Friday 23 April 2010

Thank you’s and Springtime.

Dorothy thank you

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.

magnolia b

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.

magnolia e

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!).

magnolia c

magnolia d

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,

anemone

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

cowslips

Another favourite, cowslips.

tulip

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!).

duck at barge & bottle

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.

 

17 comments:

Gina said...

I love Magnolias too! Enjoy your break Julie. x

Heather said...

Lovely springtime post Julie - all my favourite flowers. Have a nice break and see you soon.

ju-north said...

That tulip is wonderful! I love macro shots! Enjoy your break and take lots of pics. x

Françoise said...

Lovely pictures!
Have a nice break.

Carolyn said...

Have a wonderful blog break. Your photos are gorgeous! Take care dear friend, love to you both :o)

BonnyBadger said...

amazing flowr pictures - i feel so uplifted when walking in the park lately. So glad your mother is making good progress.

DILLY said...

Dilly be miss Julie wile away,
but Dilly hope Julie be hav luvly time!

Dilly an Bob hav parsol from Dorothy too!
Not blog bowt yet.

Luvly maglollyer tree!
Be wun look sayme neer Dilly howse!
Now think ov Julie wen see.

Hope Mummy duk be kay!

¬"

Val said...

Beautiful pix Julie, especially the closeups. Hope you had a lovely weekend with all the family.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous photos Julie. I love cowslips too.Enjoy your blog break. Will miss your posts and look forward to your return. Take care,
Penny :)

Angela said...

What a gorgeous magnolia.I'm glad to hear that your mum is on the mend. Have a great break.

Cameron said...

Julie, I think that you would enjoy looking at my geese. I sure enjoy reading your posts. Look forward to the next. Cameron

silverpebble said...

I'm just having a lovely catch up Julie. The journal quilt in your last post was gorgeous. I'm so glad to hear your Mum is mending. Have a good rest x

Emma said...

Love all your photos, not too large or too grainy! Loved Waves too. Look forward to your return ;)

sharon young said...

Beautiful pics, Julie, you're obviously making good use of your new camera.
Glad your mum continues to improve.
Have a nice blog break.

Jackie said...

Mums are more important than blogs so we'll see you when you return. Don't overdo it.

Cameron said...

Julie, How are you doing? We haven't heard from you for a while. Is all well with the family?
Love, Cameron

Cameron said...

I just read a comment from one of your other ladies. Sound like your mom needs some prayers. I'll be doing that. I saw mine over Mother's Day, told you before, 88. She's doing okay, won't let me help much, such an independent woman, guess that's good. Love again, Cameron