Good start to the day, very warm.
Day in the garden. Created a path with wood-a-like paving through the stumpery. Covered in bluebells in the Spring.
With the Budleigha plants now out in full flower it was time to cut down this years growth of stinging nettles.
Back breaking days work, will suffer now no doubt.
Had a good response on FB with my posts of the different types of snails in the garden. Hated by most but adored by some?
Pictures - Snail fiesta.
Very warm day.
Enjoyed a long walk at Dinton Pastures with Cath and Steve. I have never seen so many dogs in my life. More dogs than ducks.
Good to see the Great Crested with three young. Long way out on the lake but no mistaking. Particularly pleasing to see as watch the mating ritual at this spot during the dawn chorus walk on May 5th.
Wild flowers at their summer best, stunning variety. Damselflies aplenty and two Dragonflies spotted.
Finished the day with a Roast dinner at the Wheelwrights Arms. Food good but oh dear, the service. Arrived at 1pm and left at 4pm.
Picture 1 - Great Crested Grebe and young.
" 2 - Pair of Egyptian Geese.
" 3 - Wild Flowers.
" 4 - Puzzled by this. Growing on a wild rose.
Warm day spoilt by a heavy shower late afternoon/evening.
Managed to cut the lawn before the rain arrived.
For some reason I am not having much success with the Moth trap this year. Have seen more on the front door than in the trap.
Neighbour told me the white Bat is about so eyes peeled each night now. He was pretty convincing but will only be excited when I spot it.
Picture 1 & 2 - Moths seen this morning on the front door and a garden seat.
" 3 - Damselfly has taken a liking to NQB.
What is happening, woke up to rain.
After breakfast we decided to head for home as was a pretty bleak morning.
Arrived home at mid-day to sun, never mind. We had a great two days.
Rest of the afternoon remained warm and dry so enjoyed time in the garden.
Picture of the entrance to Rhinefield.
Another very warm day.
Day spent at Lymington. A quaint fishing port with cobbled streets leading down to the Quay. Sat on the Quay for some while enjoying the sun, watching the movement of pleasure and fishing boats.
Stayed for lunch before heading back ready for afternoon drinks at the Rhinefield before dinner in the dining room tonight.
Picture 1 - Quay Street.
" 2 - Lunch close to the Quay.
" 3 - Evening dinner.
" 4 - Last drink of the evening, a toast to Lorna and Lyn who both have rather special birthdays this year. To Lorna and Lyn.
Very, very warm day. Ideal start to the holiday.
Nigel & Lyn picked us up at 9.30am and drove to Exbury Gardens where we spent a very enjoyable four hours walking the gardens over looking the Beaulie River. Stopped for a light lunch before making our way to the Rhinefield Hotel close to Brockenhurst. We stopped here for lunch some twenty five years ago on the way to Bournmouth. Always said we would return.
The Rhinefield is a stunning building built in the eighteenth century. Full of incredible features from the elaborate brickwork/stonework and the internal wooden panelling. I just love the building.
After a rest I enjoyed a wander about the acres of forest and lakes which is part of the Rhinefield estate before catching up with Nigel & Lyn over a pint of local Ale.
Dinner was enjoyed in the Grill room then a relaxing evening drink in the lounge.
Going to be a good break.
Pictures 1 & 2 - Exbury Gardens.
" 3 - Rhinefield Hotel.
" 4 - Afternoon drink on the terrace.
" 5 - Evening dinner.
A very warm day.
Henry Street woke me up, delivery arrived very early! All ready now to finish the Bluebell walk on return from holiday.
Good day for Swifts, flying and calling most of the day. A joy.
Enjoyed a coffee and chat with old mates at Lavers this morning. Caught up on gossip, I do miss the banter.
This afternoon I was transfixed by a mating pair of Damselflies. From cutting a leaf for the eggs to the copulation wheel and tandem position. Not seen before so glad I had the time to watch the action.
Foxy was back last night, not seen for months. I was actually pleased to see him again.
Yesterday I saw loads of Peacock Caterpillars and today photographed one on the greenhouse path.
Picture 1 - Foxy.
" 2 - Wood alike paving delivered.
" 3 - 7 - Mating pair of Damselflies.
" 8 - Peacock Caterpillar.
Away now for a few days in the New Forest.
One word - Hot.
Walked from Eton Wick to Windsor today along the River Thames towpath. A magnificent walk with so much to see. Had not appreciated the acreage of wild flower meadows on offer in this area. Swarming with Butterflies, Dragonflies and Damselflies. Loved it. Enjoyed a pint in Windsor and a good steak before making our way back. Pretty exhausted at the end, was a little hot for this walk but made up with the wildlife.
Pictures 1 - 6 - Photographs taken on the walk.
" 7 - Blackened sky from the serious house fire in Whitley last night. Taken from bedroom window.
Another very warm and humid day.
Enjoyed an early morning walk at Fobney. The Spring flowers are at their best now. In the last three years,Fobney Nature Reserve in the making is the best it has been right now. This is despite two years of serious flooding washing away newly sown wild flower seed etc.
Attended the Christening reception this afternoon of Alistair. Son of Emma and Phil and brother of Alec and Callum. Reception held at Worplesdon Place Hotel near Guildford.
Was a good day at home for Damsel Flies. Saw one of the Reds fledge from the pond. Not sure if this is the right terminology?
Picture 1 - Emma and Alistair.
" 2 - Wild Flowers at Fobney.
" 3 - Little Egret.
" 4 - Young Heron.
" 5 - 7 - Damsel Flies around the pond.
Very warm and humid day.
Day spent in London visiting the Houses of Parliament with a blue badge guide including afternoon tea on the terrace.
A magnificent day. Had no idea on the magnitude of splendour attached to this masterpiece of British workmanship. We are talking 14/15th century here. Not an inch of plaster or wood is exposed without paint, gild or carving. I was awe struck.
On leaving, modern day life soon hit home by means of a demonstration meaning Parliament Square was closed leaving us with an issue of where the coach might be parked up. Let's sum up, we were a little late home!
Picture 1 - The Terrace.
" 2 - Tea on the Terrace.
" 3 - House of Lords.
" 4 - House of Commons.
" 5 - The demonstration.
