Weather today was shocking – torrential rain for hours, but it cleared as we were driving home after spending lunchtime and the afternoon with friends, and we were treated to an excellent sunset. This was just a mile or so from home…

Weather today was shocking – torrential rain for hours, but it cleared as we were driving home after spending lunchtime and the afternoon with friends, and we were treated to an excellent sunset. This was just a mile or so from home…

First time out for a while with my ‘real’ camera (as opposed to my smartphone) so decided to try Ramshaw Rocks, a place I know well, and just an hour or so from home. The sunset didn’t disappoint…

Came across this beautiful butterfly while we were in the garden this afternoon. I’ve never seen this variety before, but apparently it’s quite common. It’s called a Speckled Wood, and easily identifiable by its distinctive spots or ‘eyes’ on its wings.

… on the weather. This weathervane sits on the roof of our neighbour’s barn. The barn is around 200 years old, and I suspect the weathervane is of similar age. Lit by an amazing sky this evening.

For once, I’m in today’s photo – a selfie with my dear wife and best friend ❤️. The weather forecast was so-so, but we decided to risk it and had a lovely 12 mile ride around the country lanes. And it didn’t rain… First time on our bikes for a while, so a little sore afterwards!

Well, vegetables actually… The green runner beans have done reasonably well this year, despite the very mixed weather, but are now coming to an end. I planted yellow courgettes for the first time, and after an uncertain start they are coming thick and fast. And as for the onions – they are huge! Most of them are a good 4-5 ins across, so just need to dry them off for storage. Not shown is the final crop of rhubarb – probably about 4lbs this time. Most will get frozen for use later, but I will definitely use some to make rhubarb vodka for Christmas!

I was awake even earlier than usual this morning and around 6am saw that the light was promising. Grabbed shoes and my camera and walked the few yards to the farm gate nearby. Just time to snatch a few shots before the sun came up fully and the beautiful colours disappeared.

In between the showers and high winds over the last few days, I’ve been cleaning our terrace area of the black algae that has made it a bit of an eyesore. Finished off by installing a rather nice pot stand which hides the pipes etc of the outdoor watering system. Looks much better now!
This small pool a couple of miles from where we live belongs to a local angling club. It was completely deserted today…
… and lots of other colours too. My wife loves flowers, especially roses, so this jumbo bunch of multi-colored blooms looked perfect for our kitchen. 