Thank you’s and Springtime.

You may remember that this time last year we played host to a little bear that had come all the way from South Haven Kansas and a few days ago we had a lovely package from the children in the class who had followed Dorothy’s progress on her travels.  We’ve enjoyed ready the children’s ‘thank you’ letters and there is plenty of information about Kansa for us to have a look at too.

It was such a beautiful day on Wednesday that I decided I would get myself away from the computer and have a walk into town.  I have been putting more and more weight on recently (signs of advancing years methinks!) and I really should get more exercise so a lovely sunny Spring day seemed the perfect time to start!   It was also the perfect time to give my new camera a try out.

Every year at this time we pass this stunning magnolia on the road into town and I have always intended to get some photographs of it.

This shot is looking back at the plant  from the town side.  Isn’t it spectacular?  I would love to have one of these magnificent plants in my garden, if only it was big enough (our garden, that is, the plant is plenty big enough!).

You can click on these images to enlarge them but one or two of them may be rather large.  I would really love to incorporate these wonderful blooms into a work of art some day.

On the subject of Spring I had a little wander round our garden today too,

Another brief visitor to the garden in April, the beautiful and delicate Anemone Blanda.

Another favourite, cowslips.

This tulip is a large image too.  It’s not a perfect composition but I am pleased with the way the camera has captured the image without a tripod (cos I was too lazy to go and set one up!).

And finally, I saw this little lady a couple of weeks ago nesting in a planter outside a pub in Sleaford.  She was enjoying a little piped music and would probably be joined by the odd smoker or two over the course of the day.  I wonder if her brood has hatched yet?

I am going to be missing for a while so don’t worry about me (lovely friends that you all are).  I’m just having a break and will soon be back wittering on as ever.  Mum is making good progress now and is getting much stronger.   My brother is doing a great job of encouraging her along so hopefully we can relax again.  She is going to meet her great-grandson on Sunday so I’m hoping for some photos of the four generations. 

Back soon!  :o)) XxXx

PS Did I say?  Our friends got back home yesterday morning.  As my friend’s back was causing her problems I think they were prioritised by the airline once the air space was opened.  I think they were quite lucky to get back so quickly.  I hope everyone else’s family and friends have all got back safely.