A mild, dull, miserable, showery day.
Pots now displayed on the patio, can't wait to see the Spring bulbs in flower now!
Enjoyed afternoon tea at the Great Western Hotel in Reading as part of the Reading Heritage Weekend. The hotel was built in 1844 as a Railway Hotel and is in fact the only original, operational Railway Hotel in the world now managed by the Malmaison Group.
Picture 1 - Great Western Hotel entrance (original).
" 2 - Grand Staircase.
" 3 - Afternoon Tea.
A mild, dry day but very dull.
completed the patio project this morning, rope balustrade now in place. Just require a few plant pots now to break up the space.
What a wedding we enjoyed this afternoon at Wargrave Church with the reception at the Leander Club in Henley.
Chris and Amy tied the knot in the most beautiful setting both at the Church and reception overlooking the river Thames. Little Brother Ian was best man and both gave brilliant speeches. A credit to Mum & Dad.
Picture 1 - Chris & Amy.
" 2 - John & Hilary (Mum & Dad).
" 3 - Ian & Stacy.
Not a good day, wet most of the day.
Made a trip to Henry Street for bags of gravel for the soak-a-way I have created under the patio.
Despite the rain I filled said soak-a-way with the gravel.
What a cracking day, such a contrast to yesterday with warm, sunny conditions most of the day.
Day spent exploring the Jurassic Coast by Steam Train and Boat.
Boarded the train at a Village called Norden alighting at Swanage, a trip of 35 minutes passing Corfe Castle and Town.
At Swanage we experienced (not expected) the Waverley (only operational steam paddle boat in the world) arrive/depart at Swanage Pier. An absolute beauty. Had the pleasure of a trip on this steamer some years ago from Southampton to Isle of Wight.
After a good meal and pint of Chessil Bitter we boarded a boat which sailed the Jurassic Coast to Poole Harbor. With weather conditions perfect it made the trip all the more enjoyable.
Arrived home late and shattered but boy, did we enjoy the day.
Miserable day, mild but showers during the day and evening.
Managed to do a bit more work to the patio. Just the rope to fix between the posts which will finish the project.
More Sparrowhawk excitement. While working on the patio, once again in the wet, I was somewhat shocked to witness the Sparrowhawk fly into the conservatory by the Alphine border. The sight was something else, the border appeared to be completely covered by the birds wingspan. Once composed she flew into next doors garden to rest before flying back to my bird feeder just waiting for the next meal.
Enjoyed a good Steak in town this evening to celebrate Janet's birthday. Colin had arranged this surprise party with us and their daughter/husband, Alison and Andy.
Picture is of the Patio.
Much cooler, lack of Sun but at least dry.
Spent morning fixing last two balustrade posts to patio. During this work I was aware my arm and hand had become numb with no ability to hold, pain was also unbearable. Doctor diagnosed Tennis Elbow. Treatment advised was not to lay any more patios!
Could not resist Fobney Island tonight, the most brilliant sunset.
Pictures 1 & 2 - Sunflowers still growing, best ever year for Sunflowers.
" 3 & 4 - Sunset at Fobney Island.
A right mix of weather, heavy showers most of the day but a beautiful late afternoon/evening. Much cooler however.
Working in heavy rain on the patio I witnessed the female Sparrowhawk swoop by me resting on the rope a matter of feet away. After a good twenty minutes (I was drenched by this time) she swooped again, grabbed a Sparrow from the feeder and chomped away. Amazing. I have thirty odd photographs taken from the moment she arrived. Preening, looking in all directions, standing on one leg....
Before the first of the days showers I managed to repair and re-paint the Dovecote. Should be ok now for another few years.
Rain stopped work on the Patio however, hopefully weather will improve for tomorrow.
Pictures 1 - 5 - Female Sparrowhawk.
" 6 - Dovecote.
" 7 - Patio.
