An Afternoon By The Lake

Completed some feedback forms on student dissertations this morning as my last task for teaching for UWE this year - a few more left to do. Went off to Chew Valley Lake in the van this afternoon - it was idyllic. Warm enough to wear shorts and T shirt at last.

I managed to get really quite close to this damsel fly - note the shadow of its folded wings  to its left.

The sun glittered on the water. 

It was lovely sitting in the van with a cup of tea while Bella sunbathed and chewed a stick. 

Walked up to the cafe and got an ice cream. 

Spotted this fisherperson in the water (doing a King Arthur impression?) - still quite cold,, I'd guess. 

We decided that we will take off in the van tomorrow for a day or two - before we sell it! Watch this space for reports as to where we end up…

This day a year ago, we went out to Carlingcott where we spotted this rather unusual sign.

Su's news story of the day (Independent website - click on the title for the full story):

Significant number of children believe cheese comes from plants, reveals new survey

Springtime Tagging and Wisteria

Another sunny day, encouraging yet more flowers to come out.

Went off to do a bit of shopping and enjoy Bath in the sunshine. Passed the old gasometer at the bottom of Victoria Park.

Crossed the river.

A pair of car transporters from West Oxfordhire Motor Auctions (WOMA) were parked up, so we had a chance to enjoy a different view of traffic.

After a bit more practical work in the garden, I took Bella out for a sunny walk around Mount Beacon. Great peony in a neighbour's garden. 

A new generation of taggers has started to make their mark(s). 

That purple spray can was getting passed around a few people by the look of these tags. 

 Yet another one.

Another new tag - lots of spray can activity in the area! 

Also much in evidence this spring is wisteria. Don't often get to see inside this house - what a treat. The aroma was heady.

Up the road, another fulsome display over the garden wall.

A rather fine specimen of a black tulip. 

This person likes their big globe aliums.

This day a year ago, it rained on and off all day. We counteracted this by going to Bristol for a dim sum lunch.

Su's news story of the day (BBC website - click on the title for the full story):

Licensed to hack: Cracking open the corporate world

Out and About in Bristol and Bath

Went to Bristol yesterday evening. Spotted this interesting artwork as we walked up Park Road.

Approaching the Wills building. 

Outside a surf-related shop. 

Some lovely architecture aroud this part of Bristol once you manage to look up and away from traffic and shops.

We went to Krishna's Inn, one of our favourite restuarants which specialises in Keralan food. Yummy!

Artwork spotted on a building above Park Street 

Looking down Park Street. 

We wenty to the Colston Hall to see  Eliza Carthy & Jim Moray - Jim Moray did the first set with Eliza Carthy's band, and was OK. The second, much longer set with Eliza Carthy was astonishingly brilliant! Not just folk (as you'd expect) but great music of all sorts - with a 12-piece band (all of whom sang as well) that included a horn and string sections, the dynamic range was tremendous.  A great night out, and highly recommended.  They are playing Edinburgh tonight apparently...

Today, after a late start I have been digging holes in the garden. More will be revealed on Su's next blog posting (normally on Mondays...) 

Taking a break from my "labours", I took Bella out into a lovely afternoon.  Great poppies in a neighbour's garden.

Interesting skies over Solsbury Hill. Noticed that English views also have cables in the way - so it's not just Symi!

Another country lane. 

Went up to Charlcombe churchyard garden with Bella, who promptly jumped into the Holy Well. 

She encouraged me to throw a stick into the well for her to retrieve a few times. 

Pretty flowers in the garden 

This day a year ago, garden reorganisation was also underway with the wood store reassembled and moving back to its former position. 

Su's news story of the day (BBC website - click on the title for the full story):

Bath barge protest over derelict Newark Works

Flaming June Begins!

Last night's sunset looked quite angry

 A bit later on, we wondered if rain was on the way.

Luckily not, so this morning saw more aqua legia popping up to celebrate the beginning of June. 

Even in untended (AKA wildlife) gardens, they can thrive.

Thisrobin was singing his heart out as I went past. 

 This clematis has reached the top of the tree!

Interesting shapes in the sky. 

After some more working on our back garden (all will be revealed in Su's next blog post), we went out with Bella to Primrose Woods. Approached from the top, with Beckford's tower on the skyline.

Looking west from the field above the woods. 

The woods were awash with cow parsley - a riot of white wherever you looked. 

Even under the trees, where it was lovely and cool. Believe it or not, it actually felt warm in the sunshine! 

How green can you get? 

Looking west down the main path frm the top of the woods across to the Mendips. 

This day a year ago, I spotted this car and wondered where the filling station was. 

Su's news story of the day (BBC website - click on the title for the full story);

BBC announce 'Strictly Come Dancing' shake up