The Flickr Robesonstreet Image Generatr

SCOUT: "Oh Paddy! Paddy!" *Distressed.*

PADDY: "What is it, Scout!" *Worried.*

SCOUT: "Oh Paddy! I have the most terrible news!"

PADDY: "Goodness Scout, what is it?"

SCOUT: "Mijn beste vriend, Peter..." *Pauses.* "You do know mijn allerbeste vriend, don't you, Paddy?"

PADDY: "Yes, of course I do, Scout! You know I do! We have played together many times with mijn beste vriend Oleg. What is wrong with Peter?"

SCOUT: "Well, I have just had a pre... permon... a dream that Peter is lots on his holiday in Luxembourg with Oleg, and Funky, and Jan, and Mummy Marian! After a long hike, they took a short break by a stream, and Peter went to play in the water and splash about. But then he was getting wet feet and decided to go swim to shore."

PADDY: "And what happened then?"

SCOUT: "Well, nothing Paddy!"

PADDY: "Nothing, Scout?"

SCOUT: "No Paddy, because Peter can't swim! And worst of all he has a grumbly tummy!"

PADDY: "Oh no!" *Puts paw to mouth.*

SCOUT: "We must do something to help mijn allerbeste vriend!"

PADDY: "Yes, of course we must, Scout, but what?" *Ponders.*

SCOUT: "I'm not sure.* *Ponders hard.*

PADDY: "Hhhmmm..." *Thinks.*

SCOUT: "I know! I know!"

PADDY: "What did you think of, Scout?"

SCOUT: "Quick Paddy! Grab your hat and scarf! We are going outside and it is cold."

PADDY: "Alright Scout. But... where are we going?"

SCOUT: "You'll see Paddy!"

PADDY and SCOUT: *Get warm winter scarves and Paddy puts on his hat before following Scout as he runs out of the house and up the street before stopping before a tall, tall tree.*

SCOUT: "Do you see this tree, Paddy?"

PADDY: "Yes Scout! It's very, very tall!"

SCOUT: "Well, being a tenacious bear, I am going to climb the tree to the very, very top. Can you please boost me to the bough just there, Paddy? It's too far away for me to reach!"

PADDY: "Alright Scout." *Boosts Scout up to the lowest branch on the tree.* "What will you do once you have climbed the tree, Scout?"

SCOUT: "Well paddy, once I am there, I should be able to see Peter, and Mummy Marian and Oleg in Luxembourg. I will shout very, very loudly and wave my paws to get Oleg's and Mummy Marian's attention, and let them know that they need to rescue Peter. Because I will be able to see Peter too, I can call out to them where to go. I can wave to Peter too, and tell him that help is on the way."

PADDY: "Oh good luck, Scout!" *Puts paw to mouth. "Be careful!"

SCOUT: "I will, Paddy!"

PADDY: *Watches as Scout climbs carefully to the top of the tree.*

SCOUT: "Oleg...OOOOOOOOOOOleg!!!!"

PADDY: "Not so loud, Scout!" *Puts paw to mouth in a hushing movement.* Everyone will hear you."

SCOUT: "But that's the point, Paddy! OOOOOOOOOOOleg!!!!"

PADDY: "Oh! Oh of course!"

SCOUT: "Oleg...OOOOOOOOOOOleg!!!!" *Gasps.* "Oh I can see him, and Mummy Marian! They are having a picnic! I will wave." *Waves enthusiastically.* "Oleg...OOOOOOOOOOOleg!!!!"

PADDY: "Can they see you? Can they hear you?" *Quietly.* "I know I can."

SCOUT: "Yes! Yes! They see me!" *Waves even more.* "Oleg, Peter went to play in the water and splash about. But then he was getting wet feet and decided to go swim to shore, but of course he can't swim, and now he is stuck, and lost! he can't see you! Save him! Save him! Save him!"

PADDY: *From the bottom of the tree.* "Oh please Oleg, mijn allerbeste vriend, please save Peter!"

SCOUT: "Oh Paddy, he is nodding and waving and yes, he is hurrying towards the stream! Oh mijn beste vriend Peter! Don't worry!" *Waves enthusiastically.* "I have allerted Oleg! he is coming! he is coming! Hoorah!" *Waves more enthusiastically.*

PADDY: "Oh very good, Scout! Well done!"

SCOUT: "Thank you Paddy!"

DADDY: "Goodness! What is going on, Paddy? Why is Scout up a tree calling to Oleg?"

PADDY: "Oh Daddy! Poor Peter went on a hike with Oleg and Mummy Marian, and Peter went to play in the water and splash about. But then he got wet feet and decided to go swim to shore, but of course he can't swim, and now he is stuck, and lost, and worst of all!" *Pauses.* "He has a grumbly tummy! Scout is alerting Oleg and Mummy Marian of Peter's whereabouts, so that they can go and rescue him!"

DADDY: "Well, why didn't you just come and tell me? I could have saved Scout the trouble of climbing that tall tree."

PADDY: "You could, Daddy?"

DADDY: "Yes Paddy! I have Mummy Marian's mobile phone number. I could just have rung her and told her to go looking for Peter."

PADDY: "Oh! Now you tell us, Daddy!" *Hits forehead with paw.*

DADDY: "Oh well, I guess I'd better rescue Scout." *Sighs.* "He'll call for help as soon as he realises that he can't get down."

SCOUT: "Help! help! Daddy! Daaaaadddddyyyy! I'm stuck up this tree and I can't get down!"

My bears Paddy and Scout have made very good friends with two bears in Holland called Peter and Oleg (www.flickr.com/photos/40262251@N03/galleries/721577154558...) and their Mummy Marian Kloon (on and off). Peter and Scout are very similar and have become best friends. Peter loves Rosie and Rosie loves Peter, so they have become prince and princess to one another. Paddy and Oleg are very similar too and have become best friends as well. Peter and Oleg are holidaying with Mummy Marian in Luxembourg and went for a hike. Peter became lost whilst paddling in a stream and needs rescuing. You can see him here: www.flickr.com/photos/66094586@N06/53856075713/in/feed-66... or in the first comment below. Let's hope that Oleg and Mummy Marian can rescue him!

My Paddington Bear came to live with me in London when I was two years old (many, many years ago). He was hand made by my Great Aunt and he has a chocolate coloured felt hat, the brim of which had to be pinned up by a safety pin to stop it getting in his eyes. The collar of his mackintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his mackintosh.

He has travelled with me across the world and he and I have had many adventures together over the years. He is a very precious member of my small family.

Scout was a gift to Paddy from my friend. He is a Fair Trade Bear hand knitted in Africa. His name comes from the shop my friend found him in: Scout House. He tells me that life was very different where he came from, and Paddy is helping introduce him to many new experiences. Scout catches on quickly, and has proven to be a cheeky, but very lovable member of our closely knit family.

Being colder here, both Paddy and Scout are wearing hand knitted scarves and Paddy is wearing hand knitted hat by Lorna's Lovely Looks. Paddy sports a heart pin and Scout insisted on wearing a pink cupcake one, which seems most appropriate considering his perpetual grumbly tummy. Both were gifts from a good friend who is very fond of both Paddy and Scout.

It may be Autumn in Melbourne, but it still feels very much like summer. Summer was milder than predicted this year, and it seems like it is bleeding into autumn, for the weather is warming up and everywhere gardens are bursting forth with beautiful coloured blooms in a profusion of colours.

I took an afternoon stroll in the sunshine the other day, and I walked past this beautiful vermilion rose basking in the glorious light. Its pollen covered petals look as though it has been dusted in gold dust, or perhaps sun dust!

Yes, spring is now well and truly in the air, as winter in Melbourne fades into memory... almost... and there have been days of glorious sunshine, warm temperatures and blue skies over the last few days.

On one such sunny, blue sky day I went for an afternoon stroll. On my stroll in the sunshine, I went past a garden of an old Edwardian bungalow which has a selection of roses along their front fence, including this framing orange beauty really caught my eye! I don't know what variety this is, but the colour is so deliciously eye catching. I had to capture her as she basked in the afternoon sunshine.

CORNELIA: "Daddy? Daddy!"

DADDY: "Yes Cornelia?"

CORNELIA: "Daddy, is pretty and sunny today, Daddy. Can we go to the park and play?"

DADDY: "Yes of course we can, Cornelia."

DADDY and CORENELIA: *Go walking in the sunshine to the park.*

DADDY: "What would you like to play on first, Cornelia? The slide perhaps? Maybe the swings?"

CORNELIA: "Oh Daddy! Look! There is a pretty yellow duck ride! The duck is pretty, just like Duckie! Can I play on that?"

DADDY: "Yes of course, Cornelia. Let me help put you on it."

CORNELIA: "Oh thank you, Daddy!"

DADDY: *Lifts Cornelia onto the duck ride.*

CORNELIA: "Wheeee!" *Bounces up and down.* "Daddy? Will you ride on the other duck, Daddy? That way we will bounce more!"

DADDY: "Oh I’d love to, Cornelia, but I’m afraid that I am far too big for the duck ride."

CORNELIA: "Then who can ride with me, Daddy?"

DADDY: "Well, why don’t you ask Moesje?"

CORNELIA: "Oh what a good idea Daddy! Do you think Punky might like to play too? There are two spare yellow ducks on this ride."

DADDY: "That’s a very thoughtful of you, Cornelia. I’m sure both Moesje and Punky would love to play on the duck ride. Why don’t you ask them now?"

CORNELIA: "Oh yes, I will Daddy! Moesje my best friend, and Punky my darling friend! Would you both like to come and play on the duck ride with me? If you do, we can bounce and bounce and bounce and have such fun together! Please say yes Moesje and Punky! Please! Please! Please!"

My bear Cornelia has made friends with a little bear named Moesje www.flickr.com/photos/40262251@N03/galleries/721577217879...) and a little bear named Punky (www.flickr.com/photos/40262251@N03/galleries/721577218558...) Moesje is a beautiful Bukowski Bear from Paal in Belgium. She has come to live with Mummy Marian (Marian Kloon (on and off)).She had been waiting in the dark corner of a shop with other bears for a long time, hoping someone would pick her up. All the bears were picked up, except Moesje. An appeal was made on the Internet and Mummy Marian sprang into action immediately! Moesje needs friends to love her, and Cornelia did not hesitate, for she has so much love to give to Moesje. Now Moesje's days are full of happiness. Punky Bear is a bear from the UK, crafted by Merrythought Bears who has come to live with Mummy Marian. His plush is mohair and his paws are made of cotton velvet. He is one of a limited edition for 2023 and is number 89. He is a very beautiful hand-crafted bear and Mummy Marian is very excited to welcome him to her larger bear family in the Netherlands.

Cornelia, I found in an antique and vintage market quite recently. She is a vintage edition Russ Bear from their Mohair Collection. She is made of deliberately mottled mohair to give her that vintage look. One of a limited edition of 10,000, she was designed by artist Carol Hosfstad and is completely handmade.

SCOUT: “Choo-choo! Choo-choo! Choo-choo!” *Grips steering wheel.*

ROSIE: “Here comes the tunnel, Train Driver Scout! Whoo-whoo!”

PADDY: “Hullo Scout! Hullo Rosie! What are you doing in the cabin of the make-believe train here in the playground?”

SCOUT: “Paddy! I’m surprised at you!”

PADDY: “At me?” *Startled.* “Why?”

SCOUT: “Well, I would have thought that if you knew this was the train cabin, you would also know that we are playing at being train drivers!”

ROSIE: “What else would we be doing, Paddy? This isn’t a ship you know, so we aren’t ship’s captains. The ship is over there!” *Points to make-believe ship nearby.*

SCOUT: “Now, we mustn’t be cross with Paddy, Assistant Train Driver Rosie. It’s not his fault that he doesn’t realise that we are playing at being train drivers. When you get ancient, like Paddy is, your mind is perhaps not as sharp as it once was.”

PADDY: “I am here Scout, and I can hear everything you are saying about me, you know.” *Non-plussed.*

ROSIE: Well, at least his hearing is still working well, Train Driver Scout.”

PADDY: “What I meant to say… I don’t think… oh, never mind!”

SCOUT: “Now, if you will excuse us, Paddy, Assistant Train Driver Rosie and I must get back to driving the train.” *Grips steering wheel.* “Choo-choo! Choo-choo! Choo-choo!”

ROSIE: “Here comes a village, Train Driver Scout! Whoo-whoo!”

PADDY: “But how can you drive the train, Scout? You are facing the wrong way! The front of the train is that way.” *Points behind Scout.*

SCOUT: “That’s very observant of you, for an ancient bear, Paddy.”

PADDY: “Scout!”

SCOUT: “What?!?! I was just paying you a nice compliment, Paddy.” *Nods. “Anyway, in answer to your question, Paddy, I cannot sit on the seat and steer the train. The seat is too far down and my legs aren’t long enough to stand on the seat, so I have to stand on this side and hold the steering wheel.” *Grips steering wheel tightly.*

ROSIE: “And that’s where I come into the plan, as Assistant Train Driver, Paddy.”

PADDY: “How is that, Rosie?”

ROSIE: “Well Paddy, I am being Train Driver Scout’s eyes. I tell him what is coming up, so he knows where to turn and best of all, I get to blow the whistle! Whoo-whoo!” *Jumps up and down with joy.*

PADDY: “Oh!” *Bemused.*

SCOUT: “Now Paddy, unless you pay for a seat on our train, Assistant Train Driver Rosie and I will have to ask you to get off at the next stop. Isn’t that right, Assistant Train Driver Rosie?”

ROSIE: “Yes it is, Train Driver Scout! We can’t have any fare evaders on our train, so pay up, or you will have to get off.”

PADDY: “Pay?”

SCOUT: “Yes Paddy!” *Nods seriously.*

PADDY: “But… but I don’t have any money, Scout!”

SCOUT: “Why do you need money, Paddy?”

PADDY: “Because you just told me that I had to pay to stay on the train.”

ROSIE: “You do, Paddy, but not with money.”

PADDY: “What do I pay with then, Rosie?”

ROSIE: “With snuffly kisses of course, Paddy! The train fare is two snuffly kisses. One for Train Driver Scout and one for me.” *Giggles.*

PADDY: “Oh!” *Happy.* “Well, I can afford that!” *Gives a snuffly kiss each to Scout and Rosie.*

SCOUT: Thank you Paddy. Now, you can stay on the train for as long as you like!” *Smiles.* “Choo-choo! Choo-choo! Choo-choo!” *Grips steering wheel.*

ROSIE: “Here comes another tunnel, Train Driver Scout! Whoo-whoo!”

PADDY: “Where is this train going to, anyway, Scout and Rosie?”

SCOUT: “We are driving it to the Netherlands, so that we can see mijn beste vriend Peter.”

ROSIE: “Who is also mijn prins Peter!”

SCOUT: “Mijn beste vriend has found a baby dragon, but the poor thing is sick!”

ROSIE: “Yes, poor baby dragon.”

PADDY: “Oh yes, poor dragon!”

SCOUT: “So we are taking the steam train in the hope that we can make the sick dragon well by puffing up some steam!”

PADDY: “Oh what a good idea, Scout and Rosie!”

ROSIE: “So you can see your beste vriend Oleg too!”

PADDY: “Oh good!” *Excited.* “That is a wonderful idea too!”

ROSIE: “And our train is going via Spencer’s house, and Bruno’s house and then to Pärnu so we can pick up Odessa, Otis and Pat!”

PADDY: “Oh! Even better!” *More excited.*

SCOUT: “So sit back and enjoy the ride, Paddy! Choo-choo! Choo-choo! Choo-choo!” *Grips steering wheel.*

ROSIE: “Here comes another village, Train Driver Scout! Whoo-whoo!”

My bears Paddy and Scout have made very good friends with two bears in Holland called Peter and Oleg (www.flickr.com/photos/40262251@N03/galleries/721577154558...) and their Mummy (www.flickr.com/photos/66094586@N06/) . Peter and Scout are very similar and have become best friends. Peter loves Rosie and Rosie loves Peter, so they have become prince and princess to one another. Paddy and Oleg are very similar too and have become best friends as well. Peter found a baby dragon, but the poor thing appears to be flagging a little. You can see the photos here www.flickr.com/photos/66094586@N06/53127318106/in/datepos... and here www.flickr.com/photos/66094586@N06/53129278985/in/photost... or in the first comment below. Scout and Rosie have decided that a steam train with its puffing engine might help perk up the baby dragon. I think that is an excellent idea! What do you think?

My Paddington Bear came to live with me in London when I was two years old (many, many years ago). He was hand made by my Great Aunt and he has a chocolate coloured felt hat, the brim of which had to be pinned up by a safety pin to stop it getting in his eyes. The collar of his mackintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his mackintosh.

He has travelled with me across the world and he and I have had many adventures together over the years. He is a very precious member of my small family.

Scout was a gift to Paddy from my friend. He is a Fair Trade Bear hand knitted in Africa. His name comes from the shop my friend found him in: Scout House. He tells me that life was very different where he came from, and Paddy is helping introduce him to many new experiences. Scout catches on quickly, and has proven to be a cheeky, but very lovable member of our closely knit family.

Rosie is Scout's cousin, because like Scout, she is a free trade knitted bear from Africa. She was made in Kenya by one of the Kenana Knitters, Martha Wanjira. She is made from home spun and dyed wool. She was a gift to me from two very dear friends, includng the one who gave Scout to Paddy.

Being colder here, Paddy and Scout are wearing hand knitted scarves, Paddy is wearing hand knitted hat and Rosie is wearing a hand knitted cape made by Lorna's Lovely Looks. Paddy sports a heart pin and Scout insisted on wearing a pink cupcake one, which seems most appropriate considering his perpetual grumbly tummy. Both were gifts from a good friend who is very fond of both Paddy and Scout.

DADDY: "Now Paddy, Scout and Rosie, smile for the camera. This will make a beautiful picture to send to Peter, Oleg and Mummy Marian"

SCOUT: *Trying hard to hold his breath.* "Murry ugh!" *Eyes get wide.*

ROSIE: *Trying hard to hold her breath.* "Muugh!" *Huffs.*

DADDY: "Say Grumby tummies!"

PADDY: "Grumbly tummies!"

SCOUT and ROSIE: *Trying hard to hold their breath.* "Mumbly Mummies... muh..."

DADDY: "Scout! Rosie!" *Pulls camera away from his face.* "You aren't smiling." *Disappointed.* "Don’t you want to make a pretty picture that Peter, Oleg and Mummy Marian will love?"

SCOUT: *Trying hard to hold his breath.* "My mahhnt!"

ROSIE: *Trying hard to hold her breath.* "Me meither!"

DADDY: "What was that, Scout and Rosie? You sound like you are mumbling."

SCOUT and ROSIE: *Trying hard to hold their breath.* "Mmm... we maaaghhnt!"

PADDY: "Scout and Rosie say that they can't, Daddy."

DADDY: "Why ever not Scout and Rosie?"

SCOUT: *Trying hard to hold his breath.* "Mmmmmm!" *Waves his arms about emphatically.*

DADDY: "Scout, I can't understand you if you don't open your mouth."

SCOUT: *Trying hard to hold his breath.* "My mahhnt!"

ROSIE: *Trying hard to hold her breath.* "Me mighther!"

PADDY: "They say that they can't, Daddy."

DADDY: "Why ever not, Scout and Rosie?"

SCOUT: *Trying hard to hold his breath.* "Mmmmmm!" *Waves his arms about emphatically.*

ROSIE: *Nods emphatically whilst holding her breath.*

PADDY: "I don’t think they like the smell of the daisies, Daddy."

SCOUT: *Finally opens his mouth, gasps, takes a deep breath and splutters.* "Oh yuck! I hate these cat's pee daisies Daddy! "

ROSIE: "I agree Scout! Daddy, they stink like... like..."

DADDY: "Like cat's pee, Rosie?"

SCOUT and ROSIE: "Exactly! Yuck!" *Stick out cute little pink bear tongues.*

DADDY: "I'm sorry Scout and Rosie. I forgot how much you dislike them. It really isn't that bad, you know. It's just the pyrethrum the flowers put out."

SCOUT: "Blaagh! They stink like cat's pee! Yuck! Now hurry up and take the photo, Daddy! I want to go and play away from these cat's pee daisies!"

ROSIE: "Blaagh! Me too! They stink!"

DADDY: "Very well, Scout and Rosie. Are you ready, Paddy?"

PADDY: "Oh yes Daddy! I have been ready this whole time. I don’t mind these daisies. " *Sniffs deeply.*

SCOUT: "Show off!"

DADDY: "Alright. One... two... three!"

*Camera clicks and whirrs.*

Poor little Scout and Rosie have a problem with the smell of pyrethrum coming from these pretty white daisies in a garden in Preston. Even though it is wintertime here, Paddy, Scout, Rosie and I are going walking in the sunshine when it comes out, just so we can get some exercise and some fresh air. Being born bear explorers, Paddy, Scout and Rosie are always taking the opportunity to wander through people's gardens on the way, so that they can smell the flowers... except perhaps for the 'cat's pee daisies'!

My Paddington Bear came to live with me in London when I was two years old (many, many years ago). He was hand made by my Great Aunt and he has a chocolate coloured felt hat, the brim of which had to be pinned up by a safety pin to stop it getting in his eyes. The collar of his mackintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his mackintosh.

He has travelled with me across the world and he and I have had many adventures together over the years. He is a very precious member of my small family.

Scout was a gift to Paddy from my friend. He is a Fair Trade Bear hand knitted in Africa. His name comes from the shop my friend found him in: Scout House. He tells me that life was very different where he came from, and Paddy is helping introduce him to many new experiences. Scout catches on quickly, and has proven to be a cheeky, but very lovable member of our closely knit family.

Rosie is Scout's cousin, because like Scout, she is a free trade knitted bear from Africa. She was made in Kenya by one of the Kenana Knitters, Martha Wanjira. She is made from home spun and dyed wool. She was a gift to me from two very dear friends, includng the one who gave Scout to Paddy.

Being colder here, Paddy and Scout are wearing hand knitted scarves, Paddy is wearing hand knitted hat and Rosie is wearing a hand knitted cape made by Lorna's Lovely Looks. Paddy sports a heart pin and Scout insisted on wearing a pink cupcake one, which seems most appropriate considering his perpetual grumbly tummy. Both were gifts from a good friend who is very fond of both Paddy and Scout.

Although autumn has now well and truly given way to winter here in Melbourne, there is still a great deal of colour around if you remember to take your time, stop and smell the roses, like this glorious red Papa Meilland bloom which I saw on a walk one sunny winter's day.

The day I took this photo was a lovely and sunny day with bright blue skies: an unusually warm day for winter, although there was a crispness in the air if you were out of the sun. I thought I'd go for a walk and take advantage of the sunny conditions, as rain arrived the evening after.

Papa Meilland is a magnificent French hybrid tea rose. Named in honour of a Doyen in the rose breeding world by his Grandson, the now famous Allain Meilland, Papa Meilland has dark, velvety crimson coloured petals and a magnificent, strong, old rose fragrance. This rose was bred in France and introduced in 1963.

SCOUT: “Paddy! Paddy?”

PADDY: “Yes Scout?”

SCOUT: “Paddy, will all these pretty Autumn leaves fall off the tree?”

PADDY: “Yes Scout. This is an English maple, and they are deciduous.”

SCOUT: “Gesundheit, Paddy!”

PADDY: “Oh that wasn’t a sneeze, Scout.” *Shakes head.* “Deciduous is the word used to describe trees that lose their leaves.”

SCOUT: “Oh poor dec… deci… poor tree!” *Rubs bough lovingly.*

PADDY: “Why Scout?”

SCOUT: “Well, when the tree loses its leaves, it will be cold!”

PADDY: “Why Scout?”

SCOUT: “Well, because when the tree loses its leaves, it will be…” *Looks around and lowers voice.* “It will be naked, Paddy.” *Gasps.* “It would be like you and I losing our plush and woollen fur!” *Blushes.*

PADDY: “Oh, please don’t worry about the tree, Scout. The reason why deciduous trees….”

SCOUT: “Gesundheit, Paddy!”

PADDY: “No, no, Scout! Decid… oh never mind! Thank you!”

SCOUT: “You’re welcome Paddy.”

PADDY: “Anyway, when a tree loses its leaves, it just means it is going to sleep for a few months. Therefore, whilst it is sleeping, it can’t put any energy into holding onto its leaves, so it lets them go.”

SCOUT: “Oh!” *Puts paw to mouth.* “But Paddy! That means that they will be cold whilst they are sleeping, because they are sleeping…” *Looks around and lowers voice.* “They will be sleeping in the nude, Paddy.” *Gasps again.* “Bbbrrr!” *Shivers.*

PADDY: “Oh at alright, Scout. They don’t mind the cold because these trees are out in all weathers, winter and summer, sunshine and rain.”

SCOUT: “Well that may be true Paddy, but I still think it is a bit sad that the poor trees have to sleep in the nude! Maybe that is why those yarn bombers knit lovely colourful blankets to tie around their trunks: to help keep them warm in winter time.” *Nods seriously.*

PADDY: “Hhhmmm…” *Ponders.* ‘Maybe, Scout.”

My Paddington Bear came to live with me in London when I was two years old (many, many years ago). He was hand made by my Great Aunt and he has a chocolate coloured felt hat, the brim of which had to be pinned up by a safety pin to stop it getting in his eyes. The collar of his mackintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his mackintosh.

He has travelled with me across the world and he and I have had many adventures together over the years. He is a very precious member of my small family.

Scout was a gift to Paddy from my friend. He is a Fair Trade Bear hand knitted in Africa. His name comes from the shop my friend found him in: Scout House. He tells me that life was very different where he came from, and Paddy is helping introduce him to many new experiences. Scout catches on quickly, and has proven to be a cheeky, but very lovable member of our closely knit family.

Being colder here, both Paddy and Scout are wearing hand knitted scarves and Paddy is wearing hand knitted hat by Lorna's Lovely Looks. Paddy sports a heart pin and Scout insisted on wearing a pink cupcake one, which seems most appropriate considering his perpetual grumbly tummy. Both were gifts from a good friend who is very fond of both Paddy and Scout.

SCOUT: “Oh Paddy! Look at all the pretty autumn leaves!”

PADDY: “Oh yes! Don’t they look glorious, Scout! Such lovely colours! This is an English Maple tree, Scout.”

SCOUT: “Ooohhh! Do you think we could take a closer look at the leaves, Paddy?”

PADDY: “I don’t know, Scout.” *Doubtful.* “You know what usually happens when you climb a tree, Scout.”

SCOUT: “I get stuck, do you mean, Paddy?”

PADDY: “Exactly, Scout.”

SCOUT: “But it is much harder to get down a tree than it is to get up one, Paddy.”

PADDY: “I know Scout because more often than not, I get stuck up the tree trying to rescue you.”

SCOUT: *Giggles.* “At least Daddy always comes and rescues us.”

PADDY: “True, Scout. Thank goodness for Daddy!” *Fans face with paw.*

SCOUT: “Yes, thank goodness for Daddy indeed.” *Thinks.* “Hhhmmm. He might be the solution to getting to see the pretty autumn leaves up close.”

PADDY: “What do you mean, Scout?”

SCOUT: “You’ll see, Paddy. Ahem!” *Clears throat.* “Daddy? Daddy!”

DADDY: “Yes Scout?”

SCOUT: “Daddy, can you lift Paddy and I up onto the tree so we can look more closely at the leaves?”

DADDY: “Oh of course I can Scout.”

PADDY: “And can you stay close by so that when we are done, you can lift us back down?”

DADDY: “Why of course I can, Paddy!”

PADDY and SCOUT: “Oh thank you Daddy!”

DADDY: “Are you ready, Paddy and Scout?”

PADDY and SCOUT: “Yes Daddy!”

DADDY: “Alright! One… two… three…”

PADDY and SCOUT: “Wheeeeeeee!”

DADDY: “There you go. Now you can look at the leaves as closely as you like.”

SCOUT: “Look at all the pretty colours, Paddy!”

PADDY: “Oh yes! They are so pretty!”

SCOUT: “This is so much fun, Paddy! Wheeeee!” *Bounces on branch.*

PADDY: “Yes it is, Scout! Wheeeee!” *Bounces on branch.*

SCOUT: "We are so high! I think I can see mijn beste vriend Peter! Peter! Peter mijn beste vriend! Can you see me?" *Waves enthusiastically.* "Hullo mijn beste vriend!" *Waves more.*

PADDY: "Why yes! I can see mijn beste vriend Oleg too! Hullo mijn beste vriend!" *Waves enthusiastically.* "I hope you are having a lovely day!"

DADDY: "Hold on Scout and Paddy, and don't fall!" *Concerned.*

SCOUT: “Why don’t you climb up here with us, Daddy?”

DADDY: “But Scout, if I climbed up in the tree, who would rescue me, if I become stuck?”

PADDY: “And if Daddy became stuck in the tree, who would rescue us, Scout?”

SCOUT: “Hhhmmm…” *Ponders.* “I don’t know, Daddy and Paddy!”

DADDY: “We would all be stuck in the tree together, and then we would have to wait for someone to come by and rescue us. And what should happen if you have an attack of the grumbly tummies whilst we are stuck in the tree?”

SCOUT: “Oh no!” *Puts paw to mouth.* “I hadn’t thought of it like that! I should hate to be stuck in the tree with an attack of the grumbly tummies! Best you stay on the ground then, Daddy.”

DADDY: “That’s a very good idea, Scout.” *Nods emphatically.* “I’ll do just that, and when you have finished playing in the tree, I’ll lift you back down again and we’ll go home and have some tea and crumpets.”

PADDY: “Tea and crumpets, Daddy? Yummy! I think we should go home and eat them right now, Daddy.”

SCOUT: “Yes, I have a grumbly tummy right now, Daddy! Grumbly tummy, Daddy! Grumbly tummy!” *Rubs tummy vigorously.* “Can we get down now please?”

DADDY: “Not before I take a photo of you sitting up amidst the autumn leaves, Paddy and Scout. Then I will take you home and we will have tea and crumpets. Now! I have my camera here. On the count of three say ‘grumbly tummies’ Paddy and Scout. One… two… three!”

PADDY and SCOUT: “Grumbly tummies!”

*Camera goes click and whirr.*

DADDY: “Thank you, Paddy and Scout. Now, come down where I can reach you, and we’ll go home and have some nice hot tea and crumpets.”

PADDY and SCOUT: “Oh thank you Daddy!”

My Paddington Bear came to live with me in London when I was two years old (many, many years ago). He was hand made by my Great Aunt and he has a chocolate coloured felt hat, the brim of which had to be pinned up by a safety pin to stop it getting in his eyes. The collar of his mackintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his mackintosh.

He has travelled with me across the world and he and I have had many adventures together over the years. He is a very precious member of my small family.

Scout was a gift to Paddy from my friend. He is a Fair Trade Bear hand knitted in Africa. His name comes from the shop my friend found him in: Scout House. He tells me that life was very different where he came from, and Paddy is helping introduce him to many new experiences. Scout catches on quickly, and has proven to be a cheeky, but very lovable member of our closely knit family.

Being colder here, both Paddy and Scout are wearing hand knitted scarves and Paddy is wearing hand knitted hat by Lorna's Lovely Looks. Paddy sports a heart pin and Scout insisted on wearing a pink cupcake one, which seems most appropriate considering his perpetual grumbly tummy. Both were gifts from a good friend who is very fond of both Paddy and Scout.

I took a stroll in the autumnal sunshine a few weeks ago, and I walked past this beautiful apricot, sweetly fragrant, rose which is thriving in the original garden of a stylish 1930s Art Deco clinker brick villa. I do not know the variety of rose, other than it is English and the bush is quite old. The little old Italian lady who lives in the house cannot speak a word of English, and I don’t speak a great deal of Italian, so I can’t ask her. She loves her garden, and she always has a wonderful show of rose blooms throughout the warmer months of the year. This was last flush before winter, because the day after, her grandchildren (I think) had cut them back severely. I hope they will bounce back from such savage "pruning"!

Winter is here in Melbourne, so on another grey day, it is lovely to reflect on a bright and sunny day, full of colour.

I took a stroll in the autumnal sunshine the other day, and I walked past this beautiful apricot, sweetly fragrant, rose which is thriving in the original garden of a stylish 1930s Art Deco clinker brick villa. I do not know the variety of rose, other than it is English and the bush is quite old. The little old Italian lady who lives in the house cannot speak a word of English, and I don’t speak a great deal of Italian, so I can’t ask her. She loves her garden, and she always has a wonderful show of rose blooms throughout the warmer months of the year. This may be her last flush before winter.

Autumn is now coming to an end here in Melbourne, and the cooler winds of seasonal change are blowing away the remnants of the season, tossing the red, gold and orange leaves that now carpet the ground.

I took a stroll in the autumnal sunshine the other day, and I walked past this beautiful pink, sweetly fragrant, rose which is thriving in the original garden of a stylish 1930s Art Deco clinker brick villa. I do not know the variety of rose, other than it is English and the bush is quite old. The little old Italian lady who lives in the house cannot speak a word of English, and I don’t speak a great deal of Italian, so I can’t ask her. She loves her garden, and she always has a wonderful show of rose blooms throughout the warmer months of the year. This may be her last flush before winter.

Autumn is now coming to an end here in Melbourne, and the cooler winds of seasonal change are blowing away the remnants of the season, tossing the red, gold and orange leaves that now carpet the ground.

Friday, although officially the second day of winter here, was a perfect autumnal day in Melbourne: partially sunny, but not too bright, warm, but not hot, and perfectly still. Therefore I thought I'd go for a walk and take advantage of the sunny conditions and take some photographs.

I think that autumn is often the best season for leaves. Whilst we all enjoy seeing new leaves in spring after the barren season of winter, it is in autumn that we get to notice all the fine veining, delicate textures and sharp edges of the leaves as they change colour and array themselves in their autumnal costumes of reds, browns, oranges and golds.

Autumn is now well and truly with us here in Melbourne, and the cooler winds of seasonal change are blowing away the remnants of summer, like it tosses the red, gold and orange leaves that carpet the ground.

The other day was a perfect autumnal day in Melbourne: sunny, but not too bright, warm, but not hot, and perfectly still. Therefore I thought I'd go for a walk and take advantage of the sunny conditions and take some photographs. This includes this wonderful golden orange and red English maple leaf which was hanging, just waiting for me to photograph.

I am particularly enamoured with red leaves in autumn, so imagine my delight when yesterday on a stroll in the sunshine, I walked past a laneway and noticed a cascade of red leaves. On closer inspection I discovered that it was a wonderful ornamental vine, which protected from the wind by the properties around it, was stretching up to the blue sky, a mass of beautiful rich red and a few gold leaves, all basking in the light. With the curlicues from the vine, these leaves put me in mind of some of the beautiful foliate designs created during the Art Nouveau period at the turn of the Twentieth Century.

I think that autumn is often the best season for leaves. Whilst we all enjoy seeing new leaves in spring after the barren season of winter, it is in autumn that we get to see the leaves array themselves in their autumnal costumes.

Autumn is now well and truly with us here in Melbourne, and the cooler winds of seasonal change are blowing away the remnants of summer, like it tosses the red, gold and orange leaves that carpet the ground.

Yesterday was a lovely and sunny day, although cool. I thought I'd go for a walk and take advantage of the sunny conditions, as rain is expected tomorrow and for the next few days.

I took an afternoon stroll in a brief bout of spring sunshine the other day, and I walked past this beautiful vibrant orange rose, bursting forth in the well maintained original garden of a stylish 1930s Art Deco clinker brick villa.

Melbourne has experienced a colder and wetter than average winter this year, which is now bleeding well and truly into a wetter and greyer than average spring, however on the rare sunny days we are currently getting, the showing of flowers and blossoms is beautiful.

I took a stroll in the sunshine in early August, and I walked past this beautiful pink, sweetly fragrant, orange rose which is thriving in the original garden of a stylish 1930s Art Deco clinker brick villa. I do not know the variety of rose, other than it is English and the bush is quite old. The little old Italian lady who lives in the house cannot speak a word of English, and I don’t speak a great deal of Italian, so I can’t ask her. She loves her garden, and she always has a wonderful show of rose blooms throughout the warmer months of the year.

Although this photo was taken in winter on an unusual sunny day, spring has finally come to Melbourne after a long and grey winter, and everywhere, gardens are bursting forth with beautiful coloured blooms in a profusion of colours after a wetter than usual winter.

The theme for “Smile on Saturday” for the 1st of October is “flora SOOC”. Do you know what SOOC is the acronym for? I certainly didn’t, but luckily our “Smile on Saturday” administrator, Maria, kindly advised that it means “straight out of the camera”. Therefore, no post-processing to sharpen the image, alter the colour or anything else is allowed. This theme suits me very well for two reasons: firstly, it is spring where I live so I have been photographing lots of new spring blooms, secondly, I don’t tend do a great deal of post-processing of my images anyway. Therefore, this was a wonderful theme for me! I hope you like my choice of image for the theme, and that it makes you smile.

I took a stroll in the spring sunshine the other day, and I walked past this beautiful pink, sweetly fragrant, rose which is thriving in the original garden of a stylish 1930s Art Deco clinker brick villa. I do not know the variety of rose, other than it is English and the bush is quite old. The little old Italian lady who lives in the house cannot speak a word of English, and I don’t speak a great deal of Italian, so I can’t ask her. She loves her garden, and she always has a wonderful show of rose blooms throughout the warmer months of the year.

Spring has finally come to Melbourne after a long and grey winter, and everywhere, gardens are bursting forth with beautiful coloured blooms in a profusion of colours after a wetter than usual winter.

I took a stroll in the spring sunshine the other day, and I walked past this beautiful pink carmine, sweetly fragrant, rose which is thriving and sending forth new blooms in the original garden of a stylish 1930s Art Deco clinker brick villa. Reaching for the blue sky, and bathed in spring sunshine the vibrant pink bloom was too beautiful not to photograph. I do not know the variety of rose, other than it is English and the bush is quite old. The little old Italian lady who lives in the house cannot speak a word of English, and I don’t speak a great deal of Italian, so I can’t ask her. She loves her garden, and she always has a wonderful show of rose blooms throughout the warmer months of the year.

Spring has finally come to Melbourne, and everywhere, gardens are bursting forth with beautiful coloured blooms in a profusion of colours after a wetter than usual winter.

I took an afternoon stroll in mid August during a beautiful bout of rather spring like weather, and I walked beneath a bower of pale pink camellia japonica blooms. The way the light fell upon them, shining though their delicate petals, they looked like illuminated Chinese lanterns.

Camellia japonica, known as common camellia, Japanese camellia, Japanese rose or Tsubaki in Japanese, is one of the best known species of the genus Camellia. Sometimes called the rose of winter, it belongs to the family Theaceae. It is the official state flower of Alabama.

Melbourne has experienced a colder and wetter than average winter this year, which will hopefully lead to a beautiful spring showing of flowers and blossoms.

I took an afternoon stroll in mid August during a beautiful bout of rather spring like weather, and I walked beneath a bower of pale pink camellia japonica blooms. The way the light fell upon them, shining though their delicate petals, they looked like illuminated Chinese lanterns.

Camellia japonica, known as common camellia, Japanese camellia, Japanese rose or Tsubaki in Japanese, is one of the best known species of the genus Camellia. Sometimes called the rose of winter, it belongs to the family Theaceae. It is the official state flower of Alabama.

Melbourne has experienced a colder and wetter than average winter this year, which will hopefully lead to a beautiful spring showing of flowers and blossoms.