Clematis Close up

I've not really had much time for photography over the last few weeks. My father has been seriously ill for several weeks and I've been regularly travelling over to Lancashire to see him in hospital and offer my mum some support

He finally passed away last night (Saturday) aged 83.

It was a relief in the end that he passed away

Thanks to everyone who continue to comment on my pictures, despite me not being a regular 'poster'

Anyway this is a study of a clematis flower that lives in our garden. It looks pretty cool almost 3D through my 50mm lens

[Pat Knowles]

Oh I am so sorry Phil for the loss of your father, you must have been so worried travelling backwards & forwards to see him. My deepest sympathies to all your family, the end of an era & you will miss him.
I like the simple flower in his memory & he will live on in yours.

[Juliette Packham]

very beautiful shot Phil - a fabulous colour and great detail. Sorry to hear about your Dad, it's so tiring with all the worry and travelling - I did it for many years with my granny, she bounced back a lot of times, but then there was the final time, we knew it was time but it is never easy to deal with. I hope you and your mum and family are bearing up OK. Big hugs x

[andy c]

Ah man.. Really sorry to hear the news...

[Kerri]

Pretty shot. Sorry for your loss

[Sue Wilde]

So sorry for your loss Phil. Thinking of you

[Sue]

I feel like I could touch it, stunning ~ so sorry for your loss Phil, I did it for my mum & dad both in the past couple of years .... thinking of you & your family.

[Mags]

Very sorry to hear about your dad, Phil. You have my deepest sympathies.

Beautiful color and texture! Nice focus and details!

[Fanny Brogden]

So very sorry, so difficult for all of your family and you. Thought you had been having a busy time as we missed you! Love this simple and effective shot, marvellous dof..of course!!

[Judith Greenwood]

So sorry to hear that news Phil but you're right - there comes a time when it's time to move on and it sounds like he'd had enough struggling. Beautiful shot and wishing you well getting your mum through the next few weeks etc.

[🐓 Patricia Fletcher]

Oh Phil, I am so sorry. Yes, we have missed you but are really touched that you continued to post from time to time despite what you were going through. Thinking of you and your mum and family. The clematis shot sums things up perfectly and when I saw it, even before I read your post, I felt you had something sad to say.

[Phil Howcroft]

@happypat Pat thank you for your kind words and thoughts. It is very much appreciated

[Phil Howcroft]

@sparkle Juliette thanks , I am OK , it's the first time I've had to deal with something like this so it's nice to have such nice comments from my virtual friends :)

[Phil Howcroft]

@andycoleborn cheers andy, i remember when you posted about your Dad's death, that was very poignat

[Phil Howcroft]

@kerristephens kerri your support is always welcome :)

[Phil Howcroft]

@swilde Sue, It's great to know I have support all the way from Australia :)

[Phil Howcroft]

@marlboromaam Maggie your comments and support are always welcome in this part of Nottingham :)

[Phil Howcroft]

@fannyb Fanny thanks for your comments they are most welcome .

[Phil Howcroft]

@judithg Thanks Judith, my mum reads my 365, so I'm sure the kind words of all my friends on here will be appreciated in Bolton too :)

[Phil Howcroft]

@tishpics Patricia, thanks for those lovely thoughts and you are very observant with your observations and feelings

[Phil Howcroft]

@redpants Sue thanks for the super things you say about the image and your best wishes are well received

[Jennifer C]

oh phil, i am so sorry to read your news, sending you a virtual hug
i hope you are all ok, thinking of you

[Ken Lemieux]

Sorry for your loss Phil

[Phil Howcroft]

@klemieux ken thank you for your kind words

[Phil Howcroft]

@jenrobcarr Jennifer your virtual hug was well received thank you for your kind words and thoughts