The Flower Pot Man at the allotments, but is it Bill or Ben? 

While out with my camera early this morning I came across 2 huge snapping turtles about 5 miles apart from each other. Both snapped furiously at me but both were eventually pushed and nudged by me to the grass verges. Success!

Saw this house in Martinsburg, WV today and wondered if anyone could have a go on that swing. It looked very inviting.

Me and Kota hanging by the BBQ waiting for the steak and potatoes to cook.

Early morning mist on the lake near home  as I drove to work.

My dentist has a good sense of humor!

The beautiful tulip trees are in full bloom. Many of the flowers have been browned by the torrential rain we've been having but a few new buds have opened showing their vibrant colors.

Bill and I finished planting today. We have tomatoes, peppers, lima beans, broccoli, russet and sweet potatoes, onions, broccoli, carrots and acorn squash. I may have missed out something but we left with everything well watered and now only have to weed and water. The hard work is done!

I prepared 2 meals tonight. My oats, raspberry and banana breakfast chilling in the fridge for the morning and I used up spare stuff in the cupboard for dinner. It was tasty! 

Yet another day of rain, rain, rain. So fed up at not being able to be outside, and tomorrow I'll be back in my box of an office when, no doubt, the sun will shine.

My stock in the fire heating up at my blacksmithing class, and the 2 finished pieces, a BBQ steak flipper and a hook. 

Russet potatoes, an heirloom tomato, a couple of chard plants and a pepper with some marigold to ward off insects. I watered everything after this photo. Bill's carrots, onions and lettuce are coming up along with his peppers. Lots of rain due this weekend so hoping for a good spurt of growth. And I brought home a couple of sprigs of the cat balm that is growing like crazy, Kota and Rosie Lee were well chuffed.

Oh yum, crackers and paste, a delicacy only a Brit would understand.

This mural was painted for an upholstery firm a few months ago but they e now moved to the other side of the rail tracks. A real shame they couldn't take the mural with them. The store is now a junk/antique shop.

Is this guy sure, or what?? A pimped out old Honda with knackered wheels, rust, and the daftest exhaust system I've ever seen. Really funny!

Lots of empty pots, close to finishing the potting of the first batch of plants for the patio. It's been so hard to get this done with all the rain we've been having.

Our little photo group has put on a show of photos taken in Virginia. This was taken just before we put on a small reception for the visitors.

Saturday, May 14, 2014

After getting a flat tyre on Rte 66 I finally made it to Liz's party. Here's Jen hanging out by the firepit, on the balcony! It was a fun night.

Driving to meet Janice and Bill for dinner and beers. And for the first day since I returned from England there's no rain, so we can sit outside!

Found this abandoned book at the gas station this evening with its rather apt title. Aaaw. 

The thick fog hangs on to the hill tops and there is a dense drizzle in the air. How many more days of this intense dampness?

Rosie Lee giving Kota a good wash after our dinner. She was so involved with her task that I was sure she was going to start on me next. Luckily I escaped her rough little tongue.

Nissa at work had asked me to bring back some sand and shells from an English beach. I only went to pebbly ones so I hope she'll be pleased with these two samples. 

Sunday, May 8, 2016

I came home to find out that I'd missed the dogwoods, but the irises are beautiful and all in full bloom.

I couldn't believe it that the scanner snapped me pulling this expression. Regardless, I got through customs OK with my hoard of goodies which I was extremely chuffed about. And not one item was crushed or broken. A very happy bunny I am indeed as I sit with 2 purring kitties and munch on some superb treats with a huge mug of tea. 

Mum and I went for a last coffee together at Costa this afternoon. These places are all over and have booted Starbucks to the kerb. They even have express areas in supermarkets and gas stations. Really nice coffee, but still not as good as a cup of Mum's tea.

What complete and utter joy to finally scoff down a cream tea at The Sticky Bun Tearoom. My first one in about 20 years and it was perfection, homemade fruit scones with jam and Dorset clotted cream. Exquisitely delicious!

Wednesday, April 4, 2016

We came across a small upholstery shop on the side of the river in Wimborne. He had huge double doors that he had opened wide so he could work with the sun pouring in and the sound of the river splashing past. What a wonderful working environment.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

I spent some very happy time photographing the fishing boats of Hastings.

While reading the Dorset Life magazine today I came across this. I'm thinking I'd like to make a couple of these when I get back to VA. 

Mum meeting a 60 year old crab at the Aqurium in Lyme Regis.