Mum text me this morning… “The Cuckoo is singing loud and clear”. I look forward to this message in some shape or form, without fail, every year. Spring has now sprung, it’s official. This yearly migratory message has arrived right about now ever since I can remember. OK, the Bluebells kick in a touch earlier […]
I went to the Dentist today. Twice. After languishing in ‘a dark place’ for 4 days over the Christmas break, when all was shut – I was first in when the door cracked open at 8.30. I waited patiently for 2 hours for an emergency appointment as they let several other ‘routine bookings’ go first. […]
Spotted Flycatchers dancing about in late summer, are a joy to watch, whether darting about or perching on the washing line catching flies. They are intrepid travellers, migrants all the way from Africa and although have undistinguished plumage, they are one of my favourites, especially as for the last 2 years they have nested so […]
The pitcher plant has been a huge success with a consummate appetite for all flying insects – houseflies and bluebottles are a favourite delicacy. It has doubled in size since being purchased at Helmingham Hall in May and sent up new shoots to accommodate a feeding frenzy. It is amazing to believe just how many […]
Captains Log – Saturday 7th June. My Saturday morning ritual has just been thrown by the prediction of a months rainfall in a single hour. I generally like to go for an hours river bank wander while little miss Forté is off pony riding, it’s a habitual attempt to right the wrongs of the sedentary […]
A warm sunny May Day with gusting winds. We headed for the famous Helminghall Hall plant sale and enjoyed a Grand Day out, mooching around the stalls, a picnic in the garden, followed by a gander around the moated Tudor Hall dated to 1480 complete with drawbridges and water so clear that trout of all […]
My very Favourite Tree. Why, because as a boy I can remember (from 6 or 7) I would hear the Autumn storms sweep in and be anxious to get out in the morning and scout the ground collecting conkers. I would watch fascinated as bigger boys would hurl large sticks high into the tree canopy […]
Do you remember the beloved I-SPY series? Pocket sized travel boredom cures from yesteryear, guaranteed to drive your navigating parents to dispair and only second in effectiveness to Barley Sugars. I-SPY Birds, Castles, Classic Cars, Wild Flowers, On a Car Journey, Flags, even On the Pavement… I must have had the lot (thanks Mum). Obsessing […]
This weeks customary Saturday morning stroll took me to Freston woods, just inland on the Shotley Peninsula, on the high ground overlooking the Peewit paradise in the distance. Although only a stones throw from home, and for no obvious reason beyond a more natural pull toward the river, this is still alien territory for me. […]
