Bournemouth

We went to Bournemouth this week to celebrate Wee One's birthday. The good weather continued and the lawns and headland grasses were losing their green.

The sea looked inviting,

but the cross currents were strong and the lifeguard put up flags so I did nothing more than pootle about near the shoreline.

Our grandson was unwell and we walked him in the shady areas of the local park.

The golf green was obviously getting watered!

All our meals were eaten in the garden.

Cards in the house

and birthday flowers.

All a bit much for a little tot with an ear infection.

We hope he will be feeling better soon.

Victoria Art Gallery, Bath.

There's an exhibition on at the moment called, 'A Celebration of Flowers.' It's a riot of colour. The first time I went to see it everyone was taking photos and I regretted not having my camera with me. This week I returned to Bath intent on taking many photos. (I didn't cycle, I took the park and ride!)

This street artist amuses me. I'd love to see how he packs up and travels home at the end of his day.

When I got to the gallery I was disappointed to see that they had put up large signs saying no photography allowed. I had so wanted to look into Candace Bahouth's exuberant mirrors and capture reflections of Kaffe Fassett's colourful quilts. I asked politely if I could just take a general photo of the room. Request granted.

Sadly it wasn't possible to  show the mirrors. I've divided my one image in an attempt to show the impact of the colour.

All the following images are from the museum leaflet.

Seed packet quilt.

Detail from 'The Opera of Roses.'

Then I came home to my own celebration.

Raubritter.

Visible Monday - summer!

It's summer and the sun is shining, time to wear a light cotton dress. But hang on a minute, there's a strong wind blowing and it's a bit freaky out. I think I'll skulk in the greenhouse instead.  I bought this cotton shirtwaister with it's summery pattern of flowers from Zara last year. I grew up in the shirtwaister era and am happy to see a return to that style. In the '50's they were cut with very small waists and very big skirts, always worn with a petticoat underneath. Sadly this one hasn't got such a good cut but it is a comfy, easy style, with 3/4 sleeves and side pockets, so what's not to like. It is button through and doesn't have any waist at all, in fact, so is rather more like a duster coat. I'm wearing it with an old lambswool Boden cardi that I had rather tired of before I bought this dress. They fit together well. And yes, it's summer, but it's Blighty, folks, and a cardi never comes amiss.

Sharing with Patti who hosts Visible Monday.

The fabric is glazed cotton, crisp and cool.

Last week

We had a sociable time last week with a number of meals out. Amongst an evening celebration for friends' wedding anniversary and a lunch date catch-up we also attended the woodland funeral of the artist Neil Murison. Long time readers of my blogs may recall visits to his house and studio and his magical garden with it's lake in a sunken quarry.

In all seasons the garden provided inspiration for his paintings.

Neil and Himself had known each other for half a century,  they both taught at the art school.

A few years ago they shared a two-man exhibition in Bristol.

Neil was a sweet-natured man and will be much missed.