Cambridge Botanic Gardens Reopen

Cambridge University Botanic Gardens opened this week for Friends of the Gardens and will open next week to the general public. It was great to take Sadie and Meredith with their cameras for a visit there on Wednesday afternoon. While there Sadie took readings for her Home-School Science project on Heart Beat, Exercise and Recovery. Meredith just enjoyed running!

Young Mycologists at Work in Thetford Forest

There are still lots of toadstools in Thetford forest to keep budding Mycologists happy. And before Mum and Dad get worried, Russula atropurpurea that M is holding is an edible species. The Russlua claroflava below is also edible but they were not allowed to touch the fly Agarics. Also identified Egg stage of the Phallus impudicus, Mycena rosea, Macrolepiota mastoidea and Sulphur Tuft. Not sure of last species

Colourful World of Butterflies

My granddaughter, Meredith, was fascinated by the Butterflies at Butterfly World today. Unfortunately the weather was cool and damp so there were no native butterflies on the wing though lots of colourful flowers and other insects for her to explore and enjoy including the two large colonies of leafcutter ants. Here a main worker together with a small caste of soldier ants that rides on the leaves to fend off any intruders. The lady called them minions but I haven't found that term used in the information on the web yet.

Birthday Girl

My grandaughter, Meredith, was three on Saturday and took it all very seriously.

Meredith's New Dress

I don't often post portraits on my blog as I don't have much expertise (other than weddings!) but Meredith looked so great in her new dress, I have made an exception.

Focus Fixer Software

This is the first time I have used the focus Fixer on a portrait as it isn't my usual genre but this portrait of Meredith was a bit soft so I used the programme to sharpen the eyes. I am not sure which colour balance I prefer - the lower one is corrected for the white background.

John Lewis Project Part 2

Another shoot at John Lewis today - took Sadie and Meredith in as models for interaction with the children's department staff.

Sadie and Meredith

I haven't done as much photography as usual at this time of year, partly because of the cold wet weather but also because of my two granddaughters - Sadie looking angelic as always and Meredith unusually quietly asleep. They keep me pretty well entertained for much of the day (with occasional spells on night calming duties)