genialgemsandothergabblings

 A beautiful crisp and sunny Spring morning had us up and out early to head down to the boat. Our intention was to go up to the woods about an hour or so from base to see if they were in flower with all the Bluebells.  The journey up was lovely, the ducks were swimming about with their tiny fluffy offspring in tow, herons were feeding at the waters edge and swans were sitting proudly on huge nests of reeds at the canal side. I had not expected to have the woods to myself as it was such a beautiful day but it seems that the lure of the canal pubs is where most people preferred  to be,which was just fine by me. There cannot be many things as good for the spirits as a walk amongst the Bluebells with birdsong in the air and the sweet aroma all around you as the sun dapples everything in glorious light as it filters through the tree top canopy. People once believed that the bells called the fairies to meetings in the old woodlands and it took a brave pers...

 We went across to Burscough today for the opening of the V.I.P Charity shop that is replacing the one at Hesketh Bank . Firstly to show our support and wish everyone well on the new venture. It was looking amazing and Sam the manageress has done a great job. People were flocking in to see what was on offer. Secondly it also gave us chance, while we were there, to take a look at the old Wharf side area on the canal and see what has been done with the site. It was great to also find a Canal Heritage weekend going on with displays and stalls, traditional Lancashire Clog dancers and Morris Dancers. Even the the threat of heavy showers was not putting them off. We had our  lunch at a lovely little tearoom with a scrumptious cake display to tempt us. I then found a shop selling Italian made clothes and gifts where I picked up a lovely Baby book that I can record my little Grandson George's first years in. Its beautiful inside I also spent some money on  the most...

Borage flowers I grew this year from seed. so pretty and attracts the bees.      Where are these weeks and days flying to. I can hardly keep pace ! Since I last wrote on here, we have had a small flood to deal with when that deluge of rain arrived in June. The summerhouse carpets  got wet and ruined and Peter had a lot of mess to clear in his garage .  Certainly the pots and tubs have hardly needed much attention except to tidy them up after the battering they have had. We managed to go out on the boat yesterday and it was a really pleasant day, the sun came out and  there was a gentle breeze as we headed up to Bilsborrow.  On the way we spotted a Cormorant ( we think) anyway not a bird we usually see on the canal but he flew off as we came near. We walked up to the college gardens and I went off taking pictures while Pete found a sunny spot near the lovely wildlife pond. You find lots to snap away at there and I was...