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Happy gardening!

Friday 19 November 2010

The last of the autumn colours...

What a rollercoaster the last 6 weeks have been for me and my apologies that I seemed to have abandoned ship somewhat regarding recent postings on my blog.  In brief I've been suffering with a herniated disc which came to a head about 3 weeks ago and I ended up enduring my first 4 day stay in a French hospital!  They haven't operated and I've been given strict instructions to rest which has been SO boring I can't tell you especially when all I've managed is lying down and pottering about the house ;-(  It's been a slow process and still is - luckily the pain is subsiding but I reckon I've a way to go and in my line of work it's not ideal but am sincerely hoping that I can get out to do much needed work in the next couple of weeks before the real enslaught of winter.

Before I hurt my back I'd taken these shots of the Red Admiral and as I've not had the chance to post these as yet thought I'd start with them...  I haven't seen any butterflies out for a little while now so I think these could be the last sightings before the spring... so enjoy!
As part of my recuperation I've been pottering around with my camera outside a bit - keeps my spirits up - the colours of autumn in our garden in Brittany this year have been quite amazing - one of the perks of my stay in hospital was the stunning views of the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges of the trees in the small park beyond - I was on the 6th floor so the view across Dinan was wonderful and I was also fortunate enough to have the bed by the window so at least I could leave the window open slightly too as it was SO hot in there (being an outdoor girl!).

These were leaves of Viburnum Opulus which caught my eye

and the Euphorbias are always vibrant
Late flowering plants are always a bonus and one of my favorites are the Gladioli


The birds are starting to feature more and more around the feeders now as the colder weather seems to be here and a first in our garden since we've been here were an early morning flock of Redwing turning over the leaves under our Walnut tree - sadly they just weren't here for long enough to get a shot but I'm hoping there might be a return visit... watch this space.

Do bear with me over the coming month or two - I'll do my best to post and visit your blogs but I'm not able to sit for very long as yet - but I will get there... bon weekend - Miranda x

11 comments:

Town Mouse said...

Oh, how frustrating! Well, be good, eventually you'll be out and about again. Great photos!

The Wessex Reiver said...

Hi Miranda, blimey what have you been doing to yourself? I've not experienced such a back problem but know how panful they can be. It's been a great autumn here in the UK too, spectacular. Look after yourself and we'll look forward to more postings as and when.

Miranda Bell said...

Welcome to my blog Town Mouse - I think this is your first visit? Many thanks for leaving your kind comments & encouragement and glad you like the pics too - have a good weekend - Miranda

Miranda Bell said...

Hi Andrew - thanks for your kind message - I've had a bad back on and off and about 9 yrs ago when still in Bristol did the same thing and it took the best part of a year to settle down so I'm just hoping this is not a repeat - a disaster for my work and I'm not sure I could cope with being couped up for a year! I noticed those lovely shots of the moon that you'd taken whilst flicking down to see what I'd been missing out on the last few weeks - quite beautiful! Anyway enjoy your weekend out and about no doubt - Miranda

Anonymous said...

Dear Miranda, I am so sorry to hear of your back problems. Back pain is so wearing and, clearly, the difficulties you are having will take some time to completely resolve. Do take care of yourself and follow the doctor's orders. A strong back is important for your work,so do not take any risks.

Cheryl said...

Hi Miranda, so sorry to hear about your disc problem. I cannot imagine how painful it must be. I do hope that you heal well and life can return to normal....

I saw a red admiral a few days ago. The temperatures had risen slightly and the sun was out. She warmed herself on the brickwork.....beautiful.

I await the Redwings and Fieldfare with anticipation. We get a lot in these parts and it is always a joy to see them.

Euphorbia are wonderful plants.....I can never understand why we don't see more of them in gardens. Perhaps it is the sap that worries people.....

Anna said...

Sorry to hear that you have been suffering Miranda and hope that you are on the mend. A most colourful view from the hospital - the autumn foliage has been glorious this year.

Susan said...

Doctor knows best so get your rest! That's what my mom tells me. Great photos too. Loved the butterfly the colours are amazing.

Brittany Girl said...

So sorry to hear about your back and hope it's getting much better, trouble is these things do usually take time. I've been having a weekly massage for ages now for my lower back and I know how painful backs can be.

Lot of snow still on the ground here, temperature very low so it's not melting, even in the lovely sun which we've had all day here.

Take care. Love Sandra x

Pat said...

Great captures...glad you added the butterflies.
The Euphorbias is my favorite.

Miranda Bell said...

Edith, Cheryl, Anna, Susan, Brittany Girl, & Patsi -

Thank you all so much for your kind and thoughtful replies - my back is on the mend without a doubt a few twinges continue but I think with some TLC I should be back to normal in the spring - hope so!! I will visit your blogs again v. soon - have a good week Miranda x