Today’s guest picture, a lovely study of the Lake District, comes from my sister Mary who was on holiday there last week.
Yesterday’s sunny and warm day turned out to have been yet another false start on the long march towards summer and we were back to grey, windy and far from warm conditions today. This put paid to any thought of dashing out for an early pedal and after a late breakfast, my only cycle expedition was to our local Co-operative store for some tomatoes.
I enlivened the return journey by a visit to a furniture maker’s studio which was open as part of the Spring Fling. Daniel Lacey is the man who was responsible for the bird hide at the Moorland feeders and it was a treat to see his professional work. Photographs cannot do justice to the sheer beauty of his woodwork. The impulse to stroke every piece of wood in sight was almost overwhelming.
The tomatoes were a part of the lunch preparations for the visit of my younger son Alistair with his wife Clare and their daughter Matilda, TWGSP, to see Granny.

I took the opportunity of showing Matilda the delights of bird watching through a window.
Matilda was in great form and spent a good deal of time walking up and down the lawn. She can stand up unassisted but likes a helping hand while perambulating.

They thought that they were taking Matilda for a walk, but she and I knew who was really in charge.
It was the second excellent family visit in two days. We are hoping that Matilda might be persuaded to come and stay a night with us soon.
In spite of the grey day and chilly wind, it was still a bit warmer than it has been and the garden was looking a bit more colourful.






Dangling in the cool shade of its leaves the flowers of a Solomons Seal are almost out.
Matilda noticed that the goldfinches prefer the old feeder now hanging on the elder…..
…whereas the siskins prefer the new one.
Sometimes, a goldfinch would wait, perched high on the plum tree, to see which looked most inviting.
Every now and again, it would almost turn into a nice day.


I was hoping to sneak out for a pedal when Matilda took her parents home at four o’clock but the sun disappeared and the wind seemed to know my mind and raised its tempo a bit so I stayed at home, shifted a little compost and practised a little singing instead.
The evening was spent in gentle relaxation after the excitements of the past two days.
The flying bird of the day is an incoming goldfinch.
The smile on the WGSP’s face would be enough to brighten up the worst of days!
It certainly brings joy to our hearts.
Matilda looks right at home in the garden. I wonder if she will be a flower picker like I used to be. I nearly drove my poor grandmother crazy.
Those are excellent shots of the flowers.
We will have to wait until she can walk unaided to find out. I hope not.
Gorgeous photographs as always Mr T.
What a delight your very special TWGSP is.
She is indeed.
Matilda is so beautiful! 🙂
You are of course quite right HJ.
The four generations photo wins hands down today, followed closely by Matilda’s knowing look in the one underneath that 🙂 Lovely!
We are biased but we dote on her.
With good reason 🙂
Matilda is lovely! Those eyes! And yet another feast of flowers.
🙂
Love the four generations but the close up of Matilda shines!
She was in a very cheery mood throughout the visit.
Matilda is gorgeous! What lovely family photos. Granny is doing very well for 97! I hope I am that active in my 90s. Thank you for yet another fabulous flower show.
She is an inspiration to us all. I am glad that you enjoyed the belated flowers.
Loved the family pictures, Matilda plainly in charge! Your garden looks beautiful and thanks for the perching bird, my favourite.
Great 4 generation picture and lovely one of Matilda in charge.
Your garden has a fine selection of colourful flowers.
I love the 4-generation picture! What a wonderful moment for the family to keep and treasure.
I agree.
Matilda has grown! Those are wonderful family pictures and it’s good to see she’s keeping everyone in line!
A future world leader I think.
Matilda is a born model, as long as you are behind the lens. The feeder pictures are wonderful. Nice to see your birds all dressed up for summer.
We have been a bit short of some varieties this winter and spring. We need worse weather on the continent to bring them over.
The four generation photo is lovely. It’s not often you can capture something like that. I like the movement in the flying bird too.
🙂