...... But today (I write on Saturday evening) Toby did us proud and broke a few hearts on his second walk ever; he is adorable.
We visited Mount Stewart and walked around the lake there, it's so beautifully planted and works to please at all times of the year. Santa was also visiting but we hadn't booked to see him sadly, though a friendly elf cuddled Toby for a wee minute. I just love how the National Trust staff seem to love dogs and make all their gardens dog friendly with water bowls, free poop bags and places to tie yours up when coffee calls.
There is a micro climate in and around Mount Stewart and though it drizzled and I was cold (2 tops and 2 coats plus a fleecy lined hat) it wasn't a bad day at all. Many varieties of trees there still have their leaves or have very recently dropped them and even the tree ferns are still unsheathed.
I love the Trust's practice of using old and rotten logs as habitats for insects and fungi but this was a new sight - baby rhododendrons planted in this one. They also use fallen or storm damaged limbs/trunks as art and simple benches.
I didn't take that many photos but just wanted to say hello really and this was a good excuse...
And here's my boys :)
I'm going to the allotment tomorrow for a look around so a 'proper' post will follow......Indeed friends, I must apologize for the lack of blogging, truly had I had anything to say or indeed the health to say it I would have been writing more often.
Wishing you well,
Carrie
