Summer showers!

One of this summers numerous "showers", more like the biblical deluge. Can't understand where it all comes from. It's making gardening very difficult.

Hollyhocks

The latest overseas addition to my garden are Hollyhocks from New Zealand. They have not grown very tall but are beautiful nonetheless. Thank you for sending me the seeds Joy.

Birdland

The village of Bourton on the Water is well worth a visit if you are ever in the Cotswolds. As with other towns in the area all the houses are built of local Cotswold stone as are the many footbridges which cross the crystal clear river Windrush as it flows through the centre of the village. The one place to visit there is Birdland. Not only are there many birds from all over the world, (the penguins are my favourite) but also many sculptures which appear to be made of old motor cycle parts. A great way to recycle.

and finally, the star of the show no doubt is Metal Mickey. http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_5320000/newsid_5327900/5327922.stm

Walima

Marriage in Islam has two main parts. The first which is called Nikah is arranged by the parents of the bride and is the actual religious ceremony. This is followed by the Walima which is arranged by the parents of the groom.

My son's Nikah was last May and this weekend we eventually celebrated his Walima. This has no formal ceremony and is a reception where all the friends and family get together to celebrate the marriage with a meal.

This was held in the Holiday Inn Hotel in Newport near to where we live. We had a lovely day with excellent company, food and service from the hotel staff.

We had about 220 guests of many nationalities and faiths. Guests from Malaysia, my daughter in law's home, some of my husband's family from Pakistan and other people from various Asian and African countries as well as all parts of Great Britain.

Thanks to my hairdresser

I had a bad hair day on Sunday when my hair colour turned out darker than I expected. My hairdresser came to the rescue and gave me some highlights which much improved matters. In fact I like it so much I might make it permanent. Well until I want a change.

Thank you Judith ;-)

http://www.cwmbraninfo.co.uk/beaut/haird/hair03.htm

Where wishes really do come true

Where have all the flowers gone?

The squirrels ate them, every one!

This is all that is left of my climbing rose. My neighbour has a bird feeding table just over the fence from this rose where he puts lots of nuts which the squirrels just love. For dessert they seem to be partial to rose buds

Another columbine.