Where, oh where did this glorious jewel of a day come from. 

The weather forecast said clouds and showers, but this morning I was first up and 'what to my wondering eyes did appear' but an upside down bowl of pure blue with just a few wisps of white like the remnants of whipped meringue dropped from a heavenly spoon.

After turning on the percolator the camera and I flew down the steps and into the garden.  Such bliss, - faint fragrances, long shadows and poppies shimmering in the morning sun.

Around in the shaded borders the delicate volunteers that have taken up residence crowd

 together in delicate cheerfulness.

The Abraham Darby catches the morning rays

The lovely new yellow rose lies shaded under its bright green leaves

A few new Stargazers open their petals to the sun

Down the path a little way, and the remnants of the peonies gathers itself together

 for a surprise day of sunshine.

The Philadelphia Orange flings its creamy blossoms against the heavenly bowl

I stop to admire the last of the iris to bloom 

and then to go in and retrieve a cup of fresh perked coffee to enjoy with

the quietness, the lovely mystical air of the morning garden

and the wonderful serendipity of this gift of sunshine

amidst days of lowering clouds and showers.