Colourful

Once again, we stepped out in glorious sunshine this morning, sun-lotion on and even I managed to expose my knees in shorts (not a pretty sight). The fresh, green hedgerows and trees are all around and look particularly good after the little bit of rain we had earlier in the week. Malcolm seems to be enjoying the weather in the distance in this picture...

Among the prettiest plants to be found along the footpaths right now, is the Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum). One of the most common of the Cranesbill - or Geranium - family, it has been used in traditional medicinal preparations as a cure for nosebleeds and toothache. It has also been used as a treatment for dysentery and as a diuretic....very useful!

Heading for home again, we walked along the old Nutbrook Canal taking care not to get our legs stung by the surrounding nettles. The sun shone through the overhanging boughs, illuminating the old water course and with the sound of the water rippling among the fallen branches and rocks, it was just magical.

Probably the most colourful sight to greet us this morning, came in the form of this beautiful poppy (Papaver rhoeas), growing along the footpath.

The redness of the tissue-paper-like petals was as hot as the sun which was burning our necks as I stood to take it's photograph.