Hot Hot Hot!

Hot again today - even the neighbours cat is forced to drink from our watering can! Hazel would usually chase him/her off before it pooped on her petunias but today she felt sorry for puss who was obviously desperate for some liquid refreshment. Afterwards she rattled the door handle which sent the pesky feline off down the garden path and went out to take the very dry washing from the line.

Walk To Community Orchard

Nice wander down to the River Dane and the fishing ponds etc. Nice to sit on a bench and listen to the birds singing. Sadly the swans had departed and a couple of ducks had taken over the nest. A heron hiding in the reeds nearby. Someone had mown the nettles and brambles with a big tractor by the looks of it. Made it look a bit more accessible. Hazel took her snippers and snipped a few stray brambles along the way. The clouds rolled by the sun came out briefly. Baby ducks not interested in Hazel's porridge oats she took along to feed the swans. Probably why they took off!

Frodsham and Lady Heyes

A nice wander around the charity shops and old buildings of Frodsham this morning. Spotted a few bits of novelty brickwork. Got a nice double Jerry Lee Lewis country album CD in one charity shop. Hazel bought a few things inc. new loppers for her birthday in a couple of weeks. Then to the gallery in Castle Park Arts Centre. Some nice rugs and less nice paintings. Then to Lady Heyes antique emporiums to mutter about the high prices of stuff. The record shop was open but didnt see anything I wanted. Tempted by some Cosmotheka albums but I have a lot on cassette. Drizzly so home for egg and fakey bacon sarnies. Living the dream!

Marbury Picnic

Nice picnic with old chums Stella and Brian. Walk afterwards around the lake and to bird hide - lots of ducks! Then to the garden centre to buy some geranniums and pinks.

Blakemere Boot

This mornings bargains at the monthly Blakemere boot sale. Everything was mostly 50p and £1. Hazel got two watering cans and some blouses. Also some plants and jewelry. Too much stuff to show here! The rain held off thankfully. W are home now - its 10am and I feel like we've been out all morning!

Ruthin - Wales

Just a few photos from the nice RuthinCraft Centre show of Jesse Chorley who had some nice collections amongsther rather twee embroideries. Alo nice little show of Barry Flanagan's prints and ceramics. Had an alfresco lunch of cafe bought sarnies in the town square. A charming village rather spoilt by cars trying to park. Dropped Linda Merrimen off at bus stop so she could get home to Dollgelue. Audrey came too for the ride. Home by 3. Traffic was bit mad but nice weather. Rather too hot really. Phew!

Birthday Treats

Treats all round on this MERZ day. After opening my present and cards went to the fishing ponds to feed the swans and ducklings with porridge oats. Some tiny floglets still wandering about on the paths. They seem to like it judging by the commotion in the water! Even the female swan left the nest to see what all the fuss was about! Nice to get out in the cool before the sun broke though the haze and it warmed up. Threatens to be 30's again today. Phew!

Shropshire - Staffordshire

Nice day in Shropshire and Staffordshire - looking at shops in Whitchurch and then a wiggly drive down narrow country lanes to the Anchor pub by the canal where we met up with old chum Trevor and his girlfriend Carol. Lulu the terrier came along too. Nice selection of old vehicles - nice chats and sandwiches. Very hot and sunny most of the day. Nice to get back to our lovely cool house.