The passing passage of time requires a couple of sad goodbyes

The first of the yellow roses that grow outside my kitchen window has come into bloom. There is an abundance of buds which promise a fine display this summer with the rose bush showing no signs of stress from the harsh winter. Not so the well established ceanothus that has not come into leaf, let alone flower, this year. Just a little over a week ago I discussed, with my neighbour, whether drastic pruning might be the only course of action. It was to be the last of our many chats about gardening and the affects of our climate on our flora. Sadly Mrs. Nancy Holmes, affectionately known as Nan, passed away early last week. I had got into the habit of giving Nan the first and last roses from my garden but, this year, the first is in a vase on the kitchen windowsill in her memory. 

Always welcoming, I initially met Nan the day I came to view the then up for sale Pickenham 20th/acres and was welcomed back, when I came to say that I had purchased the house, with a "Good, I'm glad it was you that bought it". Mrs. Holmes progressively suffered from many debilitating ailments, since the millennium, of which I never heard her curse and, indeed, she was still very active in village life until quite recently. A gentleman never reveals a ladies age but, let's just say, she lived through not just economic recessions but a depression too. Her funeral will take place at 1.45pm on Monday, 14th June at Mintlyn Crematorium, King's Lynn.

I lost another good friend in May. Pickle was my friend's Jack Russell cross Border Terrier who was a bit of a naughty dog, chasing rabbits and, well, anything else she thought she might catch.

A loving dog, if a little high spirited at times for her laid back brother Roger and wimpish friend Bertie, her curiosity finally got the better of her. Dying mercifully quickly and cleanly by a passing blow from a train, her single year of life has left a strong and fondly remembered love in all who knew her.

All photos © J Reed

Contrite Communiqué to the Co-op Checkout Cashier Couple

On a quick dash to the Necton Co-op before its 5pm Sunday closing hour, I mistakenly offered consolation to the staff that the sunshine was to last and the temperate climate look set to stay. On my return home, Bertie took me and my camera for a walk.

All was set fair to the south, with warm T-shirt wearing sunshine and light winds. To the north the rain clouds gathered, however.

Beautiful contrast of light and shade.

Chased by the looming rain clouds we raced towards Houghton on the Hill, looking back down towards Houghton Ponds in the Wissey valley.

The sunshine highlights the large amount rapeseed being grown in East Anglia this year, much to the annoyance of hay fever sufferers.

Then a sudden chill as the weather front ushered a cold steady breeze, the darkness from the clouds progressing purposely across the Houghton plateau.

All photos © J Reed

The downhill return to Pickenham was dark and bracing, to say the least. So apologies to the shop staff, I promise to keep my mouth shut next time so as not to put the kibosh on your evening sun worship.

Sauntered up to Sheringham Park

Went to sunny Sheringham Park to walk with sort of relatives with five dogs and one less sproglet. Beautiful views matched by the calm winds and warm sunshine. I was proud to climb the Gazebo tower without thoughts of my vertigo and, unlike two years ago, I remained on my two feet and didn't need to sit down in the middle of the upper platform for five minutes to compose myself before a shaking, humiliating descent. It is the slight give under foot by the wooden boards that pervert the usually stable brain cells.
Wonderful views, though.

Weybourne beach was stony but beautiful with signs that the Dudgeon wind farm land fall cable site is being dredged just offshore with the implications to Pickenhams' nearby neighbours The Dunhams and the proposed sub station.
The children had fun, so did the dogs .

All photos © J Reed

X Factor Spots Little Star, City of Culture Charm Conflict and Sea Eagle Saga

Cowell cures child cancer, is there anything this man can't do?

No simon isn't up for sainthood. North Walsham residents noticed early signs of leukaemia from a filmed visit to Great Ormond Street during an X Factor programme.  Bethany's parents had thought the marks on her skin were eczema and not a symptom of something more serious. So he does have a use over forcing derivative cover version dross down cringing connoisseur's throats.

Is a nomination for City of Culture a contaminated chalice? As PP friends World Class Norfolk noted, being chosen could suggest that Norwich is unrefined and populated by philistines. Still, a good excuse that we don't need the help should we miss out! At least they've realised Norwich isn't Norfolk and visa versa.

Having been surprised that a large crow was in fact an unidentifiable bird of prey near to St Mary's at Houghton on the Hill fuelled an interest in the continuing saga of sea eagles on the Norfolk coast. Come on, who wouldn't want to see one of these 2.5m wingspan beauties? Glad I don't have a small dog though!

Finally, big news of the day is that dog whisperer and facial hair master Cesar Millan is following me on Twitter, best wishes to him on his recent family bereavement. I am number 88571 on his roll call but I'm chuffed to bits. Bertie picture for you, to celebrate the love of dogs.

© J Reed

© J Reed

More snow and unwelcome biting wind

Although Pickenham broke free from zero at lunchtime today, gusting winds up to 30mph made it feel rather raw. Over a couple of inches of powdery snow covered the compacted icy stuff which made Bertie very frisky indeed!

© J Reed

Awaiting some snow

The forecast says snow but, just at the moment, Breckland is covered in freezing cold fog. This week has delighted with the brightest double rainbow I can remember, I did get a soaking though, and lovely sunny, crisp days when the turbines were still. At the moment it is just cold and dank with the warning of inches of snow maybe coming from our Benelux neighbours across the briny. Too late for the usual festive shot of Bertie in the snow for the Christmas card, had to do with some recognition from he up on high instead.

© J Reed