Rain, Press Releases, and a Small Competition

Been living a quiet life for the past week or two, trying to get organised before my next trip, which is to Austria, with another trip close on its heels. Not complaining but I'm a little concerned that I seem to be so much less organised than I was. Things pile up so I'm often worrying about how I'll get it all done. On the other hand, now I hang around photographing flowers  - like these on the balcony, after a fierce rainstorm. What do they remind you of? 

They make me think of elaborate fabrics to dress princesses up in....

Or palace furnishings.  Wouldn't this  (below) look sensational on a sofa?

Been working on press releases for the children's book launch, as the kids would love it if someone covered them in the paper.   Makes me think about all those press releases I don't even bother to read usually... hey, they're hard work to write.  

The syringes arrived today.  We're going to give each child in the class a "medical style" pen shaped like a syringe full of blood, apart from the fact it won't be sharp - and the blood isn't real.

Also received a couple of books to review. Here's one, below. I am afraid I haven't reviewed it though it looks very entertaining, from a quick read, specially for dog owners (which I am not).   

It's inspired by a blog called "Phileas Dogg," which describes itself as the only travel site written for and by dogs (thereby showing how important it is to have a focus for your blog, even if it doesn't always make sense.) :)   I'd like the book to go to an appreciative home so I'm doing a little competition. Just add a comment saying why you'd like the book. I'll choose a random name from those who are interested,  and hey presto, we will have a winner.   (If you don't want to enter the competition, that's fine, just don't mention it if  you make a comment). 

Still talking of dogs, I noticed a huge muddy puddle the other day into which this small, well groomed white dog suddenly plunged with joy.... to be dragged out by his owner a few seconds later, looking much less well groomed, as you see.

And also I noticed this (clean, I hope) little dog making itself at home in a shop window the other day. It positioned itself to get the sun while being able to watch its owner inside the shop. Is that a cushion it's lying on, or a garment later to be sold to an unsuspecting customer?