Week 17

I am pleased to say this is week 17, that means a third of the year has been completed and that must mean a give- away.  So to enter tell me which week you like the most and why,  and please let me know where you are from.....I am curious to know which countries are following this blog.   The winner will be picked 15th May  and  will receive a little prize.  
My drawing is of a beautiful shell I found last week,  with the limpet growing on the side and the other swirling shaped growths.  I thought this was a great subject to draw and the other flat shell matched with  similar colours.   I added the little piece of seaweed,  all found together as I walked along the shore.  I did collect other objects but decided I liked these best.   I have let you see my first pencil  sketch and then the finished page.  I used the acrylic inks and a little help with colouring using Derwent signature pencils.  I am wearing out my fine number one sable brush.
Yesterday I went for my Saturday walk.  I have been away this week so as I stepped onto the shore I could tell how dry it has been by the pale coloured sand.  It was very white in patches where the salt has dried on top of the sand by the hot sun.   The sheep had gone,  all was quiet except for two girls dressed in shorts and vests  splashing around and kicking the water up,  their dog equally enjoying the fun and  making lots of noise as it bounced around in the water.   I was wearing a jumper and scarf with my hat in hand!  There was actually a strong  breeze blowing  from the North,  I was glad to be warm.  The sand was covered in sheep footprints and the shore in sheep poo.  The green grass has been enjoyed by the sheep, who will be brought back  next week to graze again on the grass.  I noticed although we had quite a full tide that filled the tidal river the sand was cracking in places and some more huge chunks had fallen from the banks,  the ground was so dry.    Lots and lots of crabs,  the large ones broken up and eaten with legs and empty shells discarded.  I found lots of little shells and some rather battered feathers.  I saw patches of white feathers on the sand and then discovered the remains of a bird,  almost certain the work of a hawk or other bird of prey.  A second dead bird on the grassy shore has been there slowly rotting for a couple of weeks.    No sign of the swan but I did find one of her feathers, so she is around somewhere.
It is a pleasure to walk with the clear blue sky and crisp views of the hills.   The fields and surrounding country side  is all looking green and lush.   All the pools of water have dried up,  hard to believe the swan was swimming on water on the grass just a week  ago.  Wild flowers and plants have filled the edges by the railway lines and attract butterflies and bees,  I spotted an orange tipped butterfly.   Birds calling out, others move around the sand looking for food.   We are crossing our fingers this lovely sunny weather lasts.  I reluctantly head for home,  nearly time for tea,  the sky is blue and the views are  beautiful,  another pretty  sunset to enjoy.
Thank you for the lovely comments.  Hope you like page 17, press for close up.       Millyx