The loveliest April. Sunny days, mild nights. We have been outdoors, in our garden, savouring all that sunshine, knowing there are icy days on the horizon.
I am obsessed with these little native bees. I'm not sure what sort they are. I have thoroughly scanned the Internet, I like to know the name of things, so may be harassing the museum with photos soon. I find myself hunting for them daily, crouching and watching them go about their business.
Possibly a Chequered Blue Butterfly
Yellow Banded Dart
Hoverfly
Reaching for gum nuts, "these are for Easter" she tells me. A fair while to wait, but no need to spoil her fun. It would be cool to paint spots on gum nuts and hide them at Easter time.
Our poor old dog Sammy is soaking up the rays. He's been to the vet weekly this month, alas they have no cure for old age.
Waiting for the the arrival of Autumn mushrooms, only a few sad looking ones in our garden, I expect more next week after some rainfall. I'm dreaming about finding Saffron Milk Caps in the Pine forest, and the orange feast that will follow.
Just one wild yellow cherry tomato, gone rampant, there's a poor lemon and peppers hiding under there.
Even the common honey bees suck me in. That bottom look so innocent.
Lemon verbena
Flowers can also be brushes. It is not only the bees that like to visit the Hebe.
Little one finds the bucket of carrots soaking in water and promptly fetches herself one.
Poor old Sammy, such sad eyes.