Just another spring time evening ...

Cherry blossom: Impermanence

A cherry tree in full bloom is one of the most glorious sights of the spring calendar - the effect of its pink or white flowers en masse is almost ethereal.  But its splendour is short-lived: the blossom soon falls to the ground in great drifts like snow, and its glory is over.  It is a reminder that life is fleeting and time is precious.  Enjoy the moment, celebrate its coming, acknowledge its passing without sorrow.

~ Mandy Kirkby from The Language of Flowers.  

This is a delightful book that I hope to review in the near future.  It is such a fascinating subject that really had me gripped.  I also love the associated book by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.  Thank goodness for the amazing sunshine at the moment.  It is really lifting the spirit and making life that much more enjoyable.  Have a lovely evening, I'm off to knit.  Oh, did I tell you that I'm learning to knit again?  I knew how to as a child but subsequently forgot and on Sunday I sat with my precious mum.  I started my first scarf.  Hopefully, I shall be able to show it to you soon!

Full of the joys of Spring ...

This week has been beautifully sunny, tiny skinny lambs are jumping around the fields and light is streaming through the typically Welsh daffodils.  The world really is full of the joys of spring and yet I haven't felt it.  So today I forced myself to pick up my camera and take some time out.  What better way to start feeling the full force of the joys of spring than throwing yourself amongst it.

 

Spring Watch Day 10

Spring Watch Day 9

Spring Watch Day 8

The buds are out, not long before we get a sunny burst of spring flowers. 

The things that we saw ...

My lovely friend Nick from a pile of leaves came to visit a few weekends ago.  We saw lots of trees, ate fish and chips, talked about books whilst playing with cats.  We battled with parking permits, fought off the cold, swapped lovely Christmas presents and forced ourselves to eat almond and hazelnut gateaux (a real torture, particularly when you take into account its' chocolate and cream filling).

Nick and I first met way back in the dusty depths of an old office in 2008 (ish).  It was the 1st of April and my first day at a new job, Nick had been there a while and helped me settle in.  We'd chat and go for walks to the 9th floor to talk about the paintings.  I think we managed to keep each other sane, with our ramblings of Dr Who and The Mighty Boosh, in the midst of work and some loneliness.  We seemed to just fit together quite well, knowing how to make the other laugh (Nick, your crimp in the lift will never cease to make me giggle) and whiling the time away with easy conversation.  Fortunately, some things don't change and I had a wonderful weekend.  We talked about exciting joint ventures, whilst taking in some fresh air and lovely scenery.

  
We visited Gelert's grave in picturesque Beddgelert and walked along the river.  We marvelled at the rich colours in the village, you see the local stone is a sort of orangey-pinky-red colour, casting an autumnal glow throughout the winter of the trees.
 

 We wrapped up well and saw the dusk sky starting to fall.

 

  
We watched movies (the delightful Super 8), ate pancakes and talked about one of our favourite authors (Paul Magrs), but of course someone stole the show.  Kiki.  After hours of playing with friendly cats, tiring Nick out waggling her fishing rod (complete with a fish and bell on the end), she fell fast asleep, in her bed, in the middle of the room!  Dreaming kitty dreams of catching fish and birds, of playing endlessly until dinner time.  A sleepy pile of soft fluff just waiting until the middle of the night to pounce and jump and make as much noise as possible!  A visit to Rhid and Rosie just wouldn't be complete without the star attraction!  Thank you Nick for a really delightful three days.