Sunshine on a rainy day

The beauty of these small blooms on what is an otherwise fairly nondescript plant are amazing. The plant was a gift from a "planty" friend. A pot  of fleshy long spindly grey foliage that has suddenly thrown up a spike of orange star shaped flowers. Bulbine are a family of plants originally from South Africa & New Zealand. Bulbine frutescens aka Orange African Bulbine also known as the Jelly Bean Plant, is similar to Aloe, it contains glycoproteins that can ease burns, bites, eczema & rashes.

There was glimmer of hope as I fed the birds early this morning that perhaps the horrid wet weather forecast might not happen. 2 hours later the mizzle began. The weather predicted had been taken into account when myself and a group of girlfriends planned today's day out. Croissants & coffee here at 10ish before heading to Exeter. RAAM plus lunch. What actually happened was  ... We ate our pastries with some of my homemade strawberry jam, drank good coffee, (Josie brought her machine), chatted, & chatted. None of us in a hurry to go out into the rain, I suggested a visit to The Devon Guild of Craftsmen at Bovey Tracey followed by lunch up at Ullacombe. That got the thumbs up. Some new exhibitors work at the Guild, plus the Summer Exhibition made for a very enjoyable dry hour and a half. A very enjoyable lunch followed.

Now sat watching Monty on Gardener's World. A pretty chilled fun filled day. Perfect!

Thanks to BikerBear/Anni for hosting :)