Cygnets at Tewkesbury

Keeping close to Mum, these cygnets bathe in the sunshine near the mill at Tewkesbury. Bit worrying that the water seems very dirty there at the moment. Swan's neck was covered in mud as she repeatedly disappeared underneath, finding food for the little ones.

Weeding Out Beauty

Weeds are beautiful too... :)

New & Old

A few days ago we thought summer had arrived. It's all turned cold and wet again, but whilst the sun was out, I managed to catch these gorgeous poppies by some Tudor cottages. Probably been blooming almost as long as the buildings have been standing, year by year, in Tewkesbury.

Host of Golden Daffodils

Sunny days recently! Great to see the beautiful yellow of daffodils everywhere again!

Lillies

Change of pic time. These beautiful lillies were a wonderful Mother's Day present for me from one of my sons. I also received chocolates! Very proud Mum of three sons.

Eric is 5 !

Interesting perspective? Many of us call it the Tenin perspective! Eric Tenin, a Parisian, has been taking photos of Paris and posting a different one each day now for 5 years! He started the City Daily Photo habit which now has members worldwide.

He has become known for placing his camera on the ground in order to get THAT shot. Soon, he will be recognised as the photographer who is to be found flat on the ground in Paris :) He has inspired me many times and this shot is one of those I took, with his style in mind. You can see his wonderful site here

Swan

Not a recent shot, but I like it. Swan. No more words needed :)

Snow Again?

Well I can hardly keep up; apparently we're forecast some more of this tonight. They often get it wrong though. We'll see... certainly a lot colder again.

Boats Staying Put

As you see in the background there won't be any vessels going under that bridge at the moment! Tewkesbury flooding still high... everything open as usual though!

Memories of '83

Enough of the rain, we need a change. So - here's a favourite photo of my Mother. One of many. It's not even a good shot, technically it's quite fuzzy. I like it though; the casual capture of her talking to friends, her gesture, very 'her'. I took it in 1983. Good memory. She's not had the best year, healthwise, last year so here's hoping for a better one in 2010! :)

Water Near Water

So, the whole town is still dry and open for business - no serious flooding yet, but it is very high as you see here. Tewkesbury's River Avon has broken its banks and flooded across vast fields. This time it is perilously near the Water Treatment plant, above, which caused all the trouble in 2007, but the plant does now have some defence walls built, albeit temporary. So far, so good. We were forecast more snow, but so far it has avoided Tewkesbury and hit the Cotswold villages. Fingers crossed.... !

Downpour

Victoria Gardens, Tewkesbury, flooded once again. Makes a pretty picture but that's about all. Last night we had lots & lots of rain, full on. I've yet to go into town to see the results - will let you know tomorrow. I do hope those who were flooded badly in 2007 have not suffered once again. Certainly was a heavy and sustained downpour in the night, even waking me up.

Changing View Daily

The snow has all but gone now and, predictably, it leaves floods in Tewkesbury. This is the view from my home, you may remember these are usually fields - now a lake! It's not at a dangerous level quite yet though so our feet are still dry! On Wednesday we are forecast....more snow!

Picture Postcard Abbey

The Abbey at Tewkesbury always makes a good photo but covered in snow, it's extra pretty! Might make this one into a postcard...

Abbey Smile

Lots of snowmen around at the moment but I like this one with his charming & happy smile. To be found in the grounds of Tewkesbury Abbey.

Kicking Up the Snow

It's getting deeper and deeper... great fun but not now the Government has cut back on gritting - the country's running out of salt apparently. Only main roads will be treated, which is all fine and good if you can get to them. Better to spend the money on more salt than the losses by people not getting to work and school.
Anyway - it's pretty stuff isn't it, snow... :)

Snow Close

I tried quite a few close up shots before being happy with this one, the lights, form and being aware of not too much burning out of the white. Who would have thought snow so difficult to photograph? Happy with this one though.

Playing in the Snow

Great to see families out in the snow having fun! Think actually most of these were adults - probably unable to get into work. Gloucestershire is looking even more beautiful than usual. Minus 9 C. tonight. Brr again.

Freeeeeze

This was the extent of our cold snap until - today! Finally getting some snow, it's falling hard. Hope will be able to take some pics tomorrow. It's around -6 C. here right now. Brr.

Golden Fairy

Probably the last of the decorations for this year... but you never know!

Christmas Tree 2009

Half of my Christmas tree! Have you posted yours? Let me know... :)

Christmas Food

Homemade mince pies (mine are the ones at the back). I call them Swiss Mince Pies. Hope you're having a good Christmas...

Christmas Beauty

A close look at my Christmas tree. Love the sparkles & prettiness of this time of year :)

Merry Christmas!

Have a lovely Christmas, everyone! This is my sitting room; the sweeties are already tempting me.

Little Piece of England

How much more English does this pic get? This is Slad valley, nr Stroud in Gloucestershire. I am reading Cider With Rosie by Laurie Lee at the moment, which I thoroughly recommend. This is where the author was born and where the book is set. It all starts in the year 1919... If you're looking for a good read over Christmas, this is it!