So Fast

We’re still caught in an unusually long early spell of warm weather here and Nature seems to be in such a rush just now that I can’t keep up. I keep snapping photos but I never find the time to publish them until they’re already “out of date”… I went out to the lake again today, same place that I visited last Monday, and I noticed (for example) what had happened to this one tree in exactly one week… Flowers gone, fruits/berries (whatever they are) formed…

I also noticed these ferns today, which I can’t recall having paid attention to last week – so they probably unfurled over the past week as well.

Postcards for the Weekend – Costumes

Two cards arrived very timely yesterday from Jarina in the Netherlands… (Thanks!)

This one depicts an old Dutch stamp, which in turn depicts a traditional costume.

And another old school photo… This one entitled “Those were the days”, no year given.

Half randomly flickering through some cards from previous years, I picked out some more. If I have already used them before, I hope that your memory is no better than mine!

From Lithuania 2015
Lithuanian folk dance with hats

Sent from Germany 2014:

Mural in Holzgau in the Lecthtal Alps, Austria

From John in England, 2016
”Welsh women & cottage” (vintage card)

From a Swedish children’s story book, written and illustrated by Elsa Beskow (1874-1953)
Aunt Green, Aunt Brown and Aunt Lavender. Their male friend is Uncle Blue, and the children are called Petter and Lotta.

…

From the fashions of the the past, I’m almost thinking that there must be some truth to the talk of “global warming” in our own time, as nowadays many people seem to be wearing as little as possible as soon as the sun comes out …  while in the past layers upon layers, even in nice summery weather!

I was out searching the shops for a pair of shorts this week, but found that knee-length shorts seem to be“out” at the moment (and thus impossible to find). Those shorts that are “in” are so short that there’s no way I would go into town wearing them…  To my relief, on the other hand I found that it’s apparently “in” to wear thin wide 3/4 length trousers (culottes) – even if almost only available in flowery patterns that in a couple of years will most likely be totally “out” again.

The aunties above would probably have fainted at the very idea of walking down the street in culottes. They probably wore those underneath their dresses (as does Lotta, under her shorter dress).

Postcards for the Weekend 86 – Costumes

Crossing the Bridge

More photos from my Monday outing to the lake.

Walking away from the beach, crossing a footbridge over the river, where the river joins the lake.

Above, view towards the lake.
Below, looking the other way.

On the other side of the bridge there is an area with lots of small summer houses and allotments.

I followed the path that runs between that area, and the river.

A very nice walk on a sunny day, partly shadowed by big trees.

Sitting down for a while on a park bench, just watching the sky, and all the fresh greenery…

Turning back; and looking at the river

Still wood anemones in bloom here and there… and daffodils…

This year, with spring first being late but then very much in hurry to turn straight into summer, we seem to be getting both the early spring flowers and the later ones (like all the flowering trees) all at once.

Huge bird-cherry tree in bloom by the bridge.

More Lakeside Views

Strolling off for a little walk along the west side of the lake first. (This photo is looking back towards the beach.)

One does not get very far here; but some nice views with boats and piers.
And this time of year, all the shifting shades of fresh greens in nature!

You can hardly see it, hidden in the shadows, but in this spot there is also the refreshing sound of water from a brook splashing down the hillside.

Beach Life

Today was another sunny day with warm summer temperatures even though we’re only in mid May. Nature is still a bit confused about it all, and giving us both spring and summer all mixed up. My balcony was definitely too hot this afternoon, so I decided to take the bus across town to the lakeside beach instead. I’m pleased that the new bus line introduced last year is still running! - as it takes me from my closest bus stop directly to that beach in 15 minutes. In winter I have not felt tempted though. (For one thing the café and other services – toilets – are only open in summer.) Last year (not the warmest of summers) I think it was not until July that I went out there a few times. I blogged some photos from there back then as well. But the ones below are all from today.

Barn opposite the bus stop.

Welcome sign with map of the beach area.

Some things allowed, others not… :)

Main building with café

The back of the main building

Extra ice cream kiosk, only open on busy days :)

Parking lot pretty full of cars.

School holidays still 3-4 weeks away, but one wouldn’t guess that from all the people of all ages spending this Monday afternoon at the beach!

There were some more quiet spots to be found too, though.

I strolled off on a walk away from the beach area as well, but will save those photos for another post.

I kept to the rules and did not dive from this bridge, though!

…

Just to remind you (and myself):
Two months ago (17th March) my world was still frozen!

Linking to Mersad’s
Through My Lens 144