A walk in the woods.

What with one thing and another we've been rather tied to home lately, but yesterday the weather improved for long enough for us to take a walk through the woods. We went to the pond with its two small islands where in the past we have seen a kingfisher. No brilliant flash of blue feathers to be seen on this occasion, just a couple of wild ducks skulking in the shadow of the overhanging trees.

The rain has fattened up the blackberries nicely. We didn't have a bag with us so we just ate!

The path that had been widened for taking out wood has grassed over. Bracken is threatening to encroach but for now it's lovely, easy walking underfoot.

Another part of the woodland is being cleared. It seems very intrusive, but nature will soon reclaim the space.

Young pheasants have been put in the pens to grow for the new season. No flight feathers as yet.What dim birds they are!

On our way back by the lake we met a neighbour with her grandsons. The boys were very well equipped; explorer hat, backpacks, spotter's guide books - with stickers!

Great excitement, a heron flew over! Out with the spotter's book, out with the stickers!

I was given a gold star sticker to wear. A strange old bird, obviously, although not in the book.

I've not yet been brave enough to climb to the top of the scaffolding. I made a start  but a strong side wind gave me the excuse to climb back down. Himself, who is made of sterner stuff, took the camera from me to record a bird's eye view. Just look at the tenuous state of our chimney!

I'm much happier at ground level pootling about in the vegetable garden.

Today the wind is even more freaky and we're skulking in the greenhouse with the Sunday papers. There's good growth going on all about us.

This lovely flower is from a piece of greenery that came home in my wash bag from our holiday in Sardinia last September.

The climbing Hoya I've had for many years. It was supposed to have been a popular buttonhole flower for gentlemen in the Victorian era although I don't know how they dealt with the sticky nectar that drips from the open petals - but the bees love it!

I've picked  a few wind-battered flowers for the house.

Wishing you all a good weekend.