Just to thank you........

Last evening I went into the garden to watch the sun set........I took my camera......

I took these photographs to thank you all..........
for your kindness................

your caring and compassion.........
I would particularly like to thank Susie and Dawny P for rainbow bridge......a source of comfort........

and Leanne for Old Dog.....................Polly was indeed old, nearly 14........she was 6 when she came here.........she had spent a solitary life.......was neglected.....and overfed.....................when the charity took her in her coat was matted, her claws overgrown and distorted, and she was overweight. When I saw her my head said she will be hard work, walk away................my heart told me differently, give her a home, help her. It took two years to settle her.....suffering severe panick attacks.......and numerous other problems. My home and indeed my garden became her sanctuary...........she would sit with the birds, rabbits and any other creatures that came here........she turned right around into a gentle and sweet dog. Yesterday she fell asleep in my arms......there was no fear, no pain.................she captured my heart from the moment I saw her............and she will stay there..............

I leave you with a quote from ncmountainwoman.......................

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened......................

I'm smiling..................

Polly wolly do do.......

The leaves are turning.......they are starting to fall...........just like my tears.........

Goodbye my friend........

Rest in peace sweet one................

The Old Girl.........and the bee......

The old girl is heading towards her winter rest.........she has had another good year......much blossom, many bees visited her blooms and apples in abundance.......

she has lost some more bark from her trunk and there are a few more holes appearing but at this moment she is sound........
She stands above me like some fearsome creature, if only she could speak, she would have so much to tell..................when the hurricane hit, the wind speed here reached 100 miles an hour..............millions of trees fell in the South East of England......indeed the orchard in this garden fell to the ground...........but she did not, strong and mighty she survived..................can we not see reflections of our own lives in nature. I think of Mr P......many years ago now he fought cancer....an operation.......treatment that left him exhausted and worn.........ten years of check ups. Now he stands before me with his battle scars and like my beloved tree he is a stronger man for it..............it was not his time...........it was not the old girls time..............I walk away thinking of my life, my garden, and there on the ground..............

a humble bumble........he will not see another day...........this is his time................

I pick him up and gently put him into the arms of the old apple tree.............sleep well..............

Fancy a stroll????

I thought today I would take you on a walk...........when I take my dogs out this is the lane I frequently stroll......in the summer it is lovely and cool as the large oak trees provide plenty of shade........in the winter the wind blows across these lanes and there is no coverage with the leaves gone, it is absolutely freezing.....I have to say that is what I love, that fact that it can be extreme and I love to be out in the elements......

There are old barns dotted around.....good places for owls, swallows or other creatures to take shelter or make their nests.......

Old gates bar the way......I would love to know where they lead but it is private property....but I am curious by nature......

This is one of my favourite trees on the walk.......it is a willow, full of holes and secret places.......ivy is growing up the huge trunk......it must be several hundred years old.......
The view across the fields are stunning at any time of the year.........and I love the silence as I walk..........I didn't see a soul today and that suits me.......

There are lots of wooded areas and ponds in these fields, making it a wonderful place for wildlife....

I never tire of the scenery, it changes constantly....there is always something different to see....the changing colours............the starkness of winter........

Well I think that is enough for one day...........time to take the dogs back.....I hope you have enjoyed seeing where I live...................

Have a wonderful weekend...........

Autumn Glory.........

Autumn, is for me, the season of goodbyes. I find it emotional, nostalgic and uplifting.
The bees are slowly disappearing and I am becoming more aware of bird song. A robin sang this morning, it was sitting in the old apple tree. I got lost in the magic of its sweet serenade.

It is strange how my step becomes lighter at this time of year.
I almost become part of the garden, I am so entwined with all that takes place here.

The ferns are looking beautiful .......they will deepen in colour as the autumn progresses.
As of course will the Japanese Maples.

Now is the time when small creatures and insects are looking for somewhere to hibernate. As far as plants are concerned, I cut my perennials back in the spring.
Ladybirds, lacewings, beetles, all sorts of insects will hibernate in the drying plants. When the frosts come, it will decorate the twigs and seedheads with a magical form of artwork. Next spring, I will start my cutting back and hopefully the insects would have survived the winter and frequent my garden all summer and beyond.......

The woodland walk is looking good and slowly changing colour.......it should look even better in a few weeks time.

The grasses and shrubs have performed beautifully and add a dimension of their own. When the dogwoods wear their autumn coat, this border will have the wow factor.
All in all it has been a good year for gardening......it has not been without its ups and downs, but that is gardening. The rabbits are causing problems at the moment.....they have eaten several plants while I have been away but that is the price you pay for letting the garden stay wild. I am happy to lose the plants here and there because it is the wildlife that interests me more......

Speaking of wildlife we have a mystery visitor....Mr P and I have both seen it amongst the shrubs at the back of the garden. It is pure white, has a long tail, low to the ground, and runs like lightening. At first we thought it might be a cat, but we can now rule that out.............we hope it comes back so that we can identify it properly.......

Whats happening in your garden??????

Hi ......I'm back......

Back from a much needed rest.....Mr P an I escaped to Almeria, and spent quality time in a place that we love. Walking the back streets of tiny villages in the hills, strolling deserted beeches, eating beautiful food...............and having time to talk.....so important in a relationship. Before we left there was a party at "our house" ...........a 38th wedding anniversary.....where did that time go Mr P????

Also little Poppi was three, she shares the date with us........how blessed are we.......whats a girl to wear on her big day....will this do??

"Grandpop, you know that I am a fairy."

"Yes Poppi."

"Well my wings are a little tired today and I can't seem to fly....could you help me please?"

"Of course, for you anything"

"Hows that Poppi?"...........................

To complete our celebrations, while we were away Mum-in-law would celebrate her 86th birthday...............so the party was indeed a special one.............

I have had a wonderful time away but for me the coming home is the best.......back to my family, friends, my dogs and of course my garden.............when the plane touches down and I am back in the country that I love, I cannot wait to drive those lanes and get home.

The photographs above were taken today .............the first one, my favourite gladioli, I have uploaded twice, it was a mistake, but it is so wonderful I left it, the fragrance is divine, not unlike jasmine. Some of the plants are putting on another show, and the leaves on others are turning.............the apples are blushing and are now perfect for eating..............do you know something, my dear blogging friends......there is nowhere else on earth that I would rather be..................

It really is so lovely to be home...................

NOTE: Thank you to my dear daughter for watering my baskets and barrels etc during the hot spell.............
Thank you to my Grandson for phoning and just saying "I missed you Nanna"
Thank you to my neighbour for taking care of my dogs (they could not be in better hands) and for the eggs she left (she rescued several hens from the battery farm.....they now live a wonderful life with her.............and I love her for that.....)
Thank you to my dear friends Jenny and David for always being there if they are needed.....................YOU ARE ALL GREAT.................... and bloggers I've missed you loads.................

Sunny Monday........

Woke up to sunshine today........after several days of rain it was wonderful to see blue skies again. The summer house is more or less finished...........

I have put troughs either side of the door......and planted them with miniature roses and ivy.......
this one has a few cyclamen as well..........

Look the doors open why don't you come in and take a look.......

sit down, put your feet up, I will make a nice cup of tea.....cake anybody??

It took me ages to decided where to place the summer house.......
I am pleased with the way it has turned out
It will be a fun space.

The weather brought the insects back to the garden, in small numbers, but at least they are back......

Lots of white butterflies hiding in the grasses........
and to my delight the bees returned.....
lots and lots of bees.........
Hopefully the sun will stay for a while............

I will not be around for the next two weeks, so this will be my last post for a while, also I will not be able to visit your lovely blogs.....................will catch up with you all when my life is back to normal..............have fun out there..........