Saturday 3rd Sept

Alresford Agricultural Show

Had a lovely morning at the show, lots to see, everyman and his dog was there(in fact every dog and his man more like).

This owl kindly posed, all the other birds of prey annoyingly turned their backs.

The dogs queueing for their treats at the hungry hector stand.

And the latest in hair fashions modelled by the duck and Alpacas.

very attractive.

Saturday 2nd July

Another lovely morning I got out for an early (ish) walk, the view across the valley towards Oakhanger was stunning.

Into the Beech woods where the contrast in light and temperature was like entering an ancient building.

Across the valley and into the Orchard where a housing estate for flying and wriggly things seems to have been built.

Then through the cow pasture which was alive with small butterflies (Small heath)?

And then back home where a poppy has seeded itself on the path.....lovely.

Sunday 26th June 2011

Wow! what a stunning day, even a late night can't spoil it.

Had a foreign visitor this morning, le partridge, the local boy did a bit of showing off....it didn't work the frenchie gave him a seeing to. 

A weed is just a flower out of place, these are lovely in the sun.

The field of rape , copper beech and blue sky, great palette.

20th June 2011

What was the song? four seasons in one day?

We are definately in an unsettled spell of weather roll on Summer.

The Woodpecker family are keeping me busy filling the nut container, the young are so insistent and actually quite fat.

I think this one is hiding.

The Squirrels are tucking in as well, even the RJ deterant doesn't put them off.

Spotting another male sends him running, they were so fast I could only get one in the frame.

Saturday 11th June

Travelled with a friend to Parham house between Pulborough and Storrington, a small but very interesting exhibition/ sale by the Sussex Guild in the beautiful gardens of Parham House.
The Plant shop is fantastic so much I wanted to buy I now have a huge wish list.

Shame about the tent and car.

lots of interesting doorways to peep through.

Also hidden hedged spaces with ponds, we ate lunch here.

They try not to use chemicals and plant to encourage wildlife. There were also a pair of pigs used to clear ground ready for planting. Areas are left unmown which conserves water and allows wildlife to become established.
A good day out, and didn't even get into the house.

Thursday 9th June 2011

Oops I have been away awhile.....
A typical summers day today,  sun, heat, rain, more rain...cold...hot, the works.

Most of the following were taken today but a couple were earlier in the month.

Bobblehead and the hoodies.

He did manage to take off with this.

A Poppy in the garden, such a strong colour.

Such detail in this Iris, makes me think of Slarty bartfast who designed the fiords he restaurant at the end of the universe.

Garden again, I never notice how hairy plants are until I photograph them, nice to see the bees are busy as well.

And finally...something I grew in the fridge....beetroot and ? pretty colour.

From 17thApril 2011

Bit of a standoff at the water bowl yesterday morning.
Surprisingly Bobblehead backed off after a bit of 'see yoou jimmae' posturing....

Watching Bobble drink I remembered reading in Gilbert White that pigeons drink like quadrupeds, they keep their heads down and gulp, whereas most other birds sip then tip their heads back to swallow.

You can see his bobble here, it looks like a rosette on his head.

This is a female Great spotted woodpecker, the male has red bum and a red stripe across the back of his head, the youngsters have a red cap.

Monday 28th March

I am a little late posting this, I went to Gosport with my parents on Monday it was a lovely clear day. And a good walk along the sea wall with a good view across to Portsmouth and the busy harbour entrance.
I was impressed by the change in Gosport especially the area close to the ferry and sea wall...the planting was really imaginative and everything was clean and tidy. Stupidly I didn't photograph them but here are some pics looking across to Portsmouth.

And one of the masts in the Marina.

it is good to see a boatyard still in operation.

Hope to be slightly more local this week.

Tuesday 22nd March

A really warm day, and the sun appeared in the afternoon. I did the long circuit as the field was empty of livestock. The electric fences were down and I was able to get over to Squiresfield Hanger, it seems ages since I was over there. I then went through the woods to Le Court and my favourite barn, still not developed, it is such a spot I can't believe nobody wants it!

The sallow is full of pollen, I am not sneezing yet though.

From the Orchards I walk through the empty pastures and along the old track

to the lake, the catkins and new leaves look like fairy lights in the setting sun.

Tuesday 8th March

I managed a short walk late on this afternoon/evening, it was approaching sunset and the light was beginning to go.
the birds, though unseen were singing loudly, there were calls I have not heard before, or have but was not listening.....
Spotted this fungus down by the lake, I think it may be orange peel fungus although my book suggests it likes clear ground, it was amongst dead wood by the lakeside.

along the valley the reservoir was covered in a bright green foamy slime....very similar to something my dog sometimes deposited when he ate grass.
This reservoir used to supply Bradshott with its drinking water (it did go through UV filters) rather pleased we are on mains now.

back soon

28th February 2011

It has been a long time, but finally have a little space in my life. I enjoyed a wonderful walk yesterday morning the day started beautifully blue skies and almost spring sunshine.

Bobblehead is alive and well and seems to have regained some of his status..

I think these are Hazel catkins or lambs tails as we called them as children.

The photograph doesn't do justice to their colour which was very vibrant.

The deer spotted me again, there were 3 of them but they scattered in all directions before rejoining at the top of the cow pasture....startling white bottoms.

beautifully silky pussy willow buds, I wonder if you could spin the fibre?
And a last picture of old man's beard before it gets overtaken by new growth.

I won't be able to update this every day now , but I hope to post at least twice a week.
See you soon.

Tuesday 18th January 2011

It seems I have been lax in my posting this New year, this is due in part to a new job, but mainly the fact that it seems to be dark most of the day...
The Sun came out today and I took myself off for a walk, the lake has burst its banks and found an alternative route to the stream, glad I had wellies on although I almost lost one to the mud...I love the noise mud makes when you pull a welly out.
Our garden looks like a battle has taken place.....and a battle is about to take place with the darned mole who has made this mess.

On a plus things are looking up, the evenings are lighter and the mornings just about, the magnolia has buds on , I hope the worst is over.

A lovely sunset , and an almost full moon, the clouds surround it like a feathery duvet.

back soon.

Monday 3rd January 2011

I spent a day away from home today, I joined my son and his girlfriend on a trip to Marwell (I crashed it really, but I don't think they minded).

It was freezing cold with snow in the air and I didn't expect to see many animals but they were quite lively, trying to keep warm I expect.

I loved the expressions on these chaps faces, and the way they sat solidly in their pits.

the Zebra were fairly lively.

This snow leopard didn't stir but the one below was meowing constantly.

Loved this sparky Kookaburra which launched itself at my son immediately after this.

The Lemurs were mainly inside.

The following are patterns in the coats of some of the animals, a friend of mines daughter has a blog showing patterns mainly in London and it was her blog which encouraged me to start mine. The address of hers is : http://www.patternlondon.com/, have a look it is really interesting.