Skelton Show

What a glorious day - started off with a walk round the block - dog rose sprays beginning to tumble down the hedges and a diversion into the quarry behind where there were lots of fragrant orchids and twayblade out.

 Then off to Skelton show, stopping off on the way for Rocky to play with his Mum and sister and to meet the most adorable kitten!

Rocky with sister and mum after a run around in the sun. 

..and then off to Skelton Show where Rocky managed to win second prize in the sheep dog and child competition with Tom.

OK there were only three entrants but that's not the point!

Clints Crags again

The forecast promised that the wind would drop, so off to Clints quarry to try and photo the rock-rose; of course it was still waving its flower heads around albeit in only a gentle breeze. Lovely common blue and views.

The thyme was buzzing with several species of bee. 

Clints Crags, Bothel

A rather blowy day which meant taking photos wasn't easy but the flowers and views were spectacular.

Views over Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw 

Spleenwort and wild garlic heads - nice for design 

Rocky enjoying the view - for Ben and Lucy!

Owls hatched!

Found a variety of fabrics and have made the owl cards which will be going up to Mae's tearooms tomorrow.

A parliament of owls! 

Silloth Dunes

High summer must be on its way with the first ringlet and common blue butterflies. 

Lovely dune flowers.

Restharrow; common blue; lady's bedstraw and heartsease; burnet moth; kidney vetch and fragrant orchid.

Fish and owls!

What a lovely evening on the Solway - brought in the set line - a total of 26 flounders, 16 bass (up to 7lbs), 4 dabs, 3 plaice and a thornback ray from five tides. 

Rocky enjoying his first fishing experience 

..and finally, after struggling with the shape of the owl, an owl card - I just need to find a range of fabrics that fit the card so that there are a variety of images to choose from. 

New flower style

I've just run out of thread - very frustrating but here are a few of the new style flower cards.

A clump of common spotted orchids.
I need to revisit when they're fully out - but still spectacular.