Variations on a Theme

These photos were taken a week or so ago, generally.  This is probably a good thing because after the past few days of "unprecedented temperatures" (to quote every newscaster, reporter, web and social media site) the garden is looking a tad world-weary, parched and sorry for itself.  A lot like its protagonist!

I have a few strategies for coping with the heat from our time in Adelaide and Sydney - but it is definitely a bit of a shock to encounter 38 degrees in the Cotswolds!?  As it is, I found myself lying on the sun-lounger in the garden at 5.00am this morning having woken up with the dawn chorus (blasted birds!) and finding the bedroom (in the eaves) a tad toasty!  However, lounging in the garden was quite refreshing - dozing as the day woke itself up, with a soft breeze and accompanied by chirruping chiff-chaffs, blackbirds and song-thrushes.  Nice.

​Then, it was rude awakening into reality as I hauled myself into school at 8am... but thankfully it is the end of term tomorrow! More of that another time - maybe - unless I erase it from my consciousness and conveniently forget about it? Probably preferable for all involved.​