Spring snowdrops

At mass arrival of snowdrops are just what is needed after a dull, wet winter.

Compton Valence village is a pretty little village nestled in the hills around Bridport, Dorset & is known for its stunning snowdrops.

I love their delicateness & purity - a truly stunning sight.  This is another photo I took last year of the snowdrops.

How fabulous is this village snowdrop scene?

What flowers signal a change of seasons for you?

Thanks for stopping by, your comments are always welcome so I know you have stopped by & I can return the visit.
Dee ~♥~

A very wet time in the Shire ...

Hello friends & followers

February has been a very busy month & I just seem to be paddling along & neglecting my updates here.

There are at last, welcoming signs of Spring here in England after a very wet & grey month. Our local flood defences have come up & down & back up & down again as the River Severn flows through our County on its way to the sea at Bristol.

I don't live close to the river but visit the Ironic Ironbridge regularly for shopping, coffee & to photograph the Bridge in all seasons.

It was strange to drink coffee behind the flood barriers which were then breached just days after & Queenies flooded ...

These fields on the way to our country town of Shrewsbury were all flooded

The pretty Shropshire town of Bridnorth saw the might of the Severn flood fields for miles on its way to Worcester

 

The oxbow on the way to Ironbridge from Shrewsbury shows the extent of our rain

So now after garden fences are mended thanks to our gales, perhaps I can think of Spring & some gardening.

Thanks for stopping by, I have lots of exciting posts ready now ...

Dee ~♥

I heart Valentine

Hello my friends & followers

Time restraints at present prevent me spending as much time as I would like catching up but once again, Valentine's day is almost upon us.

I baked a heart shaped Victoria Sponge cake which is our favourite

Just 4 ingredients are needed for a perfect treat - try the larger recipe for a single cake or the smaller one for a quick teatime treat.

Our conservatory is the place we dine most often so the sideboard changes several times a year ... from festive delights at Christmas to cameras and even hearts in February ...

 

This year it is simple with favourite Merrie Olde England ironstone pottery  plates - with their bright under glazed scenes and our now almost vintage set of Venetian glasses bought on a trip to Murano many years ago.

The tall glass beaded candlesticks  are a recent find that I love ...

So perfectly understated red & white - remember true love is not just for 1 day a year; true love is based on love, friendship & respect ....

Thanks for taking time to stop by, leave a comment so I can return the visit ...
Dee ~♥~

The Year of the Horse ....

The Chinese Year of the Horse started on 31st January 2014.

Personally, I am inclined towards deer & antlers but I have noticed a trend towards all things equestrian things after the Olympic events last year. Several fashion houses have given a nod to tailored riding jackets, fitted legging / trousers & crisp shirts.

The trend has not escaped home décor & I have seen several lovely horse items about.

Last year I bought a few 'vintage' wooden Indian items from a local Shropshire shop which stocks things are that sourced abroad. I knew straight away that the horse & 2 similarly painted round containers would go with our vintage family tray which has been in the family for at least 50 years, because the colours are so similar. I love the paintwork on it & how it is just comfortable they are with what we already own, especially the vintage family tray (seen standing up at the rear ...) and our Rectory Red wall in the lounge.

While browsing markets down south over Christmas, I broke down & bought 2 Polish hand painted horses but as yet, they are just not right for my home.

 

I had hoped the larger standing one would be fine with our red wall in the lounge but it is just not right & the rocking horse was cute at Christmas but it is ....

The fabulous blog Miss Mustard Seed gave me some inspiration for the rocking horse I bought but it does not fit in presently so I know I will use chalk paint to change it.

The other horse I bought is just 'ok' so it will probably have a make over too.

That is my nod to the Year of the Horse ...

Look at the fabulous horse inspiration in House Beautiful - perfectly lovely!

Are you inclined towards horses & equestrial things?

Roll on the Year of the Horse - I am ready to gallop along ...

Thanks for stopping by, have a fabulous weekend
Dee ~♥~