A balmy summer, and butterflies are back...

Spending a summer in England, instead of careering about the planet on my customary breathing crusade (!), has given me a wonderful opportunity to enjoy my little house and garden, with it's profusion of flowers, fresh fruit daily - and happy hours observing the abundance of wild birds, and several species of butterfly which had become almost extinct, through the use of lethal pesticides, and their effect on the natural food chain ...glory be, we even have song thrushes enchanting with their glorious warbling - and a blackbird which seems to duet with me ! He perches high in the tall wild cherry tree at the bottom of the garden - and I'm convinced he joins me in song - I even recorded a sequence - he trills away happily - I whistle a slightly difference tune - and he either repeats it, or gives me a new air to 'play with' - a sceptical friend assures me it's only in my imagination - which as you know, is rather fertile. Nevertheless, it pleases me to think I have a new singing partner....sweet, isn't it? I wonder if you've ever struck up a musical connection with a bird, beast, or fowl...Recently I journeyed down to Hampshire, to celebrate my Brother's 80th. birthday, a very warm and memorable day. One of the highlights was visiting the Portsmouth Royal Naval Dockyard, and viewing the area from high up in the Spinnaker Tower, a very impressive structure, taller than the Eiffel Tower - spectacular views...Another charming event was visiting my new and delightful friend Ronnie (Schneider), strolling in the beautiful environs of his friendly home and the picturesque village in which it's situated - so very 'comfortably English', much warmth and friendly discourse with local residents and traders, one feels safe and loved in such a community, mmmmm..Ronnie is obviously treasured and respected there...Celeste, my Goddaughter, and Richard her fiance, are here prior to their wedding on Saturday 22nd. August, so we are having a lot of fun, and things become more exciting every day. Richard is a brilliant pianist, coach, conductor, etc. at The Bayerische Oper, Munchen, and unexpectedly offered to play for some of my breathers - gratis - and what do you know ? We discovered that we are en rapporte, and look forward to collaborating whenever possible in future - it was such a joy 'combining' our skills... The wedding guests will converge from all corners of the world, a truly International gathering, small but very distinguished, I'm sure it will be a beautiful ceremony - must remember to stock up on tissues....and not hold my breath too often ....hope you're all enjoying a relaxing and inspiring summer...k..p b.......g...lots o' love to you all - Anna - Simsannabim...