Don't you just love it when...

...you find a caterpillar underneath a leaf...

and it co-ordinates perfectly with the flowers?

This is still one of my favourite exhibitions at the zoo.

Three Years...

Today is Tom's 3rd Angel Anniversary.

Three years since I have felt his soft little hands in mine, squeezing gently and showing me, subtly, that he shared a bond with me that would be unbroken in spirit forever. Three years since I have breathed in the smell of his hair. Three years since I have looked into the biggest brown eyes - brown like Minstrels - and seen a twinkle in them despite everything...

Yes, I cut and paste from last years post. My thoughts are much the same.

I could go on forever.

Three years since I listened to a rare giggle or saw a precious smile. Three years since he's given me a wobble - his way of showing he was really enjoying something, sort of a happy shudder! We made Wednesdays 'Wobbly Wednesdays' with the idea being to do a lot of wobbling on those days.

Three years sinced I coaxed his left hand into a dynamic lycra splint to prevent his wrist from curling inwards or his feet into AFO's or his back into a spinal jacket. Three years since I have carefully measured out 25 doses of medicine per day and planned my day around giving them at the correct time.

The good with the not-so-good.

I sit here, at my laptop, wondering if the time has come to empty my medicine cupboard of his medicine - it's all out of date, not that that matters. Or maybe sort out the drawer next to his bed and throw away the bits of unused dressings and masks and syringes. Maybe take down the drip-stand next to his bed? I don't know, the time still doesn't feel right, but will it ever? Sometimes I sit in his wardrobe just so I can feel his clothes around me. Another tear splashes on my cheek. Will they ever dry up?

On Saturday I attended the Annual Service of Remembrance at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The chaplain read out this quote from a bereaved mum: 'You do not get over losing a child; you just learn to behave in public.' I'd say that hits the nail on the head perfectly.

Today we are going to the zoo again. We decided last year that this is what we want to do on this day.

A couple of months ago I decided to treat myself to my own angel wings.

It wasn't as if I needed a permanant reminder, but it feels good to have one.

I had the star done last year. An eight-pointed star symbolises unity and completeness.

Tulips...

I may have alluded to my love of tulips before. I think these are worth another outing this year.

They give me great joy.

Baby Orangutans...

Last week I pruned my tree fern after having removed its winter jacket. It always seems so brutal, but within days, new leaves emerge from the centre, uncurling their way upwards.

It's like they've just been itching to get going. You can almost see them grow right in front of your eyes.

They remind me of baby orangutans stretching their little arms up...

Scratch 'n' sniff...

If only you could smell my wisteria. I wish I could share it. Bottle it, maybe.

It's divine.

It always flowers quite early and unfortunately I don't get to enjoy it so much as the weather is usually dull. Thank goodness for cameras and blogs!

My kitchen table...

At the moment, it looks like this:



Just trying to meet a deadline. Back soon...

Bantwen...

My Easter break in Wales was just lovely. We stayed in this wonderful cottage: good friends, lots of laughter, fabulous views and plenty to do.

The beaches on The Gower are to die for and the walks along the clifftops are breath-taking.

There are rockpools to investigate...

...and churches hidden high up in the woods overlooking the beach.

There are castles to explore...

...with more stunning scenery...

There are targets to aim for...

...and full moons to gaze in wonder at.

You can have fun with long shadows made in the late afternoon sun...

...and then come back, light a fire, open a bottle of wine, put some music on and spend the evening in the best of company.

Lovely. Sigh...

National Botanic Garden of Wales...

Guess what? I found a flower-filled utopia in Wales, here!

Although the day was grey, under the glass dome it didn't really matter.

I LOVE auriculas, especially planted singularly, in a simple terracotta pot.

Given the choice...

...I would live here

Having a lovely, restorative time in Wales!