England is having a heat wave, the likes of which I have not experienced in the 15 years I’ve lived here.  The photo below pretty much sums up how we all look at the end of the day, when we’ve powered through high temperatures with no air conditioning. Another allium from my garden… one hollyhock … More The Long Hot Summer

We began our trip thusly: Daisy really resented the whole “riding in a crate in the back seat” experience and she cried for the first two hours of the ( 5 hour) trip up to North Yorkshire. We spent the first day at Fountains Abbey, a ruin of a Cistercian monastery, founded in 1132.  It … More North Yorkshire

Poppies in a church yard… and at the side of the road. A village fete.  This is a typical scene at this time of year as many local towns and villages have fetes, or fairs as they are known in the U.S.  It’s a time when the community comes together to enjoy local food, drink, … More Early June

My garden and my bee friendly plants. My tall purple flowers have blossomed. On sunny days I walk the dogs in this field.  We visit a stream that runs parallel to this old rickety fence because AP planted a small tree there once, in memory of Pickles.  The tree never grew but we always visit … More When the Sun Comes Out

Spring is definitely happening. Last weekend AP and I visited Chawton House, which is a stately home once owned by Jane Austen’s brother.   Is this not an idyllic picture of England? Jane’s brother put Jane and her sister, Cassandra,  in a pokey little house much smaller house down the road.  Chawton house is now dedicated … More Spring, Flowers and Sun in England

Chichester Cathedral  –  from a visit with Michigan friends on Wednesday. Saint Richard — never heard of him but there he is.  He looks very resolute. Today marks both Good Friday and Passover.  These holidays fall near or on the spring equinox which is an ancient celebrated holiday, Ostara, or Oestre. Here are some words … More Good Friday 2018

AP and his friends planned a trip to France and I horned in on it.   We were there this past weekend.  I was a little concerned that I might feel a bit like a fish out of water but no.  They were perfect travelling companions and I had a blast and from the sounds … More The Goodfellas

Weather:  Let’s get this out of the way.  It’s cold here and look at this!  This happened yesterday. Dogs: Daisy got a stomach bug last week and, boy, that was unpleasant.  She spent the day in the hospital, getting rehydrated. The dogs got roast chicken for a few days, while Daisy’s stomach recovered.  When I … More Late February Snow