A New Challenge, Embroidery.

 The first crack.

Blackwork first appeared in England during the reign of Henry VIII. I do like the symmetry and 'simplicity' of this type of embroidery. Once you have worked out how to do a part of the pattern, you can more easily complete the whole design.  Of course, this is intended to lead to an exhibition of miniature blackwork pieces.  Watch this space!

Aberglasney Gardens

 A Grade II listed, 16th century mansion, recently restored,

with richly flowered, formal gardens.

Gek having a word with the foxgloves,

after doing a nonchalant pose. 

Not sure what was on these hoops, but not roses.  Grapes? Is in the veggie garden.

Then to lunch at the tearoom by the pond.

Rhossili

Worms Head viewed from the Head. Well, three quarters of the way up the head. We ran out of puff.

The Old Rectory, a bookable National Trust holiday stay accommodation.

Waiting for our lunch,

courtesy of Polly for Fathers Day. Thank you, thank you my lovely.

Strange to find these wall hangings behind Gek's seat. 

Botanic Gardens

Inside the glasshouse. Built to simulate a Mediterranean climate, was more like a tropical one this day.

With bro, Mark

 The original 200 year old Middleton House stable block, now hosting the gardens visitors centre and tearoom.

Linden

At the Ipoh house.  Our stays with Linden in Ipoh were always relaxing, reading the books and enjoying Ah Fong's culinary delights.

And, of course, the garden with its many, many orchids.

The three of us together.

At Linden's Singapore apartment, our  5-star accommodation on the Little Red Dot.  I was given permission to enter the kitchen....but only to wash up you understand!

Taking a break after a gallery visit.

In step, sheltering from the scorching sun.

Cooling off in an underground linkway.

Waiting for Toby, who was going to give us a treat at an Indian restaurant.

A favoutite place to visit, Genting Hill in Penang.  

The girls enjoyed the Hill's durian, whilst I sat up wind to avoid the terrible smell.

Tap the 'Linden' label below to add more context to  these photographs.

St Fagan's Roses in June

On the way to the Rose Garden, a visit to the arches was a must.

Then a spin round the Roses.

Loads of varieties to see,

all unknown to me

 but gorgeous to behold.

Hope this doesn't spoil it for you? A pose to take.

A last look before we go.

Kestrel View Rose Garden

 Through our arch,

to our Rose wall,

and see the beauties there.   Me, jealous?  No, oh noooo...... Not me!!!!

Double Rainbow

These two were around for almost an hour. 

The Return

After a year away, the artist is back.