Oriental Peony

I must say this being off work malarkey is very satisfying. Off for a cycle and then out for lunch again today with a dear friend who appreciates that a good lunch consists of a decent bottle of wine, a bowl of olives with antipasti, a selection of cheeses plus olive oil, pesto and balsamic vinegar in which to dip rustic bread. A wander along the cycle path afterwards with the dog has inspired me to go out foraging tomorrow - a la Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall - to gather raspberries and elderflowers, which are growing in abundance after the warm, humid weather we've been having.

This is the last of the Peony Roses in the garden. I'm surprised I have managed to resist blipping these magnifcent flowers for so long this season. Feels and looks like it might rain later so won't be much left of them if it does.