Thou art more lovely and more temperate

A few pictures from the last few days, which have indeed been comparable to summer's days. I haven't done any knitting for days - I've been pottering around the garden, stalking the cats (long story), and sitting in the sunshine reading mysteries! I know, I could have been knitting in the sunshine, but I've been on a reading binge instead. Reading Kate's blog (blurofwoodsmoke) on the topic of Reading Groups the other day got me thinking about my reading habits. I have quite lowbrow tastes in reading and I sometimes think that a book group might get me to read things I wouldn't ordinarily choose, something a bit more literary. But I think I would find it too restrictive, too worthy, too much like doing homework! I'm too lazy and too protective of my own free time at the moment for that!

The nights have been as beautiful as the days:


Apologies for the fuzziness of this one - longish exposure and unsteady hands. I could have done with using my good camera and a tripod but it was the Horrors' bedtime so no chance.

There has been al fresco coffee - oh, so many mugs. Bliss bliss bliss..

There has been lounging around. Also chasing of flies (by the cats, not me).

The paddling pool has been out and I've had a lot of use from my ridiculously pink mock Crocs.

Homework has been finished outdoors! In March!

It's been a wonderful interlude but the weather is supposedly to return to normal over the weekend. It's a bit of a shame for the kids because school finishes tomorrow afternoon, but at least it's meant outdoor PE and eating their packed lunches in the playground this week - rare events in our climate, and they've loved it! And truth be told I've enjoyed some peaceful time in the garden while they're at school. The new flower bed I created last year is free of weeds much earlier than I expected and my Dyer's Chamomile (anthemis tinctoria) is looking well.

I have been sticking to the shallows. Hello feet!