On my desk Wednesday - Bunnykins and balls of wool

On my desk this Wednesday I have a sweet Bunnykins mug which was given to my daughter when she was very small. I'm happy to say it isn't chipped or cracked and has never been in the dishwasher so has retained its original vivid colours. Together with some balls of wool and needles you might have an idea about what is brewing. All will be revealed in my next post in a few days time.

 

Great fun! 'On my desk Wednesday' has a number of 'players' worldwide. All that is required is a shot of your desk and a bit of chat about the kinds of things you are currently working on. Click here for more details and a list of the other players.

The sun came out! 
I'm aware that we Brits are well known for moaning about our weather. Its a reputation we are happy to live with as the weather really is worth moaning about quite a bit of the time and anyway, moaning tends to make us feel a lot better. I live in England's north west corner, the land of lakes and mountains that many of you will have seen in the recent 'Miss Potter' film. Westerly winds blow a constant stream of rain clouds off the Atlantic and as a consequence we have plenty of rain. 

This year has been particularly wet and this week's weather forecast is gloomy to say the least, but this morning I looked out to see patches of blue in the sky and the sun shining on our lovely tulip tree. I hurriedly picked up my camera and captured the scene before it disappeared.

Within a couple of minutes grey clouds came scudding across and rain was falling yet again.

In autumn the leaves are a glorious butter yellow

 
The backs of the leaves collect rain drops that sparkle like diamonds when the sun comes out

A tulip tree (official name - Liriodendron tulipifera) is a native of eastern North America but it is grown all around Britain. In warm sunny conditions it will produce pretty cup-shaped flowers in June and July. Needless to say we have yet to see any! We planted this tree as a youngster 18 years ago. In 1992 visiting roe deer tore the bark from right around the trunk. Under normal circumstances this kind of damage would quickly kill a tree but I took the law into my own hands and stuck the bark back on with freezer tape. This waterproof layer protected the damaged area long enough for the tree to recover and now, as you can see, it is a handsome healthy specimen.

Comments

[Cathy Santarsiero]

I found your blog through Suzanne's. :) We've got a bunnykins mug from when the kids were little as well. I've got one of Susan Wittig Albert's books on tape in my car right now (the first one) where she describes your Lake District. Thanks for sharing your photos. I'm adding you to my blog list! Have a happy day. Warmly, Cathy ^..^

[clarice]

Well living in WA state we understand how lovely it is to see the sun come out. Actually it happens to be sunny "at the moment" It is sooo beautiful were you live. Clarice

[Rhondi]

Hi Eli
I love Bunnykins. My guess is a baby? The photos of the beautiful tulip tree are a grogeous color of golden yellow. We have then growing in our neighborhood too.
Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs, Rhondi

[paula]

Dear Eli,

I love that sweet mug and your yarn looks so lovely too.

I am so glad the sun come out for a moment! Thank you for sharing the beautiful photo. The leaves are so pretty and I am glad you were able to save your beautiful tulip tree.

I do hope you will see more sunshine. I wish I could send it your way!!!

Love, Paula

[Redwood House]

What amazing colours and with sunshine, a perfect autumn day, nothing like it. Fantastic photos.
Jan

[Paula]

Hi Eli,
Thank you so much for the kind comments about my blog! My dear husband helped me with it last night. I am so pleased with it, and glad you are too!

Last night a cold front came through and brought rain and clouds that are lingering today. So, no sunshine here, but I am hoping you have some at your beautiful home there in England! It is chilly here today as well. I am sure you are having some cold weather too! When you have tea think of me and when I have tea I will think of you!

Love, Paula

[Suzanne]

I will come and visit and promise not to moan at all about the weather. I can't wait to see what your stitching up! I love the mug:-)