Cercis siliquastrum

One of the things I remembered from my previous walk around Frampton on Severn was one of the trees in the churchyard dangling over the path. It also meant that we did this walk at a similar time of year as the blossom was at the same stage.

The walk to the church took us through the lych gate at the far end of the village green.

There is then a fair walk through the Horsechestnut trees to reach the church.

Then as you turn the corner you reach the Judas Tree.

Cercis siliquastrum as it's proper name is has heart shaped leaves and flowers growing directly on the branches. It makes a fabulous sight.

There are several reasons why it is known as the Judas tree. One of these being that it was this kind of tree was the variety in which Judas was reputed to have died.

Further along on the walk we passed a series of lakes.

It was while we standing admiring this view that the swan became a matter for debate.

It was suggested that the swan was not real but a model. It took a peep through binoculars to confirm that he was indeed a dummy and even had a joint on its neck!

The Longest Village Green

Yesterday I went on my monthly walk with my walking group. This time we revisited a village where we have previously walked. Frampton on Severn is a picturesque village in Gloucestershire. It is reputed to have the longest village green which stretches the length of the village and covers about 22 acres. The cricket pitch is on one end of the green outside one of the village pub's.

There are a series of ponds.

The most notable thing however is the array of buildings from large smart Georgian houses to quirky little cottages. 

It is a pleasure to just wander down the green admiring the buildings. 

There are several superbly restored barns including this tythe barn which is now a wedding venue.

Then the Wool Barn which originates from 1550 and is part of the Frampton Court Estate. We have a wedding at this estate in the summer so will look forward to seeing more!

There are also lots of quaint crooks and crannies.

Then after our walk it was off to the pub for some amazing pies. The Shu pie has everything in it. A choice of meat at one end, mashed potato in the middle and vegetables at the other end. Delicious!

A Photo a Week Challenge: Black and White

Nancy Merrill's photo challenge this week is Black and White. I sometimes like to edit some of my animal pictures to black and white. I find it can enhance the concentration on the subject matter.

It can also disguise a scruffy background. This next photo had messy stable walls that distracted from the subject.

Equally when taking new born lambs not everyone wants to see the blood and gore. Black and white quickly obliterates the mess and makes the lamb more appealing. This lamb was not newborn but looked mucky. He is incidentally our only black lamb!

Take Three Thursday: Reflections

I am taking back to The University of Bristol Botanic Gardens again today. The pond is a central part of the gardens and frequently has beautiful reflections. While we sat  having a coffee my hand was itching to grab my camera and capture the reflections of some of the people walking by.

So here we are with three images to join in with Mary Lou's Take Three Thursday capturing three pictures with a common theme.

Art in the Garden

One of the Artists at the Art Exhibition at The University of Bristol Botanic Gardens was Christine Baxter who has a studio at Court Robert in Raglan, South Wales. Her sculptures certainly caught the eye but also blended quite naturally into the surrounding garden background.

Some such as these are made of bronze resin.

Others are cast stone.

I was particularly taken with the iron resin hare.

And would happily find a new home for the cat.

The only ones that were within my price range were the animal shapes.

I earmarked the hedgehog as an ideal present for a friend who loves garden decorations. 

Foolishly I left it to the end to buy one so that I would not have to carry it. Unfortunately when I returned someone had bought all three!

Out in the Field

On Sunday afternoon I walked out to check the sheep. It was a lovely sunny day for a walk with Monty. It's great to see the hens back out in the fields. They have been out now for over a week now that the Avian flu risk has lessened and we have been allowed to let them out. They are certainly happy back in their favourite haunts.

They cluster around the water trough like men around a bar!

It was also a busy time with the horses.

Then of course most of the sheep and lambs are now back out in the fields.

Oh and I nearly forgot. The item I showed on Sunday is indeed a camping toaster that sits over the calor gas. Eileen and Mary Lou both had it!

Memos, Mail, Me and Monday: Looking Back and Forward

Good morning to all after another lovely weekend and a special wave to Sian and all the other Mondayers.

This last week my family and friends have been smiling and looking back with me. You may have seen from my post yesterday I have been doing a little clearing with my mum and brother. Have you had a guess at the object I showed yesterday? All will be revealed tomorrow! 

Something else that we turned out was 3 bags of my old school books which have mostly found their way to the recycling bin but I couldn't resist fishing out a couple.

Younger daughter took my old English book from secondary school off to bed to read my ' biography ' written at the age of 14. Interesting reading (at least she thought so!) but what struck me was the lack of encouraging comments from the teacher!

Then there was my diary of my one and only school holiday or school journey as we called it. I think I fancied myself as a second Enid Blyton! Here is a snippet with some amazingly precise details.

It all sounds a bit of a nightmare for the teachers with us all wandering down the train looking for seats. This second clip sounds like a teacher's worst scenario with two transport mishaps in one day. Imagine amusing us kids for all that time.

Well I won't bore you with any more even if younger daughter did find it hilarious.

It's also been a weekend of saying goodbye to our lovely minister Michelle at our church who is moving on to new pastures. A time for farewells and looking forward with a service and lunch. No pictures but these are of the lovely blossom in the church garden.

So wishing you all a great week and I shall be popping round to see you all soon.

Vintage Items

Last week my brother and I helped mum with a bit of a clear out. There was one curious item that we found in the cellar. I know mum won't be enthralled that we considered it "vintage". I have subsequently asked quite a few people if they know what it is. Nobody has come up with the correct answer without some prompting. I only know because mum told me what it is. Do you have any idea?

I look forward to your answers.

One other item that we found was a water bottle from their cycling days. Interestingly repro copies of this are still made.