Bluebells but no water at Blackdown Rings

First of all, thank you so much to everyone who has sent me good wishes for my (hopefully) soon-to-be-happening house move.  It’s so kind of you all, and I really do appreciate that you took the trouble to get in touch.  We’re hoping to move in the first week of June – but everything is currently in the hands of the solicitors – who are not exactly famous for being speedy.  But then everything does need to be absolutely right – I would hate to arrive at my new home, only to find I’d purchased the house next door by accident!

While we’re waiting for the legal process to run its course, the Newfies and I are making a point of revisiting some of our favourite walks – and today we headed up to Blackdown Rings, an old hill fort just north of Loddiswell – about 20 minutes drive from Coombe Leigh.  It was an ideal walk as it’s easy and flat, and Miss Daisy has been rather under the weather these past few days, having visited the vet to be spayed.  It’s a routine operation of course, and there were no complications, but I’m sure she has been feeling very sore inside, judging by the expression on her face a couple of days ago ….

But today she is feeling much more her usual self, and although she mustn’t run around too much until her stitches are removed, I thought she’d enjoy a stroll around Blackdown Rings with its wonderful views in all directions ….

And I wanted to see the bluebells which flourish along the old earthworks.  Just a few to be seen at first ….

Then we rounded a corner and there, where Ben and Daisy love to splash and wallow in the winter when the hollows fill with clear fresh peaty rainwater, were drifts of the most beautiful intense blue …..

Much to my delight and the Newfies’ disappointment.  Daisy simply couldn’t believe there was no water (no swimming with stitches in any case Miss D!) and kept running up the banks to peer into the hollows hoping to discover somewhere to splash around. While the older and more sedate Ben watched her and waited to see if she found anything worth his while to investigate.  I’ll take them both swimming next week when her stitches are out – perhaps we’ll head down to Mill Bay or Lannacombe – another two places to visit before we head off on our exciting new adventure.  And, thinking of new adventures – I’ve never been so well organised as I am now, busy with patterns for the JULY magazine!  I think this little car is probably off on a new adventure too …..

And watch out for the matching caravan coming soon!  But for now I’d better make a start on packing a few boxes – sorting and PROPERLY folding my stash is going to take FOREVER!!