It amazes me just how beautiful this little country is, even when the sun isn’t shining!

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These are pictures taken not far from the Visitor Centre looking down the valley to the Irish Sea and hazy views of Scotland in the distance.

Only a short walk today as our purpose here today was to add our voices to the Hen Harrier Day campaign.

I recently read a post about a visit to Granada in Spain.  The bright skies, perfect blues and the feeling of light was amazing in the author’s photographs.  I have never been to Spain, so I made a promise to myself that I should go there soon.

For now, today, I could only go as far as the southern end of Belfast, to Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, about a half hour drive from home.

Of course it was raining, that fine soft rain that soaks you right through!  So here are some flowers to cheer me up!

The sun was shining when I arrived in the village but thereafter it mostly rained.  It was after all the Lake District but it didn’t worry me on this visit as the course I was on was indoors at the Cycle Cafe  –  http://www.quirkyworkshops.co.uk

I was on a wood engraving course and it was brilliant!  Here is some of my work.  I should point out that all of the wood blocks we worked on were very small, about 2″ x 1″.

Now that I’m home again I need to buy some tools so that I can continue.  Wish me luck!

Our patio table has been unused for some weeks.  This pot however seems to be enjoying being in the centre of things!

What a day it was on the 23rd of June!  We drove to Mount Stewart on the Ards Peninsula to relax and enjoy the sunshine!

After our walk around Tollymore Forest Park on Saturday, we spent most of Sunday relaxing in the garden,

surrounded by these wonderful colours.

We started here

walked here

and here

and here

and ended here, in Newcastle, County Down.

Taken this morning this picture shows one of my favourite flowers.  I just love poppies, I hope you do too!