We raise our glasses to you, Ian. Rest In Peace
"Spring has sprung here in the North East part of the county at least. Tiptree and Colchester are awash with daftodils. I haven't been down to Maldon and Chelmsford to check, but I assume it's the same. Don't think the bluebells are out in Pod's Wood yet, but they should be soon - a blue swathe. |
There hasn't been a cloud of note for about a week and that damn blackbird that screams from my rooftop from 4am is in for a rude shock pretty soon! And his friend the collared dove. The blue tits are reasonably quiet at that time. Pied wagtails are gathering insects in the newly mown bits around the corner. Sparrows and green and gold finches are gathering nestbuilding materials. |
My pond's full of frogs and their spawn and the fish are up and eating. |
Ahh, it's quite a special time of year here :O) |
Cheers |
Ian Pubby Hunter |
| Afterwards by Thomas Hardy |
| When the present has latched its postern behind my tremulous sway, And the May month flaps its glad green leaves like wings, Delicate filmed as new-spun silk, will the neighbours say, "He was a man who used notice such things"? |
| If, when hearing that I have been stilled at last, they stand at the door, Watching the full -starred heavens that winter sees, Will this thought rise on those who will meet my face no more, "He was a man who had an eye for such mysteries"? |
| And will they say when my bell of quittance is heard in the gloom, and a crossing breeze cuts a pause in its outpourings, Till they rise again, as they were a new bell's boom, "He hears it not now, but used to notice such things"? |
"All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... "