Ulverston Carnival 2010 — what a day!

There is nothing like a carnival to draw people together and lift the mood of a whole town. Ulverston had many people, dancers and bands, walking and on floats, taking part. This happened last Saturday.
There is nothing like a carnival to lift the doom and gloom of the present financial situation. There is more to life than money — a wealth of happiness can be found in simple things.
There are a number of photographs on my Writing For Joy site, but these few here (different ones) will give a flavour.
Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Golden Moments — butterflies

This butterfly was snapped in the garden today. We thought we knew what it was but it did not match the picture we compared it with. Nor any other photograph. Will have to keep on looking. It is quite like another one found in Furness.

Whatever the name of this lovely creature it is a joy to it, along with others, flitting about the garden. (Click on picture for an enlargement)

Tea At Chatsworth

We have been on a holiday to Derbyshire. We enjoy walking the footpaths along dales, by rivers, in woods and in gardens — such as that of Chatsworth (the country house of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire), which is open to the public — house, garden and immense estate.
There is a well-known Chatworth Farm Shop (cafe there too) and a large Garden Centre.

Chatsworth Garden Centre has a wonderful cafe. Not only is the food excellent but there are tables outside when you can enjoy the magnificent flowers — beautiful scents, rich colours and an utterly delightful soul-enriching experience affecting every one of the human senses. Even wild birds entertain with song and funny antics!
Here is a photo taken from where we were sitting.
What ever people say about so much land and property in the hands of few people (I do believe the Duke has inherited six estates) it is wonderful to have this country park kept in such excellent condition for all to enjoy.

They that go down to the sea in boats.

We are lucky to be near coast and country. The shipyard at Barrow is just ten miles away. We drove there to take photos for a new project. (This is the channel side of the works)
It has been an open day there today.
My hubby used to work at the shipyard. I once went down into a submarine on one such open day. I would hate to go to sea in a submarine. My goodness it must be quite claustrophobic, enclosed and with so little space to move about in. Submariners are brave men indeed.

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 Squirrel

One of the great pleasures in life is observing the life of other creatures around us.
After a busy time I now have the chance to observe the wil life in the garden. I took a lot of photographs of a squirrel trying to get at the food put out for the birds. First in the back garden and then in the front. All the photos had to be taken through the glass of windows. Most of the time the squirrel was on the move, but I managed to get a few hazy photographs.