Reading My Way Around the World

Monday 3 June 2019

A walk through May - Photo Scavenger Hunt

I'm very late joining Kate's Scavenger Hunt this month, but I just noticed there's a few hours left for the Linky to stay open.  

It's been ages since I've posted anything and have missed this blogging community, but work and stress have been the ruling forces for ages now and my biggest challenge has been trying to get some rest and balance as well as putting some sort of order on work, house, garden, parents, home, internet (bane of my life) and friends.  So we're supposed to be on holiday today but the car broke down and kept us at home, so I've decided the day is being spent on the sofa with reading and writing blogs, knitting and tv (and maybe there's enough in the freezer for dinner!)

So here are this month's words

Seat 

I feel a bit mean showing a snowy scene at this time of the year - although we did have snow once on June 8th here a bout 20 years ago - but this was the only seat I could find in old pics .--- It was taken at Annahgakerrig in Co. Monaghan, the artists retreat I've written about a few times.  


View (from the seat!)

And on a summer's day you could enjoy the view around the grounds - only a glimpse here.



Lunch

We've had the most lovely visitors to the garden this spring - earlier in the year there was a pair of jays, now we've got a pair of doves and the biggest surprise - a Red Squirrel.    There's been a huge effort to reintroduce reds into the Mournes as there were only greys here for years and years.   So here's our wee visitor having his lunch.



Starts with a P

I was given a present at Christmas for a pottery class and loved it so much I joined up for a run of classes - I think the wheel is not going to be my thing - gosh can I make a mess but it's great fun - but I really liked making a pinch pot.  This was my second attempt before firing - although I messed it up after this pic by punching holes in it, so you'll not be seeing the finished picture I don't think lol 

Transport

We've made seven trips now out to Hallig Hooge off the north west coast of Germany, mostly in May.   Normally we catch the early morning ferry but for a change this year we travelled later in the day and this was a gorgeous sunny afternoon.
The ferry coming onto the mainland from Hallig Hooge

My own choice.

I've had this little lilac bush for years and this is the first time it bloomed - it was in full bloom when we arrived back from Germany - a lovely welcome home gift. 




So that's it from me for this month.  See you all next month.   If you fancy joining in, the Scavenger Hunt is run by Kate and she'll be posting the June words in the next few days, I'd imagine.   



20 comments:

  1. Yeah, you did manage to join in. I know what you mean about trying to get the lift balance right. I'm retired and it can be a nightmare as there are so many calls on my time! I've never tried pottery despite my sister-in-law being a pottery teacher.... I don't have a lilac in my garden but you've given me an idea. By far my favourite photo is Lunch; I've only caught a glimpse of a red squirrel so I'm rather envious of your visitor. I hope it brings lots of friends next time!

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    1. It's been bringing it's little brother or sister with him - mixed pronouns there lol

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  2. Love the lavender bush photo, how nice that it was in full bloom when you got back from Germany. The squirrel is my favourite though :)

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    1. Aw thank you - the lilac had no scent though which was disappointing - maybe next year.

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  3. Wonderful! And as for snow - the weather has only just started to think about being summery!!!! Beautiful photos, thank you for joining in - especially as I know you are so busy xx

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    1. thanks for running this Kate - it's a great way to slow down and take stock - no doubt it'll be last minute again next month lol

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  4. Lovely photos Fil & so glad to see a post pop up. I love the stone seat, snow & all. Ballarat had snow last week & we've had a sprinkling of frost this morning. Brrr! My favourite photo would have to be the gorgeous little red squirrel. Thanks for taking time out for my comment too. Take care & huggles.

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    1. Hi Susan - I'm glad to hear you've had a bit of snow - our friends down in Australia have been commenting on how warm a winter it's been.

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  5. How special to have the red squirrel visiting, we only get the greys and they have just had a litter of babies who are so naughty.

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    1. Aw they must be such fun - yes, the greys destroyed the red population here but the wildlife trust has been doing amazing work over the past 10 years or so trying to reintroduce reds again

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  6. All such lovely pictures, I really love your pottery piece... before the holes!

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    1. lol - I'm dreading seeing what it turns out like !! I'll have to take a second course in the winter and try doing one properly

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  7. Love your pictures, especially the red squirrel. We've never seen one except a brief glimpse of one high in a tree in the Lake District. Have lots of greys though.

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    1. Hi Jak - I'd only ever seen the in Scotland before so I assumed they were common over your way

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  8. I was so happy when my lilacs bloomed too. It's great that you are so busy and your blogger friends will be here for when you post. That's something I have learned over the years. Thanks for letting me know about that song. Tehachapi is also mentioned in old films because there was a women's prison here. You can hear "she'll end up in Tehachapi" or something like that in Double Indemnity and The Postman Always Rings Twice, probably others as well.

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    1. Ooh that's really interesting Inger - I'll listen out for it ...You could sing your way around America with town names in songs - here too.lol

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  9. Lovely photos. Love the snowy seat and your pinch pot. How wonderful that the lilac waitied for your return from your travels to flower. My favourite has to be the squirrel, how wonderful to have red ones in your garden:)

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    1. Hi Rosie, thank you - I hope I haven't made too much of a mess of the pinch pot !

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  10. Hi John - yes Hallig Hooge is fascinating - well worth a visit if you ever get the chance - lots of different birds there. I had to check up on Boat of Garten to see where that was - I love Perthshire (in fact we're up that way in a couple of weeks at Inchture) but I'd never heard of Boat of Garden - gorgeous name.

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  11. Hi Fil - oh life ... as I only had me to worry about, well around all the other people in life, I'd only be posting rarely. But am so grateful to be blogging - a great place to be ... where there's positiveness without needing to talking about all the hassles hidden in the undergrowth. You've lots on your plate - take care ... love the snowy bench - I'm sure we must have had June snow - though don't remember it - I'm very glad to say!

    All the best for the Summer ... take care - cheers Hilary

    PS love your pinch pot - sorry 'it got broke'!

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