Returning

Argemone platyceras, a prickly member of the poppy family.   A gift from a friend in Norfolk last summer, it seemed to have completely disappeared over the winter.   I presumed it lost to wet and slugs but this spring a little new shoot appeared .... and it has grown much bigger :-)   The flowers are about six inches across when fully open in the sunshine.    A beauty.

A morning at the community pottery session saw me glazing a couple of pieces and being initiated into the art - or is it a science - of loading a kiln.   I'm testing some different glazes which require firing to a higher temperature than the commonly used stoneware glazes.  Most of what went in the kiln today was my work.   Excited and a little nervous to see the results when it all cools down.

Lunch and an afternoon with Jamie.   He dropped some biscuits and a lemon cake he's made off at the health centre, a thank you to the lovely staff there.   This area struggles to find staff to work in the health sector, those who do are often under extra pressure due to the shortages. It's a shame as this is a great area to live in in so many ways.    I got a few jobs done in the garden including planting some sweet pea plants into a big planter.   Wind is their enemy here so a carefully sited pot  can be the best option.   Fingers crossed.

After a quick tea a walk along the Dysynni with Meg before the forecast rain arrived ... which it now has.