toadflax

common toadflax is appearing in the hedgerows, apparently toad is another term like dog that means useless, so this is dog flax, or maybe common toad dog. No flax and no toad. It has many local names like weasel snout and pigs chops. 

Luckett and Townlake

we are still on the trail of that elusive photo of Luckett. This picture was taken near Townlake (in Devon) above Horsebridge. The Tamar is at the bottom. All this after a forced march through the woods to find lost keys that were still in the door of the Terrano. Life can be frustrating.

Latchley

this is the next village down river from Luckett, and our parish district, taken from Devon near Lamerhoo. The Tamar is just below the bottom edge of the photo, next stop Gunnislake. But first stop at the Royal.

scrumping

these rooks have a habit of pecking the apples which then go rotten and fall off the tree, where they are being consumed at present by a one winged juvenile jackdaw. Unfortunately these injured birds do not survive long on the ground but there doesn't seem to be any way of helping. I just like their will to live. 

ready to fly

these are my house martins. They are very nearly ready to fly. There are three of them but these two are so fat they block the entrance to the nest. Off to Africa, maybe back next year. Messy or not it feels good to share living space with them.

Venterdon

... the little village of Venterdon. Sam Davy died on Tuesday and did not live to see this fine evening. He lived here all his life. He was a lovely man. He knew about gardens and growing things, but he hated collies, for good reason I think, because he was one of the three people Uncle Max has bitten (the other two were more deserving of a good biff). Life is sad sometimes. Goodbye Sam.