8.5.09

Work hard, play hard.




Now the winter is finally over, once or twice a week we escape with a picnic - I cannot think of many other things I'd rather do than set off with Andy, a simple bundle of food, the open road and the prospect of a few miles ahead; especially in May, when the lanes are drifting with Queen Anne's Lace and the mild wind is scented with oilseed rape.




The weather is changeable and though we may set off in bright sunshine, dark clouds bounce across from the West, threatening rain. The new leafage glows against the grey skies - that is the joy of an English spring; the moist, fresh, greeness which never fails to fill me with hope and happiness.




As we were tramping the edges of the fields this week, we spotted...




Can you see it? No? Come closer. I can see it, because I know where it is - hidden tightly - there's the clue.




Ah, he's been rumbled - there he goes!




Mr Hare, you are a shy fellow - but now we know exactly where you are!





Choosing the right picnic spot depends on the mood of the weather. Sometimes it is best just to find a sheltered spot and watch the rain clouds roll in. There must be good eggs, and a thermos of watery hot chocolate which tastes ever-so-slightly of mildew.






We shared our breadcrumbs with an excited ant, who had never seen such riches in his microcosmic world. He staggered off, his little back laden with this wonderful new bounty. Somewhere below the earth, in a patch of West Oxfordshire, a new religion has been born. Centred around bread.


Turning the circle of our walk, we headed into the reserve. It is a bumper bluebell year in the UK - our woods are carpeted with acres of them stretching out of eye's reach. And I would hate to be the only British blogger not to show a picture of them.




The woodlands never sound so pretty as in Spring, when the birds are singing their hearts out and the cuckoo is doing what all respectable cuckoos should do.






After a good four hours, it's home to a small queue of impatient geese, demanding crowns. This mega order is almost done and they go off for their photoshoot next Friday. There are little gangs of animals dotted around the studio, waiting to be packed. At times I feel as if they are plotting something.




31 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are regal, royal geese
We don't honk or hiss
She thinks we're plotting something
But no, she's taking the ****


liZZie x

Cat said...

I loved the video! The photos are wonderful too. Thank you. What a lovely way to start my day.

rachel said...

Reading favourite blogs today as therapy....

Lovely post, delightful pictures. But...slight taste of mildew?? Try soaking for a few hours, first with neat white vinegar, then a dilution of bicarb - the thermos, that is, not you, necessarily.

How apt - I see my verification word is dregges.

Frances said...

PG, you and Andy have gotten out to the beautiful English countryside once again. How I do thank you for this enormous treat.

Seeing that hare, and watching and listening to the bluebells and birdsongs ... bliss!

I am laughing at the notion of your filling the cottage with little animals with strong personalities.

Wishing lots of fun with continued work and play. xo

Gail said...

What a lovely post - and that video - it took me away from the urban area we live in, with the noise of passing traffic and out to the countryside where I'd rather be!

You were good to spot Mr Hare - especially when he was hunkered down in the furrow! ;-)

Jess said...

What a fantastic shot of that hare! I only ever see them when I don't have a camera at the ready, no wonder they've become a sort of mythical creature, they're so big aren't they? Talking of not seeing things very often, I seem to be missing out on my share of bluebells this year. Normally I see them when we're out and about and I haven't but I can't complain really because I have a few bunches growing in my garden which makes up for not seeing them in the woods!x

Caroline B said...

Is it my imagination or isn't this Spring one of the prettiest we have had for a very long time? Not seen bluebells in such profusion down this way though or heard a cuckoo yet - thanks for sharing!

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Just delightful.
I smiled all the way through this.
And I love those, soon to be royal, geese.

Elizabeth said...

Wish I could have joined you on this amazing walk
I would have been really happy to see the hare.

Rowan said...

There'snothing like a picnic is there? We had one yesterday in Monsal Dale and got the best weather of the week. Lucky you seeing a hare - magical animals.

Syren said...

Thankyou thankyou thankyou for the photos and especially the video. It was the next best thing to being home. Played the video umpteen times big smile on my face. Won't be back there for awhile - my son will not fly - so really appreciated the photos.

ellen said...

What lovely spot. I know the ant thanks you for his daily bread. I've never seen a hare in real life before, nor have I heard a real live cuckoo singing. It's all magnificent. Those bluebells are so special. I wonder if they grow here?

BumbleVee said...

hmmm.. you know, those geese do almost look a bit guilty...as if caught conspiring.....

Suze said...

What a beautiful walk, at a special time of year...

Thank you for sharing...and those geese, just stretching for their crowns..

tut-tut said...

Plotting something indeed; the doll seems to be dismissing them.

I hadn't realized hares were so muscle-y . . .

I enjoyed your earlier post today, too, Dorchester Away, which for some reason I missed!

Anonymous said...

Lovely! There's nothing more restorative than the great outdoors!
xxx

OldBagNewTricks said...

Oh My Heavens, no wonder all the best Faery Tales came from Merry Old England and no wonder it's good to be in England now that April (or May) is here. These photos are magical -- from that beautiful tree to the hare to the dazzled and delighted ant making off with his bounty of bread.

And here's hoping you had a Happy, Happy Mother's Day.

Jenny

sara said...

3 may be the new number of the devil.They are plotting to overtake the studio. Beware you need to despatch them very soon.!!!

Acornmoon said...

I am very envious of your hare spotting and your cuckoo, what riches!

Kim said...

Thank you for sharing that lovely day. It's hard not to be inspired after such a refreshing walk, and spotting a hare, no less :)

I hope my new routine holds up, as at last I'm getting things done and it's a good feeling :)

Take care and watch those geese ;)

Kim x

Wendy said...

Oh My goodness..Your work is amazing! Thanks for stopping by my blog & leaving a comment otherwise I don't think I would have ever found you!

I'll be sure to add you to my blog favorite list :)

Karen said...

Lucky you spotting that hare!
I smiled at the "watery slightly mildew tasting hot chocolate". We must have the same flask! :)

Melanie said...

such lovely images. I am relaxed just looking at them.

Merisi said...

Thank you for this lovely foray into your neck of the woods!

It is my dream to one day see those famous bluebells for myself.

Your geese are coming along beautifully, gorgeous creatures! I cannot even begin to imagine how much hard work and how many hours you have to put into these sculptures.

Sarah Laurence said...

Thanks for taking us on your fabulous picnic, hare and all. I feel revived. Nothing is nicer than a bluebell wood in May.

Jackie said...

Thank you for the hare. I am missing my walks in the bluebells but I haven't the heart to go alone....dogless I mean.Maybe..you inspired me.

Decadent Housewife said...

Wandered into your delightful home. Will be back at coffee break to enjoy more.

tlchang said...

Ah... so springish and beautiful. (Um, may I request a background update? these are gorgeous).

Anonymous said...

So nice to hear from you again, PG, and then to check in and see spring there, in your middle of nowhere, so close but so far away! Enjoyed your video and the reminder of how similar our worlds and we can be.

Bee said...

Everything about this is charming. I love England in May.

spinyurchin said...

Me thinks a needle felt ant is in order! :)