Viewed from across the garden, this stone cat looked so realistic - a little larger than life perhaps, but the pose is perfect. He is one of nine cats to be found in the garden at Belfast Castle, which we visited on Wednesday. Two are mosaics, one is topiary, and this is my favourite of the sculptures.
How I would love to see another sunset like this! This photo was taken in June 2015. At the moment were are having very cloudy days., so I was glad I came across this photo to remind myself of what could happen when the skies eventually clear.
Undoubtedly the most beautiful cathedral I have ever been in, Chartres Cathedral is magnificently tall, airy and light.
Having walked nearly 100 kilometres in three days to get there, all the weary, footsore pilgrims who crowded into the cathedral last Monday felt blessed and privileged to be there. God willing, I shall do it again next year.
You may recognise my little friend from a couple of weeks ago. I managed to get this photo of him in full trill one evening from no more than about five feet away. It wasn't until enlarging this photo on the computer screen once I was home that I realised how sharp robins' beaks are. All the better for cracking through earwigs' outer shells.
I think his name might have to be Bob. Bob the Robin doesn't sound too bad. Thank you to everyone who made suggestions. My husband has a favourite robin too, who sings in the tree above his shed. My robin is Bob and his is Fred.
If you ever fancy an earwig for tea, my little friend will find one for you.
This is the boldest little robin I have ever known. He will come within inches of my feet, looking for all the interesting snacks I turn up. Worms are standard, which he will chop into short lengths for the hatchlings before flying back to the nest. Fat caterpillars are always appreciated, but the gift he pounced upon with lightning speed was the huge cockchafer grub I dug up for him.
He will happily chirp while he is eating, and break into full song perched just a few feet from me. I like to think it his way of showing appreciation. I know it is all cupboard love on his part, but I'm totally besotted.
I haven't given him a name yet. Any suggestions?
The delicious garlicky aroma of spring is at its best at the moment.
How the camera can lie!
It was windy yesterday, and I enjoyed a good blast of fresh air in Clevedon. From the promenade above the beach I noticed this girl watching the waves. On this picture it looks as though she is about to walk into mountainous waves. It is all an illusion, caused by foreshortening by the lens and the fact that the camera was angled down. She was quite safe, walking along a low jetty, where I had been enjoying the view myself about an hour earlier.
Deep purplish blue and with a strong scent, bluebells are always a welcome sight in spring. This year they have arrived early.
In spring the blackthorn lights up the hedgerows with snow white blossom, and in late summer and autumn gives us sloes, tiny bitter black plums which can be used in jam. Or gin.
Crossing this field often takes me half an hour instead of ten minutes because the lines in the landscape are so fascinating. Usually I don't want vapour trails intruding on photos, but this one totally got the idea.
The path on the right is where the cyclists were riding in the snow a few weeks ago.
A rare treat - fine weather on the 1st March for a day trip to Wales. The clouds cleared for the short time we spent at Llanthony Priory.
The golden orange roses were part of a Christmas arrangement. I saved the best ones and dried them by hanging them upside down. They kept their colour really well, better than any other colour rose that I have dried.
Linking up to Wandering Camera at Whims and Fancies
It didn't last long, but I made the most of the two days of snow that we had last month.
These two cyclists were on a path that cuts across a field of winter wheat. I love the effect of their silhouettes against the stripes in the field.
Linking up to Wandering Camera at Whims and Fancies
Clouds sometimes imitate art. This was one of those days. This photograph was taken a few minutes after the photo of the oak tree.
Linking up to Wandering Camera at Whims and Fancies
Sometimes the accidental shots are best.
Last week, the day after it snowed, I went to Clevedon to see the sunset. It was far from spectacular. Meanwhile, while everybody else was wrapped up in coats, hats and scarves, four hardy souls were taking a dip. I took several bad photos of them, and this intriguingly dreamy picture when I accidentally clicked the shutter while moving the camera.
Linking up to Wandering Camera at Whims and Fancies
If it snows here, as often as not it thaws the next day. This field of winter wheat gives a great illusion of vastness with the disappearing parallel lines.
Here is a photo taken just a few feet away on a very different day. The joys of photography!
Linking up with Wandering Camera at Whims and Fancies.
Only a minute or two earlier these clouds had been forming a criss-cross pattern. By the time I had reached a good vantage point to take a photo they had rearranged themselves. Half an hour later the sky had completely clouded over and life was back to normal.
Linking up with Wandering Camera at Whims and Fancies.
How often I wish I could get up early and take a walk when it is misty, but it never happens. I am no lark. A couple of weeks ago I saw this intriguing patch of ground mist in the late afternoon.
Linking up with Wandering Camera at Whims and Fancies.
