The weather has been glorious for Bonnie's stay both in London and Paris, and yesterday was no exception.

We had initially planned on going to Hampton Court, just five minutes away, and then a boat to Westminster. However, when we arrived we found out that there were no boats coming back, and as there were 'engineering works' on our train line, we decided to hang out by the river at Hampton Court. It was a good idea.

If anyone hasn't noticed I am a lover of nature, and that includes birds and especially swans.

As we sat on a little sandy beach by the river, swans, canada geese, and an asortment of other little birds and ducks came to visit. Here are just a few of them.

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To our right was the Hampton Court Bridge and on the other side of that, the Palace.

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Part of the Palace

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As we watched the swans with their elegance and beauty, I was reminded of the ancient tradition of 'Swan Upping' held every July since the 13th century on the River Thames between Sunbury and Abington. 'The Keeper of the Swans', is an office which has been held in each royal household since that time. 'The Keeper', is supported by three 'swanherdsmen', whose principal duties are to round up, catch, mark and then release the swans at the annual 'Swan Upping' event. These two photographs were taken at the annual event this past July of 2009.

'Swan Upping' July 2009.

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Those reading my blog will know that I worked on a project for several years, focusing on children, education and our environment. The star of the stories was my beloved cat Christeve of Crickadoon. To learn about other species of animals, fish and birds, Christeve the Cat travelled on the back of Sybal the Swan....Environmentally friendly, Sybal was able to fly and sail Christeve to anywhere in the world she wanted to go:)

Here is a picture of Christeve and a little angel flying on the back of Sybal the Swan.

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Looks a little cloudier this morning, but still good weather, and so another full and busy day ahead.

A Bientot