Award and being tagged.

When I started blogging I was just doing it for me, a reminder of what happened in my garden and about the things that I love. But do you know something, I have met some really lovely caring people and they are far to numerous to mention.

Yesterday the lovely Dawny gave me "you make my day" award. I am really touched that people care enough to take the time to do this. Dawny is a lovely person, with a bright and colourful personality. Although her blog is crafting, I know she has a genuine rapport with the natural world as I do, and I love to hear her and her husband Richards views. Thank you Dawny.

Also yesterday I was tagged by Hedgewitch (one of my favourite blogs). Now to be honest I wouldn't normally do tagging and I said no initially. On reflection because she was so nice about it I felt quite guilty. I do guilty quite well. SO I am not going to tag anyone else but if you wish to write seven things about yourself, on your blog, then feel free to do so.

Seven things about me......oh dear......don't like this bit......but here goes.....

1. I am an early riser, every morning I go into my garden, come rain or shine, and just listen. Silence is golden.

2. I spend my life having a love affair with chocolate. I try not to buy it...if I buy a box,I can't just have one or two or three. There is no limit, so the answer is, if its not in thehouse, then I won't eat it.

3. I am, apart from the above, a healthy eater. I believe our bodies should be treated with respect. The saying 'we are what we eat' is true. I can hear you all tutting and saying oh no not another person preaching about food. Fair enough, each to their own.

4. I have a thing about veins. Don't mention blood tests etc,because I start to feel faint. Can't write anymore on that, I think I am going to pass out.

5. I try to follow as much as I can the Teachings of Buddha.........I think they are very beautiful.

6. I like to smile, a smile can say so much.

7. Sad stories always make me cry. Cruelty to animals,children or the elderly always break my heart.


Well I hope I havn't bored you....It is a one off.....and I have departed from my garden.
Hedgewitch feel honoured.

This is my garden after the storm.

Water water everywhere.

This is our drive and gives you some idea of the rain fall we have had, it has been torrential.

Mallards.

Despite the torrential rain and winds of 60mph, this pair of mallards didn't seem a bit bothered. They came into the garden to feed early this morning. Perhaps that saying is true "Nice weather for ducks!"

New header.

Just to let you know that I will be changing my header frequently. I thought it would be a good idea to show you photos that I have taken in the garden during the six years I have lived here. This header is alpine strawberries and honey bee. What a lovely combination. Riley and Poppi love the strawberries because they are small and very sweet. All summer long as we pass we take a handful of them and enjoy. Roll on summer!!

At last, got that snap.

After weeks of trying at last got the photo I wanted of my lovely song thrush. This quiet and sensitive bird is so very welcome here. She has taken so many snails so far this year I don't think I am going to have too much of a problem. Being an organic wildlife gardener, I rely on the song thrush and hedgehogs to take care of my snail population. Hopefully my hostas will have a good year!!!!

One for sorrow.

My mum is really superstitious about Magpies, to the point, that if we see one on its own, we try to divert her attention elsewhere.We have a pair come every year, they have their young and then they seem to disappear. I know they often get blamed for taking the eggs and fledglings of songbirds. I try here to provide dense coverage for the thrush, blackbirds etc to nest in. I actually like the magpie, I think they are quite stunning when the sun shines on them and you see their vibrant blue colours. I wouldn't want more than two though.

Starlings

I know a lot of you don't like starlings but I must say it is very rare I do not like a bird. I give them all a chance. Also they do me a lot of favours taking grubs from the lawn. I thought this was a great photo, and he looks a fine specimen.

Oh what joy.

I woke up this morning and thought I am not going to post today. I've got so much to do, I really must just get on. While working in the garden I turned and noticed the violets in bloom. I have grown these all my married life and yet when they come into flower my heart almost misses a beat. I have to touch and smell them. They have reseeded all around the garden and I still havn't got enough. I simply had to share my joy with you all. Have a fab weekend.