're lucky. 

So for now all my guilt is shut up tight into the broom cupboard. 

But can you guess what the subject matter was for my art group this week?

A Rainy Afternoon!!!! 

As you can imagine I was thrilled 

I have to say I struggled with this one, not only for the subject, but also trying to keep my piece loose.

I nearly freaked out trying to get a little precision on a building whilst using the palette knife.
I apologised to all my fellow desk mates but they seemed to think it was a giggle... so they're now off my Christmas card list!  

I definitely need more time to work on this... so I'm not going to show you it this week.

I wouldn't wish that on anyone never mind my arty friends. 

I'm still attempting to catch up after being away and had completely forgotten that I'd signed up for a workshop.

Thankfully I'd entered it into my phone diary so didn't miss it. 

I had a great time which was organised by the Jack Tierney Gallery in Cults, Aberdeenshire.

The very talented visiting Russian artist Sofia Perina-Miller gave incredible demo's (four in all) and her enthusiasm was infectious, so we all had a play too.

Her work is so incredibly vibrant and free flowing. 

No pencil in sight. 

Here she is painting a poinsettia. 

Sofia sees everything in intense colour and transfers that to her paintings.
If you'd like to see more of Sofia's work... click here or visit her Facebook page here

Her energy was tangible and listening to her talk about all of her projects, plans and future work left me feeling a little dizzy. She apparently only has about three to four hours sleep a night. 

(I knew that's were I would find some more time... now I just have to try sleep deprivation... although somehow I don't think it'll be for me... I'm a dizzy blonde already at times) 

I now have an extensive art supplies wish list for Christmas, but unfortunately I don't think I've been that good.... I'll have to work on it!

St.Petersburg White Nights Wooden Box Set
Shin-Gansai watercolour pan
600gsm cold pressed paper 
to name but three...

Here's a painting I managed to do within the time restraints.

I always like to outline in pen so was thrilled when Sofia said that we needed to do that on our finished paintings. 

Yay... I knew I liked her 

This second piece isn't finished but I'll maybe have a play with it using the paints I already have. 

It's so dark here so photographs lately leave a lot to be desired...soz!

I'll certainly be looking out for more workshops to attend and Sofia says she will return in the spring.
Roll on spring for so many reasons...

And finally and more appropriately my sincere apologies if you have visited me recently and I haven't returned the call.

I've been away twice in the last few weeks and there's still two little trips planned (although these aren't cast in stone) I will be revisiting my posts to catch up with replies as and when I can.

In the meantime why don't you nip over to Kristin and Eva's Paint Party Friday there's always lots to see.

I'm also linking to Dion Dior's Friday Sketches... click here to visit Dion

And the Artist's Play Room over at Jenn's Just Add Water Silly blog

Happy Friday everyone... have fun and hopefully I'll see you again soon
(I'll be concentrating on the Christmas festivities after this weekw)

xoxo

Turning back the time

That's it... we've put the clocks back an hour which means we're now on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) 

I just wish someone would explain how I get my dog to understand this.

Yesterday, she started gruffing and driving me mad for her dinner... which I chose to ignore, but it wasn't until the gentle gruffing reached annoying levels, that I suddenly realised that she wasn't being a pain or greedy... it was in her mind (and stomach) one hour later than the clock stated! 

Doggy dinner-time! 

So the summers passed and we're heading towards winter. 

There's nothing that can be done about it...so we just have to suck it up and embrace it... whatever it brings. 

I'll try not to dwell on the fact that I'm sitting writing this post at 5.00pm and it's nearly pitch black outside!

Anyway, I don't have to keep a check on the time, because I have my very own personal time keeper. 

I'm not one of those people that remember dates for when things have happened previously... other than the obvious birthdays, anniversary's and major dates etc but my hubby remembers the finer details.

He can suddenly announce "do you know that it's blah blah X years to the day that we moved into blah blah (insert address)" or "It was on this day last year that we ate that amazing meal in the blah blah ***** hotel"! 

His powers of retention never cease to amaze me especially for date related details. 

(Oh and especially if there's food involved).

Maybe it's his number favouring left-sided brain that gives him this freaky skill (he's left handed too) whilst I on the other hand (no pun intended... honest) am a right-sided brain (right handed too) who cannot for the life of me remember numbers! 

For example, I've had my mobile phone since I moved back here and I still don't know the number.

Maybe that's why we work so well for all of these years... it's all about balance.

(Digitalis... or commonly know as Foxglove from my garden) 

And so we're on the run up to Halloween, but I have a confession to make... I don't really like this particular holiday. As a child it used to frighten me, but thankfully it wasn't of the same degree that it is now.

I remember I was scared on this night. 

(just a wee woos really) 

But I do remember that we had one particular great Halloween night when we lived in Qatar. 

We lived on a compound with security guards and gates containing roughly 30 houses, each had it's own big perimeter wall of about 7 or 8 ft high.

So as the excitement mounted, the compound manager notified every house by letter that the outer gates would be locked at 6.pm and the compound lights switched off for one hour of high jinks.
It was great to know that all the little kiddiewinks would be safe to take part in trick or treating. 

All of the houses wishing to participate had a picture of a pumpkin placed strategically on their gate, so the children would know whether to ring the bell or not.
My son went out around the compound and came back with a huge stash of goodies and joked how he and his friends were playing tricks on some of the other older kids... jumping out of bushes etc. 

We had Harry Potter music playing loudly in our garden with lanterns and candles which set the scene. It was very dark, so we sat back on our veranda to listen to the giggles, squeals, and shouts...enjoying the fact that my son could participate without our help.

But my hubby decided that it was time for a little fun and payback. 

He climbed up on to our wall and waited...

When my son came back once again through the gate throughly excited with his goody bag bulging once more... my husband reached over and ruffled his hair! 

OH MY... I kid you not... I think my son must have leap three feet into the air and may even have squealed (although he'll certainly deny this part I'm sure) 

Once he realised who had played the joke on him and his heart rate had returned to a normal rate, he couldn't stop laughing.

He remembers it to this day. 

So have fun and enjoy whilst I pop some garlic around the place... just in case! 

I'm away for a few days for a quick get-away... woohoo... and I'm not sure if I'll have internet connections ... ... so I may be missing for a wee while. 

But I'll no doubt have lots to show you when I return.
There maybe the odd instagram photo just so you don't forget me. 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to natter with you again soon.

Toodleloo for now 

xoxo

My Sunday Photo

Hardly Wordless Wednesday more Waffling Wednesday!

I was thinking that today's post could be a 'Wordless Wednesday' but as usual I've got far too much to say. 

(Nothing new there my hubby would say!) 

There's far too much milling around my head and it's all desperate to come out! 

So I think perhaps I should call this post 'Waffling Wednesday' instead?

I apologise in advance if I take you all over the place and it is difficult to follow...but that's just the way my mind is working today. I've no idea what I'm going to write about at this stage or where it will lead...so strap yourself in...it could be a bumpy ride!

Firstly, it appears that it's October already according to the calender and autumn is upon us (whether we like it or not) 

Personally I love to see the seasonal changes. It's something I really missed whilst living in the Middle East, so I make sure that I stop to appreciate the changes as they occur. 

We seem to be in a transitional period at the moment...it's not too cold but then it's not warm either. It can take quite some time first thing in the morning to decide how many layers and what thicknesses will be needed...starting off rather chilly but later warming up when the weak sun peeks out through the grey blanket. 

Here's my entry into this months photography of the view at the rear of our property...

As you can see there's a golden glow to the tree on the left plus it holds a new bird feeder. It took nearly a whole week for the word to spread that there was a new feeder just around the corner. I think the few chaffinches that have found it and are visiting are keeping it very quiet and to themselves for now. 

The grasses near to the boundary have dried out now and their seeds scattered by the brisk breeze. The sun was very shy yesterday but it did appear sporadically during the day but I missed it! 

The hills in the far distance can hardly be seen with the low cloud. 

I'm happy to report that there's more blue sky peeping today, but the breeze has developed into very emthusiastic chilly gusts!

It's difficult to say whether the crows are either having fun or battling trying to fly around the fields. 

But here's a view from a little further back where hopefully my veg plot might be one day...I can hope!

Tell me, do you think this Virginia Creeper is showing off? 

It's certainly got into the autumn show in a big way!

I remember actually planting this plant years ago and as you can imagine I was surprised when I returned to see this stunning sight! 

I've just got to make sure it doesn't run riot now...but with that colour I can't see that as too much of a problem. 

Well for now anyway. 

Oh I must tell you about yesterday...I was a hero and saved a life!

I know that's quite a statement but its true.

I was filling the bird feeders when I heard a strange noise.

When I investigated I saw an incredible sight...there down in a drain was a tiny blue tit!

He'd fallen down the drainpipe! 

How I don't know, but there he was looking forlornly at me...so Neesie to the rescue. 

First grabbing my camera of course, but I was aware that whilst I was photographing, it could well die or drown...so please forgive the quality of the picture! 

I had to be brave because surprisingly I'm not too good at putting my hand down a drain or getting hold of a flapping bird! 

Anyway donning my gardening gloves, I removed the drain cover and gently scooped the poor wee thing up. As it got to the top of the drain...off it flew but not before he bid me a chirpy 'thank you'. 

Honestly, it sounded just like he said thank you!  

And here he is...

Keeping with little critters (see I'm trying desperately not to flit too much) we tested McMuffy's intelligence after watching a doggy programme on the TV, that showed how you can do this. For anyone wanting to try this out here's the process...

When your dog is relaxed but obviously not asleep, take a towel and gently place it over its head and see how long it takes to work it out how to get out! 

I'm pleased to report McMuffy did exactly as the TV's sheepdog...using the backing out technique and completed within seconds! 

So it appears she's as clever as a Collie! Yay!

Hmm...so all those times we've thought she was being a dumb blond...she was in fact working the system! 

Minx ^..^ 

Having said all of the above she is definitely having a problem in this house. 

It's not foxes or buzzards as we first feared but bleeps! 

Yes, I did say bleeps! 

Basically, it appears that everything in this kitchen area bleeps, which sends her scurrying upstairs. I only have to walk towards the cooker now and she's off! I have to admit it is rather annoying that everytime I press anything on the cooker a high pitch noise pierces the air. It's obviously worse for a dog's sensitive ears by McMuffy's reaction.

But it's not just the cooker...there's the washing machine, microwave, tumble dryer and fridge/freezer. Plus the car can be just the same. When did it happen that we have to have a bleep to tell us what's happening or when we're either too near, too hot or open? 

The fridge sound makes me want to run from the room too because it's so insistent.

'SHUT MY DOOR'!

Our last fridge/freezer back in Melbourne used to give a gentle melodious chime that told you that the door had been left open or you were taking too long to decide what to take out. No problem there...I'd shut it asap but this model...oh my word...it's impatient to say the least! 

There's help on hand though because once the Aga is serviced we will be cooking on gas as they say and as far as I remember it doesn't bleep. 

So at least thankfully that'll silence some of the bleeps. 

Back 'atcha baby....I'll have to last laugh!

I can't wait to feel its warmth as an Aga can be the heart of the home.

Everyone gravitates to it. 

There's bound to be lots of posts regarding this beauty!

Moving on again...(are you still with me...?) I thought I'd show you another of my wonderful presents that fantastic friends bought for us when we left Melbourne. The Monet apron got such a great reaction from everyone so I thought you'd like to see this...

It's a cushion with a street map of the area we used to live in. 

I thought it was such a thoughtful present because now we have a constant reminder of all the area around our old home. Isn't that fantastic? 

I did promise that once I'd left the area, I'd write a blog on the village and I still intend to...I'm just not sure when. Soon hopefully because I've taken so long that they've all probably forgotten me by now! 

I also plan to show you much more about this area and all that it offers.

I've been out snapping photos so don't worry it's not all about birds, blonds, gardening and weather. 

Here's just a snippet...

His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen is the largest theatre in north-east Scotland, seating more than 1,400. The theatre is sited on Rosemount Viaduct, opposite the city's Union Terrace Gardens. It was designed by Frank Matcham and opened in 1906.

I'll be writing about His Majesty's Theatre and possibly taking you inside at some stage. Note that beautiful blue sky! 

Phew...well I feel a little better now that I've nattered for a while with you...but really I must get on...

Don't worry I'll be back soon 

In the meantime enjoy your week whatever you get up to...have fun! 

Toodleloo for now 

Tribute to Trees

Today I wanted to post a tribute to trees....

It's something I've been thinking about for some time now and I know there are many fellow tree huggers out there. The only trouble is how much I wanted to post...seriously I've chopped (oops...sorry no pun intended) this post from a 'War and Peace' type post.
So where to start...obviously trees provide us with two of life's essentials, food and oxygen but then there is so much more...as shelter, medicine, and tools. They can provide peaceful, aesthetically pleasing environments which we can all enjoy. They frame landscapes, create beautiful backgrounds and enhance building designs. Trees can provide privacy, emphasize beautiful views, and screen unsightly areas. 

They improve our quality of life by bringing natural elements and wildlife habitats into urban settings...in fact I'd better stop there because there's a risk I could go on and on....and there's a lot of photos to get through. Maybe you should pop the kettle on for a cuppa while you browse?

If you're a tree lover then you'll know just how special they are and how they can touch your very soul.

I hope you enjoy my little tree tribute.

The first photo on the left is the Crow Pine tree in Canada 

The middle tree was taken during our trip to New Zealand's North Island and the far right was taken on one of my morning walks here in Melbourne.

The exfoliating bark never ceases to amaze me...and also reminds me just how important moisturizing is and that I must step up my beauty regime!

The patterns and colours are stunning....especially when they have just had a shower!

I sometimes feel compelled to touch the tree trunk especially when it's stripped of bark...it looks like it should feel warm like a living limb...and I'm always surprised that it doesn't. 

(I know that this might sound odd...maybe I should move on swiftly?!?!)

 

Then of course there are the big blousey show offs that like a splash from the colour palette...you'd like purple? 

Not a problem.....

 Or would you prefer red?

And that's just a snippet of looking at trees but then there's all the other aspects...like who visits or uses a tree for shelter or survival.

Here are a few fellow tree huggers....precious birds eggs, the koala, a possom snoozing away during the day and a flock of local rainbow lorikeets enjoying breakfast.

 Sometimes an unexpected guest might arrive.... the tawny frogmouth owl that isn't really an owl at all...

click here if you'd like to see and hear The tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)

 

And of course I couldn't miss out the majestic kookaburra

Or the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo...

Yet another serious tree hugger....literally!

We mustn't forget that trees bare fruit too....here's a photo of my lemon tree last year and I'm happy to say I've noticed lots of flowers appearing again this year :D
I'm thinking it might be an idea to plant an apple tree in the place of the tree that had to be uprooted last week. I miss being able to just pick an apple off my own tree. It's been quite a while. 

And then of course all the various colour that appear with the different seasons...giving pleasure as we pass from one season to the other.

Spring positively bursting into life...with pungent fragrances to stop you right in your tracks in order to appreciate their effort!

Beautiful blossom....

But then fall comes to call....

I don't think I'd ever seen a pine cone this big before and thankfully it didn't fall on my head as I walked beneath the canopy.

From little things...big things grow!

Did you ever plant an acron as a child...I'm hoping to visit mine one day just to see how big it might be. 

I also had the priviledge of taking part in a local council organised Community Planting Day here a few years ago where I helped plant lots of trees and grasses along a nature reserve...but I took a special note of this one particular tree, so that I would remember...that's MY TREE!
I regularly check on its progress....it's now over 6ft tall and looking good...I'm so proud of it!

Everyone should plant at least one tree...it's incredibly satisfying.

The bottom right hand photo show's my hubby standing beneath his favourite oak tree which is in a local park back in the UK. The photo doesn't do it justice and its beautiful perfect shape...as you can see it's been there for quite some time...and must have some stories to tell.

 As the wonderfully warm summer days slowly leave us... trees compensate and console us with colourful displays. ❤

Finally the leaves fall...leaving bare branches but even so they can be spectacular on the landscape...oh and I mustn't forget we then have the most special tree of all...the Christmas Tree! 

I've searched my mess, unorganised, collection of photographs for my best Christmas Tree photo and I can't find it! 

Note to self...I really must take some time to reorganised my photo files...but that could take me years. 

I have quite a few :(

Even when sadly a tree has to be taken down....it can still enhance our lives, by keeping us warm and cosy throughout the winter months. There's something very special about a real fire.

I know I'm going to see so many things I should have included in this post but I think you get the point...trees mean a lot to me and I couldn't live without them. I hope you feel the same way.

Have a great week everyone and don't forget to take a look at the trees around you...there's sure to be something special. 

See you again soon