Amaryllis hippeastrum

First of all, many thanks to all of you who have sent me messages of support and concern about the welfare of Freddy. I think he still wants to stay in the limelight for longer and he's been quite sore today. However, this is nothing like the pain I had before the injection. I think that removing fluid and relieving pressure has made a big difference.

My blip is one of the twelve amaryllis bulbs we have in various stages of flowering. We love them and keep them from year to year, although they are not very attractive in the summer when they are all leaves and just need feeding regularly. Now we are rewarded for our care.  I used a light box for background illumination and flash for the flower.

Today I've been packing. It's the first time in many a long year that I have not had to repeatedly remove a cat from the suitcase. Happy memories.

I've packed as few things as I can. Most of the weight is the camera equipment, but my main case is currently only 15kg, so I'm very happy.
I haven't weighed the backpack. I've decided that I will have to try to cultivate a pathetic and weak look when it comes to lifting the case - it doesn't come easily to me. To be honest I look exhausted so I don't have to try hard!

A new bathing costume arrived in the post, for all the long free hours when we can use the hotel swimming pools. I think it is highly unlikely I'll use it...........!

Early night with some much needed reading about my destination.