Day 175 - June 24th

Today Wayne and I spent the day at Royal Ascot. 

Our base for the day was Carriages Restaurant which is located on the upper floor of a luxury marquee within the Queen Anne Enclosure with spectacular views of the home straight and winning post. Throughout the day we were able to wander out onto the viewing balcony to watch the races and to people-watch.

We were also able to go downstairs beside the track to get a closer view.

We were treated to a four course lunch and afternoon tea in the restaurant.

Unfortunately I didn't take any photos of the lunch but I did manage to get a picture of the delicious cake stand which carried the cakes and scones for afternoon tea.

As this next photos shows, with a complimentary bar (including champagne) throughout the day copious amounts of alcohol were also drunk!

Whilst we saw Her Majesty the Queen arrive at the racecourse, we were not close enough to take any worthwhile photos so I have borrowed this photo from the Daily Mail.

After lunch and between races, we took a stroll.

In the Pre-Parade Ring horse were being saddled up and led around before their race.

The huge Grandstand dominates the site and is quite a sight.

We had a lovely day at the races, despite not coming home with any winnings, and felt thoroughly spoilt. So pleased to have experienced this very English tradition.

Day 174 - June 23rd

The Alstroemeria plants are now flowering.

Day 173 - June 22nd

I spotted these beautiful little pink roses outside my Mum & Dad's house today. They are so pretty.

Day 172 - June 21st

Phew.... Today has been hot, hot, hot! This evening temperatures reached 31C. When Wayne got into his car to leave work the temperature inside the car was 40C!

Day 171 - June 20th

In the post today we received some tickets which we were excitedly waiting to be delivered. We have been invited by a business acquaintance to join him and others at Royal Ascot on Saturday and the tickets, etc arrived today.

The tickets, tags, information booklet and car parking permit all arrived in a very smart presentation box.

Day 170 - June 19th

This evening Tux decided to lay on the foot stool from where he got a good view out of the window and of the birds.

Day 169 - June 18th

The Fuschias in tubs in my Mum & Dad's garden look lovely at the moment. The other day one of my friends likened Fuschias to ballerinas. I'd not thought of that before but looking at this photo I understand what she means.

Day 168 - June 17th

It is definitely BBQ weather.

Day 167 - June 16th

Bumble bee on lavender.

Day 166 - June 15th

Today was a big day for Steven as he successfully passed his driving test. Well done Steven!

Day 165 - June 14th

These vibrant orange lilies are now flowering in my Mum & Dad's garden.

Day 164 - June 13th

Today Lara took part in a Young Engineers Stem Day at school. Two traction engines and an armoured car were loaned to the school for the day and students were given the opportunity to prepare the engine, learn all about it, drive it and clean it down at the end of the day. 

Day 163 - June 12th

This year we have Petunias growing in our raised flower beds. They have been rather slow to start to filling out.

2017 Summer Photography Scavenger Hunt

This year I am joining in with the Summer Photography Scavenger Hunt which Mary-Lou of Patio Postcards and Lady Ella at The Flowers of Progress have devised.

The following 25 things are to be found and photographed between 1st June and 30th September:

1.     Something fuzzy

2.     Bubbles

3.     A web

4.     A zig zag

5.     A seasonal relaxing space/item

6.     A pipe

7.     The inside of something

8.     Rust or something derelict

9.     A kite or balloon

10.   Something Yellow

11.   A toy only found out during June to September

12.   A wedding

13.   A dome

14.   Someone fishing

15.   Something crafted from wood

16.   A baby (human or animal)

17.   Circles or crosses in architecture

18.   A fan

19.   Feet of man or beast

20.   Something found under ground

21.  A plaque

22.  A dial

23.  Something powered by wind

24.  Seasonal food or drink

25.  A hat

Day 162 - June 11th

We were very surprised this morning to come across wild orchids whilst out walking. 

I blogged last year about how the field margins had been narrowed with the area of wild orchids being ploughed up. Today we weren't even looking for orchids, having assumed that there wouldn't be any but in the same fields as other years, but on a different side, we came across several Bee Orchids.

Day 161 - June 10th

In April I blogged about a competition Lara was taking part in at school with the chance to win a flight in a vintage aeroplane at a de Havilland Moth Club Charity Flying event. Well .... she was one of the winners and so today we drove to nearby Shuttleworth to a De Havilland Moth Club Charity Flying Event.

After quite a wait, due to adverse flying conditions (too windy!) the time came for Lara to claim her prize.

She was escorted to the Tiger Moth plane by two chaperones whose job it was to explain to her how to get into the plane, what to do and not to do during the flight and safety procedures.

Seated in front of the pilot with safety harness secured it was time to take to the air and we watched as the plane disappeared from sight.

15-20 minutes later she was back on land having thoroughly enjoyed the experience and with a broad smile on her face.

Lara was allowed to take a camera into the plane with her and here are some of the photos she took of the Bedfordshire countryside. She keeps saying how 'pretty' everything looked.

 Airlander 10 outside Cardington hangers.

An attempt at a high altitude Selfie!

Day 160 - June 9th

For the first time ever, the palm tree in our back garden has flowered. Close up, the flowers have quiet a waxy appearance.

From a distance, the flowers look quiet fluffy.

The flowers are very pretty.