human landing strip

 

In late May and early June, especially on warm days, you can see these longhorned moths performing little dances in the lanes, rising and falling before they mate. Here they are taking a rest before resuming the great battle to procreate.

walnut tree

tiny flowers have appeared again on our much nurtured young walnut tree but will we get any walnuts? Watch this space for the next riveting installment.

the thrill of the chase, and at the winning post

a day at the races

some very small jockeys (this brave little lass came second in the pony race) and their larger connections.

in the paddock with the trainer

a day at the races

we spent yesterday at the South Tetcott Hunt point to point (see link) Steeplechase at Upcott Cross, Halwill Junction with the owner of two of the horses running. It is hard to describe the ambience of these meetings but to me it feels like the essence of rural England, circa 1955, something past, something lost. The still strong rural tribe was out in force and in uniform... 'dedicated follower(s) of fashion'.

paradise found

the meadows at Greenscoombe are full now of butterfly orchids (the lesser variety) which are slender and have a barely detectable but sweet fragrance. There is in these things a deep sense of joy in having lived at all in this vast cosmos, and to know that one has lived.

for all fellow bloggers these lines from Milton seem very apposite

For who would lose,
Though full of pain, this intellectual being,
Those thoughts that wander through eternity...