Three Weeks In

Well three weeks in to the Whole30 and I can't say I have noticed any difference at all really, apart from less headaches - and the two I have had have not required medication.  I think for those that live a diet rich in sugar, wheat, dairy etc, would notice a difference, but in all honesty we aren't eating a lot differently from what we normally do.  

Pain levels are still the same.

Oh and I have caught some virus - a kind of cold I guess, the throat is not the best.  I never normally get ill and this is the second I have had in six months, so not impressed!

I finished 'The Outrun'  I wish I could remember which blog I read who recommended it, so could say thanks as I really enjoyed it, but I can't seem to find the post among the blogs I read regularly. Strange as I was sure I knew who did recommend it.  Anyway in the off chance they may read this (I don't think my readership is especially high), thank you.

Beautifully written, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the nature and wildlife on the islands.  A completely different book from what I normally read, but very lyrical and gentle in many ways, despite the gritty subject matter cleverly interwoven throughout the book.

I can't believe this is the only photo I have taken so far of the garden this year!  Mind you it could be something to do with the fact the garden just looks a mess at the moment!

Stanley is growing up fast and is quite the character and he just loves being outside and getting into mischief!

One month today I will be home in New Zealand again and I am looking forward to seeing my family.  A year between visits is way too long, but then so is the journey, and at least I am able to get back.  I am certainly looking forward to some warmer weather!

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!

Friday Flowers and what not.

A very wet and dreary Friday, so what better way to spend it than a bit of sewing now I have cleared my sewing table which is in our conservatory.  After last nights failed attempts today was much more successful.

Elsewhere in the house.

Fortunately I picked some roses yesterday before the rain today.

I also changed the table cloth to something bright and cheery - which just happens to match the roses!

I also took a few photos of the flowers yesterday

This one was taken today, but many look a lot soggier!

A few days ago...

'What's that?!

Huh?

'It's a ghost!'

Arghh!  You're kidding me?!  Where?

What really happened next....

Ah sweet Percival.

Bliss.

Little Stanley is growing fast and has his second vaccination last week so we can take him out next week.  Let the lead training begin!

A Lovely Day out at Wimpole Hall Farm & Gardens,

We had a lovely few hours out today at Wimpole Hall Farm & Gardens.

Naturally I took some photos of the flowers...

This bee was enjoying the pollen.

This nasturtium (Tropaeolum) was certainly attracting the caterpillars

The bees were really enjoying the flowers.

The two donkeys had what I assume were fly repellent halters on.

A fine set of horns on this beast.

Loved this stump garden, what a fun idea.

Very neatly laid out.

Zooming in... this building which looks a bit like a castle ruin is actually a folly and was built in the mid 1770s by the 1st Earl of Hardwicke, Philip Yorke, owner of Wimpole Hall.  The architect Sanderson Miller designed the folly in around 1751 and it was later built by Capability Brown in 1769.  

One day we will have to go for a walk up there for a closer look.

A lot of National Trust properties have second hand book shops and we always go in for a look.

I was delighted to find three books by two authors I collect.

Especially pleased to add this one to my G A Henty collection and look forward to reading it.

Percy is much better today and we went for a walk this morning - doing half of our usual route.

Little Stanley is growing quickly!

A lovely day in all.