Poison arrows

Now, I know you have all been desperate to see what a bumble bee poison arrow froggie looks like so here's a lovely shot which I borrowed from iPhotograph's flickr page. Isn't it a beauty? Sadly quite deadly and not at all cute in real life, but stunning design! This sort of bee is rather more common round here, fortunately.
I've been reading TLC's blog and marvelling at the range and quality of fruit she has growing in her Washington garden - puts my strawbs and few rasps to shame. I have high hopes for my first attempt at blueberries, though. Here they are looking refreshed after a day and half of torrential rain. It is still drizzling now but at least we can venture out in it without fear of being washed away...
And now a tasteful shot of my Lakeland purchases. Star of the show is my Herdy sheep bank, produced by these stylish folk who introduced Herdy mugs at last year's Woolfest. I coveted a sheepy bank this time but due to a regulatory hitch they could not sell them to us then and there. So I took advantage of the money-off voucher I was given to buy one on-line. I chose original Herdy grey but they are available in wilder shades too. The website is full of lovely images and all purchases help to conserve the Lake District - it's not just for tourists. after all. The delicious handthrown bowl, bought in Hawkshead, is made by Mary Chappelhow. It's a very neat shape and allows for my morning meusli/granola to have milk added without drowning any fresh strawberries sitting on top. I shall endeavour to take care of it, but sadly my 'enthusiastic but clumsy' attitude to dishwashing does lead to frequent chips and cracks.
Underneath is my new buff - also sheepy. Buffs are great in this part of the world - they stop rain dripping down my neck and cover the gap between jacket and fleecy hat in cold weather. Handknit cowls are lovely but need rather more care than I generally treat my clothes to.