In the garden

I noticed a small (3 cm or so) walking stick bug on the railing to the back stairs on Tuesday, and I ran inside to grab the macro lens for some photos.

Tuesday morning in Worcester

Rain.  Blessed rain.

Last evening, not long after the news announcement of the birth of a royal baby and heir to the throne, thunder and lightning commenced, and soon after, rain.

The Midlands have had rain off and on all night.  I was awakened a few times by the noise, but of course I love the sound of rain, especially in this parched land.

Today’s weather: torrential rain, with periods of sunshine in between; a high of 77 today, with an overnight low of 53.  The sun rose at 5.20 this morning, and sets at 9.15 tonight.

Last evening, walking ’round to the pub at a few minutes after 8, I was delighted to hear the sound of change-ringing from the tower of Worcester Cathedral.  The rehearsal went on for an hour.  Three weeks ago, K decided he didn’t like the bells, but I love them and their peculiarly English sound.

At least one local church greeted the royal birth with a wild peal of its lone bell.

I am hopeful for a summons to Kensington Palace to greet the new royal baby in person.

Back yard & video

Flowers

From my home today:

Begonias in the planter on the front porch.

Day lily.

Foxglove

Yarrow?

I put out a raspberry twig last year. I’ll get a few berries this year, but next year should be the first good harvest.

 

Thankful

Today I am thankful for

• birds that waken me with their twitters and song at 4.45 a.m.
• a dog snoring soundly by my side
• blue sky and lush green grass
• foxgloves
• dishwashers
• quiet Friday nights

Before & After

With great delight, I hereby announce that the sod arrived today!

I’ve been waiting for a new back yard for over a year.  Today I have one.

This is what things looked like this morning:

I came home from school to find the ugliness gone:

Now the gate needs to be reinstalled.  Samson was certainly enjoying his perch as I watered the yard!

Snow

At 7.45 a.m., mild sleet.

At 8.30 a.m., snow.

Here’s the view from the choir room at church at 11 after the first service of the day (with two more to go):

Palm Sunday show.

Three days ago, the daffodils were ready to open.  I cut two of them after church today, so that they won’t freeze in the snow (although I think they’re pretty hardy).