Riddle Solutions

Apologies for the lateness of the draw and riddle solutions - after posting my brain teasers last week, I succumbed to an anonymous, head-clouting winter lurgy and am only just up and doing again. So, here we are with the answers; relax, the world can breath easily again.

RIDDLE SOLUTION

My first is in Plumage and also in Pyre, (the letter 'P')
My second is in Host, a Heavenly choir (the letter 'H')
My third is just nOthing, your pardon I beg ('O' or zero, both are 'o' shaped)
My fourth is in Embers in which sits an Egg (the letter 'E')
My fifth is iNk, as seen on this page (the letter 'N')
My sixth in Inferno, a fiery rage (the letter 'I')
My seventh is a cross (X) that is every man's mark (an 'x' being the commoners way of signing their name, if they could not write)
My whole is a flame which will light up the dark (the final clue to give the word)

answer - PHOENIX.

HAIKU

White angel gliding
Grace and beauty on water
Flip, flap, flop on grass.

Of course it was a SWAN - so graceful and dainty when swimming and such a clumsy waddler on the ground. To read a simple introduction to the form of the haiku visit this site - my version is a mere stumble in the dark compared to the people who write them properly, so for a better understanding of this fascinating art, just Google 'haiku' - and prepare to be amazed.

(All swan photos taken by me at nearby Kelmscott, home of the great William Morris)

Very well done to everyone who entered and nearly everyone who did, got it right. However, much as I love you all, there is only one calendar to be won...and the name drawn out of the hat was...EMA! Well done, the calendar will be on its way to you next week.

The roll call of honour to everyone else (blogs included where known, let me know your blog if I've missed you)

'Prickly Pinecone'
Bonnie of 'Love your Place'
Andy's mum - well done Mrs M, answered by text within five minutes.
Frances of 'Fairy Lanterns'
L from 'Amongst the Oaks'
Cathy of 'Down a Dusty Lane'

Jo M

Caroline of 'Uniqart'
Gemma of 'Sandy Floorboards'
Ember of 'Kindred of the Quiet Way'

Diana of 'The Qi Papers'
'Luna'
Frances of 'City Views, Country Dreams'
Terri M
Lynette N
C of 'Land of Sticks'
Mary-Beth of 'Fragile Earth Stuffed Animals'
Jean A.

It was lovely to hear how many people enjoyed tussling with the riddles; I may have to make some more up.