Evening walks in the cool of the evening

It's been so hot in the day that the dog isn't impressed by the idea of a walk, so we have waited until evenings and what a lovely time of day it is.... cooler, the light is nice and pleasant to walk in. The farmer across the river in the first picture was busy getting all the baling done, he had obviously heard the same forecast as us for today, showers (which haven't happened!).

Our daughter tried to entice Wrecks

the dog to take a dip, he wouldn't go any deeper than this...he's such a lightweight!!!This cow was curious about Wrecks and crept as near as she dare for a better look!

In the afternoon we visited a farm shop to get a few bits and saw this lovely little donkey foal. It's a new farm shop opened by HM the Queen a couple of months ago. I won't be going back despite this little cutie as they let cars park in the farmyard where the cafe is, which wasn't pleasant at all when the cars came in or out.

Also it seemed to be a certain sort of person who shopped there, not country folk, rather the wealthy townie who is looking for a different type of food stuff. The staff were friendly but I got called 'madam' a few to many times! You probably think I'm very fussy now!

We have trawled around several farm shops lately and some are lovely, the staff friendly and knowledgeable and really nice provisions on offer, still good job there is a choice because the ones I like may not be to other peoples tastes!

Dorset wanderings

Just one or two pictures of recent Dorset wanderings, the first being Dewlish Church not too far from Dorchester. Look at that huge bean row in front of the tower!

Saw this lovely sky up on Whiteways hill a few nights ago. That pink is almost fluorescent!

The evening light over this field made it look golden and later there was a lovely full moon over it.

I'm off for a BBQ today at Holten Lee...there is a great bird hide there on the edge of the harbour....I have seen 99 different birds this year, maybe I will see that elusive 100th bird! It's our church annual BBQ and fun day, lazing about day, playing rounders/cricket/hide and seek and treasure hunts for the children day.

A day trip to London...it's a mad place!

South west trains have been doing a special offer this month, return trip to anywhere in the SW region for £10. Thinking this a bargain the beloved and I duly set off at the crack of dawn (06.28) London bound.
Now I have only been to London a few times in my entire life so I was well out of my comfort zone and didn't let the much beloved out of my sight all day! I even made him stand outside the loos in case I got lost...
We did all the sights, Buckingham Palace...the Queen was in residence as the flag was flying but didn't invite us in for tea!

Big Ben, we waited to hear the 5 O'clock bongs.

Then we walked along the Thames on the Embankment and that's where it got weird! There are loads of street entertainers every few yards doing all sorts of odd stuff. This 'dog' was great.

Lots of people pretending to be statues and then jumping out or touching people as they passed...I gave them a wide berth!

Micheal Jackson!!!!!

Dinosaurs riding bikes

and this young lady doing the most amazing pavement paintings, click on the picture to get the full effect....and why has that man got his hand on that lady's bottom!!!!!

I suppose this guy was playing the blues!


Then we did a little hunting of addresses where my ancestors had lived and I was pleasantly surprised. They lived in quite grand houses. My Grandfather lived in the blue house and his wife to be, lived in the one next to the scaffolding.

My Great Grandmother lived in one of these lovely houses on South Kensington, and married in the Church round the corner.

It was a lovely day but very hot and the underground was unbearably hot. Really good day but nice to be back here today...walking this afternoon in the country and met a man who showed us where he sees Otters, where a Screech Owl hangs out and Kingfishers nest. Later met a farmer whose cow had got stuck in the river, stood and sympathised over the problem with him. That was a nice restful afternoon!

Moth and Ladybird, first for the year

This little moth I have found is called a Brimstone Moth, it's yellow like the Brimstone Butterfly but not as bright yellow. Strangely I only see these at work when I am on night shift, they are obviously attracted to the lights which are on all night in some rooms. This was on the office wall. I wonder what it lives on as it always seems to be in the building somewhere.

Oddly this is the first ladybird I have seen this year, some years there are loads in the garden but this year I haven't seen any. This is a National Trust ladybird! I found it whilst walking on their land near Kingston Lacy and Badbury Rings.