A Few things from the last week

 In the garden Spring is in the air.

The Amelanchier just outside the conservatory window was full of blossom, although the winds of the last few days have started to blow petals all over the plants below.  They drift around like little snowflakes.

The Bridal Wreath (Spirea) is also covered in blossom, not as much as in previous years.  

Our night time visitors are still around.  Arriving at dusk, they are easily spotted.  I love the way they feel safe enough to sit for a while before moving on.

Mr Badger (Paul's photo)

and the two foxes (Paul's photo)   I wonder if they have cubs this year?  I hope so.

Earlier in the week we visited the Derbyshire town of Belper.  We were there to catch up with two of my relatives, who both live in the town.  One, who is now a sprightly 89, is the daughter of my grandmother's youngest brother.  The other is the granddaughter of my grandmother's sister.  We exchanged family news and had a lovely meal at a place called Denby Lodge, in the pottery village of Denby.

More foxes and badgers on the Derwent Duck by Rebecca Morledge.  This was one of the Ducks in the Amber Valley 'Ay up me Duck' trail.  Other ducks can be found across the town and also in the towns of Heanor, Ripley and Alfreton.

We visited Hem Heath Woods again to see if the bluebells were in flower.  They were, although some paths had been closed to stop people and dogs trampling on the delicate blooms.

As well as Bluebells there was loads of Yellow Dead Nettle

Lesser Celandines

 and these little white flowers, I'm not sure what they are but Stitchwort comes into my mind.  Does anyone know?

A last Springtime photo 

Female Mallard and her four little ducklings at the Peak Wildlife Park.

All for now, have a good weekend.

Spring Flowers and Snoopy

Spring has arrived at Trentham Gardens.  It was a joy to walk in the sunshine earlier this week even though there was a sharp breeze to start with the morning warmed quickly.

It was certainly a back to a warm coat and gloves day.

Perseus with the head of Medusa a copy of the original 16th century sculpture by Benvenuto Cellini made for the second Duke of Sutherland, the owner of Trentham Hall and estate in 1840.

There were some lovely displays of Spring flowers.

As well as Spring, Snoopy has arrived for a visit, he and his little friends are in the shop windows.

And in the gardens

It was fun searching for them all.  I've added photos of those we were able to take images of with no people around. 

 As you can imagine the Snoopy trail was very popular with families.

Peanuts by Charles Shultz was (still is) one of my two favourite cartoon strips, the other being The Perishers by Maurice Dodd and Dennis Collins which I remember from our daily newspaper in the 1950s and 60s.

Some of Snoopy's little friends.  I've put Peppermint Pattie in the centre as she is my favourite of the children characters.

I hope everyone has a peaceful Easter weekend.

In the Woods

 A short walk yesterday morning in the local Hem Heath woods.  Lots of work has been done by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust over the winter months.  Many Ash trees have been taken out because of Ash Dieback disease.  New paths have been made, now much firmer and cleaner underfoot.  

The sound of birdsong played in the air as we walked. The trees still bare of leaves looked wonderful against the blue sky.

We walked along the circular route back towards the car park.

Many areas under the trees were standing in water.  I'm sure this will take some time to drain away.

We stopped by the pond.

Signs of life here.  There will soon be Flag Iris and Marsh Marigolds to enjoy.  Possibly little ducklings too.

We made our way back to the car park. 

 We'll return in a few weeks time to find the woodland floor a sea of blue, as this wood is noted for its glorious display of Bluebells.  

All for now. 

In the Garden

 It's been much warmer and brighter over the last few days.  I was concerned that I hadn't seen any Wood Anemones growing yet in the garden but all of a sudden two or three flowers have appeared hidden under a Hebe bush.

We've had some unusual visitors to the bird feeders.  The Great Spotted Woodpecker is back.  I was able to catch him for a photo last week.  It is a male as he has a red spot on back of his head.

We've had three other different birds visit recently.  Paul managed to take photos of them.

Siskin

Female Blackcap

Linnet

Newts are back in the pond and coming up to the surface now the sun is shining.

The Rhubarb is doing well.

We enjoyed the first few sticks gently stewed and served with some Greek yoghurt. 

We have now had another lot from the plants and these will be made into a Rhubarb Crumble.

I think the Comma butterfly was enjoying the Rhubarb too.  This is the first we've seen this year.  

Not long after a couple of Peacock butterflies were spotted flying over the garden, they landed on a raised bed.  A Brimstone was also seen flittering about over the garden. It was too quick for the camera though and didn't settle at all.

It's good to see so much wildlife back in the garden.

Parents

Mothering Sunday tomorrow.  My Mum died in May 1999 just three weeks after her 83rd birthday.  Seems such a long time ago now, she never made it into this century.  

Over the last couple of weeks I've also been thinking about my father who died aged 45 in 1955 when I was just five years old.  I decided finally to see if I could find out about his second World War service records.  

Initial details were found on line.  I know he spent the first couple of years of the war in the Home Guard before he was finally called up.  I was told  he was sent up to Scotland. I know he was a cook.  His profession was Baker and Confectioner before and after the war.  

I also know from photographs that he was sent somewhere warm.  Possibly the middle east?  Amongst my mum's possessions are several postcards from Firenze, Italy (Florence) as well as one from Tripoli.  These must be a clue.

I've now applied to see his service records.  What I do know is that he was in the Royal Army Service Corps and he was finally discharged in Germany in March 1946.  I would just like to know where in the world he was stationed before then.

There is an entry on Thursday 18th July in Mum's diary for that year which just says 'Harry came home'.

On 14th March 2005 I started this blog.  Twenty one years. Perhaps this is far too long.  I'm thankful for everyone who has visited me here, left comments and become blogging friends.  

Best wishes to you all.