Sunshine and A Royal Wedding ...

Hello to you all.  I hope all is well with you, wherever you are as you read this.  We have had some glorious weather here over the past week or so, and I have tried to take advantage of this by visiting gardens and going on coastal walks here in heavenly Devon, where all these gorgeous places are right on my doorstep. 

So then, we come to a very special wedding which will be taking place this Saturday, at Windsor, here in the UK 🇬🇧.  Yes, it’s Harry and Meghan.  I wish them both every happiness - it’s clear that Harry is besotted, and I really do hope that Meghan realises exactly what she is taking on, by becoming a member of the Royal Family. Obviously, it’s all very exciting at the moment, but she will never again be able to just pop out to the shops on her own, or any of the simple things that we all take for granted. She will now always have to be accompanied by plain clothes armed Police Officers. Certainly she will live a life of luxury, but at what cost?

My sympathy at the moment is totally with Meghan’s father -at the time of writing, it is unclear whether he will even be attending the wedding, let alone walking his daughter down the aisle.  He has had the world’s press camped outside his door, and I feel, to be honest, that the Royal Family could have done much more to avoid this whole situation. Why on earth didn’t they bring her mum and dad over here a couple of weeks ago, to get them used to what was expected of them.  Again, I just can’t understand why Prince Harry hasn’t even met his future wife’s father.  To me, that’s not really good enough, although I know that he has met his future mother in law.  The poor man has rather just been left to hang out to dry, I feel.  Quite sad.  

But let’s wish them both every happiness as they start off on their married life together. I’m sure that they will try to do a lot of good with all the various Charities that they are involved with. I do feel that Diana lives on in both her boys, as they have so much empathy for the underdog.  

Congratulations to them both 🇬🇧🇺🇸🍾🥂

Trying To Make It Snappy!

Hallo again - it’s me, writing from heavenly Devon.  Whenever I’ve glanced at any advice about writing a Blog Post, invariably they tell you to start off with a snappy title, to draw people in.  Hence the title of this Post!  So then, did it work?  Were you all agog to see what I was going to be writing about today?!  Oh well, it was worth a try 😊

Hard to believe, but just for a few days last week, Summer suddenly arrived. No Spring - just Summer!  Everyone had their shorts and t-shirts on and, suddenly, everyone looked happy, as they basked in the warm temperatures.  Here are a few photos of the delightful little coastal resort of Salcombe - a haven for tourists during the Summer months, but at this time of the year, still relatively peaceful, which is just how we locals like it. I mustn’t say that really,  because Devon and Cornwall rely heavily on tourism.

I was also able to pay a visit to one of the best National Trust properties here in the South West, on a perfect, balmy day.  I have to say that I count my blessings every day, and especially for having the good health to be able to get around to do all these things.  Something that I never, ever take for granted.  A few photos of the magnificent gardens at Stourhead. 

I have been giving some consideration to starting up a completely new Blog, in addition to this one, but one that focused on gardening and my own garden.  But, on reflection, I thought that might get a little confusing, so I have decided to incorporate gardening photos in with my Southhamsdarling Blog.  

These two photos are special to me - the first one features a new garden fairy, given to me by daughter number 1, and the second shows lovely tulips and anemones, which were bulbs given to me by daughter number 2 in the Autumn last year.  Did I tell you how blessed I am with my two beautiful daughters?!  Also, of course, I am very blessed with three healthy grandchildren.  So much to be thankful for.

I hope this Post might have been of some interest to you, and I will try to think of some ‘snappy’ titles to use in the future 😊.   Sending best wishes to all those who ‘follow’ my blog, and thank you for your support. 

Meanwhile, something to ponder on, as I leave you ......

Last two images courtesy of Pinterest.com

Garden Colours....

Here in heavenly Devon, Spring is springing up all over the place, and the gardens are suddenly bursting with colour. In my own garden, the very first tulips are appearing - one of my favourite flowers. Yes, it's lovely to receive a bouquet of flowers from time to time, but, if I'm honest, a bunch of tulips will do it for me every time!  Yes, I'm a cheap kind of gal! 

 

 

It's strange, but at this wonderful time of the year, with new life appearing all around me, I sometimes find  that I can feel a little, I don't quite know how to describe it, but a bit under par, I suppose. 

I have a birthday in just a few weeks, and I've noticed that I can feel like this each year,  round about this time.  I spoke to a couple of friends, and it was interesting to hear that they also feel the same way just before their birthdays.  Hopefully I will feel brighter again once the month tips over into my Star sign of Aries, which will occur on the 21st March. 

I know that in certain parts of the world, the clocks have already gone forward an hour, with the promise of lighter evenings. Over here in the U.K. the clocks won't alter until the  26th March, which will also be Mothering Sunday (Mothers Day). 

 

 

 

Photos taken today at Saltram House, a wonderful National Trust property nearby. 

I'll say cheerio again for now, but will see you again soon.  I'll leave you with this little quote, courtesy of Pinterest.com

 

Photos of Autumn...

October is fast drawing to an end, and I've seen so many wonderful photos of Autumn colours. This season must surely be one of the best for capturing images with the camera, and I thought I would just share a few of my own photographs with you today. 

This first one was taken at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens in America. 

 

This is another photo taken in America. The  pond is right behind my friend's garden, again in Green Bay. 

 

At this time of the year, the Farmer always puts his sheep back in the fields....

 

I love the October mornings when the sun is rising and the mist rolls across the fields next to my garden. It reminds me to be thankful for another day, and that I have blessings in abundance. 

 

 

 

I love this next photo, but I have to confess that it isn't one of mine!  It was actually taken by my dear friend, another Diane, just a stone's throw from her home in Green Bay. I just love the composition here, with the seat taking centre stage, the reflection in the water, the old tree on the right of the photo, and, of course, the colours! This, then, is Autumn at Duck Creek....

 

So then, I will leave you once again, but I'll be back on Sunday with another edition of Sunday Solace. Bye for now ...

Short & Sweet!

"Life without friends is like a garden without Flowers"

Just so you don't forget me!