MEETING THE RUSTY DUCKS

I'm sure most of you will recognise these Rusty Ducks and possibly remember that Jessica, of http://www.rustyduck.net/ fame, came to see me a few months ago. Today was my turn and we had a lovely day pottering round the home of those ducks. Something went seriously awry with my camera as, when I got home, the four duck portraits I took had disappeared. Jess very kindly sent a couple through.....I've cropped them a bit because I just can't leave things alone. They're even more gorgeous in the flesh, or metal I suppose. I didn't take many pictures because I was too busy admiring the fabulous garden; the land is so different from where we are. We saw Marsh/Willow Tits (moving too fast to tell which and this photo isn't a lot of use) one of which I managed to snap:

When Jess came here, I served her bottom-of-the-fridge soup and a roll from the Co-op. In return, I ate a fabulous salad which included chicory, salmon and toasted walnuts. I was well and truly put to shame - delicious.

On the drive home I saw a few things that caught my eye. This lion was on top of a gate post:

Even better close up:

I think there may be a well in this little building. Too much traffic to go and have a proper look and I needed to get back to meet OB off the school bus:

I took this of Dartmoor in the distance; a view I rarely see:

Here are a few more pictures from this week. 

This morning I saw this pony snoozing:

So did Jack:

Yesterday I went looking for Orchids in the marsh as I do every year.....

No Orchids but I did see this beautiful Wheatear. A bit far away but those markings are so stunning. The original meaning of Wheatear, as I may have mentioned last year, was 'White Arse', which is evident here:

Jack was good with sheep; he's getting better. 

The garden is starting to look okay at last with a few things beginning to flower. 

Yellow Archangel:

Two lovely Lungworts, one deep blue and purple........

...........the other orangey pink:

Forget me not:

Geranium Phaeum:

This Robin was in for a treat:

The next three were taken on my phone, so apologies for any quality issues.

Fighty dogs:

A foal at last! Not seen it since but at least there's one out there: 

And sun-loving Jack finding a hot spot in the sitting room:

The weekend is nearly here already with Easter a distant memory. If I don't manage to post before next week, which is quite likely given the shape of the calendar, I hope you have a great weekend. So, until next time, here are those gorgeous rusty ducks again.