To Autumn by John Keats. Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; Conspiring with him how to load and bless With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run; To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees, And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core; To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel [...]
Dear March—Come in—How glad I am—I hoped for you before—Put down your Hat—You must have walked—How out of Breath you are—Dear March, how are you, and the Rest—Did you leave Nature well—Oh March, Come right upstairs with me—I have so much to tell— I got your Letter, and the Birds—The Maples never knew that you [...]
The birds have been singing to-dayAnd saying: "The spring is near!The sun is as warm as in May,And the deep blue heavens are clear." The little bird on the boughsOf the sombre snow-laden pineThinks: "Where shall I build me my house,And how shall I make it fine? "For the season of snow is past;The mild [...]
Wallington Hall is at all times of the year, a fantastic, family friendly place to visit. National Trust members can get a lower priced ticket to enjoy the seasonal wonders that are available. Explore the beautiful hall, amble around the wall gardens or meander through nearby farmland. There really is something for everyone. I first [...]
Sound the flute!Now it's mute!Birds delight,Day and night,Nightingale,In the dale,Lark in sky, -Merrily,Merrily, merrily to welcome in the year. Little boy,Full of joy;Little girl,Sweet and small;Cock does crow,So do you;Merry voice,Infant noise;Merrily, merrily to welcome in the year. Little lamb,Here I am;Come and lickMy white neck;Let me pullYour soft wool;Let me kissYour soft face;Merrily, merrily [...]
Winter is the king of showmen,Turning tree stumps into snow menAnd houses into birthday cakesAnd spreading sugar over lakes.Smooth and clean and frosty white,The world looks good enough to bite.That's the season to be young,Catching snowflakes on your tongue!Snow is snowy when it's snowing.I'm sorry it's slushy when it's going. Ogden Nash.
'Raby is without doubt one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England.' https://youtu.be/hGk_aFOKAcw?feature=shared Video by Raby Estates. Raby Castle and Gardens have always been a firm favourite of mine, having visited since childhood. However, it has undergone a recent transformation, developing the gardens, as well as opening new areas such as [...]
Hope is the thing with feathersThat perches in the soul,And sings the tune without the words,And never stops at all, And sweetest in the gale is heard;And sore must be the stormThat could abash the little birdThat kept so many warm. I've heard it in the chillest land,And on the strangest sea;Yet, never, in extremity,It [...]
Happy New Year! It has certainly been a while since we last spoke. I hope you are all well and have enjoyed a wonderfully peaceful, joyful and festive Christmas period. It's at this time of year when you will see people and 'influencers' bombarding you with new lifestyle changes, must-have gadgets and routines that will [...]
It is so important to take care of yourselves and others in this heatwave. Whilst this is what is to be expected with current climate change, all we can do is to continue pressuring the government and large businesses to become greener, and quickly. For the wildlife in our communities, they just survive. Make sure [...]
Foxglove and Bee 