The Pheasant

The pheasant

A royal visitor to our garden

clothed in robes of silk

glowing in the sunlight

copper and gold,

purple, blue, red

white scarf snowy white.

he stands on the rail

six feet from our window

does he know he’s free

from gun and dog

strutting on the lawn

beneath the tree?

stay pretty bird

in sunshine bright

nature’s living treasure

for eyes to admire

not guns to blast

but to give us pleasure

January afternoon — gold that cannot be bought.

Last week I just had to take a photograph of the wonderful colours in the NE sky and gold cast upon the slopes beyond the house.
A magical painting could not have lifted me more than this Divine art.
Yesterday a fall of snow stopped us going to a funeral. I found that sad. But this is an emotional time of the year and things are happening in our lives far beyond our control. Last night we received news of the death of one of our nieces. More sadness, as much for their parents as for their child. She was born with Downs Syndrome but no one could have received more love and care. And so the cycle of life goes on throughout the world. Tragically, life is far shorter in some parts of the world. We easily forget how blessed we. We don't need material riches when beauty is showered upon us. Yes, snow stopped us going where we really wanted to be but later that day the sun came out and spread its glory to warm the earth.

Reflecting Light.

Yesterday the autumn sun was blinding and sun glasses needed for me to see anything. We had a drive by Coniston Water. The lake was smooth, with gentle ripples made by one or two canoes. Reflections of the opposite bank heightened the experience of joyous delight. Unfortunately we were not able to stop on the narrow twisting road to take photographs where the views were outstanding but this one gives an idea. It seems the sun blinded the camera too in part!
It reminded me of St Paul's saying about reflections in a mirror 'but then we shall see face to face, and know as we are known'
All we see now may pass away, but to believers what remains is eternal.

A Wedding In Spring 1953

Weddings — Then and Now



Going to my grandson's wedding brought back memories of our own wedding day. It may have been a grey misty day but for us the day was perfect. I made my own dress and others besides. Rationing made sure no one ate too much. Lack of money meant nothing was wasted. A weekend honeymoon in Buxton Derbyshire was enough, for we took a two week holiday in the Channel Islands later on when the bank balance had recovered. We lived in one room at my parent's house for three years (not recommended) because houses and flats were hard to come by and the Council Housing had a list that meant only those with several children and poor living conditions would ever get a home of their own. But we saved hard and eventually had a deposit for a house. How exciting that was. To add to our joy came an old car. The old motor bike (no springs in those days) had served us well but a car — no matter how old — was pure luxury. These two achievements had been worked and saved for, even so, we considered ourselves very lucky for we could now start a family!

Oh but what a worrying time we had the week before we married. My hubby fell ill and was in bed with a temperature and large lumps all over his body. But he made it to the church in time.

see Writing For Joy and Wrinkly Writers

A Pleasant Drive Around Windermere and Coniston Water

Yesterday we had a pleasant drive to Bowness, Windermere, Ambleside and round to Coniston and back home following the lakeside road. Beautiful views of lakes and mountains.
Of course, the area is familiar to us but never the same: subtle changes in light, reflections and mood, are ever new.

Stand Off At Noon!

The photo here is of Spice looking out of the window hoping to spot squirrels.
Is she is not inside searching for them, she is outside either chasing them or waiting for them to arrive.
What a laugh! We looked out of the window yesterday and saw a squirrel sitting on the corner of the lawn looking at the dog, who was sitting under the bird station looking directly at the squirrel about ten feet away.
Eye fixed on eye. Who would make the first move? All was quiet. No movement anywhere. The squirrel suddenly gave way and ran for its life, the dog a short distance away. Unfortunately for the dog, she can't climb trees!

Busy Bee

Busy Bee!
Another busy day but with less to show for it!
Cooler today but we walked to town, mostly for exercise. Sitting too long (working on the computer) is bad for my knees.
Yesterday afternoon, my son, his wife, their son and his bride-to-be called in. What a delightful couple.
Today I heard that a friend with cancer is back in hospital. Sad. Hope to see her tomorrow.
Good news and bad news — that's life.

Busy day inside, and in the garden.

Cleaning and washing today. But time for an hour outside — cleaning up petals, weeding, and polishing garden furniture. Caught a cheeky squirrel helping himself to the nuts on the bird station.
More shrubs in bloom. Gorgeous! Huge bees are buzzing and the birds singing! My flowers, and the wildlife that visit, are my treasure that will never tarnish!

The Sands of Time — a misty morning

A Misty Morning in May

Wednesday already! How the days fly past. The days have longer daylight hours so I guess I expect time to go slower but the truth is they seem to shrink. The sands of time running through the hour glass? Seems faster when there are fewer grains to go. Best to make the most of them.
A misty morning heralding a pleasant, if cool, day.

Birds have their nests, but squirrels get their nuts!

Yesterday was a busy day with domestic chores, but also with time for reflection.
The mother blackbird appeared again, complete with her two young. Sigh of relief!
Rain fell, bringing much needed refreshment to all our trees and shrubs.
A squirrel won round 9001 of my husband's efforts to make them work for their birds' nuts. It's an ongoing contest to make the feeder proof against the squirrels' sharp teeth and claws. He doesn't want to make it completely impossible, otherwise we would see less of them and their funny antics. This morning the feeder was on the ground and the nuts all gone.
We had a good laugh in the morning — a squirrel had a complete camellia flower in it's little hands (like they do with mushrooms) and was nibbling at the petals.
It is good to have time to live close to nature. Not much writing done though.