We are into May and not only do some of the best people have birthdays this month but it is hopefully the turning point for the weather. Hence the saying “don’t cast a clout until may is out”. Now the clout bit is meant to represent your coat and the next bit has two meanings that I am aware of, one do not take your coat off until the month of May is over, or do not take your coat off until the shrub May is in blossom. May the plant is just coming out up here and sure enough we have at last started having warmer nights, hence warmer days, so that could be the correct answer. But then the weather forecast for the weekend says Northern Scotland could well have a frost at the weekend and we could go down to 4C so not far off. I have in the time we have been up here, had snow near the end of May so equally we could still need our coats later in the month. You choose.
5th.
Nothing better than seeing the beauty in a common bird like the Thrush, all smartened up ready for the breeding season attracting a mate, though it may well have one by now as they are early breeders.
7th.
Went up to Sarah’s Loch today fishing for wild Brown Trout.. The lochan more than a loch as it is very small, is the opposite side of the valley from us and is way up in the hills, a good heart and muscle work out to get to it, but so worthwhile to make the effort. The majority of the fish are small with the occasional half pound 12″ fish coming out, but oh such fun to fish, I love to fish a dry fly which is a fly that sits in the surface film of the water and looks like an insect emerging or landing on the water. To see a fish rise up and take your fly in a flash, Visible in such clear water is a wonderful site, all fish are returned and fighting fit.
The first shot above is looking down on the Rainbow Trout stocked water of Blair Walker which I also fish.
Second shot was when I was down level with Blair Walker of one of a pair of young swans that have called the water theirs.
Lastly is a shot of our house taken from very near Sarah’s on my way down, so good to see the green trees all coming out.
10th.
Had a couple of days away in Edinburgh , one day of rain but the second day (10th) contained a bit more sunshine, so walked through Princess Street gardens on the way to coffee. was surprised at how many statues there was within the gardens, mostly related to the second world war. Below are some of the shots I took of them.
The kilted gentleman is for the British living in America who came back to “the call” to fight. The bear is the Polish army who had a bear as a mascot (tame I think). The lion is not a memorial but is on the newel posts holding the rails on a flight of steps. The woven one was in the churchyard at the Western end of Princess Street, would have proffered the adults mouth to be closed as it reminds me of the painting of The Scream.
Our garden is at present full of colour, apart from the Bluebells and the Forget Me Nots, the most prominent colour is yellow as you can see below.
Icelandic Poppies.
Dandelion.
Azalea just out.
Inside of a Tulip, complete with insect.
15thy.
Before I publish this half of the month, a little quiz for you to take part in. What plant is producing these shoots? I will give you the answer at the end of the month, comment ifg you want.
