Just reporting in here. Tom was given dispensation to leave his hermit's cell for a few days to make a trip to the UK for eyes, ears and to look in on family and a friend - there are some very nice pictures of him here at Natalie's. All was well in his absence; Molly pottered on in her blind, deaf and creaky fashion, didn't get stuck in too many corners or disgrace herself on any carpets, and the weather was good enough that I could leave doors open while she lay in a pile of dirty old leaves outside - her couch of choice on such occasions - long enough for me to snatch a shower a couple of times. I took advantage of uninterrupted access to the big computer and its software to work on one or two things I'd been thinking about, knitted a bit, read a bit, did some yoga with my yoga buddies and made a trip out to the shops with J, and by the time I'd done that, he was back, with hot cross buns (we didn't make any this year), new glasses and a cheerful mien, and here we are again.
A reasonable spring here, still quite chilly. Our swallows are back at last, somewhat late - the residents rather than the occasional members of the advance parties, who passed through a month or so ago, and who I like to think of making their way on up to the Western Isles of Scotland, to nest between the beams of the tiny chapel by the sea on Iona, though they're probably just going to Wolverhampton or somewhere. After the rather long, wet, dark winter, many things were delayed while others are early because it's not been cold, so it's one of those everything-at-once kind of springs. So here are just a few sycamore leaves unfurling and dandelion clocks - I think it's never been such a year for dandelions, but perhaps I think that every year.
Oh, and a bug.
12 comments:
In the last photo of Tom over at Natalie's, he reminds me so much of Robert DeNiro - only Tom is more handsome.
Will return later to view your wonderful photos in more detail. Going to work early this morning - tax time, again.
A bug, indeed! We have a sycamore tree of some sort in our yard, too, but the leaves are nowhere near as flashy as yours.
Stunning pictures!
So good to see everything sprouting away. Except the dandelions. Could live without those.
As soon as the snow is gone I will venture out there and search to discover the same wonders as you - amazing and interesting.
And, Lucy, if I were you I would make sure to attach a 'pull-back' string to Tom prior to opening the cell door, to prevent kidnapping.
Dandelions on parade here. The other day at a brewster meeting, I was regaled by a lady who brews dandelion beer. She uses the leaves in lieu of hops.
Ellena, you slay me. Luv ya lots!
* p.s. Tom is sort of handsome with that smile of his (don't tell him I said so)
Tu as l'art de faire de superbes photos.
A tout à l'heure
Thanks dears.
I really am going to have to stop Tom reading here if this goes on though! I'm thinking of auctioning him off, actually...
Cat - I've never quite worked out about what's going on with what the British and Americans call sycamores, I gather they're not the same thing. They're all some kind of acer though.
Re the dandelions, they are a nuisance, I suppose, but they are so sunny and such a part of our culture, golden lads and girls that they are. I was reading abut the BTO survey has found that the bird life in the south east of England is suffering because everything's so tidy, no old derelict building and no one allows weeds to grow. Makes me feel better about our lackadaisical garden which is full of birds, and seeing the goldfinches and greenfinches dancing about on the dandelion heads.
Rouchswalwe - Before we came here Tom went through a country wine making phase and made a dandelion one, using the flower heads. It was ok but it took a long time stripping the petals from the green part, and it still had a bitter back taste which wasn't so nice with wine, might be all right for the bitter element in beer though.
Coming over from Natalie's blog. You take the most beautiful photos!
Thanks Hattie, nice to see you!
I'm thrilled to be mentioned here at Lucy's salon and Tom's visit brings me closer to y'all. I must confirm that he is indeed a handsome lad but De Niro didn't come to mind - I just can't think of the actor or statesman that he reminded me of but anyway, Tom is just himself. No worries that I would have kidnapped him: I see Tom and Lucy as an ideal couple brought together by la destinée.
The dandelions are stunningly beautiful. Your close up photography reveals their geometric loveliness. I know they're weeds, but...
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