Changing Views

 

It was grey and misty when we left Heathrow today but later in the flight as we crossed the semi-frozen sea around Newfoundland and Northern Canada, the sun was bright and the views were spectacular.

 

As we approached Washington the views changed again -  there were thunderstorms and hence a rather bumpy ride - we were diverted to wait out the storm but eventually landed, gratefully, after 9 hours..

 

Glorious Hellebores

 

It seems that the lovely Hellebores - Christmas and Lenten Roses - are having their 'moment'.  At the garden centre today there were many beautiful and unusual varieties on offer, enhanced by the sunshine..

 

 

 

Back in Mum's garden, her collection of these delicate looking but resilient flowers is growing and thriving..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a wonderful early Spring display!

Snowdrops & Daffodils

 

Today was damp and blustery and the heads of the snowdrops were dancing around when I photographed them inMum's garden.

 

There are several different varieties and they are spreading into large clumps, especially under the cherry tree..

 

The tiny, early, daffodils are just coming into flower..

 

 

 

Iris Reticulata

 

Despite a grey, wet, day, there is plenty of colour in these beautiful Iris Reticulata in Mum's garden.

 

 

Whilst these beautiful blues and purples are probably the most striking, when I was walking with Theo the other day I snapped some rather different ones over a garden wall..

 

 

Beauty in Unexpected Places..

 

Theo and I went for a walk and as he didn't fall asleep we were able to visit the sheep - out in the fields and enjoying some supplementary food in the shape of turnips or similar.

 

We were also able to spend a few moments shouting under the railway bridge and listening to our echoes!!

 

Theo probably didn't notice but, amongst the rather dull bricks was some beautiful and vibrantly green moss..a little world all of its own..

 

 

For Comic Relief

 

Theo and I were out on the town together today.  Lunch in Debenhams after a little shopping and the garlic bread was very popular!

 

In Sainsburys we perused the items on sale for Red Nose Day and selected this...it's not an ice-cream as you might think but a light and sound torch which has a red nose spinning around inside!  

Theo was pretty taken with it and held on to it carefully as we walked all the way home.

 

Magic!

 

Early Spring Bulbs

 

At the park yesterday I saw tiny patches of  bulbs in quiet corners..

 

Today in Leamington town centre we saw this extraordinary carpet of crocus, flowering in the grass of a park around the war memorial..

 

 

 

 

With mild temperatures and spring flowers in bloom it is hard to realize that we are still in  February!