Butterflies & Blossoms

First I should tell you that these are not my photographs...I did take some beautiful ones, but sadly the big computer that I put them on is still very sick...so I've had to borrow some other images. When I get the dratted machine up & running again, I'll replace them with my own!

Today has been the most beautiful...in fact, I'd guess that it's the warmest this year so far. I spent the night in London, but I could see the bright sunshine in our tiny courtyard the minute I opened my eyes. I had an hour's train ride home - I'd intended to read my book, but was totally distracted by the gorgeous novelty of the sun-drenched countryside speeding past the windows!

Alice and I went straight to the garden when I got in...I threw open the french windows and let the Spring into the kitchen.

On Thursdays, I speak to Esther in Australia...we catch up with all the news from the past week, and chat about life in general....it can last several hours! Today I managed  to spend the whole conversation in the garden, which was bliss!

While we were speaking, I noticed Alice looking very intently at something on the deck....when I stooped to see what it was, I saw this beautiful creature.....

I've never seen one in the garden before. It's a Chalk Hill Blue butterfly. They are quite an endangered species, although are slowly building their numbers up again...

Isn't he beautiful? He was in no hurry  to move and just seemed to be enjoying basking in the sun's warmth. I did have to move him to a higher bush after a while, when Alice got a little too interested....! But he stayed around for quite a few hours. Gorgeous creature!

Although it's only an hour away, London is much further along springwise. All theSpring flowers are now out & swaying gently in the Royal parks...but the prevalent flower is the the foamy,milkshake pink of cherry blossom. Like a thousand blowsy bridesmaids, the trees bow down with their wonderful decorations...

However cold, wet & grey it gets  there's no going back now! Spring is here & Summer not far away...

I hope the beauty is all around you now, too!

xox