Rose White and Rose Red

  A mixed week for the weather, with a few wet days. Although they may have forced us to be indoors more, the gardens and fields soaked it all up. The elder tree in our front garden is heavy with blossom tight now. I always think it looks like a Japanese painting.  It's been a week for hearty food. This was a scrummy healthy take on mac 'n' cheese by Jamie Oliver from his veg book, called mac 'n' greens.    It's been a week for listening to music in our basement den. Latest sounds include Nadia Reid (especially the song 'Oh Canada'), Family Selection Box and the wonderful happy breezy Sea Zoo album, 'Joy'. All guaranteed to wash away the blue mood.    We are doing our bit to try to keep local business going. Here's a delivery we took from The Grayston Unity in Halifax, England's smallest gig venue (it holds 18 people).    Sam appreciated the paper bag that the order came in too. This photo sh

After ten weeks of walking the same loop, all three of us finally headed out early in the morning to one of our favourite parks. We timed it perfectly between the showers and managed a forty minute stroll in sunshine. There was hardly anybody else about and the birds were in good voice.  Meanwhile, someone else was having their first walk in the park too! Mama duck led these little cuties all the way around the pond to get to a gate they could squeeze under, so they could have their dip. Aren't they adorable? It was the perfect end to our walk. Since the Offspring was a toddler, it's been a bit of a tradition for us to visit the Martin Mere Wetland Centre during May half term for their annual "downy duckling" week and of course we were deprived of that pleasure this year, so we were overdue some fuzzy cuteness!    They are just too cute for words! Over here we have had plenty lamb cuteness, but no ducklings. I l