Some amazing weather!

I know! I usually complain about the English weather, but the weekend has been glorious and there seems to be more of the same for the week!

I spent much of the weekend outside digging up one of the flower bed by our deck. We had some unruly shrubs that I am going to try to replant out front ion the cobbles in an effort to continue to claim a bit of space in front of our house. Really if we didn't have the barrels out there people would park right up to the front door I think. As it is people still walk their dogs and let them leave some unfriendly gifts at our doorstep. Hopefully the plants will take and I can create a bit of a hedge. Next year I am hoping for a bit of a cottage garden within the hedged area. Curb appeal to help it sell!

I spent a little time indoors yesterday to cook a lovely Sunday roast. It would have been nicer if my husband didn't have to work, but we had some quality time once he was home! I think the next time we have the G family over for a Sunday roast we may have s roast potato competition between my husband and myself. On Christmas, he claims turkey and potatoes as his jobs, but I think my potatoes are better, even if I am an American!

Today my husband had a conference and was meeting the carpool in the next town. I drove in with him and we window shopped until the carpool arrived. Once he was on his way, I hit the charity shops (thrift stores) and antique shops. My big finds of the day were a wooden bracelet and little hold all. I spent £1.38 on my treasures and could easily fit them in my hand bag...after I ate my banana.

Good thing they fit as I was cycling home. It is mostly flat and just under four miles. I was glad to have the ride one way as the bikes are in desperate need of a tune up. I still have mud caked on my bike from the last time I rode in the fall, I can't shift gears or I pop the chain off, and today I broke one of the reflectors as I tried to take it out of the TT. I may cycle into town on Thursday and meet my husband at the gym after work. If I can get into town early enough, I can leave the bike at the shop and for £20 it will get a tune up! I think it will be worth the piece of mind as I use it as my main source of transportation while my husband is at work.

Oh well, time to get a little more gardening in as I procrastinate from doing any indoor chores! At least one of them is fun, pack for a day at the Cheltenham Race Festival!

Signs of Spring

We have been  very fortunate over here the last couple of weeks, after a dreary, snowy, winter (coldest on record according to the man who fixes our boiler) we have had an absolutely lovely spring.  I am no longer the recluse in front of the open fire in the snug (living room), I am out and about spending as much time as possible in the sunshine.  It comes no where close to the sunshine of Florida, but it is warming and soothing all the same.  If I am outside, you know my camera is not far behind, here are a few pictures of springtime here in the England:

 Not only do we have leaves on our trees, but flowers as well.  The number of flowering trees here is staggering.  Both due to sheer number, but also due to the allergies that it seems to trigger in me.  The above picture is one of the 2 apple trees in our garden (back yard).  

 Daffodils are another sight, one of the first true signs of spring.  It has been warmer earlier than normal and many of the daffodils have already past their prime.  These along the walls of York are shaded most of the day and look gorgeous in this setting sun.

Daffodils, daffodils, and more daffodils!

 Spring wouldn't be complete without baby animals!  These goslings along the river were precious, mamma goose was not going to let anyone or anything get too close, she chased another goose into the river while we were there!

And my favorite babies of all, LAMBS!!  Here are a few from the village farm.  I walk past them often, it is fun to watch them dash across the field or leap with excitement.  They are growing so fast as well.  Again mamma sheep has a keen eye on me here!  Don't worry mamma, your lambs are safe with me!