Monday 30 July 2018

Crash, bang, wallop!

Friday 27th July and and it's hard to comprehend that our son would have been 55 today.  But, after a quiet morning, we had little time for reflection as weeks of heatwave ended with a flourish of heavy rain and a hailstorm with big lumps of ice hitting everything and causing some damage locally - up to a couple of miles away it remained dry! The noise was unbelievable!!

A realistic size of the hailstones...

...these caught in zooming to snap the hail on a roof - the stones were big but not that big so those at the front of the photos were enlarged!


A lot of leaves were broken off the shrubs and trees by the hailstones. 







The hailstones hung around for quite some time after the storm had passed...





A metal flower container was smashed...
...and there were a few dints in the car bonnet in spite of it being partly sheltered by a hedge and trees.  But we came off lightly compared to a neighbour who suffered extensive damage to cars and a greenhouse was smashed.

Over the weekend, there were very high and blustery winds plus rain showers.  The disturbed weather is supposed to have a final blow from south to north across the country today, then return to calmer weather and a rise in temperature again.  We hope not so extreme during or after sunny weather! 

As with most things, I feel that "fair to middlin'" is best!!

Friday 20 July 2018

Byways

We were curious what roads are behind the golden wheat fields which we can only glimpse in the distance through the trees at the bottom of our garden, so set off on a mystery tour. 

The roads are mostly byways - narrow lanes with high hedges and a few bends.  Luckily we met only two cars which, with a bit of negotiating from both drivers, we were able to pass. We managed, mostly by accident, there being few signposts to cover the circular route from the bottom of our road to the top!  But also took other turnings most of the time not really knowing where we were! 

We spotted other byways, footpaths and a bridleway.  In gaps in the high hedges, we saw that most of the fields were of wheat which had been harvested, others of maize. There were a few isolated farms, houses and one or two small villages, only one boasting a church.

And, on a small crossroads, we spotted a cycle way in a rather dilapidated state…











After nearly an hour, we were amazed to learn from a signpost that we were only 1 ¼ miles from home!

Monday 16 July 2018

Gooderstone Water Gardens

We had heard about the water gardens at Gooderstone, which is south of Swaffham and, yesterday (Sunday) morning - before it got too hot - we took the 35minute drive to discover it for ourselves…and what a delight it is!

Most of the paths are wide, flat and grassy with lots of benches available by the many ponds.  The only times to watch the ground are a few non-grassy paths where some bits of tree roots have worked their way to the surface.  Specimen trees, shrubs and flowers adorn the areas between the ponds. Shady spots are available, and an excellent cafĂ© provides refreshment along with plants and artistic goods for sale.

Come with me and my camera for a little tour…







"Sometimes I sits and thinks and sometimes I just sits"








The statue suits the name...The Otter Pond.

A small weir.


"Be happy in that moment.  That is enough. Each moment is all we need - nothing more."





On the swan's nesting island.

The scented arbour smelled sweet...

...and doesn't he look relaxed!




If you get the chance, do go and see the gardens for yourself.  We certainly hope to return one day.



p.s. The snapper snapped!





Birthday delights

Ron shopped early and returned with fresh croissants for breakfast, two big bunches of huge lilies and a heaped pile of profiteroles - my birthday cake!

I had an enjoyable, indulgent and lazy day then out for a lovely dinner at The ’Brisley’ Bell with Peter and Linda - after a glass of bubbly and popping yet more pretty flowers into vases but leaving the chocolates that came with them for another day!







My 81st quietly but happily celebrated.

Sunday 1 July 2018

The big handover!

Our old Jag is now difficult for our old bones to lower themselves into and it is time for our youngest to have an unwanted family car...

Reece re-creating a photo taken of him in the back of the Jag when he was very small.


Pops hand over the keys...

...and a big hug is exchanged.
Behind the steering wheel at last!
"My boys" - Ryan, Reece, Ron and Peter.
How time flies - it is difficult to think that Reece has been driving for two years!  Now, off he goes, pleased as punch, the Jaguar's new proud owner.  Drive safely, Reece, and enjoy!