This morning I watched the recording of the final match of this year’s Women’s Six Nations rugby tournament – certainly a fitting contest to bring up the end of the series.
Later I posted https://derrickjknight.com/2023/04/30/droll-tales-29/
and converted from Classic to Block edit, recategorising as Garden
after which, we drove out to Church Lane to visit
our favourite English bluebell wood which must have been producing descendants of the original plants for centuries.
The ancient verges and banks flanking the road sport swathes of the blooms, mingling with such as stitchwort, ferns, and sticky willies, dandelions, and even a solitary mushroom.
I exchanged greetings with a cyclist on the tarmac and enjoyed a longer conversation with the family walking towards me. Naturally we exchanged information about babies in slings.
On Rodlease Lane two women and a dog anxiously peered in both directions seeking safety while taking their alpacas for a walk.
Gilpins, on Undershore Road, is an eighteenth century house in private ownership, so I am not sure about the age of the beautiful brick wall offering a backcloth for seasonal primroses.
This evening we all dined on roasted chicken thighs; creamy mashed, and boiled new, potatoes; crunchy carrots; firm broccoli, and tasty gravy, with which I finished the Shiraz.
You truly live in an enchanted place, Derrick. Centuries of bluebells–your header photo is stunning.
I’ve never seen anyone take alpacas for a walk!
Thank you very much, Merril
You’ve obviously never met Roxanne ! It’s a regular site in our village
They have also been to Childrens homes and Rest homes – where they are trulely loved – They do spit though as I found out to my peril !
I don’t think anyone in my little area of NJ has them, but I’ll take your word about the spitting. 🙂
Such a lovely display of bluebells!
Thank you very much, Liz
Lovely images.
Thank you very much, Rupali
I do love your bluebell wood! We have several alpaca farms around here, but I’ve never seen any of the animals being taken for a walk.
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Mother Nature in all her glory!
Thanks very much, Rosaliene
The bluebell wood is beautiful! You guys are lucky to live there. ❤️????????????
We are, John. Thank you very much
Gorgeous bluebells! (I wonder if some Bluebell Fairies were hiding there?)
Beautiful brick wall with stories to tell!
Lovely to see people out and about enjoying nature!
The alpacas are so cool looking!
(((HUGS)))
PS…”The Bluebell is the sweetest flower That waves in summer air: Its blossoms have the mightiest power To soothe my spirit’s care.” – Emily Brontë
Q: Why don’t alpacas like singing with backing music?
A: They prefer to sing alpacapella!
Thanks very much, Carolyn. X and groan
HA!
I hope to see our bluebells in full force next week. I was pleasantly surprised by the last rugby match result.
It was a good one. Thanks very much, Tootlpedal
Taking alpacas for a walk. Now that’s something we would never see over here.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
Bluebells, so lovely. We don’t have them here.
Thank you very much, Arlene
You’re surrounded by beauty and history in your charming town. The ancestral bluebells are stunning.
Thank you very much, Alys
They used to make a big fuss about English v Spanish bluebells, but it seems to bne forgotten now.
As we’re up north in Nottingham, I once saw a gentleman taking his ferret for a walk. It was on a lead that went round his chest and he was obviously keen to be out and about.
Thanks very much, John
Hi Derrick – Beautiful bluebells
Glad to see you have encountered Roxanne and her Alpacas – Dawson and Churchill – shes a regular sight in Pilley with her Collies a Kelpie and Alpacas in tow – They can often be found at the Red Lion having their pics taken !
All the best – hope spring warms up now – Have you met the new arrival to the herd in Pilley yet? Hes a little beauty !
Jooles x
Thank you so much, Jooles. When I get a chance I will speak to her. I think I have photographed her before. Not seen the new arrival. Will look. Good to hear from you. X
I have got some bluebells in the garden but I think they are the Spanish variety. Very robust and strong.
They probably are. Thanks very much, Andrew
You don’t often see a woman walking down the street with a sheepdog and alpaca. You do live in a unique area!!
Thank you so much, GP
I adore bluebells. I remember being enchanted by them in Kew around the cottage when I was a little girl.
Lovely memories, Sherry. Thank you very much
I would love to walk through a bluebell wood! What a beautiful expanse of them. The alpacas out for a walk were nice find, too.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Wonderful photos! I’m determined to go in search of bluebells beyond the garden this year.
Thanks very much, Nikki
How magical it would be to walk through a bluebell wood! Glorious photos, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Hi Derrick – pretty signs of spring – and wow, I’ve never seen an alpaca on a walk! We have a farm near us that has them though. Hope you’re doing well 🙂
Thank you very much, Barbara. I am well
Endearing and enduring flowers, animals walking along free of cages, meeting regular folks walking along the road and conversing about babies…. these are some of the things I love about your blog.
Thank you so much, JoAnna
Yeah for women’s rugby and even more for the bluebell woods. I was in Scotland last week and they were not out yet… It is such a special time ????
Thank you so much, Val
Wonderful bluebells
Thank you very much, Sheree
A beautiful post, Derrick. Looks like spring is well on the way with you as well. Lovely bluebells!
Thank you very much, Dwight
You are welcome.
Ancient and magical 🙂
Thank you very much, Ribana
I love living vicariously among the bluebells with you, {{{Derrick}}}. You always transport me. Thank you! Gorgeous photos, as always!!
Much appreciated, Jan