Happy Birthday Hubby!

What a beautiful day it has been today - the perfect day for 'Birthday Boy', myself and the two dogs to spend at Audley End. I think the temperature today must have been pretty close to 30 degrees Celsius. 

The dogs enjoyed the day as much as we did.

Percy giving me a big 'smile' - he is always happy, except perhaps when he has had enough of being pestered by Stanley.

Stanley is another happy boy.

Both dogs were loved to bits by three lovely children who spent some time sitting with them and giving them cuddles.  Percy especially enjoyed lapping up the attention.

Another stop - this time in the shade.

Profile shot.  It was Stanley's first big outing out - he has just been going on short walks 'around the block' with us until today.  He was a perfect traveller, and settled down to the just over an hour journey there and back.  He was very good the whole time we were out as well.  What a star!

Of course no day is complete without some flower and bee photography.

This was a perfect ball shaped dahlia - so pretty.

Some unusual gourds being grown.

Wish my pumpkin looked like this - mine amounted to...nothing!

What did I do on Wednesday?

Baked a Cake...and more.

Lemon Drizzle Cake

Ingredients:

4 oz soft margarine
6 oz caster sugar
6 oz self raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 extra large eggs
4 tbsp milk
grated rind of one lemon.

Put all ingredients in mixer and beat on high for two minutes
Line a circular tin
Pour in mix and bake 35 - 50 minutes at 180 C or Gas Mark 4

Topping:

Juice of one lemon
4 oz caster or granulated sugar

Mix two together and pour over cake once it is out of oven.

Enjoy!

The weather continues to be spectacular since I arrived home on Saturday afternoon and I am just enjoying soaking up the warmth - it is too hot to really do too much, but even so I am determined to enjoy it as it never lasts long here.  I have sat outside and read. I am halfway through 'Old Filth' and really enjoying it.  I have been in the spa early this morning and often in the evenings as well - it is a great way to relax before bed and I find it is helping to ease some of the pain.

I continue to lightly garden at the moment - the roses keep me busy with the deadheading that needs to be done and of course watering the various pots each evening.

I am borrowing my husband's Panasonic DMC FZ200 at the moment - I have used it a bit in the past but will try and use it more 'seriously' and read the manual and learn more about it...but in the meantime here are a few quick snaps.

My 'Rock and Roll' rose is now blooming and is gorgeous.

Coming home and walking up our garden path after being in the USA for two weeks was a sheer delight - the one thing I noticed while over there was a lack of gardens.   The scent is just wonderful.

My NZ Hebe starting flowering while I was away and the bees are enjoying it.

The Clematis also started flowering while I was away and looks lovely over the roof of the Cavy Shed.

The Buddleia is also flowering and I have seen some butterflies on it..

Playing around with my Ranox lens on the Panasonic

The bird feeding has been alive with birds this afternoon feeding from it and I have enjoyed watching them.

Out the front lots more flowers to delight..

The hanging baskets are looking wonderful.

Petunias in pots are putting on a good show.

My favourite yellow rose that just smells gorgeous.

Out the back....the first flowers on my beans! Hope there will be a few more flowers than just two though!

Lots of gooseberries still, so I might pick those early tomorrow morning to make some more jam.

The wheelbarrow flower planter is also looking good, although difficult to capture.

Still getting lots of salad vegetables and I think some of the carrots are nearly reading to pull as well.

Terrific Tuesday

Well the day dawned with an amazing blue sky - it really was glorious.

The roses looked fabulous with the sun shining on them.

Just love the contrast between the red and the blue.

I spent another blissful half hour in here first thing in the morning.

I went in twice yesterday - morning and evening

I can see myself going in again this evening regardless of the weather....yes by 4.30pm this afternoon the weather had changed again, the sky became black and it is now pouring with rain.

Fortunately I managed to spend some time in the garden...

I was delighted to spot a ladybird...I don't often see them very often now.

I believe it is a seven spot ladybird, although not as bright red as you would expect.

Unfortunately I don't know enough about them to know what the different colours etc...mean or indicate.

Pretty purples.

Another bloom from this very pretty rose.

Loving this new rose of mine - it smells divine.

Sunshine yellow - always brings a smile

Another gorgeous rose.

A little something different - I detest flies, but wanted to practice my macro shots.

Our buddleia is starting to flower - will hopefully attract some butterfles.

My little spot - secluded and private but from here I can look at the roses and simply enjoy the garden.   The seat needs repainting - a job for July.