Today's Flowers

Here are some of the flowers I was given for my birthday back on 10 April. These beautfully scented lilies were from my daughter



and these zingy chrysanths were from a friend - and they are still looking good today!



Thanks to Luiz, Denise, Laerte and Sandy who host Today's Flowers. To look at more beautiful and unusual flowers from all over the world, please click here.

Skywatch Friday

Since living here we have seen some remarkable sunsets and I have to restrain myself from reaching for the camera most fine evenings. Last week they were particularly spectacular when they were enhanced by the cloud of volcanic ash and I have already posted a couple of shots taken during that time.

However, the shot below is one taken before the Icelandic volcano erupted and we feel very fortunate to witness such beauty on a regular basis.



Thanks to Klaus, Sandy Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia who host Skywatch Friday. For more pictures of skies around the world, please click here.

ABC Wednesday - O

O is for Orange

This is the sand-dredger that sails past from time to time



and these photos of the orange trees were taken in South Australia last November





Much more recently - a volcanic sunset taken last week - one of the benefits of the Icelandic volcanic eruption!




ABC Wednesday is hosted by Mrs Denise Nesbitt and her team. For more looks at the letter O please click here.

ABC Wednesday - N

N is for Necklaces

Sorting through drawers and a necklace stand recently I realised just how many necklaces I have. More than I need really. Here are some of them.







The one I wear the most is probably the little gold heart but I do particularly love the turquoise pendant.

ABC Wednesday is hosted by Mrs Denise Nesbitt and her team. For more looks at the letter N please click here.

Volcanic Ash!

Last Thursday morning, switching on the TV whilst we had our early morning "cuppa" we heard the local newsreader say "all flights out of Bristol are cancelled due to volcanic ash". OH and I looked at each other and at the same time exclaimed "volcanic ash"! However all was revealed in national news a few minutes later. Of course we are all aware now of the effects the volcanic eruption in Iceland is having and I have just heard on our late news that the disruptions are to continue in spite of there being hopes earlier today that restrictions may be lifted tomorrow. A new cloud of ash is making its way towards us.

We have been told that we are likely to see some wonderful sunsets due to the layer of volcanic dust in the atmosphere. We are fortunate that where we live we often see magnificent sunsets but they have been brighter over the last few days - this was tonights.