Magnolia Flowers Pairs

I am using two pictures from my visit to the American Museum  to take part in the weekly Helena's Pairs this Wednesday. I have returned to the ever faithful ZIZO to depict two pictures of the fabulous magnolia tree that was in full flower by the entrance to the Mount Vernon garden. Here it is reaching over the wall.

Then zooming in I chose one group of flowers where the inside of a flower was just revealed.

What splendid flowers they are!

Primroses Everywhere

Everywhere you look the primroses are at their very best. When I walked down in the quarry the other day the slopes are smothered in them. The photos don't do them justice.

Tulipmania

The tulips are at their best at the moment and I have one particular tub with some new bulbs in that I admire each day. It is remarkable how different they look when in shade.

                   

And in full sun.

   

I could not resist a few close ups when closed.

                                     

Then returned later for some open shots. I had to stand on a ladder for these. Fortunately nobody was around to wonder what I was up to!

Finally some side shots. No ladder was needed for these!

                                  

      

      

  

The American Museum

I have visited this museum that opened in 1961 many times especially as a child. It is the only museum about American life in Britain and mainly depicts the lifestyle of the early settlers and their life thereafter. It is set out as a series of period rooms. There are certain items that I remember clearly from my previous visits such as the wagon reminding me of some of my favourite childhood books "Little house on the Prairie ". We were all struck by the small size of this inside for a family to travel in.

I did not take many photos in the house because of the low light.  This patchwork quilt is only one small one of the many on display.

What was evident was that like in many places health and safety has gone mad. One of my strongest memories was the gingerbread made in Conkey's Tavern by a member of the staff in costume. This is no longer allowed "for health and safety reasons ". A fuller explanation can be found on this trip advisor report.  We then also discovered in the herb shop that the very popular apple pie spices that used to be on sale are also prohibited for similar reasons!

  The grounds and gardens were looking spectacular with a good array of spring flowers. We had our picnic amongst the primroses and violets.

 The view is stunning.

We walked round an arboretum of Native American trees.

There is a small version of Mount Vernon's garden 

Many of the trees were in full blossom.

                                                                        

                                                                       

One Year On

When I was looking at Facebook this morning one of those posts with "one year ago" was featured. This reminded me of an important date. It is a year today since I started my blog. In that time I have not only given an insight into our life on our farm but I have had the opportunity to take part in many challenges and make some lovely blog friends. How do I continue from here? I feel happy to go on with a daily post but will this lead to repetition? The farming calendar does repeat itself each year! We will see. 

  On the subject of repetition I looked back to see what I posted a year ago. It was Good Friday so it was Hot Cross Buns and also a picture of a cowslip. This afternoon I took my trusty companion for a walk.

Off we went to check out the cowslips. A week ago they were only just out but today I found plenty.

And oxlips too.

In fact the whole of the quarry was awash with spring flowers. I shall save those for another day.

Beautiful Spring Garden

The sunshine has really brought mum's garden on since I last visited. The blossom is all at it's best. I had a quick stroll around accompanied by my dad. One lawn is a picture of colour with a mixture of primroses, violets and speedwell.

There are several cheery trees in blossom.

                                                                     

                                                                     

There are also some very old pear trees in blossom.

Dad managed a walk around the side of the house.

                                                                       

He was then ready for a rest on his stroller!

The camellia given to mum by my sister his looking good.

                                                                      

They're Back!

  It is always a time of anticipation in April watching out for the first sighting. Brian was the first this year. He spotted them flying around when he was preparing the potato field last week. My sister in law was the first to spot a pair actually in the yard on Monday.Spot what you may ask? Swallows! The real sign to us  farmers and to many country folk that spring is truly here! There is nothing more delightful than seeing them flying across the sky after their long flight from South Africa. You can read more about this here.

I have spotted them a few times but only just managed to catch them on camera yesterday.

I wasn't going to risk missing them so took one from a distance first!

Then stood a bit nearer.

I think this is a pair. One appears to have a longer tail (the male). We think there are only two so far with hopefully more to follow.