This morning’s bouquet includes: 
petunias;
clematis Polish Spirit;
foxgloves;
hydrangeas;
and delicate gladioli.
A veritable cacophony reverberated along the kitchen facia as the parent starlings jointly strove to satisfy their screeching offspring.
Whilst Jackie continued the creative gardening, I did the ironing and applied the first layer of wax to the new stair-rails.
This afternoon our friend Harri and her dog Inka came for a brief visit.
I have chosen to illustrate the third of my Five Photos – Five Stories with a set of five photos taken in Brittany in September 1982. They were themselves to provide a board book I made for grandchildren Emily and Oliver quite a few years later.
Whilst I was contemplating getting up in the morning in the bedroom of a gite where Jessica, our two children, and Ann and Don spent an enjoyable holiday, a buzzing on a windowpane alerted me to the presence of a fly. I don’t know where the original book is now, but I will endeavour to write this in the language I would have used for small children.
One day a fly landed on a curtain flapping in the breeze.
Suddenly a butterfly landed on the windowpane. The fly looked at it,
and dropped onto the sill. So did the butterfly.
The fly walked towards the butterfly and did a little dance.
They reached out a hand to each other, and –
What came next?
Each of the children gave what may be considered a stereotypical response. If you would like to suggest a suitable finale, I will wait a couple of days before revealing what my grandchildren said. I wonder if anyone will match them.
This evening we dined at The Family House in Totton, enjoying set meal M3 in the usual friendly atmosphere. We both drank Tsingtao beer.
“Romeo Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo?” asked Juliet Butterfly. But the fly was dead. Spray. Juliet Butterfly followed suit.
Thank you Bruce. A little sophisticated for a couple of infants. 🙂
Oh – I had (rightfully) presumed the genes were of the brightest intelligence!
Groveller 🙂
LOL
I think that is a great story for children and the photos are an amazing catch! I am captivated by them and have never seen such an interaction before. Matching your story, my first thought is the fly asked the butterfly to dance. I’m curious to know what the grand kids responded – also what Bruce will come up with 🙂
I’ll reveal the children’s comments in a couple of days. You and Bruce are pretty close to the the stereotypes, interestingly enough. Thank you Pauline. Actually, I’ve never seen such an interaction before or since.
I had to come back to see what Bruce said – once again he out did himself 🙂
He did, indeed 🙂
The fly says to the butterfly, ‘will I grow up to be like you one day’? The butterfly answers, ‘be good and when you get to heaven, you will!’
Well, it’s a fairy tale, right? 🙂
Or, the fly says to the butterfly, ‘give me a kiss and I’ll turn into a prince’. The butterfly answers, ‘give me a kiss and I’ll flap you off this planet with my wings!’
Two good alternatives Mary. Thank you.
They introduced themselves and shook hands. The Butterfly said, “have you had breakfast? Want to go to Petunia’s?” The Fly responded, “Sure for starters. Then maybe we can fly on to Tip’s later.” They had a nice meal, but found they didn’t have much in common.
Excellent offering Lisa. Thank you.
This is preparation for a boxing match for sure. Float like a butterfly, sting like a..fly? Love your photos btw.
Thank you Wolfberry. Good suggestion.
So many lovely photos, but the two I liked best was the first of the petunia and the one of the fly against the bright white curtain. For a moment, it looked like the fly was on my monitor – it was that crisp and clear.
Many thanks Kate.
Beautiful pictures! The foxgloves are gorgeous.
Thank you Baffled. They are rather amazing.
I love this. Can’t wait to hear what the children said…
Tomorrow 🙂
Have to show these to my little homeschooler when he gets in. Gorgeous!
I’m very pleased. Thank you. I’d like to know what he says 🙂
Great shot Derrick – beauty and the beast.
Thank you Mary
Green thumbs at your place!!! So many beautiful photos of beautiful flowers.
I can’t wait to hear what the children said. The photos are quite impressive! I think the fly and the butterfly look like they are posed for a fight. But, children’s stories usually have happy endings.
Many thanks Robin
Such great photos of the fly and butterfly! The foxglove is amazing 🙂
Thank you Matt – that was a once in a lifetime opportunity