Party Time

What a weekend.  Very indifferent weather with perpetual rain yesterday but at least fine if a bit cool today.  We celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee by going for lunch to a friend Hilton's farm high up in the next valley.  We were joined by friends new and old.  It was a wonderful occasion and I was persuaded to brighten myself up and get in the spirit.  I did my best and even put on my OBE medal something I have never down since receiving it in 1999.  Officially it is supposed to be worn with "Morning Dress" but I thought it was the right day and so I risked being put in the Tower of London by wearing it on my red smock.



Need I say more?

Sitting in a superb garden by splendid woodland with a glass of Minervois red there were birds to observe.  First Red Kite and then Buzzard sailed effortlessly overhead,  and then a pair of Swifts nesting in the roof of the old house had us guessing as to how they could possibly stop from their break neck flight to avoid hitting the wall.  House Sparrows chattered away, Swallows sailed lazily overhead and Blackcap, Song Thrush and Wren sang continuously.




View from our walk

 After our lunch we all walked up higher to admire the superb views towards the Brecon Beacons and find tadpoles in a small puddle before returning for coffee, tea and icecream.