All is calm

16th March 2014

    Now all is calm and Sól rose to a clear cerulean sky, and Skylarks were high and declaring their presence with frenetic song. The orchards were quiet; the Fieldfare have left for Scandinavia or Russia. Hurst was a peaceful haven, with only Robins singing and sunlight streaking across the path gave the wood a tranquil air. And Bluebell leaves were thickly greening the woodland floor. Then a Chiffchaff called its monotonous song. It flew all the way from Africa to annoy me! Chiff chaff, chiff chaff, on and on. Out at Crouch, the verges were bejewelled with golden Celandine, their petals like the rays of a sun, and purple Violets. And Milkmaids were blushing from the banks of ditches. Daffodils and pale yellow Primroses were everywhere along the lanes. At Doris's bench, tea was taken in the company of sheep and a cool breeze.
    In Long Bottom Wood, Comma and Tortoiseshell butterflies were abroad and a Peacock encircled me before settling on mud. At Basted Mill, a motorcyclist had stopped at the bridge and was feeding ducks with bread. The walk along the crystal River Bourne, under the trees, was an untroubled stroll among Pussy Willow and Blue Tits flitting and searching for insects in the branches. Wild Garlic was sprouting on the damp banks of the stream below Yopps Green (and shall be picked soon). Scathes Wood, up on the hill, was popular this morning, so I chose to breakfast at Ightham Mote in the Sun, and watch the people.
    In a ploughed and harrowed field, left fallow, blue Speedwell smothered the ground and mirrored the sky. Better time was made as the ground had dried after a week without rain and the path to Shipbourne was pleasant, for a change. The Chaser Inn was very busy with lunchtime customers enjoying a beer and a meal in the garden, and children played. On the way through Dene park Wood, I found a mobile 'phone, laying by the path. I thought that I would take it to a police station. I pressed a button and the messaging page lit up. So while a Buzzard cried above me, I sent a message to the person on the page - Kat. I said that I had found this 'phone in the wood, gave my own number and name and sent it. My mobile rang. It was Katherine. I said yes, I found the mobile in the wood; that I would take it home and await a call from the owner. She said that she would leave a message on her friend's home 'phone to say that I had her mobile. A pretty woman came later and with relief and thanks, retrieved her beloved mobile. It gave me a warm glow to return the young lady's property, and was the end of a perfect morning.