Wow, it’s February already, January seems to have whizzed by, and I haven't posted any journals for nearly two months. In my defence for much of that time I was laden down with flu, my symptoms started in mid-December and lasted until mid-January. Even now, at the beginning of February, I am still left with occasional uncontrollable fits of coughing but I am pleased to say that these are becoming less frequent as the weeks go by.
Last weekend I participated in the RSPB’s Big Garden
Birdwatch which I do every year. It was
lovely to sit down, armed with mug of hot coffee and binoculars and watch and
count the birds as they visit my garden.
Here is my first serious attempt at using my camera and its zoom lens so
apologies for the grainy quality.
Christmas at Beamish (Living Museum of the North) is always beautiful and atmospheric.
We visited two volunteer run steam railways and had trips on their steam trains – Tanfield Railway and Stephenson Steam Railway, their mince pies
and hot chocolate are always delicious.
Tanfield Railway
Stephenson Steam Railway
For Christmas Pippin was given a new woolly jumper (I think the picture speaks for itself).
I ordered and received crataegus laevigata Paul’s Scarlet
(bare root). I potted it up quickly as its new home will be the wildlife hedge (on our east facing boundary) and
the soil will not have warmed up sufficiently until March.
Well, I think that just about covers the last month or
so.
I do hope you enjoyed the photographs. I always think that images will hold one's attention for longer than lots of words.
Happy gardening and New Year to you all.
