Friday 23 November 2018

Serenading cows

I sit down far too much at work and at home. So tonight I decided to go for a long walk along our road. It is a fabulous evening.

Down near Willie's ancient wool shed there is herd of young lady coos and even though I was stood quite a long way from their fence and gate, they all wandered down to say hello. I sang them a nursery rhyme and a few songs from The Sound of Music. It was deeply appreciated - I think.


The sheep are shyer and less inquisitive and keep a safe distance, serenaded only by love struck pheasant, of which our Fernando is one. I don't know how many pheasant there on the road, but there is enough flapping and coughing to make me think at least a dozen. Aunty Betty, my late Grand Aunt would have loved it here. She was notorious for hiding pheasant chicks from the local laird, to stop them being shot in the hunt!


I continue to be entranced by the wild flowers left to grow abundantly and passionately in the hedgerows. There are enough buttercups, foxgloves and dandelion to cover a county. The field verges host snoozing daisies and ducks, who protest loudly when you interrupt their 40 winks (the ducks that is, not the daisies).


Through morning hours, without a pause
The dandelions with bold intent
Burn in the emerald firmament
And seek to counterfeit the stars

John Richard Moreland

Tuesday 13 November 2018

Paddock Diary

We have just moved our garden bench and small table to the border of the paddock. Early evening is busy with birds and the flight paths of Blackbirds, Thrush, Kereru, Sparrows and Tui criss cross with the complexity of a Jeppessen flight plan.

The cats approve of the new arrangement, especially if I take my cup of tea with me. They chase each other, show off and put on a show, then vie for the table or my knee.


Ruppin won't sit on the table, but the gingers take it in turn to be two feet above contradiction.


Meanwhile Ruppin tries to camouflage himself near a tree stump and hopes he is not jumped on by 8kgs of purring tiger.

Wednesday 7 November 2018

Israel - Food glorious food

If you want to eat healthy - move to Israel. Their salads are the best in the world

Cafe Hillel breakfast - the orange juice was freshly squeezed and the rolls were warm.


Oren and Yani breakfast - my favourite place off King George Street


Mechane Yehuda Jerusalem - the best food market


Tel Aviv




Saturday 3 November 2018

Cats of Jerusalem

I have been travelling in Israel. Photos and reflections of the trip to follow.