Book club

We had a wonderfully sociable time last weekend. First of all we stopped off at the village where we had lived for many years. We sat with former neighbours in their warm and welcoming home and had a good old catch-up. It is always wondeerful to be with old friends like these. Then it was off to our book club meeting where I was giving the introduction to Ian McEwan's 'Lessons', the book up for discussion. We have been meeting for many years but this year illness and hospital treatment of two of our members had resulted in cancelled meetings so it was especially nice to all be together again.There is always a lively discussion and a tasty supper!

Everyone brings a contribution to the meal and it always works out well .

Our friends house is full of colour, especially welcome when we have had so many weeks of cold, grey weather. There was a heavy mist and poor visibility so that fairy lights and colour were much appreciated. Co;our details are carefully chosen.

The following morning the fog was even thicker and the boats passing up the channel were barely visible, just a darker grey shape on a grey sea.

We were happy to stay inside, have a liesurely breakfast and chat.

The spring garden looked lovely seen through the window so I went out to have a look.

Then it was a very careful drive back to Bournemouth in a heavy fog. It felt quiet at home after such a lively weekend.

Orchid show

This afternoon we went to the local orchid society's annual show. The first thing to meet us at the entrance door was the beautiful perfume. The room was full of equisite flowers and busy with visitors, orchid experts and enthusiasts.

Some of the people were as colourful as the flowers!

There were orchids of all shapes and sizes.

The Boy was kept very busy painting a plant pot before planting up a small orchid of his choice.

There were many tempting plants to buy, especially so when they have been labelled as suitable for beginners!

Which colour would you choose? I like these pale colours very much

But what a spectacular blue!

The muddy browms and yellows don't appeal

but I'm always a sucker for mauves, purples and pink!

Heads down

Spring is really springing in the garden, it is just a pity that the weather doesn't encourage us to be outside to enjoy it. Some flowers fare better than others with wind and endless rain. Crocus and primrose have taken a battering.

The camellias are none too happy either, the petals quick;y dropping to the floor.

But the hellebores have kept their heads down and escaped unscathed. It is almost impsssible to appreciate their beauty when the are growing and they last no time at all once picked so, whilst I do marvel at all their colours and patterns once I've picked them I do find them rather frustrating.

How astonishing they are when you can see their faces! They have been growing , unblemished in the most disgraceful weather.