Clear blue sky!

What a treat a bit of clear blue sky and sunshine is for us folk in Blighty, blossom fluffs up, new colours appear and the tulips go giddy!

I had a busy weekend on the allotment, clearing ground and planting seed. Before that we went to walk on the beach. Sand had blown on to the walkway and you can see from the footprints that plenty of people - and their dogs - had the same thought as us to be out in the sunshine walking by the sea.

There was a bit of tidying up and sorting out action going on in some of the beach huts ready for the season ahead.

Great excitement and plenty of beach walks to come as Wee One will be collecting a new puppy next weekend. I've told her to choose a name that none of us will feel embarrassed to shout! (I think she is going to be Mabel.)

Mothering Sunday

I was thoroughly spoilt on Mothering Sunday; flowers, cards, chocolates and a delicious meal. Younger daughter, Wee One, came round in the morning and set to work in the kitchen. The whole household is usually with her, so it is especially nice when I have her all to myself. She went back home and collected them later when it was time to eat. She is a good and adventurous cook and made a meal from a book of Persian recipes.

It tasted delicious. (And there was enough left over for the following day!)

Iris and freezia flowers, colours that I love.

And a card that made me laugh.

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.