Front Lawn Mowed!

I felt much brighter today which was lovely.  It probably helped that it was a sunny day, a pretty perfect day weather wise.  Not too hot, but just right.  

I spent the morning in the garden.

I mowed the front lawn.

I took down the little fence that went from the pond across to the right side of the garden, as I don't have the dogs here so there isn't really any need for it, and I have to move it each time I mow the lawn anyway.

I just hope I don't regret it and the badgers come and dig up all the garden!

The flowers look so pretty by the decking.

A baby robin kept me company

It even let me stroke it.

It hoped all around the garden and decking making little peeping sounds.  

I hope it found somewhere to shelter for the night.

My new spade arrived today...I had a bit of a shock when it did, the box didn't look wide enough.

Seems I ordered a baby spade!  This is why I like to get tools from an actual shop, as you can see what they look like and how they feel when you hold them.  It will be okay for the raised beds, but I need to get something a bit more rugged for the garden in the orchard.

After lunch I decided to go for a walk and take advantage of the nice day.

I took it nice and slowly today, taking in all that was around me.

Stopping and resting as I needed.

The sea was amazing, it glittered and shimmered in the sunlight.

I was delighted to see what looked like some birds on Spindler's Folly.

Sure enough a group of cormorants.

Five in fact, what fun!

I stood and watched them for a while and took a few photos.

Until I got a bit too close and they took off in flight.

I sat on the rocks for a while feeling thankful for the opportunity to see them and the wonderful day.

I walked on.

The fields looked so pretty with the green grass, yellow buttercups and daisies against the blue sky.

I saw a few  different butterflies.

Walked through another small woods.

Up on the cliff path before I got home.

Before I started on the lawn this morning, I cut out another bear while I was waiting for the postman, as he kindly said he would deliver the other bear to my neighbour today, which he duly did when he arrived.

I stuffed the bear while talking to my husband on the phone and then stitched him up this evening.

It feels a bit extravagant to have to have the whole Aga on at times to do something simple, so I ordered a grill that was on special on Amazon earlier on in the week.  It arrived today.

It fits in the gap nicely when I want to use it,  and also stands up on its end so doesn't take up much room when not in use.

Just the right size for me.  I will look forward to having bacon and eggs for breakfast when I can get some eggs!

This evening the moon looks amazing, very bright and reflecting on the sea and in the pond..  Unfortunately I left my tripod in NZ last year, and my other one at my old home.  It was going to be brought down here on one of my husband's trips, but well lock-down happened, so that didn't happen, so I had to take the photo holding the camera, so not the best shot.

I'd  like to say I feel okay this evening, but boy the pain in my feet is pretty bad, and if I sit for too long I seize up, everything is stiff and achy and sore.  Without the steroids, my body just seems to go into hyper-sensitivity mode. Oh well, I did have a good day which was nice.  

So that was April!

I've had another pretty slow and leisurely (perhaps lazy is the better word!) day today.  It has been a mixed day with periods of lovely sunshine interspersed with rain.  Quite windy as well.  I just couldn't be bothered going for a walk today.  I still feel very slow and sluggish so hoping this feeling will lift as I don't like it much, I also don't like the pain that seems to go with it.  It is funny when you go through a period of time with less pain (while on steroids) when it comes back you remember just how bad and awful it can be. Although I have weaned off them much slower this time, than back in December when I ended up having to go back on them, I still think perhaps it wasn't quite slow enough and I should have gone down to an even lower dose than ending on 2.5 mg.  I will try to ride it out for the next three weeks, and if still don't feel right, I will have to phone the Dr.  

I did however make another little bear this morning, and I am really pleased with him.

I sat and quietly sewed this morning.

The hardest part for me is sewing the soles of the feet into the legs.

My view as I sew is never boring!

I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful view, even when I don't feel the best, it is good to look out at this and smile.

These pieces are all ready to be sewn together.

I stuffed the stomach before I put the joint in, so had to undo it and then re-stuff and sew it up again!

Here he is next to the little wood carving I did in Rotorua last year.  How I have missed visiting 'home' and my parents this year.

I think he has a certain innocence about him.  

So although I feel  lethargic and not quite right and wish I could have ended the month on a bit more of a high, I can look back and think I really have achieved a lot indeed, and should be proud of myself.  It is not easy doing it all on my own in a new place, in 'lockdown' and not having time to have formed any new friendships and meet  people.  I am lucky that I have many hobbies, and enjoy being creative, it keeps me busy when not up to being out in the garden.  

Thank you to everyone who has been leaving such lovely comments and encouragement, I really do appreciate it.  Stay safe wishes sent your way.