Memory Lane

In Leamington there is a fascinating vintage emporium.   It is huge and made up of the eclectic findings of more than 120 stall holders.

One window was dressed for VE Day whilst the other featured a Mad Hatters Tea Party.

I could only take quick photos with my phone but some of the shelves were fascinating - see what you can spot...

Worrying, really, that some of these items are now appearing in vintage shops, don't you agree, Maggie?...

In one of the vintage clothing sections there were some hats that certain ladies of Bath would have been proud to wear..

As ever I was drawn to the jewellery and one of the items on display was the largest brooch I had ever seen..

It was about six inches from top to bottom and had two pins to hold it.  

My purchase was a more modest but older one....

Due Date..

Today is a very important date in this household and in our family as Lauren and James' calendar entry shows.

It has been awaited with great anticipation for many months now, but as is often the case for first babies it looks as if the wait may go on for a little longer yet...

Long Beach (and Leamington)

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week David was in Long Beach, California, to attend a conference.  He arrived back in Reston early this morning.

In between sessions of the conference he took these pictures of the river and coastline.

Meanwhile, Lauren and I were pottering in Leamington today, including a visit to M&S to take advantage of their 20% off weekend offer (let me know if you haven't received this offer which is intended to share with family and friends).

Week in the life of an Allium

For the past seven days we have been monitoring the progress of an Allium flower in the garden.  Lauren has made a collage of the resulting pictures.

Today it is in full bloom and, on closer inspection, it is a very beautiful flower..

.. if a little solitary!

Fields of Green (Tuesday 19 May)

Walking near the farm on Sunday we saw some beautiful views over the fields.  Here the vibrant green of the barley crop contrasts with the ploughed earth which has yet to show evidence of the potato crop growing in the soil.

The views over this field, taken later in the day and just a few moments apart show how different a scene can look between one angle in relation to the light and another.

Bluebell Wood

There can be few flowers which are as delicate as a wild bluebell and yet create such a wonderful show of intense colour when they grow together.

It is always a treat at this time of year to be taken on a walk to the woods near Maggie's home to see the bluebells.

The wild garlic makes a lovely but less colourful carpet.

Someone has been working hard to clear areas so that the bluebells can grow.

A lovely walk along the path and so many pretty little corners..

Foals and Horses

A lovely day at the farm with Maggie and family today - and a walk to the Bluebell Wood.  On the way, we cut across a field of horses where there are two young foals with their mothers.  They were very photogenic in the sunshine..