Lilacs and buttercups

Apple blossom has given way to lilacs which bloom in profusion, in gardens and hedgerows, while dandelion flowers have turned into clocks and the yellow in the orchard is mainly buttercup yellow. People really do gather lilacs in the Spring here on Sunday walks.Elderflowers are opening  and release a light, fresh scent all along our road and driveway. I am looking forward to the honeysuckle & roses flowering and enhancing the scent, but even more interesting to me are the flowering shrubs in bud that I don't recognize.

There are some great tits in the garden. Richard has brought his binoculars, and he enjoys watching them from the terrace when he gets home from work.There are blackbirds as well, plus magpies,the odd dove ,the ubiquitous sparrow and an exotic looking bird which might be a type of woodpecker. The terrace incidentally goes around the house, so that you can enjoy the sun or stay in the shade, depending on the weather or your mood and it is edged with English Lavendar which is going to flower very soon. There is an outside dining table & chairs which can be accessed from the largest patio door next to the dining room. The house is well designed for the Summer. I will let you know about the winter in due course, but I can tell you that there are a lot of radiators and the windows are double glazed.

Summer gets really hot here, and already in May, the smell of meat barbequeueing is a regular occurance, and people enjoy the fresh air and the outdoor life. Lots of gardens have BBQ's, and there is a cafe society, with people often eating out as a family at reasonably priced restaurants. I have noticed in the early evening, a 'passageata',(not sure of the spelling) as in Italy and Spain, where people take a stroll with the family or friends. There is a pleasant atmosphere, and it feels safe. I look forward to discovering more about Romania and it's people as the weeks go by. I still haven't looked at a guide book even though I have one, because I want to form my own impressions.
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