The Earliest BBQ Yet?

For a second week the temperatures have been as high as 18'C - warm enough for a BBQ last Sunday, the first of the year.

 At the allotments we have planted the Early Potatoes (Rocket), Onions and Shallots and we have picked lots of Sprouting Broccoli.

 The evenings have been so warm that my husband and I have been out for lots of walks.  The Bluebells are beginning to bloom in the woodlands

 and the Willows are yellow with pollen in the hedgerows.

 In the garden the Crab Apple is blossoming

 and the Amelanchier is almost out.

 The Forsythia that I planted last Spring is adding a vibrant splash if colour at the end of the back garden

 and amazingly the Wisteria is started in bloom.  Is this the earliest yet?

 The Cowslips are flowering

 and the first Tulips have opened today.

 As I was about to post my March Monthly Make, I suddenly realised that I hadn't post my February Make!  So here it is:- My Japanese Daisy Chain Scarf in Debbie Bliss Andes.  It is so soft. 

 My March Make:- Easter Baskets

and Eggs.

Both are crocheted in DMC Natura Cotton.

 Of course the baskets need to be filled with something!

 Chicks,

 Lambs

 and Bunnies.

 These are all going to go together to make an Easter display in our living-room.

I have also made another item, but as it is part of a swap I can't show it yet.

I'm looking forward to two weeks off work as it is now the School Easter Holidays here.  I plan to do lots of gardening, baking and crafting.  My husband has the second week off and we plan to go on plenty of walks with our son, so hopefully the weather will stay nice.

Happy Easter Holidays Everyone xXx

Spring Fever

This week the days have began shrouded in fog,

before the sun has broken through with temperatures up to 16'C.

The Wild Cherry Plum next to our garden is in glorious blossom; I'm looking forward to lots of fruit in the autumn.

We have Blue Tits nesting in our porch roof again and this Cheeky Chappie keeps peeking in our kitchen window.

He sits here several times each day and isn't bothered by us being in the kitchen at all.

 Earlier this week I picked these gorgeous Daffodils from our old allotment

and I picked this posy of Grape Hyacinths from the back garden.  I love having flowers in the house.

 The garden is starting to look very pretty dressed in Primroses,

 Bergenia,

 Daisies,

 Hyacinths

Daffodils,

 and Tulip buds.

 The heavy scent of the Hyacinths is attracting the Peacock Butterflies

and the Brimstone Butterflies, that as always are too fast for me to photograph!

This Sunday the clocks go forward an hour and British Summertime begins.  I'm loving these longer days and warm sunshine - I hope it lasts!

Mothers' Day

Outside it may have been a mixture of sunshine and showers, 

 but indoors I was beaming all day.

My Son had been out and of his own accord, had bought a card and some chocolates for me

 and my Daughter had made a beautiful card for me.

 I couldn't have asked for anything better. :)

Thank you My Darlings xXx

Golden Wedding Anniversary

This weekend it was my Parents' Golden Wedding Anniversary and we traveled to Norfolk to help them celebrate.

My Mum and Dad on their Wedding Day

and 50 years on.

We stayed with my Mum and Dad at Park Farm Country Hotel, Hethersett.

The view from our balcony.

In the afternoon my husband and I went for a walk, before joining our children in the swimming pool.

The Kett's Oak Room where the celebratory dinner was held.

 Greeting family in the bar.

 My Dad, A. Jean, U Roger, Mum, A. Shirley, Lynne and U. Bernard.

View from the hotel across the farmland in the morning.

 After breakfast we went for a walk to Kett's Oak and took a trip down memory lane for my Parents' by visiting the nearby smallholding where my Dad was born.

 Back at the hotel we had coffee and then sadly it was time to travel home.

Happy Golden Wedding Anniversary Mum and Dad.