There have been no major changes since my last photographs, but on the whole the garden is a lot tidier than it was. I have persuaded Mr C to help me with the Laurel at the weekend. I need the top cutting off before I go about tidying up the sides.

The next major task is to continue the wall around the patio area and dig out a border behind. This I will fill with low growing plant so that the the rest of the garden can still be seen from the bench I intend to put in front of living room window. This will give a nice line of view from the living room too. Part of this task is concealing two of the wheely bins, the recycling been will be relocated to the garage along with the other recycling boxes.

When this has been done we will tackle the shed, which up until last year was covered and sheltered by the branches of ‘My Oak Tree’. As you can see the shed is in a state of collapse and is to be replaced by a new one with a door on the side. At the same time we intend to extend the top patio slightly.

Well that is the plan for now, but all plans are subject to change

The photos in this post are taken with a new compact camera that I treated myself to. I wanted something small enough to keep in my handbag for those unexpected photo opportunities when I wished I had my camera with me. Photographs taken with my camera phone are always disappointing. The camera sales man was not doing a very good job of selling me any of the cameras that I asked about, leaving me to figure it out for myself. I ended up with a good deal, but that is a story for another day

I booked today off work so I could spend some time in my local memorial garden followed by lunch out. I was hoping for a nice relaxing day away from work and was rather dismayed when I arrived at home yesterday to find that one of the front tyres on my car looked rather deflated. I was not at all sure I should be driving with it like that…

This morning before he went to work Mr C kindly drove my car to the garage to check out the tyres and get them to the correct pressure before he went to work I had a gentle start to the day to enable the sun to stay out and dry the bench that I intended to sit on in the memorial garden and also to ensure that my car tire had stayed inflated before I set out on my journeys. Eventually I ventured out.

When I arrived on the long driveway that leads to the memorial garden I was flagged down and directed to park by the side of the road because the car park was full. This led to me taking a short pleasant walk in the sunshine before I could sit and rest a while on ‘the bench’ in amongst the trees that reflect upon the pond. After reflections I made my way back to the car and decided to call in at my usual travel agent to pick up some brochures for ‘our’ next vacation. This was a big mistake.

When I entered the travel agent I found an almost empty shell with a few desks on one side of the large building and large photos of brochure covers on the other side of the building. I am used to going in, browsing around and choosing brochures/holidays that capture my imagination. I was a bit bewildered and was just about to leave when I was approached by one of the assistants. I told her where I wanted to travel to. She was only able to provide me with one brochure. Apparently they are expecting a delivery for the rest of the brochures…

Whilst I was in the vicinity I decided to pop into Dunhelm to look for a vase for my poppy and suitable hook for my heart collection. I didn’t find either but it was a good place to have lunch before retreating somewhere much calmer to enjoy the glorious weather which is a change from the recent windy and rainy days.

On a whim I chose Attingham Park. I was so glad I did I was pleased to discover that the courtyard is now complete and the walled garden has changed yet again since my last visit. If you have been following my thoughts for a while I am sure you know how much I enjoy walled gardens; the one at Attingham in particular which I have watched develop over the years. Whilst at Attingham Park I was tempted to an afternoon (naughty) cake because my favourite coffee and walnut cake was available for the first time for quite some time.

When I arrived home I sat in the garden for some time, reading a book and enjoying the sunshine. I was surprised to see the that the Anniversary Rose was sporting an unusually large amount of buds a blooms, 23 in all Whilst in the garden I unexpectedly spotted a couple of smooth pebbles behind the seat I was sitting on. They were just what I needed for a photographic project that I have been contemplating for some time…

The day wouldn’t have been complete without enjoying dinner on the patio

Thinking of my dad on the anniversary of his birth

What Is A Dad?

A dad is someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off,
and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail…

Unknown

Taken about an hour ago. The rain has made everything more beautiful and now the sun is shining.

Kahlil Gibran

The Love gallery can be found here.

King Solomon (circa 10th Century BC)

…It moves in waves and currents like those of the ocean.

Prentice Mulford (1834 – 1891)

Paulo Coelho (from the Witch of Portobello)

CHEERS!! I raise my glass to you.  Thank you for sharing life’s journey with me, I hope that any troubles from 2011 will fade into distant memory and I wish you, your family and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful 2012.

xxx