Drowned quarry garden

On Sunday afternoon we were invited to join a friend who has just returned to feeling like himself after a very hard couple of years following a bereavement and ill health. His friends, a collection of fellow artists and writers, met at his house to celebrate. What a noisy lot we were, even the wind and driving rain had to take a back seat in our company! In a short lull in the weather I went outside to walk around an unusual part of the garden, a drowned quarry.

The steps and narrow pathways were slippery and I had the place to myself. Duck weed has covered the surface of the water since my last visit. It's a rather magical place.

I disturbed a little family of ducks.

It is no surprise that this place provides an inspiration for art.

I had a happy wander around the studio.

At 4 o'clock it was time for afternoon tea, sandwiches, quiche and dainty, fancy buns. How English and how tasty! No need to worry about the weather in such good company. We all had a lovely time.