Linden Lea - Ralph Vaughan Williams

Saturday 22 June

Still no sign of summer, in fact a downturn on the 'longest day' with high winds, mostly fully covered sky and the odd shower keeping me in for most of the day. A short wander around a couple of ponds in Wiltshire mid-morning did throw up a very active

EMPEROR DRAGONFLY

which never perched once

and good numbers of Damselflies.

A now redundant Swallows nest in an old shipping container
was all else to be seen.

Sunday 23 June 2013

An invitation that simply couldn't be turned down had me scampering back from Wilts late yesterday evening, to join the celebrations for Janet's birthday. There is a programme of events, most of which will have to be published later as we have already enjoyed a full day with more to come. My return also coincided with a 10K 'Fun Run' at

which Hugh, and other family members were involved with.

 Hugh's mother Joan at the Registration Desk.

Not normally open to the general public, there was time to wander
these vast parkland both before and during the race.

 RHODODENDRON

 
 and FOXGLOVE
in bloom.

 Some of the outbuildings including

 the Stable Yard, but it was the trees here that stole the show.

 COPPER BEACH
not in the best light on a very dull day.

 A huge BEECH with beautifully formed boughs

 and loaded with fruit.

 Almost time to get the show on the road,
HUGH looking very relaxed.

 A 'trumpeter' was in attendance to start the proceedings

 so with a blow on the bugle

 they were off!

 Hugh immediately in the midst of things while I continued the wander.

 LIME or LINDEN

Within the woodlands, flow’ry gladed,
By the oak trees’ mossy moot,
The shining grass blades, timber-shaded,
Now do quiver underfoot;

And water’s bubbling in its bed, 
And birds do whistle overhead, 
And there, for me, the apple tree
Do lean down low in Linden Lea.

 The twisting bark of a
SWEET CHESTNUT

 The ornamentals too were in fine fettle

 CORNUS KOUSA

MISTLETOE on a TREE????

 One of a number of ponds.

 This huge garden wall with arched gateway was always worth
a photograph until this idiot got in the way.

 Behind the wall this large expanse which in my view would be
better decked out with Cabbages, Runner Beans, Leeks etc.

 and here comes the lad himself in a

 time well under a hour.

THE FRINGE
an excellent combo of young lads.

Let other folk make money faster

In the air of dark-roomed towns,
I don’t dread a peevish master;
Though no man do heed my frowns,
I be free to go abroad,
Or take again my homeward roadTo where, for me, the apple tree
Do lean down low in Linden Lea.

Solsbury Hill - Peter Gabriel

As predicted life has taken something of a nose dive as far as being out and about is concerned, but instead of neglecting the Blog (and more importantly you the Readers) it may be better to post as and when something turns up.
Wednesday 19th June2013
The day was given over to travelling back from Bristol after a bout of serious 'heart string tugging' having to part from those 3 beautiful boys and of course my daughter and son in law. One thing is for sure it won't be too long before I'm back on that trail with the bows and arrows and Magic Carpet already packed for the return journey.
Thursday 20th June 2013

By the end of the day The List (of things to do) still remained at 'zero', just don't seem to be able to get the a*s* in gear for such things, but have viewed a few cars which is now reduced to a choice of just 4. There was one moment of joy on the birding front when I came across what is considered to be a

'leucistic'

HOUSE SPARROW

Thought to be a young bird it is doubtful its life will be long as
such abnormal creatures readily fall to predators. If the Prof is
reading this I would be interested in your views please Peter.

Friday 21st June 2013

and so the summer solstice reaches us with a whimper, overcast sky, chill breeze and the sun breaking through only occasionally. Being so close to Salisbury Plain for the day I did consider a visit to 

STONE HENGE

but likely I'd now be 'banged up' with the other 22 hapless souls - good decision!

When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be
And liberty she pirouette
When I think that I am free
Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me
Today I don't need a replacement
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" I said "You can keep my things,
They've come to take me home."

Solsbury Hill 

PLEASE KEEP TUNING IN 

We Are Family - Sister Sledge

All too soon the visit to my family York is coming to an end and, as a period in the 'wilderness' is about to follow, so might the Blog. With little in the way of direction there must soon come a time when the decision has to be made where the 'back-pack' has to be parked. Dependant on just what I do get up to, it is hoped the occasional post may be published but please don't hold you breath. In addition be aware that the next knock on your door may turn out to be me looking for a bunk and a tot, so best peek through the curtains first. I'll leave you with some of the images taken over the last few days of those 3 little monkeys, who I have grow to love even more, and their devoted Mummy and Daddy!

Alexander, Bernard, Benjamin, Lisa and Frederick

Same combination with Bernard replaced by Grandpa Bagsy

and again,

and again.

Parklife

Grandpa Treats

Early Morning Scamps

 and I'll surely miss that pre-school run morning and afternoon.

 Alex in the Jungle

and bedtime reading.