golden hour

Snapshots of lough shore adventuring at a favourite place. At golden hour, one May evening.

The weather lately has been so changeable and not at all May like. It's been cold, dreary and wet. So when the sun peeked out from behind the clouds last Monday, I threw together an impromptu picnic tea and we headed out for some fair-weather exploring. 

We visited Reilly Wood, a beautiful deciduous woodland which leads to the lough. We walked through the meadow down to the water, spotting lots of butterflies fluttering around in the sunshine. The little ones explored the shore, delighting in finding a little frog and an emerging dragonfly. Climbing over gates and clambering on tree stumps eventually tired little legs, so we headed for home.

That evening the abundant fresh air and golden evening sunshine were relished. I do hope summer arrives soon.

Joining in with The Photo Gallery 233 at Sticky Fingers.

wildflower love

Wildflowers are enchanting. Pretty little blooms that appear as if by magic. To choose a favourite is an impossibility for me.

Bluebells. Doesn't everyone love bluebells? Woodlands carpeted with blue are truly magical. The nodding bells swaying in the breeze. Perfect fairy flowers.

Cow parsley. Frothy fronds of delicate lace like blooms. Perfect little parasols. Maybe the prettiest wildflower of all. 

Cuckooflower. Heralding the arrival of spring. Almost always coinciding with the first call of the cuckoo. Pretty pink blooms dotted all through the meadows and verges. 

And lastly speedwell. Tiny, perfect little flowers. The most beautiful shade of blue.

So, do you have a favourite wildflower? Do tell, I'd love to know.

one day in may

This Bank Holiday Monday dawned dry and bright. A lovely day to visit the woods in search of bluebells. We packed a picnic lunch, met up with friends and set off to explore. 

The woodland was beautiful. Just beginning to come into leaf as the new growth appears slowly but surely. The beech leaves were especially pretty, all soft and translucent and a perfect shade of green. The woods were full of spring sounds; birdsong, babbling streams and rustling leaves. A soundtrack to total relaxation.

The little ones explored abandoned dens and built forts with fallen branches. We found a carpet of bluebells. Though not completely in bloom, they were very close. Oh well, I suppose that means we must return again another day.

Wildflowers bloomed along the path. Wood anemones, sweet violets and lesser celandine were among them. Sheep and baby lambs in the fields bordering the woodland enjoyed the sunshine, basking in the warmth. They were wise to enjoy it. It has been so cold here these past few days. Torrential rain and freezing winds do not feature in my expectations of May.

One of my best friends is getting married on Friday. I have everything crossed for pleasant weather. Even just a little sunshine. Come on May, you can be so gorgeous.

How about you? Have you been searching for bluebells?

Joining in with The Photo Gallery 229 on Sticky Fingers.

may day

A flower posy for my friend. A celebration of May Day and the promise of summer. I left it on her doorstep earlier today. 

The blooms were gathered from the garden and arranged into an old jam jar. Wild garlic, viburnum, pearlbush and cotoneaster make up the posy along with a purple flower, which I am unsure of. But I love its colour and shape. I added some gypsophilia. I couldn't resist it.

Joining Lou from littlegreenshed in reviving this lovely tradition and also remembering my childhood flower gathering in May. 

Joining in with #natureinthehome and #NITHMayDay.