It feels like years since it's been here ...

Hallelujah!

Sorry, just couldn't control myself. There has been sunshine all day, and I've been out in it for four hours. I think I may have overdosed, bearing in mind that I'm just not used to it any more ;o)

I've been to Gibside - a National Trust property consisting mainly of Georgian landscaped gardens and a (still functional) Chapel, as the house is now a ruin and not accessible to the public.

Gibside is not short of spectacular views, flora or fauna and I have therefore had a tough decision regarding which picture I should post! Artistically speaking, the photo of lichens and moss on knobbly bark was the best shot - a miniature landscape in itself. Then there is the one of swallows huddled together having a good old gossip on a beam in the stables. However, after yesterdays blip I felt something reflecting the glorious weather would be more appropriate. Plus, I just love birch trees. With this one I had a play around with the colours creating a sort of abstract effect, but for the reason already mentioned this is the unadulterated version, not even cropped.