Yesterday’s walk in the sunshine was along the coast at Belfast Lough. The dogs were bouncing around in the water which was about the only thing to make ripples on a day were it resembled a Mill Pond.
Loved this little sail boat that kept pace with us for a few miles.
Smudge cooling down.
A strange shark with a fin shaped like an elbow!
Walking buddies.
Herron on the rocks.
Pretty in yellow.
Today we see Spain vs Italy and Ireland vs Croatia in the football world. Who will you find competing in the Bonsai Blog world? Click on the flags to find out.
vs 
vs 
After Winning an Award at the BSA Exhibition back in March, this Maple came home only to be eaten by some sort of insect. It was given free growth until now to see where it might bud from.
I have lost several branches including many at the apex. Yesterday I decided to remove the dead branches and start the process of rebuilding it back to it’s past level. I think I’m now over the disappointment. I’m posting it here which is a clear sign that I’m moving on. I’m even looking forward to the rebuilding process.
This was it before I did anything yesterday.
Here you can see dead branches in the apex and some of the very strong new growth.
Dead branches removed and the wounds before sealing.
The dead bits.
and the tree as it sits after the work.
A long winding road, having taken a wrong turn, I’m now heading back the right way again.
Euro 2012 has started with loads of great matches to watch. As my Northern Ireland didn’t qualify as usual I can enjoy as a neutral. As I’m off work today I will be watching Holland v Denmark later followed by Germany v Portugal.
I thought it would be fun to put some of my favourite bonsai blogs head to head here as well. Just click on the flags to visit my chosen contenders 🙂
vs 
vs 
Well, it’s actually from yesterday, but as I didn’t post yesterday!!!
A very interesting post from Mr Snart from Willowbog Bonsai. You see, he can come up with the odd nugget now and again 😉
Yesterday was the first day since November that I haven’t posted on my blog. I was starting to feel like I was being controlled by OCD [Osessive Compulsive Disorder] I must admit that last night, when I returned from our Club meeting, I felt drawn to the computer to add a post 🙂
Blogging really is an addiction albeit a positive one. I was surprised at just how many hits I still got on the blog without even posting. I have learned that tagging is a massive part of blogging, getting all those bonsai related words out there for the search engines to find.
You may have to put up with a few more quiet days from me on here. It’s looking like shoulder surgery for me within the next few weeks. This will put a major cramp on my keyboard work for a while and even my photography. I feel it’s going to be a long Summer. At least I can still water trees one handed!
PS: Never find your planned surgery on Youtube, BIG MISTAKE!!
A nice look at a Bungin Juniper on Owen’s newish blog.
Spotted this path closed off on a walk at the weekend!
All sorts of images jumped to mind 🙂
However I’m not sure this was the right stump being referred too.
Needless to say, these photos were taken a few weeks back during our heat wave 🙂
A day out with some family saw us visit Portaferry on the Ards Peninsula.
Daisy Lane
Water evaporating off the beach, a rare site in Northern Ireland 🙂
Not for me!
The Narrows
Blackthorn
Old World War 2 Observation post at the tip of the Peninsula, built to watch out for German Bombers on their way to bomb Belfast Docks.
Family enjoying the sunshine
Not the only ones enjoying the sun.
Audley’s castle on the other side of the Lough. One of the sites used in Northern Ireland to film the series, Game of Thrones.
Came across Takahiro Yamamoto’s FlickR photos and thought I would share a link with you. Well worth a few minutes to browse though some stunning images from Japan. My favourites are these from Tokyo showing the cherry blossom. Click on the link below to view.
And these Leaves are rather nice too.
Shop for quality bonsai
bonsai and garden
The Kaizen Bonsai Blog
Teaching, Learning, Enjoying Bonsai
The ramblings of an old artist and someone who would like to grow better bonsais trees
my bonsai
My wood creations
Hand Crafted Furniture
Creativity Through Bonsai
dirt leaves flowers
bonsaï | vidéo | Japon - ActuBonsaï
Japan's aesthetic, craftsmanship and spirit
Bonsai with a hint of madness...
"Tibolar-RS. your soil needs it, your plants will love it"
Bonsai Eejit 